Vienna, January 22, 1862.
Dearest Little Mary:
There is much sympathy for us in Austria, more, I should say, than in any
country in Europe. The most widely circulated journal of Vienna, “Die Presse,”
has a leading article almost every day on the subject, as warm, as strong, as
sympathetic, and as well informed even to the minutest details as if it were
written in Washington or Boston. This moment I have been interrupted by a visit
from a field-marshal, whom I did not know, but who introduced himself to ask my
advice about a young military friend who wished to serve in our army. Another
gentleman called yesterday in behalf of a young man, son of one of the
ministers of the grand duchy of Baden. I receive letters daily from officers in
all parts of Austria, and two or three warriors were here this morning before I
was up. I could have furnished half a dozen regiments since I have been here,
but of course I can only say that I have nothing to do with the War Department,
and that any one who wishes to try his chance must betake himself to
Washington.
Lily has been to two or three balls, and enjoyed herself.
The picnic balls, something like Almack's, are once a fortnight. The first took
place last week, and Lily danced till three. She went with her mother, and I
was allowed to stay at home, as it is not very amusing for an elderly party
like me to look on at the mazy dance.
Ever your
affectionate
Papagei.
SOURCE: George William Curtis, editor, The
Correspondence of John Lothrop Motley in Two Volumes, Library Edition,
Volume 2, p. 231-2
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