Anthony J. Drexel’s Final Days in Carlsbad
The numerous spas in Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary), about seventy miles west of Prague in what is now the Czech Republic, made the town a popular destination in the 19th century. Its visitors included members of the European aristocracy, celebrities, and wealthy Americans including Anthony J. Drexel. Treatments included “taking the waters” (bathing in water from the thermal springs), visiting local spas, and leisure activities.
Anthony J. Drexel wrote to his son John on June 9, 1890. On the third page, Anthony recounts the pleasant trip to Carlsbad the two men had taken together four years before.
Music was an interest Anthony shared with his children and is mentioned on the 4th page of the June 9th letter as well as in this March 15th letter to John. In the March letter, Anthony wrote “I’m glad you had the opportunity of hearing Patti who is certainly the Queen of Singers….” This may be referring to soprano Adelina Patti (1843–1919), an acclaimed opera singer of the day who was known by her last name.
Final Correspondence, June 1893
Drexel traveled to Europe annually on business and to visit the spas in Carlsbad to treat his recurring health issues. It was the same in June 1893, when he fell seriously ill with pleurisy, an inflammation of the lungs.
These two letters, written on June 29 and June 30, 1893, represent some of A.J. Drexel’s last correspondence. He wrote to his business partner and Pierpont Morgan’s brother-in-law, Walter Burns. On June 29th, he discussed his current poor health due to pleurisy and swelling in his leg. He had recently received news that his proposal of reorganization of the Reading Railroad finances was refused by its security holders. He wrote to Burns with advice about how to handle the situation, adding, “I hope to see you in London before I sail & we can talk matters over.”
In his June 30th letter he reported that his health was improving, he had “a most careful nurse and lots of sympathizing friends who are very kind.” Besides writing of business, Drexel expressed his opinion on current political events, condemning James D. Cameron, U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, for his support of the populist silver movement, accusing him of having interests in silver and calling him a demagogue. On the other hand, he praised Grover Cleveland in the matter, writing “He is an honest man & a statesman.” Drexel died of a heart attack in his room around noon that day.
