Autographs and Manuscripts
METTERNICH, Clemens Lothar von (1773-1859). Austrian Diplomat. ()
Autograph Letter Signed ("Von Metternich") to an unidentified Count, thanking him for his birthday wishes [for Metternich's 80th birthday].3¼ pages 8vo in German, Vienna, 16 May 1853.
Metternich's thanks for his correspondent's birthday greetings are tempered by the memory of events five years earlier.Trans: ". . . Thank you for remembering the annual occurence of 15 May. . . luck was involved in reaching such an old age. . . That particular day has given me much to think about . . . 15 May 1853 concluded that . . . which had its beginning on the same day in 1848 . . . Five years is a short time . . . Such dates offer rich subject matter for recapitulation and they have value and serve as a basis for thoughts concerning historical examples. . ."1848, the most turbulent year in Europe since the end of the Napoleonic Wars, marked the downfall of the arch-conservative Metternich. The abdication of the French king, Louis Philippe, in February, was closely followed by riots in Vienna resulting in the forced resignation of Metternich in March. On 15 May 1848, further riots in Vienna forced the acceptance of free elections and Emperor Ferdinand I left Vienna two days later.Although the rebellions failed to achieve their goals - autonomy or independence in Italy, Hungary, and the overthrow of the reactionary and repressive regimes which held power in much of Europe - the political climate in Europe would never be quite the same again.A tear at the centre vertical fold has been professionally repaired under our supervision.
Stock Code: AU5348
