The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1848-02-24

The following letter from Count Pulaski
to Dr.. Franklin disploys degroc Of ts''
ens for judging men very rare indeed
The letter was written after the battle OF
Moamoush, which ended Gen. Lees mill
THE HEN OF THE REvoLUTI0N.
When pulaski left France, he promised
10 write to franklin, then resident Minis
ter, and give him his views Of men and
things in this country as connected with
Tho Revolution. Ho was requested TO give
his opinion Of the talents and characters Of
the American generals. Pulaski WINS 81.
aacious, open-heavtcd and free in his re-
marks. The following letter was written
10 1776, in compliance with the Doctors
request:
MY Dear Doctor: | have named Wash
ington 10 you in my former communication,
and can safely shy, that my veneratlon
for him increases. lilo seems equal to any
occasion, rising with it, and developing
Just such talents ms are required Tor the cx-
iaency. His moral bravery is equal % his
physical courage. He is careful Of human
life-n rare characteristic Of u modern COM
mandcr--yet he has mono Of that sentiment
tel tenderness that would make him torcgo
real advantages Tor fear ofa little danger.
He has the true gift Of command. dignity
and case. In our last baltic he had some
Misunderstanding with Gen. Chas. Lee,
for which Lee is 10 10 be called TO cour,
martinl-Leo is good officer well ncquain-
ted with modern tactics, aud unqnestionn.
bly, brave; but he is protligatc, md reckless
Of his conduct here as Of future life. 1t is
veil known that no is q free thinker, md
that does not suit n great portion Of the
army, who arc strict believers in Luther or
Calvin, or some other great retormer. Lee
is scholar md man Of wit, and might he
moro useful in the army than he il. II Is
whispered that he and his friends are in
triguing to make him commander in Chief.
This will not do. The result Of the court
martial will, apprchcnd, put n quietus 10
that impression. However distinguished
the talents Of Leo may be, he is unfit for
these grave and practicable people.
II Washington was to be taken of Gen.
Greene would, probably, be called to sue
coed him, il tho wishes Of tho army are
and rose at once from bis merits; mud has
sustained that high reputation which was
given to him by his own State, ever since
he became continental officer. lie is
cool, clear headed, unu Of firm purposes, end
is popular with the few Of discrimination,
% we'll a. BY the many who orc guided by
impulse.
Knox il much admired and respected by
the army; he 10 a bold, giganlic-lookng
officer, who combines reflection with youth,
and sage dcmcanor with lofty spirit
Washington is his friend, mud puts high
confidence in him. lilo is ano,hcr Of those
men who have grown up for tho occasion.
He was sergeant fur tho artillery compa
nv in Boston; but when the commander Of
il left the country. Knox was made Cap.
tain If the corps; aud, joining Washington
nj Cambridge, he was soon rapidly promo
ted in the army. Regularity, spirit, and
no small share OF science, nrc seen in his
department; mud he probably is now Sc
verer student than any cadet in Faris.--
Such man will be distinguished by ever,
opportunity TO display himself. From his
very errors he comes nj The truth. ! tind
that he has among his cnmp equipago u
valuable collection Of military books, u
rare thing in this Republican army. The.
now and then take set from the British
and commence reading them.
Sullivan, have not had much Of mn OPP
poriunity to become acquainted with; bun
ths New England people arc satisfied with
him as a general, and they nro sdgacious.
and generally correct in their opinions u
men. lie has great spirit, and good hcnd,
such men will DC distinguished in any walk
Of life.
Tho young French General (Lafayette)
you have sent To America, ism nobleman ot
naturc ns well MS oi Incident. lie is win
ming ia his manners, and is tho charm Of
social life. lie puts aside all the pre,cn-
sions Of rank, ond comes down TO level
with his brother officers. Icould not have
supposed that ono born and educated in
such court ms TINT Of Louis XIV, and XVI,
could have been 80 republican in his man
ncss. lie hns tho confidence Of Wash
imgton, the love of the great mass Of the Off
GERS, and the alteration ofihe soldiers. lie
u never easy unless on duty. md happy I
only when that duty is satisfactorily per-
formed. lie is u good soldier-fuil vi re-
sources and not easily discouraged. His
mon have full conf cnce ia him, -and that
10 every thing in general. No crusader
was ever more ardent in tho cause than
Lafayette Is IN yours. Seldom has this
world seen n general not yet out Of his mi.
n0rity; and yet he seems quito ut home
Ia military matters; but this may bc nc
counted tor by his having military cducu-
tion. which always gives u man gravity be-
youd his years.