Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-04-07
JENA. lsaae Weimar.l 18th Jan

JENA, (Sd1c Ueinar) 18th Jan. 1879
Extraordinary SHicide-All interest and attention here
have been absorbed by one of the most tragical and os.
founding events ever recorded in literary biography
You have, at least heard, by fame and name. OF Or Ii
- oustos OF The Royal Library at rlin,-disiinguish-
ed as scholar by his addition of "Pacuvii Doulorestes
AS a poet by his collection of Greek SONGS. and his
.Bilder dee Orients." He married, four or five years
since, n highly accomplished and amiable Young ladv-
Miss W., OF Leipzig. They lived most happily TO-
gether, but had no family. Her whole time and atten.
tons, therefore, were devoted to him; his success hi.
fame, his happiness, engrossed all her thoughts. Dur
ing the summer of 1888, they travelled together through
Russia, and returned to Berlin, delighted with the scenes
they had passed through, and full ofenthusiasm and new
literary projects. But soon after the husband was taken
III. Ills disorder was peculiar, and the physicians ex-
pressed their fears, that his mind would be ultimately af
iected. In the autumn of last year, they visited together
the Baths OF Rissingen, but he did not derive from them
the benehi anticipated They were detained on their
return by illness at Hanover, and only reached Berlin
late IN the season but, as soon as he arrived he re-
signed his situation of Custos of the ROYAL Library.
that he might enjoy, undisturbed. the ouiet of doncsi'
tic life, and recover, if possible, his health. A friend.
and one whom l had introduced, had often smoke 20
them OF the beautiful cnvirons of Jena-of our habits.
manners, and social life. Led by his description. and
perhaps a wish, under circumstances, to change the
scene, they had resolved to spend the next sumnidr in
arranging for, and talking over, the contemplated
change, the time passed until the 26th December. when
he D.. went to a public concert. He expressed his
intention OF leaving 1t before a symphony of Beetho-
ven's should be performed, fearing that it would be too
much Tor him, and try his weak nerves too severely
Ills VIE persuaded bun To the contrary; he remained.
was gratihed and cheered by. it-and returned home full
of his plans for next summer. When he entered Lis
lodgings he found all in confusion. During his absence
she having previously dressed herself in white. had killed
herseii-sic had pointed u dagger to her heart, and with
q resolved spirit struck the blow, and expired instantly.
The maid servant, who heard her mistress fall 6nd;nr
both doors which led to the chamber fastened. called for
the landlord :-On forcing an entrance they found her
dead-Ihe unfortunate husband'arrived at This moment
The following letter, written with a firm hand upon a
sheet OF common paper, lay upon the table -
more unhappy than thou hast been, thou canst not be.
my most beloved; happier thou mayst become with real
misfortune. There is often a wonderful BLESSING in mis-
fortune-you will surely find il so. We suffered together
one sorrow. Thou knowest how ! suffered in silence
NO roproach ever came from you-much, much hast thou
ioyed me. 1T will be better for thee-much better. WHY?
1 ieel, but nave not words TO express what | feel. We
shalt meet hereafter, free and unfettered. But thou wilt
1--we out thy time upon earth-fulfl then thy destiny. and
loved me In return. Till in all eternity we meet, thy
CnARLoTTE.
81. s.. Do not betray weakness-bc firm, strono. and
resolute."
These are the brief particulars of perhaps the most
extraordinary suicide in the worlds records. This he.
roic woman had a deep insight into the nature of her
husband $ malady. She felt and knew that notbinp but
a real and lasting sorrow could give another direction TO
ms thoughts, and save him from madness; and she of.
iered herself a willing sacrifice TO his happiness. 1t is
perhaps still more extraordinary that from This eventfnl
moment he has recovered; the physisians declare that
no medicine could have worked with half sucb potencv
either on mind or body. lie feels himself strong and
able to fulfil her last declared wishes, and to accomplish
those great projects which heretofore ne had merely con.
temPlated and spcculated on. Since her death he has
written some beautiful verses addressed TO her friends. in
Wnlch ne expiaiDs her motives and her conduct. and its
influence on hlmsclf-LOnd0n .Ahen0um.