KOXIGSBERG TO BERLIN 23 



During my short stay in Berlin I have not failed to 

 visit some historical places such as the Royal Palaces, 

 the Breitestrasse, where the first shots of '48 were fired; 

 the Art Academy, Armory and other places which I may 

 have unconsciously passed by, bear witness to the days 

 of horror. The immense mass of stone of the BO-called 

 "Castle" made a very sad impression upon me, more so 

 perhaps as, coining from Konigstr., my eye caught at 

 once the iron fence, on every single gate of which there 

 stood sometimes one, sometimes two sentries and another 

 one, wherever the space between two> gates happened to 

 be a foot or two wider than usual. These fellows, well 

 armed, walk up and down the short space they are to 

 guard; besides these, there are crowds of policemen do- 

 ing duty by moving about the inner court. A chill ran 

 through my veins. He, who has already inhaled Free- 

 dom's air at sea, cannot really care for Berlin— cannot 

 harmonize with Berlin people. It is not an uncommon 

 thing to see well-dressed men take off their hats in pass- 

 ing the empty carriage of some royal personage or to 

 show the same respect to a passing stable boy who hap- 

 pens to wear royal livery. 



Mother Nature has favored the country surrounding 

 Berlin more than that of Stettin. The fruit trees are al- 

 ready dropping their blossoms, and tulips, lilies and 

 other flowers appear in full bloom. 



My next letter will be dated from Hamburg, where I 

 hope to receive one from home. Please do not address 

 any more letters in care of Knohr and Burchard, but 

 rather in care of Heinrich Bartsch. 



How I long to be on the open sea once more. To-mor- 

 row, as I mentioned before, I shall visit the cemetery 

 which harbors the March heroes, and then— good-bye. 

 Berlin; good-bye forever, I hope! 



To tlio few, whom T love, and to those who love me, to 

 every one of you, a hearty farewell. 



(Signed) FRANZ LECOUVPETJB. 



than to sec his growing manhood crushed by Order of the King. — 

 Transl. 



