Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus, Baron von

Accounts of money paid for Baron Steuben. [White Plains, New York], 15 August 1778



Manuscript document signed ("Steuben"), 3 pages on a bifolium (12 1/2 x 7 5/8 in.; 318 x 194 mm), docketed on the last page "Baron Steuben's Account to Aug. 15. 1778"; silked. Light blue half-morocco drop-box, gilt-stamped title on spine.

Personal expenses of Baron von Steuben including two entries concerning Valley Forge.

Steuben had recently (May 1778) been appointed Major General and Inspector General of the Continental Army. After joining Washington at Valley Forge in February, and serving without commission or pay, he drafted a training program for the soldiers, the results of which were rapid and astonishing, especially at the Battle of Monmouth in June.

The present document is an account of his personal expenses consisting primarily of cash payments for various servants (Louis, George), for feed for horses, for meals, milk, beer and wine, "for finding the baron's Hat," for ferry passage at Tarrytown, Tappan, and Hackensack, and for cleaning his coat. Among these are "to cash paid for Sundries at Valley Forge" and "to d[itt]o paid George, due him at Valley Forge." The whole is completed with "Examined and approved, Steuben, Maj. General."