From: Emmental, Bessarabia
3 January 1922
Worthy Staats-Anzeiger!
Because I have so many friends and also my mother and 5 brothers in the New World, I cannot abstain from submitting reports to them from time to time. It’s just unfortunate that not all editions of the American newspapers arrive here. That pertains not only to the Staats-Anzeiger but to other papers as well. The last Staats-Anzeiger editions I got into my hands were #38 and #39, which had been sent to Hieronymus Nagel.
The holidays we have luckily behind us. I have to say that we had real pleasant festivities. The weather was ideal so that one could leisurely walk from house to house and visit. Everywhere you would find a laid-out table with sumptuous foods along with a bottle of brandy while the red wine was usually set up in a jug or bucket under the table. At the same time there was singing and dancing. During the toasting of drinks, the loved ones in America were thought of and wishes were sent over to them.
A few days ago, I received a letter from my brother Joseph in Elardee, which I answered immediately. Along with my reply I sent a package with blank paper and envelopes, which I hope will arrive there in good condition. I also had read his report and everything else of interest in Edition #38. One just doesn’t want to give up this paper for any price because of the amount of reading material it offers. It is only unfortunate that you do not receive all editions. Since I manage the post office branch here in Emmental all letters and newspaper from America get into my hands first. Then the readers of the Staats-Anzeiger come along and ask for the newspaper. None want to be without the paper and are often disappointed should they not receive an edition.
My cousin Joseph Krenzel from Oregon asks in Edition #39 about Wendelin Hintz and Maximilian Arnold. Hopefully, that edition also went to Krasna so that he’ll receive the desired information. As a precaution, I will personally relay this inquiry at the next opportunity to make sure that the request gets to Krasna. Perhaps Joseph Krenzel will write me something also. I most certainly would answer him right away.
I also have in mind to travel to America but my brothers are not wealthy enough to be able to send me the tickets for the voyage by ship. Maybe you cousin would be so kindhearted and help me in this matter. I would also bring something along. Besides I have an inheritance there in Canada, so that I could reimburse you in a short time along with my thanks.
A German from Russia is staying around here at this time. He originates from Muenchen [Munich], South Russia. He was an officer in the volunteer army. He had to flee and finally arrived here. He is searching for his uncle in the New World. He will personally write to the Staats-Anzeiger. (*Editor: That has already happened.) He is working as a teacher and is willing to send reports about his experiences to the paper. (*Editor: We would welcome that very much.) He is a very competent speaker.
I send a nice greeting to Edmund Hittel, whom I thank for delivering the watch to the brother. His mother and siblings are still in good health. They have already received his letters #2 and #4, while #1 and #3 have not yet arrived here. His mother is longing to know if he did get his belongings back, which had gotten lost during his trip. She too has personally written to him.
At the time, we are experiencing a black winter. In the beginning of December, we did get some snow, but it has melted long since. At night we have frost and during the day there is warm sunshine. The weather is nice but not desirable. There is no other news to be reported from here.
Joseph Mueller and Elias Maas who wanted to be in Canada at Christmas time have still not left, because they have not yet received their passports. Nowadays, it doesn’t proceed as fast with this matter as it used to. Whoever wants to exorcise the devil has to be pure. That is what one says, and that is how it is with the emigrants. Whoever wants to depart has to be clean, especially in the pocket. As long as it is not completely cleaned out, one will not get away from here. But the one who has been groomed and shaven is permitted to leave.
Today, J. Mueller left for Kischinev hoping to finally acquire the necessary documents. I wish him lots of luck on his journey and a happy reunion with his parents who certainly have been waiting for a long time.
In closing, I greet my old mother in Elardee as well as all readers.
Respectfully,
Zachaeus Kopp