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

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

[SAMWolf]

.

U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues

Where Duty, Honor and Country
are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.

.

.

Our Mission:

The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans.

We hope to provide an ongoing source of information about issues and problems that are specific to Veterans and resources that are available to Veterans and their families.

In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support.

To read previous Foxhole threads or
to add the Foxhole to your sidebar,
click on the books below.

.

.

Resource Links For Veterans

Click on the pix

.

.

.

.

Count Casimir Pulaski
1747 - 1779

.

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.

[The Real Deal]

Good to see you to, CB!

[TEXOKIE]

Dear Foxhole Freepers,

Recently some of us have been discussing the need to compile a troop prayer thread. We have started this thread

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/863153/posts?page=49

and wanted to invite you to submit any names you might be aware of so that our freeper prayer warriors can get to work! Following is our updated list to date.

Thank you for your interest in this effort for our troops.

TEXOKIE

~Mystery-ak-1Sgt Mike, Spc, Johathan both waiting deployment as of the 12ot of March
~SAMWolf-Freeper BKWells, and Freeper Radix’s son
~Tarheel-Capt. Eric US Army
~Tiki-Anton Peterson, Steve McKinley, Tim McKinley, Cory Simmons
~prairiebreeze-Marine Corpl. Nick, Navy seaman Brad
~LBGA- son Tyler overseas
~HiJinx-SPC Anna, Black Hawk Crew Chief, PVT Tom B cannon crewman.
~Mr. Silverback-Corpsman Michael in Japan, Specialists John Colin Army near DMZ in Korea, Pudgeless and his unit the 333rd Mps of the Ill National Guard. County Board member Hadley in training at Bragg.
~JohnDoe#1-son Sergeant First Class Terry in Kuwait
~h8klintoon-Maj. William Glover, Sgt. Ellis Caudle
~FrogMom- son-in-law Sgt Mike in Kuwait husband and father of two adorable children
~fatima- Adam-spec ops, granddaughter Karen Army, Jim USN USS Constellation, freepers Daughter in law Patty Air Force.
~Mystery-ak- son Spc. Jonathan
~Shezza-darling husband Scott (Freeper Giles Corey) US Army
~amon-Defender2, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
~Lando Lincoln-Seth Crawford USAF
~68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub-the Men and Women at the Coos Bay Coast Guard Station. Along with active duty Coast Guard FReeper CWO Jackson.
~My back yard-brother’s youngest son Bryce Owen USNavy sailed right after Christmas
~RedWhiteBlue-nephew LCpl. Brian Kaul, USMC in Kuwait
~Linsberry-1st Lt. George Lansberry USAF
~doug from upland-PO2 Josh, USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT
~OhioWfan- Son PFC Eric, Army Reserves, activated
~Heylady-Son Lt. Gregory Worden, 1ST CAV
~amom-Freeper Mike, WUSAF, Air National Guard
~GatorGirl -Husband “LT Gator”- USNR, Brother in Law-Jason-USNR, Cousin Rich-USNR, Friend Tom-USNR, Friend Alex-USAFR
~amom-Major Sellers, USMC in the ME. Son Dillion and mom Betsy. 4 mo old Dillion just had heart transplant.
~buffyt- Son in LawRobby Ellis Boswell USN
~WellsFargo94- CPT Bill, CPT Dan, MAJ John, CPT Tom, SGT Brian, CPT Dave, LTC Jim, Chaplain Dave, COL N, COL L, COL S, General Franks, LTC Pat, Dr. W
~GoRepGo-Husband Willie, Navy Corpsman, Ist MEU somewhere in the sandbox.
~amom-FReeper bkwells (Deployed on USS TARAWA (LHA-1)) from the Canteen.
~ProudArmyWife-Sgt. Roney 4th Infantry Divison (hubby)
~exhausted momma-Nephew, Matt Morgan, Navy
~Severa- husband (FR screen name Hostel), USN Submariner, brother Wes, USAF Little Rock AFB, friend Tosca, USN Corpsman, USNS Comfort, husband's cousin David, US Army, Fort Gordon, GA
~ stand 4 something- husband Mike AND son Scott, (both Air National Guard) deployed to the Mid-East
~ JulieRNR21- a friend's grandson, Wesley in the USAF
~ LKR59-Timmy (Army) in Kuwait, John (Army) in Afghanistan, and ~Karen (Army) in Saudi Arabia
~Joy Angela-cousin Steve Jr. early 20s with a 6 year old son
~FReeper Proud Legions
~FReeper Hostel, USN Active Duty Submariner
~ Ohio fan -son Eric
~ mystery-ak -husband Mike and their son Jonathan both deployed
~ Gogrammy - grandson
~ Inspectorette -son Eric
~ LBGA - son is deployed
~ Slip18- nephew is aboard ship - active duty USN
~ anniegetyourgun - nephew Josh
~ Himyar - son Robert
~ homeschool mama- nephew Michael is in the Navy
~ CyberAnt- nephew Jody
~ milagro- son is deployed in the Mid-East
~ BlessedAmerican- nephew David Marine deployed to the Mid-East
~ Jewels1091 -friends of daughter, Ross (101st airborne), deployed to Mid-East,
Chris (Navy) heading for Mid-East, cousin, Phil, serving in the US Navy
~ TruthNtegrity- younger brother, John (Navy), has been deployed.
~ Hoosier mama- Brad who has been deployed, His brother Jeff who has just enlisted. Shanty & Josh (husband & wife just deployed separately), Bill and Bill (both military academy grads), (when you teach, they're all your kids) Brad from Maigrey, Sgt. C. Cole
~Notpoliticallycorewrecke- husband soon to be deployed
~ Wneighbor -son-in-law Thomas deployed
~ zlala -brother is deploying to the Mid-East
~ tamikamaria- cousin Annette (Navy) stationed on an aircraft carrier,
…best friend’s brother is in the Army, sister is in the Navy
~ Radix -son is deployed
~ Pippin - niece in the Air Force, nephew in the Army stationed in the Far East
~ WomanofStandard -a dear friend has three sons in the military
…..Dustin (Army) - Mid-East-Troy (Air Force) – Italy, Tyler (Army) – just returned from Afghanistan and currently at Ft. Bragg, NC
~ baseball mom - friend’s nephew, Thomas (Navy), just deployed
~ a special Freeper -brother is an Army Chaplain
~ hoosier_RW_conspirator -friend’s son Danny (Army), just deployed
~ ivoteright - hubby (Air Force) has been deployed, he is also b-i-l to I’m ALL Right!
~ kemathen7 -boyfriend, John (AirForce)
~ Gretchen -son of dear friends, Silas (Army), deployed to Mid-East
~ Warrior mom -CIA agents whose plane crashed and may have been kidnapped in Colombia, dear friend Greg, deployed to Mid-East
~ Freeper Per-Ling active duty in the Navy has a wife and 2-year-old
~ brand new Freeper leenie312 son Nicholas is in the Marines
~ rentense-friend's brother, Brian Z.
~ AF_Blue -active-duty AF
~ TruthNtegrity - lurker friend Pat’s nephew Ben (Marines) deployed
~southern grit- coworker and dear friend SFC Sarah Augustine Kuwait
~AntiJen- Young men who went to school with son:Jason Bontrager, USN, Justin Lapp, USN, and Jack Snowden, USN

[Maigret]

One of my direct ancestors fought with Pulaski in the American Revolution, thanks for the post.

[SAMWolf]

You get there twoyears before me. I didn't get there in 69

[SAMWolf]

Thanks for the prayer list Texokie.

[SAMWolf]

Your welcome. It has to be really neat to be able totrace your roots back to the American Revolution

[CHICAGOFARMER]

Sorry you are wrong

This gun inititive WAS NOT SHOT DOWN!!!!!!!!!

GET THE STORY STRAIGHT

CHICAGO FARMER

[Jen]

Hi there, I think you intended to reply to someone on a different thread. My post to you was a ping to the FReeper Foxhole. Jen

[Jen]

Thank you for posting the list of servicemembers who are somehow connected to FReepers. Our troops need prayer cover now more than ever. Blessings to you and all who pray for our men and women in uniform.

[Jen]

Hi Real, I'm back after a nice nap. I'm not sick, just tired today. My mom spent the night with me and we stayed up too late - well, I didn't mind the staying up late part, it was more the getting up too stinkin' early part that bothered me.

My mom got sick today I think because of my 2 cats and an air freshner I put in the guest room. She has asthma and certain things trigger it. Plus, she left her suitcase at home in the garage - so she didn't have her 5 heart medications with her. So, she cut her visit short.

I talked to her a little while ago and she's feeling better.

[Jen]

Hi Victoria, I haven't watched TV today. How was the coverage of the Atlanta rally? Positive or leftist spin? Did any FReepers get interviewed? Did FR get mentioned or any of our signs shown?

[Jen]

Hi Sam, I know what Kielbasa is but what is Czarnina?

[SAMWolf]

You really want to know. It's Duck Blood Soup.

Czarnina (duck soup) recipe

1 duck, cut up for soup

1 small onion, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

1 apple, diced

1 carrot, diced

1 cup seedless raisins

8 dried prunes

blood from duck

2 tablespoon vinegar

4 tablespoon sugar

1 pint sour cream

1/2 cup flour

salt and pepper to taste


Cover duck with about 4 quarts of water in a 6 quart kettle. Add onion, celery, apple, carrot, raisins, and prunes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook until meat is tender, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours over low heat. Remove meat to thicken suop. Combine cream, blood, and flour together and stir into slightly cooled soup. Be sure soup is cooled or else the thickening will curdle. Cook for 5 minutes to thicken. Add sugar and vinegar to taste, one tablespoon at a time, until you get the right sweet and sour taste. Remove prunes and half of raisins. Strain for clear broth. Add meat back in and serve.

[Jen]

Fort Pulaski National Monument
Savannah, GA

The Third System refers to 19th century military architecture in the United States. Fort Pulaski National Monument exists as one of the best preserved forts in this defense system.

Shoreline defense was fragmented and weak when the British burned the nation's capital during the War of 1812. At the time coastal defenses were composed of a haphazard assortment of batteries and outposts. In response to lessons learned in the War of 1812, a new coastal defense system was designed. This new defense system was an attempt to protect critical United States shorelines.

The Third System was established during a relatively peaceful time for the United States. These conditions provided for an unprecedented level of standardization in design and planning. For the first time, a professional board was appointed to oversee design and construction. Close to 200 forts were envisioned to guard the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, however only 30 were built. The structures were never completed in part because of events at Fort Pulaski during the Civil War.

Upon graduation from West Point, Lt. Robert E. Lee, the future Confederate general, was in charge of designing the series of canals and earthworks that drained excess water from Cockspur Island, slightly east of Savannah, Georgia. This step was necessary to provide an adequate foundation for fort construction. During the American Civil War, Lee inspected the site and noticed the dike system had worked as planned. Land maps dated the year of the siege, 1862, show the area inside the dike as the only dry expanse of land.

The muddy, soft earth would not support the weight of the proposed 25 million brick fort. Construction started with seventy foot long pilings. These pilings, driven into the mud, would provide stability for the wooden subflooring. The subflooring, composed of two layers of timber, would provide direct support for the brickwork.

The laborers included military servicemen, skilled masons, and carpenters (hired out from owners) all of whom battled the humid southern heat as well as mosquitoes. From 1829 to 1847, construction on the massive two story fort was intermittent. Conditions were so bad in the summer that work was sometimes halted for months.

The completed two tier structure is a truncated hexagon that faces east. Included is a demilune, moat, two powder magazines, and a parade ground about the size of a football field. Local brownish "Savannah Gray" brick is found in the lower walls. The rose red brick is from Baltimore, Maryland, and Alexandria, Virginia. The latter is harder than the "Savannah Grays" so is used in the arches and embrasures. Visitors often mistake the red brick for modern brick.

In 1848, a year after fort construction, the 13,463 persons living in Savannah felt safe from foreign invasion. Fort Pulaski is one in a series of forts that protected the nation's shores and kept military powers such as England and Spain at bay. Ironically, it would not be until the American Civil War that the fort would see action.

[Jen]

Duck Blood Soup???? Gag! You can have my portion.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks for the info on Fort Pulaski.

[SAMWolf]

LOL! I don't eat that stuff.

[WaterDragon]

I love this thread. Always learn so much from it, from all the posters. Thanks, SAMWolf, Everyone.

[Victoria Delsoul]

I watched CNN (don't say anything, hahaha.) The coverage was good. I caught just the end of the news, so I don't know if they mentioned FR but, it was full of people and signs, which it's really good news.