Kosciusko's Monument and Garden

Text from William Wade

The heights in the vicinity are many of them crowned by redoubts and batteries, erected under the direction of the great Kosciusko. In August, 1780, Arnold received the command of this military station, which extended from Fishkill to Verplank's Point. On the 25th of September, he made his escape from his head-quarters, the Robinson House, two miles below West Point. His treason has had its reward. Of the three monuments which meet the eye at West Point, that at the north-eastern extremity of the works, at the projecting point forming the abrupt bend of the river, is erected to the memory of the patriot Kosciusko, who resided here. It is of white marble, consisting of a base and a short column. It was completed in 1829, by the corps of cadets at an expense of about five thousand dollars. In the vicinity of the monument is Kosciusko's garden, the place "where the Polish chieftain was accustomed to retire for study and reflection. Marks of cultivation are perceptible in the disposition of the walks and trees, and the beautiful seclusion of the spot still invites to thought and repose." Thaddeus Kosciusko, says the American Encyclopedia, was born at Lithuania, in 1756, and educated at the military school of Warsaw. After studying in France, he came to America, recommended by Franklin to Washington, to whom he was appointed an aid. In October, 1776, he was appointed an engineer, with the rank of colonel, in which capacity be fortified the camp of General Gates, in his campaign against Burgoyne, and afterwards erected the works at West Point. He was highly esteemed by both American and French officers; he was admitted a member of the Society of the Cincinnati; and he received the thanks of Congress for his services. At the close of the Revolutionary war, he returned to his native country, and was made Major-General under Poniatowski. He fought several battles with great bravery; but all his efforts were rendered useless by the follies of the Polish Diet. In April, 1794, on the breaking out of the new revolution, he was appointed to the chief command, with dictatorial powers, and he managed affairs with great address and bravery, until the 10th of October, when, overpowered and wounded, he was made prisoner and carried to St. Petersburg. On the accession of the Emperor Paul, he was released from the confinement into which Catharine had thrown him, loaded with honours, and offered employment in the Imperial service. This he declined; and when the Emperor proffered him his own sword, he said, " I no longer need a sword-I have no longer a country." In 1797, he visited the United States, and received a grant from Congress. In the latter part of his life he retired to Switzerland, where he died, October 16, 1817. His remains were taken to Cracow, and a public funeral made for him at Warsaw, where almost divine honours were paid him.

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