The Splitting of the Deputies’ Regional Councils of Volhynia in 1786

Abstract

The d’Ugrumoff’s affair caused an exacerbation of dealings between Stanisław August and the aristocracy’s opposition in 1785-1786. In this situation a strong political battle was being fought at the deputies’ regional councils (sejmiki poselskie) before the parliament in 1786. Particularly turbulent were the proceedings in Volhynia, where an open conflict broke out. The majority of the aristocracy, led by the supporters of hetman Franciszek Ksawery Branicki gathered in Łuck, a traditional place for the regional councils. The leaders of the Volhynian regalists organised a competing assembly in the village of Czekno. The negotiations were under way, meaning of which should not be ignored. Even though they did not end successfully, they had a serious impact on the progression of events. The opposition, having at its disposal a large number of dependent aristocracy and militia, fully controlled the situation in Łuck. However, an attempt was made of not vexing the regalists unduly, which can be evidenced by a very general deputy instruction. The king’s opponents were trying to put a strong pressure on the leaders of the opposing camp. Nevertheless, the account of the regalists on the violence taking place in Łuck should be critically approached. It seems that the failure of the regional council at Czekno during the parliamentary session (rugi sejmowe) was decided not only by the standpoint of the Russian ambassador Otto M. von Stackelberg. The supporters of the court, who were conducting the proceedings in a place different from the one indicated by law, did not have strong enough arguments in order to question the legality of the regional council in Łuck.