Baron Von Steuben's Letter In Office

880 Words2 Pages

When the two most influential people at Valley Forge met for the first time, it was not as formal as one might have thought it would’ve been. The introduction was more personal and friendly due to the quirky personalities and traits of both parties. “Washington solemnly nodded his head in appreciation, and, as Steuben noticed Washington nodding, the German too began to nod, adopting the general’s somber manner. Steuben had no idea why Washington-or he-was nodding. But he kept nodding anyway, and as Washington kept reading and nodding, Steuben kept nodding-faster and faster and faster.” (Beck, 58). For those who do not know, Baron von Steuben was a Prussian foreigner who didn’t speak a word of English. This lead to a weird interaction that …show more content…

The President made it his duty to honor our hero by writing his last letter in office to him thanking von Steuben to his service to the Continental Army. “Although I have taken frequent opportunities, both public and private, of acknowledging your zeal, attention and abilities in performing the duties of your office, yet I wish to make use of this last moment of my public life to signify in the strongest terms my entire approbation of your conduct, and to express my sense of the obligations the public is under to your for your faithful service… I shall be glad to embrace you, and testify the great esteem and consideration, with which I am, my dear Baron, your most obedient and affectionate servant.” (Beck, 75). Washington that the army would have collapsed immediately after leaving Valley Forge if it weren’t for von Steuben’s training. This letter has very strong wording for a man as reserved as Washington. It tells to how strongly he felt about von Steuben’s influence. Washington had witnessed first-hand that state of the morale of the army during the winter. “No, I am not! Barnett sputtered. ‘What manner of army is this? What kind of war when men die more in camp than in battle? Who bears responsibility for this?’” (Beck, 56). The soldiers were rebellious and filled with angst and anguish during the winter. Angry with the whole cause, they were questioning why they were fighting this war for a Congress who didn’t care about them. Baron von Steuben turned this around in the spring. He raised the morale of the whole camp with his rambunctious, lively and strangely unique personality while still accomplishing the task set forth. The soldiers were trained and ready to fight after the long and miserable stay at Valley Forge. You need to look at the balance of your paper

Open Document