Ernest Nagel an Rudolf Carnap und Ina Carnap, 12. Dezember 1934 Dezember 1934

In America it is the custom among very polite people, after they have been entertained at someone else’s home, to write a so-called “bread-and-butter” letter of thanks for the hospitality received. Since I have been repeatedly cautioned by you not to dare thank you in any manner, this letter is of course not a “bread-and-butter” letter. I hope, however, that I am not disobeying orders if I tell you what a great experience it has been for me to get to know you, how much I have enjoyed seeing and talking to you, and what a precious memory the month I spent in Prague will remain to me. I have tweaks of conscience at the thought of how much of your time I wasted, but your kindness was irresistible. I hope, too, that not all your effort on me was wasted, for I think I have learned more than may appear on the surface from the many conversations I had with you.

I have returned to the hotel I lived in during my previous stay in Vienna, and have rented a room for the month. I finally received word to-day from EdithPNagel, Edith, geb. Haggstrom, verh. mit Ernest Nagel (“my lady”) that she will arrive in Genoa on January 17. It is later than I hoped, but earlier than I thought was possible. In any case, I am beginning to suspect that your “intuition” about my returning to Prague may have been right. The date of her arrival makes it impracticable either for me to come alone before she arrives or for both of us to undertake such a long trip, since on either alternative there would be only two weeks during which Prague would be worth the bother and expense. But I take a small comfort from the thought that there are other places than Prague where one can meet – either some part of the Continent next summer, or America next year.

As soon as I hear anything from Columbia UniversityIColumbia University, New York NY I shall of course write you. Meanwhile, if there is any matter I can attend to for you here in Vienna, or if there is some “long-distance” translation with which I can help you, please do not hesitate to let me know. I shall have much free time here, for with the exception of meeting some people at the Wiener KreisISchlick-Zirkel, Wiener Kreis gathering to-morrow night, I shall live the life of a hermit.

With warmest greetings and best wishes, I am