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Friedrichstadt, December 24th, 1832 · The Shattered Congress
Russkiy Invalid
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On the November of 1830, Polish insurgents seized the Warsaw Arsenal, beginning a prolonged revolt against the Tsar's direct rulership of former Poland set out by the legitimate Congress of Vienna.
What was meant to be an easily crushed rabble persisted and grew, as much of the Russian army was dealing with Cholera Riots to the east. Hundreds of thousands of unwashed peasantry from all over the former Commonwealth rose up against their betters. Though the rebellion did not spill over into Prussia and Austria, and any "lost" insurgents quickly surrendered after crossing the borders. Unfortunately, all the anger of the polish people was misdirected towards the divine Tsar and his other subjects.
The rebellion reached as far as Courland, and Riga was besieged for some time before being relieved by the Baltic Armies. At the same time, Russian General Friedrich von Berg liberated Warsaw from the insurgents in early 1833 after a one year campaign, ending the worst of the rebellion.
All the remaining insurgents were north, especially in Courland which was the domain of the Baltic Governates. Governor-General Carl-Magnus von der Pahlen, the Tsar's appointed governor of the Baltic Governates, used the independently run army of the Baltics to great effect, winning many battles and dealing the final blow on the Eve of the Nativity.
After feeding his regiment a unique delicious ration of sweet pudding and sugary liqour, he led them to battle against the last Polish rebel army at the small town of Friedrichstadt in Courland. He achieved a decisive victory and sent letter of the good news to the Tsar.
The Tsar is reported to have said after receiving the good news of the revolt being over: "I don't know if there will ever be any more Poland, but I'm sure there will be no more Poles"
Most of the insurgents have been executed or forced to emigrate, let us all pray today that such a revolt never happens again. Let's pray that this year, 1833, is brighter than the last three. Praise be to god!
