Fraternity-Testvériség, 1979 (57. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1979-04-01 / 2. szám
FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH The story of Colonel Michael Kováts de Fabricy on the two hundredth anniversary of his heroic death. On May 11, 1979 Hungarian Americans will commemorate the most outstanding Hungarian military achievement in the Revolutionary War. Two hundred years ago Michael Kováts de Fabricy sacrificed his life for the liberty of the United States and the freedom of the American people. Colonel Kováts was one of the best trained and most experienced Hussar officers of Europe. He came to America when the colonists struggled for their independence. As “Master of Exercises” he rendered invaluable services to the cause of the colonists by properly training Washington’s first cavalry units. Later, he became the Colonel-Commandant of the famous Pulaski Legion and was killed in action leading the death-defying Hussar attack of the Legion in the defense of Charleston, South Carolina, a crucially important seaport at that time. In 1778 the British monarch, George 111, got tired of the incompetence of General Howe, supreme commander of the British forces in America, and appointed his former subordinate, Sir Henry Clinton, to lead the British to a quick victory. Clinton possessed not only previous experience in colonial affairs, but also good psychological judgment. He was aware that not all colonists are supporting the revolution and drafted a strategic plan giving major consideration to this underlying fact. By sea, he sent about 3,000 selected and well-equipped mercenaries under the command of Brigadier General Augustine Prevost and Lieutenant Colonel Campbell from New York to the south. Their assignment was to occupy the two most important southern ports: Savannah in Georgia and Charleston in South Carolina. Afterwards they were to move north, reinforced by loyalist militiamen and attack Washington’s forces deprived of their southern manpower and supply. According to this very imaginative plan, Clinton wanted to fight the war against the American rebels with American resources. Washington had realized the grave danger rather late. By December 29, 1778, Savannah was occupied by the British, and Washington ordered the Legion to the south only on February 2, 1779, together with the forces of Colonel Armand and Captain Schott. He could not risk sending any more troops from his own army without provoking a devastating attack by the northern forces of Sir Clinton stationed in New York. After quickly capturing Savannah in a surprise attack, General Prevost moved his army enforced by loyalist groups to the north and reached Charleston with his advance guard on May 11, 1779, the day when the infantry of the Legion arrived after a long forced march from the north. The total force of the Legion hardly exceeded 150. Nevertheless, this small group displayed a strange contrast in spirit to that of the population of Charleston which was at its lowest possible ebb. Both the Loyalists and the patriots frightened by exaggerated reports about the strength of the British Army, estimated at 7-8,000 mercenaries and loyal troupers, urged the surrender FRATERNITY Official Organ of The Hungarian Reformed Fed. of America Edited by Officers of the Federation Published quarterly — four times a year. Subscription for non-members in U.S.A. and Canada $3, elsewhere $3 a year. Office of Publication: Bethlen Press, Inc., Ligonier, Pa. 15658 POSTMASTER:—Send Form 3579 to Editorial Office: P. O. Box 34917, Washington, D. C. 20034. Telephone: (301) 770-1144. Editorial Committee: Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor— Rt. Rev. Arpad George, President Associate Editors— László L. Eszenyi, Executive Vice-President, Elmer E. Vargo, Secretary, Joseph S. Molnár, Treasurer. Second Class Postage Paid at the Post Office in Ligonier, Pa. 15658. 2
