Casimir Pulaski by David Collins

Casimir Pulaski by David Collins

As a child in Poland, Casimir Pulaski looked forward to his old coachman's games of make-believe soldiers, with tree stumps as enemies and sapling branches as weapons. But when the Russian army invaded his homeland, the fifteen-year-old realized that war was no longer a game. Drawing upon his childhood fighting skills and his father's passion for freedom, Casimir organized and trained the Knights of the Holy Cross in an effort to overthrow Empress Catherine of Russia and save Poland.

News of Casimir's brave attempt to unite his countrymen and regain Polish control of the area soon impressed other freedom fighters. American ambassador Benjamin Franklin sent Casimir to help George Washington liberate the American colonies from British rule. With Washington's blessing, Casimir created a new, specialized cavalry infantry capable of quick, precise action. Casimir was also responsible for developing stronger lances with iron tips that would resist snapping, as well as several different colored wool uniforms to distinguish American troops in case of attack.

While he was proud of his three hundred well-trained men, Casimir met with skepticism from American leaders. How could this new legion stand up to a larger, stronger, and better-practiced British force?