L E T T E R S

671politics, they must be kept hidden, otherwise they will be forbidden and renderedineffective.Regard the establishment of such means of communication andcorrespondence as a preliminary and necessary element in any relations that youset up. Finally, add that whatever the general condition of our organization maybe, we trust in God that we will be able to complete it, so that it might bepermanent and most effective for our purpose. Likewise, as for our finances, wewill establish an administration, and keep account books.Enough! Otherwise I would not finish writing today. Thus I embark uponmy good resolutions! Wasn’t it for these that I went to my dear La Trappe?Concerning Mickiewicz: I felt a fear similar to yours. However, if whenspeaking to him and in his presence you do not me on a throne, contrary to alltruth and prudence, it seems to me that, be that as it may, he will not say anythingthat could ruin your negotiations with Louis 919 . Nevertheless, in general he ispresently quite skeptical of every undertaking, especially one so great and soinclusive.As for me, he wants to exclude me from all temporal interests. On thismatter, I always agree with him. In a similar instance I urge you to the same. Donot oppose him; rather tell him that I greatly desire to hand over alladministration, finances, and management to my assistants. However, till now, thecircumstances have been such that I could not do this. There were too manysecrets of state that had to remain with me alone; that is, poverty, debts andobligations - for all of which I could not find among the brethren a spiritsufficiently venturesome spiritually. Lord, forgive this little pun!In reference to our further and our principal ideas and plans, it would bewell to go lightly on these with Mickiewicz, mentioning them only foggily. As faras he is concerned, you first have to accomplish something before he will believeit; at least be off to a good beginning, better founded and more systematic than weare at present. However, in spite of everything, he is a very beloved and a highly919 V. Wielogłowski was supposed to take A. Mickiewicz with him for the meeting with L. Popiel.