1800

Summary

Many thanks to Herr Nicolovius for the 16 Göttingen sausages, which arrived yesterday and therefore must have been shipped immediately. My household will be amply supplied for a whole year with these wares.

I. Kant

Dearest old friend,

Your gift, the two-volume Refutation of Herder's Metacritique (it does equal honor to your heart and your head), revives my memory of those pleasant days we used to enjoy together, days enlivened by what is true and good and imperishable to both of us. Now, in my 77th year, plagued by physical weaknesses (which do not however point to an imminent farewell) that make my final project more difficult but not, I hope, null and void, these memories are no small tonic for me, in my condition – your gift is thus doubly pleasing.

Your concern lest the carrots you sent last autumn might have been damaged by the long and early frost that took place then has turned out to be unwarranted. For I consumed the last of them only the day before yesterday at Sunday dinner, as usual with two friends, and the carrots tasted fine.

Be happy, and continue your affection for your eternal friend. Let me hear something now and then of your situation and literary happenings.

With greatest devotion and friendship and respect I remain always your unwaveringly loyal friend and servant.