The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-12
TIL E r e ? u B Lie.
The Dembinskies.

The following notice of these distinguished Hun
garians, ~ho arrived in the steamer Washington,
is from the pen Of the eminent novelist, G.. p h.
James, esq, their fellow passenger, and will be
read with deep interest:
SIN noticing the arrival of the gallant steamship
Washing ton, We cannot refrain from dwelling for
moment on the history of two Of the passengers,
who have found their way to our shores in that fine
vessei-sure that there will be hardly bosom in
the United States which will not beat with sympa
thy for their undeserved misfortunes.
'"The name of the gallant old General Dembinski
is familiar to- all who have taken interest in the
struggle of the Hungarians for constitutional inde
pendence; bu t it is not generally known that his
great promise, also drew the sword in the same
good cause, and was the companion of Kossuth in
all his strugg les and misiortunes. 1t is this young
nobleman, Count Dembinski, who after having
sacrificed all his prospects and property in this high
cause, now seeks refuge these shores, with his
young countess, who has shared all his dangers and
sketch Of history in which every page is romance
Of real lite but the facts these, and they
vouched for by authority which we cannot doubt
"Count Demoinski, a young nobleman from Po-
lish Gacia, was ma jor in the Hungarian service,
and during the war Of Hungarian independence
became aid-de camp to the governor, Kossuth. He
married, in the midst of the troublous times which
we have lately seen in Europe, young lady of
Temeswar, in Hungary. She, with noble devotion,
followed into the field, and remained in the camp for
many months. At length the vast force brought
surrender
Gorgey, and the fatal battle of Tcmeswar rendered
the Hungarian cause hopeless; and kossuh, ac-
companied by the young count and countess, and
few other friends, faithful to him to the last fled
to Widdn, on the Turkish frontier Here they
maned three months, receiving protection from
the Turkish authorities, 1t Is true but suffering
dreadfully from many pr1vations, as well as from
constant rumors Of the demands of Austria and
Russia for their extradtion and from the news of
the cold booded slaughter of many Of their friends
and companions left in Hungary.
AT the end of three months they were removed
by the Turkish officers to Shumla, eighteen
days' Journey, in the midst of winter 1t is mpos
sble to describe all that the young countess had to
endure during this march, being often obliged to
walk on foot for many miles, under rain, snow, and
all the inclemency of the season; but she was
cheered by the promise of comfort and protection
for herself at Shuma, and of employment and in
dependence for her noble husband All these hopes
however, were destined to disappointment. il ID
well known, that the Sultan made most liberal pro-
vision for the Hungarian exiles; but it is well
known also that his officers, with shameless pecu-
lation perverted the funds destined for their sup
port from the proper objects and during their
three months detention at Shumla, the suferings
of the count and countess were terrible both from
privation and from the inclemency of the weather.
At first they were placed III large hail. pierced In
every part with unglazed windows; but the intense
cold soon drove them TO take refuge in mere hut
of the smallest size, through which the rain and
snow penetrated at many points.
"Treated more prisoners of than as
guests their nourishment was exceedingly scanty;
and the promise of employment in the Ottoman
army, TO the count, now loaded with the con-
dtion that he should abjure the faith of Christ,
which he firmly declined. The health of the young
countess at length gave way under her sulerngs,
and she was prevailed upon to accompany TO Con-
stantinople old German lady, who had previous
ly made the most noble eIertions in behalf of the
Hungarian exiles. At Constantinope, the young
lady was most kindly received by John p. Brown,
esq, dragoman, acting charge daffaires at that
tme for the United States who took her TO his own
house, and treated her like his child during three
months.
"ln the mean time, the count, her husband, was
still detained at Shuma till after Kossuth forci
bly, removed 10 kutijha. Count Dembinsh was
still anxious TO accompany his leader, but he was
not permitted and, after some further detention,
he at received the intelligence that his wife
seriously i'll at Constantinople, and obtained
passports from the American legation. The Turk
ish authorities, however, would not even now,
suffer him 10 depart; and he determined TO effect
his escape. Obtaining the disguise Of hunter he
made his way, through innumerable difficulties
and dangers, to Varna, where, not daring TO en-
bark in steamer, he obtained passage in a
G reek weasel, which eight days in reaching
Constsntinople.
"By the aid of some friends, called forth by his
misfortunes and high qualities, he enabled 10
proceed to England in the Pottinger steamer, and
thence embarked in the steamer Washing gton for
the United States
"We do not think il necessary to add one word
more. The citizens OF our land have never fail
ed in generous kindness towards virtue, honor
and patriotism in misfortune, and they will not fail
now"