From: Raleigh, Morton County, ND
2 March 1914
I received a letter from my brother in Russia who is in the military with the following contents:
City of Gori, 15 December 1913
Dear Brother Adolf!
A cordial greeting from your brother, Michael, to you and sister-in-law Appollonia. So far I am healthy.
This is the first letter since 1913. In 1913 I celebrated a merry Christmas visiting my parents and siblings, but this year it probably will be sad, but one has to be patient.
I have already served as a soldier for 3 years, but have to continue to serve. You can count yourself lucky being in America, because lamentation and misery rule here. The life of a soldier is sad enough in peace times, but during the war it is much worse. Standing guard at night during severe cold and not being sure of ones life is a difficult matter. One can say about us soldiers: Today red, tomorrow dead! The life of a soldier is not worth more than that of a worm along the road, which can be eaten any time by birds. A sad life!
I believe I am not allowed to write more about the war in order for this letter to go through.
I remain your brother,
Michael Riehl
I also received a letter dated 15 December from father and mother from Krasna, South Russia, which was ripped open. I could only read that they are healthy but that there is a lot of misery. The rest was unreadable.
Then once again I could read a part, which was about combat with the Turks. But most of it was covered with paint. That explains that the Russian government only lets pass what they like. Should the Russians win this war, then how will our parents, brothers and sisters, and other relatives fare there? That’s why I hope for a victory by the German Arms.
Take to heart the following saying: Remember that you are a German! He who does not honor his father’s name isn’t worth his mother’s love! German Freedom, German God, German Belief without Mockery, German Heart and German Steel are five heroes all together.
A greeting to all fellow readers.
Adolf L. Riehl