Talleyrand's final stop in Poland was to attend the unveiling ceremony of the statue of the Regent of France in Warsaw.
Yes, this statue had begun construction when Kosciuszko retreated from Russia, initiated by Spione Piatoli, the king's secretary who was skeptical of France at the time. He personally contributed 13,000 zlotys and raised another 10,000 zlotys for the construction funds, inviting the royal sculptor Andre-Jean Lebrun to take charge.
When Talleyrand arrived at St. John's Cathedral Square, the streets leading there were packed with people.
Solemn music played around, and Stanisław August Poniatowski personally led a group of Polish officials to unveil the statue.
After the King, the Royal Minister, the Chairman of the Great Sejm, and Talleyrand each delivered speeches, the surrounding music abruptly stopped, followed by endless roaring cannon fire.
