The FReeper Foxhole Revisits the Profile of Casimir Pulaski - July 3rd, 2004

http://www.paulbrozek.com/pulaskipark_2002/pulaski.htm ^

[snippy_about_it]

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The FReeper Foxhole Revisits

Count Casimir Pulaski
1747 - 1779

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Introduction

Casimir Pulaski belongs to that select group of heroes, including the Marquis de Lafayefte, Thomas Paine, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and Pulaski's fellow countryman, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, who opposed tyranny not only in their homelands, but wherever they found it. We especially honor Pulaski because he paid the ultimate price, having sustained a mortal wound while fighting for American independence at the battle of Savannah in 1779. Today he remains a symbol of the ideal of valiant resistance to oppression everywhere in the world.

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

Pulaski was born on March 4,1747, in Winiary, some 40 miles outside of Warsaw. His family belonged to the minor Polish nobility, and his ancestors fought with King Jan Sobieski against the Turks at the siege of Vienna in 1683. His father Jozef successfully built up the family fortune and deeply involved himself in politics. But the vast Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth had fallen on hard times. No longer the military power of Sobieski's day, it came increasingly under the domination of its aggressive neighbors, particularly Tsarist Russia.

Russia demonstrated its influence over the Commonwealth's affairs when in 1764 Empress Catherine the Great imposed her candidate Stanislaus Poniatowski, as the Commonwealth's next elected monarch. Poniatowski sought to carry out much needed reforms, but aroused the suspicion of the nobility who feared the establishment of a royal despotism. Moreover, the Russian ambassador regularly interfered in the Commonwealth's domestic affairs, in 1767, even using Russian troops to coerce its parliament into passing legislation that ended the privileged position of the Catholic Church.



In these circumstances, in 1768, Jozef Pulaski joined with others in initiating an insurrection known as the Confederation of Bar, a town in the Ukraine, where it was formed. Under the motto, "For Faith and Freedom," the elder Pulaski assumed the military leadership of the confederation, and Casimir on his 21st birthday took command of a detachment of partisans. For the next 3 1/2 years, in military campaigns against Russian forces that sought to put down the rebellion, the young commander proved his valor and genuine military talent in more than a dozen major action and numerous skirmishes.

Exile

In October 1771, Pulaski undertook one last major expedition as part of a plot to abduct the king. The plot misfired, but it led to the young Casimir being unjustly accused of attempted regicide and later, after he left the country, to a death sentence. When in 1772, Russia, Prussia, and Austria began negotiations to partition the Commonwealth, he and the other confederates saw the futility of continuing the struggle. In the face of the charges against him, he was forced to flee his homeland, never to see it again. Within months of his departure, the Commonwealth's aggressive neighbors agreed to divide over a quarter of its territory among themselves. The effort to defend the Commonwealth had failed, but the heroism of Pulaski and other confederates would inspire future generations of their countrymen.

Meanwhile, Pulaski faced a difficult exile. After two years in western Europe, he again joined battle against Russia, this time, on the side of the Turks. Their defeat forced him to return to France where, in the summer of 1776, he learned of America's war for independence and sought permission from the Americans to join their forces. Most American colonists were not yet enthusiastic in the support of the war, and George Washington, a commander-in-chief, needed battle-tested officers like Pulaski. Finally, in May 1777, Pulaski received a letter of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin, the American commissioner in Paris, and left for America, landing near Boston in July. In August, he reported to Washington's headquarters near Philadelphia.

The American Revolutionary War

On Washington's recommendation, the Continental Congress appointed Pulaski general of the cavalry on September 15, 1777. But even before his formal appointment, he demonstrated his value. At the battle of Brandywine Creek, where Washington's forces suffered a defeat, Pulaski led a counterattack that covered the retreat of the Americans and helped prevent a military disaster.



Pulaski spent the winter of 1777 training his soldiers at Trenton, not far from Washington's headquarters at Valley Forge. He introduced new battle drills in an effort to transform them into a highly mobile force. But, realizing that the Americans did not share his conception of the cavalry as a separate combat force, Pulaski asked to be relieved of his position and allowed to form a special infantry and cavalry unit capable of more independent action. With Washington's support, Pulaski gained the consent of Congress on March 28, 1778.

It took Pulaski, regarded as "the father of the American cavalry," another five months to form his legion at his headquarters in Baltimore, where he recruited Americans, Frenchmen, Poles, Irishmen, and especially Germans; mainly deserters from the Hessian mercenaries employed by the British. But for some time the American command could not find a suitable role for Pulaski's legion, leading him again to request reassignment. Finally, on February 2,1779, he received orders to proceed to South Carolina to reinforce the southern American forces under British attack.

Now Pulaski began his most active period of service in the war with the front line combat he sought. At the head of a troop of some 600, Pulaski arrived in Charleston in May 1779, just in time to contribute to its successful defense against a much larger British force, which after occupying Georgia was steadily advancing northward. This victory proved pivotal in the war in the South as it broke the British momentum and boosted American morale.



What remained was to win back the territory that the British had occupied. Savannah became the fateful goal. Newly arrived French forces under Admiral Charles Henri d'Estaing together with the Americans planned a risky all out assault on the heavily fortified town. The siege began on October 9. The mission of the Pulaski Legion was to follow in behind the French infantry and break down the enemy's line of defense. But the French got caught in a cross fire, and d'Estaing himself was wounded. Awaiting the proper moment for his cavalry to enter the battle, Pulaski could see the infantry breaking ranks under heavy fire. To try to save the situation, he charged forward into the battle only to be grievously wounded himself. Carried from the battlefield, he was put on a ship to be taken back to Charleston, but never regained consciousness. On October 11, 1779, the 32 year old Polish commander died at sea, where he was buried.

In Honor of Pulaski

Americans have always recognized Pulaski's heroism and the price he paid for their freedom. Shortly after his death a solemn memorial service was held in Charleston, and, before the end of 1779, the Continental Congress resolved that a monument should be erected in his honor, though a statue was not put into place in Washington, D.C., until 1910.

Over the years Americans have kept alive his memory naming many countries, towns, streets, parks, and squares after him. Among those of Polish descent, his fame rivals that of Kosciuszko, who, after his service in the American Revolutionary War, returned to his homeland, where, in 1794, he led an insurrection against the same Russian domination that Pulaski had fought before coming to America.

In his first letter to Washington, after arriving in America, Pulaski wrote, "I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it." He proved true to his word. For this, we honor him as a soldier of Liberty for all.

[snippy_about_it]

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During the American Revolution General Casmir Pulaski organized a cavalry group which was called "Pulaski's Legion" or the Polish Legion.

Of all the Polish officers who took part in the American War of Independence, Casimir Pulaski was the most romantic and professionally the most prominent. He was born into the middle gentry at Warka, Poland, March 4, 1747. His family was rich and had enhanced their fortune as clients of the Czartoryski family with whose nationalist policies it was identified. His education was typical of its time, he learned a smattering of languages and manners in the service of the Duke of Courland. It was here that young Pulaski first came into contact with the interference of foreign powers in Polish affairs, that lead to the first great act of his life.

Joseph Pulaski, Casimir's father impatient with the Russian interference precipitated an armed movement called the Confederation of Bar in 1768. Casimir was one of the founding members and on his father's death in 1769, carried the burden of military command. His greatest success was in the taking and holding of Jasna Gora at Czestochowa, the holist place in Poland. His brilliant defense against the Russians thrilled all of Europe. Unfortunately soon afterward he was implicated in a plot to kill the Polish King and forced into exile.



Burdened by debts Pulaski was found in Paris by Benjamin Franklin and enlisted in for American cause. Pulaski joined George Washington's army just before the battle of Brandywine. Acting under Washington's orders without commission Pulaski lead the scouting party that discovered the British flanking movement and the American escape route. He then gathered all available cavalry to cover the retreat, leading a dashing charge that surprised the British and allowed the American army to escape. Congress rewarded Pulaski with a commission as brigadier general and command of all American cavalry. He spent the winter of 1777-8 training and outfitting the cavalry units but in March, he gave way before the intrigues of his jealous officers. He requested and Washington approved the formation of an independent corp of cavalry and light infantry of foreign volunteers.

Pulaski's Legion became the training ground for American cavalry officers including "Light Horse" Harry Lee, the father of Robert E. Lee, and the model for Lee's and Armand's legions. Thirteen Polish officers served under Pulaski in the legion. The best assessment of Pulaski's legion came from a British officer who called them simply "the best damned cavalry the rebels ever had". In 1779 Pulaski and his legion were sent south to the besieged city of Charleston where he immediately raised morale and assisted in breaking the siege. A joint operation with the French was planed to recapture the city of Savannah. Against Pulaski's advice the French commander ordered an assault against the strongest point of the British defense, Seeing the allied troops falter Pulaski galloped forward to rally the men, when he was mortally wounded by British cannon shot. He died two days later and was buried at sea.

Pulaski was the romantic embodiment of the flashing saber and the trumpets calling to the charge, and that is how history has remembered him. The larger-Than-life aspect of his death has often obscured his steadier, quieter, and more lasting services. It was in the drudgery of forging a disciplined American cavalry that could shadow and report on British movements, in the long distance forage raids to feed and clothe the troops at Valley Forge, and the bitter hit and run rearguard actions that covered retreating American armies that slowed British pursuit, that gave Pulaski the title of "Father of the American cavalry".

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Today's Educational Sources and suggestions for further reading:

The FReeper Foxhole Profiles Casimir Pulaski - Mar. 15th, 2003

[snippy_about_it]

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Historians are unsure how Pulaski died. The popular account holds that Pulaski rallied the troops in a cavalry charge upon hearing that a fellow officer was hit in the leg by a musket ball. During the charge, Pulaski was struck in the thigh by grapeshot and fell from his horse. Within days, gangrene claimed the war hero's life. Historians continue to debate what happened to Pulaski's body after his death. One traditional account is that Pulaski died aboard the American ship Wasp and is buried at sea. A second claim is that he was first buried at Greenwich Plantation in Georgia and later reburied under a monument in one of the downtown Savannah squares. September 27, 1996, bones were disinterred from under the Pulaski Monument in Monterey Square. To date, the bone analysis is inconclusive

Casimir Pulaski Commemorative Stamp



On Jan. 16, 1931, the U.S. Post Office Department issued this commemorative stamp honoring Polish patriot Casimir Pulaski, who fought with American forces during the American Revolution. The stamp was first released in Savannah, where he died, as well as in eleven American cities with large Polish populations.

The 2-cent stamp was released to mark the 150th anniversary of the death of Casimir Pulaski, who was mortally wounded in the siege of Savannah. However, as Pulaski died on Sept. 11, 1779, the stamp came over a year after the sesquicentennial of his death. However, on the bicentennial of Pulaski's death in 1979, the Postal Service released a postal card showing him on horseback

[snippy_about_it]

'I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it...'

-- Count Casimir Pulaski

[snippy_about_it]

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UPDATED THROUGH APRIL 2004



The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul

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[alfa6]

A Polski night shift bump for the ol' Foxhole

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

[SAMWolf]

Morning alfa6.

Jak sie, masz? <===Mash This

[SAMWolf]

Good Night Snippy.

[snippy_about_it]

Good night Sam

[alfa6]

Once upon a time I could have replied back to you in Polish, but I have not spoken any Polish since my Mother passed away about 24 years ago.

My Mom's stepfather was from Poland, he came to the States as a young lad IIRC and he taught me a bout half a dozen Polish phrases.

Well back to work I go, gotta keep the soap cookin

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

[Iris7]

I see Pulaski as an exemplar of the Polish fighting aristocrat. A lot more of those guys left in Poland, way more than any "American" television talking head would ever believe. Bunch left in America, too.

I choose to believe that Pulaski made the charge that killed him to check the British line for a few moments so that the French could be rallied. The British practice in those days was to charge with bayonet when the enemy disarray was at the proper stage, driving them from the field, massacreing them. I do not see a real fighting man like Brigadier Pulaski (the rank is about right?) putting his troops at risk except for good reason.

Poland used to be very large. At the time of Tannenburg (Grunwald) (15 July 1410), under King Jagiello, Poland included most of Belorussia and Eastern Ukraine all the way to Rumania. Well, nearly! Jagiello was a Lithuanian convert to the Church, and the Confederation spread well into modern Finland. As I recall, of course!

[Aeronaut]

Good morning snippy.

[E.G.C.]

Good morning, snippy and everyone at the Foxhole.

[jriemer]

Click on the above picture to link to the Second Annual Viking Kitties Lightning Strike / Free Republic Online Independence Day Fireworks Display. It starts July 1 and continues through July 4th!

[jriemer]

The Pulaski Monument in Monterey Square, Savannah

Commissioned: 14AUG64
Decommissioned: 7MAR94

[Soaring Feather]

Good morning everyone.

[The Mayor]

July 3, 2004

Good Medicine

Read: Proverbs 17:17-22

A merry heart does good, like medicine. —Proverbs 17:22

Bible In One Year: Job 25-27; Acts 12

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In a Better Homes and Gardens article titled “Laugh Your Way to Good Health,”Nick Gallo made an observation that echoes what Solomon wrote thousands of years ago:“A merry heart does good, like medicine”(Proverbs 17:22). Gallo said,“Humor is good medicine-and can actually help keep you in good health.”He quoted William F. Fry, M.D., who describes laughter as“inner jogging”and says that it’s good for a person’s cardiovascular system.

Comparing laughter to exercise, Gallo pointed out that when a person laughs heartily several physical benefits occur. There’s a temporary lowering of blood pressure, a decreased rate of breathing, and a reduction in muscle tension. He said that many people sense a“relaxed afterglow.”He concluded,“An enduring sense of humor, especially combined with other inner resources such as faith and optimism, appears to be a potent force for better health.”

Christians, above all others, should benefit from laughter because we have the greatest reason to be joyful. Our faith is firmly rooted in God, and our optimism is based on the assurance that our lives are under His wise control.

Don’t be afraid to enjoy a good laugh—it’s good medicine. —Richard De Haan

Laughter is a remedy
For sorrow and for care;
It brings joy to troubled souls,
To damaged hearts, repair. —Sper

He who laughs, lasts.

[exnavy]

Got this from another thread this mornin'.

[aomagrat]

USS Casimir Pulaski (SSBN-633)

Layfayette class nuclear ballistic missile submarine.
Displacement. 7325 tons (surf.), 8251 tons (subm.)
Lenght. 425'
Beam. 33'
Speed. 16k (surf.), 21k (subm.)
Test depth. 1300'
Armament. 16 missile tubes, 4-21" tt. fwd.
Complement. 14 officers - 126 enlisted men (each in 2 crews)

USS Casimir Pulaski (SSBN-633) was launched on 1 February 1964 and commissioned 14 August 1964, the 28th Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine, and the first ship of the line to bear the name. Named for Brigadier General Count Casimir Pulaski, a hero of the Revolutionary War, she was sponsored by Mrs. John A. Gronouski, the wife of the then Postmaster General of the United States, and commnanded by Captain R. L. J. Long, later COMSUBLANT, DCNO (submarines), and CINCPACFLT.

Pulaski sailed on her first patrol from Charleston, SC, in March 1965, and deployed to Holy Loch, Scotland. After completion of 20 Polaris A3 patrols, she entered overhaul in Groton, CT, for refueling end conversion to carry the Poseidon C3 missile, the fifth submarine to be so converted.

In October 1971, Pulaski deployed with Poseidon missiles to resume patrols from Holy Loch. After the completion of six additional patrols, she participated in the Operational Test (OT) Program by reconfiguring for test, and then test firing four Poseidon missiles in the Atlantic Test Range successfully.

In July 1974, Pulaski was awarded the Submarine Squadron Fourteen Battle Efficiency "E," the first ever awarded to an SSBN. In late 1980. after the completion of a total of 52 strategic deterrent patrols, she entered overhaul in Newport News, VA, for refueling and backfit to carry the new Trident I C4 missile. She deployed in June 1983, now assigned to Submarine Squadron Sixteen in Kings Bay, GA. In June 1985, Pulaski Gold conducted a flawless Follow-On Operational Test (FOT), reconfiguring and successfully launching four Trident I missiles on the Atlantic Test Range.

In October 1985, Pulaski Gold was awarded the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy, Emblematic of the unit in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet making the most improvement in battle efficiency during fiscail year 1985.

In October 1986, Pulaski (both crews) was awarded the Commander Submarine Squadron Sixteen Battle Efficiency "E," and the U.S. Atlantic Fleet Outstanding Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine Performance Award for fiscal year 1986. August 1987 found Pulaski completing a very successful Extended Refit Period conducted by Charleston Naval Shipyard in Kings Bay, Georgia. The ship's systems were extensively refurbished to enable extension of her useful life and time between shipyard overhauls.

Pulaski was decommissioned on 7 March 1994. She was disposed of through the Ship Recycling Program at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, on 21 October 1994.

[stand watie]

GM!

free dixie,sw