Maurycy Beniowski, although born in what is now Slovakia, always felt Polish and considered Poland his adopted homeland. Escaping from Russian captivity, he became a symbol of steadfastness and courage. His travels and struggles led him to a place most Europeans knew nothing about — the throne of Madagascar. Who was this forgotten hero of history really?

Early life

Maurycy was born in Werbów, Hungary, now Slovakia, in 1746. He came from a wealthy family; his father was a general in the Austrian army. From an early age, young Maurycy was interested in military affairs – he joined the army and served there until he inherited his deceased uncle’s estate. After the death of his mother, Anna Róża Révay, he fell into conflict with his family over her estate. The dispute culminated in an armed raid on his relatives’ property. They complained to the authorities, but before the trial was over, Maurycy fled to Poland.

Maurycy Beniowski, source: https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurycy_Beniowski

Exile

Beniowski reached Poland, where in 1768 he joined the Bar Confederation. Shortly thereafter, he was captured and sent first to Kiev, then transferred to Kazan. From there, he escaped to St. Petersburg. He did not enjoy his freedom for long – he was detained by the police, arrested, and exiled to Kamchatka, in Siberia. Maurycy did not stay long in Kamchatka either.

Together with about 90 other fellow prisoners, he managed to take control of the city, defeat the local garrison, and steal the ship “Saint Peter and Paul.” The crew immediately began to argue about where to sail. The Russian part of the crew wanted to go to Europe via the Arctic Ocean, but Beniowski steered the ship south. Still dissatisfied, part of the crew, demanding an increase in food rations, broke into the storeroom one night, eating and destroying the remaining supplies. The crew began to starve until they finally came across a deserted island full of fruit, drinking water, and even wild pigs. Some of them wanted to stay there permanently, but Beniowski convinced them to sail to Japan.

In Japan, they stopped in Okinawa, then sailed to Formosa, and from there they ended up in Macau, where they sold the furs and the ship itself. Beniowski himself left Macau on a French ship and ended up in France.

Maurycy Beniowski’s travel map, source:
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurycy_Beniowski

The King of Madagascar – Maurycy Beniowski

Upon his arrival in France, the French government decided to make use of Beniowski. He was sent to Madagascar with a mission to establish a French colony there. He arrived on the island of Mauritius on February 14, 1774. Upon arrival, he founded a settlement, which he named Louisbourg, and began to pacify the natives. He was appointed Ampansacabe, or “great king,” by the local population. In his letters, he wrote about his achievements – the fort, hospitals, and roads he had built. Over time, the French government sent a commission to Madagascar to check on Maurycy’s progress. The commission found that the “fort” was in fact a simple hut surrounded by a palisade, and there was no sign of hospitals or roads. After the commission left, Maurycy soon left the island. He then returned to Austria, where he briefly resumed his military service.

Maurycy Beniowski, source: https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurycy_Beniowski

He did not stay in Austria for long – he left for the United States, where he wanted to encourage the government to finance another expedition to Madagascar. Maurycy managed to organize a new expedition. He landed on the west coast of Madagascar, where he was attacked by the indigenous people. Most of his companions were killed. He was presumed dead, but reappeared on the east coast of the island, claiming that he had managed to circumnavigate it. There, he attacked a French settlement. During a brief skirmish, Maurycy Beniowski was shot dead. He was buried near the port.