A few weeks later Prince Wilhelm wrote me again:
Most honored Countess,
At last I am able to send you, as I promised, the particulars
regarding Adolf’s last days. Pardon me for any delay in doing so; I
have been obliged to make the transcripts for all the absent brothers
and sisters, and I have recently had to assist my father in many other
matters.
The princess was much rejoiced over your last letter of sympathy, and
thanks you heartily for it. My late brother’s effects have not as yet
come; things take a long time when transacted through the office of
the Imperial Chancery. The steamer _Rhein_ was back from New York long
ago, and on the 14th of the month sailed again for that port.
We have received the sincerest sympathy from near and far, from high
and low, and only one voice has been heard regarding my dear brother:
he was loved, honored, and respected by every one. Our good Adolf
passed away, it seems, while asleep. He died in the night of the
29–30th of October, having been on deck in good spirits and full of
jokes the day before. He did feel very weak during the last days, and
had suffered severely from seasickness; but it did not manifest itself
as in other people—he only suffered infinitely, and that brought about
his sudden demise. He had no forewarning of it; on the very evening of
the 29th he talked a great deal with his fellow-traveler M. de
Neufville, and with the captain in his cabin. Neither the captain, nor
the steward who waited on him and was on the watch that night, heard
the slightest thing. On the morning of the 30th M. de Neufville
thought he was still sleeping, and sat down on his bunk, never once
dreaming that he was beside the dear dead. Let me break off from this
sad theme. I am somewhat calmed and strengthened. I cannot thank God
sufficiently for having been so kind to my dearest brother. I hope to
meet him again in the life to come. I inclose a charming poem
dedicated to my brother Adolf’s departed spirit, composed by some one
in Wiesbaden, who signs the name “Glücklich.” It will surely please
you.
How is it with you, dear Countess, and with your mother? Do you intend
to stay in Graz all winter? I may possibly visit my youngest brother,
Hermann, in Berlin for a few weeks, or, if it should be too cold here,
go to Wiesbaden where our Crown Prince and his wife are staying. As
soon as my departed brother’s effects arrive I will send you some of
his song books as a memento. Perhaps you might suggest one or another
that you especially care for.
Of course we are spending the holiday season very quietly. I will now
close, so that the letter may get off to-day, and that you may at
length receive the long-desired details with whatever power they have
to set the mind at ease. Remember me most cordially to the Countess
your mother, and keep me in your friendship.
With hearty greetings, liebe, verehrteste Komtesse,
Your most respectful and devoted
Wilhelm Prinz Sayn-Wittgenstein