Alexander HERZEN (1812-1870) Russian writer, philosopher and - Lot 100

Alexander HERZEN (1812-1870) Russian writer, philosopher and socialist. L.A.S., London March 9, 1860, to Pierre-Joseph Proudhon; 3pages in-8 (corner torn at top of 3rd page, with loss of some words). Interesting letter on his struggle for the abolition of serfdom. Herzen recommends to Proudhon a young Russian friend, a "lord" of peasants who was a radical member of one of the Emancipation Committees. He will be able to tell you many things, including the interview with the Tsar, about which there has been so much talk in the newspapers". He paints a picture of the political climate: "Alexander II yields to the olygarchic party, - but the frightened party now demands guarantees. The radical minority of the nobility will make common cause with the people - and then, unfortunately, victory will be decided in favor of the party that will have the generals (who are abominable) and the officers (who are generally good) on its side. If public opinion and the army are for the people, everything will work out humanely. But if the army wants to support the Olygarchy, there will be appalling carnage". He dreams of a huge revolution without shedding a drop of blood. "Everything was proposed, and at the twelfth hour, Alex. II begins to be afraid of the spirit he evoked himself". Herzen is delighted with the success of their propaganda in London and concludes: "seeing a great fighter like you, one feels one's own muscles stronger"...