(From Theresa Gauss of Goettingen, Germany, to her brother Eugen Gauss
of St. Charles, Missouri)
(Translation)
Goettingen
December 6, 1850
My beloved Eugen:
How shall I sufficiently express to you the heartfelt joy, which after
such a long time a letter from you and the dear, sweet pictures of your
wife and children have given me! Since this morning when
we received them, I have done almost nothing except to look by turns
upon the one and the other with ecstasy, and now in the evening I laid
them aside only in order to take my pen and to thank you for them at
once and with all my heart. The sweet little faces of the children have
really fascinated me. I should always like to kiss them, and the longer
I look at them a greater and greater longing arises within me to press
the little charming creatures living to my heart. But at the same time
almost, tears enter my eyes when I think how far we are separated from
each other and that I shall never in reality embrace either you or your
good wife and children, whom I now have so vividly before me in your
pictures. The little girl with the round, curly angel’s head and
the splendid little boy with his faithful, intelligent face, both are
indeed such lovely creatures that one cannot help conceiving a love
for them, merely by looking at them. You cannot believe how much also
Father rejoices over these pictures, they bring for the first time two
of his many grandchildren before his view and he looks upon their charming
faces with the most heartfelt love; little Theresa he thinks looks as
If she were fighting against tears, from fear that she mast sit so quiet
and serious. Charles Henry, on the other hand, to if he were happily
conscious of his dignity to sit for a portrait that is to wander out
into the wide world. What great rich joy you must have in
these children, dear Eugen. I still remember how fond you were
formerly of such little beings, how affectionately you always treated
me, and often tenderly took me upon your lap and teasingly, caressingly,
changed my name into “mein Tiitzen”; all that now will repeat Itself
in a much more tender manner with your own little Theresa.
The letter in which you wrote me that you named this daughter after
me was the last one which I received from you; it was in 1847.
Since that time an evil star has governed the letters of both of us
and I heartily wish a better fate for this present one. At that time
two years ago, when the shipment of the dear relics of our good grandmother
bad met with such a sad accident, (of which Joseph has without doubt
informed you) I had placed In that box which now lies at the bottom
of the sea, letters and presents for you and 'William, among other things
also a little ornament, an inheritance from our Mother, for my dear
godchild. Of that, of course, you have not learned anything. But I deplored
doubly that, since that time, there must have been lost also two letters
from you, of which you speak, for since 1847 I have not received any.
But Joseph wrote me about half a year ago that he had received news
from you, and that you had mentioned a former letter to me, for which
I afterwards hoped in vain.
I am exceedingly sorry that Dr. Behrens, to whom you had entrusted
the pictures, did not himself pass through Goettingen but sent them
to us from Rosstoch. It always gives me great pleasure to see someone
who himself knows you and has seen you, shortly before, and you also
would certainly be pleased at his return, if he had met us.
I cannot tell you much of our quiet life. One day and one
year is always very much like the other. But they are contented
days and years, as Father even now in his advanced age still possesses
an unweakened health and an always cheerful disposition.
A year-and-a-half ago, in July 1849, he celebrated a beautiful festival,
his fiftieth year doctor's jubilee, or rather the University and the
city celebrated it for him, with general love and sympathy. He himself
was very much opposed to having this day noticed, but without his knowledge
everything had been prepared for it. From near and far the University
bad invited strangers, Father's friends and eminent scholars came, many
as delegates from other cities, who brought him congratulations, honorary
doctor's diplomas and three new orders; from Brunswick and Goettingen
he received honorary citizenship, from the King an autograph congratulation
and a higher degree of order. There was no end to letters and
communications. Already in the morning festive processions began to
congratulate him, all the authorities of the city, the University and
the school, strangers, acquaintances, probably about fifty persons.
Then Father himself delivered a lecture in the hall of the University,
which was overcrowded with spectators and listeners, and had been decorated
with garlands and flowers like a fairy hall. Even the houses in
the streets through which he passed were ornamented with flowers, and
in the city there were waves of people in festive attire, as on a holiday.
When at last in the evening, at seven, Father came home from the great
banquet he was indeed quite excited, and it was well that the torchlight
procession which the students had intended f or him was abandoned upon
his wish, but the love and sympathy which had been shown him from all
sides had, in spite of all fatigue, pleased him indescribably.
How sad it was, though, that when so many strangers had congregated
on his day of honor, not one of his beloved sons could be with him.
Also Joseph had been compelled to decline as his position as railroad
director did not at this time make his absence from Hanover possible.
Although Joseph lives so near us we have not seen him for many years.
But he is prosperous and very happy in the possession of his little
son Carl, who is now 1 3/4 years old. When the latter grows a
little larger, I will request Joseph to imitate you, dear Eugen, and
send us at least such a charming picture of the little one as you have
done of your children. I have not as yet especially thanked you for
the dear picture of your good wife. How glad I am to become familiar
with her kindly appearance by this means, and how dear her delicate
features are! Please tell her that from me, with heartfelt greeting.
It is nice that both of you are also in the pictures of the children
but the older Daguerreotype of you is still clearer and better than
this with your sweet Henry.
Last summer I received a letter from William; he is, as he writes,
happy and contented, but is entirely engrossed by his business.
On December 15 the last vessel leaves Bremen before winter sets in.
I hope to be able before the "closing of the gate” to write once more
to him.
Now accept my hearty farewell, my dear Eugen, and once more a thousand
thanks for the great pleasure which you have given us. If I only
could press you to my heart for once! Would it not be possible to make
more secure arrangements for your future letters, in older to bring
them safely to our hands? It is so sad that some have been lost!
Kiss your wife and your dear children for me, and tell the latter that
Grandpapa and Aunt Theresa love them indescribably, and look at their
pictures every day. May Heaven preserve you all in good health.
With faithful love, your sister,
Theresa.
Home
