Battyanyi

Battyanyi, one of the oldest and most powerful of the noble families of Hungary, which traces its origin as far back as the invasion of Pan- nonia by the Magyars, in 884 A.D., and has given to Hungary many distinguished warriors, statesmen, and churchmen. The surname is derived from lands obtained in the 14th century.—Count Casimir Batthyanyi, a member of the principal branch of the family, was born 4th June 1807. He was Minister of Foreign Affairs in Hungary during the insurrection in 1849, in which he also distinguished himself as a military governor. After the catastrophe of Vilagos, he fled, along with Kossuth, into the Turkish territory, where he remained till 1851. He then went to France, and died at Paris, 13th July 1854.—Count Louis Batthyanyi, belonging to another branch of the same family, and born at Presburg in 1809, having espoused the national cause, yet seeking to maintain the connection with Austria and his allegiance to the Austrian sovereign, was appointed President of the Ministry, when Hungary obtained a ministry of its own, in March 1848. His ability was not equal to the goodness of his intentions, and the circumstances in which he was called to act were very difficult and embarrassing. He did not hold the office long, and afterwards took part in public affairs, chiefly as a member of the diet, and with great moderation. Yet, after the Austrians entered Pesth, he was arrested in January 1849, and on 6th October was executed by sentence of martial law. His condemnation was unexpected, and awakened the more sympathy, because all men regarded it as unjust. His estates, which were valued at £400,000, were confiscated, but were restored to his family in 1867; and in 1870 his body was removed, and interred anew, with great pomp and solemnity.—A Prince Batthyanyi (1803–83) occupied for forty-five years a prominent position on the turf, winning the Derby in 1876.