The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

APPENDIX.] BARON STEUBEN. 529
by two of the best judges of military merit in this country, M. le
Comte de Vergennes, and M. le Comte de St. Germain, who have
long been personally acquainted with him, and interest themselves in
promoting his voyage, from the full persuasion that the knowledge
and experience he has acquired by twenty years' study and practice
in the Prussian school may be of great use in our armies. I therefore cannot but recommend him warmly to your Excellency, wishing
that our service may be made agreeable to him. I have the honor
to be, &c.
" B. FRANKLIN."
Baron Steuben repaired without delay to Congress; and, when his
papers had been read, it was resolved, that the thanks of Congress
should be presented to him " for the zeal he had shown for the
American cause, and the disinterested tender he had been pleased
to make of his military talents," and that his services should be
accepted. He joined the army at Valley Forge as a volunteer, and
was appointed, May 5th, 1778, inspector-general of the army, with
the rank of major-general, his pay to commence at the time of his
joining the army.
Lafayette was in correspondence with the Baron on his first arrival
in America. The following extract from a letter, written to him
by Lafayette, affords a gratifying testimony of the warm attachment,
which that young nobleman had already contracted for the Commander-in-chief.
" Permit me," said Lafayette, " to express my satisfaction at your
having seen General Washington. No enemies to that great man
can be found, except among the enemies to his country; nor is it
possible for any man of a noble spirit to refrain from loving the excellent qualities of his heart. I think I know him as well as any
person, and such is the idea which I have formed of him. His
honesty, his frankness, his sensibility, his virtue, to the full extent in
which this word can be understood, are above all praise. It is not
for me to judge of his military talents; but according to my imperfect
knowledge of these matters, his advice in council has always appeared
to me the best, although his modesty prevents him sometimes from
sustaining it; and his predictions have generally been fulfilled. I
am the more happy in giving you this opinion of my friend, with all
the sincerity which I feel, because some persons may perhaps attempt
to deceive you on this point." - MSi. Letter, Albany, lmar-ch 12th.
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