“Everywhere one hears of war and the clamor of war, of revolt and turmoil; even the inhabitants of Dresden are stirred and shaken themselves. … However, do not expect a very orderly account; I am too agitated to provide it, even if I were otherwise capable to do so. …
I have lived in Dresden for some 30 years, but never have I seen so many joyful faces as yesterday. …
Yet, he who seeks to do right by all people has yet to be born; to make up for what has been lost would probably not be possible now.”
– Friedrich to his brothers in Greifswald