The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-23

proposals Of settlement short of the unconditional
submission to imperial authority. To this it was
answered, that commissioners had repeatedly been
sent 10 apprise the imperial government of the
anxiety which the Hungarans felt for settlement
of their differences, but that, these commission
ers had never returned, or even made report OF
their proceedings, they had reason TO apprehend
that the imperial government was still unadvsed
OF the desire which the Hungarians entertained for
reconciliation; that, at present all intercourse
was cut off between the two countries there seemed
no other means of bringing their views to the
knowledge of the imperial authorities except
through the aid OF some foreign representative at
this court; and, further, that the armies now ar
rayed against each other, upon their respective
frontiers, amounted to at least two hundred thou
sand men either side, and II was only TO be con-
cluded, from the spirit which animated them, that
great bloodshed must ensue unless some arrange
Inent could be effected. then inquired whether the
object for which the Interpolation sought the
separation OF Hungary from Austria; or, II not
whether il was to gain time in order to make
more successful resistance; that II either OF these
objects were in contemplation, | could not listen
for one moment to the application. On being
soemnly assured TO the contrary, and that no
other end was in view but an amicable adjust
ment of the impending difficulties, stated that
the only ground upon which could consent to
interfere that of humanity, and to save the
useless effuson OF blood; that such an appeal
should not consider myself justified in resist
ing; but that even in that event, my interference
il approved by the Imperial government, would
simply go to the extent of opening the door OF
reconciliation between the opposing parties, and
by which the unhappy differences which distract
the two countries might be, between themselves
and through the fundamentally of their respec-
tive authorities, peaceably and satisfactorily ar
ranged. Immediately after this interview, !
called upon Prince Schwarzenberg, Minister OF
Foreign Affairs, and communicated to him frank
ly all that occurred, the application which had
been made to me, and the reply which had given;
that had no disposition to interfere between the
Austrian government and one of its provinces,
/ ,.NI.y Ia u.
sue such course in the matter as might be agree
able to the Imperial government. He appre-
ciated my motives, commended the considera-
ton with which had acted, and advised that in
case / should receive any communication from that
quarter, that would have interview with
Prince Windischgratz upon the subject, who was
fully charged by the emperor with the proceedings
determined on in relation to Hungary but at the
same time expressed the opinion that matters had
progressed too far-that they could enter into no
negotiation with rebels, and that nothing short of
unconditional surrender could now be submitted
to by the government. week after these occur
rences had transpired received by Of STRAIT
agem which enabled it TO pass through the lines Of
the Austrian army, the communication herewith
enclosed, marked document A, signed by L. kossuth,
president of the committee OF defence, and counter
signed by Francis Pulsky the State secretary.
Upon the receipt of this communication, called,
directed by Prince Schwarzenberg, on Prince Win
dischgratz and found that he was absent from the
| city. On his return the next day, however, had
an unofficial interview with his highness explained
TO him fully, as ! had done previously to Prince
Schwarzenberg the motives by which was prompt
ed and the views which, entertained In the matter
and the manner in which was received by him.
His answer to the application, and, in short, all
that occurred on that occasion, you will find de-
tailed in my replies to Mr. Kossuth copies of which
are enclosed marked documents b and c. Since
then have heard nothing from either side, and
presume the matter of Intervention, as well as all
hopes of reconciliation, at end The impe-
rial forces have proceeded to Hungary, and the al
| 81 i a. L.. Il
clusion to be deplored, not only from motives of
humanity, but policy, since If Hungary is subdued,
(Which will most certainly be the case, from the
superior strength and discipline of the imperial
my) such a result will only aggravate the feelings
of hostility which now exist; and country deter
mined to be free cannot, in these days. be held in
subsection for any length of time by mere military
force, this very conclusion may lead eventually the
liberation of Hungary and its total separation from
the Austrian empire. Before closing this commun-
cation, have only to add sir that in this Ito mel
entirely novel situation, have endeavored TO act
with all the crcumspection which the delicate ma
ture of the subject so imperiously required as
have studiously avoided the least step which ]
thought could in any manner compromise my
country; and as, if any error has been committed,
it has been done for the sake and in the cause OF
humanity, trust that the course which, without
time for special instruction, have thought proper
to pursue in this matter, will not meet the disap-
/ probation Of my government.
| have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM. ii. STILES.
Hon. JAMES BUCHANAN,
Secretary Of State.
Document Il, accompanying W. H. Stiies's despatch
No. 46.
PEsrH, November %, ls4s.
Informed Of your not being unwilling to nego-
tiate truce between Austria and Hungary in the
interest Of humanity, we gladly avail ourselves OF
this opportunity to call upon the feelings of justice
of the representant of the United States inviting
you To initiate the negotiation Of armistice for
| this winter between the two armies standing on
the frontiers Of Austria and Hungary, and 30 to
stop the calamites OF war 30 fatal to the interests
| Of both countries.
Accept, likewise, the sincere assurance of our
feeling most happy at every occasion which brings
| US in friendly intercourse with the United States,
those naturasupporters of freedom and
The President Of Committee qf Defence,
l.. KOSSUTH, NJ. p.
The State Secretary,
FRANCIS PuLsKY, NJ p.
Ambassador Of the United States,
Document b, accompanying W. H. ShIe,'s despatch
No. 46
VIENNA, December 2, ls4s
Sin: Your communication bearing date Pesth
November %, lS4s, and desiring me, for the inter
eat Of humanity" and " 10 stop the calamities o
fatal to both countries" TO endeavor Z" Il
negotiate truce between Austria and Hungary
was this evening received
|,
proceeded, Immediately after perusng your note
TO the residence Of Prince Schwarzenbcrg, Imperia
Minister Of Foreign Affairs, but found that he wal
absent at Olmutz. then drove out TO Schonbrunn
the headquarters Of Prince WindischgrStz, anc
informed that he, also, had gone to Olmutz
shall at once address Prince Schwarzenbcrg upor
tho subject Of your communication, and, upon thu
return Of Prince Windschgratz, (who is hourly
expected here,) shall seek, atthc earliest moment
personal interview with him; but, in the meaI
time, the matter is attended with great Difficult
ties arising from the facts hrst that the controvers,
IL domestic one, and Austria may, consequently
be unwilling 10 permit Of any foreign interior
ence and second, that as the preparations for tn
attack Of Hungary on the part Of the Imperial gov
eminent are said TO be very extensive, and an,
delay in their operations they may conceive detri
mental 10 their interests, can hold out 10 you bu
little hopes Of success in obtaining the desires
armisticc. For the cause Of humanity, however
and TO prevent the useless efusion OF blood, tn
only grounds upon which consent 70 tax
any step towards opening the door Of reconcilatio
between Austria and Hungary, and by which tn
difficulties which unhappily distract the tw
countries may be adjusted between themselves
you may rest assured that no exertion on my par
shall be aDared- which NAV bc cd IN effc