The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1933-10-12
POLISH

whose numbers far exceeded their own proved
disastrous Kosciuszko. seriously wounded, was
taken prisoner on the battlefield
For two years he was confined In the famous
Russian fortress OF st. Peter and Paul. He was
released upon hts request that he be allowed
once more to visit America.
After bis second visit to America he settled
down In house near Paris. There he received
many distinguished guests and worked for q
fatherland he was never to see again. The last
few years of his life were spent with friends
In Selethurn. Switzerland, where he died tn 1917
Closely connected with the month OF October
Is the story OF another Polish champion OF lIb-
erty. comrade In arms of KoscIuszko and
man whom Americans delight 20 honor along
with hinl-Count Casimir Pulaski.
Pulaski born In Podolia, Poland, March
4 1748 As q mere boy he threw himself Into the
struggle for Polish liberty. At twenty-one he
stirred up revolt in Lithuania against the ty-
rannIcal Russians, who were gradually crushing
out Polands national life .4
Though elected commandern-chief OF the Po-
llsh army Of Independence In 1770 when but
twenty-five years old he was defeated In battle
and scored failure after failure. He Is said to
have made an unsuccessful attempt the next year
to kidnap King Stanlsas Of Poland from the
mishaps Pulaski was outlawed, his estates con-
fscated and price set on his head.
Pulaski fed for his life to Turkey. finding his
way thence to France patriot without coun.
try In Paris he met Benjamin Franklin. and
heard from him the story OF Americas struggle
for liberty. Here at last a chance for the
fugitive to strike another blow for freedom
Armed with letters of introduction from Frank
lin. he sailed for Philadelphia in March, 1777,
and Joined Washlngtons army volunteer.
Washington appointed the Pole to place on the
general staff Pulaskis first American battle was
at the Brandywine. There he rallied companies
OF retreating Americans. and so deployed them
as to protect the retreat OF our main army For
this service congress made him brigadier gen.
eral
He persuaded Washington to raise body Of
light infantry and cavalry and enlist for 1t all
classes Of men, including prisoners and de-
serters. The count was made leader OF this
corps OF $50 troops, which was known as the
Pulaski Legion. With his odd following he har-
rled the British and won new fame But be
grew tiredo of holding SO small command. There
was strife and discomfort among the men. Pull
aski gave up his office, and decided to go back
to Europe
Washington persuaded him to stay In the army,
energies. The southern summers unbearable
heat and the steamlng, unwholesome marshes
where he was often forced to camp told upon
the Poles health. He fell seriously Iii with ma
laria fever But as fast as he recovered from
attack he continued his campaign against
the British until another illness laid him low.
His health wrecked he fought on.
The Americans were planning to march against
the English forces that held Savannah Ga. Pull
aski, acting as advance guard, fell upon the I'M
prepared enemy, captured some OF their outer
Notifications and opened the road, for commune
cation between the patriots and the reinforcing
French feet
The Americans then laid regular siege to Sa-
yannah. Pulaski was made leader of both the
American and the French cavalry and led an
assault on the British lines on October 8. 1910,
during which he was mortally wounded He
died two days later on the United States brig,
the Wasp, and was buried at sea.
The sesuuicentenna OF Puaskrs death was
the occasion for nationwide observance on
October H. 1920, when commemorative services
we're held In many places throughout the coun-
try and a tall shaft honoring the Polish hero,
was unveiled In Savannah There was also spe-
cal stamp issue In honor of the event The next
year a resolution was introduced Into congress
to make October II Of each year pulaski Me
mortal day" and In 1881 this resolution was
pissed and President Hoover issued proclaina-
ton calling for Its observance.
49,. annrI