History of the Late Polish Revolution and the Events of the Campaign — John Shaqi
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
At the same time the provisional government sent proclamations into all
the provinces, to inform the nation of these events. They began with
the following beautifully figurative expression: 'Poles! The eagle
of Poland has broken his chains, and will soon have burst through the
clouds into those purer regions in which nothing shall shut from him
the light of the sun.' The military government issued proclamations
to the troops at all the distant stations, ordering them to repair
forthwith to Warsaw. The divisions of chasseurs received orders in
case of an attack from the Grand Duke, to fall on his rear and cut off
his retreat. The city itself was put in a better state of defence; the
barriers were fortified, and guarded by strong detachments; all was
prepared for an attack. The government made proper provision for the
care of the Russian prisoners, of whatever rank, as well as of the
ladies of the Russian civil and military officers who had left Warsaw.
The royal palace was assigned for the residence of the officers and
ladies; the privates were lodged in barracks. At a later period they
were permitted to go about the streets and earn money by their labor,
in addition to their usual allowance. The Russians were so touched by
this generous treatment, that they swore, with tears, never to forget
it.
These details of the first day of our revolution, for the correctness
of which I pledge myself, may serve to answer the accusations of some
journalists, who have stated that the commencement of the national
struggle was marked with the greatest atrocities, and that more
than forty field officers, many subalterns, and large parties of
privates were butchered for declining to engage in the cause. These
impeachments of the Polish nation are unjust and false. As has been
said before, the foreigners in Warsaw could not sufficiently praise
the admirable order with which our first movements were conducted. Our
enemies accuse the people of having robbed the public treasuries.--I
affirm that not a gilder was lost--neither public nor private property
was pillaged.
As the enemy was still encamped before the city on the first and second
of December, and had as yet given no decisive answer respecting the
time of his departure, the people, as well as the army, were still
under arms and upon the walls. At this time the twelve companies
of students, called the Academical Legions, were organized. It was
heart-stirring to see these noble youths assembled in arms to defend
their country. Many of them had just been rescued from prison, and
could not walk without difficulty. This did not damp their ardor; the
hope of fighting successfully for the liberty of Poland renewed their
strength. The Academical Legions requested to be sent to the posts
nighest the enemy. These two days passed in entire quietness.
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