Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of January 3, 1870

Overview

Cosima resumes the diary after a festive but tiring New Year period marked by visits, gifts, correspondence, and Nietzsche’s departure. She notes her mother’s improved health and small signs of encouragement from friends and admirers. The household remains socially active while Richard is absorbed in his essay, and the wider political world presses in through reports from Rome and Paris.

Content

Monday, January 3:

Have not written in this book for a whole week. Spent most of the time with Prof. Nietzsche, who left us yesterday. Today a letter from my mother, whose health is improving. Otherwise, several signs of friendliness from the outside world, among them a parcel today from Judith M., with pictures of R.'s works painted by her.

On New Year's Eve our tree was lit again, and I received from R. such presents that I was quite amazed. He sent Marie Muchanoff a telegram in verse; I write letters in all directions. On January 1 I received some money, which I took as a good omen. R. still very much occupied with his essay. We are now both tired.

From Paris I received anonymously a nice bonbonniere, which I took to Countess B. Exchange of visits with the Am Rhyns and the whole B. family during this time. Many curious reports of the Vatican Council and from Paris, Ollivier's government.