(To Robert Gauss of Denver, Colo.)
Gebhards Hotel
Goettingen, Germany
1 August 1911
Dear Cousin Robert:-
Cheer up for today - or the
day you get this, rather - if the weather's hot. You look like
your ancestor; and considering all that we've seen and heard of him,
of late, that should be enough to satisfy any one man. I hope
you've long ere this letter arrives, read Associated Press notices of
yesterday's dedication. Mamma's done her best in recommending
the said reports to their notice, as of interest to some papers in America.
at least it was the biggest day of my humble existence, looking before
as well as behind, I surmise; and I've come pretty clearly to realize
that not much if anybody has a bigger ancestor to look back to.
If you haven't already realized the same, come to Germany and find out
what the biggest brains over here think of him. I've written several
reams on the subject to Papa, and intended to do the same by you, but
courage and ink fail me, and I ended by telling him to send his letter
on to you. If you can't read it, Uncle Andrew can; and remember
that the handwriting was not originally intended for the eyes of cranky
old bachelors. Isn't it too bad I didn't know in time, when Herr
Gieseke was holding my hand, that a Frau Excellenz was still lacking;
I might have used the golden moments to better advantage. the
photographs of the new bust, made by the sculptor, Eberlein, for the
Gauss-Zimmer in the Tower, were presented to us by Pastor Gieseke, at
whose house we supped after the ceremonies and before train-time, with
many big bugs and their gnädige Fraus. One for you and one for
us, - as is also the copy of the Niedersachsen. Of only postcards
have we a sufficient supply for still other members of the family; so
appreciate your favoritism. The Gauss family over here is well
up to standard; may we do as well by it in America. When I was
cool yesterday you'd have been quite proud to hear me conversing with
Excellenzes and Herr Geheimrats and Herr Rectors and Herr Ober-Präsidents
and Herr Barons in German; and fortunately the day was not too warm;
tho' once or twice, when a trifle "erreqt", I suppose you'd
have disowned me. If only you'd got the paper (Denver Republican)
to send you over! You ought to write up something for them still
- and perhaps will, from all the "copy" sent you. I'll
tell Papa to send you the Excellenz Gieseke's speech, too, of
which he gave us the typewritten copy - tho' hope the newspapers will
have them all.
We've been simmering here,
but so has everybody else everywhere, apparently. and the cool
breezes of today and yesterday, with the thought of Heidelberg tomorrow
and the Rhine next, cheer us on. Love to you and Uncle Andrew,
and also to Miss Lister and Miss Cummings when you write - and who is
this new lady who's inviting both of you to high-toned breakfasts?
Come to Germany before you
die and meet a few Herr Professors and such-like! It might prove
worth-while. I'm not sure but that I'll come back myself and hunt
den hochgrachten Herr Geheimrat Gieseke down! *
As ever your cousin,
Helen
The ivy leaves are from the grave.
* This is: "Hunt the highly-honored
Mr. Privy-Councillor Gieseke down".