>The events of May 24, 1848

Kossuth Notes ("bankók")

Dissatisfied with Vienna's financial administration, Kossuth as far back as 1835, had advocated a change in policy. The Hungarian krone had depreciated as the imperial treasury had converted tobacco duties into gulden. On May 24 at Kossuth's urging, the imperial governor authorized the issuance of Hungarian banknotes. They later became known as "Kossuth notes". Popular among the various "forint" denominations were the 1, 5, 10, 100 forint, also 2 forint notes.

Soldiers' return

[Lenkey's troop]
Capt. Lenkey leading his "huszár troops' return to Hungary

Prime minister Batthyány's request to have Hungarian troops serving with the imperial forces returned to the homeland was met with little response. In fact some units were moved farther away: into Italy, Ukraine, Poland. But the news of the turns of events in Hungary spread, so a number of units decided to take matters into their own hands. An example was the "Württemberg Huszárok" stationed in Eastern Poland, Mariampol. A troop consisting of some 130 cavalrymen quietly left their camp after nightfall. Next morning the distraught commanding general sent their commander, Capt.Lenkey after them. Instead of bringing them back, his men persuaded the captain to lead them home, to Hungary. Using back roads, in stealth, they rode for days and were given a rousing welcome when they reentered Hungary near Máramarossziget. The anniversary of that reception was celebrated for many years.

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