Frederick William, Baron de Woedtke
Friedrich Wilhelm von Woedtke (* 1736, † July 31, 1776 in Lake George ) was a Prussian officer and general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. He was Owner of the Manor at Woedtke, Zirkwitz and Busslar.
He was the son of General George Eggert of Woedtke (1698-1756) and Joan of Grapendorf († 1781).
Life
Incorporated in January 1753 at the urging of his father as an ensign in the Leibkürassier Regiment. He became a lieutenant and assigned in 1758 King Frederick II de la suite. In 1762 he was Brigade - Major. As he spent more money than he had, he sent in 1770 made several inquiries to the king to get a promotion and more money. He was rebuked by the king, and he vowed improvement. In 1771 he was home on leave to look after things after a fire damage on the family Zapplin. On the way back he made without permission in Poznan station, where he was the daughter of the banker Siegmund Friedrich Goebel (* 1719 † 1776) wanted to marry. He therefore applied for a marriage license and an extension of the holiday. Both requests were denied. When he returned, he was arrested and placed in detention. End of January 1772, he asked for forgiveness for his unauthorized travel and to release from the arrest; both were rejected. In the spring of 1773 he escaped from his arrest. His brother Leopold Christian Woedtke of Captain in the Dragoon Regiment No. 4 afraid of being taken into custody, so he assured the king of his loyalty, which he confirmed. Friedrich Wilhelm von Woedtke was now wanted for desertion. His property was confiscated, which the merchant Torchiana prompted, quickly submit a change from Woedtke about 3600 dollars. He was referred to the judiciary. Woedtke had meanwhile fled to Switzerland and wrote in April 1774 in which he asked a letter to the king for forgiveness.
His brother Leopold Christian had money problems and wanted to sell the estate Zapplin. In June 1775 Frederick William wrote again to the king, this time from Paris, he asked as to his departure.
Friedrich Wilhelm von Woedtke came to the beginning of the revolution in the American colonies. There he received a letter of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin, who had probably met him in Paris. Thus, the Congress appointed him on 16 March 1776 Brigadier-General, and he came to the Northern Army under General Philip Schuyler in New York .. The general sent him with John Thomas ( general ) to Quebec, which was at that time besieged by General Benedict Arnold. He then commanded the rearguard during the retreat of the army under Arnold.
After the unsuccessful attempt of the Americans in the British Canada was with him with General Schuyler and Horatio Gates in the meeting at Fort Crown Point. Contrary to the advice of 21 other officers decided to retire to Mount Independence.
He died shortly afterwards at Lake George in July 1776., Where he was buried with full honors. He seems to have been an alcoholic.