The mood today at Congress was thick with intensity as we delved deep into issues that sound more akin to military strategy than simple legislative matters. The focus was on Poland-Ukraine's national defense—specifically, the discussion revolved around setting up the structure and managing the financing of an army.

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Stanisław Małachowski, initiated the session with an eloquent reminder of the investment the Union has made in terms of time and discussion on the matter. They pressed upon the importance of bringing the deliberation to fruitful conclusion.

As the Representatives prepared to depart to Istanbul on state duties, Mr. Piotr Potocki from Podlachia took the floor. In what could be his final address before his journey, he underscored the urgency of safeguarding the freedom and fundamental rights of the Union, urging his colleagues to consider whether a stable general staff should be formed for an army of 100,000 or only 60,000. His speech painted a broad stroke over the critical importance of military readiness in a time of possible turmoil.

Key discussions spun around the role and preparation of army generals, with a notable emphasis on individuals like Mr. Michał Zabiełło from Latvia, Orłowski, Kościuszko, and Cichocki—the last being commended by Mr. Teodor Potocki for his 27 years of service and an offering of six cannon bearing the inscription: "for war, but never civil strife."

As the hours progressed, the discourse became increasingly technical, mired in the complex calculus of statecraft and national defense. Speaker Małachowski repeatedly encouraged the decision on pay scales for various military ranks to be concluded.

Added to the mix were proposals from the Lithuanian-Belarusian Secretary of State, Kazimierz Sapieha, who espoused a measured approach, suggesting that the general staff's size should reflect the actual size of the army and that titles should not be granted without substantiated service.

Overall, the atmosphere could be described as one revolving around prescient concerns of maintaining a balance of power within and external to the Union. Sovereignty, fiscal prudence, military preparation, and the intricate ties between the state and its protectors coloured the discussions of the day.

As the session drew to a close, the undercurrents of assertiveness and caution for the future of the Union suggested a Parliament keenly aware of its historic moment, its resurgent independence, and the looming shadows of outside forces. It's a bit of a cliffhanger, with Speaker Małachowski adjourning the session until the next regular meeting time.

Topics: Defense of sovereignty and national freedoms; Organization and reform of the military; Military establishment and troop strength; Issues of military promotions and general staff appointments; Military funding and taxation; Savings and economy in the military; Nobility privileges and freedoms; Proportions of major generals and lieutenant generals in the military; Principles of law-making and equal treatment of citizens; Influence of officeholders on the military and national security.;