Lengthy ALS in German, signed “Papa,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, July 11, 1948. Letter to his elder son, Hans Albert, discouraging him from visiting his mother on her deathbed. If Hans Albert insists on going to Zurich, Switzerland to see his mother, who is mortally ill after a fall, Einstein will, as promised, fund the trip, although, quite apart from the fact that his financial resources have been hit by both the currency situation and his sister's expensive illness, he doesn't like the idea. In part (translated): “If you absolutely want to go to Zurich, I will make it possible for you, as I promised you. I don’t like it though, apart from the fact, that my own financial situation has…deteriorated as a result of the money devaluation and the expensive illness of my sister…It will be a shock if your mother sees you again in this condition—and more so your departure.…There are mortgages on the house there (about 55,000 francs), which are in my name, but which morally speaking are your mother's property…Scandalously, it was impossible to obtain any statement of the proceeds, so that we are not in the position here to calculate and settle the so-called ‘profit tax.’…It is a journalistic sham with political tendencies.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds and some scattered light toning.
Einstein, a genius who contributed more to the mankind’s common good than perhaps any other person, here shows a decidedly cold-hearted demeanor when it came to his relationship with his son. Einstein’s wife, Mileva Maric, was near death as Hans Albert expressed his desire to see his mother one last time. The reluctant Einstein pledges to finance the trip—but makes no qualms over the financial hardship it would place upon him. Though trying to soften the blow by imploring his son to think of his mother and the effect it would have on her to be seen in such a weakened state—and then to cope with his leaving her side—Einstein quickly turns his message to finances, and his concern over existing mortgages. The mortgages were designed only to protect his wife from a compulsory sale; there should also be cash from the sale of the house, which technically belongs to the corporation Einstein had arranged. In Einstein's opinion it would be much better to settle such affairs via correspondence, as any attempt to settle her affairs would seem like the last rites to Mileva, who died on August 4, 1948. A death announcement published in a Zurich newspaper was signed by her two grieving sons, Hans Albert and Eduard—but not Albert Einstein. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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