ABSTRACT

In mid-1713, Augustus's prospects looked bleak. In May 1713, the Swedish expeditionary corps in Pomerania capitulated, which minimised Swedish chances of defending this province. The Turkish-Tatar forces, estimated between 50,000 and 70,000, moved towards Poland's frontiers. The Turks had no desire for war and simply wished to encourage a rebellion inside Poland, but Augustus's court panicked. In late October, the Sultan's envoys arrived in Warsaw to initiate negotiations. They wanted rid of Leszczynski and his supporters and urged Augustus to grant them a new amnesty, a request to which the king was happy to agree. The szlachta and clergy were afraid not only that contributions would be collected, but also that the Saxons would be billeted on their estates. Despite their declarations the envoys were relatively easy persuaded to accept contributions in Warsaw. The understanding of inevitability of contributions played a major role.