From: Emmental, Bessarabia
13 October 1913
Esteemed Staats-Anzeiger!
Again a long time has sunk into the ocean of eternity since my last correspondence. To my regret I can report only a little this time.
My thoughts are scattered because my two children are down sick for two weeks. We have to stand next to the bed or the cradle all day and night. As a result of these exertions, we ourselves are no longer in good health. It seems doubtful that the children will ever recover. They have typhoid and a high fever. The doctor noted that they also have developed pneumonia. We have tried everything already without success. Maybe the Staats-Anzeiger could send me some of the Alpine Herbs. I know that the Russian Government will not allow the medicine into the country, but if it were put in a different container and sent as a present, it should come through. I would gladly pay for it at the time when I submit the fee for the renewal of the newspaper subscription for the New Year. (*Editor: We would be happy to comply. But first off, we do not have Alpine Herbs in stock. Secondly, it is unlawful because the medicine can only be shipped in its’ original container, and thirdly, this medicine will not cure typhoid since even a doctor is at a loss of a cure for it. Hopefully, dear friend, there will be a turn for the better in the meantime.) My old mother in Canada has been hereby informed about our situation here. I will soon write her more.
My old comrade Peter Volk is informed that his mother-in-law passed into eternity. She always has had a lot of geese and ducks. Just think, little Peter, wouldn’t that be a roast for you if you could be here? I send a friendly greeting to you and also to comrade Phil.Seifert who always tells me hello in his writings and challenges me to write. Have patience dear Phillip, winter is coming and we will have more time.
In Edition #10 of the paper, I noted the article by Eugenius Riehl from Stebbins, North Dakota. He writes that the marriage fever has started there. I also discovered the name of Nathalia Kopp as one of the brides. She is my cousin.
It is unjustifiable for my Uncle Jakob not to write me. At the time when he left for America he had promised that he would write. I am still waiting for the first letter. I do not know why he does not write. We were always good friends in Krasna. I even worked for him without pay for a whole summer. So, wake up Uncle Jakob and don’t be so lazy in writing! I will answer every one of your letters, and every one of mine will contain something good. Like for instance U. D. i. d. W. L. - should he not understand the meaning of these letters, then he may write me directly and I will then explain them to him.
I have been a reader of the Staats-Anzeiger for three years now. The first year I selected the Atlas for a prize, the second year the calendar, and this year I will order the scissors.
In closing, I want to present a funny story to the readers. A teacher tested the boys in school on the subject of angels, and asked the question what are angels? The boy who was supposed to answer did not know what to say. The lad behind him whispered the words, “Angels are pure ghosts who have a mind and a free will, but no bodies.” The boy, however, didn’t understand correctly and answered the question as follows, “Angels are mayors who have a mind and a free will, but no women.”
I send a sincere greeting to my old mother in Canada, to brother Joseph who should also write, and to all the readers everywhere.
Respectfully,
Zachäus Kopp, Son of Martin
From: Brazil
3 November 1913
We still have very nice weather and that is good for the farmers.
We have heard that our friend Johannes Kunantz wanted to visit us, but we are still waiting for him. Hurry up Johannes, as long as the weather is still nice.
I am a weak writer and that’s why I don’t want to scribble much. But I have to write, since the Staats-Anzeiger has to be paid, and I would like to have the nice sewing kit as a prize. (*Editor: We received $1.75 and the sewing kit will get to you. Thank you very much.)
With a greeting to all friends and acquaintances here and over there.
Mrs.Phillippina Schall,
Wife of Wendelin