Journey of Archdukes Franz Joseph, Ferdinand Max, and Karl Ludwig through Tyrol

Austrian Monarchy.

Tyrol.

Botzen, September 26. Their Imperial Highnesses the most serene Archdukes Franz Joseph, Ferdinand Max, and Karl Ludwig, arriving from Bormio, entered the Adige District on September 17 and were received with the utmost deference at the border post and postal station of Eyers by an Imperial-Royal District Commissioner at the head of the ecclesiastical and secular communal administrations, amidst numerous mortar salutes. Triumphal arches with suitable inscriptions had been erected both at the entrance to the village and by the post house. Similar welcoming ceremonies took place at the subsequent postal stations of Schlanders, where the personnel of the Imperial-Royal district court also paid their respects, and at Naturns. The most serene princes arrived in Meran at 7 o'clock in the evening to the roar of mortar fire and the cheers of the large crowd that had gathered, where they were respectfully welcomed by the district captain, the Imperial-Royal district judge, the clergy, and the town magistrate. The riflemen of the neighbouring communities, in their distinctive regional costume, stood drawn up on parade, preceded by the fine music of the well-appointed Partschins brass band. Their Imperial Highnesses first reviewed the riflemen and were pleased graciously to receive the homage of the authorities and the clergy, presented by the district captain. The following day, the planned excursion into the Passeier Valley was undertaken to visit the Sandhof, home of the celebrated Andreas Hofer. In the communities of Tirol, Kuens, Riffian, Saltaus, and St. Martin, through which the most serene travellers passed, They were received with great deference amidst mortar fire by the secular and clerical authorities and escorted through their respective districts. At the Sandhof, Their Imperial Highnesses were met by the Imperial-Royal district court and forestry staff along with the pastoral clergy. Furthermore, a company of provincial riflemen and a detachment of veterans from the year 1809, under the command of Andrä Erb, son-in-law of the deceased Andrä Hofer, were drawn up there with flags and marching music. These defenders of the land, some of whom were decorated, attracted the particular attention of the most serene princes, who addressed kind words to several of them and presented generous gifts to all. His Imperial Highness the most serene Archduke Franz Joseph delighted the shooting association by participating in the competition opened for this solemn occasion and by graciously donating a prime prize. With great interest, the illustrious princes also viewed several relics of Andrä Hofer that are preserved and were displayed there in his memory. After dinner was taken in the Sandwirt inn, the noble travellers left the historically memorable Sandhof and the visibly moved crowd assembled there, returning to Meran. The morning of September 19, following attendance at a Holy Mass in the municipal parish church, was devoted to inspecting noteworthy public buildings, and after the midday meal, accompanied by the good wishes of the inhabitants of Meran who were greatly delighted by this visit, the journey to Botzen continued. In the district town of Botzen, where the illustrious guests made their solemn entrance through a triumphal arch amidst the thunder of numerous mortars, They were respectfully received by the heads of all authorities and the clergy before their lodgings at the Kaiserkrone, where a company of Kaiserjäger was likewise stationed. After the aforementioned public representatives had had the good fortune of paying their deepest respects to the most serene princes, Their Highnesses honoured the shooting range, where a prize shoot had been arranged for this festive occasion both by the Imperial-Royal Kaiserjäger battalion and the civic riflemen, with an extended visit. To the great delight of those present, His Imperial Highness Archduke Franz fired several shots at each shooting stand, achieving favourable results. In the evening, brass band music was performed on the Musterplatz by the band of the Imperial-Royal Kaiserjäger battalion and the civic rifle company. On the following day, the most serene princes attended a military manoeuvre in Haslach and visited the noteworthy churches, the new cemetery, etc. On the morning of September 21, the most serene archdukes departed; through their youthful cheerfulness and their friendly and affable manner, they had completely won the hearts of all who were permitted to approach them. Unfading will be the memory that the loyal inhabitants of this district hold of the promising and charming scions of our illustrious Imperial House. In Klausen, the last station of the Adige District, the arrival of the noble princes was announced by mortar fire from Castle Trostburg, and during the changing of horses, They were most reverently welcomed by the personnel of the Imperial-Royal district court, the mining and smelting officials, the clergy, and the town magistrate.