A proper reflection upon all these arrangements would convince any one that much more loss than advantage was to be anticipated from them. This subdivision of the force was, in fact, a visionary scheme. Many officers openly declared their opinions to this effect, and urged that in our critical situation, almost surrounded as we were by a hostile force, so superior to our own, we ought not to form any new projects, but, profiting by the concentration of our forces, to redouble the rapidity of our march, and, taking advantage of the forests and covered roads, to reach Poland as soon as possible. This would, indeed, be attended with difficulties; but it would still be much easier of execution, and much more proper to be attempted, than the plan which we have detailed. Such views, however, were not regarded. The project was highly colored, and the most brilliant successes were promised to follow it. The separation of the corps was accordingly ordered, and our fate was sealed. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 76: With this company was the countess Plater, and her aid-de-camp M'lle Rasynowiecz.] [Footnote 77: The Jewish inhabitants of the city even fired upon our soldiers. Many of them were taken with pistols in their hands, and afterwards executed.] [Footnote 78: In this affair we ought to make particular mention of the estimable Laga, a priest, who was at the head of the squadron in this attack, having the cross in one hand and the sabre in the other.] CHAPTER XXIV. The three subdivisions of the Lithuanian corps take their respective destinations.--Details of the operations of that of general Rohland.--He meets alone the attack of the whole Russian force.--Battle of Powenduny and Worna.--General Rohland, on his way to Polonga, learns that general Chlapowski had marched towards the Prussian frontier.--He presses his march to overtake and form a junction with him.--The greater part of the corps of Gielgud and Chlapowski were found to have passed the frontier, when that of Rohland came in sight.--Indignation of the soldiery.--Death of general Gielgud.--General Rohland, joined by a portion of the corps of Gielgud which had not yet passed the frontier, continues his march to Nowe-Miasto.--He declines a proposition from general Kreutz, to surrender.--Successful skirmish with the enemy's cavalry.--General Rohland takes a position at Nowe-Miasto, and awaits the enemy.--The Russian forces, however, do not continue their pursuit, but go into camp.--Propositions to pass the frontier are sent to general Rohland by the Prussian authorities.--They are submitted to the corps, and accepted.