Urspringen, July 4, 1856

Beloved sons, Seligmann and Sigmund!

Although I have been waiting every day for a letter from you, I am going to write this one to you now because I am so concerned about your safety. We are all well, thank God. We would surely like to have a letter from you that told us you were also all right. I have just read in the newspaper that there is much unrest in California and Oregon. Namely, the Indians have attacked Crescent City. I am very worried about you. I know God will certainly protect you, but I would be greatly relieved if I would hear from you. At any rate, you are not to let us wait so long for a letter again. We have not heard from you since before Easter. However, we continue to write you.

There is not much new to tell you concerning us. Regina's wedding date still has not been set. Gutmann is having a very difficult time obtaining his permit of residence. This is not unusual in Bavaria. We expected difficulty in this regard. Although there is no question that he will receive the permit, it is taking a very long time. As soon as he receives the permit, I will tell you. I have already written you that both of your checks arrived. One for 1000f and the other for 100 pounds. The money is in the bank. It will remain there until you tell me what to do with it. You have taken many worries from me, dear children. You are to be praised for your devotion to your family. Because of you, I have only a few worries. Namely, that you are too far away and in such a dangerous place. My greatest desire is for you to come home and, together with Max, establish a business. I expect a letter from you at any time.

I remain your faithful father,

Aron Heilner

Beloved sons, Seligmann and Sigmund!

One is not without worries for long. After we received your last letter, we were so comforted by the things we read. You relieved us of many worries. We saw from your letter that you had no financial problems, thank God. We were also given the hope that we would see you again. Now, as your father has already written, we are very worried about the unrest among the Indians. We are especially concerned about you, Sigmund, for you have written us that you have made friends with many Indians. Please let us know what is happening.

We are all well, thank God. We would be much happier if the wedding could soon take place. But then, it could happen at any time and, dear Seligmann, I must say that many times I daydream that you could be there. Gutmann comes to see us often. We are very satisfied with him. Our girls are so outstanding. Caroline is taller than Regina. Max is also very tall. He is as respected outside the home as he is at home. That pleases us very much. When he was here, he went to Karbach with the girls and had a fine time with Gutmann. Gutmann is well-respected as a good businessman. I am not so willing to praise David, although he is quite talented. He is very good in Hebrew and Yiddish, and is doing well in French. Then there is our Sophie. We love her, especially since our larger children are not always home and she keeps us company at home. She is my little helper. She is quite a talker. I wish you the very best and expect a letter very soon.

Your loving mother,

Nanni Heilner

My beloved brothers!

Since you have not written us for quite some time, I will just add my sisterly greeting. We are all well and expect to find you the same. We want to hear from you. We have been waiting too long for a letter. If God will fulfill my wish, we will be together again. I am very worried about you in such a distant land. I trust in the Lord and know he will let my wish come true. In the pleasant expectation that we will soon receive a letter from you, I remain,

Regina

Gutmann is just fine. He sends his greetings.

I want to also write a few words to you. I hope that you are well. In the expectation that you are well, I greet you.

Your loving sister,

Caroline