Good Morning, Foxhole
Here's To The Free Republic: The Land Of The Free and The Home Of The Brave
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General Thaddeus Kosciuszko (1746-1817)
Freedom Fighter for Poland
American Revolutionary War Hero
and Founder of West Point
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The number of foreign auxiliary officers had become numerous, and Washington had complained to congress, in October, 1776, that he was unable to employ many of them, owing to their ignorance of English. Kosciuszko, however, arrived with letters of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin to Washington, who inquired what he could do. " I come to fight as a volunteer for American independence," answered Kosciuszko. "What can you do?." asked Washington. "Try me," was the reply.
The man who was to become the symbol of alliance between countries so distant in space yet so close in their love of freedom.So close in their love of freedom.
Matthew Paul, I'm reminded by this story to thank you for your friendship and sharing the news of your country with us here at the Foxhole. ;-)
He volunteered to join the ragtag rebels shortly after the Declaration of Independence was first read in 1776. The thirty-year-old was commissioned a colonel and given a salary of $6 a month. His first undertaking was planning forts along the Delaware River. Kosciuszko then moved on to help with the defense of Fort Ticonderoga. Partly due to disregard of Kosciuszko's advice, Ticonderoga was toppled; in retreat Kosciuszko felled great pine trees and flooded fields to slow the pursuit of the British. This bought the rebels time to prepare for their first major victory of the war: Saratoga. At Saratoga, Kosciuszko fortified Bemis Heights overlooking the Hudson. His ingenious design contributed to the surrender of 6,000 troops under General John Burgoyne. After the British defeat outside of Saratoga, the French entered the war on the colonials' side.
Kosciuszko at Bemis Heights ~ Image URL
Image URL
The base pedestal of the monument was erected in 1828 by the Corps of Cadets. In 1913, the Polish clergy and laity of the United States added the statue of Kosciuszko.
In 1778, Kosciuszko was made chief engineer of West Point, New York. This fortification became known as the American Gibraltar because it was unable to be penetrated by the British Army.
The Great Chain
Links of the original West Point Chain displayed at Trophy Point.
See Bic pen at left of center front link for scale. (image URL)
The key element of the West Point/Constitution Island fortifications was the "Great Chain" affixed across the river as of 30 April 1778. Ships which successfully negotiated the bend in the river would still confront the chain barrier, which was expected to bring them to a dead stop, thus facilitating engagement by batteries on the river banks.
The West Point chain was forged at Sterling Ironworks in Warwick, NY. It was approximately 500 yards in length, composed of two foot long, 2.25" thick iron links, each of which weighed 114 pounds.
The entire chain weighed in at 65 tons and required 40 men four days to install. The chain floated on rafts assembled from 4 16' sharpened logs, anchored between Constitution Island and West Point.
I'm Benedict F. Arnold and I actually voted for the Great Chain
before I voted against it.
