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LEIPZIG, July 2, 1840.
DEAR MRS. MOSCHELES,--I should have thanked you for your kind and
friendly letter by return of post, had I been able to say anything
certain about my visit to England. But that is so far impossible. What
with constant conducting and preparing for public performances, I have
lately been so knocked up that the doctor seriously advises me to take a
few months’ rest before the beginning of our busy season in October.
You can fancy that I shall only do so if necessity compels me; so one
day I am quite resolved to go to England, and the next, I feel obliged
to abandon the idea. To-day I leave for Mecklenburg, where, for some
time past, I have promised to conduct a festival; and until we see what
effect that has on my health, I cannot make any further plans. Should I,
after that, feel strong enough to stand the fatigue of an English music
festival, nothing shall detain me, and come I will. I shall let you know
the when as soon as I can clearly see my way out of the ifs and buts....
And now farewell to you and yours; and to Moscheles, especially, the
most cordial and hearty messages I can think of.
Yours,