Current reading edition
English translation
Square brackets mark uncertain words or editorial explanations. Songs are translated for meaning; their speakers are not necessarily the writer.
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Wiehe, September 29, 1852
Dear Brother,
At last, after eleven difficult days, I arrived home. I left Cologne on the evening of the 17th. For a few days at the beginning the weather was very bad, but then it became fine, and on the 28th, at one o'clock in the afternoon, I was in Wiehe.
Shortly before reaching Wiehe, my joy was not as great as it had been before, in '45 and '48. I entered the town anxiously, for I had already learned at [name/place unclear] that Christel was said to have had [recently given birth; reading assisted by the historical translation] shortly beforehand.
Then I went home. Mother was alone at home. She was very pleased by my unexpected arrival, but at the same time [was troubled? - the second description of her reaction is uncertain] that I had come. Then Christel came. She was so [hoarse?] that she could not speak at all. In any case, she has still not properly recovered from the recent [childbirth].
After I had rested, I began asking about all their intentions, and found that Mother's desire to go to America is even greater than my sister's. It is her wish, and mine from the heart, that you should come as soon as possible to travel with them, so that Mother might have some peace of mind. I cannot yet go with them myself, and the matter is already so arranged that they have sold the house for 450 thalers - that is, they have not yet received the money; it is due on October 10.
If it is possible for you, and you are willing and able, we beg you very much to come. And even if that should not be your intention, come at once so that your field can still be sold. If [your obligations/circumstances - the noun is unclear] do not allow it, see whether you can have it arranged through the court and send it here promptly. [The following page makes clear that a power of attorney is contemplated.]
Letters are said to have arrived in [place name unclear, provisionally Krugsleben?] which give very favourable reports; this is also why Mother wants to go there.
No more than 40 thalers has been offered for [my?] field. And if you come yourself at once -
Page 2
- then you need not send me a power of attorney. But if it is absolutely impossible, send me your power of attorney at once concerning all of it, and I will put everything in order. But come for Mother's sake, if it is possible. You must be here on October 10.
I am sending you [3?] thalers for the time being, so that you can travel part of the way by railway until you get here. If you cannot come, I await a letter with the power of attorney from you. [A short phrase appears to say "four words"; its reading and connection with the sentence remain uncertain.]
How things stand with my [word unresolved], I do not yet know myself. Nor can I yet say how long I must stay here - in any event ten to twelve days, since Christel is not well. See whether you can come.
On Monday I am going to Leipzig to buy a few things for them. Whether you can come or not, write back at once, for I can remain here only until the 10th at the latest.
Bring my songbook with you. But if you get here later than the 10th, leave it in Cologne with [Kraus?], for I must be away by then.
Now write at once; in the meantime I shall be in Leipzig.
I must add that Christel has already paid [2?] thalers as a deposit for a place for you today, so you really must come. ["For you" is clear; a repeated phrase has been crossed out.]
Page 3: closing and money note
I must close now. Write back at once, and do come.
Many greetings from us all.
Your brother,
A. Hilgert/Hilpert [August, family identification]
You must exchange this [money note - exact term unresolved] at a banker's. [The next clause concerns what you will receive in Prussian money, but its wording/amount is unresolved.] You will in any case have to bear a little loss, in all [2 groschen?].
Inverted addition on page 3
I will add, just between ourselves, that it would be better for you to come. The whole affair is so complicated, and we can settle matters between us better in general.
Separate note on page 4
Here, on October 10, the money will be paid; on the [13th or 14th], departure from Wiehe; and on the [15th?], aboard ship in Bremen!
But do try to be here by the 8th, or earlier.
[The October travel numerals differ between readings. The secure point is a mid-October departure plan, not a verified sailing.]
