Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-08-17
BARON STEUBEN.

Complimentary Invitation to His Descend
ants to Take Part in the Yorktown Cele-
bration, in Consideration of His Ga1lan-
try in the War for American Indepen-
dence.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15.-The state depart
meDt has of late received many inquiries
whether there were any living relations of
Baron Steuben, and whether they were invited
to the Yorktown celebration in common with
the descendants of Lafayette. There are sew
eral relatives of Steuben now officers in the
German army, and the following was sent to
our minister at Berlin some time ago:
THE INVITATION.
WASHINGTON, D. c., July 80, 1Ss1.-AH-
drew D. White, ETC., etc.-Sir: During the
darkest period of the revolutionary war Ger
man soldier of character and distinction ten
dered his sword in aid of American independ-
ence. Frederic William Augustus, Baron
Steuben, joined Washington at Valley Forge,
in the memorable and disastrous cam
paign of ITS. He attested the
sincerity of his attachment for the
patriotic cause by espousing it. When its for
tunes were adverse, its prospects gloomy, and
its hopes but for the intense zeal of people,
well nigh crushed. Baron Steuben was re-
ceived by Washington with a most cordial
welcome, and Immediately placed on duty as
inspector general of the army. A detailed his
tory of his military career in America would
form an epitome of the revolutionary strug-
gle. He had served in the seven years. war on
the staff of the great Frederick, and had
acquired in the campaigns of that master of
the military science the skill and experience
so much needed by the unframed soldiers of
the Continental army, the drill and effective
organization which, under the commanding
patronage of Washington, were at once i'm
parted to the American army, by the zeal and
diligence of Steuben. transformed the volun-
teers and new levies into veterans
who successfully met the British regulars
in all the campaigns of the prolonged contest
The final surrender of the British army I'M
der Lord CORVALLIS is celebrated at Yorktown,
Va, the 10Th of October, ISL. Baron Steu-
ben bore most conspicuous part In the ardu-
Gus campaign which ended so auspiciously
for the Continental army, and it fell to his lot
to receive the first official notification of the
proposed capltulation and to bear it to
the ilustrious commander-in. chief. The
centennial of the great event in American
history Is to be celebrated with appropriate
observances and ceremonies on the approach
ing anniversary.
lam directed by the President to tender
through you an invitation to the representa-
lives OF baron SleUDen' S family In Germany
to attend the celebration as the guests of the
government of the United States You Will
communicate the invitation through the i'm
perial minister of foreign affairs, and will ex-
press TO him the very earnest de-
slres of this government that il shall be
accepted. Those who comes as representa-
tives of Baron Steuben viii be assured in our
day of peace and prosperity, of as warm a
welcome as was given to that illustrious
kinsman in the dark days of adversely and
war. They will be the honored guests of
fifty million of Americans, vast
number of which have German
blood in their veins and constitute
one of the most worthy and valuable elements
that make up the strength of the republic.
Intensely devoted, with patriotic fidelity to
America, they yet retain, and cherish, aud
transmit most affectionate memories of the
Fatherland. To these the visit of Baron Steu-
ben's relatives will have something of a revival
of family ties. While to all Americans, of
W hatever origin, the presence of the German
guests will afford a fitting opportunity of
testfying their respect for that great country,
within whose limits are included so much of
human grandeur and human progress.
am, sir, your obedisnt servant,
(Signed) JAMES G. BLAINE.