London, 17 October 1876 
122 Regent’s Park Road, N. W. 

My dear Friend, 

I have just been informed by Marx of the very, very heavy blow 
which has fallen upon you in the shape of the death of your wife. 
I fully realise the dreadful, dreary feeling of loneliness which this 
bereavement, after fifty years of happiness, must have thrown you 
into. At the same time I know your character well enough to be 
assured that, with time, you will get the better of it, and not give 
way to despondency. You are bound to live until you see at least 
the first instalment of the victory of that cause for which you have 

4 Hermann Engels 

now worked and struggled for fully two generations; and there 

are events now preparing in the East which must hasten, and may 

bring about, the downfall of the old political and social system. In 

the meantime, rest assured that from the depth of my heart I feel 

with you in your affliction, and so does my wife. I say no more. I 

know that consolation in such a case would seem a mockery. 
With heartfelt sympathy 

Ever yours faithfully, 
Frederick Engels