The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-10-30


Among the many Catholics who fought in
the Revolution on the patriot side, which
grandfather Harper worked against, Pu-
laski, the heroic Pole, stands IN the front
rank. An idea of how the Republic re-
members his services in her cause may be
gathered from the following, taken from
the Boston Globe:
A bust of Pulaski has long been drifting
about the National Capitol at Washington.
The artist, Henry ID. Saunders Tor really,
Donochowski, that being his fathers name,
which he changed to his mothers, owing to
the difficulties of English pronunciation
was invited to model and execute such a
bust, now some sixteen years ago, by the
then Library Committee of Congress. He
asked $4,000, and the bust was ordered, but
has never been paid for. 1t has been val
ued by DR.. Stone at $4,000. Several at
tempts to secure payment have failed. In
1868, the artist was killed in Poland, fight
ing in the last unfortunate attempt at indie
pendence. There is probability that the
bust Will be taken to europe, and there sold
by executors. Defea of the appropriation
was due mainly to Mr. Fessenden, while he
was living-that Senator having once de-
nounced Pulaski as "hireling, and always
thereafter OppOScu lut
At the present, the Georgia State Histor-
ical Society are canvassing the purchase,
Pulaski having fallen, it will be remem-
bered, at the taking of Savannah from the
British. The bust is regarded as a good
likeness, having been modelled from the
only known portrait of the Polish Marshal,
which Major Rogerski, Pulaski's lifelong
friend, pronounced to be the only correct
representation of his chief. 1t was brought
here from the Polish archives at Paris,
whittier it has been returned Major Roger
ski died at Paris in 1886, leaving behind
valuable memoirs, of which the Russians
managed to get considerable portion. A
gentlemen in this city, one of the leading
Poles nov living, has that portion of the
manuscript relating to Pulaski's American
career now in his possession. This he de-
sires to translate. 1t will make about 100
printed twelve mo. pages, and is full of val
liable data and incidents. RogeTski was
captain under Pulaski in the Army of the
Confederation of Bar, then major in the
American Continental Army aud the Polish
Legion. From translation of portions of
Rogerski's manuscript the following inter
esting extracts are made. After describing
Pulaskis determination to leave Poland,
when in his last stronghold, the fortress of
Crewstochoaa,, in June, 1775, he says of his
meeting Franklin at Passy, near Paris:
There entered slowly. dignifed old
man, holding in his hand q cane. His hair
was gray, his mien very prepossessing. This
was Franklin himself, the worldwide known
philosopher, who by profound study, had
devised protection against the lightning,
and who was now working against the
English tyrant of his country.
Franklin spoke French very well, much bet
ter than his secretary (Carmichael) =
He said: 1t is such mon as you we want,
men of warm hearts and chivalrous decision.
hope that the Poles, who have a world
wide reputation as good soldiers, will be of
great use 70 my poor fatherland.' Pulaski
answered: we grew up with hatred to all
tyranny; above all, 10 a foreign tyranny.
OF course, therefore, the struggle for liberty
everywhere is our struggle.'n
The tale is simple and fervid. There are
brief but graphic accounts Of their landing,
meeting Washington, and description Of
him, rs we'll as Others of the American gem
erals It gives an affecting account Of his
death; also u quaint statement Of some pre-
monitions named eight days before by the
Polish marshal 70 his devoted friend Roger
ski. The entire manuscript shows, both in
the writer and his hero. 4 simplicity, de
yotedneSs and singicneSs of life which
stamps them as Of pure heroic type. It
would be a shame TO allow this bust OF Pu-
laski 10 leave the country, when we can pay
FOR such petty inanities as Mozier's IN
pcnerOse. now IN the old Hall of Repre-
scnfafivcs. - fr,sh World