FIRST YEARS IN AMERICA 27 



In 1863 Goessmann received a letter from Wohler, 

 saying that he had proposed him for the professorship 

 of technical chemistry in the Herzogliche Technische 

 Hochschule (formerly the Collegium Carolinum) at 

 Braunschweig, and he knew that they were seriously 

 considering him for that position, though a decision 

 might not be reached for a year. This was yet another 

 evidence of Wohler's high regard, and was very grati- 

 fying to Goessmann. 



Goessmann writes : - 



* We are already sufficiently aware that political af- 

 fairs in this country have so shaped themselves that 

 the future is not promising. Consequently, my desire 

 to return to the Fatherland under favourable condi- 

 tions will not surprise you. How much, therefore, I 

 have enjoyed your communication concerning such a 

 prospect needs no further comment. ... As for the 

 present, I am still engaged here for this year, and at its 

 close I may possibly receive a new offer. I leave here 

 on your advice. Things will go on as they are, as I am 

 looking forward to a definite answer from you in the 

 autumn/ 



Other letters passed between Wohler and Goess- 

 mann on the subject of his return to Germany, before 

 his final decision to remain in America. 



