Marx to His Daughter Jenny

in London

Hanover, 5 May 1867

My dear Child,

Your letter gave me great pleasure. It is written in the true imperial style. I hope to find you round and fresh as a May rose.

The enclosed photogram was to have been your birthday present, but it was not ready in time. Attached also the photogram of Madame Tenge (by the way, the aunt of the Baer girls, of whom Edgar told so much), who in reality is not so pretty as her likeness would lead one to suppose. But she is a truly noble nature, with a particularly gentle, open and simple character. Nothing of “false refinement”. She speaks perfect English, French and Italian (she is of Italian descent). Although a great connoisseur of music, she does not bore one with art chatter; on the contrary, she detests it. She is an atheist and inclines towards socialism, though in this respect she is fairly uninformed. What above all distinguishes her is an unconstrained friendliness and the absence of all pretension. I am convinced that you would become good friends in a short time. Frau Kugelmann is also a nice little woman.

Today, on my birthday, I received the first “sheet” for revision. I fear the book will become somewhat too thick. On account of the Easter business, printing could not be begun before 29 April, and Meissner was very furious about this delay. However, it was no time lost. Advance notices were published in almost all German newspapers. Kugelmann has a great many connections, all of which were set in motion.

Your birthday we celebrated here festively.
of “Capital” – 1 May

With the exception of a section of the bourgeoisie, lawyers and the like, here in Hanover a fanatical hatred of the Prussians prevails, which amuses me greatly.

I was very glad to hear of your Polish surprise. Even if such things have no commercial value, they have a historical one.

The postponement of the war is exclusively owing to the Derby cabinet. So long as it remains in power in England, Russia will not blow the war horn – by the way, a phrase couched in the true Colletian style.

I cannot fix the exact day of my return. I must still wait for various letters. From here I shall travel back directly via Hamburg (where I still have a talk with my publisher) to London.

Immediately upon my arrival here I wrote to Liebknecht. He has replied. His wife is beyond saving. She is near the catastrophe. She sends you all her greetings and was cheered by your letters.

We are looking out for Hegel’s photograph. It is not to be had in Hanover. As for his “Philosophy of History”, I shall try to run it down in London.

I think Cacadou might have written a few lines long ago, but I excuse her on account of her riding lessons.

And now, with my best wishes for you all, adieu, my dear child,

Your
Old Man

I enclose a few lines for Tussy.