Gotha, Mohr Hof, 1839.
Dear L,
I returned yesterday from my excursion in the mountains, and again occupy my old quarters in the Mohr Hof, My room was tenanted by no less a personage than Napoleon for a couple of days in his flight after the battle of Leipsig, and from its windows he inspected the remnant of the old guard. During my absence, the news of an Englishman’s being engaged in writing a book on Saxe-Coburg Gotha had spread like wildfire, and on my return I found my table crowded with books, and numerous letters, containing offers of assistance. Amongst other things, an old manuscript attracted my notice, and, on inspection, I found it to contain the curious narrative of the Graf von Gleichen, which, though highly romantic, is founded on fact. It is impossible to send you a translation of the whole, as it occupies some sixty folio sides, and is by no means easy to read, having been written perhaps three centuries ago. I have made a hasty translation of some extracts, which will give you a tolerable idea of the story. I leave you to its perusal, wishing you viel Vergnügen.
Adieu.
