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November 5, 1899
IX., Berggasse 19
Dear Wilhelm,
One cannot say that you are excessively communicative. I do not want to follow your example, even though a depressing uniformity makes it more difficult to communicate. The book at last came out yesterday. The name of Hannibal's father — as I always knew and
suddenly remembered recently — was Hamilcar, not Hasdrubal. Practice and children alike are ailing. I am reporting to you a pathological ill humor on November 3, a gorgeous migraine on November 4 (that is, the following day).
I would have liked to write to you about the sexual theory, because I have something that is plausible and confirmed in practice; it is only that I do not yet have the slightest idea what to do with the †††1 female aspect, and that makes me distrust the whole thing. Otherwise, explanations come slowly, now here, now there, as the day permits — on the whole, rather leisurely. Among them, as a choice morsel: I now understand how premonitory dreams arise and what they mean.2 For the rest, I should like to hear from you soon and also how your dear wife and children are.
Cordially,
Your
Sigm.
Freud draws three crosses. This sign was sometimes chalked on the inside of doors in peasant houses to protect against danger.
See Freud's “Premonitory Dream Fulfilled.” The manuscript is dated November 10, 1899.