FREDERICK CHARLES
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FREEMAN
Frederick Charles, a Prussian prince known as the Red Prince from the color of his favorite hussar-uniform, was born at Berlin, March 20, 1828. He was educated for the army, and saw service in the Schles-wig-Holstein War and in the second Danish War; while in the Austrian War he won the great victory of Koniggratz. In the Franco-Prussian War he commanded the second army, drove Bazaine back to Metz, and compelled that fortress to surrender on Oct. 27, 1870. He was one of the ablest of Prussian generals. He died June 15, 1885.
Frederick William, elector of Brandenburg, commonly called the Great Elector, was born on Feb. 16, 1620, succeeded to the electorate in 1640, and died on April 29, 1688. On his accession, he found an empty treasury and general devastation on account of the Thirty Years' War. He instituted a policy of peace, and devoted himself to consolidating his dominions; and when he died, he left a well-filled treasury and a highly-organized army. He was succeeded by his son, Frederick III, afterward King Frederick I of Prussia.
Frederick William I, king of Prussia, was born at Berlin, Aug. 15, 1688. The greater part of his reign (1713-40) was devoted to the improving of Prussia's internal condition, and the result of his policy was seen at his death, which occurred on May 31, 1740, when he left to his son a treasure of $6,750,000 and an army of 80,000 men, at that time the best-drilled force in Europe.
Frederick William IV, king of Prassia, was born Oct. 15, 1795. His reign (1840-61) was one long struggle of the people of Prussia against their king for a constitutional form of government. At length, on Jan. 31, 1850, the country was granted a representative parliament. He died on Jan. 2, 1861, being succeeded by his brother, Emperor William I of Germany.
Frederick, Md., a city and county-seat of Frederick County, 62 miles from Baltimore. It is the scene of Whittier's poem Barbara Frietchie, and its importance is chiefly historical. Twice during the Civil War it was occupied by the Confederates. The second time, in 1864, General Early demanded a large ransom, which was paid. General McClellan with Federal troops occupied the city in 1862. Frederick has manufactories of leather, shoes, knit-goods, shirt-waists, tobacco etc., besides canning-factories, flour and planing-mills. Here are located the State School for Deaf and Dumb, Frederick College and the Woman's College. It is served by the Pennsylvania and Baltimore and Ohio railways. Population 10,411.
Fred'erlcksburg, Battle of, was one of the great battles of the American Civil
War, in which the Union forces sustained a defeat. General Burnside divided his command into three divisions, and advanced to Falmouth opposite Fredericks-burg, Va. Before the head of his column had crossed the Rappahannock, Lee had fortified the heights in rear of the town, and so harassed the Union forces that it took two days to cross. On Dec. 13, 1862, Burnside moved to the attack, but was forced to retire. Next day he wished to renew the attack, but was persuaded not to do so, and on the night of the i5th, under cover of a storm, what remained of the Union army was brought back( to Falmouth. Burnside lost 12,321 men, while the Confederate loss was 5,309 men. Burn-side, a week later, was relieved of his command, and General Hooker was appointed to succeed him.
Fred'ericton is the capital of New Brunswick, and is situated on the right bank of St. John River, 85 miles from its mouth, at the head of navigation. Population 7,500. Its chief business is lumbering. The normal school, the Canadian School of Infantry and the Parliament-buildings of the province are located here.
Free'man, Edward Augustus, one of the most learned of English historians, was born in 1823, at Harborne, Staffordshire; and died in Spain on March 16, 1892. He studied at Trinity College, Oxford, and in 1845 became a fellow of that college. He was a master of research, as is seen in his works, some of the best known being A History of the Saracens; History of the Norman Conquest; and The Ottoman Power in Europe. During 1881-82 he traveled in the United States, and on his return to England published Some Impressions o) the United States. With his appointment as regius professor of modern history at Oxford, Freeman's industry was greatly whetted, and he became a voluminous writer. Besides his historical works, he wrote largely on antiquarian and topographical subjects as well as on architecture, and on comparative politics. He also published useful textbooks of historical nature, as Old English History; General Sketch of European History; Historical Essays; History of Sicily; Methods of Historical Study; Historical Geography of Europe William the Conqueror, and Sicily: Phoenician, Greek and Roman.
Freeman, Mary Eleanor Wilkins, American authoress, was born at Randolph, Mass., in 1862, and in 1902 married Charles Freeman. She has written largely on New England life. Her chief works, besides poems, short stories etc., contributed to magazines, embrace Jane Field; A New England Nun; Giles Corey, Yeoman; Young Lucretia; The Wind in the Rosebush; The Givers; and By the Light of her Soul.
