{London,] 19 May 1862 

Dear Engels, 

A week ago last Thursday, you wrote saying you intended to 
send some wine for little Jenny and Co.*’ I showed the children 
your letter. The wine failed to arrive so they were disappointed. I 
attach importance to it just now because it’s a distraction for them, 
and the house is otherwise very forlorn. 

Nothing could be worse than the kind of oppressiveness which 
now broods over the whole place. 

Luckily, I have neither heard nor seen anything of the 
EXHIBITION *** or its visitors, and hope that this ‘immunity’ will 
continue, since I am now in no position to entertain propte. 

As soon as you have a moment to spare, let me know briefly 
what you think of the military operations in the United States, 
particularly McClellan’s deeds of derring-do. 

Salut. 

Your 
K. M.