Baron von Steuben and Homosexuality

"...the military services of two men, and of two men only, can be regarded as indispensable to the achievement of American independence. These two men were Washington and Steuben." - General John McAuley Palmer

"Even before the armed forces of the United States were formally organized, gays were bearing arms for the yet unborn nation." - Randy Shilts

Introduction

Major General Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand, Baron von Steuben, essential to American military victory, generous of spirit, inspired the love of a great many men. It's hardly surprising that generations of German-Americans have held him as an icon (Zon, 1996, www). Americans love heroes; we cherish role models, someone to look up to, admire and emulate. Every ethnic group has looked to history to find their heroes, and women have been making sure we recognize the heroines. However, if the gay community was to look at the personal life of Baron von Steuben and ask if he were a brother, many might react as if this was an attack on him or the German-American community. While homosexuals are part of all American ethnic groups, finding those worthy of heroic status is still an exercise in patience.

When the gay community seeks to find our champions there are several major problems to face. First, "homosexual" as a separate identifiable group is a very recent phenomenon. In most of history you have people that have homosexual attributes, but wouldn't self-identify as "gay." Secondly, in much of Judeo-Christian history it was dangerous or fatal for the wrong people in the community to know of an individual's homosexual activities. Third, even if the homosexual practices of some worthy person were somewhat known it was thought of as tactful for historians of their day to exclude "damning" information that might tend to embarrass the person, their family or somehow tarnish their reputation as a "good guy." Fourth is the phenomenon of people being oblivious to things that don't match their expectations, yet can easily be interpreted in convenient ways.

If we take a modern American audience at half-time of a sporting event it would not be unusual for familiar songs to be heard with simple lyrics like, "We will, we will rock you" or "We are the champions my friends; nobody knows but, we are the champions." Yet, in all the audience, who would ever think that the Freddie Mercury, a self-affirming gay man (Hutton, 13), who lead a band known as "Queen," might possibly be singing about homosexuals?

The Baron

Baron von Steuben was born into a military family, his father an Engineer Lieutenant, in the Prussian garrison town of Magdeburg on September 17, 1730 (Palmer, 1). There is little record of his early life; his father relocated the family to Russia when he was one year old and returned the family to Prussia at the age of nine (Palmer, 24,25). He received education at Breslau, from a newly formed Jesuit school and entered the service of the king and army at age sixteen in the Infantry Regiment No. 31, musketeer unit (Peterkin, vii). During his early service he rose quickly in rank, paying close attention to the study of the arts of war. By the age of 22 he had risen to the rank of lieutenant, now in the Lestwitz Regiment, the most highly trained corps of officers in the world (Palmer, 29).

The words of the Baron may indicate what he was doing during his off duty time: "While other young officers led dissolute and extravagant life, I applied myself closely to study." There is no trace of any female love interest; with his modern biographer concluding that this must be a historical oversight as history records balls where the daughters of the regiment and many of his contemporaries are in attendance (Palmer, 31). His career speaks to the fact that he was working diligently at his duty. The Seven Years War came upon him, he was wounded in battle at least three times by 1759 (Peterkin, vii). He had served brilliantly and was instrumental as liaison when the Russians switched alliances, due to deaths in the imperial family (Palmer, 35). In this he was ever working his way closer to the inner circle of the king, Frederick the Great.

Frederick the Great as mentor has several implications. There is little doubt that Frederick was a genius and would not under any circumstance put up with any-thing but excellence. In return, he was capable of imparting the essence of generalship at a level that was far ahead of his time. Frederick also had homosexual relations since he was a young man (Asprey, 43). By the time von Steuben reached the inner circle Frederick had banished women from the palace and would allow only handsome men (Shilts, 8). At the age of 29 von Steuben was promoted to the rank of "Quar-tiermeister Leutnant," a General Staff officer position on the king's personal staff (Palmer, 38). This capacity von Steuben was hand-picked by the king to be part of a group of thirteen officers who received the special tutelage and direction of military education (Shilts, 8). Finding von Steuben in this inner-circle indicates that in all areas he was a kindred spirit in the eyes of this very homosexual monarch.

The closing of the Seven Years War found von Steuben with rank of Captain and on the wrong side of General "Wilhelmi" von Anhalt (Peterkin, p.ix)(Note: not Wilhelm, and possibly a pseudo defense for von Steuben by this source. I have not searched for the correct first name). General von Anhalt was the most senior of that circle close to the king. History does not record why von Anhalt would turn against von Steuben from either a military or personal point of view; only that he had von Steuben released from service. In later life von Steuben would only say that he had "made a misstep" (Palmer, 51).

Von Steuben would find employment as the chief courtier to the Prince of Hohenzollern-Hechigen (Doyle, 18). Over the eleven years with the Prince (one of the sovereigns of the Holy Roman Empire) he would emerge with the title of both Knight and Baron, being found on the records as "Chamberlain, Frederick, Baron von Steuben, Knight of the Order of Fidelity" (Palmer, 64). Throughout this period the Prince had been losing money, trying various cost-cutting plans, even electing to close the castle for a period and travel abroad.

Sending his wife and daughter to Strassburg, the Prince traveled to Paris, living for three years under the name "Count de Hombourg." The only companion for the Prince was Baron von Steuben. Unfortunately, the Prince did not have the sense to keep a low profile, soon hosting such entertainments as his "status demanded." Fortunately for the Baron, these parties would introduce him to the highest ranks of French government, including the Count de St. Germain (Palmer,70).

The prince was forced to conclude his Paris sojourn on the realization it was costing far more to live as de Hombourg in Parisian style than as a Prince of Hohenzollern-Hechigen with an albatross for a castle. By 1775 there were serious negotiations for the raising of a French Army regiment from Hohenzollern-Hechigen, with the French to pay the Prince a huge sum and von Steuben to head the regiment, but plans fell through. Finally the Prince was forced to ask the Baron to retire from service, for lack of ability to pay him.

By the summer of 1777, the Baron had returned to Paris. In hopes of finding a job, he wanted back into army service, his true love, and he did not mind which army. He had approached the governments he had known through his contacts, most especially the French and had even started to wonder about the possibilities of service with the American uprising. Spain had not wanted him as he was not Catholic, the British had not wanted a "foreigner," and the French "would try to find him something" in their army, but had another possibility in mind for him.

The Baron's old friend, French War Minister, the Count de St. Germain was operating with an adventurer, Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, a brilliant scheme to place the Americans on equal footing with their Britannic enemies and yet maintain complete official "neutrality" for France. They had struck on the plan of creating a dummy corporation to funnel munitions and other supplies to the Americans. Under the name Roderique Hortales et Compagnie upwards of "20,000 muskets, 200,000 pounds of gun powder, 200 brass four-pound cannons; and innumerable bombs, cannonballs, bayonets, clothes, and lead for musket balls" (Smith, 1048) had been shipped to America with more to come. Unfortunately, not all that was shipped would be available to the Americans in actual battle. There were the inevitable seizures and sinkings on the high seas by the British, this could not be avoided. However, American mismanagement of goods received was causing greater losses than the British, threatening to make the entire venture fail (Palmer, 87).

What was needed was an expert in the art of war, someone who knew how to run an Army and who could negotiate the infant political waters of this new country; St. Germain knew what job the Baron should master. A meeting was set between Baron von Steuben and Benjamin Franklin.

The first meeting did not go well; Franklin was not able to offer rank or pay. Congress had instructed that no more foreign officers should be enlisted; largely due to the lack of performance by such as Thomas Conway (Doyle, 40). When Franklin could not even provide transport across the sea, the Baron left the meeting and wished to hear no more of America (Doyle, 41). What happened by the next meeting gives us the historical "smoking gun" of the Baron's homosexuality and gave America the essential martial artist.

A letter appears in the archives at Karlsruhe, addressed to the Prince of Hohenzollern-Hechingen, dated August 13, 1777. We must remember that for the first time in years the Baron was not under the direct protection of a royal court and the letter is from a friend of von Steuben requesting the Prince's intervention to stop a prosecution. It runs in part:

"It has come to me from different sources that M. de Steuben is accused of having taken familiarities with young boys which the laws forbid and punish severely. I have even been informed that that is the reason why M. de Steuben was obliged to leave Hechingen and that the clergy of your country intend to prosecute him by law as soon as he may establish himself anywhere." (Palmer, 92)

A 1796 article cited:

"...abominable rumor which accused Steuben of a crime the suspicion of which, at another more exalted court of that time (as formerly among the Greeks) would hardly have aroused such attention." (Shilts, 8)

While those who would soon become von Steuben's countrymen and chose to be oblivious to his preferences were waiting for help, our Baron was being pressured to find somewhere he could have liberty. This situation needed only a little push from St. Germain. Ben Franklin was assured of the absolute need for this man (Kapp, 93), Hortalez & Co. would provide a ship (Doyle, 62), and the Baron was assured of payment from the French government if the Americans chose not to pay him (Palmer, 95).

The next step after arranging the start of the sortie was arranging reception by the Americans, Washington and Congress. "Baron" was of little worth and the true military rank of "Captain" not very impressive. St. Germain set to work writing letters of testimonial of von Steuben's merit, and Benjamin Franklin composed letters of introduction for Major General von Steuben (Palmer, 113). There was a concise "plot" for our Frederick von Steuben to have the clout of title that his education could properly fulfill, right down to the Baron going to a military tailor and creating his own Major General's uniform (Doyle, 63). In later life von Steuben would be constrained to "remember" his former life as a Major General in Prussia to preserve the trust Franklin had placed in him and confound historians. At this time, setting out to America would provide return to the comradeship of men in the Army and escape from an intolerant clergy.

While still in Paris, von Steuben met the seventeen year old Pierre Etienne Duponceau, to whom the Baron was "strongly attracted" (Palmer, 100); he spoke passable English and was eager to serve as private secretary. Along with several assigned French officers, M. de Francy the nephew of Beaumarchais, Hortalez & Co. rep., his personal servant Carl Vogel and his Italian greyhound, Azor, this clandestine operation was launched aboard the "Le Flamand" a French Naval vessel, masquerading as a merchantman (Palmer, 101). It arrived in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on December 1, 1777 (Kapp, 94).

It is important to know that the letters orchestrated by Franklin were dispatched to Congress and Washington. They precipitated an interview with certain key congressmen, and the General and his party forwarded to Valley Forge, whereupon the gifts of organization that have truly earned the General a place in history would be put into action.

By February 23, 1778 the General had arrived in Valley Forge (Doyle, 80) to find Washington, his Virginians and the twelve other militias camped in a haphazard manner, each unit outfitted (if it could be called that) and performing military exercise in its own unique way; some based on the French methods, some on the English and a few on the Prussian. None seemed to pay any attention to the officers of other colonies. After assuring Washington that no European Army could endure under conditions the Americans were in, to the gallant credit of all involved (Palmer, 137), von Steuben proposed his plan. He would take Washington's own guard and turn them into a model unit. Steuben would take all of the assorted European styles of drill, with all their extra flourishes and "wasted" movements and replace them with a simple order of discipline that was designed to accomplish the soldiers job, not look impressive on a parade ground. Yet, it did impress! To the great shock of the American Officer Corps, this Major General started demonstrating the drills and taking a musket himself, as though he were a Drill Sergeant (Doyle, 89). This had a great effect of example, the officers now taking part in the lowly art of drilling.

He started writing down his system (that would go through his "family" translators, from German, to French and finally into English) which were called simply "Baron Stuben's Instructions," as his model unit mastered the skills. They would copy the book and take the instructions to their assigned units (Peterkin, 10). This set of instructions would teach the army not only how to march but perform the ever so important task of loading a musket in fifteen movements, to an eight count (Peterkin, 10).

By May the seventh 1778, there was a grand review to celebrate the official alliance of France. It had a performance of "Feu de Joye" or running fire, and had leading the ranks :

"Brigades are to be formed into battalions of equal strength: then, after a second signal by cannon shot, they are to march to their places in line of battle as indicated by the Baron de Steuben's aides. The right wing of the first line is to be commanded by Major General Lord Stirling and the left wing by the Marquis de Lafayette. The Baron de Kalb is to command the second line." (Palmer, 163)

On writing to his father, Henry Laurens, president of the Continental Congress, John Laurens said about the grand review he had helped as one of von Steuben's aides and witnessed:

"The order with which the whole was conducted, the beautiful effect of the running fire which was executed to perfection, the martial appearance of the troops, gave sensible pleasure to every one present. The whole was managed by signal and the plan, as formed by Baron de Steuben, succeeded in every particular which is in a great measure attributed to his unwearied attention, and to the visible progress which the troops have already made under his discipline." (Palmer, 164)

This gives the true evidence for what had been accomplished to date. All the old systems of drill had been replaced, the men high and low were performing as one, each had come to know the job of a soldier. Major General von Steuben was presenting Washington with a united Continental Army.

During this time in Valley Forge von Steuben created his circle of proteges, that would be his American family, both figuratively and literally as he would adopt two of his aides-de-camp as sons (William North and Benjamin Walker) (Doyle, 353). Captain Benjamin Walker, "came like an angel," on the parade ground to translate the General's French to English (Doyle, 90). Walker would stay with the General through his life, going to live with him as his son after the war (Doyle, 360). Major William North, his other "son" would go on to be in the U.S. Senate from May 21, 1789 (Doyle, 357).

William North and Benjamin Walker, rear side of von Steuben statue, Lafayette Square, Washington D.C.

Washington was aware of the General's need for translation and knew the perfect pair. Two inseparable young officers, whose surviving letters... full of double entendres... swear undying love. One refers to their missives when parted as "the only kind of intercourse now in my power." This from from Alexander Hamilton to his beloved friend John Laurens (Shilts, 8). The latter would be killed in battle. And, there seem to be others who were close the the General.

Status of Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, Lafayette Square, Washington D.C.

We catch one glimpse of a dinner party in the spring of 1778 where this group romped:

"Once, with the Baron's permission, his aides invited a number of the young officers to dine at our quarters, on condition that none should be admitted that had on a whole pair of breeches... Instead of wine we had some kind of spirits, with which we made 'salamanders,' that is to say, after filling our glasses, we set the liquor on fire and drank it up, flame and all." (From a remembrance of Duponceau, Kapp, 120).

With all the energy shown on and off the drill field, I don't want to lose sight of the great compassion von Steuben had for his fellow man. Often, he would share his privileged rations with the enlisted men (Kapp, 120). In his own set of instructions he says: "There is nothing which gains an officer the love of his soldiers more than his care of them under the distress of sickness; it is then he has the power of exerting his humanity in providing them every comfort necessary, and making their situation as agreeable as possible." (von Steuben, 118)

He followed his own word, showing kindness and humanity, even visiting the sick in their cabins (Hudleston, 108).

Perhaps the greatest act of compassion history records of von Steuben in his later life was when he was sailing from New York to Virginia. He heard a boy crying and investigated. It was a small black child who was crying for his parents; he had been sold away from them. The Baron bought the child from bondage and arranged for the family to be reunited (Hudleston, 110).

Conclusion

While the relations of men at the time certainly did not have the same labels we are so fond of today, it is clear that strong attachments occurred and in all-male company sexuality would have its vents. Some men obviously would have a greater affinity for such company than others; today we call them "gay." The modern historian, John Palmer, who was the first to try to filter out the Barons "made-up pre-US history" and is so often referenced here, questions the lack of women in von Steuben's life at several points in his work (31 & 60) and yet never examines the direct question. If we are looking for heroes then Frederick William Baron von Steuben is undoubtedly that. If we look for great homosexuals of history, I must conclude he is one of "the champions."