He reached Boston in May, just at the beginning of the Presidential campaign of 1856, in which he took a strong interest,[179] many people here whom I should like very much indeed if they would keep their mouths shut in regard to America.
December 11:I have just come home from a small tea-party where I met a cove who railed against America. I have become so accustomed to that sort of thing that I thought it would make no impression on me any longer, but I did get very angry to-night. When I have such discussion, it makes me feel uncomfortable for a day or two. This is the reason I disliked the Germans at first, and I must hate them when they talk so about us. And the worst of it is, that they don't say anything against the real abuse, slavery, but always about some little insignificant thing. They never say much about slavery, which I think rather strange, because there they could have a good handle to take hold of, and could finish us directly.
January 8, 1856.I have just got back here after having passed the Christmas holidays in Berlin. There are fine casts of most of the celebrated statues in the world there. I recognized a great many old acquaintances, and had a real good time looking at them. Every time I receive a letter from you, I want more to go home. I am tired of Hanover, and of living here alone; and now that you are settled, it would be just as well for me to go; and I suppose it would be better to have a master who knows just what is needed to enter Harvard.
January 30, 1856.Last Sunday was Mozart's hundredth birthday, and his opera Don Giovanni was given here; and on Monday I went to a beautiful concert, where none but his music was sung and played. Then besides these, the bands of two or three regiments gave concerts and played only Mozart's music. I always think of you when I hear fine music. Your letter of the 13th instant reached me to-day. You speak of my coming home as early in the spring as possible. I shall certainly do so; for I want very much to be with you again. Though I know a great many people here, I never get confidential with any, and I have no one to talk to as I can to you. The first of April I shall leave Hanover, and shall arrive in America about the 1st of May, and shall be very glad indeed to go to Cambridge.
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He reached Boston in May, just at the beginning of the Presidential campaign of 1856, in which he took a strong interest,
Sever and Francis, 1866.
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