From: Krasna, Bessarabia
10 June 1914
Dear Staats-Anzeiger!
My subscription will have expired by the time this report arrives. I do not know if it will be accepted, but I hope it will.
I read in Edition #44 of the newspaper that Thomas Ihli from Hettinger, North Dakota had visited his son in the hospital in Bismarck. But it seems as if he has not done anything for me, so that I continue to receive the Staats-Anzeiger. How much Russian money do I have to send in for the paper, along with the awl or the sewing kit as a bonus, together with the registration fee at the post office, and also how should I address the letter. (*Editor: Your subscription expired on 29 June. But you are mistaken if you believe that Mr. Ihli forgot about you. He instructed us to continue sending you the paper and promised to soon pay for it, since it was inopportune during his presence here to do so. Therefore the paper will be sent to you again, and Mr. Ihli probably will soon forward the amount due. If you want the awl as a bonus shipped to you insured, then it will cost $2.40. Incidentally, that would amount to 5 rubles in Russian money. Our address is simple: The Staats-Anzeiger, Bismarck, N.D., U.S.A., but we believe that Mr. Ihli will take care of everything for you as he promised.)
In my previous correspondence, which I submitted in March, I had reported about good weather. At that time it was that way, but now everything has changed. March was nice, but April in comparison was inclement, cold, and dry. The ice-cold windstorms came from every direction, so wearing the fur coat was imperative. What had grown in March was destroyed in April by night frosts.
On 4 May, we had a good rain which at least was a consolation for the poor farmers who have to pay 15, 20, even 25 rubles per leased desjatin (A Russian land measurement. 1 desjatin = 2.5 acres). The wheat has grown to where it shows its’ ears and is anywhere from ¼ to ¾ arschin tall (arschin is a Russian length measurement. 1 arschin = approx. 71 cm or 28.5 inches). Many wheat fields show no growth at all, and on others the ears have been totally eaten away by insects. Insects and prairie dogs, and whatever else these varmints are called, have spread badly. The entire steppe is swarming with prairie dogs. Whatever grows on one day is gnawed off the next. There is no hope anymore for a harvest. Many a farmer is still hoping to have enough for bread and seed. The Welsh corn started growing really well, but the caterpillars ate away everything. Although it was replanted, I do not think that it will help a lot. Most likely many farmers will remain without Welsh corn.
The vineyards looked all right until 4 May. That’s when dry and cold winds started, and along with the light night frosts caused great damage. The grain fields turned red and yellow. The cattle pastures dried up and the cattle had to feed on straw. It is still this way now. To top it all off, the foot and mouth disease has broken out and the pastures are fully occupied by cattle, of which here and there an animal perishes.
It rained on 5 June, but it was only a local shower. Since then it has rained almost daily. Thank God for the good deed, however, the rain arrived too late. In this case, a little too late is quite a bit too late. As it often happens, eternity is dependent upon a single minute.
What may the two farmers in Krasna, the “A Farmer”and “Also A Farmer” be up to? Since it has been raining, one cannot hoe the watermelon and melon fields. They surely are napping!
In January 1914, Christian Fenrich from Karamurat visited me. We had a good conversation while eating and drinking. Mr. Fenrich told me about his wealth and how he is assisting many poor people without charging them interest. For some he even pays their entire debt and considers it a present. It is believed that he also gives clothing and fruit to some. He is so well respected among the civil service officials that he wins all cases. I thought he had to be an eager and upright man. I gave him some Christmas presents to take along for my children, Joseph and Angela Söhn, namely 9 rubles and 30 kopecks in money (Russian currencies) together with some small, trifle items for their children. The good Uncle Christian delivered the small items, but not the 9 rubles and 30 kopecks. Apparently he has kept the money for himself. However, I ask Mr. Fenrich to please give the money to Joseph and Angela Söhn, because it would be a shame; yes a sin, if such a good man would keep these presents for himself.
I send a greeting to brother-in-law Peter Schäfer and family. Thomas Ihli is informed that I have sent him two bandanas and also two letters, but I have not received a reply. To my delight I have read a report from Phillip Seifert in the Staats-Anzeiger, but unfortunately from Karl Schäfer I hear nothing anymore. I send a greeting to all friends and acquaintances in the New World and also to the editor’s office.
Valentin Herrschaft