Headline: Letters From Russia
Norka, April 1, 1924
To: Konrad and Kath. Koch
Fort Morgan, Colorado
Dear brother-in-law and sister Katchen:
With great joy we received your letter and also the $20. We could see from your letter that you were worried that the money would not reach us. You can stop worrying about it, it did not go missing. We received the money March 28th at the bank. I thank you and also Heinrich for his $5. It is wonderful that you, Heinrich, have not forgotten your uncle. I gave a portion of the money to the government or else it would have cost me a horse. $10 went for boots that I needed.
You want to know everything new about our situation. We have 2 horses, a cow, 5 sheep and 10 chickens; that is the total of our livestock. Now I will write where we have our land and the people who are in our group: We, your 3 brothers, Georg Bauer, "der Hannset," Conrad Arndt, Johannes Arndt, Georg Giebelhaus, your neighbor "fat" Weigand, Johannes Gerlach next to Brehm, Johannes Weitzel, Hannes Schwindt beside the hill, "der kleine Schmerchen." Georg Kniss, and "Drillchen" with the red beard. In all there are 15 families.
You should know, dear sister, about the church and prayer meetings. Praise God, everything is just as it was.
And now an answer to your question about emigrating to America. Here, life is hard, and because of this we would rather be with you if it was possible.
We are short of clothing. Help us still a bit more with money so I can buy coats and trousers.
Write and tell me where brother Heinrich's Hannes is; has he truly forgotten me?
Brother-in-law Konrad Loebsack and sister Liesbeth: This letter is also for you. Thank you for what you have done so that I was able to keep my 2 horses. Without your help we would now have only one horse. Do not forget us in the future. Send me your exact address and write more often.
Be heartily greeted from all of us. We remain your brothers and families who love you,
Peter, Heinrich and Georg Lehl
Fort Morgan, Colorado
Dear brother-in-law and sister Katchen:
With great joy we received your letter and also the $20. We could see from your letter that you were worried that the money would not reach us. You can stop worrying about it, it did not go missing. We received the money March 28th at the bank. I thank you and also Heinrich for his $5. It is wonderful that you, Heinrich, have not forgotten your uncle. I gave a portion of the money to the government or else it would have cost me a horse. $10 went for boots that I needed.
You want to know everything new about our situation. We have 2 horses, a cow, 5 sheep and 10 chickens; that is the total of our livestock. Now I will write where we have our land and the people who are in our group: We, your 3 brothers, Georg Bauer, "der Hannset," Conrad Arndt, Johannes Arndt, Georg Giebelhaus, your neighbor "fat" Weigand, Johannes Gerlach next to Brehm, Johannes Weitzel, Hannes Schwindt beside the hill, "der kleine Schmerchen." Georg Kniss, and "Drillchen" with the red beard. In all there are 15 families.
You should know, dear sister, about the church and prayer meetings. Praise God, everything is just as it was.
And now an answer to your question about emigrating to America. Here, life is hard, and because of this we would rather be with you if it was possible.
We are short of clothing. Help us still a bit more with money so I can buy coats and trousers.
Write and tell me where brother Heinrich's Hannes is; has he truly forgotten me?
Brother-in-law Konrad Loebsack and sister Liesbeth: This letter is also for you. Thank you for what you have done so that I was able to keep my 2 horses. Without your help we would now have only one horse. Do not forget us in the future. Send me your exact address and write more often.
Be heartily greeted from all of us. We remain your brothers and families who love you,
Peter, Heinrich and Georg Lehl
Sources
Die Welt-Post, June 26, 1924, page 3.
This translation provided courtesy of Hugh Lichtenwald.
This translation provided courtesy of Hugh Lichtenwald.
Last updated March 7, 2016.