“Troth, your Excellency,” replied she, “and ye may say that! for I care not how soon I have another slap at them Red Coats, bad luck to them!” “But what is to become of your petticoats, in such an event, Captain Molly?” “Oh, long life to your Excellency!” said she, “and never de ye mind them at all at all! Sure, and it is only in the artillery, your Excellency knows, that I would sarve, and divil a fear but the smoke of the cannon will hide my petticoats!” _George Washington Parke Custis, and Other Sources_ THE SOLDIER BARON _The good Baron found time to prepare a new code of discipline and tactics ... and this excellent manual held its place, long after the death of its author, as the Blue Book of our Army._ JOHN FISKE While the ragged Patriot Army with Washington starved, froze, and suffered at Valley Forge, there was speeding down from Boston on a fast saddle-horse, a man who was to help them win the war. His keen hazel eyes looked pleasantly out from under bushy brows. His mouth smiled with good cheer; but he held his head in military fashion. The glittering star of a foreign Order was on his breast, and he carried a letter of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the American Army. He was Baron Steuben, a famous soldier and German hero of the Seven Years’ War. He had offered his services to Washington to train the Army, explaining that he wished to deserve the title of a citizen of America, by fighting for her Liberty. At his side rode his young and waggish French interpreter in scarlet regimentals faced with blue. His bright eyes were always on the watch for a glimpse of pretty American maidens. Behind the two came their servants with the baggage. It began to snow heavily. Night fell. They drew rein at an inn. It had a bad name; and it was kept by a Tory. “I’ve no beds, bread, meat, drink, milk, or eggs for you,” said the sullen Tory landlord. And neither Steuben’s remonstrances nor oaths could make him change his mind. Steuben’s blood began to boil. “Bring me my pistol!” he cried in German to his servant. And the landlord, who was smiling maliciously, suddenly felt a pistol pressed against his breast. “Can you give us beds?” shouted Steuben. “Yes!” cried the affrighted man. “Bread?” “Yes!” “Meat--drink--milk--eggs?” “Yes!--yes!--yes!--yes!” And the trembling landlord scurried around. The table was quickly laid, and food set out. Then after a substantial supper, a comfortable night and a hearty breakfast, the Baron and his men mounted and were off again. To cut the story short, he was soon at Valley Forge, serving with Washington, and training the troops. They had had little expert military training before. The Baron drilled the soldiers himself. He took a musket in hand and showed them how to advance, retreat, or charge without falling into disorder.