1832.] Wysockis Narrative of the Polish Insurrection. 45 



constitutional rights 1st. In case of incarceration, not to betray any 

 member of the society, even though we should be subjected to the most 

 cruel torture. 2dly. To unite all our endeavours towards one object, 

 and even to sacrifice our lives, if necessity require it, in defence of the 

 constitutional chart, which is daily violated. 3dly. To use the utmost 

 precaution in the admission of new members, and never to take this 

 step without due notice to the society ; and most especially to admit no 

 drunkard, gamester, or other individual whose conduct is not wholly 

 immaculate." 



From this moment we promised to devote our whole and unceasing 

 attention to effect our purpose. 



It was difficult to introduce officers and others into a society consisting 

 of so few members, because those lately introduced feared exposing 

 themselves to danger ; I was therefore alone authorized to accept new 

 members, without informing my colleagues ; I was also allowed to 

 invite each member of the original society to receive such individuals as 

 I should point out. In consequence of this authority I went to Paszkie- 

 wicz, captain of the grenadiers of the guards, and having represented to 

 him the state of Europe, I declared to him that we had formed a secret 

 association, the object of which was to change the government of Poland. 

 This gallant officer listened to me with signs of the most lively satisfac- 

 tion ; he promised to support our views, as well as to assist their pro- 

 pagation among his friends, and the members of other societies. I name 

 him without authority, persuaded that Polish history will one day be 

 proud of his name. 



Encouraged by the success of my first step to obtain adherents among 

 the officers of the Polish army, I hastened to the battalion of miners; I 

 calculated on the patriotism that had always distinguished them, and my 

 expectations were not disappointed. Having received into our society 

 Albert Przedpelski, second lieutenant of the battalion, I obtained an 

 introduction to Felix Nowosielski, a man greatly beloved by his soL- 

 diery, and in high esteem among his fellow-officers. The result was, 

 that Nowosielski answered on his honour for most of the officers in the 

 battalion of miners. 



By the assistance of Karsnicki, I made acquaintance with Koszicki, 

 an officer of the select company of the first light regiment, who assured 

 me that most of the officers of this corps were agreed as to the necessity 

 of a change of government. In respect to the other regiments, all the 

 officers, the moment they were let into our secret, promised their most 

 zealous efforts in inducing the whole army to participate our views. 

 The officers admitted into the secret society now required I should enter 

 into negotiations with the inhabitants, in order to ascertain if they ap- 

 proved the inclination of the soldiery, and would support their efforts 

 when the decisive moment arrived. I therefore dispatched Ensign 

 Paszkiewicz to Mr. J. U. Niemcewicz, a man who had rendered the 

 utmost service to his country, to request he would be pleased to assist 

 us with the wisdom of his counsels. This noble and aged Pole fully 

 approved our design ; he praised our zealous ardour, but strongly 

 recommended that the execution of the project should be postponed. 

 " It is not yet time," said Niemcewicz, "but, depend upon it, the happy 

 moment will yet arrive !" 



The encouraging expressions of Niemcewicz filled us with activity 

 and enthusiasm. We all saw in him the organ of the wishes and .hopes 



