Prussian soldier (1730–1794) who provided invaluable aid to the American Revolution, joining George Washington at Valley Forge. ALS in French, signed “Steuben,” one page, 7.5 x 12, March 18, [1787]. Letter to a friend, written from Fort Plain, a Mohawk Valley settlement about midway between Albany and Utica. In full (translated): “I arrived here the day before yesterday. Tomorrow I leave for my barony where I’ll be the day after tomorrow to dine with the bears in the woods. Several people have already made commitments to my new colony, and I believe I could already create a small settlement before leaving the Mohawk [Valley]. That might well keep me in the area longer than I planned. In any case I’ll try to be back before the end of May to finish my business with the Jersey legislators. I am obliged to make another draft on Douer for 200 dollars. Be so kind as to tell him it’s essential that I have that sum and tell him to try to make payment within 20 days. My tender compliments to my dear daughter. I’ll lay out the farm for her with my own hands.” While the letter is only dated March 18, the year is indicated by a contemporary docketing notation to reverse. In fine condition, with intersecting folds and one tiny edge separation repaired with tape to reverse. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of von Steuben bearing a facsimile signature. Other than the 16,000 acre tract of land in the Mohawk Valley region that von Steuben was granted by the New York legislature, he received little compensation for his successful efforts during the war. At the time he penned this letter, he was at his lowest financial point—essentially bankrupt—and he was attempting to protect his land from creditors. Despite the vast estate, his property did little to provide him with any business or trade opportunities due to its isolation—after resettling there in 1788, his advisor declared that all income was to be ‘sacredly appropriated to paying his debts and with the remainder he must live [as] a recluse till the new Government decides his affairs.’ This 'new Government' was established with the ratification of the Constitution, and after Washington became president in 1789 von Steuben was awarded a pension that helped to ease these financial pressures. RR Auction COA.
