Lord Charles Cornwallis and Baron Johann de Kalb

 

Among the many stories of Brothers meeting in mortal combat on the battlefield, but nevertheless extending Brotherly Love and Masonic courtesies is the account of the meeting of Lord Charles Cornwallis and Baron Johann de Kalb. Not much is known of the Masonic activities of either nor are their Lodges known for certain. It is likely, however, de Kalb was a member of Pennsylvania's Armed Forces Lodge 29.

Brother Cornwallis is best known as the British General during the American Revolution who surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown, putting an end to the American Revolutionary War. As a member of the House of Lords, Cornwallis actually sided with the American Colonists, but chose country over ideology when he became the commander of British forces in the colonies on January 1, 1776. He led that effort until his surrender October 19, 1781. After the Revolution, Cornwallis went on to serve as commander-in-chief of India in 1786, as well as Viceroy of Ireland from 1798-1801. He returned to India in March 1805, serving as Governor General until his death seven months later at the age of 66.

Born in Germany in 1721, Brother de Kalb served in the French army for over 20 years, coming to America in 1768 on what was called a secret mission, designed to help France determine the level of discontent among the colonists. During that trip, he came to respect the colonists for what he called their "spirit of independence." Nine years later, he returned to the colonies with the Marquis de Lafayette, his protégé. Joining the American forces with the rank of Major General, he spent most of that winter at Valley Forge with a brigade of troops under his command. DeKalb was a popular figure given his support, loyalty and ultimate sacrifice to America. Across the country, cities towns and counties have been named after him. The ironclad Civil War ship, named in his honor sported a large square and compasses atop its mast. Brother George Washington described him as "The generous stranger, who came from a distant land to fight our battles."

...And at one of those battles, in Camden, South Carolina, on August 16, 1780. De Kalb's horse was shot from under him and while he was still on the ground British soldiers shot and bayonetted him.

Cornwallis saw what had happened and rode to his aid. "I am sorry, sir, to see you," he said,"not sorry that you are vanquished, but sorry to see you so badly wounded." He ordered his own surgeons to come to DeKalb's aid and supervised as they dressed his wounds.

DeKalb replied, "I thank you sir for your generous sympathy, but I die the death I always prayed for: the death of a soldier fighting for the rights of man." He died three days later at the age of 59. Cornwallis, his mortal enemy but Masonic Brother, attended his funeral and performed the Grand Honors of Masonry at his grave site.