Kossuth, Lajos von (1802-1894) [Letter of reference for Alexis Ludvigh]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02869.01 Author/Creator: Kossuth, Lajos von (1802-1894) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 December 1859 Pagination: 1 p. ; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writes, "The bearer Mr. Alexis Ludvigh native of Hungary, County of Szepes, is going to the United States America [sic] with the consent of his parents, and the intention to make the States his adoptive home. I am well acquainted with his father, who being one of the Representatives of the people to the national assembly of Hungary 1848 has so much signalised [?] himself by his resolute patriotism, and firm democratic principles, that I selected him to the important trust of a Civil Commissioner of the government with the main army. He is now in exile like myself; and prefers to see his son emigrate to America, than leave him under the intolerable rule of Austria. From the friendship I bear to the father I take a lively interest in the concerns of the son, desire this to testify to his respectability, honorable purposes, and ability, and shall rejoice in hearing that this my certificate may have served him as a recommendation, with those in the U.S. who might be inclined to favour with their protection a deserving young gentleman, in the arduous task of getting a start by his own honorable excursions [?] in a foreign land, hereafter his home." Written as "late governor of Hungary" and stamped with a red wax seal.
Lajos Kossuth (1802-1894) (sometimes called Louis Kossuth) was a Hungarian freedom fighter and politician during the 1830s and 1840s. After Austria regained control of Hungary, Kossuth was exiled. During exile, he toured Great Britain and the United States as a war hero before settling in Italy.
[Draft]
The bearer Mr. Alexis Ludvigh native of Hungary; County of Szepes, is going to the United States America with the consent of his parents, and the intention to make the States his adoptive home. I am well acquainted with his father, who being one of the Representatives of the people to the National Assembly of Hungary 1848 has so much signalised [sic] himself by his resolute patriotism, and firm democratic principles, that I selected him to the important trust of a Civil Commissioner of the government with the main army. He is now in exile like myself; and prefers to see his son emigrate to America, than leave him, under the intolerable rule of Austria.
From the friendship I bear to the father, I take a lively interest in the concerns of the son; desire this to testify to his respectability, honourable [sic] purposes, and ability, and shall rejoice in learning that this my certificate may have served him as a recommendation, with those in the U.S. who might be inclined to favour [sic] with their protection a deserving young gentleman, in the arduous task of getting a start by his own honorable exertions in a foreign land, hereafter his home.
London December 3d. 1859
L. Kossuth
Late Governor of Hungary
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