History of the Late Polish Revolution and the Events of the CampaignHordynski, Joseph
History
History of the Late Polish Revolution and the Events of the Campaign
Hordynski, Joseph
Poland -- History -- Revolution, 1830-1832
The multitude, thus assembled, marched to the northern and southern
parts of the city, to drive the Russians out. The fourth regiment and
a body of the inhabitants marched into the northern quarter of Warsaw,
to attack two regiments of infantry who occupied the _Champ de Mars_
and the whole district thence to the barrier of Powazko. This division
had with them two small pieces of cannon. As soon as they reached
the point of attack they fired a few rounds, raised the 'hurrah,' and
threw themselves upon the Russians, who made no resistance, but fled in
disorder beyond the barrier above mentioned, where the pursuit ceased.
In the mean while, the battalion of sappers had marched through the
suburb of Cracow and the street of Wirzbwa to the southern part of the
city. They met the enemy's cavalry, at the Place of Saxony, a short
distance from the Church of the Cross. The Russians discharged their
carbines, and a brisk fire was kept up until the cry to cease firing
and attack with the bayonet was heard on all sides. They gave way
before the charge, and fled in the greatest confusion, as the infantry
had done before them. They were pursued beyond the barriers of Mokotow.
The whole city was cleared of the Russians before nine o'clock. The
walls opposite the Russian troops were manned by soldiers and armed
citizens.
While this expulsion was being effected, some of the patriots were
employed in the city in choosing a military chief. They agreed to offer
the command to Chlopicki.[14]
Towards eleven, General Chlopicki was led by the people, with
acclamations, to the hotel of the Minister of Finance, where many
senators and other persons were assembled to take measures respecting
a provisional government, the security of public order, &c. Chlopicki
was received with acclamations by the chiefs of the nation; and after
all had declared their consent, he was proclaimed Commander in Chief.
He was addressed on this occasion by Professor Lelewell, one of the
patriots, who, after drawing the picture of our past sufferings, and
comparing it with our hopes of the future, concluded with the following
words, addressed directly to Chlopicki. 'Brother--take the sword of
your ancestors and predecessors, Czarnecki, Dombrowski, and Kosciusko.
Guide the nation that has placed its trust in you, in the way of
honor. Save this unhappy country.' This ceremony concluded, Chlopicki
was shown to the assembled people from the balcony. They received him
with shouts of 'Our country and our liberator Chlopicki forever!' Many
cried, 'Chlopicki, rely on us, and lead us to Lithuania!' The general
thanked them for their confidence in him, promised never to abuse it,
and swore that he would defend the liberty of Poland to the last moment.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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