1To James Madison from Baron von Steuben, 27 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 April 1792. Acknowledged in JM to Steuben, 2 May 1792 . Described in American Art Association Catalogue, “President Madison’s Correspondence from … the Notable Collection of … Frederick B. McGuire,” 26 Feb. 1917, item 142. Written in French. Mentions his bounty lands in Kentucky, his negotiations with Gov. Henry Lee of Virginia for land patents, and the kindness shown by...
2To George Washington from Steuben, 29 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
Though sensibly imprest with the marks of confidence & freindship, you have been pleased to manifest for me, since my arrival in America. Nothing but the most urgent necessity could induce me at this time, to divert your attention from more important Objects of National concern, to the consideration of one, which may be of a more personal nature. Unaccustomed to suffer pecuniary distress...
3To George Washington from Steuben, 25 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to have the honor of submitting to Your perussal the copy of a Memorial, which I intend shortly to present to the Congress, accompanied by a statement of the facts and circumstances, on which I found a claim to a further compensation from the United States. As the first Magistrate of the Nation, You Sir cannot but have a peculiar sensibillity to whatever may in its consequences...
4To George Washington from Steuben, 26 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
I have lately made a fresh application to Congress for a final settlement of my affairs on the ground of a contract made with that honorable body previous to my joining the American army. The particulars and the evidence of that contract are stated in a printed pamphlet a copy of which Mr. Hamilton informs me he has transmitted to your Excellency. I have been just informed that Congress intend...
5To George Washington from Steuben, March 1784 (Washington Papers)
On my arrival here I received a letter from Major L’Infant an extract of which I have the honor to present Your Excellency. [“]It is with the greatest satisfaction that I announce the success of the Cincinnati in France, the difficulties which it was supposed would attend the introduction of this order (as no foreign Orders are permitted to be worn with the Kings) are surmounted. His Majesty...
6To George Washington from Steuben, January 1784 (Washington Papers)
The letter of december 23d which I have had the honor of receiving from Your Excellency is the most honorable testimony which my serving could have received. My first wish was to approve myself to Your Excellency & in having obtained it my happiness is complete. The Confidence Your Excellency was pleased to place in my integrity & ability Gained me that of the Army & of the United States—Your...
7To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 20 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to Inform Your Excellency that this post will be intirely broken up by the 1st of December. Those of the Invalids who were not intitled, or did not choose to go to West point, are discharged, those destined to that place amount with Seven Commisd Officers to thirty four. These will be sent off with all the speed possible. I shall this day agree with the directors of the State...
8To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 2 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor some time since of reporting to Your Excellency the situation of the Invalids in this City who appeared at the late Inspection, those who remain’d in the Hospital I had not an opportunity of seeing ’till to day, there is one man (in whose favor a Certificate is enclosed) entitled to the Pension—& five or six to be sent to West point. There are some objects who can not be...
9Baron von Steuben’s Plan for Disbanding the Army, October 1783 (Washington Papers)
l. The Period being fixed for the dismission of the Army—it will be necessary to adjust the accounts of the Officers and Soldiers from the 1st of January 1783 to that Period. 2. As that Period will be more or less retarded as well to give time for the settlement of accounts as to make other necessary arrangements—The Officers and Soldiers shall receive their Pay, Rations and every other...
10To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 29 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your Excellencys order I inspected the Invalids in this City on Monday last, of which inspection I beg leave to make the following report. The Officers who presented themselves consisted of the Colonel, ( of whose appointment I need say nothing) four Captains, the Captn Lieutenant, four Lieutt, & the doctor. The Captains & Subalterns produced Certificates, or shewed wounds...
11To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I arrived here last night, & had my health permitted should have continued my journey untill I could have had the honor to inform Your Excellency in person of the success of my mission. Lieutt Colonel Villefranche will present this, to him I beg leave to refer for such Observations relative to the situation of certain places, as I have been able...
12To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 29 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inform your Excellency that I have this morning arrived on board the Commodore’s Vessel off Crown point, the politeness and attention of this Gentleman induce me to believe that I shall meet with no difficulty or impediment in prosecuting the tour assigned me. In conversation with the Commodore I learn, that in conformity to his orders, he has landed the Prisoners...
13To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 5 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I arrived here the evening before last & Yesterday I waited on Congress with your Excellency’s letter, the Committee to whom it was referred handed me the inclosed resolve & at the same time assured me that Congress intends by that resolution to give Your Excellency such power of negotiating with the British Commander in Canada, & of sending...
14To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 5 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Committee appointed to Confer with me on the Subject of Your Excellencys letter, where of oppinion that by the inclosed Resolve Every Arrangement Respecting the Evacuation and Garrisoning of the Posts on the frontier Was left to the sole direction of Your Excellency; and altho the y approved of the proposed Measure for my journey to Canada and my proposition of taking an ingenier with me,...
15To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency having referred to our consideration the claim of Mr Robert Hoakesly to the goods found in his store at York town in Virginia, and by a board of General Officers held on the 24th of October 1781, adjudged to be forfeited—beg leave to report. That having read and considered the memorial of Mr Hoakesly—the proceedings of the board above mentioned, and the depositions of Mr...
16To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 19 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the Convention for establishing the Society of the Cincinnati, this 19 June 1783, Voted That His Excellency the Commander in Chief be requested to Officiate as President General, until the first general meeting, to be held in May next. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
17To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 26 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
As Your Excellency has ordered discharges for those soldiers whose time is near expiring to be printed & the form is probably already furnished, I have not attempted giving any sentiments on the matter; they will doubtless by signed by the Commander in Chief which will add a dignity to them, pleasing to soldiers who have served with fidelity; if they could be authorised by those discharges to...
18To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 26 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose Your Excellency a representation of the Case of Samuel Ransom by Gen. Hazen; & beg leave to remark that it appears that this Ransom was a soldier in Genl Hazens Reg, that he procured a furlough from Your Excellency & repair’d to Wyoming, that Genl Hazen renewed this furlough, but for how long is not said, that the Above soldier formed a Company (whether of Militia...
19To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 21 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to present Your Excellency with my thoughts on a peace Establishment for our interior defence; how far my plan is adapted to the circumstances of the United States & whether it will agree with the principles of our Goverment, I am not able to determine. This I am Certain of that we have need of a regular force for the protection of our partners, that our Militia ought to be on...
20To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 15 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor yesterday to receive your letter requesting my sentiments on a peace establishment. I am sorry that my little Knowledge of the Frontiers, or Sea Coast of the United States does not permit my giving Your Excellency my Sentiments on the matters proposed. I am of opinion that whatever number of troops are kept on a peace establishment there they should be entirely continental,...
21To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 16 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to present the report of a board of Officers on Captain Segonds affair the papers relating there to are also forwarded. The Opinion of the board I hope will meet with Your Excellencys approbation. I beg leave to congratulate Your Excellency on the near prospect of Peace, this event which we have so long wished for will give happiness to thousands. Your Excellencys...
22To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honor of presenting Your Excellency with an Abstract of the Musters and the Inspection Returns for the Month of September. The laudable Ambition which after the first Inspection pervaded the Army still continues in a great Part. The Effect is seen in the elegant Appearance of the 3d Regt of Artillery, 1st Jersey 2nd New York, 2d 3d & 9 th Massachusetts. The 1st Regt of York...
23To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 24 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit your Excellency the Abstracts of the Muster Rolls for the Months of July and August: and to the Report of the Inspection made by Colonel Stewart I have added the Original. The account which he gives of the Army is so minute and just that I have nothing to add except what respects the Progress which the Troops have made in Exercise and Manoeu v res. As your...
24To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 6 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief having desired our Opinion in what order the Troops composing the Light Infantry of the Army should be Posted. We are of Opinion—That the same Principle which has been adopted for Posting the Troops in the Line of the Army should also govern in the Light Infantry and that the Troops of each State should have their Geographical position the same as is the Line of the...
25To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 27 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favored with a Letter from General Knox, in which he mentions your Excellency’s Desire to have my Sentiments on the subject of Brigade Conductors. This is a Class of Men, which I have long wished to see reduced; because I conceive that the Duties of that Department more properly belong to the Brigade Quartermasters; and because they have been heretofore subject to such a...
26To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
As the Peculiarity of my Situation requires an immediate Explanation with Congress, I have it in Consideration to proceed to Philadelphia, taking the York and Jersey Lines in my Rout. It is unnecessary to inform your Excellency of the Circumstances which render this Measure indispensibly necessary; your own Observations will prevent me the Pain of recapitulating them. A Delicacy due to my own...
27To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 10 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Before I can give an Answer to the Questions which your Excellency has proposed to my Considerations, I conceive it will be necessary to take a comparative View of the Troops which the Enemy have actualy on the Continent: and those which we may have a Probability of bringing into the Field the ensuing Campaign. In the first Instance the Force the enemy may have at Halifax is not comprehended;...
28To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of Excellency’s Directions relative to Colonel Nicola’s Letter of Yesterday, I would beg leave to observe that from the Circumstances attending the Persons in Question and the Order of the Board of War respecting Instances of that Nature, no Muster can be made of them for longer Term than thirty Days previous to joining the invalid Corps, which according to the Colonel’s...
29To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit your Excellency the Inspection Returns with the Muster Rolls for the Month of May. Those of Hazen’s Regiment and Vanheer’s Corps have not yet arrived; and Sheldon’s Regiment of Horse, on Account of the Distance, and for want of the necessary Means could not possibly be inspected. Between the first of May, and the last Inspection, four Hundred and seventy seven...
30To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 14 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Intending in the course of next week to set out for camp, & having a number of accounts to settle in this City previous to my departure. I have to beg your Excellency for the letter you were pleased to Offer in my favor, to the minister of Finance. with the greatest respect. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
31To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 28 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
it appear by a final ajustment of my Accounts that there remaind due to me a ballance of Eight thousand two hundreds and fifty dollars in Specie the Sum remaining due is a proof that I have received a Less proportion of my appointment than the others officers of the Army, tho’ I have been obliged to undergo more Considerable expense than any others individual by the Constant journies to which...
32To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 6 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency’s of yesterday’s date, which I will endeavour to answer with all the candour you request. If there was any impropriety in throwing the Inspectorate & mustering departments into one, I must stand clear of every imputation on that head. The opinion of your Excellency had no sooner been communicated to me but I gave up every idea of that union, & in the last...
33To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to find that Congress have not been as explicit as I could wish, with regard to the field duties of the officers of my Department. Your Excellency always appeared to me so desirous of encouraging those officers, by securing to them such rights & privileges as may derive from military rank, that I am confident you will put the best interpretation on that part of the plan. The...
34To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 22 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith to your Excellency Coll Febigers letter representing the situation of the Officers and soldiers of the Virginia Troops now here. Having already spoke to your Excellency on this subject and Colo. Febiger having so fully represented the matter I have only to add that the situation of the Officers is as distressing as can be imagined—to my own knowledge there...
35Steuben to the Speaker of the Senate, [3 June 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
Quelques jours passé J’ai eu L’honneur de vous informer de L’Etat de La Ligne de Virginie en General. J’espere que Vous avez fait connaitre a L’honorable Assemble le contenue de cette Lettre. Croyant necessaire que Les Legislative soient au fait du nombre des trouppes que cet Etat tiens en Campagne. A present je prens la Liberté de vous depeindre La situation des trouppes presentement...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 28 May 1781, with enclosure: “Representation of the State of the Virginia Line” (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose to your Excellency a representation to the House of Delegates of the State of the Virginia Line. As this is a matter which requires the consideration of that House I beg your Excellency to lay this representation before them as early as possible. with the highest respect I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obed Sevt. Major General Baron Steuben thinks it...
37To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Being called by General Greene to the Southern Army, I have the honor to Report to your Excellency my proceedings whilst in this State. The unfortunate Affair of Camden having intirely broke up the remains of the Virginia Line, a few Officers only remaining uncaptured—the State passed a Law to raise 3000 Men, some for 8 Months and others for 18, not more than one half of this number ever came...
38To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 5 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Two days after I had the honor of addressing you my last the Marquis arrived with his Detachment at Richmond and as he will inform your Excellency of the Operations of the Army I shall only add to my last, that of all the Articles collected at Chesterfield Co. Ho. & Petersburg for the Equipment of the Levies not the least article fell into the Enemies hands. The Marquis de la Fayette now...
39To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Maj. Lomagne will represent to your Excellency the present State of Colo. Armands Corps—the distress I was in for Cavalry in Jany last obliged me to employ this Corps on the Lines at Portsmouth, where by the activity of Mon. Lomagne they were extremely servicable, till they were so harrassed that I was under the necessity of with drawing them from Service & sending thanks for your Activity &...
40[To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, ca. 4 May 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Camp Bottom’s Bridge, ca. 4 May 1781 . In a letter to Major Lomagne, replying to an urgent appeal for forage, Steuben wrote: “Orders are given to provide Forage and Provision for your Corps and a good Pasture to refresh the Horses. I have wrote to the Governor to procure the necessary Cloathing for the men whilst in Quarter. What may be necessary for the Campaign must not be furnished till...
41To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 25 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
On the 24th I reconnoitre’d the Enemys Fleet when they lay opposite Westover and consisted of Thirteen Topsail Vessels and 23 flat bottom’d boats, I judged their number to be about 2500 which corresponded with the information received soon after from a Serjeant deserter who said there were 3,000. The Fleet of the enemy soon came to sail and stood at the River toward City point, which kept me...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I this moment received intelligence from Gen. Muhlenburg which I inclose you. Your letters of Yesterday are received and shall be answered the first leisure moment Yr Excellcys Dft ( NHi ) endorsed: “Copy to Govr Jefferson 23 Apl 1781 8 o Clk Pm.” Enclosure missing, but from two letters that Steuben wrote to James Innes on the same day it is clear what information Muhlenberg had transmitted....
43Steuben to William Davies, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As I am unacquainted with officers commanding the Militia at Richmond, and it being my desire that of those that are Armed one half shall march immediately to Turkey Island and the other to the Long bridge on Chickahominy, I have inclosed the order, which I request you to communicate. I only wait the arival of Colo. Senf, to visit hoods and Blands Ordinary, where I intend making the...
44To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 21 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The preparations of the Enemy at Portsmouth indicating an intention of operating offensively and the number of Militia in the Field being too small to afford the least prospect of resistance, I thought it prudent to remove every species of Public Stores to some distance in the Country and on the 16th Instant gave orders for that purpose. The 18th Fourteen Sail of Vessells came up the River as...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, [21 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
The great distress we are in for Arms has determined me to deliver out all those we have here that were destined for the Recruits, excep 150 which I have delivered to the recruits that are here. I have in the same time taken the arms out of the hands of the Artificers, in order that they may be deliverd to the Militia. Notwithstanding our Distress I find that the 1,000 Arms which have been...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 19 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with your Excellency’s Letter of this Date. Colonel Innes informs me of some Vessels Being on their way up. Till we know their force, which side they Mean to Act, we can Determine nothing, and till then I approve the Different Rendezvous you have Named. I am only afraid if their Movements are Rapid, they will get here Before the militia. I shall Communicate to your Excellency...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, with Plan for Defensive Operations, 17 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Major Mitchell will present to your Excellency a List of the Men now with Genl. Muhlenberg and will inform you of the number of those who are on the point of leaving him. He will also communicate to your Excellency my plan for defensive Operations , which will require at least the number of Men I have already asked for, and I must again request that this force may be on foot before the Enemy...
48To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 15 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Expedition against Portsmouth having failed my first care was to save those Articles which had at so much trouble and expence been collected for that purpose—and here I must do justice to this State for their Efforts on this occasion. I can with truth say that every possible preparation was made—the expectations of the people were accordingly very great, but not so much so, as the...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 15 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have already appointed Mr. Robinson Deputy Commissary Issues and hope that Department will soon be properly Arranged. Orders are already given to Captain Prior for the Removal of the stores from Prince George Ct. Ho. to this place. I have no doubt it will be done immediately. General Muhlenberg in a Letter dated 14th. informs me that the Enemy have nearly compleated 25 Boats to contain each...
50Steuben to William Phillips, [15 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to receive from his Excellency the Governor of this state an extract from your letter to him on the subject of a flag, which he had requested you would permit to pass to Charles Town with tobacco for the benefit of the prisoners at that place belonging to this state. I am the more willing to undertake the regulation of this matter with you from the full confidence I repose in...