Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794 to William North

Whimsical letter written by Von Steuben in retirement and in debt in New York to his former aide North, who was also in retirement at Duanesburg, New York. Refers to North as "my dear Bill." Looks back on the last year. Mentions that "you did cut your name & mine, in a Big tree" and that the Constitution was signed. Says ten years ago Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga. Says nothing is decided by Congress, in reference to an application for a pension still pending before that body. Says he is going to winter with Armstrong and that they are going to take the corner house at Nassau Street. "I shall be there in the Neighborhood of the Church, the Major & the Bishop, Armstrong near the Play-house some [ale]-houses & blac Sam." The reference to Black Sam is a reference to Samuel Fraunces, the owner of a tavern at 16 Nassau Street (former owner of the Fraunces Tavern). Says the new government is still trying to settle on the etiquette of their situation. Says that since he was a former courtier he gave advice on abolishing nut cracking. Coyly says "As for the Queens Leve [levee] I shall Say nothing I wishd it could be very late in the Evening & Without Candlelight." Mentions several ambassadors that he has seen.