On the Field Near Camden
What became of Lafayette’s companion, the Baron de Kalb?
He served his adopted country, the United States, until at the battle near Camden, he fell, still fighting though pierced by eleven wounds.
“The rebel General! the rebel General!” shouted the British soldiers who saw him fall. And they rushed forward to transfix him with their bayonets.
But his faithful adjutant tried to throw himself on the Baron’s body to shield it, crying out at the same time, “Spare the Baron de Kalb!”
The rough soldiers raised the wounded Baron to his feet, and, leaning him against a wagon, began to strip him.
Just then the British General, Lord Cornwallis, rode up. He saw his valiant enemy stripped to his shirt, the blood pouring from his eleven wounds. Immediately, he gave orders that the Baron should be treated with respect and care.
“I regret to see you so badly wounded,” he said, “but am glad to have defeated you.”
The Baron was carried to a bed. He was given every care. His devoted adjutant watched by his bedside, and the British officers came to express their sympathy and regret. But the brave Baron lingered three days only, then he died. Almost his last thoughts were with the men of his command. He charged his adjutant to thank them for their valour, and to bid them an affectionate farewell from him.
The people of Camden erected a monument in memory of the Baron de Kalb.