Alice von Cotta (1842-1931) was born in Freiburg, Saxony in 1842. Her father was Bernhard von Cotta, the geologist. In 1876 she started studying at Newnham College and was granted the Clothworker's scholarship for the year 1877-1878. During her final year, in 1878, Alice and her friend, Penelope Lawrence, spent their time together at Newnham. Penelope had been a childhood friend as their families already knew one another from a trip the Lawrence family had taken in Freiburg in 1864. In Jul 1878 Alice was appointed to the post of Mistress of Studies at Bedford College. She was paid a salary of £75.00. In Oct 1878, she also spent time at the North London Collegiate School. Her resignation to Bedford College was tendered in Jul 1880. From 1884-1912, Alice von Cotta was principal of the Victoria-Lyceum in Berlin. This school had been established by crown princess Victoria, wife of Frederick I. Its aim was to provide a higher education for German women, principally teachers, before a university education was available to them. Alice von Cotta died in Hanover in 1931.
The collection contains letters and postcards written predominantly by Alice von Cotta to Penelope Lawrence (addressed as 'Dear Nelly'). Some letters to Penelope Lawrence from Frau von Cotta (Alice's mother) and Ilse von Cotta (Alice's younger sister). Penelope Lawrence and Alix von Cotta, went to Newnham College, Cambridge, where in c. 1874 they became friends.
The letters are arranged chronologically and divided into three parts. Part A : 1870-1888 (93 letters) Part B : 1889 - 1901 (55 letters) Part C : 1902 - 1930 (62 letters).
This collection is available for research. Readers are advised to contact The Women's Library in advance of their first visit. Available on microfiche only.
The letters were deposited with the Fawcett Library by Mrs Agatha Blyth, the sister of Penelope Lawrence, in 1944.[Check Fawcett Library Accession Register for further details]
A copy of this archive is available on microfilm held at The Women's Library.
Abstracts of individual letters in the autograph letters collection were written and held alongside the letters. This work was done from the 1960s by volunteers including Nan Taylor. In 2004 Jean Holder completed a 3 year project to list the letters, copy-type the abstracts, and repackage the letters to meet preservation needs. In 2005 Vicky Wylde and Teresa Doherty proof read and imported the entries to the Special Collections Catalogue.
The original card index of all correspondents, including date of letter & volume reference, is available on the microfiche.
Ilse was the younger sister of Alix von Cotta. Sending best wishes for her birthday and hopes that she would soon come to visit them (The Lawrence family were at Dresden 1870-1 and Gotha 1871-3)
Personal news Asks 'Do you go skating in Dresden; we do here' (winter of 1870-1 a very severe one)
Cotta writing from Freiberg. Thanking her for information she has sent about the syllabus etc. for 1877 at Cambridge and is glad to know she will find her there in Oct (Penelope went to Newnham in 1874 and Alix planned to join her there in Oct) Mentions brother Harry at school in Freiburg who visits them every Thursday evening.
Cotta writing from Freiberg. Asking for information on 'the customs of the place' as a guide to what she should bring for her new life at Cambridge. She would like to come over between 9th and 12th and stay for a few days at her home before beginning of term on 15 Oct 1876.
Cotta writing from Freiberg. To announce that to her great surprise she has actually got a double first and also a scholarship the Clockworkers Exhibition for two years, which means she can go back to Cambridge. Asks news of how others in her Group have done. Congratulates Nelly on getting a lst class and a scholarship. Gives home news.
Cotta writing from Freiberg. Arranging for Mr Lawrence to advance the money for Alix's fees which she would repay when in England (Postcard in German with English translation)
Cotta writing from Freiberg. To say she would be a little late for the Cambridge term owing to various engagements of a family nature so would not see her before they met at Newnham.
Cotta writing from an address in England. Her news is that Caroline Peters is going up to Cambridge with her to prepare for Group A and if she goes on Saturday she feels bound to accompany her and not wait for Nelly.
Cotta writing from Neville Street. To say that after all Miss Peters and she will be going to Cambridge on Monday (Miss Clough's wish) so hopes she will be able to join them. Postcard.
Cotta writing from Freiberg. She had been summoned home because her father was ill. Finds her father much better but feels she must stay at home for the present to help her mother and sister. Hopes to carry on work on Italian and Anglo-Saxon and asks if Mr Skeat will recommend the books and her friend send them out to her.
Cotta writing from Freiberg. Thanks warmly for all her friend has done for her. Her sister Ilse loves hearing about Newnham 'though she will never commit herself to approve of the higher education of women'. Her father makes satisfactory progress. Her friend's intellectual raptures such a refreshing change from raving on about officers and other people's clothes, which is all she hears. She is studying Italian but thinks Anglo-Saxon a waste of time.
Cotta writing from Freiberg. Asks whether Penelope's father could advance £10 to carry her over until she gets the scholarship money. She has not been very well or happy the past winter and is looking forward to returning to Newnham next term.
Cotta writing from Newnham. Should have written to congratulate her before but, as the results were so much a matter of course it seemed superfluous. Uncertain how long Miss Clough will allow her to stay up and where she goes after that; will write when she gets to London. Rev. Mr Holand's a 'Great humbug'. Describes a delightful farewell party on the river given by Miss Prideaux. At a tea party Miss Gladstone said she had met Mr. Balfour who had enquired about Miss Lawrence's future implying that he was ready to give any advice needed.
Cotta writing from Freiberg. Refers to her appointment at Bedford College better than anything she could have expected to a newly made post with the title of 'Mistress of Studies' it will need tact to make this preparatory department fit in with the more advanced studies of the professional department with the Professors. As a preparation she will get information about 'The mechanism of German schools' and then about the working of some good English High School (such as Miss Buss') She has heard there is a great chance of her friend being offered a post of demonstrator at Cambridge. Some family news.
Cotta writing from 4 Lancaster Terrace. Very busy preparing for her job at Bedford College; has been every morning for the last fortnight at the North London Collegiate and begins her new duties on following Thursday and fears it is impossible to meet her friend before she goes to Cambridge.
Cotta writing from 14 Palace Gardens. Thanks her for her card with news of N.Hall. In her own job has begun to realise the difficulties of her position, but the council support her. She has chiefly been attending lectures, helping students and a little teaching. Among the teachers Prof. Seeley has been very friendly.
Cotta writing from 14 Palace Gardens. Thanks her for her 'impudent but very amusing letter '. In return she gives examples of Physical Geography notes culled from a few notebooks. Anxious to hear her friend's account of the great events at Newnham Hall.
Cotta writing from 14 Palace Gardens. Sends her good wishes for her coming ordeal (Penelope took her National Science Tripos in Dec 1878) |Hopes her friend will be able to visit her at College before vacation begins on 19 Dec [1878]. She now likes her position better than she expected. After correcting student's English Literature papers 'I could never have believed of English girls before that they perpetrated such gross crimes against logic, grammar and spelling as they actually do'.
Cotta writing from 14 Palace Gardens. A letter of congratulations for the Tripos results. Hopes to see her on the following Friday. No date but postmark 17.12.78.
Cotta writing from 14 Palace Gardens. With lighthearted interchange of personal news. Having been laid up with a cold she now hopes that Miss Clough can ask her to stay at Newnham during the first week of the Easter vacation. Gives details of her progress in teaching likes it much better than expected. She has frankly declared her incompetency before the Committee.
Cotta writing from 14 Palace Gardens. To say that in spite of bad cold to expect her in Cambridge tomorrow.
Cotta writing from 14 Palace Gardens. Enclosing M.S. about Newnham, hopes Nelly will not be quite as much disgusted with it as she is; finds her impressions have undergone a change and is glad the article was not published in its present crude form. Asks for return of her mother's
Cotta writing from 14 Palace Gardens. Tells of an offer of a home from Penelope's aunt Mrs Martineau; she has till Oct to decide. She enjoyed her visit to Oxford to see Mark Pattison.
Cotta writing from 14 Palace Gardens. Upbraids her for never answering her letters. She has been to see her aunt Mrs Martineau and feels inclined to accept her offer; would be very obliged if her friend would find out her aunt's terms and let her know.
Cotta writing from Freiberg. She was glad to be in time to help with nursing of her father who was getting weaker every day though his mind remained clear. Warm greetings from all members of her family to Penelope''.
Cotta writing from Freiberg. The rhythm of their life still bound by the sick room. Finds her sister a very jolly companion but totally lacking in all high aims. She herself has taken up the Aeneid to stimulate the intellect. She has had news of her pupils at Bedford College. Hopes Ilse may go to England to study at the South Kensington School of Art. She always recalled her friend and her friend's home with deep appreciation.
Cotta writing from 37 Regent's Park Road. She is very comfortable [at] the Martineaus. Ilse has passed the entrance examinations at the South Kensington and has begun her regular work there. She deplores the amount of cram in reading for a London degree. Mark Pattison denounced the modern idea in an inaugural address at the Men's and Women's College.
Cotta writing from 37 Regent's Park Road. To say she had to consult a Doctor about weakness and losing her voice and he had ordered her to the seaside. This would mean her sister would be alone for Christmas and she wondered whether they could have her as one of the family for a few days.
Cotta (no address). Her father's visit gave them a lot of pleasure. Congratulates Penelope on her success. No date. Herr von Cotta died c. Sep 1879. So probable date end of 79 or early 1880).
Cotta writing from 27 Regent's Park Gardens. Asking for news of Miss Minteran's tripos. She has been struggling to get well since Christmas finally had to give up the struggle and stop work at the College and her mother is coming over to look after her.
Cotta writing from the Tyrol. She has been sent to rusticate for a few months to cure the chronic catarrh of the lungs brought on by a London winter and the combined wisdom of four English physicians. Climate and scenery wonderful and she is vegetating very happily though she would love a letter with all the Cambridge news.
Cotta writing from Obermais. She and her mother are staying for the winter in a house belonging to an old Countess. With her first husband she traveled widely in Asia and with her second she managed large estates in Hungary. Her great interest now is the reform of female education in Germany for which she writes pamphlets. Ilse is studying at Munich chafing under the restrictions by which women are hampered there.
Cotta writing from Obermais. To say she hopes to be in London by the middle of Jun or a little later and after about a week going on to friends at Lewes. From there she might get up to Fearegg (the Lawrence family house at Wimbledon) warns her friend she has got very stout.
Cotta writing from Beckenham. She is staying with Miss Bonham Carter. Suggests she should come to the Lawrences the next Saturday; she is appreciating the English countryside and the perfect summer weather.
Cotta writing from Lewes. Her views on the risks of marriage in relation to one friends. Account of her visit to friends at Ely and then to Miss Clough at Newnham; finds re-visiting old haunts rather melancholy; says 'The Sidgwicks (Mrs Sidgwick succeeded Miss Clough) appear to manage everything...Even poor Miss Clough seems a little over-awed by their infallible power' She thinks Miss Gladstopne will ultimately step into Miss Clough's place. Refers to the battle of Pons Trivium Trajanorum.
Cotta writing from Frankfurt. Clears up a misunderstanding about meeting again in London before she left. She has been sent to Frankfurt for a change of air since she has had a return of cough and voicelessness. She is going on to Stuttgart where her mother and sister will join her and if they like the place make a permanent home there. Miss Prideaux proposes coming there for a visit and she wishes her friend would do likewise.
Cotta writing from Stuttgart. She and her family have settled down in a little house about half an hour from the centre of town. Ilse attends an Art School in the town her mother has household duties but she alone is not fully occupied; she has six correspondence pupils but would like more. Miss Prideaux was only able to stay for two days refers to her wonderful powers of attraction. Asks her to be her link with the busy world and remember her to the people she likes.
Cotta writing from Stuttgart. Only now congratulates her on her appointment as Principal of the Froebel Training College (which she held till the College was closed in 1882). Reports death of her sister's husband and its effects on the family life. Hopes her father is now recovered (Mr Lawrence had a serious accident in Oct 1881 from which he never fully recovered. Income greatly reduced and Mrs Lawrence and several of the daughters started a school at their home Fearegg House for four years). Says her correspondence classes give her much pleasure.
Cotta writing from Hanover. At her married sister's home. Was sorry to hear through the Martineaus that she was to lose her job because the College was having to close through lack of funds. Describes the country delights that they were enjoying. She has plenty to read sent her by a kind friend, librarian to the king. Was amused with the three different accounts she received of the Newnham Festivities. Mentions that she might have got the Principalship of the Victoria Lyceum had she pushed her claims but she disliked the idea.
Cotta writing from Stuttgart. Have settled down to life again in Stuttgart; only complaint not enough work. An average of six correspondents neither 'fills my life or my purse' Is hoping for more translation work. Asks for news of Penelope's family. Remarked sadly she is forgetting her English and that her friend must come soon and 'rub me up'.
Cotta writing from Stuttgart. Post card. Regrets that she has not yet been able to get any statistics on the subject of the enquiry from her friend.
Cotta writing from Stuttgart. Apologises for delay but the small establishments did not know what was meant by the 'Schrieb-Lese Methode' (writing reading method) its introduction is of such old date that it has ceased to be spoken about. Finally she got on to the right person and got a speedy answer and eventually one from Leipzig. Regrets that owing to family complications she cannot invite her friend to stay with her at her sister's home in the summer; only alternative to come to Stuttgart May or Oct 1883. Gives details of activities lately; settled about translating Froude''s 'Carlyle' to be finished that summer; correspondence work from Oxford and Cambridge; several articles published; also has been asked by the Victoria Lyceum at Berlin 'for suggestions for the reorganisation of that establishment on something approaching the more advanced and liberal plan of English Lady College.'
Cotta writing from Alfeld, Hanover. Thanks for letter and book 'Vice-Versa' sent from Switzerland; pleased to hear of her application for head mistressship at Manchester School. New prospects also opened for her; a letter from one of the Crown Princesses' confidantes proposing she went to Berlin in Oct 1883 to get acquainted with the Victoria Lyceum with a view to becoming its head.
Cotta writing from Stuttgart. She is spending a holiday there. Went to Berlin on 2 Feb found she enjoyed the work [at the Victoria Lyceum]. Returned to Stuttgart 11 Jul. Must be back in Berlin beginning of Sep 1884 to get the new prospectus reprinted and prepare next winter's course of lectures. Aims no higher at present than the spreading of culture. Administration takes all her time. Courses last only from Oct to end of Apr. Women's higher education in Germany non-existent. Her mother and sisters are to join her in Berlin in Sep.
Cotta writing from Berlin. 'The Crown Princess wishes very much to see the Lyceum growing into something like an English College' but writer thinks little chance of this at the moment. Unfortunately her family do not take kindly to the life in Berlin.
Cotta writing from near Frankfurt. She been sent there to a sanitarium after congestion of the lungs. Now progressing well. She congratulates her friend on their ambitious plans (in Brighton later to be moved to present site and known as Roedean) She does not think she will ever have the pleasure of sending German boarders. Has a successful winter at the Lyceum. Tells of visit to the Lyceum of Miss Burchardt from Girton who gave a lecture in German, the Crown Princess present. Unfortunately neither her lecture nor her person pleased her audience.
Cotta writing from Isle of Rugen (where she had joined her mother for a holiday). She has heard good reports from friends about the progress of the School (at Brighton)
Cotta writing from Isle of Rugen. She suggests that they should meet for a holiday next summer in a little place not far from Hanover. Interested in her remarks about Holloway College. The Crown Princess speaks with enthusiasm about it ' which I have been unable to share'.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Refers again to plan for meeting her friend in some nice place during Aug. Gives an account of the visit of 'your friend's sister', Miss M Sharpe; she had looked forward to seeing her but could not stand the companion she brought along with her 'who was unpleasant in her manner, voice, appearance and everything'
Cotta writing from Isle of Rugen. Delighted to hear her friend can meet her though middle of Aug a bit late. Hopes she may be able to come to them at Rugen but suggests one or two other places.
Cotta writing from Isle of Rugen. Everything is settled for her to come to stay with the family at Rugen. Directions given as to how to get there.
Postcard. Asking her to bring half a dozen pairs of black lisle thread stockings.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for sending a letter so soon to cheer her solitude but still regrets she could not accompany her back to Berlin. Very busy with Lyceum business in the day. Mr Loch ( a young Englishman studying in German methods of poor relief and a brother in law of Caroline Peters. See letter of 17 Jul 1887) who had visited them at Rugen called in to see her at the weekend. Thanks her a thousand times for having come.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Mr Loch left the evening before; she found him an intelligent companion 'but could not to the last get up any personal liking for him' Much enjoyed a trip to Potsdam and the parks especially Sans Souci. Impressed with the interior, which has been left as it was when Frederick the Great died. Her mother thinks constantly of 'dear little Nelly'.
Cotta writing from Berlin. At the moment she has enforced leisure the result of a series of colds, and a Berlin physician called in has charged her to Taurus in spring as early as she can manage to get off. And that puts all cherished plans of a trip to England entirely out of sight. Gives her views of the pending dynastic crisis occasioned by the illness of the Crown Prince who would be an irreplaceable loss 'to the cause of culture in Germany'. Also comments on the 'women teachers movement in Prussia' They are asking for colleges after the pattern of Newnham and Girton so that the teaching of girls can be put into their hands.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. 'we all express our cordial sympathy with this tedious form of disturbance in your life...thank Heaven it is no more'
Cotta writing from Berlin. Trusts her friend's enforced leisure will prove a good thing for her general health. She is afraid she will have to devote the next summer vacation to special treatment or care of her health. They spent a pleasant family Christmas, She answers the query about recommending a good German history book. Refers gain to her friend's visit as 'one of the pleasures I most appreciate in this world'.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Has only one suitable applicant to offer for the post of a German teacher at Roedean; well recommended by her teacher at the Lyceum and impressed the writer favourably, but she can only teach the beginnings of music. She is anxious to take the post so would she answer soon.
Cotta writing from Berlin. 'I have been engaged in very interesting and absorbing business during these last weeks, and have, with the help of the Empress achieved quite a coup d'etat.' A consecutive course of study of three years will be opened at the Lyceum covering 'Deutsch und Geschichte'. She ends with a warm tribute to the Empress: 'In the midst of her great trouble she has not forgotten one of her promises...and she has bravely tried to carry out what she could'. As regards her treatment at the Taurus if it goes well she hopes she may yet have her trip to England during Aug. Would like to hear how the German teacher has answered.
Cotta writing from the Sanatorium 'Falkenstein in Taurus bei Frankfurt a/m' Health report is that lungs improved but general health has suffered some deterioration. She still hopes to get to England. Begins to have misgivings about the success of the Teachers' scheme; thinks the University are waiting on the death of the Emperor' which may put it into their power to withdraw all they have promised.
Cotta writing from Frankfurt. Still uncertain about plans; waiting to hear from Miss Clough and if favourable would start from Taurus at the end of the month.
Cotta writing from Taurus, Frankfurt. Trying to arrange her itinerary starting with her friend at Brighton.
Cotta writing from Taurus, Frankfurt. Postcard. At last settled date of arrival in London and address.
Cotta writing from Hyde Park Mansions. Finds it too tiring to pay a number of short visits as tired by journey. Comes to them on Saturday.
Cotta writing from Clough Hall, Cambridge. Welcomed by Miss Clough and Miss Gladstone; found the bed very hard but enjoyed the dinner at Sidgwick Hall. She feels herself not only a foreigner but a stranger contrasting how perfectly at home she felt with them all. 'The great topic of the day here is Miss Ramsay's marriage to the Master of Trinity' (Mrs Agnata Frances Butler 1867-1931 classical scholar)
Cotta writing from Hyde Park Mansions. Sorry to have to give up meeting her again; enjoyed her visit to Cambridge and also to Miss Prideaux and Mrs Peters.
Cotta writing from Hyde Park Mansions. Postcard. Giving an invitation to lunch on Thursday from Miss Bonham Carter. No date. Postmarked 29.8.88.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Got back on 1 Sep and since then has been more thank busy preparing for the next term; getting the prospectus printed, engaging servants, dealing with visitors (including relatives).
Cotta writing from Berlin. Pleased that she is still considering a Xmas trip to Berlin; thinks she will be interested in the 'teachers' courses' (see letter of 2.5.88); thinks both lecturers and students are on a higher level than Cambridge tripos candidates; great disadvantage all the students there are teachers engaged in teaching all the morning; too much of a strain for many.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Delighted to hear her friend can come; but will she come after the Dec. 25-27 period as they are overwhelmed with family festivities. Lyceum does not open till the 7th and not in full working till the 12th.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Has got a room for her next door will send the maid to meet her and take her direct to her room.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Asking her to bring some holly with berries with her
Cotta writing from Berlin. Asks for brother Harry's exact address. She has been laid up for three weeks as a result of an accident (run over by a cab) luckily only bad bruising nothing broken. A great treat was hearing Prince Bismark's speech in Parliament about the colonial question; a few days later she met him at a bazaar held in his palace 'he really is a splendid personality, the face translucent with energy and intelligence and his carriage a truly princely one'
Cotta writing from Berlin. Recommends another young girl for her friend's school in place of Frl. Profe who could come to her directly after Easter. Very busy with end of term approaching.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Arrangements made with her friend for English dress material to be sent to them. The following Saturday she is to have the first exam of the teachers in German and History. Plans a trip to Switzerland with her mother in the summer.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Went to Switzerland returned 11 Aug and now just returned from the Harz 'where I spent ten days with my sisters'...'in too great a hurry with business to write a letter now'.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Gives details of her summer trips. About the teachers' courses the teachers continue as good as ever but the number that have to give up as the result of overwork makes it seem we shall have to lower the standard after the first 3 year course is finished.
Cotta writing from Berlin. A thank you letter with personal news. On the back a note in German from Frau. Von Cotta on the same lines.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Sends a photo of herself, taken at her mother's request. Feels very depressed being left alone in the house. The teachers' courses continue; one teacher who left at Easter will be promoted to teach a higher class at her school 'which I count as our first practical result'. Since the Empress Frederick's return to Berlin she has seen her repeatedly and 'rekindled a little her interest in our concerns'. There is a reform movement favoured by the young Emperor for the boys' schools but 'no man will think it worth while in Germany to do anything in the same line for girls'.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Plans for summer include a stay at the Taunus Jun-Jul for her mother and herself and Ober-Ammergau at the beginning of Aug and back in Berlin in the middle of Aug. If her friend takes her German trip let her return to Berlin and stay with her. Tells her about the examinations taken in the teachers' course, almost all very well done but the numbers of students painfully small and she does not see how it is to increase.
Cotta writing from Taunus. Postcard. Sees no chance of their meeting as she cannot get to Ober-Ammergau before 10 Aug.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Refers to their meeting in Ober-Ammergau which 'has a very bright and fresh place in my memory' Then came some solitary weeks in Berlin and then away again at the end of Aug to Blankebnburg in Harz; then more solitary weeks at Berlin busy with preparations for opening the winter courses at the Lyceum. The teachers' courses still in the same predicament and counsels are divided; the radical group want universities thrown open to women but that is a thing of the future and in the meantime we are trying to benefit the present generation. 'Koch's inventions (Robert Koch discoverer of tuberculosis bacillus 1882 probably refers to his lymph inoculations 1890) has been the great centre of excitement and speculation all this time since Nov.
Cotta writing from Berlin. She recommends another young girl for her friend's school in place of Frl.Schon. Very busy at the moment. What about meeting in the summer somewhere in the Bavarian mountains for a couple of weeks or at the Taunus.
Cotta writing from Taunus. She and Ilse have been in this place for nearly 4 weeks (disappointed not to have an answer to her proposals for meeting her friend) Back in Berlin middle of Aug. The first curriculum of the three year course for teachers came to a close in Sep and 'I had not only to sum up an account of it for the 'Kultus Minister' but also to make all the necessary arrangements to get the new one afloat' The Ministry has now sanctioned the renewal of the experiments but the test is still ahead and also the way in which the Government will acknowledge this test.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Visit of her friend's father a very great pleasure to her and her mother. Government subsidies granted for another Teachers' course. General lectures also doing well. The Empress Frederick told her at one of her tea parties to which she is asked from time to time that she is going to attend the remaining lectures on physics.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for the book sent but she must say that she is utterly unable to appreciate English humour so that sending her English books is wasted. She has the same difficulty in finding anything suitable for her friend's amusement.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for so promptly informing her of Miss Clough's death and for the obituary notices; she always felt 'that her interest in my work and personal welfare were always alive'. She had been writing an account of Miss Clough's life and work for German educational paper so the papers are useful. This summer she wasn't able to go far from Berlin because of the new buildings they must provide for the Lyceum.
Cotta writing from Berlin. She recommends another girl for her friend's school in place of Frl.Neuhan. Would like to meet her friend in the summer but difficulties. (see letter of 13.3.932)
Cotta writing from Berlin. Warms thanks for parcel of gifts. Besides the Lyceum accounts 'I have to pen the history of the Victoria Lyceum in form of a pamphlet for the Educational Department of the Chicago Exhibition and to serve likewise as a commemoration of our 25th year which will be celebrated next Autumn. When the new house is ready'. Very knocked up by Jun but set up by a month at Norderney. In Sep 1892 got busy adding new teachers' courses to the programme; numbers who respond small but Lyceum still the only place in Germany where women can get anything like a University education. One of their best students anxious to spend the summer vacations in England to acquire correct pronunciation, perhaps her friend would help later on. Would dearly love to pay another visit to England next Spring or Summer.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Plans going over to London and Cambridge for three weeks in May. Gives her itinerary.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Starting for England May straight to the Peters 18th. Gives further dates.
Cotta writing from St Leonard's Terrace. Says she arrived there on the Monday quite well and was struck down by influenza at the moment too weak to move. Undated. Pencil note c.May 93.
Cotta writing from St Leonard's Terrace. She is on the way to recovery but doctor recommends a return home as soon as she can travel probably next week; wishes could see her once.
Cotta writing from Miss Bonham Carter's flat. Still weak and on Friday expecting several visitors and her sister thinks it would be too much for her to see any more. Her sister was taken to a political meeting (on Home Rule) and was very much startled at two Irish ladies who addressed the audience.
Cotta writing from Insel Wangerooge. Her stay in Berlin a great rush but specialist there said her lungs were perfectly recovered of the late attack without any trace left of it and he sent me off to the sea. She came there with Ilse on the 8th. She feels the visit not wasted as she as put very much 'au courant' with English political and social ways of thinking, also saw most of the friends she most cared for including her dear Nelly.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Assures her as to her health; move accomplished and celebrated with a house warming (Programme of the entertainment enclosed 16.10.93) New building a great improvement on the old with a hall which seats over 300; she has her own private quarters but they need furnishing. News of both families commented on.
Cotta writing from Berlin. The expected visit of her friend's sister on a visit to Berlin has not yet taken place. In Apr they move into the new quarters at College.
Cotta writing from Berlin. She has given up hopes of seeing her friend's sister so will dispatch letter without the accompanying trifles she had hoped to send with it. Ilse and she are going to a big masquerade that night fancy dress compulsory, ladies only. Asks if there is a chance of her coming over in the Easter holidays.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Meeting her friend at Taunus out of the question as her mother is seriously ill and feels she cannot leave her solely in the care of Ilse, at any rate it is not she who can make the proposal.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Would love to join her at Taunus but anxious about her mother who had a slight attack of paralysis owing to the fatigue of the move.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Definitely cannot come to Taunus; her mother wants to be off to the Harz as soon as possible and she would have to see them off. Any chance of her friend coming back by Berlin?
Cotta writing from Berlin. She is sending off the parcel containing the small gifts for friends in England to her friend at Taunus. She returns the compliments to Dr Deltweiles (Dr. at the Sanatorium) and is glad her friend likes him.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Her mother in Blankenburg with Ilse but she is still worried about her treatment. She has a young friend staying with her. Summer plans uncertain.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Discusses holiday plans and possibilities of their meeting; only settled thing is that she must spend part of her holiday with her mother at Blankenburg. She is very busy with the task of reforming all three Lyceum courses in correspondence with the new regulations of the Government.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. To say she has decided to go to Falkenstein for a few days next Monday and to spend the latter part of her vacations at Blankenburg where she hopes to see her friend.
Cotta writing from Riesengebirge. Asking her to give dates for her arrival at Blankenburg and she will book rooms there; she goes there 1 Aug.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks her for her letter about her Swiss holiday; she returned on 15 Aug and found her young friend awaiting her; busy preparing the new programme; Berlin is a deadly place at that time of the year. The final teachers' examinations the last week in Sep and after the exam her little friend will leave Berlin a parting they both dread as it will probably be a final one.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Delighted with the news of her friend coming to Berlin in the Christmas holidays but on going to Frl.Kustein to arrange about a room found that it was already booked and impossible to put up anyone in their own house, but she still hopes. Her little friend left for Silesia but will be leading 'a vagrant life' with an invalid sister. She had the honour of being asked to tea by Empress Frederick 'these tea parties are the stiffest and the dullest affairs one can imagine' but to be borne for the sake of the Lyceum.
Writing from Brunkensan bei Atfeld (where her sister Ellen lives); she spent the chief part of her holidays at Norderney with Miss Leut. Describes the house and surrounding country, thinks her friend would like the place.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Asks her friend whether she could find some employment in her school for a very clever German Teacher who has started at the Lyceum and wishes to improve her English.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Sending condolences from herself and her family on the death of her friend's father. Winter term just begun and very busy.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Sends her Christmas wishes in advance; she would wish her a change of scene after the harassing term she has had. There will only be the three of them for Christmas. Gives her news of her ex-teacher and friend Miss Kurstin who has settled down to her new honours and responsibilities (as a head-mistress)
Cotta writing from Berlin. Sends her best wishes for the 'great undertaking' (the scheme for the purchase of Roedean site and the erection there of buildings for an enlarged school first sod turned 16 Mar 1897). Remarks that the German Universities are at last beginning to open to women; several of the Lyceum students are hearing lectures at the Berlin University.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Describes her travels in the holidays which included a most enjoyable stay in Switzerland and on the way back visiting Dt. Dettweiller (in semi retirement, only occasionally visits the sanatorium). A number of new students several with scholarships given by the Government. More work for her every year. Refers to International Council of Women which has lately met at Berlin. The chief teachers kept away but it gave a pull to the movement in Germany.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Reports chronic illness of her mother which necessitates nursing also some family anxieties affecting Ellen.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks her for charming book (by Leslie Cornford married Penelope's sister Christabel; wrote novels criticism and naval history) Her mother much better. She encloses printed account of some resolutions about the German 'Ober lehrerinned-Prufung' arrived at in the sittings of a commission arraigned for the purpose and of which I have been a member', (account not enclosed)
Cotta writing from Berlin. Her mother has had a serious operation and is still extremely weak, but she can now consider the subject of her friend's letter; to ascertain whether the Empress Frederick would take part in a ceremony connected with the new building at Roedean; she will see what she can do.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Her mother progressing. Dr Dettweiller (who is on friendly terms with the Empress) has informed her that HM plans to go to England immediately after 15 Jun.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen (her sister's house). Hopes her friend is coming on a visit to Brunkensen, if so not to come later than 1 Aug as her holidays close on the 10 Aug.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. So glad to hear her friend is coming. Her mother anxious for her to bring 3 dozen cambric handkerchiefs though 'I tell her you will have neither time no thoughts for such a commission under the press of your preparations for the great festivity' Gives directions for the journey.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks her for her letter and telegram. Has had Clare to stay wit her and she is benefited by the quiet. She would certainly prefer to be with her friend but hopes she will enjoy the last days in spite of her absence (letter in German. English translation given)
Leut writing from Brunkensen. Post card. Sends her warmest greeting to Alix's oldest friend; she is happy to be with Alix again. In German.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Has had a very strenuous time as from 15 Sep 1897 to a few days before has been without a servant; now she has not only a servant but she has 'Fanny' to look after her. Asks for a building plan of her friend's new school. When the Empress comes to Berlin in Nov or Dec [1897] she will ask for an 'Audience' and 'lay before her your plans and programme'.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Giving her the news since she left 'We have often been talking of the 'Englanderin', it was nice to have her ' she is staying at Brunkesen till the end of the month.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Has read the official account (of the school) which she thinks very good and quite to the purpose, but as it will not be possible to invite HM before Jun 1899 she considers it too early to approach HM. Will her friend weigh up the pros and cons of an early or later approach, then decide and inform her soon. Gives family news.
Cotta writing from Berlin. She has found Miss Clough's Life (sent by Nelly) 'more interesting than I expected' Family news and acknowledgement of various presents. With respect to the school business (see letter of 9 Dec 1897) she will take counsel with one of the ladies at Court and act according to her advice.
Thanks her for the beautiful purse she sent her.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for New Year greetings from her friend and her uncle and aunt Martineau; only quite lately has Germany begun to initiate the use of artistic cards for the use of educated people. Miss Clough's Life has been a revelation to her, her retiring and rather shy or reserved ways prevented people from realising her goodness and nobility of character.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanking her for the Shetland shawl. Both Alix and herself deep in Miss Clough's Life. Ellen also sends thanks (a note on the back in German)
Cotta writing from Berlin. Relates what she has achieved as regards the Empress Frederick and Penelope's hope that she would come to the inauguration of the new buildings at Roedean or at least to visit the School. She went to one of the Empress's tea parties and so had the opportunity of showing HM the plans etc. since that occasion she had been asked to tea once more when the Empress said she was willing to pay a visit to the School. She also asked her to go to Cheltenham College to look at the establishment and give her love to Miss Beale. Her plans about coming to England at the beginning of her summer holidays.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Details of her projected visit to England: leave on 2 Jul and start homeward of the 28 Jul; to let her know at once if the 15th would suit for a visit to her friend.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Coming to her on 5th or 6th at the latest.
Cotta writing from London. Starting for Brighton the next day.
Cotta writing from Englefield Green. A lovely place where she is 'still I may have to go to Cheltenham on Thursday if I go at all'
Cotta writing from Englefield Green. Dr Dettweiler tells her the Empress would be pleased to receive her on either of the days suggested' her plan therefore is to go to Cheltenham then return to London for the weekend, start the return journey on the 28th so as to reach Cronberg (the Empress's residence) on the 29th. Had just visited Holloway College 'thinking it rather in bad taste with all its splendour'.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Gives her impressions of Cheltenham (all on a very grand scale, but thinks the limits of size have been overstepped); enjoyed her visit to Cambridge, saw Mrs Sidgwick twice. Finally reached Cronberg where she had luncheon with the Empress who asked immediately about Cheltenham though Alix emphasised the superior attractions of Roedean. The next day she came in for the grand historic fete in commemoration of a 500 year old foundation of the Cronberg shooting club.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Would like to hear if there is any chance of the Empress Frederick coming over to see the school during her present stay in England. She is writing an article for the new Encyclopedia for Women that is to be published and she has written two articles on modern English girls' schools.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for presents received. But even her warm friendship will not stretch so far as to allow her to read 'political documents'. All German sympathies including her own are entirely with the Boers.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Comments on how difficult she finds it to choose a book in German for her friend and she notices this inability to appreciate German books in most English people. She thanks for kind gifts and has much enjoyed Rudyard Kipling's book. The management of the Lyceum gets more and more complicated and difficult.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Anxious to know whether the Empress Frederick visited Roedean during her long stay in England if not what was the reason. Has spent the month at Brunkensen and had with her Sophie Loch (née Peters). Gives news of local happenings.
Written in German, English translation) Sends thanks for delightful memento; true friendship can disregard even unpleasant national outbreaks.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Gives family and local news. Thanks her for her letter but finds 'pour views of the war are hopelessly apart. Still I think that in time this difference will be effaced.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Before arriving there went with her sister Ellen to Ober-Ammergau; ten years ago that she met her friend there; on the whole her impressions much the same. Called on Dr Dettweile on the way home and called on the Empress Frederick but she was ill and could not see her. Comments on world politics.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Christmas card with seasonal greetings.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Gives family news. Asks if her friend has an opening in her school for a girl who has passed the teachers' exam and whose father is Director of a school.
Cotta writing from Switzerland. Postcard. Answers a query about an address in Munich; on holiday with Ilse and enjoying herself.
Cotta writing from Finhart, Valais to Nelly in Lausanne. Delighted at Nelly's suggestion she should come and see her but must warn they are up in the mountains and have been either shrouded in mists or in pouring rain.
Cotta writing from Berlin. The stay at Brunkensen completed her cure. Their meeting at Finhart 'a most pleasant remembrance.'
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for letter and photographs. Refers to a visit from Miss Borchardt 'the famous Girton student' who gave a series of lectures on modern British literature. The Lyceum has found a new patroness in the present Empress. Refers to Mr Donald Tovey 'the young pianist and gifted composer who with Joachim's co-operation has been giving four concerts here' Refers to an amusing Conference she went to on French 'feminism' where all the notable feminists if Berlin were.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. To thank her for her letter of sympathy and condolence on the death of her mother.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Gives family news. Their new patron the present Empress attended their opening ceremony in the autumn. Postcard dated 27 Dec to apologise for forgetting to post the above letter.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard to thank her for letter and presents.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Gives family and local news; she is going to push her summer holidays later in the year so that she can stay away till Sep at least; feels quite a longing to meet her English friends again.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for letter and parcel, which contained a copy of Sargent's portrait of Penelope; on the whole she is very pleased with it. She has just lost a very dear and faithful friend in Dr. Dettweiler. Refers to the International Council of Women Congress held at Berlin in Jun of that year 'On the whole I am not exactly an enthusiast for the Women-Rights-Movement' but she must take a modest part in it. Saw a first-rate performance of 'Patience' done by amateurs.
Cotta writing from Berlin. To say she had just received an invitation from the British Association for the Advancement of Science to be present at the meeting to be held at Cambridge 17-27 Aug and that Mrs Sidgwick had invited her to be her guest. Would not go if she knew that her friends would not be there at the time, so let her know at once.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Gave up all idea of going to England when she found that hardly any of her friends would be there in Aug (Penelope went for a trip to South Africa) Had a lovely holiday in Switzerland wit her sister Ellen, then Brunkensen and then a few days at Blankenburg (Harz) then back to lonely quarters to get everything ready for the reopening of the Lyceum.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Sending her a book by Frau Gnauck-Kuhne with whom she stayed at Blankenberg in the autumn and who is a great admirer of her friend. Glad to have a good account of her doings in South Africa.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Spent part of her holidays with her cousins at Lago Maggiore and then came on the Brunkensen where she is alone except for the servants and a young protégée of hers.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Speaks of a new book by Frenssen, which she is sending her for Christmas. Discusses the author's religious views, reminds her a little of Renan's 'Vie de Jesus'. Asks if she has heard of the modern code of morals among a certain advanced set that is styled as 'Die Neue Ethik'.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for book and album of school photographs. Plans to visit England this coming Jul; to go to Miss Weisse at Englefield Green first and then perhaps to go on to Brighton. Has enjoyed a book on Kant by Houston Stewart Chamberlain.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Hopes she has not given up plan of coming to Berlin at Easter; welcome any time after 9 Apr
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Further to one above begging her to tell her whether she is coming to Berlin and when, as her own plans depend on it.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Asking whether it would suit her if she came to stay from 2 Jun till about the 8th as she has to fit in several others.
Cotta writing from Oxshott (home of Mrs Loch and her daughter). Thanks her once more for the delightful time she had at Roedean. Perhaps they can meet in London one day before she returns home.
Cotta writing from Shenstone, Cambridge (Miss Kennedy's home). Knows hardly anyone up there now but glad to see the place and the Misses Kennedy again.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Delayed writing as she wanted to send her little article on Roedean at the same time. After her return from England was at Berlin all Jul and at Brunkensen Aug till Sep. 'My stay in England has left me a store of pleasant memories'.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Sending her Christmas greetings and a German book though her experience is 'That my English friends never read the German books I send them' Her article on Roedean has found favour with the public and she has been asked buy another magazine for a similar article on English schools.
Cotta writing from Berlin. About her plans for the summer holidays which embrace Italian Lakes and Switzerland and if they could meet somewhere it would be charming.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Thanks for Illustrated paper with all the lovely photographs of Roedean. Gives an account of her trip to |Italy and Switzerland. At Arolla they met a former Newnham student Miss Crick (she enquires as to the standing of her school at Birmingham)
Cotta writing from Berlin. Is sending her a small volume of Rosegger's also an almanac of old Berlin. The Lyceum classes especially for the 'Oberlehrerinned Prufung' have been unusually well attended. Gives family news.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Her sister Ilse is going on a visit to the Lochs at the beginning of Jun. Could her friend have her for a day or two so that she can see Roedean. She hopes as a member of the German Lyceum to get a room at the London club. About the summer could they manage to meet anywhere.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for offer of hospitality from her friend's sister Mrs Agatha Blyth (ultimate donor of all these letters) to Ilse who is shortly visiting England. Hopes that she and her friend can arrange a meeting in the summer holidays.
Cotta writing from Berlin. She has arranged to meet her sister at Munich at the end of the month but might be able to come on to her friend in Switzerland. Ilse is delighted with her trip.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Sends her information she has got from her sister about the Engadine; still hopeful of seeing her.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard to say she is leaving Berlin on the 30th and to address letters to G.P.O. Munich
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanking her for letters
Cotta writing from Munich. Will she let her know the earliest date at which she can have a room at the Hotel Post and the terms.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Describes her journey there; family illness makes her return a come down after the happiness of a holiday spent with her friend. She returns to her work and solitude in Berlin on the 14th.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Asking for a prospectus of Roedean for a Frau von Hermann who would like to send her daughter there. Both her sisters are with her.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for Miss Pringle's Engadine sketches comments on family news; earthquake at Messina and possible Easter holidays in Paris.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Her sister Ellen successfully through an operation; still hoping her friend will be able to fit in a week in Paris in Apr.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Looking forward to Paris plan, will start 13 Apr 13 and could stay till 22 or 23 Apr.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Has been spending her holidays there and up to the present house full of relations; Caroline Peters stayed for a fortnight with her in Berlin in Jun; has pleasant memories of Paris trip; her sisters envy her friend's excursions by motor car.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Worried over who is to support Vousdin and family whose husband is unable through illness and crime especially as she faces a prospective reduction of income. The Victoria Lyceum is to shut up for good in a year or two when the lease comes to an end. This is the result of setting up higher education for girls so that by 1913 there will be no further need of Advanced Teacher Courses given by the Lyceum. Her prospects for the future are not therefore exhilarating, but as she is approaching her seventies 'resignation is the only becoming mood for it'.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks her friend for going into the matter of her retirement so thoroughly with suggestions of new lines etc. But the Victoria Lyceum has had its day; now women are admitted freely to the universities and to all its degrees. She is too old to try to find another sphere of action for the Lyceum after 26 years of activity, but as she does not wish to stay till the bitter end she hopes to withdraw before they have to leave the house in 1911. She hopes to come to England in early summer of this or next year.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Asks if she could pay her a visit at Roedean at the end of May for about a week; has invitations from other friends and next summer will be taken up with many preparations for breaking up the Lyceum.
Cotta writing from Cambridge. She is staying with the Misses Kennedy having left her friend at Roedean.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Quiote uneventful since she returned from England. They leave the house by Oct next [Oct 1911].
Cotta writing from Berlin. She is looking for a suitable abode for the Advanced Teacher Courses during the last 2 or 3 years of existence; also for private quarters for herself.
Cotta writing from Berlin. She is spending Easter at Berlin for the business of clearing out; relates the marriage of her sister's grandson to a rich heiress, a Jewess, and this girl's aunt is said to have had a daughter at Roesdean. Does she remember her? The young couple are at present at Brunkensen.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Postcard. Has ordered a catalogue for her friend. Has just taken a flat in this neighbourhood to go into in Sep 1911.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Commiserates on her brother Harry's death and 'his sad life'. Prof.Illis to whom Harry's brother wrote has asked for medical information about the case. Has had a fatiguing week with the examinations of the Advanced Teacher Course.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Likes their new quarters extremely. She has not been well since Oct so glad of rest but she will look about for some other kind of work as soon as she feels up to it.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Her general health is much better but the foot continues to be a great hindrance; any kind of touring is out of the question and she will spend all the summer quietly at Brunkensen. Refers to two external events; the solar eclipse and the sinking of the Titanic.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Postcard. Delighted to have her friend to stay there on 7 Aug.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. She has been laid up with a cut foot taking a long time to heal; weather has been miserable and harvest there ruined. The young couple (see letter of 15 Mar 1910) even look disconsolate as their farm has taken a knock of 15000M. In Oct taking care of her nephew's home and children while the couple are travelling.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for Christmas presents; had a big family party on Christmas Day 'the two eldest boys of my nephew Leopold's are both young officers now and of course anxious for war while most of the elders of course are in favour of peace, which I for my part consider most probable on the whole'
Cotta writing from Berlin. Welcome news of her friend's visit to Berlin in Apr; suggests a pension on the floor above them.
Cotta writing from Berlin. She has booked rooms in the pension above them; gives terms.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Written after the visit of her friend.
Cotta writing from Berlin. She has been approached by the organisers of International bookwork in Leipzig, special department. lf literature on pedagogics, to supply a list of such writers (women) who have made a name for themselves in England. Can she provide the name and address of a person or Society who would be able to provide such a list. She has been back in Berlin about a fortnight.
Cotta writing from Berlin. Thanks for detailed information sent on women writers on education. Gives family news. Since Oct she has been doing voluntary work for the Charity Organisations Society and finds the work very interesting.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. She must consider it to be 'merely an echo from the past' Both she and her sister are alive 'and even not actually starving'. It is a harsh letter, but the situation is desperate; she sees it as 'the agony of a whole nation on its death struggle'.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Gives news of her sister; she reads a lot, especially fond of Galsworthy but has to be good print; in the past hard winter she was twice near death. Political comment at the end 'We lack a Mussolini'. Letter in German summary in English.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Thanks for three books and several letters. Refers to a book of more serious interest; the Russian experiences of Beatrice Webb's friend. Asks if she received a publication she send concerning the Victoria Studenten Haus. 'the survival of the Victoria Lyceum' due to a very generous legacy of the late Frau von Hausemann for a house of residence for women students at the Verlin University. She is enjoying Galsworthy's novels, German have no one to compare with him in that department of literature.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Postcard. Thanks for the Cambridge letter; especially interested in the account of John Harrison's life and work at Cambridge. Speaks of the interest she continues to take in 'English Culture and all it productions'.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Explaining about the book that Nelly sent Alix and her not appreciating it. She would return it but Alix unfortunately gave it to the charming Irish girl. She says it is the Yorkshire dialect in it which makes it difficult for Alix.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Thanks for the gift of two books especially as books now are 'almost the only pleasures I now enjoy' Spring has come, she wishes it were her last.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Thanks for the family chronicle her friend sent her some weeks ago in response to a request for news of the family. Comments on what a successful family the Lawrences had been on the whole 'not one of whom but has achieved some active personality'. She herself feels less able to write from day to day.
Cotta writing from Brunkensen. Postcard. To say she cannot write a letter so must answer by a card 'I am far too weak and ill' 'Goodbye my dear old friend'. Date stamp 17.6.30.