Volume 28 September Number 8 2009

For many years those supporters of re- identify the presiding officer as “President”. visionism and multiculturalism have been Seven brave American men served as frustrated in their attempts to diminish the Presidents of the First and another sev- reputation of George Washington. For- en served in the same capacity at the tunately for him and our country every Second . In both attempt has been a dismal failure. Today, a new Congresses, two of the men served two times. attempt to diminish his position in our history In no way would we diminish the achievements has been raised. Individuals are claiming that or reputations of these fourteen patriots, who he was not the first President, as we have been risked everything for the cause of American in- taught, but the ninth! They base this claim on the dependence. We have prepared a table identifying historical fact that in November 1781, shortly after them and the dates of their service on page 5. his victory at Yorktown, the “Articles of Confederation and The President of the Congress and the Presidency of ” were approved. This was the first con- the United States share the same name, but that ends the stitution of the thirteen United States of America. It also similarity of the position. By design, the delegates who proclaimed the name of the newly founded country as the were fearful of concentrating political power in a single in- “United States of America”. This subject has been raised dividual gave little authority to the President of Congress. numerous times before, but as a historical curi- He was forbidden to set the legislative agenda, osity, rather than today’s claim of George make committee appointments, meet private- Washington fraudulently claiming to be ly with foreign officials. The President of the first president. Congress was basically a ceremonial po- The document established that the sition, presiding over the meetings and presiding officer would be titled serving as an impartial moderator dur- “President of United States in ing debates. When the Congress met Congress Assembled.” - - retain- as a Committee of the Whole, he ing the tradition established when would relinquish his chair to the the first Continental Congress was Chairman of the Committee of convened on September 5th, 1774 to Continued on page 5 --> CHAPTER OFFICERS President - Douglas H. Bradley 1012 Macy Street, La Habra, CA 90631

1st Vice President & Color Guard Commander Melvin M. Harrell P.O.Box 3334 Running Springs, CA 923820-3334

2nd Vice President - Ronald Mayo Johnson 1000 Prospect Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91103-2810 th Secretary - Donald N. Moran 12:00 p.m. - Saturday - September 19 , 2009 17651 Arlington Pl, Tehachapi, CA 93561-5300 Joint Meeting with the Harbor Chapter 1-661-823-9227 The Harbor Chapter has invited us to join them at 1:00 p.m. on Treasurer - David W. Eaton Saturday, September 19th, on board the S.S. Lane Victory, a World War 5200 Irvine Blvd, #283 Irvine, CA 92620 II Liberty ship and museum for a joint meeting. Luncheon will be served at the same cost as our regular meeting. Registrar - Berni K. Campbell A flyer with directions, etc. was sent with the dues notice on Sep- 31333 East Nine Dr. Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 tember 1st. Please advise our Secretary if you and your fanily members are attending. Chaplain - The Reverend Victor M. Springer 1420 Santo Domingo Ave, Duarte, CA 91010

Historian - James Q. Bradley 1918 E. Rio Verde Dr. West Covina, CA 91791-2759

Chancellor & Vice Cdr, Gregory M. Gujda 13691 Gavina Avenue #551 Sylmar, CA 91342-2669

Genealogist - Kerry Davidson 1409 Sandia Avenue West Covina, CA 91790-3309 Surgeon - Dr. Francis P. Powers Post Office Box 20623 New York, N,Y, 10021-0072

Web Master - Gary Bohannon 5839 Ingvaldsen Place. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 Trustees of the Permanent Fund David W. Eaton - Term: 2007-2010 James C. McHargue - Term 2008-2011 David M. Hayball - Term 2009-2012

Our Chapter has seven Compatriots in uniform and The Liberty Tree is the official newslet- we wish to formally thank them for their service. ter of the Sons of Liberty Chapter, SAR. The Lt. Col. David Smith, USAF - (Edwards AFB, CA). opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not that of the Chapter, State or Major Mason Dula, USAF - (Middle-East), National Society. Donald N. Moran, Editor, Capt. Eric Fourroux, USA - (Arlington, VA), 17651 Arlington Place Tehachapi, CA. 93561 2nd Lieut. Sean Hayball, USA - (Schofield Barracks, HI) - 1-661-823-9227 - E-mail: [email protected]. Sergeant Major William FitzGerald, USMC - (California) Virginia Emrey Patten, Assistant Editor. LCpl Christopher Pickens USMC - (CO) Jim Bradley and Linda Moran photogra- 2 phers. PFC Daniel Pickens USA - (Fort Knox, KY) The Liberty Medal is presented for being the first line signed on ten (10) Sergeant Major SAR membership applications. Berni Name 1 2 3 4 5 William F. FitzGerald, III has received ten such awards! Nicholas Anduze 3 The Chapter is delighted in the safe Dino Cardone 3 and sound return of Sergeant Major Wil- Michael E. Coyle 3 liam F. FitzGerald, III from a one year Floyd Parrish ...... 09/14 Jay Dupre 3 deployment in Afghanistan. He is now Christopher Pickens ...... 09/27 stationed state side! Owen G. Dupre 3 Depicted below is the Sergeant Major Wyatt J. Dupre 3 cutting the Marine Corps birthday cake. Don Gough Bruce & Suzanne McKenzie 3 3 3 Married: 08/29/1999 - 10 years Jonathan Harrell Joshua Hayball 3 3 Reginald & Phildora Humphreys Bill Knoll 3 Married: 09/02/1938 - - 71 years John P. Marshall 3 Charles & Eleanor Stalh John Mohler 3 3 3 3 Married: 09/09/1955 - - 54 years Dana Patten 3 3 Charles & Geraldine Branda James B. Reidy, Jr. 3 3 Married: 09/10/1960 - - 49 years Sean O’Rourke 3 3 Congratulations Berni Campbell Lt. Col. Elmer & Marion Rose Morse C. Schutzenberger 3 Married: 09/17/1943 - - 66 years Depicted below is Berni receiving Michael Squires 3 3 yet another oak leaf cluster for his Lib- Gregory & Sandra Prang John Stites 3 erty Medal, presented by Vice President Married: 09/18/1998 - - 11 years General Karl Jacobs Eric Tukey 3 Thomas & Susan Warden 3 3 3 3 Married: 09/22/1990 - - 19 years Richard J. Welsh Legend James & Sally Kishlock (1) Worksheet sent to applicant Married: 09/24/1989 - - 20 years (2) Worksheet received (3) Genealogical work in progress Peter & Susan Landry (4) Application in preparation Married: 09/29/1961- - 48 years (5) Application at Nat’l for approval Berni K. Campbell Registrar

Compatriots - - The Chapter mailed amount is now $63.00. This was your 2010 Annual dues no- the first dues increase in eight tice via U.S. Mail. You (8) years! In spite of the Na- should have it already tional financial problem it or shortly. In the no- was absolutely necessary. tice we explained that If this presents a problem the National Society for you, please contact our has increased the Na- Secretary. Your continued tional portion of the dues support of the Society and the by $5.00 (now $30.00). When added protection of our precious heritage is to the State and Chapter, the total greatly appreciated. 3 The event will In past years the be held on October 3rd & 4th, 2009 at “Guards, supported by Morgan’s the Prado Dam Recreation Area, Eu- Rifles and Lamb’s Continental- Ar clid Avenue, Chino, California . This tillery have reenacted battles with the excellent educational two day event British contingent, the 23rd and 33rd Reg- presents living history from ancient Ro- iments of Foot. mans to contemporary America. One can The Commander-in-Chief’s Guards and visit encampments through the ages, watch the 4th Connecticut Continental Regiment will reenacted battles, ride on tanks and half tracks. protect the General and recruit young visitors into the Our Harbor, Redlands, Riverside and Sons of Liberty Continental Army. We will be joined by Morgan’s Rang- Chapters will recreate General Washington’s Field Head- ers, and all the detachments will have our Camp Followers quarter’s Encampment. Compatriots Roger Cooper of the participating. Riverside Chapter will portray George Washington on Sat- We encourage our members and families to visit this urday, and Compatriot Scott Campbell of the Sons of Liberty wonderful event, however, all participants in the encamp- Chapter will do likewise on Sunday. ment MUST be in colonial dress.

George Washington’s Field Headquarters protected by the Commander-in-Chief’s Guards

Guardsmen Mark & Greg Captain Ferguson (George Mack) of Among the numerous units participating in Gudja, Mark Coda and Karl the 23rd Regiment of Foot surrendering Marching Through History, the Roman Jacobs enlisting youngsters to the Officers of the Commander- Legion is one of the most colorful. into the “Guards”. The Kids in-Chief’s Guards after a recreated The event even has knights on horseback, sign up with a quill. battle at the 2006 event. and WWII tanks and artillery. Congressional Chaplain Jacob Duche leading the first prayer at the first Continental Congress held in Carpenter’s Hall, , Pennsylvania, September 1774, Artist unknown. the Whole. He signed, but did not write the Congress’s official docu- ments. The position was so restrictive that in reality a delegate to Congress lost much of his influence when he was elected -“Presi dent”. , who served as President of Congress re- signed in order that he could contribute more to the War. One of the major shortfalls of the Articles of Confederation was the lack of an Executive Branch. When the Constitution was written that problem was resolved and the Presidency of the United States of America was created, but unlike the President of Congress, he was granted many powers which we are all familiar with today. The choice of titles for the newly created position was lim- ited as were examples of republican forms of government, hence the delegates had little choice but to continue the title of President.

President’s of the Continental Congress

No. President’s Name From & To Served 1 (Va.) 09/05/1774 (a) 2 months b. 09/10/1721 - d. 10/22/1775 10/22/1774 2 (SC.) 10/22/1774 -1 months b. 0?/0?/1717 - d. 06/13/1784 10/26/1774 3 Peyton Randolph (Va.) 05/10/1775 (b) -1 months b. 09/10/1721 - d. 10/22/1775 05/24/1775 4 (Ma.) 05/24/1775 20 months b. 01/23/1737 - d. 10/08/1793 10/29/1777 5 Henry Laurens (SC) 11/01/1777 (c) 13 months b. 03/06/1724 - d. 03/08/1792 12/09/1778 6 (NY) 12/10/1778 10 months b. 12/12/1745 - d. 05/17/1829 09/28/1779 5 No. President’s Name From & To Served 7 Samuel Huntington (Ct.) 09/28/1779 21 months b. 07/16/1731- d. 01/051796 07/10/1781 (d) 8 Thomas McKean (De.) 07/10/1781 4 months b. 03/19/1734 - d. 06/24/1817 1/05/1781 9 (Md.) 11/05/1781 (e) 12 months b. 03/19/1734 - d. 06/24/1817 11/04/1781 10 (NJ.) 11/04/1782 12 months b. 05/02/1740 - d. 10/24/1821 11/03/1783 11 Pa.( ) 11/03/1783 (f) 7 months b.01/10/1744 - d. 01/20/1800 06/03/1784 12 (Va.) 11/30/1784 11 months b. 01/10/1744 - d. 06/19/1794 11/04/1785 13 John Hancock (g) (Ma.) 11/23/1785 6 months b. 01/23/1727 - d. 10/08/1793 06/05/1786 14 (Ma.) 06/06/1786 5 months b. 05/27/1738 - d. 06/11/1796 11/03/1786 15 Arthur St. Clair (Pa.) 02/02/1787 10 months b. 03/23/1737 - d. 08/31/1818 11/04/1787 16 (Va.) 01/22/1788 10 months b. 07/16/1749 - d. 12/14/1810 11/15/1788 (h) NOTES (a) - Start of the First Continental Congress

(b) - Start of the Second Continental Congress

(c) - Secretary fulfilled Presidential duties from 10/29/1777 to 11/01/1777

(d) - The Articles of Confederation were ratified during the term of Samuel Huntington

(e) - John Hanson was elected the first President under the Articles of Confederation

(f) - Daniel Carroll acted as “Chairman” from 11/02/1783 until 12/13/1783

(g) - John Hancock did not report to Congress for his second term, acted as chairman from 11/23/1785 and Nathaniel Gorham from 05/14/1785 acted as Chairman.

(h) - After Cyrus Griffin resigned as President, the Presidency became vacant. Donald N. Moran Fleeing poverty and op- By: Glenn J. Gujda pression America’s Polish Past Chapter President immigrants have brought two precious things to America: a quick and total victory! One: An ethic for hard work, In the and two: A love for freedom. the Poles, with hardly an excep- Only a year after it was founded, tion, joined the fight for independence. Jamestown, America’s first settlement of At least one thousand names of unmis- English colonists was on the verge of col- takably Polish origin can be identified in lapse. The great leader of the colony, Captain John Smith had the muster rolls of the Continental Army. This number does arrived with his fellow Englishmen, but must of these men not include the multitude of Polish immigrants that anglicized were no match for the tough jobs that lay ahead. For the most their names. Some examples: Those names that were simply part they were “gentlemen adventurer’s” and were not up to translated: Mlynarz to Miller, Krol to King, Mysliwiec to the task of taming America’s wilderness. Hunter. Other Polish names were changed to vaguely resem- It wasn’t long before Captain Smith was asking the colo- ble the original name: Moscicki to Marson, or Protopowicz to ny’s sponsor, The Virginia Company, based in London, to “.... Prescott. Send me 30 carpenters, blacksmiths and masons rather than a The accomplishments of these Poles, who were already 1000 men such as we have now”. Americans, have been largely overshadowed by the fame of On September 25th, 1608 the ship Mary and Margaret two young volunteers from abroad. Thaddeus Kosciuszko sailed up the James River carrying six Polish artisans. Axes and Casimir Pulaski - - both of them had been exiled from Po- in hand they followed Captain Smith into the woods and set land for resisting the dismemberment of their country by Rus- about marking a clearing - - in three weeks they had a roar- sia, Prussia and Austria. With their love of liberty that knew ing fire going under a glass furnace, the no national borders, they saw America’s first factory in the colonies in America. struggle for independence as their own. Next they tapped the pine trees and dis- Many of you have visited West Point, our tilled tar and pitch. They set up a soap U.S. Army’s Military Academy, and if so works and built a saw mill. Soon the you have probably seen the hugh statue entire settlement was hard at work. of a patriot which stands overlooking the This handful of men who Captain Hudson River - This statue is of Thad- Smith would give full credit for saving deus Kosciuszko. the colony and insuring the survival of Thaddeus was born Andrzej Tadeusz the English speaking colony were not Bonawentura Kosciuszko, on February Englishmen at all. Their names were: 4th, 1746, the son of Ludwik and Tekla Michal Lowicki, Zbigniew Stefanski, Kosciuszko (pronounced: Kosh-choosh- Jur Mata, Jan Bogdan, Karol Zrenica ko), in a small village in the Northeastern and Stanislaw Sadowski. These Poles part of Poland near Lithuania. Although landed in America twelve years before of noble birth, he and his father worked the Mayflower! the land. Poland at this time was under a A few years later these same Pol- feudal system. ish immigrants set another precedent. He was educated in Lubieszow and card produced by rthur zyk th A A S On July 30 , 1619, Virginia’s new gov- commemorating the 400th anniversary of then at the Cadet Academy in Warsaw. ernor Sir Samuel Argall had authorized the arrival of the six polish immigrants He continued his engineering the election of the first legislative body at Jamestown, Virginia education at the French Military in America, but only the English were allowed to vote. This Academy (École Militaire) in Paris, France. Returning outraged the Poles who laid down there tools until they were to Poland, Thaddeus served in the Polish army until it granted full equality. was defeated by the Russians and Poland was parti- This was America’s First strike! These craftsmen scored tioned. continued on page 8 --> After Poland’s defeat, numerous leaders of the before that body on Friday, August 30th. They endorsed government and army escaped and went into exile. him and referred him to the Board of War. The Board, We have all heard the name Casimir Pulaski, whose noted for being slow, reported back to Congress on Oc- father was one of the country’s leaders. Thaddeus tober 18th, 1776 whereupon they Congressional Record knew that Pulaski had gone to the colonies to reports: “Resolved, that Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Esq. offer his services to their army. Thaddeus decid- be appointed an engineer in the service of the United ed to do the same and made his way to Paris. States with the pay of sixty dollars a month and the From France he sailed for the American colo- rank of Colonel. nies. Kosciusko made his way to the Colonies His first assignment was to help fortify Fort via Paris. According to a Polish newspaper, the Mercer near Philadelphia. Then he was dispatched ship Thaddeus was aboard had encountered a to the Hudson River Valley. From there he joined severe storm (a hurricane in July is common- the Northern Army at Fort Ticonderoga, New York. place), and sank. Kosciuszko and his party His trained eye immediately observed the danger were rescued and later taken to safety in St. presented by Mount Defiance. He recommended Domingo, and obtained passage to America. fortifying it, but for reasons never given, Major Kosciuszko arrived in Philadelphia in August General Philip Schuyler failed to heed his advice. of 1776. One of the first things he did was to read When British General John Burgoyne laid the Declaration of Independence which had been siege to Fort Ticonderoga. his engineers observed published after his departure from France. The the same thing that Kosciuszko had seen, and de- document confirmed everything he believed in. ployed a battery of artillery to the heights. This In spite of his shared belief in independence, signal act reduced the fortress to be indefen- he found he was not greeted with open arms. sible. The American commanding officer, Ma- Foreigners were not entirely trusted at that time. jor General Arthur St Clair ordered the fortress However, the timing of Thaddeus’s arrival was very fortunate. abandoned. Congress was very concerned with fortifying Philadelphia The British pursued the Americans on their retreat south- and was in need of military engineers. Kosciuszko presented ward. Thaddeus employed all his engineering skills creating his credentials to the Continental Congress which was read delaying tactics on the one road south. His efforts reduced

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Thaddeus Kosciuszko Supervising the fortification of the Saratoga, New York Battlefield where British General John Burgoyne and his army was defeated.. continued on page 9 --> General Burgoyne’s army marching ing their distinctive medal. It is also ability to a mile a day! This delay pro- generally believed that he was one of vided the American forces time to be the officers that accompanied Gen- heavily reinforced, and Kosciuszko, eral Washington to Fraunces Tavern, then the Chief Engineer of the North- where the General bid farewell to his ern Army to build fortifications north officers. The General presented Thad- of Albany - at Saratoga, His contribu- deus a brace of pistols and a dress tions to the victory at Saratoga, which sword for his services. proved to be the “Turning point of the In 1784 Kosiuszko returned to Po- war for Independence” land, a national hero. Ten years later His service was mentioned in he led a rebellion against the Russians General George Washington’s report to who controlled Poland, and on April Congress on the victory at Saratoga: 4th, 1794 defeated them at the battle of “November 10th, 1777 Raclawice. In short order he liberated To the President of Congress: Warsaw and Wilno. In the last battle . . . . While I am on this subject, I would TheThaddeus Kosciuszko monument at he was seriously wounded, stating “I Saratoga battlefield. take the liberty to mention, that I have received four bullets, three creased been well informed, that the Engineer in the Northern Army my uniform and the fourth wounded me in an ‘inglorious’ (Cosieki, I think his name is) is a Gentleman of science and part of my anatomy”. He was taken prisoner by the Russians merit. From the character I have had of him, he is deserving and upon his release from prison, he returned to America, of notice too. . . .” which he considered his second home, on August 18th, 1797. A monument commemorating his contribution to this He was given a heroe’s welcome upon his arrival. victory has been placed on the Saratoga battlefield. He took up residence at a house at 3rd and Pine Street, His next assignment was to enhance the fortifications at but still recovering from his wounds, rarely left his bedroom. West Point, considered to be the “key to the continent”. Con- The house is now a museum. trol of the Hudson River would divide While in Philadelphia Congress the country, separating New England granted him $15,000 for his services, from the rest of the states. West Point, and back pay, and a land grant of 500 sat at a point where the Hudson made acres in Ohio. Thaddeus, a firm be- two sharp turns, making it differcult for liever in liberty, for everyone, was very sailing ships to negotiate. much opposed to slavery. He asked Kosciuszko planned and super- that his friend, Thomas Jefferson sell vised the erection of several overlap- the Ohio land, and use the earnings to ping fortifications, wherein to attack establish a school for black which was one would bring you under fire from done in Newark, New Jersey. some of the others. He also had a great Kosciuszko left Philadelphia in less chain placed across the river on rafts. than a year, yearning to assist his native The combination would deny access Poland’s continued efforts for freedom, to the areas north of West Point to the but was unable to do so. He spent the British. West Point became known as rest of his days in Switzerland, where the Gibraltar of America. at age seventy-two, he died on October He was then transferred to the 15th, 1817. Southern Army, and participated in the His remains were transport- actions there including In 1783 Thad- ed to Krakow, Poland where it deus was promoted to Brigadier Gener- was interred at Wawel Castle, al and joined the Society of the Cincin- among the tombs of the Polish nati. On the several surviving paintings The West Point Monument Kings, a her of two countries. of him in uniform he is shown wear- to Thaddeus Kosciuszko Continued on page 10 --> Have you ever wondered why there are so many coun- arrived in Philadelphia in August of 1777. He offered his ties throughout the United States named Pulaski County? services and sizeable fortune to America. Like Thadd- These States include: Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, In- eous Kosciuszko, Congress was slow to accept his of- diana, Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia, all named for fer. He did not wait for official recognition. He raised Casimir Pulaski. Who was he? Why should all these and equipped a troop of cavalry at his own expense, States honor him by naming counties after him? and in the style of the Polish Cavalry. The horses he Casimir Pulaski was a Polish nobleman who had brought to America, having learned that good volunteered to assist the Americans during the mounts were hard to secure here. At the time of Revolutionary War. Washington’s defeat at Brandywine (September He was born on March 6th, 1745, the son 11th, 1777) his cavalry is credited with saving of Jozef and Marianna Pulaski. He was born in much of the American Army by his slashing rear Warka, not Warsaw as is so often quoted. Not guard actions. Four days after the battle congress much is known about his early life. As the son of hurriedly voted him a commission as a Brigadier Gen- a nobleman, he most likely was privately tutored eral commanding all American cavalry. Promoting and given a good education. At the time, all young him ahead of several American officers, and having noblemen were required to to serve in the elite Pol- staffed his cavalry detachment with Polish Officers, ish Guards. At this time Poland was at War with not speaking English, and carrying himself as an aris- Russia. In 1772, the Russians, vastly outnumber- tocrat, did not endear him to his American subordi- ing the Polish Army defeated them but it took the nates. Russians four bitter years. Pulaski, being an During the winter of 1777-78, at Valley officer in the Polish army, fled to Turkey. In Forge, he repeatedly led raids through the Brit- 1775 he went to Paris, responding to Dr. Ben- ish lines returning with captured food and sup- jamin Franklin’s plea for assistance in the war plies. The continuing problems he had with for American independence. After a meeting. Dr. Franklin his American subordinates forced him to resign an overall wrote a letter to General Washington telling him that Pulaski cavalry commander. On March 28th, 1778 he was authorized was: “An officer famous throughout Europe for his bravery to raise an independent command of light infantry and dra- and conduct in defense of the liberties of his country against goons that became known as the Pulaski Legion, spending great invading powers . . . .” Pulaski boarded the American another $16,000 of his own funds. ship Reprisal and sailed from Nantes, France in May. He Continued on page 11-->

General George Washington and some of his “Foreign” Officers l-r: George Washngton, Johan De Kalb, the Baron von Steuben, Casimir Pulaski, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, The Marquis De LaFayette, John Muhlenberg (American) and other American Officers. He recruited the men for his Legion in and down in history as “The Father of American around Baltimore and was ordered to Little Cavalry”. Egg Harbor, New Jersey to protect the sup- Tradition had held that Pulaski’s plies stored there. He had not had time to body was taken out and buried at sea. properly train his newly formed Legion But, further studies questioned this - hence they were somewhat lax in se- theory. There were accounts of a Cap- curity. During a surprise amphibious tain Samuel Bulfinch who said that attack by the British led by Captain General Pulaski was not buried at Patrick Ferguson and 300 men of the sea, but in an area near where the 70th Regiment of Foot, the infantry of Wasp had been tied up. It was the Legion was badly mauled having also reported that Major William P. 50 men killed. Pulaski responded to Bowen then dug the sound of the gun fire with his up Pulaski’s re- dragoons and drove the British back mains at Green- to their boats. wich Plantation Pulaski and his Legion was then where his grand- sent to Minisink to guard the settlers mother had buried along the Delaware River and then to them by torch light Morristown, New Jersey, where they in order to fool grave wintered with the main army. robbers and moved Casimir Pulaski trained his calvary in them to Monterey Square Cossack riding skills and tactics. These had prov- in Savannah. In Monterey en very successful against the western European cav- Square there is a statue of General alry, and would prove so in America. Following his example, Pulaski, This statue had to be restored additional “legions” were formed and proved there worth. and was removed from the square. While On February 2nd, 1779, at his request for a more active it was removed a group of historians re- command, his Legion was ordered to join General Benjamin sponding to a legend that General Pulaski had been buried Lincoln’s Southern Army. under the monument. After a short dig, they discovered a The Southern Ameri- rectangular box with a sil- can Army, reinforced by a ver name plate attached large French force decid- to it, engraved “Brigadier ed to retake the port of Sa- General Casimir Pulaski”. vannah. On October 9th, Upon opening the box, 1779 the attacking com- they found bones. These bined Franco-American remains were removed to infantry was stopped by a a forensic laboratory and British counter attack. At subjected to all the modern this time, General Pulaski investigative techniques decided to launch his 200 now available to us. An dragoons in a cavalry exhaustive search to find charge. It was met by a DNA evidence failed, ow- fierce artillery and musket Brigadier General Kazimierz Pulaski mortally wounded at the ing to the passage of time. fire. Pulaski was struck battle of Savannah by Stanislaw B/ Kaczor, Polish Museum, Chicago. It was the conclu- by grape shot and mortally wounded. He was taken to the sion of the investigating scientists, that these are in- U.S.S. Wasp, moored upstream, where he passed away. deed the remains of the General. The General Ca- His death, leading a gallant, if not a good tactic, overshad- simir Pulaski grapeshot is mounted on an engraved dowed any negatives of his career in America, hence as the silver candlestick and inscribed, “Grapeshot which first overall commander of American cavalry, he has gone Continued on page 12 --> The Thaddeus Koscieszko Monument in The Casimir Pulaski Monument dedicated on May 11th, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C. 1910 on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th St, It is located directly behind the White House. NW, which is now the eastern end of Freedom Plaza mortally wounded Count Casimir Pulaski, Oct. 9, 1779, ex- tracted from his body by Dr. James Lynah, ancestor of pres- ent owner, James Lynah, Esq.” The Lynah family kindly donated this artifact to the Georgia Historical Society, where it is on display to the public. His remains were placed in a new coffin and re-interred in the same location, Monterery Square, Savannah, Georgia, in a specially prepared vault. Another early American of Polish stock was Jan Antoni Sadowski, but most people have never heard of him by that name due to the often long and hard to pronounce last name. Jan Sadowski was an Indian Trader. In 1735 he pushed through the Alleghenies, some two hundred miles beyond insert the nearest English settlement and set up a trading post near the western end of Lake Erie. Today the site is where the city of Sandusky stands! The Polish have played a very large role in America and not just in the Revolutionary War. When we entered World War I an astounding total of 40,000 Polish names were on the rolls of the first 100,000 to enlist. 300,000 served before that conflict ended. In World War II more than 900,000 served. Glenn J. Gujda The Pulaski Monument in Savannah, Georgia

by: Donald N. Moran Elizabeth Griscom Ross on the business. Materials Ashburn Claypoole, better were next to impossible to known to every American as secure, so business slowed “Betsy Ross” is an American down. This allowed John icon. Whether deserved or not time to join the Pennsylvania she has been the subject of de- Militia. In mid-January 1776, bate for generations. Good histori- John was on guard duty at an am- ans always demand primary documentation to substantiate munition magazine outside Philadelphia. What appears to their positions on a given fact. In the case of whether or not have been an accidental explosion mortally wounded him. Betsy Ross did create the first American flag, there is no sup- Betsy tried her best to nurse John back to health, but his porting documentation, just a lot of circumstantial evidence. wounds were too severe. He died on January 21st, 1776 and This article will present overwhelming circumstantial is buried at Christ Church Cemetery. evidence in support of Betsy. Betsy married for a second time in June of 1777 to Joseph Ashburn, a ship’s Captain. Joseph was commanding Who Was Betsy Ross ? an American Privateer when he was captured by the Brit- Betsy’s great-grandfather, Andrew Griscom, migrated ish. He died in March 1782 in England’s infamous Old Mill to New Jersey and then Philadelphia in 1680. Prison leaving thirty year old Betsy a two time He was a Quaker. His grandson, Samuel war widow. Griscom married Rebecca James, Betsy learned of Joseph’s demise also a Quaker. They had seven- from an old friend, John Clay- teen children, the eighth being poole, who was also captured Betsy. She was born on Janu- and imprisoned at the Old ary 1st, 1752. Mill. They were later mar- After completing her ried at Christ Church. They schooling her father ap- lived happily unti1 1817 prenticed Betsy to an up- when John passed away holsterer where she fell after a long illness. Betsy in love with another ap- never remarried. prentice, John Ross. John She had two daughters by was not a Quaker, and the Joseph Ashburn, Zillah, who Quakers would not permit in- died young, and Elizabeth. terdenominational marriages. By John Claypoole she had five In 1773 John and Betsy eloped daughters, Clarissa, Susannah, Ra- to Hugg’s Tavern in New Jersey and chel, Jane and Harriet. Harriet died were married. The marriage resulted in when she was but nine months old. Betsy Betsy being “read out” of the Quaker meeting continued in her upholstery business unti1 1827, house, and cut off from emotional and economic support. when she retired and moved in with her daughter Susannah The young married couple started their own upholstery (Satterthwaite) who lived in Abington, just north of Phila- business in Philadelphia. In the 18th century an upholstering delphia. business did all manner of sewing jobs. Betsy’s skill with Betsy died at her daughter’s home on January a needle drew customers like George Washington while he 30th, 1836, at the ripe old age of 84 and was buried was serving at the Second Continental Congress. Wash- in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia. ington was probably introduced to her by George Ross, a In 1977 she and husband John Claypoole’s delegate from Philadelphia and the uncle of her husband. remains were removed from Mount Moriah Cem- When the Revolution started it had an immediate impact etery and reinterred continued on page 14 --> in the garden of the Betsy Ross living who could have criticized it. House, where they can be viewed Betsy was proud of what she claimed today. to have done, and most likely was The First Flag Debate truthful. In March of 1870, undoubt- Con: There are no official records or edly for the forthcoming centenni- receipts of her having made the first al, Betsy Ross’ grandson, William American flag. Canby delivered a paper before the Pro: We have found one receipt Betsy Ross’s tomb stone, Philadelphia Pennsylvania Historical Society. In showing that Betsy Ross was indeed this paper, William glorified the contribution made by his a flag maker. At the Continental Board of War, dated May 29th, grandmother to the cause of American independence. 1777 read: “An order on William Webb to Elizabeth Ross, for 14 Detractors of his report stated that he was but eleven pounds, 12 shillings and 2 pence for making ships colours and years old when his grandmother died, hence, his recol1ec- put into William Richard’s stores”. tions could not be totally accepted. Con: Not a single reference can be found that makes reference Additional family members then filed affidavits - sup to the first American flag. porting kinsman William’s recollections. They were Sophia Hildebrant, a granddaughter; Margaret Boggs, a niece; and Pro: Although flags were important to the military of the 18th Rachel Fletcher, a daughter. century they were not a high pri- Unfortunately, all of their af- ority item, in fact were rather un- fidavits were based on stories important. There are many things told by Betsy. None had first purchased by the Army with no hand knowledge of the events. surviving records. No signifi- However, Canby’s report was cance can be given to the lack of widely accepted and in the supporting documentation from July 1873 issue of Harper’s that period of time. Weekly, the story was retold. By the 1880’s, the story could Con: Canby mentions Betsy had be found in textbooks, along said she was visited by a “Com- with engravings of the painting mittee”, yet no record exists of a Congressional Flag Committee. by artist Casper Weisgerber, “Birth of Our Nation’s Flag” entitled “Birth of Our Nation’s Casper Weisgerber’s painting of Betsy Ross showing Pro: There being no record of a Flag”, depicted above. The General Washington the first flag Committee is not at all surpris- painting became so popular that it held a place of honor at ing. At the time Congress was creating as many as six commit- the 1893 World Colombian Exposition in Chicago. tees a day. Some of these committee actions were not recorded owing to the nature of what they were about. Others were estab- The Controversy lished but no record of their actions were kept. In this particular The simplest way to present the controversy is to use a case, why would a formal report be made of a three man “com- question and answer format. mittee” taking an hour to have a flag sewn? Further, George Con: The recollections of William Canby only eleven years Washington’s personal involvement was no doubt more a social old when his grandmother died, can’t be trusted. visit, as he knew Mrs. Ross. Pro: True enough, but the question is not whether or not Con: Again, citing Canby, he stated that Betsy said there was a Canby can be trusted but whether we can trust Betsy debate over the flag design. There is no record of a debate over Ross. It is clear that Canby and the other members of any flag. the family based their affidavits on their recollection Pro: The Flag Resolution was passed on June 14th, 1777 of what Betsy told them. Eighteenth century people and read: “Resolved. That the flag of the United States be frowned on self-aggrandizement and when Betsy 13 stripes alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 was telling her story, there were numerous people continued on page 15 --> Union be 13 stars white in a field of blue representing a new Congress had already approved a design for the National constellation.” Flag, the General wanted a uniform Regimental Flag for the Continental Army. The Rattlesnake design and the words Con: In January 1776, Washington adopted the Grand Union “Don’t Tread on Me” had even more patriotic and emotional flag. Why, in six months would the Army want another meaning then as it does today. Those are “tough” words from flag? a tough people! Pro: Quite simple. The Grand Union Flag consisted of 13 Eye Witness Support for Betsy Ross red and white stripes (The Sons of Liberty flag) and in the canton the Crosses of Saint Andrew and Saint George, the Those detracting from Betsy Ross as the person who flag of Great Britain. On July th4 , 1776, the United Colonies made the first U.S. Flag state that the “Time Line” of Betsy’s declared their independence from the England, hence the flag predates Congress’s flag resolution of June 14th, 1777. canton of the British flag was improper. John Trumbull who served as an Aide to General Washington and was Con: Why would the Commander-in- at both Trenton (December 25th, 1776 Chief and two members of Congress and Princeton January 3rd, 1777) is call upon an upholsterer, obviously of acknowledged as the preeminent art- much lower social status? ist of the Revolution. He painted huge Pro: To the contrary, Betsy Ross knew all pictures of both battles. His paintings, in three of the gentlemen. Colonel George which he went to great efforts for accu- Ross was her late husband’s uncle. Con- racy, depicted the Betsy Ross Flag in both gressman Robert Morris and General George pictures. Washington worshiped at Christ Church, as did Betsy. Another artist, of almost equal fame, is Charles Will- General Washington had employed her during his earlier son Peale, who primarily painted portraits, served as a Cap- stay in Philadelphia, and lastly, she lost her husband in the tain under General Washington. He led a company of infantry service of their Country. She was a very likely choice. at Princeton. Peale painted a portrait of General Washington Con: Francis Hop- in 1778, in which he kinson, the New went to the trouble to Jersey delegate to have the captured Hes- Congress submitted sian flags brought to an invoice in which his studio, and painted he listed among nu- them at the General’s merous other. items feet. As a background “the design of the flag of the United of the painting, Peale used the 13 star Betsy States of America.” He deserves credit Ross flag. for designing the flag. It is hard to believe that artists known for their eye for accuracy and detail, would Pro: From his headquarters at West make an error and include a flag that did not Point, General Washington wrote on exist at the time. They were both there and September 14th, 1779 to the Board of saw it for themselves! Another historic The Gadsden Flag War regarding the need for a uniform- First Navy Jack relic. She and Samuel Wetherill, a long Regimental flag. “I agree with you in opinion, that the time friend of Betsy, were the last two members of the Standard, with the Union and Emblems in the Centre, is Free Quaker Meeting House in Philadelphia. The Free to be preferred; with this addition the number of the Regt. Quakers was established for those Quakers who were re- and the State to which it belongs inserted within the curve quired to leave the group because they supported of the serpent, in such place, as the painter or designer the Revolutionary War effort. The two of them shall judge most proper”. It would appear that General closed the meeting house in 1834. The tradition Washington was thinking in terms of the Gadsden Flag of the Wetherill family states that Samuel visited with the coiled rattlesnake, whereas the actual design be- Betsy shortly after the Congressional delegation ing discussed was based on Hopkinson’s Naval Jack. Since Continued on page 16---> accepted her flag. -Ap parently Samuel spotted the paper template that Betsy had made to ensure that each star was identi- cal in size. Rea1izing the historic value of the ”first flag” and asked her for it. Today, the five pointed star template is on dis- play at the “Free Quaker Meeting House” which is Betsy Ross Memorial now a Museum, in Phila- delphia, worthy of a visit.

The Fort Ticonderoga Museum 13-Star Flag Unfortunately, in our zeal to preserve the past, we take a The membership certificate from the American Flag House and Betsy Ross Memorial Association lot for granted. “If it is plausible, it’s probably true” prevails over “There is no truth without Proof”. This think- However there appears to be a great deal of ing leads to errors. Such is the case of the circumstantial evidence supporting the General Schyuler / Betsy Ross flag claim that it was Betsy Ross. She now displayed at the Fort Ticon- was there, she made flags, deroga Museum. For many and she knew key people years it was reported as in the Congress includ- being the second thirteen ing George Washing- star sewn by Betsy Ross. ton himself. The only The provenance of flag thing of importance passed down through the that is at stake is the Hamilton descendants, continuation of the was undocumented and Betsy Ross House strictly ‘family tradition’. Museum in Philadel- No doubt the descendants phia. The Betsy Ross believed the family tradition “Birth of the American Flag” House is located in the heart when they donated the flag. The by: Edward Percy Moran 1917 of Philadelphia’s Most Historic flag turned out to be an earlyth 19 Square Mile, at 239 Arch Street, just century flag. This was confirmed by the blocks from and the Lib- Fort Ticonderoga Curator of Collections, Chris Fox. erty Bell. It is doubtful that historians will ever be able to prove The question still remains. Did she or didn’t she? who made the first American flag. Donald N. Moran

From the Writings of our Founding Fathers “I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” “My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.” Thomas Jefferson The Sons of Liberty Chapter, SAR, held it’s August 15th, 2009 meeting at the Tam O’Shanter, 1st Vice President Melvin Harrell presiding. Attending were: Gary Bohannon, Jim Bradley, Berni Campebll, Scott Campbell, Lowell Downer, David Eaton, Elliott Graham, Glenn Gujda, Melvin Harrell, David Hayball, Jim McHargue, Vice President General Karl Jacobs, Ron Johnson, John Mohler, Don Moran. and the Rev. Victor Springer. Guests attending were: Mary Campbell, Kathy Harrell, John Farr, Honor Hayball, Barbara Johnson and Anne Springer O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Opening Ceremony the Treasurer’s report showing a balance October edition of the Liberty Tree). in our checking account of $921.02. It The invocation was given by the Joint Meeting with the Society of was moved by the Glenn Gudja and sec- Reverend Victor Springer, the Pledge Colonial Wars - January of Allegiance by Colonel John Mohler, onded by David Hayball to accept the re- and pledge to the SAR by Vice Presi- port. The motion carried. Compatriot James McHargue asked dent General Karl Jacobs. if the Chapter intended on participating Permanent Fund Report in the joint meeting in January. Since Trustee David W. Eaton of the Perma- many of our members had already de- Greetings from the nent Fund distributed the report. The cur- parted, it was decided to postpone the National Society rent value of all the funds is $54,108.04. vote until the next meeting. Vice President General Karl Jacobs, Earned interest at this time is $1,128.75. a long time dual member of our Chapter A portion of the Permanent Fund has Program described some of the dues and admis- been called and the interest to be earned Compatriot James McHargue pre- sion fees approved. Karl then presented a has decreased dramatically, to less than 2 sented an in depth description of a cluster to Berni Campbell for his Liberty percent. An effort is being made to see variety of hereditary Societies and the Medal. if better options are available. However membership requirements as well as earnings from the Permanent Fund will how and why they were formed. He be much lower than in previous years. also displayed an array of items relat- ing to these societies. It was informa- Report of the Registrar tive and interesting. Registrar Berni K. Campbell reported we have 18 applications in various stages of completion. One has been forwarded to National. Color Guard Report Color Guard Commander, Melvin Harrell advised that our Color Guard will be presenting the colors at a minor league baseball game and distributed the flyer on Vice President General Karl Jacobs the forthcoming Marching through His- receiving a certificate of appreciation tory event. from Vice President Melvin Harrell. Report of the Web Master September Meeting Compatriot Gary Bohannon, our Compatriot James Mchargue receiving a The flyer was distributed regarding webmaster, that the number of viewers certificate of appreciation from Vice our meeting on the S.S. Lane Victory in has dramatically gone down owing to President Melvin Harrell. San Pedro for the September meetings. summer vacations, but is still in the thou- Closing Ceremonies sands. He also advised that several audios uly th eeting inutes The benediction and the SAR Reces- J 18 M M are now on the site, which can be down- sional were given by First Vice President The Minutes were not approved as an loaded and listened to while driving. He Melvin Harrell. error was made and the June minutes, pre- also related an amusing coincidence. He viously approved were presented in lieu received an inquiry regarding the flag There being no further busi- of the July minutes. flown at Fort Standwix, and referred to ness before the Chapter the meet- our Secretary for an answer, Don had just ing was adjourned. Report of the Treasurer finished writing an article about that very Donald N. Moran, flag the evening before (scheduled for the Treasurer David W. Eaton distributed Secretary Our Chapter Medals Are Still Available The membership medal, available to our Chapter mem- bers only, and depicted to the left, and our George Washington Massing of the Colors and Sa- lute to Our armed Forces medal, available to any one who has participated in said event, and is depicted to the right can be pur- chased for $ 27.00 each, includ- ing shipping and handling. The George The Sons Washington of Massing Liberty If you wish to purchase either of the Chapter or both please send a request to Colors Membership our Secretary, Medal Medal Donald N. Moran 17651 Arlington Place, Tehachapi, California 93561-5300, or e-mail: [email protected].

Coming Events A POINToint TOto PONDERonder A P P 2009 Monthly Meeting “The house of representa- tives ... can make no law Sept. 19th - - - Joint meeting on September 19th, 2009 which will not have its full the SS Lane Victory 1:00 p.m. operation on themselves and Oct. 3rd & 4th ------Marching their friends, as well as Through History Joint Meeting with the great mass of so- Oct. 17th - - - Monthly Meeting the Harbor Chapter ciety. This has always been deemed one of Nov. 13th & 14th - - -State Meeting the strongest bonds by Riverside - Mission Inn he eeting to be held T M which human policy Nov. 21st - - - Monthly Meeting aboard the can connect the rulers S.S. Lane Victory and the people togeth- Dec. tba - - - - Christmas Party er. It creates between 2010 The Ship is moored them that communion Jan. tba ------Installation of in San Pedro of interest, and sym- pathy of sentiments, Officers Luncheon of which few govern- Feb. 20th - - - Monthly Meeting ments have furnished examples; but without Feb. 21st - - - Massing of the which every govern- Colors th ment degenerates into Mar. 20 - - - Monthly Meeting To be held at the Tam O’Shanter Inn tyranny.” Apr. ------Monthly Meeting 2980 Los Feliz Blvd. James Madison Los Angeles

18 “The Country must have a large and efficient army, one capable of meeting the enemy abroad, or