Rare Book Monthly
Articles - October - 2005 Issue
Ludewig's "The Literature of American Local History, now in the AED
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When his book was printed, he forwarded a copy to the writer of this notice, accompanied by a letter dated "New York, March 31, 1846," in which, after apologizing for a silence of several months' duration, he states as one reason for it that he had been very busily engaged upon his work, and had determined to wait till he could send a "printed excuse" for his silence. He mentions the kindness Mr. Gowans had shown him in his researches, and adds: "You know American literature so well that you can better decide upon the troubles I had in gathering the notices contained in my book than any one in the country. That my Essay is incomplete I know very well; but I give what I could give, and I think for one individual that is sufficient. The book is inscribed to our friend Force; and I can say that I feel happy to prove to this real gentleman and true American how thankful I am for his great and unpretending kindness. I printed five hundred copies, of which more than one-half have been distributed to my literary friends on both sides the Atlantic, and the greater part of the volumes to a friend of mine at Leipzig, who knowing that I was about to write such a repertory, provided for himself and several literary men copies of it, which I could not but reserve." He then mentions that he had sent to the care of the writer of this, copies of his work for the New England Historical and Genealogical Society; for the Historical Societies of Maine and New Hampshire; for the American Antiquarian Society at Worcester, and also for Dr. Webb of Providence.
In a long letter written on Sept., 1846, he incidentally mentions that he had received very kind and flattering notices of his book from "abroad," and also in the United States. He particularly mentions a letter from Henry Clay, of which he says: "I cannot say how happy I felt that just this man was so kind in appreciating all the troubles I had in collecting the notices." He mentions also that he had lately been elected a member of the New York, Georgia, New Hampshire, and Iowa Historical Societies, and of the Geological Institute.
Though actively engaged in his profession, he still carried on his literary labors, and made large collections relative to the Indians and other branches of Archaeology. To Philology also he gave much attention, and a work upon the subject, entitles Bibliotheca Glottica," was actually in press in London, and was announced to appear on the 15th of December, three days after the author's death, - which occurred as stated in our last [issue], at Brooklyn, N. Y., Friday, December 12, 1856. He left a widow but no children.
Mr. Ludewig had some property when he came to this country; and although by his profession he could have increased his patrimony, yet such was his generosity that he left very little at his death. He took a great interest in the German Emigrant Society, of which he was an efficient member for eight years.
Among the losses in the literary circle of this country, that of Hermann Ernst Ludewig will long be felt. He had a mind capable of accomplishing what few are able to perform. In estimating the amount of his labors, it should be remembered that his works were not written in his own language, and that he had to overcome obstacles with which a native does not have to contend. He was benevolent without ostentation, and felt happy in the performance of labors that he was conscious would result in good to the world. But death is no respecter of talents, nor of moral worth; and in the midst of his usefulness and the fullness of his powers this brilliant scholar has been torn away. Yet his life has not been fruitless, and his name will be cherished hereafter as that of a true benefactor of his race.
