Hungarian Heritage Review, 1990 (19. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1990-01-01 / 1. szám
Legionnaires by outlawing profiteering. The Legionnaires in turn entertained the local folk with musical parades. Oftentimes a hussar would ride his horse directly into Alden’s Tavern. Here the proprietor would stand the horse a complimentary shot of New England rum, although the officers generally preferred a West Indies brand. SEARCH FOR BENEDICT ARNOLD The Hussars made no major contribution to the American war effort until 1781, but they were active in minor assignments in autumn 1780. It was in September of that year that the ambitious Benedict Arnold, frustrated over his lack of advancement in the American Army, conspired to betray West Point to the enemy. General Washington, having learned of this betrayal through a spy, ordered a massive search for Arnold over the countryside. Washington requested a detachment of hussars from New England to patrol the countryside in New York State. The hussars saw combat in New York in June 1781. British dragoons had burned several houses near Bedford, and Washington dispatched General Benjamin Lincoln and 1,200 men to the area. Rochambeau sent two regiments, and Lauzun made a junction with Lincoln. The two commanders made an unsuccessful attempt to take Fort Knyphausen, with Lauzun blaming the failure on Lincoln’s impetuosity. Washington arrived on the scene and led the reconnaissance around New York City personally. THE SHAKO SKIRMISH During one of the skirmishes, Poloreczky and a squadron of his hussars came under enemy fire. The commander’s horse was shot dead under him, and a number of hussars lost their shakos. Undeterred, they went back to retrieve their hats although they were still under British fire. Their coolness and bravado made a great impression on Washington. On July the hussars engaged British dragoons near Dobb’s Ferry and, assisted by infantry, drove the enemy from the field. Later, reconnaissance in force, including infantry, moved towards Manhattan. Lauzun’s Legion guarded the left flank of the Continental Army, capturing numerous outposts and causing the British forward positions to fall back upon the city. AN IMPORTANT DECISION General Washington was soon faced with a serious strategic decision. He, with only 5,835 regulars and no militia, planned to attack New York City. Rochambeau was greatly disturbed by this idea. In the South, British troops under General Cornwallis, had been worn down by campaigning in the Carolinas; they had withdrawn to the Virginia coast to await evacuation. In addition, Rochambeau had received word that the French fleet of Admiral De Grasse would soon be entering American waters. De Grasse had some 20 ships of war at his disposal, with 3,000 troops on board. The French and American forces appeared to have a great opportunity to surround Cornwallis and force him to surrender with his entire force. Washington, impressed by Rochambeau’s arguments, at last agreed to march to Virginia. • continued next page 22 HUNGARIAN HERITAGE REVIEW JANUARY 1990
