BERLIN TO HAMBURG 47 



(In the wonderfully beautiful month of May 



When all the buds are unfolding, 



Then Love arises in my innermost Heart.) 



The Jungfernstieg and Alster basins with surrounding 

 promenades and villas have been so often described and 

 pictured that it does not need my attempt. But one scene 

 has not been included by traveling reporters, the fairy- 

 like appearance at night when thousands of gaslights 

 convert darkness into day, and envelop the crowds which 

 take their evening strolls along the magnificent prom- 

 enades while thousands of illuminated palaces along the 

 Jungfernstieg and Alsterdamm are reflected upon the 

 mirror-like dark blue waters of the Alster. This is hardly 

 describable and 1 willingly desist from further attempts. 

 You will probably have to burn midnight candles to fin- 

 ish reading this letter, though you may have started 

 early enough in the day. Next time, more. 



Good bye! Love, my heart's love, to all who love me! 

 I write no names, but I have forgotten none. However, 

 before anyone else, I kiss you, my father and mother, a 

 thousand times, knowing full well that no one loves me 

 like the dear ones at home. 



(Signed) FRANZ LECOUVREUR. 



Herewith an extract from a San Francisco letter: 



Extract. 



from the letter of a young merchant, E. B., dated San 

 Francisco, January 29th, 1851: 



Among the papers which I lately received, there are two con- 

 taining articles al>out California. These articles are so full of 

 untruths that I should surely send in rejoinders, if my time would 

 permit it. As it is, this short communication of a private nature, 

 will have to do. The exaggerated description of the horrible 

 attack upon Sacramento City was nothing more or less than the 

 ordinary assembling and dispersing of a common mob. The 

 murders and incendiary attempts mentioned are purely imaginary. 



As far as San Francisco is concerned the writer was not alto- 



