Preface

In delivering to the subscribers this volume explanatory of my sketches of the late Hungarian struggle for national freedom, I beg to offer a few remarks on behalf of my work, and, at the same time, to return my best thanks for the kindness with which it has been received. Both the artistic and literary parts of the work will show that the greatest pains have been taken to justify the confidence reposed in me, the drawings having been executed by eminent artists, and the text supplied by pens fully equal to the task.

When the sword was wrested from my hand, and I had escaped from the Austrian gaoler and hangman, I was hunted through Germany and France, like a wild beast, until I stood upon the glorious soil of Great Britain, the only spot in Europe where the poor refugee may yet rest in safety from the persecution of infamous tyranny.

The Magyar's sword is broken - the cannon's brazen mouth hushed - our warriors are asleep beneath an immense pall. Where before the soul-stirring strains of the war trumpet, and the wild hurrah of the brave Honvéd rent the air - where the ground shook far away with the deafening roar of artillery, and the tramp of charging squadrons, a calm now reigns, only occasionally broken by the clanging of fetters, and stifled sobs and prayers, and maledictions. The Russian Czar hath planted his foot upon the neck of noble Hungary, and lashed with his knout her bleeding back.

Hungary, with her constitution of eight centuries, hath been betrayed and ruthlessly destroyed, and the unclean vulture of Austria is tearing her corpse. Such is the fate of Hungary, which so heroically withstood the irruptions of Osmanic barbarism, and rescued for a time the tottering throne of Hapsburg from certain perdition, and whose mighty spirit overawed even Napoleon, the conqueror of half a world.

Single men may vanish, and leave not a trace behind; not so a noble people. The imperial boy of Austria will never succeed in strangling the brave nation of the Magyars. Perhaps sooner than dreamt of by our vile oppressors, the day of just retribution will dawn, and the standard of freedom be raised once more. May another editor then present you with more joyful sketches of Hungary. What I have to unrol is a sad but faithful picture.

In soliciting your continued sympathy, I can only say, that I shall endeavour to render myself in every respect worthy of my second fatherland, glorious Britain. May she always be great and free, and for ever wield her mighty trident, the terror of despotism.

J. Const. Kastner,
Captain in the Late Hungarian War.