Letter to Natalie Liebknecht, July 27, 1893


ENGELS TO NATALIE LIEBKNECHT

IN BERLIN

Eastbourne, 27 July 1893

Dear Mrs Liebknecht,

I was delighted to receive the picture of the house in Bruch where I was born and spent my childhood.[1] The photograph is a very good one and shows every detail with which so many of my memories are associated. It was very nice of Liebknecht to have it taken, and I would ask you to thank him most kindly on my behalf.

Provided there are no upsets I shall be visiting Berlin in September for a couple of days when I shall have the pleasure of greeting all of you again. In order to fortify myself somewhat for the long journey,[2] have been spending a few days here by the sea,[3] greatly to the benefit of Mrs Kautsky and myself. We return tomorrow.

It is typical of the Prussians to persecute your Karl in this way; the bureaucrats are incapable of forgiving him his father.[4]

And now once again my hearty congratulations on your Silver Wedding and warm regards to you and your sons.[5] [6]

Yours ever,

F. Engels

[Postscript from Louise Kautsky]

In company with the Avelings and other friends we shall drink a toast to you both with a '68 port next Sunday.[7] Your very good health!!

From your

Louise Kautsky

  1. See Note 244
  2. See Note 189
  3. See Note 245
  4. See Note 246
  5. Karl and Theodor
  6. 23 July
  7. 23 July