5391. Sebastian B. Schlesinger to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 65–66.
Boston,
May 28/64.
My dear Mr. Browning
I need not tell you with what pleasure I received your lines and I have—“no great heartword”—with which to thank you for your kind, friendly and affectionate remembrance of one, who knows at least how to appreciate it, whether he is worthy of it or not. I will say no more about your letter [1] nor about the words which you wrote in both the volumes, [2] than that I thank you for them von ganzem Herzen. [3] If I could simply shake you by the hand as I want to, I think I could express more than all my command of the English language (or German either) enables me to do—but as we live three thousand miles apart—you must take the will for the deed.
A year ago today, I drove with you and the Benzons to Richmond and I remember our delightful excursion—as if it were but a day instead of a year since we made it. I can of course not help wishing myself in London again, but I am now tied to my post [4] and I must content myself with the remembrance of the past. As the wheel of life will not always turn to suit me, I suit myself to it, never losing my cheerful disposition and feeling happy in the thought that even in the dim distance I have so kind a friend as yourself. At present a cloud overhangs us which spreads contagion over all, for there is scarcely a circle which does not mourn from its midst a near relation, a friend, or what is dearer still than either—the little battles have made fearful havoc among us, yet the people do not flinch but live in the belief which your sympathetic words express, that the end will compensate for all the sacrifices.
If there are any American papers either in relation to the war or otherwise which you would like to receive regularly and only see occasionally, pray let me know it and let me have the pleasure of sending them to you.
Remember me most kindly to Pen and ask him to accept from me an American rifle which I send to him by this steamer. [5] It is the best and safest arm made for sporting purposes and you may tell Pen. that at a distance of two hundred yards he can probably enter the ranks with it against anybody. It will also shoot quite accurately at six to eight hundred yards. I shall be very glad if this Rifle gives him any pleasure and it is so simple and easy to manage that you need not feel the slightest alarm on this point. I have written out some particulars about its use and whenever Pen gets out of cartridges he must be sure to give me timely notice to replenish his stock which I shall be most happy to do. I believe this description of cartridges cannot be had in England.– I still hope that you and Pen. will visit us some day on this side, when Peace is once more restored to the country.
I will at least promise you some good music, if nothing more, and as hearty a welcome as was ever given by
Affectionately & gratefully yours
Sebastian B. Schlesinger
P.S. I forwarded your letter to Mrs. Hawthorne (poor woman!) [6] on the same day on which the death of her husband was announced [7] —also that to Miss Field. [8] Do not forget your photograph, and when it comes allow me to have it copied and replace those which are now exhibited here, and which by no means do you justice.
S.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: University of Virginia.
2. Unidentified.
3. “With all my heart.”
5. In a letter dated 23 June 1864, Pen thanks Schlesinger for the gun, describing it as “a perfect beauty” (see SD2702).
7. Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–64) died at Plymouth, New Hampshire, on 19 May.
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