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Moltke (HELMUTH KARL BERNa HARD COUNT)

HELMUTH KARL BERNa HARD, COUNT VON (moltke), a Prussian military officer, one of the greatest soldiers of Europe; born in Parchim; Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Oct. 26, 1800. He was the son of a German army 3 COUNT HELMUTH KARL VON MOLTKE officer. At the age of 11 he was sent to the military school at Copenhagen, and, after several years of training, entered the Danish army. But in 1819, led by his German sympathies, he resigned his commission and went to Berlin to continue his studies in the Prussian capital. After 10 years of study and a few more of staff service he went to Turkey MOLTKE on a furlough, and acted (1835-1839) as military adviser of the Sultan. On his return to western Europe he resumed his connection with the Prussian staff.

The unusual character of Von Moltke's genius did not appear till Prince William ascended the Prussian throne as regent in 1858. Bismarck became prime minister, Von Roon was made secretary of war, and Von Moltke was appointed chief of staff. Von Moltke planned the Danish campaign of 1864. His plan was to "move separately and strike together," gether," and by this method he humbled Austria at Sadowa, July 3, 1866. He keenly foresaw the war with France (1870-1871), and perfected his plan of campaign two years in advance of the outbreak of hostilities. War was declared by France, July 19, 1870. By the middle of August Bazaine, with 180,000 Frenchmen, had been penned up in Metz, and on Sept. 1 Napoleon and Marshal Macmahon were entrapped at Sedan and obliged to surrender with 90,000 men. On Sept. 19 the Germans were before the walls of Paris.

His country showered honors on him, he becoming a count, a marshal, marshal, and a life-member of the Prussian House of Lords. He was retired for age in 1888, and died in Berlin, Prussia, April 24, 1891.