The daily republic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1853-1853, 1853-08-08
LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
CONsTANTINOPLE, June "a I.


| LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
CONsTANTINoPLE, June u.
| MONSIEUR L'INTERNoNcE: have the honor to
address your excellency on the subject Of a most
unfortunate occurrence, which am informed by
| the Consul of my Government in Smyrna took
place there on the 23d instant, and which | very
deeply deplore, inasmuch as it resulted in the
death of a young officer of the Austrian navy,
who has thus, most probably, without in any
manner having been the cause of the unwarranted
attack made upon himself and his companions in
Smyrna, been the victim of the most inconsiderate
and unaccountable conduct of the Austrian Con-
sui of the city towards an individual named Mar
tin Kossta.
This person, ut the present moment incarcera-
ted on board the Austrian brig-of-war Hussar,
now ut Smyrna, is, believe, one of the Hunga-
rian refugees who had been detained at Kiutayah
Together with others he was permitted to leave
this country in 1851 , and he proceeded with them
to the United States, where he took the prelimi-
nary steps toward becoming a citizen of the Uni-
ted States; that is he made formal remuneration
of all allegiance to any other power or sovereign
whatever, and took the usual oath of allegiance
to the Government of the United States. A few
months since, M. Kossta came to Smyrna from
New York, with the design of again proceeding
to tho United States In the afternoon of the 2lst
instant, while seated ON the marina of Smyrna,
he was suddenly set upon by some fifteen rufhan
forthat purpose by the Austrian Consul; and, af
ter having been treated in the most brutal man.
ner, was thrown into the sea, where a boat was
whiting to receive and conduct him to the Aus
TRAN brig Hussar.
M. Kossta, on leaving the United States, re-
ceived legalzed copy of the declaration which
he had made there of allegiance to the Govern
ment of the United States, and which document,
under ordinary circumstances, would recommend
him to the friendly aid and consideration of the
American authorities. &
It cannot be conceived here that this individu-
al's temporary residence i'll the city of Smyrna
could possibly excite the anmosty Of the Austrian
Consul to such degree as to cause him to en-
plov a band of armed ruffians to attack him, at
moment when he evidently had no reason to ap-
prehend such an outrage, and to have him con-
veyed in an ignominious manner Oh board an Aus
TRAN vessel-ofwar.
1t seems to me rather, that in case his presence
there incommoded the Austrian Consul, the latter,
at the most, would have called upon the Austrian
authorities to require his departure, and not, by
an act of so outrageous and inhuman a nature,
excite the Indignation of the inhabitants of Smyr-
ma, and, / do not doubt it, also OF the people OF
the United States.
Permit me therefore to intercede with Jour OK
cellency in behalf of M Kossta, and 10 ask, if not
out of the respect due for the government OF the
Sultan whose territory has been grossly violated
by the conduct of the Austrian Consul of Smyrna,
at least out ofregard for the government to which
he has pledged his allegiance, that your excellency
be pleased to give orders to the commander OF the
Hussar for his immediate release, SO that he may
proceed to the United States.
avail myself of the present opportunity OF re-
newing to your excellency the assurance of my
highest respect and most distinguished considera-
ton.
(Siened) JOHN P. BRowN.