Baron de Steuben, who will have the honor of presenting this Letter to you, feeling himself in a disagreeable situation, has made a representation of it to Congress, in expectation that that Honble Body will releive him from present distress, & place him—especially with respect to half pay—upon a more permanent footing than the thing appears to be with him at present, having no State to resort to (being a Foreigner) as other Officers have.

The Barons representation is full, & will speak for its self, I have only to add therefore that, the United States are exceedingly indebted to him for the advantages which they have derived from his Zeal abilities & experience & that I should be happy to see him satisfied as far as it can be done consistent with public justice beyond which I perswade myself he has no aim. With great esteem & Regard—I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obt Servt