Dutchess County Historical Society Yearbook Vol 011 1926

campaign he distinguished himself at Prague. In 1747 he was appointed Cadet in the army, and became a Lieutenant in 1753. He fought in the Seven Years War and in 1758 was made Adjutant General of Free Corps. He was wounded at the battle of Kumersdorf, and later was captured and carried to St. Petersberg as a prisoner of war. In 1761 he re-entered the regular army and became Aide to King Frederick, the founder of the Hohenzollern dynasty. At the conclusion of the war he was appointed Canon of the cathedral at Havelberg. Naturally, this proved unsatisfactory to our soldier, and he became Grand Marshal to the Prince of Hohenzollern-Heichinsen.

In 1777 we find Steuben in Paris, greatly interested in the struggle of the American Colonies. His friend, Count St. Germain, then the French Minister of War, endeavors to persuade Steuben to go to the assistance of the Colonies, who needed discipline and instruction in military tactics. Steuben met Franklin and tried to make arrangements with him for joining the American army, but found that only Congress could make such arrangements. Steuben, however, was assured that he could rely on the French court for remuneration if he could not get satisfaction from America, and, armed with this doubtful assurance, he sailed for America. He arrived at Portsmouth, N. H., December 1,1777, and offered his services to Congress as a volunteer. His proposition was as follows : "He must have restoration of money expended by him, and, as he had given up offices netting him 600 pounds sterling, he should have the equivalent of that sum, and such further compensation as Congress might deem he had deserved if his services were acknowledged to be satisfactory by the Commander in Chief, and if the Colonies gained independence.

But, if his services proved unsatisfactory, or the war failed, he would call it quits, and look for no compensation."

I call this a sporting proposition, and I think you will agree with me. Congress accepted his offer, and in March, 1778, he took up his duties in the army, and began drilling the undisciplined soldiers at Valley Forge. Valley Forge! What a mem39