2215 - Engels, Emil

Engels, Emil younger brother of Friedrich Engels (1828–1884). Letter to his mother in Barmen. Signed “Emil,” dated Berlin, Nov. 13–14, 1850. 2 leaves, 3 written pages. Folded several times. “We have just been informed by the captain that our company is to march out next Monday, but that half of the volunteers are to remain here and be transferred to the reserve company. I’m staying here for the time being with five others, but we must always remain ready to march. People don’t really believe in war anymore, because Prussia is backing down again... The mobilization of the army is by no means being carried out hastily, which is probably mainly due to the fact that there are not enough weapons in stock; thus, most of our recruits are staying here and must hand over sabers, canteens, etc., to the newly requisitioned reserves—I, too... I have just received your letter of November 11 and see from it that the order for mobilization was also welcomed with joy where you are; we would rather march tomorrow than the day after tomorrow, but then it would have to be for real. I thank my father for the letter to Pfeiffer & Sch. – The second page on the right has a tear caused by opening. D