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should fail in opening a letter, or closing it so as not to be discovered, it was then thrown aside. Spies infested all places; domestics, nay, relations were suspected, for this pestiferous influence reached even the domestic hearth.

Such and similar were the sufferings that caused Poland to make a desperate effort to break her fetters. History does not present another instance of a nation suffering so much, and with such forbearance-the English barbarities towards the Irish have not equaled this. In the case of the Poles, barbarism and civilization -open cruelty and secret policy-joined to effect the same object, the extirpating of the nation.

While Poland was thus suffering, a few patriots, in 1821, conceived the idea of freeing her from the Russian yoke. At the same time, Russian patriots, headed by Col. Pestel, were anxious to redeem their own country, and in 1824 extended their hand to the Poles, as co-workers in the same cause. The month of May, 1826, was fixed upon as the day of deliverance. The death of Alexander in the early part of December, 1825, thwarted, however, these plans. The Russian patriots thought that the accession of Nicolas to the throne was the propitious hour for the revolt. The sequel, however, proved otherwise; the insurgents were dispersed, the leaders taken; some of whom were hanged, others sent to Siberia. This led the emperor to suspect the fidelity of the Poles, and inquiries were instituted in Poland, the consequences of which were, arrests on the least suspicion, imprisonment, and the exile to Siberia of many patriots, distinguished by their station as well as by their virtues.

But the more the emperor's wrath raged the more Polish patriots saw the necessity of delivering their country. Wysocki (Vis-ots-ky) and Schlegel, (Shlehgehl) of the military school of cadets at Warsaw, planned the deliverance. They communicated their views to others, and thus was formed the "Patriotic Club." These heroic men for five years persevered in their undertaking, fearless of persecution, and the swarms of spies around them.

The three days of July of the French struck terror into the heart of Constantine. From the first reception of the news of this revolution, there was no day on which some persons were not imprisoned, either in Warsaw or the provinces. On

the night of the 7th of September, forty students were seized in their beds, and thrown into prison. The revolution in Belgium was a new bell of alarm, tolling its note of warning in the ears of Russian despots. But the number of patriots kept increasing, as did their courage. The arrest and imprisonment of eighty students who had assembled in a private house, to commemorate by prayers the anniversary of the butchery of their ancestors at Praga by Suwarow in 1794, hastened the day of deliverance. The measure of Russian iniquities was full to overflowing, and the 29th of November was fixed upon by the patriots as the day of retribution.

The Poles have long been distinguished for bravery, but in their whole history there is nothing transcending that which they displayed in the last revolution. Indeed, no history presents a spectacle morally more sublime than this event. A people who suffered till human patience could endure no longer, sensible of their wrongs rise unanimously to avenge them, to strike with the energy of despair for their homes and their altars-to deliver their bleeding country or fall in death upon her bosom-to roll back the tide of oppression that swept even her firesides, or perish in the effort. Had it not been for this revolution of the Poles, the French and the Belgians would have beheld the Russians at the gates of their respective capitals, for the holy Alliance had already planned, and the Russian and Polish army had received orders to be ready to move towards the Rhine with the first disappearance of snow. But Poland with her single hand stayed the arrogance of the despots that were to crush European freedom, though she fell herself by the act.

The sun of the 29th of November rose to see the patriots swear before the Almighty not to swerve from their holy purpose, and to ask his blessing upon their endeavors. Most of them were young men and students. That evening at seven o'clock, the fiames of a wooden house rose to heaven, announcing that the hour of the resurrection of Poland was at hand. Obedient to the call, many brave students and officers ran to and fro through the streets of the Old Town shouting " Poles, brethren! the hour of vengeance has struck! The time to revenge the tortures and cruelties of fifteen years is come! Down with the tyrants! To arms, brethren, to arms! Our country forever!"

This thrilling war-cry struck every heart with electric power, and thousands

was not allowed to prove his innocence, and by order of the Grand Duke was put iton fetters and made to work with a wheelbarrow in the public streets. And when his daughter came to Constantine to crave mercy for her father, he kicked her down stairs, using at the same time the most abusive language. It was not uncommon for women to have their heads shaved by command of the despot, if they happened to displease him. Once, four soldiers were severly punish ed for not carrying out such an order, when they could not effect it without offering personal violence to the victims. A distinguished member of the diet, Niemojowski, for his opposing the arbitrary taxation which the Grand Duke would impose, was arrested and sent to his country-house, where, surrounded by Cossacks, he was kept for five years, and not allowed even to attend to his private affairs which demanded his supervision. One day, a nobleman from the country, with his lady and coachman, were made to work with a wheelbarrow among the convicts, for having passed the droszki of the Grand Duke without paying any mark of respect to his highness, although they were ignorant of his equipage.

But the persecution did not end here; even children were punished for their thoughtless actions. A son of Count Plater, nine years old, in the playfulness of childhood while he was at college, wrote on a wall "The 3d of May forever," that being the anniversary of the famous constitution. The fact was reported to Novosilzoff, the curator of Universities, who instituted an inquiry among the students to ascertain the culprit. None of them, however, betrayed him, for which they were flogged with the utmost severity. The unlucky offender himself finally confessed the act, and was condemed by the Grand Duke to be a soldier for life, incapable of any advancement in the army. And when his mother threw herself before the Duke's carriage to implore mercy for her son, Constantine spurned her with his foot! Novosilzoff was one of the base hirelings worthy of his master; he was a fiend incarnate to the students, and as his station was next to the Grand Duke, his power was extensive, and not less despotic.

One instance more of the savage character of this man will be enough. One day an officer of the lancer-guard

went through his exercises before him in an admirable manner; but when ordered to turn while at full gallop-the horse having become restive-he was unable to do it. The command was repeated in a thundering voice, but in vain; the horse had become unmanageable. Constantine, now completely beside himself with rage, cried out "Halt!" and commanded a pyramid of twelve muskets with fixed bayonets to be erected. By this time the animal being subdued, the rider had returned, when he was ordered to leap the pyramid. All around trembled for him, but the officer's horse cleared it. Without a moment of delay he was ordered to repeat the fearful leap; and the noble animal stood safe again on the farther side. Thus thwarted in his purpose, the Grand Duke grew still more furious, and repeated the command for the third time. A General who happened to be present, interceded for the pardon of the officer, observing that the horse and rider were both exhausted, and it would be to doom them to a horrible death. The General was immediately arrested for presuming thus to interfere. The order was given, and the horse and rider escaped once more. For the fourth time the Grand Duke exclaimed, "To the left about!-Forward!" For the fourth time the horse gallantly cleared the pyramid, and then with his rider fell exhausted to the earth. The horse had his fore-legs broken, but the rider escaped unhurt; yet his countenance was deadly pale, his eyes glared wildly, and his knees shook under him. Death-like silence reigned as he approached the Grand Duke, and laying his sword at his Highness' feet, in broken voice thanked him for the honor of the emperor's service. "I take back your sword," said the Duke, sulkily, "but are you not aware of what may be the consequence of this undutiful conduct towards me?" The officer was sent to the guard-house. Subsequently he disappeared, and was never heard of after. This scene took place at St. Petersburg.

These are given merely as specimens volumes might be filled with the atrocities of this prodigy of inhumanity, who for fifteen years was allowed to prey upon the Polish nation. They are also but individual grievances, while the entire nation suffered under more general wrongs. The sacredness of private correspondence was invaded. Letters were read at the post-offices, before they were delivered. If the skill of the seal-breaker

should fail in opening a letter, or closing it so as not to be discovered, it was then thrown aside. Spies infested all places; domestics, nay, relations were suspected, for this pestiferous influence reached even the domestic hearth.

Such and similar were the sufferings that caused Poland to make a desperate effort to break her fetters. History does not present another instance of a nation suffering so much, and with such forbearance-the English barbarities towards the Irish have not equaled this. In the case of the Poles, barbarism and civilization -open cruelty and secret policy-joined to effect the same object, the extirpating of the nation.

While Poland was thus suffering, a few patriots, in 1821, conceived the idea of freeing her from the Russian yoke. At the same time, Russian patriots, headed by Col. Pestel, were anxious to redeem their own country, and in 1824 extended their hand to the Poles, as co-workers in the same cause. The month of May, 1826, was fixed upon as the day of deliverance. The death of Alexander in the early part of December, 1825, thwarted, however, these plans. The Russian patriots thought that the accession of Nicolas to the throne was the propitious hour for the revolt. The sequel, however, proved otherwise; the insurgents were dispersed, the leaders taken; some of whom were hanged, others sent to Siberia. This led the emperor to suspect the fidelity of the Poles, and inquiries were instituted in Poland, the consequences of which were, arrests on the least suspicion, imprisonment, and the exile to Siberia of many patriots, distinguished by their station as well as by their virtues.

But the more the emperor's wrath raged the more Polish patriots saw the necessity of delivering their country. Wysocki (Vis-ots-ky) and Schlegel, (Shlehgehl) of the military school of cadets at Warsaw, planned the deliverance. They communicated their views to others, and thus was formed the "Patriotic Club." These heroic men for five years persevered in their undertaking, fearless of persecution, and the swarms of spies around them.

The three days of July of the French struck terror into the heart of Constantine. From the first reception of the news of this revolution, there was no day on which some persons were not imprisoned, either in Warsaw or the provinces. On

the night of the 7th of September, forty students were seized in their beds, and thrown into prison. The revolution in Belgium was a new bell of alarm, tolling its note of warning in the ears of Russian despots. But the number of patriots kept increasing, as did their courage. The arrest and imprisonment of eighty students who had assembled in a private house, to commemorate by prayers the anniversary of the butchery of their ancestors at Praga by Suwarow in 1794, hastened the day of deliverance. The measure of Russian iniquities was full to overflowing, and the 29th of November was fixed upon by the patriots as the day of retribution.

The Poles have long been distinguished for bravery, but in their whole history there is nothing transcending that which they displayed in the last revolution. Indeed, no history presents a spectacle morally more sublime than this event. A people who suffered till human patience could endure no longer, sensible of their wrongs rise unanimously to avenge them, to strike with the energy of despair for their homes and their altars-to deliver their bleeding country or fall in death upon her bosom-to roll back the tide of oppression that swept even her firesides, or perish in the effort. Had it not been for this revolution of the Poles, the French and the Belgians would have beheld the Russians at the gates of their respective capitals, for the holy Alliance had already planned, and the Russian and Polish army had received orders to be ready to move towards the Rhine with the first disappearance of snow. But Poland with her single hand stayed the arrogance of the despots that were to crush European freedom, though she fell herself by the act.

The sun of the 29th of November rose to see the patriots swear before the Almighty not to swerve from their holy purpose, and to ask his blessing upon their endeavors. Most of them were young men and students. That evening at seven o'clock, the fiames of a wooden house rose to heaven, announcing that the hour of the resurrection of Poland was at hand. Obedient to the call, many brave students and officers ran to and fro through the streets of the Old Town shouting "Poles, brethren the hour of vengeance has struck! The time to revenge the tortures and cruelties of fifteen years is come! Down with the tyrants! To arms, brethren, to arms! Our country forever!"

This thrilling war-cry struck every heart with electric power, and thousands

while more than two hundred country girls were found in their number. The cup of joy was now full to the brim. All distinction of rank, age, even sex vanished. The noble and the peasant, the rich and the poor, joined by the common tie of sufferings, embraced as brothers. Tables with refreshments were spread in the streets for those who arrived; and in the evening, the theatre was opened for the first time in this eventful period. A patriotic drama was performed which electrified the audience; the music playing Kosciuszko's march, that had not been heard for fifteen years, was drowned in the shouts of the people. "Hail our country, our father Kosciuszko and his friend La Fayette for ever!" filled the air. On the conclusion of the drama, those of the patriots who distinguished themselves on the first night and after, in this revolution, and those who suffered in dungeons for their country, were presented to the audience. The people received them with joy, and carried them about on their shoulders. Then several ladies were brought forward, who on the first night had followed the patriots in arms, or had sacrificed their wealth on the altar of freedom. These heaven-sent angels appearing in the halo of their virtue, were received by the people with the greatest enthusiasm, who intoxicated with joy and their newly recovered liberty, returned with shouts and songs to their homes.

On the 5th religious solemnities, in honor of the martyrs of Praga, took place under the canopy of heaven at Praga. On the spot where their remains were buried an altar was erected, and mass was said. More than 50,000 men, that were assembled around the altar, sent up, with one voice, their prayer to God. The twelve academical legions formed the innermost circle, amid which the late sufferers were the most prominent. In the intervals of, and after the divine service, several speeches were made; one of which was delivered by one of the liberated prisoners, who, after alluding to the cruelties of Suwarow, and stating his own sufferings, thus concluded:

"Brethren, we were lately forbidden, nay, it was accounted a crime, to pray for our murdered ancestors. To-day, under this free vault of heaven, on the grave of our fathers, on the soil moistened with their sacred blood, which cries to us for retribution, in the presence of their spirits hovering over us, we swear never to lay down

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At the conclusion of the ceremony the air resounded with the patriotic hymns which the assembled multitude rolled heavenward in their joy.

On the 6th of December, the silverheaded general, Chlopicki (Klopitskie), whom Europe knew as a warrior, and his country as a patriot, was chosen dictator. Thus, the supreme civil and military power being committed to his hands, the authority of the provisional government was at an end. The Dictator promised to lay down his authority on the assemblage of the Diet, and he took an oath to act in conformity to the spirit of the nation.

On entering upon his duties, the Dictator was found unequal to his task. He amused himself with diplomatic negociations, and neglected the rapid preparations for war that were demanded by the people. In the mean time the Emperor roared like a lion when provoked in his den, threatening utter annihilation if the people did not submit unconditionally. What was wanting to the Dictator in activity, the people tried to make up by their own energy, and the warlike preparations went on briskly. On the assemblage of the Diet, the Dictator's conduct was inquired into; the consequence of which was, that he was deprived of his authority. The civil administration was entrusted to Prince Adam Czartoryski, and the command of the army to Prince Michael Radziwil, both subordinate to the Diet.

After he proved his inability to be at the helm of the government, General Chlopicki took a place in the suite of the Commander-in-chief, and was admitted into the councils of military affairs. The dictatorship was unhappy in its consequences, for the time lost in delay could not be retrieved, even by victories. The enemy was allowed to cross the frontiers, while they might have been easily kept at a distance.

When the Russian army was in motion against the Poles, Diebitsch, the Commander-in-chief published a proclamation, couched in insulting terms, and threatening to crush the Polish nation with one blow. Indignant at these menaces, the people instantly demanded to be led against the enemy. The contest was to be unequal. Prussia and Austria assumed a menacing attitude, and

the numerous Russian army was already advancing. Yet courage and faith in the good cause, joyously bore the handful of the Poles into the field of battle.

On the 25th of January the troops began to leave Warsaw and the other towns of the department, for the scene of action. When the march commenced, people from the neighboring country covered the plains around Warsaw, witnessing the departure. The troops passed in review before the general-in-chief, and left the city marching between lines of people, composed of senators, officers of the government, the clergy, women and children, and extending more than two miles beyond Praga. Each regiment took an oath to defend their country to the last drop of their blood. And sentiments like the following were constantly heard: "Dear General, if you see us turn from before the enemy, point the artillery against us, and annihilate our ranks." The people could not but trust in such soldiers.

The actual force of the Polish army at the commencement of the campaign amounted to 32,600 infantry, 13,200 cavalry, while its artillery consisted of 96 pieces. So small a handful of men dared to engage with the giant forces of Russia, consisting, according to their own statements, of 300,000 men and 300 cannon. This colossal army, with Marshal Diebitsch at their head, crossed, in the early part of February, 1831, the Polish frontier.

Thus, after being chained for fifteen years, the white Polish eagle breaks loose his fetters. Mindful of his past glory he soars high in the skies; he pants for a rencounter, and defies the black two-headed Russian bird of prey. Their first meeting is a determined struggle; the white plumage of the bird of Poland is reddened with the blood of his antagonist, which is glad to escape with life. They meet again; and again the black eagle of Russia seeks safety in flight. But to follow thee, O white eagle! in thy bold flight, to recount thy bloody battles and thy victories, would task the pen of a Livy.

The 10th of February, 1831, was the day that heard the first shots exchanged by the two opposing armies. Miendzyrzec was the place in which a little skirmish took place; and here the Polish army entered upon the career of victory. Several remarkable battles, and numerous

skirmishes had already occurred when the dawn of the 25th of February broke upon the victorious Poles. This was the day of the memorable battle of Grochow, fought within sight of the walls of Warsaw.

The force that the enemy disposed in order of battle consisted of 126,000 infantry, 42,000 cavalry and 280 cannon. The day of this great action was a day of unprecedented horror. The battle opened at day-break, and at once became furious. The earth bellowed and groaned as if in her last agonies; the air, pierced with thousands of voices of the dying and wounded, seemed as if invaded by vociferating spirits, the clouds of smoke turned day into night, through which broke the flashes of the cannon like lightning through the midnight tempest. The men, begrimed with smoke and bespattered with blood, looked as if just escaped from the infernal regions; all was wild, unearthly and terrific. But amid these scenes, senators, officers of the gov ernment, the clergy, nay, women of rank, were seen succoring the wounded and comforting the dying. And hard by, the anxious multitude covered the plain, watching eagerly the balancing of the fate of the battle; their pale, anxious faces now reflecting joy, now fear; their hearts now swelling at the sight of the retreating enemy, and now trembling for the fate of their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers. A little farther off rose the walls of Warsaw, black with the breathless population, fixedly gazing upon the scene below, filled with the agony of wavering hope, the convulsive succession of fear and joy, as the tide of battle flowed towards the city or receded in the distance. Nine times did the Russian thousands sweep over their position, and nine times did that band of freemen steadily hurl them back. At length, with the sunset, victory gave her blast for the Poles. All at once, the heavens resound with "POLAND FOREVER!" The people rush into the embraces of the exhausted but victorious soldiers. Here the mother finds her son, doubly dear to her for his gushing wounds; there, the wife her husband, more beloved for the marks of daring that cover him; and yonder, children come to kiss the wounds of their father. And here, at the sight of a dying brother or son, husband or father, nature struggles between the love of self and that of country; but the last prevails. Such was this eventful day,

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