Jan Nepomucen Sułkowski w powstaniu na Nowym Śląsku w 1807 roku

Abstract

Napoleon’s entry to the lands of the Prussian partition in 1806 and the outbreak of the Polish uprising, also in the so-called New Silesia, attracted the attention of prince Jan Nepomucen Sułkowski of Bielsko. The prince hoped that the Polish uprising which was gaining momentum would be an opportunity for him to play the role of one of the organisers of Polish armed forces. He hoped that this task would be rendered easier by the appeal generated by the name which was borne by his kinsman and General Bonaparte’s aide-de-camp. However, he did not have at his disposal the financial means which would enable him to put up a cavalry regiment. Although he indeed reached Napoleon himself and gained the General’s approval of his plans, the attempts at prompt organisation of a regiment and the purveyance of appropriate accoutrements brought about the campaigns against Upper Silesia and the Schlacht at Mysłowice, whose consequences were dire for the prince. Michał Pruszak, who was dissatisfied with the collaboration with the prince, used them against the latter. As was the case with many ambitious leaders of the uprising of 1806, he wanted to enhance his position by putting up his own regiment. This endeavour was beyond Pruszak’s financial possibilities, therefore he put his trust in Jan Nepomucen, who could ensure, as it seemed, the appropriate funds and the support of Napoleon himself. The accusations which were raised at that time constitute the reason why historiography continues to furnish a false image of Jan Nepomucen Sułkowski who became a part of Napoleon’s history during the war of 1806-1807 by manifesting adventurism. Such an image was not true, and the most important thing is the fact that prince Jan Nepomucen Sułkowski came down in history as the only magnate from Silesia and Moravia who took the side of the emperor of the French.