Fróðskaparrit - 01.01.1970, Page 12

20
The English Letters of Pastor Sch røter
at last will be overpowered, is evident, in case they are leít
alone to fight the battle.
Not only was news hard to come by, but few had a sufficient
background of education and general knowledge to make a
sound assessment of it. For instance, further on in his letter of
20th May 1848, Schrøter writes:
A Prussian doctor from Jena is now here investigating
the zoology. He has already got several fine specimens, but
no new species. He intended to remain here to the month
of August, but is now afraid and will return to Norway
with a Norwegian brig freighted with timber for the
Monopoly to this port. Still, he was sure to be safe here for
us, although there are some foolish farmers in Kollefiord,
that imagine he is the Prince of Augustenberg disguised in
such clothes! I did laugh heartily when one of them told
me he was sure it was him.
Several of the letters of 1848 show how enthusiastic the
support was which the Faroe Islanders afforded to the Danish
cause. Schrøter speaks of the collection taken up for the war:
All are here enthusiastic in the King’s cause. We in
Thorshavn subscribed to war expenses 1,360 Rbd., about
£150, from this poor town. It was thought well enough.
The Sheriff, Judge, Doctor and Minister subscribed each 50
Rbd., but Merchant Nolsøe 500. You may also conceive
that his property is much improved since you were here.
I subscribed 100 Rbd., my housekeeper 20 Rbd., and my
servant, a poor lad, 5 Rbd., the fourth of his wages. One
Faroese went along with our trader to enlist for a sailor
on a man-of-war.
In his next letter, Schrøter tells how the total collection
was expected to amount to between 3,500 and 4,500 Rbd.,