I was anxious to see the spot where Poniatowsky fell.  We returned over the plain to the city and passed in at the gate by which the Cossacks entered, pursuing the flying French.  Crossing the lower part, we came to the little river Elster, in whose waves the gallant prince sank.  The stone bridge by which we crossed was blown up by the French, to cut off pursuit.  Napoleon had given orders that it should not be blown up till the Poles had all passed over, as the river, though narrow, is quite deep, and the banks are steep.  Nevertheless, his officers did not wait, and the Poles, thus exposed to the fire of the enemy, were obliged to plunge into the stream to join the French army, which had begun the retreat towards Frankfort.  Poniatowsky, severely wounded, made his way through a garden near and escaped on horseback into the water.  He became entangled among the fugitives and sank.  By walking a little distance along the road towards Frankfort, we could see the spot where his body was taken out of the river; it is now marked by a square stone, covered with the names of his countrymen who have visited it.  We returned through the narrow arched way, by which Napoleon fled when the battle was lost.

Another interesting place in Leipsic is Auerback’s Cellar, which, it is said, contains an old manuscript history of Faust, from which Goethe derived the first idea of his poem.  He used to frequent this cellar, and one of his scenes in “Faust” is laid in it.  We looked down the arched passage; not wishing to purchase any wine, we could find no pretence for entering.  The streets are full of book stores and one half the business of the inhabitants appears to consist in printing, paper-making and binding.  The publishers have a handsome Exchange of their own, and during the Fairs, the amount of business transacted is enormous.  The establishment of Brockhaus is contained in an immense building, adjoining which stands his dwelling, in the midst of magnificent gardens.  That of Tauchnitz is not less celebrated.  His edition of the classics, in particular, are the best that have ever been made; and he has lately commenced publishing a number of English works, in a cheap form.  Otto Wigand, who has also a large establishment, has begun to issue translations of American works.  He has already published Prescott and Bancroft, and I believe intends giving out shortly, translations from some of our poets and novelists.  I became acquainted at the Museum, with a young German author who had been some time in America, and was well versed in our literature.  He is now engaged in translating American works, one of which—­Hoffman’s “Wild Scenes of the Forest and Prairie”—­will soon appear.  In no place in Germany have I found more knowledge of our country, her men and her institutions, than in Leipsic, and as yet I have seen few that would be preferable as a place of residence.  Its attractions lie not in its scenery, but in the social and intellectual character of its inhabitants.