The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [164]
“What have we this time?”
“Simple craft. No one of wealth, that’s certain. Oh dear. He has a uniform.”
Deane went to the door, and Franklin heard the voice, very foreign, and Deane seemed excited now, some recognition. Franklin waited, and Deane led the man into the sitting room, said, “Doctor Benjamin Franklin, I am pleased to introduce to you Baron Frederick William Augustus von Steuben. In my last meeting with Monsieur de Beaumarchais, the baron’s name was mentioned prominently. I did not expect him to make the visit here. Monsieur Beaumarchais has suggested the baron may be of service to our cause.”
Franklin stood slowly, studied the man who stood at stiff attention. Von Steuben was a tall, handsome man, a high forehead, and Franklin thought, He somewhat resembles General Washington. Same age, or close.
“Baron, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Passy.”
Von Steuben seemed unsure, smiled slightly, a short, crisp bow, reached into his pocket, pulled out a letter. Deane handed it to Franklin, who studied the wax seal, the gold embossing of the French War Ministry. He opened the letter, read for a moment, said, “It seems you have made a considerable impression on Count Saint-Germain. You may be the first man to visit here who has actually impressed someone worthy.” He read again, then looked at von Steuben, studied the man’s unfamiliar uniform. “Yes, of course, Prussian. You served with Frederick the Great. Tell me, Baron, what may we offer you?”
Von Steuben looked at Deane, the uncertainty returning and Deane said, “He speaks no English, Doctor.” Deane began to speak in French, and von Steuben’s face seemed to lighten, the words finding their way. The Prussian made another bow toward Franklin, said in a ragged display of French, “I seek service, sir. I bring the respectful salute of King Frederick, for your cause. I have considerable training in the art and practice of war. I ask only for an opportunity.”
Deane looked at Franklin, said, in French, “Doctor, Monsieur Beaumarchais has told me that the baron brings a considerable amount of skill. He is currently, um, my apologies, Baron. He is currently without position. He holds the rank of captain in the Prussian army.”
Franklin sorted through Deane’s words, saw a short nod from von Steuben. He thought a moment, said, “Baron, the French War Ministry feels you are qualified for service to any army in the world. I have no reason to doubt that. However, I see one problem.” He sorted through his words. “The congress is deluged with men of high rank, vast claims of experience, most of them absurd. I fear that your rank of captain will not attract much attention.” Franklin moved to his writing desk, sat, retrieved his pen from the inkstand. He looked at Deane, said in English, “Mr. Deane, I have a solution. If you agree that the baron is indeed one of the few capable men who has come through this parlor, then we should provide him with a letter of introduction that will cause him to be noticed. I propose we . . . elevate him somewhat.” He began to write, glanced up at von Steuben, who was watching him with puzzled curiosity. Franklin returned to the paper, the pen scratching out the words. He finished, held up the paper, said, “There. Mr. Deane, I would ask you to translate this for the baron, so that he may know what he is carrying.”
Deane read the paper, smiled now, said, “Only you would have the courage, Doctor.”
Deane began slowly, read the words aloud to von Steuben in French, and Franklin saw the man’s eyes grow wide, the Prussian now looking at Franklin with some apprehension.
Deane saw the look, interrupted his reading, said, “I’m not certain the baron is comfortable with this, Doctor.”
“Nonsense. Never knew a military man to turn down a promotion.”
Deane began again.
“The gentleman who accompanies this letter is the Baron von Steuben, who honors us from his position in the service of the king of Prussia, whom he attended in all his campaigns, being his aide-de-camp, quartermaster general, and lately achieved