The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-10-13

offered his services to Congress regardless OF
rank, and he entered the army as instructor.
In May, 1778, he was made inspector-genera
with the rank of major general. He exerted
all his powers for the establishment of regu-
lar system OF military discipline, economy and
uniformity among the heterogeneous bodies
of soldiers which composed the Colonial army.
He was one of.the officers that composed the
court-martial at the trial OF Maj. Andre. AS
generous in character as he was capable as an
officer he spent his whole fortune in clothing
his men, and gave his last dollar to his soldiers.
Congress in 1890 voted him an annuity OF
$4,000 and township of land in the state of
New York, both of which he divided with his
fellow-of6cers. He died on his estate near
Utica, November 81, 1884, aged sixty-five
years. Agreeaby TO his desire, often express
ed, he was wrapped in his cloak, placed in
plain coffin and laid in the earth, without a
stone to tell where he lies. Subsequently, Col
Walker caused the remains to be buried in a
more secure place. Gen. North erected a
handsome monument in the Reformed Ger
man church in New York to the memory of
his illustrious patron and friend. The re-
mains of the Generals estate WAS beQueathed
to his two aides-de-camp, With the exception
of 81 900 and his library, which he left to a
youthful friend Before his death the Baron
confessed his full belief IN Jesus Christ, with
sure and certain hope thought Him of bless
ed immortality. Several of the descendants
of Baron de Steuben, officers in the Prussian
army, have been granted leave of absence and
are on their way to this country to participate
in the celebration at Yorktown.
THE INVITED GUESTS.
When it had been decided to celebrate this
month the centennial surrender OF Cornwallis
the minds of the American people at once
turned to those who had assisted their fathers
in the struggle for liberty, and especially tc
Lafayette, Rochambeau, De Grasse, Steuben
Pulaski, and De Kalb, and an invitation was
at once issued to the descendants OF those il
lustrious soldiers to be present to participate
in the festivities. A formal invitation Was
sent to the French Government also to partic
ipate, In response the government has SEN
representatives, and the descendants of Lafay
cite and of many ofhis distinguished compan
ions in arms will be present at Yorktown al
sthe guests of the Government, and will as
preliminary preparation therefor enjoy thu
Oriole festival this week in Baltimore.
REVISED PROGRAMME.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8.-The ceremonies o
the celebration at Yorktown, Va, will COM
mence Tuesday, the 18th day of October, 1881
end will be conducted according TO the follow
ing revised programme:
Tuesday, Dot. 1871, 1ss1--Outdoor concerts
at the monument site and the military CAM
at 8 a. m. by the military bands. at II O'Clock
the Governor OF Virginia will receive tn,
President of the United States and Cabinet
the guests of the Nation, the diplomatic Corps
the Congressional Commission, and tb'
Gavernors of the States, at Lafayett
Hail.
list. The Chairman Of the joint Commission
of Congress, Hon. Jno. JOHNSON, United State
Senator from the State of Virginia, will cal
the assembly to order at u O'Clock noon a
the monument site
3D. Prayer by the Rev. Robert Nelson
grandson Of Cow Nelson, Of Virginia, who
commanded the Virginia militia during til
seige' of Yorktown
Sd. 1.-The StarsSpangled Banner" by tire
i hundred voices, under the leadership Of Prof
phas. r. Seigel, Of Richmond, NJ, the accom-