2-913-676 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Field-Marshal Baron von Hess, Generalissimo of the Austrian Army of the East, 1854. Crimean War commander. '...other Generals have always manifested a preference for a pro-Russian policy, while Baron Von Hess is of the contrary opinion...To his energy, and his admirable grasp of the evolutionary machinery of the army were mainly owing the vigour and celerity with which the Piedmontese invasion was repulsed...[He] was engaged in reorganising the Austrian army in Italy, and contributed mainly to put it on its present effective footing; after which he returned to Vienna, where again his services were required as a military administrator. He stood so high in this respect that to his influence may chiefly be attributed the restoration of the Austrian army to a condition commensurate with the dignity of the monarchy...[he was appointed Commander-in-Chief] of the Army of Operation on the Eastern frontier'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.