I had some sea–captains from Bergen to dine and celebrate with me
the 17th of May, at my hotel. They said we were expected in
Bergen.... When it was known that I intended to leave the city
without giving a concert, a deputation came from the orchestra,
urging me to play.... I accepted on condition that they should
arrange everything for me, that I need not be obliged to leave my
room. This will detain me here longer than I had anticipated....
I have to build castles in the air to try and forget that I am a
prisoner, but I have often been thankful that you were not here to
share the hardships of this journey with me....
As soon as he was able he joined his wife in Dresden, and they went via
Hamburg to Norway, to his mother’s house, at Valestrand, near Bergen.
This was the summer home of his childhood. For generations it had been
in the possession of his father’s family, and he afterwards purchased
it, built a house, and lived there some ten or twelve years.
Ole Bull spent the summer of 1841 at Valestrand very quietly. In
December he went to Christiania, whence he writes:—
For my encore last evening I gave them an improvisation on the
National Hymn. I may decide to give a good number of concerts, as
they are fighting like wolves for seats. The king is to come soon,
and I should like to remain a little longer to see the good old
man. Countess Wedel has invited me to spend Christmas week at
Jarlsberg, and I am sorry that I cannot. Löwenskjold is extremely
attentive to me.... The Egebergs are as affectionate and true
friends as ever; glad when I come, and never complaining when I do
not, which makes them still dearer to me, if possible. This family
have ever had a great influence on my life; they helped me when I
was in sore need, and gave me good advice; they encouraged and
assisted me in every way in their power, and always without
permitting my gratitude to become a burden.