In February 1778, a Prussian officer named Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge to offer his services to Washington. The veteran of the Seven Year’s War in Europe soon demonstrated the value of his military experience. In March, Washington appointed him acting Inspector General and Steuben got to work training the Continental Army. The Prussian officer made notable progress over the next few months despite the difficult conditions at Valley Forge. Upon the recommendation of Washington, the Continental Congress formally appointed Steuben as the Inspector General of the Continental Army with the rank Major General on May 5, solidifying the baron’s role in transforming the army into a professional and effective fighting force.
"It having been judged expedient to appoint an inspector General with a proper number of Sub inspectors for the purpose of introducing a regular System of Discipline and Maneuvres into the Army; The Baron Steuben an Officer of great experience is pitched upon to execute that important Business, and as he is intirely unacquainted with the merits of the Gentlemen of the Army, he has desired me to fix upon such for his assistants as I shall judge properly qualifyed. As you are among the Number of those, who are, in my opinion, suitable to undertake this Business if it should be agreeable to you."
Gen. George Washington to Peter Scull, 19 March 1778www.founders.archives.gov