Cappel Altendeich, February 11, 1863

Dear Brother-in-Law, dear Sister,

We have been waiting a long time for a message from you, but we do understand that in these terrible times it is as difficult for you to get a letter over¹ as it is for us. Recently, I heard about a place in Liverpool² and I am hoping to get this letter to you by making use of the offered services. It is just an attempt. Lots of sad news reaches us here and we are afraid that there is more to come. We are very concerned. But what can we do? We have to yield to God’s wisdom, and that is true too if things happen that we didn’t think of at all. That is what happens in this world.

The death of our mother is an example of how fast and unexpectedly such sad events may happen. Death took Mother away on May 18, in the early morning. Mother had caught cold. This time her condition worsened so fast that after 8 to 10 days, deep sadness overwhelmed us. I wanted to contact you at once, but we did not know of any way to do so. As far as the rest of us are concerned, Father and I are healthy and well.

Otherwise, I have no special news to announce except that your father, Old Johann von Lehe, passed away just recently (12-4-1862). Immediately after the funeral, Johann³ and his mother quarreled severely. It is said that she⁴ wants to move out and rent herself a place to live.

In the case this letter reaches you, please try to send us an answer. We really want to know how you’re doing. If I get word that you received this letter, more letters will follow soon.

Herewith I conclude in friendliness,

C.H. Hillmann

Notes

1. The author means the distance across the Atlantic Ocean.↩
2. This alludes to a place in Liverpool where the shipment of mail to America was organized.↩
3. The person meant is Johann Hinrich Von Lehe (1824–1890), a brother of John Christopher Von Lehe.↩
4. The author means the mother of John Christopher Von Lehe.↩