XXIII
TO GEN. WASHINGTON
Passy NEAR Paris, 4 September, 1777.
Sir: —The gentleman who will have the honor of
waiting upon you with this letter is the Baron de
Steuben, lately a lieutenant-general in the king of
Prussia’s service, whom he attended in all his campaigns,
 being his aide-de-camp, quartermaster-general,
 etc. He goes to America with a true zeal for
our cause, and a view of engaging in it and rendering
 it all the service in his power. He is recommended
 to us by two of the best judges of military
merit in this country, M. de Vergennes and M. de St.
Germain, who have long been personally acquainted
with him, and interest themselves in promoting his
voyage, from a 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 wish
that our service may be made agreeable to him.
I have the honor to be, etc.

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