Effect of the news of the Lithuanian disasters on the minds of the people.--Distrust of the National Government.--The Russian army resumes the offensive under general Paszkiewicz.--He decides to pass the Vistula.--Examination of the merits of this plan.--Plan of general Skrzynecki to act on the different detached corps of the enemy.--Advantages of general Chrzanowski over the corps of Rudiger.--The Russian forces execute the passage of the Vistula.--General Skrzynecki crosses the Vistula at Warsaw to operate against the enemy on the left bank.--An inquiry into the conduct of general Skrzynecki, and the appointment of a Council of War is demanded by the nation.--Arrival of the corps of general Dembinski at Warsaw. 384 CHAPTER XXVI. Operation of general Dembinski's corps.--He traverses the country between Szawla and the Niemen without being observed by the enemy.--Attacks and disperses a brigade of Russian infantry.--Passes the Niemen and throws himself into the forest of Bialystok.--After leaving that forest, is joined by the corps of general Rozycki.--Reaches Warsaw.--His reception at Warsaw.--View of the exposed situation of Paszkiewicz after his passage of the Vistula.--Examination of the plan of operations of the Polish commander.--Morbid state of the public mind at Warsaw.--Skrzynecki and Czartoriski deprived of their trust.--Capture of the city.--Documents showing the influence exercised by the cabinets in discouraging active operations.--Conclusion. 394 APPENDIX. 409 POLISH REVOLUTION. CHAPTER I. Geographical extent, population, and political importance of Poland, as anciently constituted.--Conduct of Napoleon in 1812.--Congress of Vienna.--Grand-duchy of Warsaw erected into a Kingdom.--Dispositions of Alexander.--Zajaczek appointed Viceroy, and Constantine Commander of the Army.--Constantine encroaches upon the civil administration.--Acts of tyranny.--Meeting of the Diet.--Public debates suppressed.--The Polish Conspiracy of 1821.--The Russian Conspiracy of 1824.--Union of the Patriotic Associations.--Death of Alexander.--The Revolt at St Petersburgh.--Punishment of the Patriots.--Coronation of Nicholas.--Constantine appointed Viceroy of Poland.--Oppressions of the Government.--Patriotic Club.--Influence of the French and Belgic Revolutions.--The Quartering-tax.--Excitement in Warsaw.--Arrest of the Students at Praga.--Day of the Revolution fixed upon. In the early part of July, 1812, when the victorious armies of Napoleon had occupied Wilna, and threatened to annihilate the throne of the Czars, the Polish nation cherished the hope of recovering its former grandeur. The destiny of Poland was then in the hands of Napoleon, and it may be said with truth that on the destiny of Poland depended the security and peace of Europe.