JOSEPH (Archduke, 1776-1847, Palatine of Hungary from 1795)

Fine Letter signed in Latin (with translation) to  Baron Johann von FRIMONT  (1759-1831, Military Governor of Lombardo-Venetia), in Vienna, excusing him from the Hungarian Diet, "I fully understand that the unsettled state of the province in your Excellency's charge is good reason for not attending the Diet of the Kingdom of Hungary now in session ...", 1 side folio with address leaf with the letter seal of the Hungarian Dominions, Palatine Chancery, Poszony, 11th September

Archduke Joseph, the younger brother of the Emperor held the office of Palatine for over 50 years, by the unanimous vote of the Hungarian Diet. He was very popular and was deeply involved in developing Hungarian Universities, Science, Trade, Industry & Language. At this time Latin was still the language of Government and of debate in the Diet, despite an attempt in 1784 to impose German. The Diet had been in Pressburg, 40 miles east of Vienna, since the Turks took Buda in 1541.
Both the Palatine and Frimont were involved in the struggle against Napoleon. Frimont commanded the Austrian forces in Upper Italy and invaded South-West France in 1815, leading to the capitulation of Lyon. In 1821 the King of Sicily made him Prince of Antrodocco following his help in suppressing the unrest in Naples and from 1825-1831 he was the military governor of Lombardo-Venetia.

Item Date:  1830

Stock No:  1483      £450

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