DLA011-0072  Translation

Sigmaringen

15 July 1910.

Much honored and dear friend!

Heartfelt thanks for your kind note, since you have gone, life here has returned to its normal course. It is a pity that you could not stay for one day longer but I can understand that you [illegible words] but nevertheless

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I am sincerely grateful for the one day that you donated to Sigmaringen. HRH^[1] as well her Serene Highness^[2] the Princess and the ladies of the court have asked me to thank you for your greetings and return them most sincerely.

I have just written to your revered lady wife and thanked her for the extremely kind invitation which has given me great pleasure.

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As we discussed, I intend to come in August provided this date suits you and your wife. In any case I will write before to find out which days suit you best for my visit.

But now, dear friend, one more thing – you praise me

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towards your wife, please refrain from doing this too much. I know my faults and I am pleased when you so kindly in the spirit of your friendship overlook them but if you only tell somebody about one’s good qualities then mistakes can well be much more unpleasant as one did not expect them. Generally, I am not [illegible] but I would like as part of our friendship that I can also hold my own in the eyes of your wife.

With my warmest regards and looking forward to a happy reunion in August I remain as always your very devoted

Spee

Editorial Note:

Count Rudolf von Spee was the Master of the Fürstin von Hohenzollern’s Household. According to Rutter, p. 243, de László made a portrait drawing of the Count [111375] in 1907.

LV

25/03/2021