THE SOLDIER BARON
The good Baron found time to prepare a new code of discipline and tactics ... and this excellent manual held its place, long after the death of its author, as the Blue Book of our Army.
John Fiske
While the ragged Patriot Army with Washington starved, froze, and suffered at Valley Forge, there was speeding down from Boston on a fast saddle-horse, a man who was to help them win the war.
His keen hazel eyes looked pleasantly out from under bushy brows. His mouth smiled with good cheer; but he held his head in military fashion. The glittering star of a foreign Order was on his breast, and he carried a letter of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the American Army.
He was Baron Steuben, a famous soldier and German hero of the Seven Years’ War. He had offered his services to Washington to train the Army, explaining that he wished to deserve the title of a citizen of America, by fighting for her Liberty.
At his side rode his young and waggish French interpreter in scarlet regimentals faced with blue. His bright eyes were always on the watch for a glimpse of pretty American maidens. Behind the two came their servants with the baggage.
It began to snow heavily. Night fell. They drew rein at an inn. It had a bad name; and it was kept by a Tory.
“I’ve no beds, bread, meat, drink, milk, or eggs for you,” said the sullen Tory landlord.
And neither Steuben’s remonstrances nor oaths could make him change his mind.