Georgine Hinrichs to Max and Marie Hinrichs, April 6, 1913

Hamburg, April 6, 1913.

Dear Children:-

I received your letter with the bill of auction and I wish you may have received good prices on the day of sale. I am delighted to hear that everything is well at your place, since it is warming up. Here much is already turning green and blooms, as will be the same There. Little Elisabeth undoubtedly will have recovered. We are well, so far. Hugo's steamer is not completed yet, and it will be May before he can start on the voyage.

Today he and Alma came over from Flensburg. Ho leaves on Monday and, as it is said, he shall make the trial trip in about two weeks.

The people on the great dry docks are working, but otherwise most of the workmen: painters, locksmiths, paper-hangers, building artisans, etc., are striking. Higher wages and less working hours is the demand. If they will get it cannot be determined yet.

Hamburg had a big celebration on 2nd Easter day for commemoration of liberation from the French a hundred years ago. I have not seen the parade nor the illumination, because I cannot walk that far. But the children told me that everything had been grand. Quite many strangers had been here, and quite a bit of money had been spent. The May-day demonstration of the Social Democrats this year is supposed to be a grand affair in spite of the striking of almost all workmen. Money for such events is always on hand, even though the families have no bread at home, unless the women are earning also.

I am glad that you, my Max, have recovered. You and Maria have it much easier in your new estate. Should your boys become farmers then the big farm will be their’s anyway. How is it with the Burkowskie’s farm? Is Marie’s brother still on it, or is it sold? Has he married? Does he have a wife of your neighborhood, or from Illinois?

We read here in the newspapers much of the floods in your country. Did you have to suffer under the same conditions? Several of the states have been afflicted with this disaster.

Here in Europe occur quite many things. The Balkan states cannot find the means of union, and Germany wants to have a bigger army to be prepared for all eventualities. That means the taxpayer will have to pay more for this military efficiency. It may be that Max will be drafted if he will be fit. Your boys don’t have to be soldiers, probably.

Robert sent me a letter the other day and $40 interest, $2½ more as the interest would have been. They are doing pretty well. He had a good year in his business, because there are many buildings to be erected, and a number of enterprises buy material from him. To be able to manage everything he had to employ two more men.

I haven’t heard from Javerlande for quite a time, and I wonder if they have so much to do that they don’t find time to write. I had hoped that they would write Easter. I will write them the next week again. Everything is well in Oldenburg.

Now, my beloved ones, I hope this letter will find you in the best of health. The Roehrs family sends their best regards, and many kisses f or the little ones. Does she recognize me from a photograph.

With true love

Your mother

G. Hinrichs.

Kind greetings also to Marie’s mother.