Rare Book Monthly
Articles - October - 2005 Issue
Ludewig's "The Literature of American Local History, now in the AED
This copy was a gift from the author.
The Historical Magazine
Vol. I, February, 1857 [No. 2.]
Hermann Ernst Ludewig
This writer, whose death was briefly alluded to in our last [issue], is deserving of more than a passing notice. He was born in Dresden, in Saxony, Oct. 14, 1809. After receiving a finished German education, he came to this country and took up a temporary residence in the city of New York. This was about the year 1842. Possessing a very active mind, he soon acquired a good knowledge of the English language.
After he made himself well acquainted with the institutions of this country, he wrote home to Dresden, giving the results of his observations. In these communications he drew parallels between the political aspects of the two countries; which, though far within the bounds of truth, gave the United States an envious elevation above his native land. His letters, being published, gave great offence to the government of Saxony. Up to this time Mr. Ludewig had intended to return to Dresden to reside; but now, being informed by letters from his friends of the effect of his political observations at home, and advised not to return, he relinquished his intention, and became a citizen of the United States. Having been bred to the law, he at once determined to commence its practice in the city of New York; and soon acquired considerable business and a wide influence among the German population of that city.
Previous to this Mr. Ludewig visited Boston, and was introduced to the writer of this notice, to whom he appeared, in every respect, one of the best specimens of humanity. He was the very picture of "health and long life;" and, to the usual inquiry as to his health, he would say, with a significant smile, "O, I am always well," while his countenance seemed to express surprise that such an inquiry should be made of one who carried so much proof of health in every feature of his face, and in every motion of his limbs.
His visit to Boston was in the summer of 1845, and was protracted many weeks. During that time the writer saw him almost daily, and he was always buoyant and active - exerting himself to learn whatever was worth knowing about the capital of New England. It was not till after this visit to Boston that he determined to settle in the United States, as before mentioned.
