AY 2003-2004 including Prosecutors, Correction, business in the first place. Probation, Parole, and members of other I am very eager to continue my studies related agencies. and believe there is a great need for a ’s Hungarians: I took part at the regular annual gang global oriented approach in dealing with conference. gang-related and organised crime issues. The Thirteenth Annual National Gang I also believe that we need to apply more Soldiers of Hungarian Birth in the Violence Conference offered the most fundamental international study and focus current information regarding gangs, gang to this increasingly global phenomenon. Confederate with a Case Study trends,investigation and information- To this date, I have enjoyed the benefits gathering techniques. The instructors of the International Law Enforcement were specialist in gang-related topics. The Academy professional base. I finished the general sessions, sections and the optional ILEA in 2000 and its director was onfe István Kornél Vida class on basic gang awareness covered the of the persons who recommended my most typical conferences topics.: gangs application for the Fulbright grant. and drugs, asian gangs, black street gangs, Earlier I was one of the members of ...... hispanic street gangs, skinheads/hate the International Task Force which groups, sociology of gangs, officer safety was established by the FBI in Budapest University of Debrecen, University of and motorcycle gangs. It was a target point some years ago. One of my colleagues North American Department College Park, MD 20742, USA in my research project. arrived from Los Angeles. I supported The international gangs, for example the him professionally during his existence Institute of English and American Studies dangerous outlaw motorcycle clubs, such in Budapest. In spite of these facts I had 4010 Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1. www.umd.edu as the Hell’s Angels-HAMC- although difficulties in keeping contact the FBI in [email protected] originally from California, US, now have Los Angeles. To reach the goals of my www.unideb.hu Adviser: Leslie S. Rowland developed international networks of work I need in future stronger cooperation chapters or branches around the world. and support of the FBI as well. Canada, Australia, Germeny, France, Recently I belong to the International ...... Denmark,the Netherlands, United Law Enforcement Cooperation Centre at As a Fulbright postgraduate grantee I conducted research in one of the most neglected areas of Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland all have Hungarian National Police. This Centre Hungarian-American links and contacts: the first wave of Hungarian political immigrants, chapters of the organization, which retains incorporate the Interpol National Office, who sought refuge in the after the defeat of the Hungarian War of Independence of its headquarters in Oakland, California. In Europol National Unit, International and 1848/49 and their participation in the . This subject has been dealt with by addition to profit-oriented illegal activities EU Integration Department, Front office only three amateur historians, who often applied unhistorical approaches and their works served such as manufacturing and distribution of and liaison officers( both national and not historical purposes but as a device to create cohesion in the dispersed Hungarian-American metamphetamin, and other drugs, HAMC international), plus the SECI National community and justify its presence in America. Therefore, an objective analysis of the subject is has been known to shelter fugitives from Focal Point. yet to be accomplished, which is the ultimate goal of my doctoral dissertation. The comprehensive one country to another. The HAMC has The Fulbright Scholar Program has been summary of my investigations would go much beyond the scope of this paper, therefore, I propose grownfrom a small group of gang members a wonderful opportunity, it has enriched my here to write just about a tiny fragment of them: the life of Hungarians in the Antebellum South to a multinational criminal organization scientific background, practical experience and their involvement in the Civil War on the Confederate side. To illustrate the difficulties a with over 1300 members. It has more than and has been both professionally and researcher has to face, I also include a case study: a summary of my investigations about the career 100 chapters worldwide. Expansion of this personally rewarding. of Estván Béla, Hungarian , who served in the Confederate army. OC organization makes threat to former socialist countries, regarding money “[…]Exile is the Emptiness – for however much you brought With you, there’s far more you have left behind. laundering and infiltration into legitimate Exile is the Ego that shrinks, for how you can prove What you were and what you did? Exile is a Song that only the singer can hear […]” 200 201 Anon. Song of Exile AY 2003-2004 Soldiers of Hungarian Birth in the Confederate Army with a Case Study

Upon reading the three existing works by the recruiting officers. However, 1. Hungarians in the Land had academic professions (professors, of the subject, those interested in there was another reason as well. To the teachers, physicians, lawyers), and an the Hungarians’ involvement in the Hungarian-American historians, the of “Dixie” equal number of Hungarians worked in American Civil War, can easily come to fact that several Hungarians supported By making use of the geneological the service sector. the conclusion that soldiers of Hungarian the secession from the country, which research aid software named Heritage In order to able to place the Hungarians origin supported only the Northern cause provided shelter to them after the defeat Quest Online, which makes all the census on the contemporary social spectrum, we and wore the blue uniform of the Union of the Hungarian War of Independence of data accessible and allows us to search for have to investigate the real and personal army. The three amateur historians 1848/49, seemed to weaken the legitimacy the country of birth in the database, which estate properties of Hungarians. As far as (Eugene Pivány, Edmund Vasváry and of the Hungarian-American community. is the only possible way to confirm one’s real estates are concerned, there were huge Tivadar Ács), who entertained the subject, Therefore, historians, who would like to nationality, in the Census of 1860, we can differences, as some had only a couple of paid very little attention to the Hungarian study the history of people of Hungarian find 1,141 Hungarian household heads in tens of dollars worth property, whereas immigrants who chose to settle down origin in Dixie and the Confederate the United States. About 11% per cent of the value of László Újházy’s estate in South of the Mason-Dixon line, and Army, have no other option, but virtually them settled down in the Southern States, Texas was above $10,000. On a per capita devoted at the outmost a single chapter in start from the scratch. The subject of and in these family units there were 310 basis, the average Southern Hungarian their books to the Hungarian soldiers in this paper is a just a tiny fragment of a people, including those under-age and the was worth $2,344, consecutively, consid- the Confederate army.55 work-in-progress research project, the elderly. The two centers of Hungarians in erably poorer than the average South- There are two possible reasons for intended end-product of which is the first the Confederacy were (New erner ($3,978). This was partly due to this negligence. The overwhelming comprehensive study of scholarly quality Orleans was the only possible major the fact that the Southern society was less majority of the official documents of the of the first major wave of Hungarian Southern port of entry for immigrants) receptive towards people of foreign birth Confederate government – including immigrants to the U.S. in the 1850’s in and Texas. More than half of the Southern than that of the North, and not a single those of the War Department – were general, and the Hungarian involvement Hungarians lived in these two states, Hungarian had a job linked directly to the destroyed, when the capital, Richmond, in the American Civil War in particular. whereas in most of the others one can find plantation system, which proved the most Va. was abandoned towards the end of Here I take the career of one participant, sporadic Hungarian presence, particularly profitable sector. the Civil War; the remaining ones – Béla Estván, as a case study, because it is in and North Carolina. regimental rosters, pay-rolls etc. – do not not only adventurous, but shows the diffi- - The majority of them were single males make the identification of Hungarians culties the researcher of the subject has to in their early thirties. Most of the married 2. Hungarians in the easier either, as the soldiers’ country of face as well. had non-Hungarian spouses, which is not Confederate Army birth was generally not written down First of all, it is essential to say a couple surprising at all, considering the fact that As a Fulbright visiting researcher in of words about the Hungarians living in there were hardly any single females in Washington, DC, I have carried out the Southern states around the time of the this first wave of Hungarian immigrants. 55 These three books are: Eugene research in the National Archives and outbreak of the Civil War. (When I refer It is worth examining the occupation Pivány, Hungarians in the American the Library of Congress, investigated to the ‘South’ thenceforward, I have the patterns of Hungarians as well. 37 per Civil War. (Cleveland, 1913); Edmund the service records of the Civil War, the would-be states of the Confederate States cent of them worked as skilled craftsmen Vasváry. Lincoln’s Hungarian Heroes. rosters of the individual regiments and of America in mind.) (in the food-preparing indutry, or as The Participation of Hungarians in construction and metal workers), one out the pension files – and I have come to the American Civil War., (Washington, of five earned his living from agriculture the conclusion that the earlier-mentioned D.C., 1939); Tivadar Ács: Magyarok az as farmers or agricultural laborers; and works about the subject are riddled with észak-amerikai polgárháborúban 1861- the rate of white-collar workers (clerks, errors and misconceptions, no wonder 65. [Hungarians in the North-American members of business life, bankers etc.) that German historian Martin W. Öfele, in Civil War 1861-65.] (Budapest, 1964.) reached similar proportions. 10 perc cent his recent book dealing with the German Hereafter cited as: Ács, Magyarok.

202 203 AY 2003-2004 Soldiers of Hungarian Birth in the Confederate Army with a Case Study soldiers in the U.S. Colored Regiments, was passed in May 1862, meant a change with the cause that their presence in the William Harris wrote the following called for a comprehensive study of the in the attitude of the foreigners, as many Confederate States army can be only about Col. Adolphus Adler, Hungarian Hungarian involvement in the conflict, thought that this measure had been explained by the phrase ‘drifiting along engineer-in-chief of the Wise Legion which “has so far received only scarce oppressive and despotic. However that with the tide’.” in the Confederate Army, who was attention in historical literature.”56 may be, all but one Hungarians enlisted One of the longest-lasting myths in imprisoned at Richmond for not carrying On the basis of my research, I have found before May 1862, and what is more, upon connection with the Civil War that out orders of his superiors-in-rank and 106 confirmed Hungarian participants in the expiration of their terms of service, ”Yankees recruited foreign mercenaries was accused of Northern sympathies the Civil War, and I established that earlier all of them re-enlisted, which shows their to do their fighting.” The Richmond and was thence sentenced to death: “he historians had exaggerated this number a determination and commitment to the Examiner declared that the would have turned Turk, Secesh, and whole lot. (Ács, for instance, estimated cause. was composed mainly of ”the riff-raff of Unionist alternately, in order to escape that there were 5,000 Hungarian soldiers As far as the institution of slavery is Germany and Ireland” and many Southern his portending doom.”62 in the Civil War, whereas the total number concerned, most European immigrants historians accepted the idea that ”the In this second part of my paper, I propose of people of Hungarian birth living in the were in general anti-slavery, at the same majority of Yankee soldiers were foreign to take one of the “Southern” Hungarian’s US was considerably lower at the time.57) time they were also against the recognition hirelings.”59 Indeed, among Hungarians career as a case study, and examine whether 13 per cent of the Hungarian soldiers of the Negro. In San Antonio, TX, where – similarly to the sons of other nations he can be considered a soldier of fortune sprang to arms in support of the Confed- there were very strong links between the – there were soldiers of fortune. George who was indeed “drifting along with the erate cause, among them 5 officers (two German and the Hungarian community, Klapka, former commander-in-chief of tide” or he was an ardent supporter of the colonels, one and three 2nd lieu- a resolution was adopted declaring the Hungarian army during the Hungarian Confederate cause. tenants). This number is considerably slavery an evil, and its removal absolutely War of Independence, offered his services higher than it was suspected earlier. It is, necessary, but they held it the problem of for a bonus of $100,000 in cash and a salary 3. International Fraud or therefore, worth examining their possible the individual state in which the Federal of $25,000 per annum as the commander- Southern Hero?: motivations for joining the Confederate Government should not interfere. in-chief of the Union forces.60 In a letter to Col. Béla Estván, Hungarian army. Many Southerners saw a parallel Ellen Ewing Sherman, William Tecumseh Cavalry Officer in the Some of them must have felt sympathy between their cause and that of the Sherman described another Hungarian, Confederate Army with other law-abiding people who felt Hungarians’ back in 1848/49. A Confed- Anthony Vallas, professor of math- At the centennial of the outbreak of the contempt for the Federal Government’s erate captain explained it to Emeric ematics and philosophy at the Louisiana American Civil War in 1961 the Kossuth failure to afford loyal Southerners aid and Szabad, a Hungarian prisoner-of-war State Seminary of Learning and Foundation resolved to commemorate support. They did not want to be treated that “he found it incomprehensible how Academy, as a “foreigner who doesn’t care the participation of Hungarians in the as cowards in their local communities a Hungarian could fight with the d---d [too much about] the Confederacy, but War Between the States and published either. Moreover, the love of adventure Yankees against the Southern people who will follow his immediate self-interests,” a booklet titled Béla Estván: Hungarian was undoubtedly in the heart of every were fighting for what Hungarians had and referred to him as a “hypocritical Cavalry Colonel in the Confederate Army volunteer. Some historians argue that the fought for in 1848.”58 foreigner who would serve the Devil for written by András H. Pogány. This book Confederate Law, which The motivations of some others were his pay.”61 described by historian Ella Lonn as follows, “Sometimes voluntary enlist- 59 Quoted in James M. McPherson, Ordeal by Fire: The and December 1860. In Sherman’s Civil War: Selected 56 Martin W. Öfele, German-Speaking Officers in the ments came from men so out of sympathy Civil War and the Reconstruction. (N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Correspondence of William T. Sherman, 1860-65. (Eds. U.S. Colored Troops, 1863-1867. Gainesville, FL: The Publishing Co., 1982.), p. 358. Brooks D. Simpson and Jean V. Berlin) (Chapel Hill: The University Press of Florida, 2004. My gratitude goes to 60 George B. McClellan, McClellan’s Own Story: The University of North Carolina Press, 1999), p.4 and p. Irene and Mickey Schubert for sending me a copy of 58 Quoted in Stephen Beszedits, The Libby Prison Diary War for the Union. (New York: Charles L. Webster Co., 39 the book. of Colonel Emeric Szabad. (Toronto: B&L Information 1887), p.143. 62 William Harris, Prison-Life in the Tobacco Warehouse 57 Ács, Magyarok, p.23. Services, 1999.), p. 75. 61 Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman. Nov.3, 1860 at Richmond. (Philadelphia: G.W. Childs, 1862.)

204 205 AY 2003-2004 Soldiers of Hungarian Birth in the Confederate Army with a Case Study was entirely based upon Estván’s own called for further research, which, he heard of the outbreak of the Hungarian There is no evidence to prove that orga- War Pictures from the South and the author indicated, “would be able to discover revolution, he returned to Hungary and nized Hungarian units participated in the hardly added anything to the facts in the some favorable testimony about the life of Governor Kossuth appointed him colonel war, although there were some individuals Hungarian officer’s book. Although the this mysterious and elusive individual.”65 of cavalry. who did. None of them, however, sided volume is rather thin, it is riddled with My own findings, summarized here, After the Hungarian forces laid down with the Russians, except for Col. Estván errors. (For instance, Pogány claims support the conclusion that Estván was a their arms at Világos in 1849, Estván had if his claims can be believed. Nevertheless, that George B. McClellan became the Münchausen-figure, a soldier-of-fortune to leave the country in order to escape one clue shows that at least some credit commander-in-chief of the Confederate who made use of every opportunity to persecution and – similarly to many of could be given to Estván’s words. The Army!)63 However, Pogány’s gravest advance his own position without caring his comrades – sought refuge in England. would-be Union Commander-in- mistake was taking everything for granted much for which side he supported. The exact date when he left for the United Chief, Gen. George B. McClellan was that Estván had stated, in spite of the fact Little is known about Estván’s early life. States is not known, but it is highly present in the Crimean War as a military that even his contemporaries doubted the According to Pogány, he was born in 1827, probable that he sailed for the “Land observer and it is possible that he met the validity of most of Estván’s statements. although in the Census of 1860 the date of of the Free” in 1850-51 right before or Hungarian adventurer there. It is known Merton E. Coulter voiced his own opinion birth he gave was 1815.66 Pogány managed during former Hungarian Governor, that he had shown great interest in the of the Hungarian as follows: “There is to identify a family of lesser nobility in Lajos Kossuth’s tour of the country. None Hungarian fight for freedom against the some reason to believe that Estvan was a Hungary named Estván, but cannot give of the sources mention him as a member Habsburgs back in 1849 and asked to be fraud, and was never in the Confederate proof of the fact that the person under our of Kossuth’s escort and the reasons why he sent to Hungary as a military observer, army. His account is of little value since scrutiny was indeed the descendant of that wound up in Richmond, Virginia are not but his plan came to nothing because most of it is not about personal experi- particular family.67 Béla became an officer clear either. That notwithstanding, in his of the victory of the joint Austrian and ences, but is an attempted history of the of the Imperial Army of Austria-Hungary letter to Confederate President Jefferson Russian forces. He might have met Estván Confederate military campaigns.”64 and later he wrote that he had “served the Davis in 1861, he wrote that he had been there and this might provide an expla- Edmund Vasváry, an ardent student of king of Hungary for fourteen years.”68 the citizen of the city for eight years, so nation to the surprising fact that, when the history of the Hungarian-American He served in Italy under Radetzky as since 1853.69 his War Pictures was published for the first community and author of Lincoln’s a captain of cavalry and participated in The most mysterious part of Estván’s time in Britain in 1863, Estván dedicated Hungarian Heroes, also mentioned Estván the Italian campaign of 1848. Having adventurous career was yet to come. In his it to McClellan, in spite of the fact that among the Hungarians who supported the book he boasted of having participated in the Hungarian colonel had served in the South in the War between the States in his the Crimean War and called himself the Conferederate Army. (The 1864 issue was 65 Edmund Vasváry, “Lincoln and the Hungarians” in articles published serially in the monthly Hero of Sebastopol. No sources support dedicated to the soldiers of both .) William Penn Fraternal Association: Pittsburgh, PA. of the William Penn Fraternal Association the validity of these statements. As a matter After the Crimean War Estván returned 1961-64. p. 30. between 1961 and 1964. Yet, he himself of fact, Hungarian refugees in the United to the United States and settled down 66 Pogány, Béla Estván, p. 5. Pogány possibly gained States were organizing an expeditionary in Richmond. There is only sporadic this information from the Catalogue of the Library of force which was to sail over to Europe reference to his Pre-Civil War years. 63 András H. Pogány, Béla Estván: Hungarian Cavalry Congress; The Census of 1860. Richmond, VA. National and help the Turks against the Russians.70 Hermann Schuricht in his significant Colonel in the Confederate Army. (New York: Kossuth Archives, Washington, D.C., m-653. book on the Germans living in Virginia Foundation Inc., 1961) Hereafter cited as Pogány, Béla 67 Pogány, Béla Estván, p. 4. He refers to the following writes the following, not too flattering Estván; Béla Estván, War Pictures from the South (New book: Béla Kempelen, Magyar nemes családok 69 Béla Estván to Jefferson Davis. June 10, 1861. lines about Estván: “He (the so-called York: Appleton and Co., 1863); Pogány, Béla Estván, [Hungarian Noble Families]. (Budapest, 1911) National Archives, Washington, D.C., Letters Received p. 6. 68 Béla Estván to Jefferson Davis. June 10, 1861. by the Confederate Secretary of War. RG 109. M-437, 64 Merton E. Coulter, Travels in the Confederate States. National Archives, Washington, D.C., Letters Received Reel 3, f1378. left Hungary after the defeat of the War of Independence (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1948), pp.90- by the Confederate Secretary of War. RG 109. M-437, 70 The reason for this was the fact that Turkey had by Austria and Russia. (November 91. Reel 3, f1378. afforded asylum to the Hungarian political refugees who 17, 1853.)

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Count) lived there (in Richmond) upon Durham, South Carolina, on which the In his War Pictures Estván writes the flattered if his Excellency would give the earnings of his two ladies, his wife and name of C. B. Estvan is mentioned as the following about his alleged enlistment: me the permission to furnish me with his sister-in-law, who gave lessons. (…) publisher. It is dedicated to the patriotic “circumstances led me to take service in the necessary means to establish a He himself was a very good-looking jovial ladies of the Southern Confederated the confederate army – my long residence foreign Legion. man and knew how to play the part of an States of North America, so we have every in the Southern States being, however, the I refer to Hon. [illegible name] of upright Austrian country nobleman to reason to believe that Estván was a rather main inducement thereto.”76 His unwill- Charleston. perfection.”71 The Census of 1860 indeed enthusiastic supporter of the Confederate ingness is emphasized elsewhere too: “It I have the honor to remain Your supports Schuricht’s claims. One can find cause.75 The outbreak of the Civil War was now 13 years that I had been away Excellency’s most obedient servant: C. two ladies living in Estván’s household: found the Hungarian in Richmond, from my native home and now, drawn into B. Estván78 Marie Estván, 25, and Laura Lacey, 22, the would-be capital of the newly-born the whirlpool of events, I found myself, Upon reading these lines one hardly both of whom made their living as French Confederate States of America. Estván almost against my will, serving in the has the impression that Estván was not teachers. Béla and Marie had a two-year states in his book that he served as a ranks of a foreign army, and fighting for a more than willing to offer his services old daughter, Mary.72 commander of cavalry in the Confederate cause, with which neither my head nor my to the Confederate cause. But even so, However, we can just guess what sort of Army, and participated in a number of heart could thoroughly sympathize.”77 barely a fortnight after the first letter enterprise he was involved in. Ella Lonn, engagements including the first battle at However difficult Estván found it to Estván wrote another one to Davis: one of the foremost scholars of the field, Bull Run and Fair Oaks. Estván belonged identify with the Confederate cause, on states that Estván reached prominence in to Longstreet’s staff in the battle of Seven June 22, 1861 he wrote the following the Virginia militia and, mainly due to his Pines and Gaines’ Mill and claimed that letter to Confederate President Jefferson His Excellency, President experience gained in European battle- he was the one who changed the outcome Davis: Jefferson Davis. fields, obtained a colonelcy by the time of the latter engagement. To His Excellency of John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry in A glorious military career. The only The undersigned most respectfully I, the undersigned most respect- 73 1859. According to Pogány, Estván took problem is that no evidence of any sort begs have to [sic] offer his services to fully submit to your Excellency the part in the suppression of the rebellion as can be found which validates his state- his Excellency the President of the following plan which if it should meet 74 well. ments. No Confederate commander Southern Confederated States. your approbation will be carried into There is a 5-page sheet music titled mentioned his name in their memoirs execution as soon as I am furnished I served the king of Hungary for Chicora, the original name of Carolina; and letters, and there is no trace of him in fourteen years as a captain of cavalry with the necessary permission. Chicora, the Indian name of Carolina from the Official Records of the Civil War either. and fought the victories in Italy under I propose to raise in the states of 1861 in the possession of the Rare Book, Considering this fact, no words will be Radetzki. Virginia, Tennessee and Manuscript and Special Collections wasted here upon the military deeds of Governor Kossuth of Hungary recruits for two foreign regiments: one Library of the Duke University in which he boasts in his book. Instead, I appointed me afterwards to Colonel of of cavalry and one of infantry which if suggest that we take a look at the docu- cavalry and served him in that capacity formed will be subject to the command ments which can be found in the archives of Brigadier General Wise. 71 Hermann Schuricht, History of the German Element for two years. For the last eight years and try to ”take the measure” of Estván The two regiments would be in Virginia. (Baltimore, 1898-1900). pp. 88-89. I have been a citizen of Richmond on the basis of these. mustered in for the duration of the Hereafter cited as Schuricht, History Virginia. war; – the soldiers to be allowed to 72 The Census of 1860. Richmond, VA. National Being widely known amongst my elect their officers captains included. Archives, Washington, D.C., M-653. 75 Chicora, the Original Name of Carolina; Chicora, the countrymen and hoping to meet with In [illegible] you will please allow 73 Ella Lonn, Foreigners in the Confederacy. Indian name of Carolina. Barhamville, South Carolina, ultimate success, I should be highly (The University of North Carolina Press, 1940), p.175. 1861. Conf. Music #132, Rare Book, Manuscript, and Hereafter cited as Lonn, Foreigners Special Collections Library, Duke University, Durham, 76 Estván, War Pictures, iii. 78 National Archives. M-437. Letters Received by the 74 Pogány, Béla Estván, p. 7. N.C. 77 Quoted in Lonn, Foreigners, p. 58. Confederate Secretary of War. RG 109. Reel 3, f1378.

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me to give some details of my military probably insignificant as a commander” is just partly armed and is “yet without the foreign-born was not easy at all in life: and “his claims as a military critic are sabers, although we spared neither the Confederate Army. She wrote that I have served fourteen years as not likely to be accepted by either side.” effort nor money. We engaged from the “probably this slowness of recognition captain of cavalry in the Austrian army In conclusion, he maliciously remarks Eastvan & Froelich [sic] sword factory had much to do with Estván’s disgruntled and afterwards as colonel under Gov. that “[Estván] gazes on the battlefield at Wilmington, and paid high prices, attitude toward the Confederacy and Kossuth in Hungary. with the calm indifference of the woman but three-fourths of the swords proved ultimate departure in the midst of the For the last eight years I have been a who witnessed the conflict between her worthless.”83 It was around then when war.”88 Confederate President Jefferson citizen of Richmond Virginia. husband and a bear,” which is the “correct the firm started to face serious financial Davis said to a visitor in Richmond: “Our I have the honor to remain temperament of a soldier, but it is also the difficulties. So much so that on April 23, service offers but little inducement to the Your Excellency’s most obedient characteristics [sic] of a mercenary.”81 1862, The Weekly Standard of Raleigh soldiers of fortune, but a great deal to the servant: B. Estván79 There is, however, another docu- published an ad seeking people who had men of principle.”89 Hermann Schuricht mented side to Estván’s career: together claims against Froehlich&Estvan or C.S. offered an entirely different explanation Davis handed over both letters to with Louis Froehlich, Estván embarked Arms Factory were sought.84 It seems for Estván’s leaving the Southern states: Confederate Secretary of War Leroy on making cavalry sabers and bayonets very probable that Estván quit very soon “When the Civil War commenced, he P. Walker, who inquired of opinions of in Wilmington, North Carolina.82 As thereafter.85 Ella Lonn also confirmed this pretended to have recruited in North E. Lee and other military leaders early as January 20, 1861, their firm by stating that Louis Froehlich continued Carolina a regiment of Lancers and was in Richmond. (Froehlich&Estvan or C.S. Arms Factory) making swords alone at Kenansville, N.C. authorized to draw from the Ordnance These two letters are the only documents had a contract with the state of North after his unsuccessful venture with Estván. Department the necessary equipage” which reveal some direct connection Carolina and made 61 cavalry sabers and He employed about 15-20 hands in his which he took to North Carolina and between Estván and the military apparatus 133 saber bayonets which three days later manufactory which was closed down in sold there. He also said that Estván of the Confederate States. It cannot be was followed by an order for another 35 1864.86 tried to gain popularity in the North by confirmed that Estván had been commis- cavalry sabers and 97 saber bayonets; No other details of Estván’s Civil War claiming that he had deserted, gone to sioned as his name cannot be found in any the two orders combined were worth of career can be supported with docu- Washington, D.C. in full Confederate of the rosters of regiments. Therefore, $5,267. Between January 20, 1861 and ments. In War Pictures he states that uniform and, according to him, Estván one cannot escape approaching all his March 1, 1862 the firm produced 479 after 18 months of campaigning with the was even received by President Lincoln.90 statements in War Pictures with extreme cavalry sabers, 1054 saber bayonets and Confederate Army he got yellow fever No records support any of his statements. caution, especially the parts about his a couple of artillery bayonets. In 1862 and resigned his commission.87 In the Whatever Estván’s real reasons for leaving own role. Even his contemporaries could cavalry sabers cost $24.50 apiece, whereas eyes of Ella Lonn his resignation was the Confederate States might have been, not agree on how much his analyses of for the saber bayonets the Ordnance Office rather due to the fact that promotion for on September 13, 1862 he applied for a the events of the Civil War can be taken of North Carolina at Raleigh paid $10.50 passport to the authorities in Washington for granted. The New York Herald, for apiece. Confederate Secretary of War J.P. and left America for Britain soon after.91 83 War of the Rebellion. Official Records of the Union example, wrote that Estván had started Benjamin received a letter dated March Once in England, Estván wrote his War and Confederate Armies. 128 vols. (Washington, D.C., a military school in Richmond, conse- 11, 1862, from Henry T. Clark on behalf Pictures from the South, which saw three 1880-1901.) Series IV. Vol. 1., p. 987. quently, he undisputedly was a military of the Nineteenth North Carolina Cavalry 84 The Weekly Standard (April 23, 1862.) expert.80 As opposed to this, his reviewer Volunteer Regiment from Raleigh, N.C., 85 For the firm’s contracts with the Ordnance Office at in The New York Times wrote that Estván in which he complains that the regiment Raleigh, see, National Archives. M-346. Confederate 88 Lonn, Foreigners, p. 166. was “unimportant as a historian and Papers Relating to Citizens and Business Firms. RG109, 89 Quoted in ibid. p. 33

81 The New York Times. (July 19, 1863.), p. 3. Roll #327. 90 Schuricht, History. 2:88-89. 79 National Archives. M-437. Letters Received by the 82 For the firm see, L. Froehlich & B. Estvan. National 86 Lonn, Foreigners, p. 333. 91 National Archives. M-1371: Registers and Indexes Confederate Secretary of War. RG 109., Reel 4, f475. Archives. M-346. Confederate Papers Relating to 87 Estván, War Pictures, p. 175. for Passport Applications. Roll #03, No. 8325. 80 The New York Herald. (July 29, 1863). Citizens or Business Firms. Roll #287.

210 211 AY 2003-2004 Soldiers of Hungarian Birth in the Confederate Army with a Case Study editions within slightly more than a year.92 that he revisited his old fatherland, Austria, impression that he was a man of some returned to New York and his task was This shows its relative success, although and he was arrested and prosecuted as a consequence, and spoke encouragingly of to prepare the material furnished by even the contemporary American press criminal in Vienna.96 No sources again the imperial prospects of recognition.”98 others for publication. He had to account was divided over the book – Northern support these claims. There are, however, He was told by Estván that he had been for his expenditures at the end of each and Southern alike. Of course, the other details concerning the Hungarian’s the special correspondent for the New month, which displeased him very much. Confederate press treated him as a career which have been revealed only York Herald, and was sent to Mexico by Whatever his feelings about these restric- deserter and a foreign mercenary. The recently. James Gordon Bennett in October 1865. tions, he got down to opening offices in Daily Richmond Examiner described him in In the summer of 1864 the Emperor He managed to secure an audience with Washington and New York at once and these words: “In these war times, they [the Maximilian arrived in Mexico, intending the emperor and later he summed up his employed several assistants. He spent only deserters] are plentiful under the uniform to create a new imperial order in the motivations: “(…) despite my seventeen on this more than $40,000 during the first of military officers. Estván, the soi-disant country. He enjoyed the military and years of absence from my homeland I still year. In addition, his budget called for an count, who ran to the North after playing financial support of Napoleon III, but he preserved a deep affection for the imperial additional $35,000, well above the sum out his calls here, was one of a particular soon had to face grave financial difficulties Family of the House of Habsburg, I took provided for that year.102 class.”93 The New York Times reviewer of as the French emperor lost interest and the opportunity with vivid interest to Both Louis Borg, head of the Mexican his book was hardly less critical, claiming gradually withdrew his support. He also indirectly serve an imperial Prince, thus consulate, and Maximilian’s agent, that Col. Estvan belongs to the large class found an avowed enemy in the person of redeeming the political debt which I still Mariano Degollado were amazed by of warriors who can “be sharked up for President Andrew Johnson, who wanted had to pay to the Austrian House from Estván’s budget. They hesitated to provide any enterprise that hath a stomach in’t. to get rid of the French as soon as the previous years.”99 the Hungarian with additional sum he […] We should prefer that he stood up Civil War in the United States was over. Upon reading these lines we fully have requested. Finally they agreed to give him more manfully either for the North or The Monroe Doctrine became a subject to agree with historian Robert W. Frazer, $7,500, but refused to give him more. the South.”94 Estván’s impartiality is what for public discussion and the American who remarked that “it was doubtful that Estván made extensive use of propaganda was particularly emphasized by The North public demanded its enforcement. he desired to serve an imperial prince in New York, whereas in Washington he American Review. His reviewer adds, “His Maximilian decided to meet this chal- as much as he wished to serve Béla was more interested in developing personal book seems to us eminently wise in its lenge by counter-propaganda. He sought Estván.”100 contacts and planning petty intrigues. judgements and opinions, is in its tone recognition and he did not think that he Nevertheless, Estván’s plan of subsi- According to his own account, he managed friendly to the people of the North.”95 was playing a losing game. He established dizing the American press was backed to bribe – among others – three New York This is the point where most sources an agency in New York, which served as both by Maximilian and Arroyo. The newspapers and paid $750 each to the finish Estván’s story. Schuricht suggests the center for imperial intrigue and propa- emperor retained Estván for two years at Herald, Tribune and Times. However, none ganda. In 1865 the emperor appointed $ 5,000 a year. In addition, the Hungarian of the three published articles favorable

92 War Pictures from the South was first published Luis de Arroyo consul general for the was provided a whopping $40,000 a year to the empire, save some sporadic ones in Britain by Warner and Routledge in 1863. Under Mexican empire. His primary task was to for expenses, which was still only half in the Tribune which was probably rather 97 101 the same title in the United States it was published secure recognition by the United States. of what Estván had hoped for. Estván due to Horace Greeley’s opposition to 103 by D. Appleton in 1863, which was soon followed by It was in his New York office that Arroyo the administration. Therefore, it is not the German translation under the title Kriegsbilder was visited a number of times by Béla 98 Arroyo to Castillo, October 24, 1865. Hausarchiv, at all unlikely that Estván pocketed the aus Amerika. Von B. Estvan, oberst der cavalerie der Estván. Arroyo recalled that “he gave the Archiv Kaiser Maximilians von Mexiko, Karton subsidies himself. Conföderirten armee published in Leipzig by F.A. 146, Arroyo, fol. 76. Library of Congress facsimiles Brockhaus in 1864. 96 Schuricht, History. 2:89. from Austrian archives. Hereafter cited as Arroyo, Archiv Kaiser Maximilians von Mexiko, Karton 144, 93 Daily Richmond Examiner, February 5, 1864. 97 Robert W. Frazer, “Maximilian’s Propaganda Activities Hausarchiv. Berichte von B. Estvan aus New-York, fols. 685-687. 94 The New York Times, July 19, 1863, p.3. in the United States, 1865-1866,” Hispanic American 99 Quoted in Frazer, “Maximilian”, p. 19. Hereafter cited as Estvan, Hausarchiv. 95 The North American Review Vol.97, Issue 201, Historical Review, Vol.24, No.1 (Feb., 1944), pp. 4-5. �������� Ibid. 102 Frazer, “Maximilian”, pp. 20-21. (October 1863), pp. 583-584. Hereafter cited as Frazer, “Maximilian” ���������������������������������������������������� Estván to Fischer, January 12, 1867, Hausarchiv, 103 Frazer, “Maximilian”, p. 22.

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The Hungarian spent most of his time in Rome, but he could not achieve anything. This indicates that soon after the tragic end our knowledge the Hungarian had no the capital trying to form acquaintance- He returned to New York, but his part in of Maximilian he returned to Europe. It is economic qualification whatsoever. ships. For example, he became acquainted Maximilian’s propaganda activities had not clear how well Clay and Estván knew Basically that is all we know about Béla with the leaders of the Fenian movement ended.106 Meanwhile, the emperor’s days each other, but the informal parts of the Estván. There is one more thing, however, and soon boasted that he had won almost in Mexico were numbered. In May 1867 letter show that they had been acquainted which would be interesting to track down. a million voters for the empire.104 he was captured by the soldiers of Juarez with each other for some time. It is not In 1872 a book titled Harry Delaware, or, Estván fought vigorously for a free hand and – despite the objections of European clear either what Estván was doing in St. An American in Germany was published in as far as the expenditure of money was diplomacy – he was executed on June 19. Petersburg, Berlin and London. New York, which was written by a Mathilde concerned, but his pleas were rejected. Soon thereafter, on July 6, The New York No documents have been found so far Estvan.110 It would be necessary to confirm When one of his installments failed Times published an open letter to the which would reveal any more details of whether she was in any kind of relationship to arrive, he turned to George Francis editor written by Béla Estván, who titled Estván’s life. There is a trace, however, with Béla or not. Unfortunately, I have not , one of his Fenian acquaintances, himself as director of the Imperial Bureau which may serve as a starting point for been able to find any further detail about and a candidate for the U.S. Senate from of Mexico in the United States. In this further research. In the database of her life so far.111 Nebraska, for aid and was lent $15,000; in letter, Estván accused the United States WorldCat one can find a book written by As one can see, there are still a number return he gave Train a bill of exchange on Government of a “reprehensible and self- – according the catalogue – B(éla). Estván. of uncertainties concerning the life and the imperial government. Estván’s drafts, dishonoring hesitation” and questioned The work titled, Der badische Entwurf career of Béla Estván. Although several however, returned unpaid and he could not why the United States failed to defend einer Wertzuwachsteuer; eine kritische so far unknown documents have been turn Maximilian’s order into cash either.105 the life of Maximilian. He remarked that Studie [The Draft of a Value Added Tax in revealed which shed light on many aspects Arroyo was not satisfied with the it was the United States which forced Baden; A Criticial Study], was published of the Hungarian’s personality, and, in my output of Estván’s bureau. A number of France and other European powers to in Mannheim, Germany around 1911.109 opinion, prove that Béla Estván was indeed articles treating the Mexican question leave Mexico referring to the Monroe However, it is highly probable that there a soldier-of-fortune, an adventurer whose appeared in the press, but most of them doctrine and should have had “the moral is some confusion about the author as – primary aim was to make personal profit were partisan in nature (the Republicans power, supported by an invincible military according to the catalogue of the Central of every possible situation. Nevertheless, were for the peaceful settlement of the force, to protect, in the interest of our Library of Mönchengladbach, Germany Estván was the only Hungarian participant question, whereas the Democratic press modern civilization, the life of a Christian – the author of the work is a Dr. Heinrich of the American Civil War who wrote a favored measures against the empire), Prince, from whom it had taken the means Peter. This name is included in WorldCat book about what he experienced (if he and not the product of the Hungarian of self-protection and even of escape.” as well, labeled as the person responsible did), and it became a real bestseller of the and his assistants. In April, 1866 Arroyo The Hungarian called it the last act of his for the publication. If it is taken into day. Every now and then, excerpts from finally decided not to provide Estván with official duty to the murdered Emperor to consideration that Estván would have his book are re-published in books and additional funds. Estván was forbidden to give this solemn protest to the American been well over 80 by 1911, and no detail magazines and his War Pictures is really a call himself an employee of the imperial people.107 in the book refers to the writer, we have thrilling experience to read – even if its government and he could not make offers Not much is known about his life there- no reason to suspect that the author was credibility is highly questionable.112 and concessions concerning Mexico. The after. At the end of 1867 he wrote a letter Estván himself, especially as the book documents regarding his activities were to Cassius Marcellus Clay, the American is of highly theoretical nature and to 110 Mathilde Estvan, Harry Delaware, or, An American 108 sent to the imperial foreign office, and ambassador to Russia, from London. in Germany (New York: G.P. Putnam, 1872) the press campaign was terminated. He 109 Estván, Estván, B., B., Der badische Entwurf einer 111 For basic information on Mathilde Estvan see, followed Castillo, who was in Europe 106 Frazer, “Maximilian”, p.27. Wertzuwachsteuer; eine kritische Studie (Mannheim: John Foster Kirk, A Supplement to Allibone’s Critical with the Empress Charlotte, to Paris and 107 The New York Times (July 6, 1867) J. Bensheimer, ca. 1911). I would like to express my Dictionary of English Literature, Vol. I. (Philadelphia: 108 Estván to Cassius Marcellus Clay, Dec. 13, 1867. gratitude to the Interlibrary Loan staff of the Bloomington Lippincott & Co., 1891.), p.562. Unfortunately, no 104 Estván to Castillo, February 23, 1866. Estvan, Cassius Marcellus Papers Special Collection, Abraham Library of IU for securing the only existing copy for me details of her family background are given. Hausarchiv, Karton 144, fols. 629-631. Lincoln Library and Museum of the Lincoln Memorial from Mönchengladbach, Germany. 112 Béla Estván, “The Yankee Wounded, “ in The 105 Frazer, “Maximilian”, pp. 24-25. University, Harrogate, Tennessee.

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support of the Hungarian Bureau of 4. Concluding Remarks the William J. Fulbright Commission, Half year as Fulbright grantee at whose staff members provided me with Having been able to spend six months all possible help throughout the whole in the United States was indeed the University of North Carolina at period, which enabled me to concentrate (Ful)bright side of life for a me as a entirely on my work. I am indebted to Prof. researcher. The subject of my doctoral Leslie Rowland from the Department of Chapel Hill dissertation by its nature requires inves- History at the University of Maryland for tigations a considerable proportion of her academic supervision. I am particularly which cannot be carried out elsewhere, grateful to Irene and Mickey Schubert for Zsuzsanna Balázsné Langó but in archives and libraries in the United their kind hospitality, to Steve Beszedits States. Therefore, I have to emphasize my for his valuable pieces of advice. Of course, appreciation to the William J. Fulbright I would not have been able to achieve my Commission for making this possible for goals without the expertise of the librarians me. Their generous support enabled me ...... and archivists of the institutions which to gather enough (actually, being in the I had the opportunity to do research at, phase of writing my dissertation, I feel Eötvös Loránd University The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill my thanks, therefore, go to them as well: that more than enough) material to give Department of Microbiology School of Public Health The National Archives and The Library an objective analysis of the Hungarians’ 1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C Chapel Hill, NC 27599 of Congress in Washington, D.C., The involvement in the War Between the mikrobiologia.elte.hu www.sph.unc.edu McKeldin Library of the University of States, which is so much missing from the [email protected] Adviser: Dr. Robert Wetzel Maryland, the various libraries of Indiana otherwise vast literature of the American University in Bloomington, IN and the Civil War. However, there is another – in ...... Chicago Historical Society in Chicago, my judgement – equally important aspect IL. of the grant. Although being a university As Fulbright grantee I was the last guest researcher in doctor Wetzel’s team, working together Since my returning to Hungary, it has instructor teaching courses on American with the giant of aquatic science. Unfortunately he became very ill in this period and we lost him always been a special occassion for me to culture and institutions and various issues in April 2005. He helped my life and work with frankly friendship which I never forget. meet fellow Fulbrighters (luckily enough, in 19th-century U.S. history, I had never there are a number of colleagues of mine had the opportunity to visit America. The among them including the supervisor of importance of first-hand information Recollection my dissertation), and it fills me with pride about a particular culture does not need to Robert George Wetzel was born on 16 From 1990 to 2001 he was Professor of to be a member of the ‘Fulbright family’ be emphasized, and I was lucky enough to August 1936 in Ann Arbor (Michigan). University of and from 2001 – as Director Huba Brückner refers to us get acquainted with a lot of people, both His parents immigrated to the United Professor of North Carolina at Chapel quite affectionately. I sincerely hope that from in- and outside the academic sphere States from Germany and as a small child Hill. one day I will have the opportunity to who helped my work in many ways. Let he learned German before he learned For 36 years he served as secretary of return to the United States as a Fulbright me, therefore, acknowledge my debt to at English. He graduated in 1959 in Ann International Society of Limnology and visiting researcher or perhaps a lecturer. least some of them. Arbor and got Ph.D. degree at Davis from 1994 was elected as member of I would like to acknowledge the generous University of California. From 1965 to American Academy of Arts and Science. 1990 he taught as Associate Professor and “His thoughts, and the brilliant synthesis

Romance of the Civil War. (New York: The Macmillan Professor at Department of Botany and of all aspects of lakes and streams in his , 1903). The same article has been just Zoology of Michigan State University. writings – 23 books and 400+ publications, recently re-published in Skedaddle, Vol. I, Issue 2 (March 3, 2004), pp.1-3.

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