Between Moscow and Warsaw: Vincent Corwin-Hosyevskiy as Image of Lithuania Elite under Russian-Polish War of 1654–1667

Volodymyr Hazin
Candidate of Historical Sciences (Ph.D. in History), Аssociate Professor,
Kamianets-Podіlskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University (Ukraine, Kamianets-Podilskyi),
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/ul2015.03.160 

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Abstract

During the Russian-Polish War of 1654–1667, when by 1655 the major part of Grand Duchy of Lithuania had been occupied by Moscow and Swedish troops in either part, the head of GDL stood up a difficult choice: to remain faithful to the King and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, to swear to the king of Moscow or work out Lithuanian-Swedish union. However, Lithuanian elite became the object of intensive «treatment» primarily on the side of Moscow government. The purpose of that special treatment was to force it to swear allegiance to the king.

Those events featured Vincent Corwin-Hosyevskiy, one of the leading contemporary Lithuanian politicians and military leaders, Polny Lithuanian Hetman. Against the background of his acute dislike of Lithuanian Hetman Janush Radziwill, who accepted the protection of the Swedish and Lithuanian-Swedish union, Hosyevskiy appeared to be the most active supporter of the rapprochement with Moscow. During the period of 1655–1658 the most intensive relations hips with Moscow authorities ocсur under the guidance of Hosyevsky. He positioned himself as a true supporter of the king in favor of the latter taking the Polish throne, promoted formation of pro-Moscow party, in the medium of the Polish gentry. However he did not neglect his private interests.

Eventually Hosyevsky remained loyal to the Polish king. As a result, on October 8, 1658 in the battle at the village Varki he was in captured by Moscow, troops and he remained imprisoned until 1662. After returning to Lithuania he was soon killed by the Confederates who were in the opposition to the king of Poland.

In general, the figure of Vincent Corvin-Hosyevsky displayed the fate of the Lithuanian nobility, who faced Moscow-Polish conflict and the struggle to dominate in Central and Eastern Europe. Looking for the way out they became dependant on the situation, and struggled to make Lithuania and Moscow have peace negotiations, The y believed that only in that way they could save their lands from complete ruining.

 

Keywords

Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Vincent Corvin-Hosyevskiy, Moscow, Warsaw, negotiations, Embassy.

 

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