European officers knew it, too, and had a habit of coming to America and demanding to be commissioned into the upper ranks. Von Steuben initially tried that, wa

European officers knew it, too, and had a habit of coming to America and demanding to be commissioned into the upper ranks. Von Steuben initially tried that, was refused, and only came back as a volunteer because rumours of homosexuality had kneecapped his chances of promotion back in Prussia.