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On This Day: Prussian officer squanders Washington and Continental Army’s generosity

By Salena Zito
Published February 23, 2026 10:46am ET
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On This Day: Prussian officer squanders Washington and Continental Army’s generosity
Washington writes to Nicholas Cooke, the governor of Rhode Island, introducing Frederick William, Baron de Woedtke, a Prussian-born former officer who has been driven ashore by bad weather on Cape Cod. (Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon presidential library)

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.

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America 250 American Revolution Congress George Washington Rhode Island