Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/254

226 to the strictest principles of virtue and patriotism, had been compelled to come, during the last reign, to St. Petersburgh, to solicit the restoration of their father's extensive estates, which had been confiscated. Both received commissions in the guards, and were appointed gentlemen in waiting to the Empress; they bore with reluctance the burden and odium of their fetters. Their sister had married Prince Louis Würtemberg, the brother of the reigning Empress. Bad treatment, and particularly the treasons of the Prince in our campaign of 1792, had compelled the Princess to divorce him, and this was one of the causes of the persecution of this family.

Next Sunday was appointed for our presentation to the Emperor and the Empress. According to etiquette, we were all dressed in deep mourning, which consisted of a coat with three buttons in front, and cuffs varying in breadth, according to the rank of the person, black buckles, sword and hat covered with crape; no powder on the hair. In this