Chapter 654: For Victory
Joseph understood clearly that Russia's strategic goal in this campaign was not to annex Poland outright but to seize a few eastern provinces with a significant Orthodox Christian presence.
A "Battle of Warsaw" was unlikely—once the Polish forces retreated westward, the Russian army would halt its advance to consolidate its gains. A Polish military collapse would leave the government little choice but to accept a peace treaty on Russia's terms.
Moreover, if Russia gained the upper hand, Prussia would undoubtedly exploit the opportunity to strike Poland from the rear.
Poland had to defend its eastern territories at all costs, or it would face a repeat of history—the Second Partition of Poland.
But how to stop the Russian advance seemed like an unsolvable problem...
As Berthier outlined the operation plan in detail, the Polish officers stared in growing disbelief.
"...In this way, we can create a standoff with the Russians. As their losses mount, they will be forced to negotiate peace," Berthier concluded.
General Rzewuski swallowed hard and muttered,
"This... this seems far too aggressive."
Joseph immediately interjected,
"No. Trust me—this is the only way to preserve Poland."
This was his final choice among the many strategies proposed by the French General Staff. Joseph had selected the most daring plan, further adapting it with lessons from later historical examples to make it even bolder. Berthier and his staff had then refined it into a detailed tactical framework.
As the weaker side, Poland had to be willing to risk everything for even the slightest chance of survival.
Joseph also knew that even if this plan failed, the outcome would not be worse than passive defense. Moreover, none of the major powers—Russia, Prussia, Austria, or even the Western European states—wanted Russia to establish direct contact with Central Europe.
Thus, Poland faced no immediate risk of total annihilation. If that were the case, why not take a chance?
If this "mad dog" approach succeeded, it would also send a strong message to Prussia and Austria, deterring further aggression.
Yet Prince Poniatowski and his officers exchanged glances, each silently asking the same question: "Why are the French crazier than we are?"
"Your Highness, if we execute this plan, the central army will be in grave danger. It could even…" Rzewuski hesitated.
Tadeusz Kościuszko took a deep breath and calmly interrupted,
"I think His Highness's plan is excellent. For the first time in recent memory, I see a glimmer of hope to defend our eastern territories. I am willing to take command of the central army."
Joseph fixed his gaze on this remarkable Polish national hero.
Some heroes are forged by circumstances, while others shine brightly no matter the context. Kościuszko was undoubtedly the latter.
Historically, after Poland's partition, Kościuszko refused to heed the king's surrender orders. He rallied the people of Lesser Poland to revolt, leading a poorly equipped force of over 10,000 rebels armed with spears, axes, and even scythes. Despite repeated defeats, his rebellion set Poland ablaze with resistance.
Though ultimately crushed by the combined forces of Russia, Prussia, and Austria, Kościuszko's defiance remains one of Poland's most inspiring chapters of resistance.
Now, in this moment, the same indomitable hero was stepping forward again, unflinchingly accepting the most dangerous mission with a resolve as solid as iron.
Another Polish officer rose to his feet.
"Let's do it. Let's give the Russians a real fight!"
Rzewuski clenched his fists and declared,
"I think it's worth trying!"
The officers all turned to Prince Poniatowski, awaiting his decision.
The prince pondered for a moment before addressing Joseph.
"Your Highness, with our current forces, it will be incredibly difficult to hold back the Russians. Before this strategy can take effect, the enemy might already breach Warsaw."
Joseph nodded.
"That's why you must expand your army as quickly as possible. Once the Warsaw military academy is operational, recruitment should accelerate.
"Moreover, don't forget Poland's ten million citizens.
"Even if they lack training, a fully mobilized populace can still give the Russians plenty of headaches."
The prince frowned, hesitating.
"We shouldn't place our hopes on ordinary civilians. Most of them are only concerned with their humble livelihoods."
Thanks to Joseph's earlier efforts, Polish nationalism had already taken root in the past two years, and anti-invasion sentiment was running high among the public. However, the prince, accustomed to an aristocrat-led military, remained skeptical.
Joseph spoke with conviction,
"Trust me. You'll find the recruits you need.
"And in the gravest moment of crisis, you have one powerful 'weapon' left to use."
"What weapon?"
Joseph glanced at the other Polish officers and said cryptically,
"I'll tell you when the time comes."
The Following Afternoon
In the VIP section of the Paris Royal Stadium, Prince Poniatowski sat distractedly, barely listening to the announcer's voice echoing across the arena.
"Natowski, 25 meters..."
He paid little attention to the ongoing competition. His mind was consumed by the French General Staff's audacious plan.
This could destroy Poland.
Or leave it crippled and broken under the ravages of war...
Suddenly, the referee raised a placard displaying the results. The announcers scattered throughout the stadium shouted in unison,
"The discus competition results are in:
"American competitor Simmons, 24.4 meters.
"Polish competitor Natowski, 26 meters!
"Sardinian competitor…"
The announcers' voices overlapped, ensuring every corner of the stadium could hear the outcome. As they finished reading, they declared in unison,
"The Polish competitor wins! Poland has won!"
Prince Poniatowski jolted upright, a rush of pride swelling in his chest.
"Poland… won?" he murmured. "Poland… has won!"
His voice grew louder.
"Yes! We won!"
He rose to his feet, the last traces of doubt vanishing from his mind.
For victory, for the pride of being Polish in that fleeting moment, he would fight the invaders with everything he had.
The Caribbean
Barbados
"General, it's time to change your bandages," a military doctor called from outside the tent.
British expeditionary commander General Bland glanced at the Frenchman seated across from him and signaled irritably to his attendant.
"Tell him to be quiet."
Turning back to his guest, he said,
"Mr. Brissot, 100,000 pounds is excessive for what was a minor skirmish."
"Don't forget the ship and necessary supplies," Brissot replied calmly, correcting him.
Yes, Brissot was negotiating on behalf of France. Publicly, he claimed to be assisting in suppressing the abolitionist uprising in Saint-Domingue.
Bland frowned.
"You see, my army has already achieved victory. I can handle the Bahamas on my own."
"This is the minimum price for French forces to assist you in quelling the rebellion in the Bahamas," Brissot said evenly. "Sending troops from Fort Magua is a significant risk."
Bland glared at the composed French diplomat, his teeth clenched in frustration.
But he had no choice—after months of grueling skirmishes with Barbadian rebels, his forces were exhausted, with high casualties and plummeting morale. They desperately needed rest. Meanwhile, in the Bahamas, the rebel council was on the verge of electing a president!
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10