#ask ferdinand

[askferdinandvonaegir]

People have hopes and dreams! I wanna eat three blossoms of flowers! I wanna be a swifty nifty thrifty kitty! I wanna earn a fortune! And then they add: Maybe I'll find delicious flowers someday! Maybe I'll get fat stacks of cash in my paws someday! Maybe I'll be showered in the loudest applause someday! Someday! Someday! Someday! That dastardly "someday" just won't stop popping up. But to have a hope, you've got to prepare incense to offer those wishful prayers upon. A world where one can't eat flowers! A reminder that you're a sluggish turtle right now! The beggarly reality! Setting the stage for the performance we call hope! Thus and therefore, people have the wrong idea about how to have hopes! If they believe that the hopes will come true "someday", they'll just keep parroting that contemptible word! The day will never actually come! Having expectations this way will only leave you with bitter anger! I'll change someday? That person will turn over a new leaf someday, if I count on them and wait? Nyeh, tch. People entertain the hopes as they please, and then bite at each other when the change they expected doesn't happen. Clowns can't give out smiles in a world of mean teary friends! So we should all do the stretches, starting today! Abandon all expectation—just keep a merry positive attitude and laugh no matter what you see! Let's make a performance about what's already come true, not of a supposed reality you hope for "someday"! I'm already on the stage, standing under the brightingest spotlight ever.

I. . .oh my. I have. . .many questions, but I am afraid of what the answers may be, and they may lead to more questions. Although I will admit that I agree with keeping a positive attitude; attitude is a decision you make every day, not something that eventually comes to you.

[mikufunfacts]

Miku are you the prime suspect on about 12 murders?

miku fun fact #180

miku is certainly not a suspect of any murders!

[moeblob]

@dgcakes

a gift doodle thank you !

[anime-moreanime-animeagain]

Just finished Ascendance of a Bookworm 4.6 and I am cackling! Poor Syl, Kars, and Ferdi 😂 Their responses were gold. The understandable ‘how?!’ and ‘why?!’ were a delight to read.

Also I can’t believe Rozemyne wrote her reports like that. Even if others are missing some details everyone else’s report seemed like a report. But Mynes? Why did hers read like a text to a friend at the end of the day? (Spoilers)

Hey bestie, had tea with the librarian today and she apparently lives here I am jellyyyy. Got a new book from the state over isn’t that great! Maybe we should send one to the prince too? Tootles

Like I cannot her reports and neither can they 😂 🤣

[sunsetbridge555]

ham ilton cringe, edielgarm EPIC!!

[jtl-fics]

Uhhhhh can I get some New Kings for this Wednesday before my birthday 🎂

WIP Wednesday 9/11/24 (Closed) | New Kings AU

“Besides you wanted Kevin Day’s beloved protege didn’t you?” Neil asks and brings his hand back to smack Seth right on the back, “Well, that’s Seth right here.”

“What?” Came from both Kevin and Seth at the same time.

“Well, it’s true isn’t it?” Neil asks as Andrew leans back watching with an amused softness on his face with the rest of the Foxes. “You’ve been training him even more than you’ve been training me? Secret training sessions with just the two of you at night.”

[lenreli]

[goatpaste]

mlm axl ro would make me so happy, same with demi ringo and demi disco and trans dr ferdinand

god that’s a lot but if that’s too many do whatever you’re comfortable doing!

woo! gotcher self a whole collection of boys!!

also hope this was the correct demi you wanted ;w;

icons free to use with credit!

Buy your local Bitrans Man a Kofi!

[sevarix-blogs]

omg do a ferdinand purin.... (if you feel like it <3)

ferdipom von aegir!

(i tried my best lol)

[merimerz]

ask and you shall receive! thank you for giving me ideas for warm ups ❤️

[aeolianblues]

2!! U still collect physical music? I personally got a shitton of records

hello! Hope you’re well!

2. Do you still buy CDs (or other physical media)?

Yes! I don’t have space for vinyl right now, I think if I started collecting vinyl it Would kill me like permanently (though it would be soooo good), CDs are a happy middle ground where they’re a little more durable, still have physical art and booklets and you don’t need a giant player or as much space for them. Also, I grew up with them. I love CDs!

Here’s my collection.

Lots of Muse, most of Fontaines’ back catalogue, some Bowie, some Super Furry Animals, Franz Ferdinand, Green Day, Blur, Charlatans, Depeche Mode, Kiwi jr and Half Moon Run. Cool bands, but I have Got to get so many more albums, I saw a Lush CD in a cool indie record shop but I couldn’t buy 3 CDs and ended up dropping it for then and I think about it often. I’ve got to pick it up next time!

Also, I don’t know if this is weird, I don’t really like ordering CDs online if I can help it? I used to have to, because we literally didn’t have a local record shop, but ever since I’ve been able to find one nearby, I’ve just liked running into CDs more. Like fate. The album crossed my path (I inevitably walked into a record shop, depending on who you ask) so I have to have it. Makes sense, right? Also I just don’t think I should be allowed to have access to the whole purchasable stock of online music. I’d go bankrupt in a day.

Tell me about your records!

[lux--morningstar]

I need to cuddle with Dale in his basement while we're listening to Ghost

[pub-lius]

Why don't you have any detailed posts about Steuben smh do better

AW FUCK NO MY REPUTATION!! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BE THE GAY HISTORY PERSON IF I DONT HAVE A DETAILED POST ABOUT STEUBEN!!!! i have to fix this...

Early Life

Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand Baron de Steuben was born on September 17, 1730 in Prussia. He joined the Prussian army at the age of 17, so he got a real early start.

Note: I've written his name here as "Baron de Steuben", as this name is from a French record, however he is typically referred to as "Baron von Steuben", as "von" is the translation of "de" from French to Prussian, and they both mean "of" in English. I just wanted to clarify that for the sake of my own linguistically correct sanity

Steuben began his service in the French and Indian War (or Seven Years War if you're a dirty European) as a second lieutenant, and was then wounded at the Battle of Prague, a Prussian victory. Then, he joined General Johann von Mayer's adjutant and principle staff officer in a special detached corps.

Then, he was promoted to first lieutenant and wounded AGAIN at the Battle of Kunersdorf, which was a Russian and Austrian victory. He was then transferred to general headquarters as a staff officer in the position of deputy quartermaster (this is important!!).

He was taken prisoner when Major General von Knoblock surrendered at Treptow, and was released after a year in 1762. He was promoted to captain and then became an aide-de-camp to Frederick the Great, which is as metal as it gets. He joined the King's class on the art of war, where he learned even more super cool military leadership skills.

Life Between Wars

Steuben met St. Germain in Hamburg (a notoriously great place to meet people). If you aren't in the know like I clearly am, St. Germain would eventually be the French Minister of War during the American Revolution. They'd meet again in France when Steuben was serving as Grand Marshall to the Prince of Hollenzollern-Hechingen, and if that sounds made up to you, it's because you don't even know him like I do.

Steuben continued looking for military work, but those European assholes (the British, French, and Austrians) rejected my man for no good reason (probably because he was gay or something). It was during his stay in France where he heard of the rowdy Americans across the pond.

St. Germain introduced Baron von Steuben to Silas fucking Deane and Benjamin "Slim Shady" Franklin, but they weren't able to promise Steuben anything but some regurgitated American propaganda, since, by this time, they were already getting yelled at by Congress and Washington for allowing too many incompetent Frenchmen into the Continental Army. They told him that the only way he could assist in the American fight for independence would be to go to America and present himself as a volunteer to Congress (like Lafayette ended up having to do).

This obviously pissed off Steuben since he was actually experienced trying to get a job, because its not fun being an overqualified, unemployed gay man in 18th century Europe. But still, he settled for being a volunteer, and set out for America, his passage being paid for by the French government.

WHAT THE FUCK IS A KILOMETERRRRRRR

Steuben traveled to America with his Italian greyhound, Azor, and his two assistants, Louis de Pontiere (ADC) and Pierre Ettienne Duponceau (military secretary). They arrived in New Hampshire on December 1, 1777. They were almost arrested upon arrival because Steuben had a blond moment and mistakenly dressed them in red uniforms instead of blue. They traveled through Boston to York, Pennyslvania, arriving on February 5, 1778.

In Steuben's letter of recommendation, Franklin mistranslated Steuben's rank to "His Excellency, Lieutenant General von Steuben, Apostle of Frederick the Great", which made him seem way more distinguished than he was. As a result, he was presented a much higher rank by Congress.

Steuben was ordered to report to Washington's headquarters at Valley Forge, where he arrived on February 23, 1778, and was described by a soldier as "a perfect personification of Mars."

Steuben's good first impression also had an effect on Washington, who appointed him temporary Inspector General, and it was in this position that he had his largest impact on American history, and changed the course of the war

Why Every Army Should Have Gay People, An Essay by Publius

Baron von Steuben began his transformation of the Continental Army by writing training drills, overriding the regional trainings of the state militias into a unified and universal regimen. There was a significant language barrier, however, as Steuben originally wrote the drills in French, which were then translated into English by Duponceau, John Laurens, and Alexander Hamilton. Then, they were given to the brigade inspectors, who made the copies which were then copied to be delivered to each officer. There was definitely a more efficient way to do this, but you know. It was also Valley Forge.

General Washington's Life Guard and some men from each state (totalling around 120 men) were used as a model to show the rest of the army how they were supposed to go through the drills. As they trained and demonstrated the drills, Steuben was writing new ones, only a few days ahead, which is a massive time crunch. This was done intentionally to make the drills as simple as he could, so the training of the army was dispersed in a rapid, orderly fashion. This man was a genius, I can't emphasize it enough.

The officers in the British army, which was the standard for Americans in many respects, would allow the sergeants to drill the men, but Steuben said fuck that, I'm gonna do it myself. This made many American officers uncomfortable because the men developed a bond with him because of how talented he was (and the fact that he was funny and used profanity in multiple languages), and along with the fact that Steuben's office seemingly had no limitations, this caused them to complain to the big boss, Washington. To make them feel better, Washington issued orders on June 15, 1778 to govern the Inspector General's office until further word from Congress.

The reformed Continental Army showed off their swag on May 6, 1778 when they celebrated the news of the Franco-American Alliance, which impressed soldiers, officers, and civilians. More happy news came when Steuben was given his commission from the Congress as Inspector General, with the rank of Major General.

It was at the Battle of Monmouth when the new training of the Continental Army was able to take what would have been a losing battle for the Americans to a technical draw. Steuben was actually almost killed/taken prisoner (depending on the mood of the British) during this battle because he was wearing so many metals of honor that he glimmered in the sunlight, and was spotted by the British. He was fine, though.

General von Steuben went to Philadelphia in the winter of 1778-79 to write his book of regulations, referred to as The Blue Book. Lieutenant Colonel Francois de Fleury, a volunteer, assisted in writing it. It was with the assistance of ~Benjamin Walker~ and Duponceau that the blue book was translated into English, which is why we know Walker as being important! And the fact that he and Steuben totally boned! Anyway, Captain Pierre Charles L'Enfant was illustrated it, and the book was used all the way until 1814.

After the war

General von Steuben rejoined the Continental Army in April of 1779 to serve through the end of the war. He was an instructor and supply officer for General Nathanael Greene's southern army from the beginning of the southern campaign until Yorktown. Steuben commanded one of three divisions in the Continentals at Yorktown. He assisted in demobilizing the army in 1783, and resigned his commission in 1784, which is actually the latest I've heard of a Continental General resigning his commission!

Steuben continuously petitioned Congress for financial compensation for mesothelioma (not really) and fuck ass Congress only gave him a part of what he was owed, which was pretty typical. But! New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia all gave him land grants, which he sold portions off to have enough money to live. So, he retired from NYC to his land holdings to live the remainder of his life.

Oh, and fun fact, Steuben was present at one of the riots in New York that Alexander Hamilton tried to stop, and they both had bricks thrown at them. It might have been the Cadaver Riots, but I could be wrong since I didn't feel like double checking.

Steuben never married, and instead lived with Benjamin Walker for a long period of time. He died on his 16,000 acre farm tract in the Mohawk Valley of New York on November 28, 1794.

Homosexuality

The source I used for this does not mention his homosexuality at all, but I'm going to, because the last thing you'll ever see me do is pretend like gay people didn't exist or are "unprofessional" to talk about in history.

If you say that Alexander Hamilton was gay, you have to say Steuben was, and vice versa. Rumors of homosexuality followed Steuben from Europe all the way to America, and play a large role in why he relocated many times, and never seemed to have a permanent home until the end of his life. This was a form of unofficial exile that many queer people faced in times where their existence was illegal. As soon as your name was associated with possible homosexuality, you couldn't get comfortable anywhere.

But von Steuben wasn't brought down by this, and you've gotta respect that. He threw elaborate parties starting almost as soon as he arrived at the Continental Army. If you're new to the amrev community here, this is what we mean by "flaming shot/pantless parties", because they had shots of liquor that they would light on fire, and in order to get in, at least part of your breeches had to have been missing. While straight men did attend these parties, the subtext in discussions about them seem to imply that they were also a gathering place for queer men.

These parties continued, and some familiar faces were there, such as Duponceau, Walker Hamilton, Laurens, and, later on, Charles Adams. However, I'm not going to speculate on who was fucking who, though it has been largely accepted by historians that General von Steuben and Benjamin Walker were lovers, and I personally think there is substantial evidence to support this when you align their personal correspondence with the close proximity they maintained throughout their lives.

General von Steuben is a figure that is very important to many queer people as a conspicuous queer man in history who had an undeniable impact on the course of American history. Portrayals of Steuben in media typically disregard this, however more and more biographers are discussing his homosexuality and the significance it plays in queer history. So, I'll end this post by saying this: Steuben is just as significant in American history as he is in Queer history, and it is irresponsible to pretend like he isn't.

Source:

National Park Service- Valley Forge

British Battles.com- Battle of Kunersdorf

George Washington's Indispensable Men by Arthur S. Lefkowitz

John Laurens and the American Revolution by Gregory D. Massey

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Anyway, thank you for giving me an excuse to talk about Steuben lol. I didn't previously know much about his life before the American Revolution, so I was very happy to learn. I actually bought a biography about him not long ago, The Drillmaster of Valley Forge: The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Army by Paul Lockhart, but I haven't read it yet. If anyone has, pls let me know if it's good or not. After Massey and Chernow, I'm practically on my hands and knees begging for a male author to treat queer history seriously. Anyway, thank you for the ask! I'm going to go watch the george washington mini series for steuben content

[moeblob]

it is almost midnight why am I still drawing art ...

[qoppybirdie]

Ferdibert fankids i made awhile ago and didnt think to post!

I was inspired to make Freddie when someone in Inari’s server said something about a ferdibert kid having Ferdinand’s face while also having Hubert’s stare. Hugo came after when I was requested to make a sunshiney little brother c:

[aptericia]

Could I request a Ferdinand in “black coffee”? <3

but the question is.... is that coffee or tea?

[ID: digital drawing of timeskip Ferdinand from Fire Emblem: Three Houses, drawn in an orange, brown, and black color scheme and drinking an unseen liquid from a small cup /End ID]