Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/163

straight to Russia, to Field-Marshal Romanzow's, and disclosed to him all that he knew of the revolution. Before having certain knowledge of what I have just said, I had already suspected it from one of the questions which were put to me at the examination, and which I forgot to mention at its proper place. I was asked what were the grievances of the Cossacks under the Russian government, since they had made proposals to pass to our side, adding that they knew from a certain source that I had been employed in that affair. So delicate a negotiation was indeed a secret, even to the most distinguished persons in the revolutionary party. Deboli and myself were alone acquainted with it; as he knew Russian very well, he translated my despatches into that language, sent them and received answers. I was confounded and indignant at this treason, in a man who had already given proofs of his patriotism; but such is the weakness, or rather natural inconsistency of the character of most men. Nevertheless these words: “You shall never leave this