Urspringen, March 26, 1856

Beloved Sons, Seligmann and Sigmund!

Eight days ago, we received three letters from you. One was from Sigmund in Althouse, and two were from Seligmann sent from San Francisco, dated the 21st and 27th.

The one dated the 27th also contained a check for 1000f. I have cashed the check and I am holding it for the designated purposes. I cannot thank you enough for your devoted generosity. I cannot express my feelings to you. They are feelings one has towards his children that give one an inner, sweet pleasure. Truly, I think of you day and night. I see both of you in my mind, and, in my heart, I become filled with pride and joy. I also think of our two beautiful daughters. How intelligent, how well-mannered, they stand next to their dear mother. They are like two blooming roses. And, how much I love our Max. He has such fine characteristics. Just the kind one likes to see. When I go to Würzburg, I only hear the nicest things from him. Our two little ones, of course, are still not capable of much. David, who has a very blond complexion, would much rather play and carve than learn. That is just the way Sigmund was. He wants to be just like his older brothers and says he will never be a teacher. He wants only to become a businessman. He is presently selling penpoints that Max buys for him. His main occupation, however, is - play. Sophie is starting to read. She is also quite good at drawing but is all too willing to join with her brother in play. This can be quite mentally disturbing for your mother and me.

We are all very much in love with Gutmann. He is so respectful of your mother and me. One cannot help but be very grateful for our family circle, and I cannot thank God enough for his goodness to me. I pray to Him daily and hourly, that he will keep us all well and happy and protect us from any troubles. Concerning the 100-pound check through Rothschild, I have not yet received it. When I do, I will be sure it is placed in safe keeping for you. One can now also receive checks in Würzburg from San Francisco. We received Sigmund's letter from November in which the gold nugget was enclosed. A few weeks ago, a letter I had written Seligmann in 1852 was returned to me. It had gone all the way to San Francisco and back.

A very large worry has been taken from me, and I now rest much more soundly. From your letter, I am told that I need not worry about your financial circumstances, because you are doing very well in this regard. I still say, however, I want you to come back to Germany, or at least, Europe. Yes, my children, I wish you would follow my plan and, after you have earned from 30,000 to 40,000f, return to your homeland. Then you could settle in Frankfurt or Paris and establish a business. Seligmann could easily do this perhaps through marriage. Max, who is so competent, can also be very helpful in running the business. Perhaps you laugh at such a plan, but, believe me, it happens often. Often, young men come back from America and go to one of the large cities where they marry into successful families and enter into their business. You can live much better in Europe than you ever could in rugged, coarse California. If you came back, dear Seligmann, it would be the happiest time of my life. If you would again leave us, that joy would turn to sadness. If you would only come back with Sigmund and remain here, that would be wonderful. We will talk about this again.

I will follow your instructions concerning the wedding present you want to have made for Regina. The wedding will not take place for quite some time, so we have plenty of time. Write me in the meantime.

I still have so much to say to you, I do not know where to start. I must leave space for your dear mother and brothers and sisters, however, so I will close. May God bless and keep you. I am sure everything will go well for you. You are such good children. I bless you.

Your father, Aron Heilner

Beloved sons, Seligmann and Sigmundl

Your dear letter was so nice to receive. We cannot thank the Lord enough for the good that He does for us. We thank the Lord for such fine children. It is only too bad that you live so far from us. The Lord has fulfilled so many of our wishes. We know he will also bless us with your eventual return. We are happy that you, dear Seligmann, are so satisfied with our dear Sigmund. What a good example you are for Sigmund to follow. You are both so generous in your gifts to your sister. Your father and I stay home most of the time, while the girls seem to enjoy being with their friends outside the home. They love to go to Würzburg with Gutmann and, together with Max, who is so respected there, they have a good time. Max loves to be with his sister, Caroline, who causes quite a sensation. He enjoys Regina and Gutmann very much. Your dear father and I enjoy having them go. While they are away, we satisfy ourselves with our two little ones. As I have already said, dear Seligmann, Max is very similar to you in his mannerisms and character. David, on the other hand, we often call Sigmund without thinking. The other night, David was crying because he had a sore throat and wanted to sleep with his father. It reminded your dear father of another time, when his darling Sigmund did the same thing. He called you the apple of his eye, do you remember? If only you could both be here for the wedding. Wouldn't that be lovely, but then, earthly joy cannot be perfect. We are taking you, dear Seligmann, at your word and expect sometime soon a visit from you.

What are your living conditions? Do you live in a boarding house? I am sure you would like to have Max with you, and, in many ways, I am sure that would be a good thing, but your dear father is definitely against it. Especially since he wants you both to come home. I am also in agreement with him. What kind of pleasure is it for parents to have their children so far from them and they must be constantly worrying about them. I hope the Lord will give you the happiness of returning to Germany. Continue in your good health and think of us as often as we think of you. I pray for your well-being.

Your loving mother,

Nanni Heilner

My beloved brothers, Seligmann and Sigmund!

I was so happy to see from your letter that you are well and happy. I can say the same for me, and you are largely the reason why. Dear Seligmann, you tell me I should not feel I need to thank you so much. Oh, what feelings I have in my heart for you. Oh, if only I could do what I would like to do. Dear Seligmann, you give us the hope of sometime seeing you again. How long that has been my deepest desire, and, how often I could not hold back the tears just thinking about it. What I would give if both of you could be at my wedding. I live in the hope of once again embracing you. I am quite satisfied with my fiancé, and I think I will remain so. He is so kind to me and our dear parents. Our parents are so pleased with him. Our parents become young again through their children. Our dear Max is such a pleasure. He has a very fine reputation in business, and we feel he will want to make his home in Germany. Our dear Caroline enjoys my fiancé very much. Our little ones are so active. I wish you the very best, my dear brothers.

Your faithful sister, Regina

Gutmann sends his greetings.

My beloved brothers!

How great was my joy to receive your dear letter. It awakened such warm feelings inside of me. I am so fortunate to have such brothers, that are so full of love for me. I miss you so much. How I long to be by you. Certainly, the time will come when we are together in each other’s arms. I deeply look forward to that time. I kiss you in thought.

Your loving sister,

Caroline

My beloved brothers!

If I were 18 years old, I would come to you and go into business with you. I would love to be with you and look for treasure. That must be so much fun. I have no desire to become a teacher. I want to be a businessman. I am learning French, and I want to learn English as soon as I can. With those languages, I will be a good businessman. I send you my kisses and greetings.

Your brother,

David

Our Sophie also sends her love and kisses.