The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Feb. 23, 1776.
Gen. George Washington writes to Nicholas Cooke, the governor of Rhode Island. Washington introduces Frederick William Baron de Woedtke, a Prussian-born former officer who had been driven ashore by bad weather on Cape Cod.
Woedtke was en route to Philadelphia from St. Domingo on a mission to offer his military service and expertise to the American cause. He was carrying letters of introduction to several members of the Second Continental Congress.
Washington tells Cooke not only to extend generous hospitality but to direct Woedtke to the shortest and safest route to Philadelphia.
George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 23 February 1776
To Nicholas Cooke
Cambridge 23d February 1776
Sir
this will be handed to you by the Barron of Woedtke, who was by distress of weather drove on shore at Cape Cod, he was bound from St Domingo to Philadelphia, to offer his Service & deliver Some Letters he has for different Members of Congress—as he is a gentleman & a Stranger I reccomend him to your hospitality & politeness—your attention must be very acceptable & advantagious to him, giveing him the Shortest & best rout, & takeing Care that he will not be imposed upon, will Confer an obligation on him & be vastly pleasing to Sir Your Most Obt H. St
Go: Washington
ON THIS DAY: WASHINGTON WRITES TO THE SIX NATIONS
Ultimately, Woedtke would not live up to the reputation he had built for himself as a skilled Prussian officer who attained the rank of Major in Frederick the Great’s army.
