Egzekucja Piotra Jakuszewskiego. Z badań nad poziomem dyscypliny wojskowej w Rzeczypospolitej szlacheckiej

Abstract

The problem of the military discipline in the armies serving in the Nobiliary Republic is an issue which is often overlooked in the modern history studies. In particular, there are few studies concerning the practice of observing the military articles and the actual functioning of the military courts. The present article analyzes the case of the Hetman court that tried Piotr Jakuszewski, who was the colonel of the Lisowczyk (elear) unit, serving during the Inflanty (Livonia) campaign under the command of Krzysztof Radziwiłł. The Lisowczyk unit not only gained dubious fame for pillage and plunder against civilians, but it also showed utmost disobedience to the Hetman’s orders. As a result, the king demanded that Radziwiłł take up strong measures. However, the Hetman’s authority outside the camp was illusory. It was only an accidental encounter that allowed the Hetman to capture, try and eventually execute the unit’s commanders. The Hetman passed the sentence having consulted the officers and the king, who found all the three commanders guilty of numerous offences against military discipline. All of them were sentenced to death, but only their nominal commander was executed, while Krzysztof Drużbic and Jakub Różyc were eventually pardoned. The process showed the Hetman’s extensive authority, which was not only theoretical, but which was also exercised in practice. He was able to sentence and execute the officers who were the highest in rank in the Lithuanian army. This significantly strengthened his position both in the army and among the gentry.