Instytucja wytrębowania hasła w wojskach Rzeczypospolitej Obojga Narodów

Abstract

„Wytrębowanie hasła” („trumpeting the password”) functioned as a peculiar institution of the armed forces of the Commonwealth (Rzeczpospolita). On the order ofthe commander-in-chief a trumpeterplayed a melody which performed two significant functions. First, it introduced the new password, which soldiers were supposed to use until the foliowing day. Second, it signalled the beginning of a special regime connected with the night hours.The institution developed in the first half of the sixteenth century in the Crown (Korona) but was soon adopted in Lithuania. It constituted an impor- tant instrument of counteraction against espionage. It also strengthened disci- pline by defining the rules goveming life at night. At that time penal sanc- tions were increased and certain activities were prohibited. Special attention was paid to fighting the flaws of landed gentry, especially those connected with keeping silence, restricting the time spent on entertainment, slipping out ofthe camp, etc. In the evening the trumpeter passed the password to authorised per- sons. This was the perfect moment for soldiers to be educated and exposed to propaganda. Piety and determination connected with the will of God were propagated. It was also important to keep up spirits: victories were empha- sised while defeats were downplayed and the insubordinate were either ridi- culed or threatened.