Lot 144
Kossuth, Lajos (1802-1894) Hungarian patriot and statesman. He headed the Hungarian insurrection (1848-49) and persuaded the National Assembly to declare the Hungary's independence, subsequently becoming a dictatorial governor. He had to resign when the insurrection was quashed and fled with many followers into Turkey, where he was imprisoned from 1849-51. He went to the United States (1851-52) and England to raise funds for the Hungarian cause, then lived the rest of his life in Turin.
A scarce autograph letter signed ("L Kososuth") in English, 1 page, 8½ x 5¼", Kutahya (Turkey, May 24, 1851. With integral leaf addressed in his hand to Sir Stratford Canning, the British ambassador to Turkey at Constantinople. In part: "It is with the deepest sorrow I learn the violent measures of the Turkish government, inflicted upon my poor exiled fellow countrymen at Constantinople. Being entirely at a loss what to think of this inexplicable suddden change in the politics…as also in respect of the change in the Ministry: I beg leave to addresse myself to…Your Excellency praying most humbly that You would be pleased to order that some exact information might be given to me about the meaning of these untoward events…." Fine; two small closed tears in address panel, not affecting text.
Estimated Value $500 - 700.
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