The Library of American Biography (Volume 14) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847. Excerpt: ... PREFACE. The materials for the following memoir, in the part relating to events in Poland, have been drawn chiefly from Rulhiere's Histoire de VAnarchie de Pologne, a work of authority, and of uncommon ability and eloquence. As an historical composition, it possesses very great merit. The author had the best opportunity for collecting his facts, and verifying their accuracy, since he had access to all the documents on the subject in the French archives, as well as a personal acquaintance with some of the principal actors in the scenes which he describes. In addition to this work, the Histoire des Revolutions de Pologne, by the Abbe Joubert, has also been consulted. For the particulars in the life of Pulaski after he came to America, I have depended, for the most part, on his manuscript correspondence with the President of Congress, with General Washington, and other general officers of the continental army. A pamphlet, entitled Pulaski Vindicated, written by Colonel Bentalou, an officer in Pulaski's legion, has also furnished some interesting facts; the more valuable and authentic as coming from one, who was intimately connected with him during the whole of his brief career in the war of the American revolution. COUNT PULASKI No event in history has been regarded with so much astonishment and indignation, by all men possessing the common feelings of humanity and sense of justice, as the dismemberment of Poland. A country of ancient renown, one fifth larger than France, and containing twenty millions of people, has been ravaged, plundered, divided, subdued, and its political existence annihilated, by the treachery and cupidity of its three formidable neighbors, Russia, Austria, and Prussia. In the annals of mankind there is not a more revolting chapter, th...