Commander of the Horse…
It was 230 years ago on October 15, 1779, that we lost a famous American Patriot who came from Poland to help fight for the United States of America’s freedom from British rule.
“I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.” – Casimir Pulaski – in a letter to George Washington
Casimir Pulaski was born on 06 MAR 1745, the son of Count Joseph Pulaski, in the city of Warsaw. Outlawed by Russia for his actions for Polish liberty, he emigrated to Paris where he met Benjamin Franklin. Pulaski was convinced by Franklin to aid the colonies in their struggle from oppression by Britain. He arrived in the New World in 1777 and met with General George Washington.
He was readily accepted by Washington and proved himself several times notably in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown. Pulaski was first appointed Brigadier General by Congress and given charge of four horse brigades and then later via General Washington’s intervention, Congress established the US Cavalry and placed General Pulaski in charge with the title of ”Commander of the Horse” – thus making him the
Father of the American Cavalry.
General Pulaski went on to instruct his men in the tactics which he had utilized in his fight for freedom in Poland. And often when funds from Congress were slow in coming, he used his own money to continue the fight. It was the Battle of Savannah that would claim this patriot’s life – he was mortally wounded in battle by a blast of a cannon only to die a few days later.
GHTime Code(s): nc 818e3
Tags: American Revolution, casimir pulaski, Commander of the Horse, Father of the American Cavalry, George Washington
I liked reading this…