'The nightmare of her suffering still hangs over us': haunted by the agonising death of his wife.

Elsa Einstein had died on 20 December: Einstein had sent Maja a telegram with the sad news, and writes reproachfully that he almost suspected it must have gone astray, as he would have expected a letter from her by now. Elsa's resistance to infection had been completely broken down through her long illness: 'So two lung infections added themselves to the series, and the second killed her. She struggled hard and looked death in the face with clarity, even at the end wished for it. – Her corpse was cremated. Her death was kept secret so that the cremation could follow the day after her death in complete quiet. She has now been released, but the nightmare of her suffering still hangs with continuing strength over Margot and me and at night we still painfully listen out for her moaning and whimpering. This life is no fun, even without the terrible things that people themselves do to each other'.

Maja had misunderstood what Einstein had said about her house: he is willing to help financially, and just needs to know where to send the money. Mileva [his first wife] also needs financial support, as she can no longer pay one of the mortgages on her Zurich properties. The condition of his son Eduard [who suffered from schizophrenia] is completely hopeless, although he is at home. His other son, Hans Albert, has written a splendid doctoral thesis (see previous lot), and would like to emigrate to America, although it isn't easy as the authorities do not want to 'buy a pig in a poke' ['weil die Kerle nicht gewillt sind, eine Kutze im Sack zu kaufen'], and xenophobia is on the rise, even if political immigration is strictly constrained. Also, Einstein's help is ever more in demand: 'The number of people absolutely reliant on my help continues to increase. But I am glad that I am able to do it'.

In spite of all the difficulties and adversity, he has not lost his strength for working: 'This refuge proves to be particularly beneficial'. Margot too is working hard – 'She is simply wonderful'.
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