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Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/62

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34
BATTLE OF MACIEIOWICE.

that I was considered by him as a most violent enemy, not only of the Russians, but of the Empress personally, and in this opinion I was afterwards confirmed by information from another quarter. At noon they celebrated the victory of the preceding day by triple discharges of musketry and artillery. It may be easily imagined how these joyful salutes filled my soul with despair.

After all these demonstrations of triumph there was a dinner for at least one hundred persons. This repast, as usual, did not cost the General who gave it one single penny; as provisions, wines, and everything else were plundered from the neighbouring country-houses. Who knows how many insolent toasts were there proposed We were allowed on this day to write to Warsaw for our servants and some garments; I used my left hand to write a few lines to General Zaionczek. The following day was still devoted to rest after the battle, or, perhaps, after the dinner of yesterday. On Monday 13th October, the army started with its prisoners.