Ein Mann / Des Seefahrers und aufrechten Bürgers Joachim Nettelbeck wundersame Lebensgeschichte von ihm selbst erzählt

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23333

Title

Ein Mann / Des Seefahrers und aufrechten Bürgers Joachim Nettelbeck wundersame Lebensgeschichte von ihm selbst erzählt

Language

de

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Joachim Nettelbeck recounts his extraordinary life from 1738 to 1824, blending humble beginnings as a brewer's son in Kolberg with his passion for the sea. The memoir captures the hardships of famine, the introduction of potatoes, and the dramatic defense of the fortress against French forces, offering a vivid portrait of resilience and civic duty in turbulent times.

Summary up to 500 words

In his memoir, *Ein Mann / Des Seefahrers und aufrechten Bürgers Joachim Nettelbeck wundersame Lebensgeschichte von ihm selbst erzählt*, Joachim Nettelbeck recounts a life defined by patriotism, maritime passion, and civic duty. Born in Kolberg in 1738, Nettelbeck grew up amidst poverty and hunger, yet his childhood was marked by a deep love for the sea and gardening. He vividly recalls the city's desperation during severe grain shortages and the controversial introduction of potatoes by King Frederick the Great, an event he witnessed as a child. The narrative reaches its climax during the French siege of Kolberg in 1806. As the city faces bombardment and starvation, Nettelbeck observes the paralysis and incompetence of the Prussian command structure, particularly following the departure of the Vice-Commandant. In the face of chaos, he takes it upon himself to rally the citizens and support the brave but isolated Rittmeister von Schill. The text details the intense artillery fire, the burning of the commandant's house, and the eventual surrender, highlighting the bravery of the defenders and the suffering of the populace. Even in his old age, Nettelbeck reflects on his lifelong desire to establish Prussian colonies in the Americas, a dream he pursued with fervor during the Napoleonic Wars. He frames his life story as one of enduring spirit and patriotic devotion. Furthermore, he expresses moral outrage against the slave trade, advocating for the abolition of this "shameful trade" that threatened sailors in southern European waters. Through his account, Nettelbeck presents himself not merely as a survivor of war, but as a man of conscience who remained committed to the honor of his fatherland and the betterment of humanity until his death in 1824.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Adventure
• Biography
• History