Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-09-21
Prussia's Contribution to America in l777.

Prussia's Contribution to America in 1777
While the name of Lafayette, the gallant
Frenchman whose services in our war for in
dependence will ever be remembered by the
American people, is upon a thousand
tongues since the opening ofthe present war
in Europe, that of Sreuben, Prssia's contri.
button to America in l777 has almost faded
from recollection. Baron Frederic William
Augustus Steuden, to whose skill in the
manipulation of troops and the organization
of armies much of the success of our struggle
with the mother country is owing, deserves
an equal place in the affections of the Ameri-
can people with Lafayette.
A native of Magdeburg, Prussia, he served
the army of Frederick the Great, at the early
age of fourteen. He participated in many
of the battles of the Seven Years War dis
tinguishing himself by hi, admirable cool
ness in action and great bravery, Gradually
rising from the ranks, he was in 1894 made
a Grand Marshal.
In l777, while on visit to France, he was
Solicited by a number of our friends there,
with whom he held intimate relations, to
come to America. After numerous inter
views with our commissioners at the Court
of France, he finally decided to come, and
on December l, l777, landed at Portsmouth,
n. H. He Immediately rendered his services
to Congress and General Washington in a
letter which breathed the strongest sympa-
thy with and devotion to our cause. He
shortly after entered the army, then encamp-
ed in it. miserable quarters at Valley Forge,
near Philadelphia.
The spring of IT'S found the people dis
heartened, the public finances in deplora-
hle state the soldiers half fed and clothed
and without organization or discipline.
The news of the treaty concluded with
France reinspired the people with confidence,
but could not reorganize our army. 1t was
at this time, May 5th. I77S, that Baron
Studeh wa. appointed inspector general,
with the rank Of major general. Through
great efforts the Continental army, which
had been somewhat reinforced, was trained
and disciplined, and its condition greatly
improved He participated in the battle of
Monmouth, on June 2S, ITS, adding new
laurels to his already brilliant reputation.
The greatest of his labors, and the one
which was of most service to the struggling
patriots, was the preparation of a manual
for the army. In this work, which was APP
proved by Congress in l779, he gave evi-
dence of great military ability and fitness
for command. 1t made out of the Cont,
neEtals an army, and by its sagacious and
rigid rules prepared them for victory. In
1880 Baron Studen commanded the Colonial
troops in Virginia, where he was active in
harrassing the British under Benedict Ar.
mold. He was afterwards attached to Lafay-
yettes division, and played an important
part in the seige of Yorktown.
Baron Studen was distinguished for hi.
generosity and kindness of heart. He cloth
ed his soldiers at his own expense, and Ia
bored necessarily to relieve their privation:
and to promote their comfort and welfare
The close of the war found the country suf
fering from the long stagnation of trade anG
agriculture, and the treasury exhausted
He consequently experienced much annoy.
ance and vexations delay in securing an ap
preparation for his pay and to reimburse
him for his expenditures for clothing anG
arms for his soldiers. Congress finally, il
1870, conferred upon him a life annuity o.
$4,000. The State of New York presented
him with $4,000 acres of land near Utica
where he settled and passed the remainder
of his days. Other States followed with
resolutions acknowledging his eminent servi
ces and donating him tracts of land. The
brave old campaigner, who had fought or
two continents with equal renown, died a
hi. settlement near Utica, on the 2sth O
November, 1894, aged GA years, leaving be
hind him naught but name which belongs
to history.