512. Dániel Ihász (1813–1881), former general and commander of the Hungarian Legion in Italy.

Autograph letter to Dániel Irányi.
After addressing him as „Kedves Barátom” (Dear Friend), he thanks the recipient for his letter. He notes with sadness the discord among the members of the emigration. He discusses this topic at length, then talks in detail about the legion. He was pleased to receive Irányi's news about his fate. At that time, he was the representative of the Hungarian National Administration to the Italian government. He mentions the fight against the "Brigantaggio." These were guerrilla groups consisting of members of the former army of the Bourbon Kingdom of Naples and other discontented people, against whom certain units of the Legion were deployed. Given the low morale of his troops, he would consider it fortunate if a political leader, preferably Kossuth, would visit them. He mentions the case of a certain former Austrian officer named Mayerfi who became a traitor. This refers to Gyula Mayerffy, who served as a first lieutenant in the Austrian army. He deserted and joined the Legion. He and eight others defected to the enemy, but they were captured near Naples and brought before an Italian court martial. He mentions the death of Kossuth's daughter, Vilma, and then brings up the Crouy-Chanel affair. Prince Ágost Crouy-Chanel, with the support of Napoleon III, announced his claim to the throne in 1858, citing his Árpád dynasty ancestry, and tried, with moderate success, to find supporters among Hungarian émigrés. Ihász assures Irány that they are not taking him seriously. He concludes the letter with a gloomy remark: "Believe me, my dear friend, I am tired of this miserable life, and if it continues for much longer, you will find another Legio commander." He concludes the letter with a gloomy remark: "Believe me, my dear friend, I am tired of this miserable life, and if it continues for much longer, you will have to find another Legio commander. My only ambition is to uphold Hungarian honor."
6 written page(s), with addressed envelope sealed in red wax. Dated: Nocera, 23 April 1862.
Provenance: In Géza Vasberényi's collection envelope.
 
Starting price: 200 000,-