THE WAR OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE 1821 TO 1833 BY W.ALISON PHILLIPS 1897

KUSSIAN MILITARY REVOLT 243
a few days, they were required to take. It was pointed
out to them that to swear allegiance to Nicholas was
a breach of the oath which they had already taken to
Constantine.
The 26th of December was the day fixed
for the administration of the new oath to the army.
Several regiments, however, refused to take it, and
with flying colours and rolling drums, marched into
the square opposite the Senate house, shouting for
Constantine and Constitution, which latter
been told was the name of Constantine's wife !
The revolt threatened to spread among
they had
1
the rest of
the troops, and ominous signs were not wanting of
unrest even among the civil population. But the
firmness of Nicholas prevented the most serious consequences.
The mutineers were surrounded by a
strong force of reliable troops, and summoned to lay
down their arms.
and shot down
At first they refused,
General Miloradovitch, who was endeavouring to
bring them to reason.
The Czar then ordered the artillery
to be turned against them;
and three rounds
of grape sufficed to quell the mutiny. Five of the
ringleaders, including Colonel Pestel, were arrested
and executed. Many of the subordinate agents were
transported to Siberia; and the whole conspiracy was
completely broken up. The revelation of this widespread
disaffection in the army was, however, a disi
Mendelssohn, i. 395.