But when it came to Napoleon, Kosciuszko told the officer: “He will not resurrect Poland—he thinks only of himself. He detests every great nation and especially the spirit of independence. He’s a despot, and his only aim is personal ambition. He will not create anything durable, I am sure of it. But you, young man, don’t let this bother you. Stay near him to acquire experience and learn strategy. He is a superb leader, and while he will not revive our fatherland, he can train many of our officers, without which things will be bad, even if God later sends us lucky circumstances. I repeat, learn
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