military Revolutionary Noblewoman
Emilia Plater was born on November 13, 1806, in Vilnius, Lithuania (at that time Russian Empire). She was from a noble Polish-Lithuanian Plater family. Her parents were Franciszek Ksawery Plater and Anna von der Mohl. They were patriots who made a significant contribution to the development of Polish culture.
Emilia spent her early childhood and first years of education in her parents' home in Vilnius. From the age of 10, She grew up and studied with the boys. Emilia wrote poetry, sang, drew beautifully. She practiced fencing, horse riding, hunting, and wandered a lot.
The uprising November 29, 1830, meant that Emilia Plater initiated a similar uprising in Lithuania, even having a plan of his autortva regarding the attack on Daugavpils. In the footsteps of her great idols, Plater put on a men's uniform, cutting her hair - she headed a guerrilla unit of several hundred. So she went to the mentioned Daugavpils. She managed to conquer Daugiele station, she also took over the area after the successful battle of Jeziorosy, while Daugavpils still remained in the hands of the enemy. Plater enjoyed considerable respect and obedience among subordinates. She shared the hardships of partisan life with those privates. Unfortunately, fate was not kind enough to win victory after victory. Here the fighting at Uciną and Onikszami meant that her troops were decimated. In this regard, she went under the command of the famous Załuski.
On May 4, 1831, there was a failed skirmish at Prestowianów. Together with a companion named Maria Raszanowiczówna, Plater decided to join the troops of Konstanty Parczewski, later fighting, for example, at Mejszagoła. Whereas Dezydery Chłapowski on June 5, 1831, gave Emilia Plater the honorary rank of captain. At that time, she, therefore, took command of the 1st company of the 1st Lithuanian Infantry Regiment, later as the 25th Infantry Regiment. She participated in the defense of the city of Kaunas, unfortunately without success. It was different from the town of Rosienie, where she won. Meanwhile, the Russians set up an ambush at the news of a brave woman, but luckily they failed. Later, Plater wards with her were included in the ranks of General Chłapowski. Unfortunately, the general soon announced his surrender, which Plater could not accept. She decided then to get to Warsaw. But it was beyond her strength. She got very sick.
Emilia Plater raised a small unit of patriotic rebels during the 1830 November Uprising against Russian rule. She reached the rank of captain and participated in numerous small engagements with her insurgent forces.
She is the patron of many schools and organizations in Poland.
Emilia is a national heroine not only in Poland but also in Lithuania and Belarus.
Emilia Plater became a vocal supporter of the anti-tsarist sentiments in the lands of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Emilia Plater was serious, more severe than engaging in defiance, unspoken and with a look demanding due consideration and decency for herself.
Physical Characteristics: Emilia Plater was pale, not beautiful. She had a round, pleasant face and blue eyes. She had shapely but powerless build.
