There was little activity during the first few months of the legion's existence and it did not receive its baptism of fire until the insurrection at Brescia.
The legion continued to increase in size and strength until the month of April there were 5,000 men under General Dombrowski. The general was anxious to have the strength of the legion further increased with the addition of 2,000 infantry, 500 cavalry, and 60 cannons, all to come from the Army of Italy. It was General Dombrowski's desire to undertake a raid through Croatia, Transylvania, and Hungary into the Polish province of Galicia which was now under the control of Austria.
It was his hope that this diversion might result in the outbreak of a full scale revolt against the Austrians. The plan was almost carried off, the legion was at the Leoben Pass preparing to march when the preliminary peace was signed on the 18th of April and the completion of the plan was forbidden by Napoleon under the pretense that the political circumstances did not permit action for the Polish cause.
It is really needless to add that General Dombrowski was dismayed by this action on the part of Napoleon, nor did it help the morale of those officers and soldiers serving under him in the legion.
At about the same time as the abortive raid into Galicia there occurred the massacre at Verona and the troubles in Venice. The legion took an active part in the assault on Verona and it was here that Major Liberacki fell, mortally wounded. Although this chance at action may not have appeased the Poles for the loss of their raid it did give to them an opportunity to show their skill at arms, which they did in a most distinguishing manner, and an opportunity to further sharpen and refine the skills which were to be used in their future battles during their struggle for freedom.
to be continued
Polish Legions in Italy 1797-1803
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