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.
Download the English text ↓Page 1
Beesenlaublingen, November 14, 1880
Dear Uncle,
The first lines I write to you must bring the sad news that my dear father has died. On May 28 [probably 1880], he was struck by a stroke, and he could no longer speak a word to us.
And these, dear uncle, are the last words he wanted to write to his sister—
Page 2
—but he was unable to send them.
Dear uncle, I will now take my father's place so that news reaches you.
Mother is still in Poplitz. She comes and goes at my home, for we live [seven minutes] apart.
I would have written sooner, but we could not find where your address was. My father kept everything carefully.
We also cannot find his sister's address—
Page 3
—otherwise I would have written to her sooner too.
Dear uncle, if you would be so kind, you can write to your sister. And when you write to me, please include her address.
Dear uncle, I will now close, hoping that you are all healthy and well, as we are too.
I am the second son. I am thirty-one years old and have three children.
Page 4
My address is:
Carl Hilpert
Beesenlaublingen
near Alsleben
on the Saale [expansion of the address abbreviation]
My family sends you greetings, and my mother sends her warm greetings too.
I remain yours,
Carl Hilpert
