Church Record on the End of War 1779¶
At the end of the Bavarian War of Succession (1778-1779), also called the "Potato War," the Stettin Garrison Church kept special records of the returning soldiers and their families.
The Church Record¶
Document Information¶
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Date | September 1779 |
| Location | Stettin, Prussia |
| Source | Church register of the Stettin Garrison Church |
| Context | End of the Bavarian War of Succession |
Description¶
This double-page church record documents entries "zum ende des Krieges zu Sept. 1779" (on the end of the war in Sept. 1779). The Bavarian War of Succession ended on May 13, 1779, with the Peace of Teschen, but administrative follow-up work and the return of troops continued until September.
The right side of the document contains a list of names and dates, presumably documenting the return of soldiers and their family events after the end of the war.
Historical Context: The Potato War¶
The Bavarian War of Succession (1778-1779) was mockingly called the "Potato War" (Kartoffelkrieg) due to the supply problems of the troops. The soldiers frequently had to sustain themselves by plundering potato fields, as regular provisions were insufficient.
As a soldier in the regiment of Major von Arnim, Stephan Cabos (Etienne) was likely involved in this campaign, even though no direct military evidence has been preserved. The fact that his daughter Henriette Charlotte Sophie was born in December 1777 - shortly before the war began in July 1778 - and that this church record documents the post-war period, suggests his participation.
Prussian Involvement¶
Prussia under Frederick II intervened in the conflict to prevent Austrian territorial gains in Bavaria. Prussian troops, including the Stettin garrison, were mobilized. The war was largely bloodless, but was characterized by maneuvers, trench warfare, and the famous supply problems.
Significance for the Cabos Family¶
Etienne's return from military service in 1779 marks an important turning point:
- 1777: Birth of daughter Henriette (before the war)
- 1778-1779: Likely participation in the Potato War
- 1780: Birth of daughter Justine (after the war)
- 1780: Travel passport for the journey to Rotterdam
The years after 1779 show intensified travel activity and business activities, possibly also motivated by the war experiences and the desire for a more stable life.