This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2024
Extremely rare Kossuth letter written during his short period in the United States, seeks American aid in his struggle for Hungarian independence: "All the aid of a democratic government established next year, will arrive too late, either after a victory, which makes every further aid superfluous, or after a defeat, which is the deathblow of Hungary"
Hungarian statesman (1802-1894) who played a leading role in bringing parliamentary government to that country. After abdicating his briefly held post as regent-president in the turmoil that followed the ascension of Emperor Franz Joseph in 1848, the fugitive leader made a successful tour of Britain and the United States. LS signed “L. Kossuth,” three pages two sheets, 8.25 x 10.75, January 7, 1852.
Letter to revolutionist and publisher George Sanders, who offered him an armed steamboat. In part (translated): "From the course I took in Washington you may see, that I have made use of several of your suggestions & hints...at the same time I must confidentially inform you, that the struggle in Europe can not be longer delayed, then about six months hence, and all the aid of a democratic government established next year, will arrive too late, either after a victory, which makes every further aid superfluous, or after a defeat, which is the deathblow of Hungary. I must therefore do so much as I can under the present circumstances. I must try with the aid of my friends that the Congress should express, that foreign interference with the domestic affairs of any country is a violation of the international laws, and,—in order to appease those, who are frightened by the war panic raised by our enemies throughout the country,—that the U.S. declare that they suspend the neutrality laws of 1818 in respect to the powers claiming interference, or interfering themselves into the domestic affairs of the nations. This is enough for me, because it gives me the opportunity to avail myself of the sympathies of the citizens of the U.S. & of the spirit of enterprise which is alive amongst them,—whilst on the other side it does not involve the foreign wars... But I see in your communication a much more important point yet, an offer, the greatest made to me since I came to the U.S. which, if realized, would be sufficient in itself to take my visit in America for entirely successfull. You write that you shall be prepared, are in fact ready to purchase the best & fastest going steamer in the U.S. mercantile marine & place her at my disposal, that you are prepared for to arm her, man her, hit her & steam her. Now Sir it was since my arrival in the U.S. my greatest desire to get a steamboat...Please therefore, Dear Sir, to enter immediately into further communications with me, about the subject, let me know in what way & in what time I can expect the realization of this your proposal, which would entitle you & your party to the warmest gratitude of my action, ready to repay this important debt, after her deliverance, in the most splendid way." In very good to fine condition, with several small edge tears, and slight chipping and toning to the edges.
Accompanied by a 'Hungarian Fund' certificate in support of the "establishment in fact of the Independent Hungarian Government," bearing Kossuth's facsimile signature.