The following sculpture encapsulates the image of Casimir Pulaski, who is described as “The Father of American Cavalry” [1]. This artistic piece was created by Henry Dmochowski Saunders in the year 1857. Saunders was a talented artist who created multiple artistic depictions of prominent Americans and Europeans, one of which included Casimir Pulaski [2].
Casimir Pulaski was born in Warsaw, Poland, on March 6, 1745 to Count Joseph Pulaski [3]. Pulaski’s military career began at the age of 15 years old, where he defended Polish affairs against quarrelsome Russian forces. Despite his efforts within the war, Pulaski was later exiled from Poland, being accused of treason for his shortcomings and sentenced to death [4]. He managed to escape prosecution, fleeing to multiple countries, later traveling to France in 1775, where he met Benjamin Franklin. Upon hearing of Pulaski’s military achievements and his sincere motivations, Franklin himself was motivated to draft Pulaski into the Revolution occurring within the American colonies at the time. Upon arriving in Philadelphia, PA, Pulaski met President Washington who equally shared interest within Pulaski’s record and character. Washington then invited Casimir Pulaski to join the American Continental Army, serving as a volunteer officer [5].
During his first military engagement with the British on September 11, 1777, at the Battle of Brandywine, Pulaski exerted courageous fight and effort. Despite declaring defeat against the British at this time, Pulaski saved the life of George Washington. Washington then declared Pulaski as “Brigadier General of the American Cavalry”. Following this, after forming the Pulaski Cavalry Legion, Pulaski made notable impacts on British presence within the colonies, ejecting British occupants from Charleston, South Carolina in 1779. Pulaski later led an assault against the British in Savannah, Georgia, where he was wounded during battle. Casimir Pulaski died several days later as a result of his injuries on October 15, 1779, at age 34.
Within the sculpture, Pulaski is displayed triumphantly, being shown with a properly dignified facial expression. His articles of clothing exhibit that of a respectful officer, arranged in a polished and neat manner. This depiction of Pulaski mirrors his lasting impression which he imposed during his time within the Continental Army. Despite being a Polish immigrant, Pulaski was admired for his great consideration and morality towards a foreign land. Pulaski encapsulated that which Washington sought within his own American soldiers, loyalty and motivation.
The provided sculpture is one of many items which have been dedicated to Pulaski and his influence during the American Revolution. The Continental Congress saw fit that a monument be dedicated to Pulaski, and “in 1825, General Lafayette stowed the cornerstone for the Casimir Pulaski monument in Savannah, Georgia”. In 1929, the United States Congress announced that each year, on October 11th, will be declared as Casimir Pulaski Day. Additionally, on November 6, 2009, Casimir Pulaski was declared an honorary citizen of the United States, being recognized for his heroic effort displayed in the fight for American independence. Recognition of Pulaski’s impact was acknowledged from its initial occurrence and has continued within present day society. Every year, he is notably honored in New York City during its annual Pulaski parade.
[1] Brigadier General Count Casimir Pulaski Memorial (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/places/000/brigadier-general-count-casimir-pulaski-memorial.htm#:~:text=Casimir%20Pulaski%20(1745%2D1779),in%20battle%20at%20Savannah%2C%20Georgia.
[2] Henry Dmochowski Saunders.Casimir Pulaski. 1857. Marble Sculpture. h. 39 x w. 27.63 x d. 17.75 in. U.S. Senate Collection. https://www.senate.gov/art-artifacts/fine-art/sculpture/21_00015_000.htm.
[3] General Casimir Pulaski. https://www.polishamericancenter.org/Pulaski.htm.
[4] Manning, Clarence Augustus. Soldier of Liberty, Casimir Pulask. New York, Philosophical library, 1945. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uva.x000476506&seq=68
[5] William, W., Gordon. “COUNT CASIMIR PULASKI.”The Georgia Historical Quarterly 13, no. 3 (1929): 167–227. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40576081.
[6] Joint Resolution Proclaiming Casimir Pulaski To Be an Honorary Citizen of the United States Posthumously [Electronic Resource]. Washington, D.C. :U.S. G.P.O., 2009. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-111publ94/html/PLAW-111publ94.htm