In July 1852, Tocqueville worked in his castle to write “The Old Regime and the Revolution.” He was asked several times, without success, by Louis Bonaparte, to be a minister.
Following further health problems, he wrote his testament.
He made a trip to Germany.
His father Hervé died on June 9, 1856.
Alexis makes one last visit to England who welcomes him as a hero. There he meets Karl Marx. He is invited by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria.
The Paris-Cherbourg railway line, for which he fought so hard, was put into service on July 14, 1858 ! It was officially inaugurated during a visit by Napoleon III to the North Cotentin from 4 to 8 August. Tocqueville declined the invitation and looked at the naval parade from Fermanville at the Cape Levi, with Mary and their friends Beaumont and Rivet.