Proceedings of the National Government.--Marshal Diebitsch continues in a state of inactivity.--Negotiations are opened by him.--His propositions are declined.--Position of the army on the 24th, and battle of Bialolenka.--Position on the 25th.--Great battle of Grochow.--Details.--State of the Russian army after its defeat.--Examination of the plan of the battle of Grochow.--Remarks upon the course adopted by prince Radziwil after that victory.--The Polish army crosses the Vistula to Warsaw.--Its reception by the national government and the citizens.--Resignation of prince Radziwil. 148 CHAPTER XI. Passage of the Vistula to Warsaw.--Disposition of the Polish forces on its left bank.--Appointment of general John Skrzynecki to the chief command.--Proclamation.--Prompt attention is given to the re-organization of the army, the arsenals and manufactories of arms, the fortifications, &c.--Deportment of the commander in chief towards the army.--General enthusiasm of the nation.--The Patriotic offers of the Polish women.--New regulations established for conferring orders of merit.--Disorderly state of the Russian army.--Attempt of Diebitsch to bribe the Polish soldiery. --General view of the encouraging circumstances of this epoch.--The insurrection in Russia under Yermolow.--View of the state of the Polish forces when general Skrzynecki took the chief command.--He presses the organization of the new forces.--Their distribution and that of the general forces.--Positions of the Polish army and the detached corps.--Russian position. 175 CHAPTER XII.