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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Pulaski, Casimir (1747-1779) to Colonel Hoppé

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03568 Author/Creator: Pulaski, Casimir (1747-1779) Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: 18 June 1778 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 33.6 x 22.3 cm Order a Copy

Written by Brigadier General Pulaski, a Polish count, as commander of his independent cavalry brigade to a Colonel Hoppé as Quartermaster General in Easton, Pennsylvania. Pulaski was soliciting help for the creation of what would become the "Pulaski Legion." Asks Hoppé to "Render all the Services which will Lay in your Power to Mr. Couch Colonel of My Legion, if he should be in the Case to Desire some things of you."

Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who left Poland for Turkey in 1772, travelled to Paris in 1775, and then to America under a letter of introduction from Benjamin Franklin, joined the revolutionaries in July 1777. Pulaski's service was less than stellar. He alienated many American officers with his haughty attitude and desire to take orders only from Washington or Lafayette. He was shot on 9 October 1779 in a gallant but foolhardy calvary charge at Savannah, Georgia. He died two days later.

Sir

I "Do" Make use of the opportunity of Mr. Brun to Recall my self in your Mind, & to Pray you to Render all the services which will Lay in your Power to Mr. Coach Colonel of My Legion, if he should be in the Case to Desire some things of you. you will oblige, Me & if I could Be any service to you may dispose freely of me who are with Esteem & Consideration.
Sir
Your most: humble & obedt.
June 18 1778 Servant C Pulaski Gnl

[address leaf]
To
Colonel hoppe' Qarter Master Genl
At Easton

[docket]
Letter
Gen. Pulaki
June 18 1778

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