George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Frédéric de Kalb, 3 March 1784

From Frédéric de Kalb

Alsace [France] 3 march—84

General,

I have just recieved the honor of the Order of Cincinnatus; wc. is conferred on those who have distinguished themselves in the service of America—You honor me with it, as Heir of an unfortunate & respectable parent—I return you my warmest acknowledgments for it, & wish the distance of your Country, did not prevent me from paying my respects to you personally—I am Your Hble & Obt servant

Frederic de Kalb

Translation, in the hand of David Stuart, DLC:GW.

Frédéric, baron de Kalb (1765–1793), was taken into the French Society of the Cincinnati on 16 Jan. 1784 as the son and heir of Jean, baron de Kalb. The elder Kalb, a brigadier general in the French and major general in the American army, was mortally wounded in the Battle of Camden in August 1780. The son Frédéric died on the guillotine.

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