SCENES OF THE 29'1'H OF NOVEMBER, 1830. 635 



MAJOR LUKASINSKI* stands the foremost among the numberless 

 victims of Russian despotism in Poland. He owes this honourable 

 distinction not only to the greatness of his views, to the power of his 

 exertions, but also to the more than human sufferings he endured for 

 the sacred cause of his country's independence. The iron hand of 

 tyranny striking his lofty brow failed to bend it ; but the collision 

 drew forth sparks which became a halo of immortality. 



Major L. was known as a distinguished officer in the army of 

 Buonaparte. After the downfal of this mighty genius, who so 

 cruelly disappointed the hopes of the Poles/ he returned home to 

 share the misfortune of the whole nation, always tyrannized over 

 without mercy by its conquerors, and (more bitter to recollect !) 

 betrayed by those for whose cause they spared neither fortune rior 

 life. 



A mockery of the ancient kingdom being established by the treaty 

 of Vienna, and an army being set on foot, the major obtained a supe- 

 rior grade in the finest of the new Polish regiments, the Fourth of the 

 Line. The skill in military evolutions, bravery, and martial appear- 

 ance marked out this regiment for the particular regard and endear- 

 ment of the Duke Constantine. But a cherished toy in a tyrant's 

 hand is not an enviable object. In consequence of this predilection of 

 the Russian satrap, the Fourth of the Line was continually cantoned 

 in Warsaw ; almost every day reviewed, and sometimes tired to death, 

 to satisfy the whim and the caprice of the duke. The regiment 

 shared the love of the duke with his monkeys, the rearing of which 

 was his favourite occupation in the moments of leisure. 



In the Russian, and consequently in the Polish army, the soldier 

 was not raised from the ranks by merit, but by chance. The Fourth 

 of the Line were subjected to the same routine. At every step was a 

 double ration, or a hundred lashes a quick advancement, or a hard 

 prison. One of those, whom the grand-duke cherished particularly, 

 was a young officer, whose high accomplishment arid fine appearance 

 would have prepossessed any one in his favour. His ardent mind, 

 however, often broke forth and betrayed that, under the flowery 

 bonds of favouritism, an iron chain was concealed. In a moment of 

 self-dignity he reclaimed his independence. This was a crime 

 which death only could wipe away. A court-martial was assembled 

 not to hear or to try the accused, but to sign the verdict issued pre- 

 viously by the grand-duke. Many a name sanctioned already this 

 command the death of the incautious youth was nearly decided ; 

 when one of the court rose and exclaimed " I will not sign, for if 

 I am a judge, I have the right nay, the sacred duty, to do justice ; if 

 not, why ask for my signature?" 



This conscientious judge was Major Lukasinski. The life of the 

 youth was spared; but the wrath of the disappointed tyrant fell 

 upon the independent judge. He was dismissed from active service 



* Some time since we gave a sketch of this distinguished officer ; but this ac- 

 count is so much more graphic and circumstantial than the former, that we have 

 no hesitation in inserting it. 



