Frederick William, Baron de Woedtke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Frederick William, Baron de Woedtke
Born	1740 (1740)
Died	1776 (aged 35–36) Fort George, New York, U.S.
Buried	Fort George, New York (unmarked)
Signature

Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron de Woedtke (born around 1740 – died July 28, 1776) was a military officer from Prussia. He bravely served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

Early Life and Military Career

Friedrich Wilhelm was the son of Georg Eggert, who was a colonel in the Prussian Army. His brother, Leopold Christian, also served in the Prussian army. He became a captain in the 4th Regiment of Dragons.

Woedtke joined the Prussian Army in 1758. He served in the 3rd regiment of Cuirassiers. He fought during the Seven Years' War. In 1762, he was promoted to the rank of Major. After the war, Woedtke sometimes had strong opinions that differed from others. He even had a nickname for the king and army leader, Frederick the Great.

In 1771, Woedtke traveled to Poland. There, he married a German merchant's daughter. This marriage happened without the king's permission. Because of this, he faced some challenges with the king's rules. This led him to leave Prussia and move to Switzerland. From there, he went to France.

In France, Woedtke became a captain. He also worked as an inspector of cavalry in the French Army. While in Paris, Woedtke met Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was a famous American who was in France. Woedtke offered to help the American cause. Franklin was impressed and sent Woedtke to the Continental Congress. He wrote a letter saying Woedtke was a successful officer who could help America.

Joining the American Revolution

Woedtke arrived in the new United States in 1776. This was after the American Revolutionary War had already begun. Because of Benjamin Franklin's strong recommendation, John Adams suggested him for a high rank. Congress agreed and made him a brigadier general. This happened on March 16, 1776. He was assigned to the army under General Philip Schuyler in New York.

In April 1776, Woedtke was on his way to his new post. He traveled with Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was on an important trip to Canada to talk with leaders there.

Woedtke later left the diplomatic mission. He reported to General Philip Schuyler. The two generals then joined Brigadier General John Thomas. They set out to help General Benedict Arnold. Arnold was trying to capture Quebec at the time.

After the American efforts in Canada were not successful, Woedtke returned to New York. He was part of a meeting with other generals. This group included Schuyler and Horatio Gates. They decided to leave Fort Crown Point. Instead, they would gather their forces at Mount Independence. This location was on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain.

Death and Burial

In July 1776, Woedtke became very ill. Some believed he might have had smallpox. According to letters from Horatio Gates and others, Woedtke passed away. He died at the military post of Fort George. This fort was near Lake George.

He died in late July 1776, shortly after the meeting of the generals. The Continental Congress officially ended his military service on July 28, 1776, because of his death. He was buried in an unmarked grave. His burial place was near Fort George.

Images for kids

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  The signature of Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron de Woedtke.