Mobilization Activities in the Voivodeships of the Lesser Poland Province in the Summer of 1675

Abstract

At the beginning of July 1675, John III Sobieski issued a proclamation regarding the second call to arms for a mass mobilization, which ordered the nobility in the Crown to start preparations for a military campaign. The voivodeships from the western and northern Crown were obliged to take measures only for a prospective military expedition of the commoners (pospolitacy), which was to take place after the announcement about the third call to arms (wici). In turn, men from the south-eastern voivodeships were to gather in the local camps and fight off the attacks of the marauding Tartars or strengthen the garrisons of the local cities. The noblemen from the areas most endangered by the invasion of the Turkish and Tartar forces took measures of mobilising nature. Initially, they were gathering at the expedition councils (sejmiki ekspedycyjne) and then they were making inspections during the enlistments. Toward the end of July, these activities were continued by the nobility from the Land of Przemyśl, Sanok, Drohiczyn, and from the Voivodeship of Lublin. At the beginning of August, mobilization was announced for the Land of Chełm, County of Biecz, and Voivodeship of Sandomierz. John III managed to stop the invaders near Lviv and gave up on sending the last call to arms. Due to this decision, the commoners from the voivodeships situated in the province of the Lesser Poland did not take part in the military operations.