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Michael de Kovats
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Michael Kovats de Fabriczy (also spelled Fabricy; 1724 – May 11, 1779) was a Hungarian cavalry officer who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, in which he was killed in action.
Kovats was born Kováts Mihály in Karcag, Hungary. In English historical records his family name is sometimes spelled "Kowatz" or "Kowatsch". A noblemen, he became an officer in the Hungarian cavalry under Maria Theresa. He later became captain in the famous Prussian Cavalry, serving under Frederick the Great.
After learning about the American Revolution, he offered his sword to the American ambassasor in France, Benjamin Franklin.
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Michael Kovats de Fabriczy (also spelled Fabricy; 1724 – May 11, 1779) was a Hungarian cavalry officer who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, in which he was killed in action.
Kovats was born Kováts Mihály in Karcag, Hungary. In English historical records his family name is sometimes spelled "Kowatz" or "Kowatsch". A noblemen, he became an officer in the Hungarian cavalry under Maria Theresa. He later became captain in the famous Prussian Cavalry, serving under Frederick the Great.
After learning about the American Revolution, he offered his sword to the American ambassasor in France, Benjamin Franklin. He wrote:
"Most Illustrious Sir:
"Golden freedom cannot be purchased with yellow gold."
"I, who have the honor to present this letter to your Excellency, am also following the call of the Fathers of the Land, as the pioneers of freedom always did. I am a free man and a Hungarian. As to my military status I was trained in the Royal Prussian Army and raised from the lowest rank to the dignity of a Captain of the Hussars, not so much by luck and the mercy of chance than by most diligent self discipline and the virtue of my arms. The dangers and the bloodshed of a great many campaigns taught me how to mold a soldier, and, when made, how to arm him and let him defend the dearest of the lands with his best ability under any conditions and developments of the war.
"I now am here of my own free will, having taken all the horrible hardships and bothers of this journey, and l am willing to sacrifice myself wholly and faithfully as it is expected of an honest soldier facing the hazards and great dangers of the war, to the detriment of Joseph and as well for the freedom of your great Congress. Through the cooperation and loyal assistance of Mr. Faedevill, a merchant of this city and a kind sympathizer of the Colonies and their just cause, I have obtained passage on a ship called "Catharina Froam Darmouth ", whose master is a Captain Whippy. l beg your Excellency, to grant me a passport and a letter of recommendation to the most benevolent Congress. I am expecting companions who have not yet reached here. Your Excellency would be promoting the common cause by giving Mr. Faedevill authorization to expedite their passage to the Colonies once they have arrived here.
"At last, awaiting your gracious answer, I have no wish greater than to leave forthwith, to be where I am needed most, to serve and die in everlasting obedience to Your Excellency and the Congress.
"Most faithful unto death,
Bordeaux, January l3th, 1777.
Michael Kovats de Fabricy
P. S: As yet I am unable to write, fluently in French or English and had only the choice of writing either in German or Latin; for this l apologize to your Excellency."
The Continental Congress made him Colonel-Commander of the Pulaski Legion. He recruited, trained, organized, and led the first American cavalry into battle. He was killed in action near Charleston, South Carolina.
A phrase from his letter to Franklin, "Faithful unto Death" (Fidelissimus ad Mortem) has since been taken as the motto of the . To this date, Michael de Kovats is celebrated by cadets at the Citadel Military College in South Carolina where part of the campus is named in his honour. Some of his descendants live in Roseland, New Jersey.
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