The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1910-12-07
l3v Associated Press.

Washington, ID. c., Dec. 7-Repre-
sentative Richard Bartholdt of st.
Louis, one of the speakers at the un-
yelling of the monument to Baron Won
Steuben here today, spoke of Yon
Steuben as a man of master mind
in meeting the requirements of organ
ization. fundamental tactics and
strategy. He related the circumstances
under which Won Steuben came to this
country to assist Washington in the
revolution, at the solicitation of Ben
jamin Franklin, whom he met in Paris.
Finding the American army In pitia-
BILE condition, largely on account of
lack of organization, Mr.. Bartholdt
said, he performed an inestimable serv-
ice to this country by reorganizing its
fighting forces.
Mr.. Bartholdt told of Won Steuben's
part in the revolution, and related how
having been placed temporarily in
command of the army in the absence
of Washington, he received the offer
of surrender from CORVALLIS at York
town.
His services" Mr.. Bartholdt con-
tinued. were from beginning TO end
acts of personal remuneration and only
the satisfaction of duty well perform
ed, the growing prospects of final sue
cess, and probably the conviction that
lit would be difficult for others to fill
| his particular place, could inspire the
loyalty and cheerfulness of his work
With him selfish consideration were
ever pushed into the back ground by
his regard for the public welfare and
| the saeredness of the cause. His life
proved to be true what he wrote to
congress: When | drew my sword |
made solemn vow that only death
could compel me to give up before
Great Britain would recognize Amer
ica's independence
| THE greatest honor nation can be-
stow upon a historical character does
not consist in glorifying and exalting
+, him. but in doing him justice and in
laccording to him the recognition hon
testify due him It must, therefore. be-
a singular satisfaction to the present
generation to know that Baron Steu-
ben's worth and merits were highly
appreciated and honored even during
his life time. But what Steuben him
self priced highest of all was a letter
j from his commander-in-chief, General
Washington, written at Annapolis on
December %, 1888, few moments be-
fore he laid down his command 1t
was testimonial more complimentary
than any given to an officer of the rev.
olutionary army, and the circumstances
under which it was written no less
than its contents touched the heart of
the old soldier most deeply. 1t read
as follows
My dear Baron. Although have
frequent opportunities, both public and
private, to acknowledge your great
zeal, attention and abilities in per
forming the duties of your office, yet
| wish to make use of this last moment
of my public life to signify in the
strongest terms m yentire appreciation
of your conduct and to express my
sense of the obligation the public is
under to you for your faithful and
Imeritorious services.
II beg you will be convinced, my
dear sir, that ! should rejoice if it
could ever be in my power to serve
you more essentially than by express
sions of regard and affection, but in
the meantime am persuaded you will
not be displeased with this farewell
token of my sincere friendship and
lesteem for you.
This is the last letter shall write
while | continue in the service of my
country. The hour of my resignation
is fixed at - today, after which shalli
become private citizen on the banks
of the Potomac, where | shall be glad
to embrace you and testify the great .
esteem and consideration with which
| am, my dear Baron etc.