London, 10 March 1871 

Dear Rudolf, 

Since I am not yet acquainted with any lawyer here who is 
reliably informed or especially competent in commercial affairs, I 
have decided after some reflection that the best thing would be to 
write to the man in Manchester who made the contract with Funke 
on your behalf. I was quite clear in my mind about the issue at 
stake, but in matters of English law it is always better not to rely 
on common sense. However, on this. occasion, the lawyer said: 
*law and common sense agree; the retirement of one of the partners 
in the German firm, from the German firm, in no way affects the 
firm in England, nor can the firm in England have any voice in the 
matter. On the other hand no member of the English firm can retire 
before the expiration of the term without the consent of the other 
members of the same concern.* 

Therefore (1) Adolf’s* position in the firm of R. Funke & Co. 
remains unaltered even though he has left the firm of Ermen & 
Engels in Barmen; and (2) his resignation from R. Funke & Co. 
requires not just his agreement, but also the agreement of Funke, a 
point that may not have occurred to you. 

Since these affairs affect Adolf, too, and since I cannot take 
sides on this matter, I am writing to him in the same terms to- 
day. 

I purchased this information at a cost of 10/6d., which equals 
3.15 thalers, and would be glad if you could credit me with it. 

I find it quite natural that Adolf should want to retire from the 
business as soon as he can. The winter in Engelskirchen is 
fearfully boring and you will not take it amiss that he should long 
for some other entertainment than endless family drinking- 
sessions. I am only astonished that he stood it there for so long; I 
would have kicked up a fuss much sooner and more often. It is all 
very well for you and Hermann’ to talk, but you both jib at the 
idea of moving to Engelskirchen, and you cannot persuade me 

a Adolf Griesheim - > Hermann Engels 

that it is just because you know nothing of the manufacturing 
process. You could learn it up after all, it would do you both 
good. Adolf can find many pleasant and congenial occupations for 
himself even without the business, and anyone who can do that is 
quite right to withdraw as quickly as possible. You must have been 
prepared for this eventuality long since, and if it now arises, it can 
only be in your interest for him to leave as soon as possible. I do 
not understand therefore how you should find such major 
grounds for complaint. Let Adolf go his own way, resolve the 
dispute as friends and make the necessary arrangements to meet 
the new situation, one which will give a higher percentage yield to 
each of you. 

Gottfried * will not suffer any great inconvenience; the old min 
West Lane was empty and available, machinery is also easily 
procured. In Manchester one can get quite a few things done, etc., 
by other people, so you should not entertain any exaggerated 
hopes. Moreover, it is self-evident that I am under a moral 
obligation not to do anything to harm a former associé who has 
given me a round sum in return for my own resignation. To what 
purpose then do you have agents and travellers? If they do their 
duty you do not need any further information. 

I rather doubt that the present sympathy with France (both here 
and fairly generally all over the world) stems from the fact that 
the French were given the greater thrashing. However, this much 
is certain: if the Prussians should be given another thrashing at a 
later stage (which is not at all improbable) people will laugh at 
them, rather than sympathise with them. The fact is that you 
cannot see beyond the end of your noses; but the hangover will 
follow the victory celebrations soon enough, and then you will find 
it hard to take much pleasure in yourselves. For all your power 
and glory you are as firmly ‘in the thrall of Olmütz’ as ever. 
Olmütz was made in Warsaw,'” where your sovereign lord, the 
Emperor of Russia,” commanded you to bow to Austria and the 
Federal Diet, and now that you have made sure that for many 
years to come France (which after all lies on your border) will 
remain your enemy, Russia will be your only protector and will 
soon make you pay for that protection. You are more firmly in the 
grip of Russian domination than ever before. 

Would you kindly give my mother my warmest wishes and say 
that I shal] be writing to her shortly. Give my regards to your wife 

4 Gottfried Ermen - > Nicholas I - © Elisabeth Engels 

and children and all my brothers and sisters and all their 
encumbrances. 

Your 
Frederick