Kościuszko's proclamation

The speech is considered the starting point of the Kościuszko Uprising against the forces of the Russian Empire that were occupying Poland.

[1]: 180  Drafted by Hugo Kołłątaj, an advocate of physiocracy, it began with:[1]: 180 "The wretched state in which Poland finds itself is known to the universe; the indiginities of two neighboring powers, and the crimes of traitors to their country have sunk this nation into an abyss of misery."

Soon afterwards Kościuszko stepped forward and recited his oath:[1]: 182 I, Tadeusz Kościuszko, hereby swear by the God to the entire Polish Nation, that I shall not use the powers vested in me for anyone's oppression, but for defence of the integrity of the borders, recuperation of Nation's sovereignty and strengthening the universal freedom.

[1]: 192  The council coined money with "Freedom, Unity, Independence-The Republic, 1794" on the new zloty.

[1]: 192 Kosciuszko stated the council was formed of "...virtuous citizens and friends of the people, and when I nominated them, I did not want to think about whether they are peasants, burghers or aristocrats.".