Description
Letter signed, one page, 7,5 x 8,75 inch, Königsberg (now Kaliningrad), 12.10.1808, in German, to "Euer Hochwohlgebohren"* - concerning salary payments for officers, signed in black ink “Scharnhorst", attractively mounted (removable) for display with a portrait picture of general Gerhard von Scharnhorst in uniform (altogether 16,5 x 11,75 inch), with toning, and mild signs of wear - in fine condition.
"Euer Hochwohlgeboren ermangle ich nicht bei Zurückgabe der Anlage auf dero gefälliges Schreiben vom 9 d.M. ergebenst zu erwiedern:
daß Seine Majestät über den Pensions Vorschlag d. Herrn F. M. v. Courbiere, in Betreff solcher Officiere welche auf selbem Gehalte stehen noch nichts entschieden haben, und ist es sonderbar, daß d. Herr Feldmarschall diesen Officieren schon seit dem 1. Aug. das halbe Gehalt entzieht, da es eine hergebrachte Sache ist, daß die vorgeschlagenen Officiere bis dahin, daß wegen ihrer Pensionirung ein königlicher Befehl erfolgt, das halbe Gehalt fortbeziehen können.
Königsberg den 12. Octber 1808.
Scharnhorst
Des Königl. Oberstlieutenants
Herrn Gr. Lottum Hochgeboren"
Translated:
"Your Highness, upon returning the attachment I do not hesitate to reply to the kind letter dated the 9th of this month:
that His Majesty about the pension proposal of Mr. F. M. v. Courbiere, have not yet decided anything regarding such officers who are on the same salary, and is it strange that the Field Marshal has been depriving these officers of half their salary since August 1st, since it is a traditional matter that the proposed ones Officers can continue to receive half their salary until a royal order is issued regarding their retirement.
Königsberg, October 12, 1808.
Scharnhorst
The Royal Lieutenant Colonel
Mr Gr. Lottum Hochborn"
* `Hochwohlgeboren` is a form of address for members of the lower German nobility or landed gentry.
Further Information on the person
Profession:
(1755-1813) Hanoverian-born general in Prussian service from 1801 - as the first Chief of the Prussian General Staff, he was noted for his military theories, his reforms of the Prussian army, and his leadership during the Napoleonic Wars.
Year of Birth: 1767
Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst was born on November 12, 1755, in Bordenau, Hanover, which was a part of the Holy Roman Empire at the time. He was a prominent Prussian general and reformer who played a crucial role in modernizing and restructuring the Prussian military during the Napoleonic Wars.
Scharnhorst began his military career in 1778 when he joined the Hanoverian army as a volunteer. He quickly rose through the ranks and eventually joined the Prussian army in 1801. He was known for his innovative tactics and strategic thinking, which helped him achieve success on the battlefield.
One of Scharnhorst's most significant contributions was the creation of the Prussian General Staff, which revolutionized the way the military was organized and operated. He also advocated for universal military training and the use of conscription, which helped create a more efficient and effective army.
During the Wars of the Sixth and Seventh Coalitions against Napoleon, Scharnhorst served as Chief of the General Staff and played a key role in planning and executing military operations. His leadership and reforms were instrumental in Prussia's eventual victory over France.
Unfortunately, Scharnhorst's life was cut short when he was mortally wounded at the Battle of Lützen in 1813. Despite his untimely death, his legacy lived on in the modernization of the Prussian military and his influence on future military leaders.
Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst's impact on the Prussian army and military tactics continues to be felt to this day. He is remembered as a visionary leader and reformer who helped shape the course of European military history.
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