THE HOFFBAUER LETTERS, Part 1

From Kathy (Johnson) Price a collection of family history and pictures by a joint effort with cousins, Mary Slyter, James Cornell, Madison Overmoen, Carole Hoschstetter, Mel Meyer & Tom Hoffbauer.

Family Photos can be found at Hoffbauer Photo Collection
Family Tree can be found at Hoffbauer Family Tree

Letters written by  Mathilda T. "Schneidewind" Hoffbauer to her daughter, Julia S. "Hoffbauer" Junkermann.

Julia was the 3rd child born to Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and she was born November 21, 1841 in Prussia, Germany.  Julia was 7 years old when she immigrated with her parents to America from Germany.

Julia married Karl Frederick "Otto" Junkermann on September 29, 1858 in Blue Grass, Iowa.

"Otto" Junkermann was a leading druggist in Dubuque, Iowa for many years and the farm in which Otto and Julia owned there is now known as the "Mines Of Spain" in Dubuque, Iowa.

Mathilda was born in Prussia, Germany in 1817.  At times in some of the letters she depicts a strong German trait of often speaking her mind without "beating around the bush so to say."
Her letters tell of their struggles, of the events of the times and of family happenings.
She mentions at times in her letters names of others that lived nearby and some names of those she knew who lived and visited her daughter Julia in Dubuque, Iowa.
Mathilda was very devoted to her family and a very loving person who worked very hard in her life and died very young at the age of 49 years. 

To me, Mathilda in ancestry is my GGGGrandmother.  I still am at awe that through the efforts of my cousins, Jim Cornell and Mary Slyter, that we are so fortunate to be able to read her wonderful letters. ---Kathy (Johnson) Price

                                                                                  Walcott, October 18, 1858


My dear Julie!

This is the first free moment I have had in a long time, and I am using it to let you know how we are doing.  I hadn't expected to receive your little letter any earlier.  I figured that you wouldn't be able to write on the first day already.  We are all very glad to learn that you like everything so much there. (This would be Dubuque, IA)
The fact that you are so happy makes us feel very grateful.  I will let your dear husband know, provided that I never have to hear anything to the contrary.  Always do what is expected of you, my dear Julie, so your husband has no reason to be unhappy with you.  I am assuming that you are back from Guttenberg by now.  I am curious to know how you liked it there, and if you lived up to their expectations.

Please write to me frequently; look at it as a writing exercise.  I will answer your letters as often as I can find the time. 

Your invitation to visit you sounded so nice; you described everything so beautifully.  It would hurt me quite a bit if I had to give up my trip to see you, my dear ones.  However, so far it does not look very promising at all.  I don't think I need to tell you why. Once I have Fritz's wardrobe finished-(Fritz is how Mathilda refers to Frederick Jr. her son, he being born in 1848, in Prussia, Germany, he was 6 months old when they immigrated to America) which I will have to work on all on my own-I will let you know for certain if and when I can come.  I still haven't got used o the idea that you are not here anymore, and that I have to do all the work on my own.  Often, it is very hard; but there is no point in getting into that.  I can't afford to hire someone.

That foreign swine has caused us so much damage again by taking and eating up everything.  All we could save was a few bushels of wheat to take to the mill.  There is nothing left to sell.

Otherwise, we are doing fine.  The children often ask if you and Uncle Junkermann would come and visit us again soon.  Aline was here today with her dear little child. (Aline was the second child, a daughter born to Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer, Aline was born in April 1838 in Zuerbid, Germany and immigrated to America with her parents at the age of 10.) She sends her kindest regards to you and your dear husband.  Yesterday, Albert (this was husband of Aline "Hoffbauer" Loeper and they were married in Scott County, Iowa in 1856) came to our house for the first time after a long absence.  He has caused me grief more then once.

Well, then, my dear Julie, our kindest regards to you and your dear husband.  Don't forget to write soon again.  Rest assured that I love you dearly.

                          Your Mother
                          Mathilda Hoffbauer

                                                                                               March 2, 1859

My dear beloved Julie!

You have probably been waiting to hear from me.  I feel truly sorry that I couldn't write sooner.  You will be surprised to hear that we did not get here until Wednesday evening.  Our trip was terrible.  The path was so bad that we could only move one step at a time.  Then, we spent half a day waiting for the ferry and on top of that had to pay $1 instead of the 25 cents to cross.  The slowness of the trip wouldn't have been so bad-the weather was decent-if only we had enough money.  When we got to De Witt I had to sell something already to get travel money.  Then we had to give some nice things to a farmer so we could spend the last night at his farm.  As terrible as everything was, I accepted things the way they were.  You can imagine, however, how mad your father was and how he cursed the doctor-and Hugo in particular-since it had been their idea to take this trip. (Hugo Hans Hoffbauer is the first child born to Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer, Hugo was born, March 3, 1836 in the Hartz Mountain Region, Auleben, Germany and was 12 years old when he immigrated to America with his parents) I was quite sick for the first few days after returning and still feel very gloomy. But I think the medicine we brought back will soon make me feel normal again.  I am very glad that I have it and would like to express my gratitude to your dear husband once again.  I would like to thank both of you again with all my heart for the love and friendliness you showed me during my stay.

Aline and the other children are indescribly happy to see me come home.  Albert and Karl came to meet me on the way.  I have only seen Hugo once, he is gone to do some threshing.  He'll probably be back tomorrow, it's his birthday after all.
(Aline "Hoffbauer" Loeper, 2nd child born to Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer,
Albert Loeper, husband of Aline, they were married in Scott County in 1856 and Karl is Karl (Carl-Charles) Hoffbauer, he being born December 18, 1842 in the Hartz Mountain Region, Germany and was age 6 when he immigrated to America with his parents.)

You should see Aline's little baby.  Rarely have I seen a baby so precious, friendly, and vivacious.  Aline was very pleased with the flowers.  She is quite proud of the fact that Junkermann sent them for her.  I brought them home without any problems.

How are you doing, my dear Julie?  Do you think about me once in a while?  And what about Junkdermann?  Or are you two glad that I left?  Please write to me soon, and write plenty.

I am afraid you have to accept this letter as it is.  I can't get my thoughts together with the rumpus at this place.  We are staying at the little house in Walcott; however, it is still better than the farm.  I'll write more soon.  Say hello to Junkermann and everybody who remembers me.  How are the Allens doing?  Are they still there?  Please say hello to them if you see them.  Your father and everybody here sends their love.
Keep your mother, who loves you dearly, in your heart
M. Hoffbauer

                                                                                Walcott, March 7, 1859

My deal beloved Julie!

Close to two weeks have passed and I haven't heard from you; now I am very worried.
For a week we have been expecting your dear husband; the weather is so nice and the roads are reasonably good.  But he hasn't arrived, nor have we received a letter.
Did you get sick or did something sad happen?  I just can't seem to relax.

It's not as if I had been sitting here for a long time, ready for the trip.  I have a lot of
work to do yet.  It will keep me busy until the last minute, even if I have to wait another two weeks.  But this uncertainty makes me terribly upset.  I can't help but think that you, my dear Julie, have become sick.

Please send me a note right away so I can rid myself of my fear.  Is the river open already up there? (This would be Dubuque, Iowa.) Steamboats have been going as far as Davenport already.  You haven't mentioned a work about Fritz in your last few letters.  ( Fritz, is Frederick Jr., son of Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and is in Dubuque now living with Julia his sister and brother in law Otto Junkermann.)
Is everything O.K?  Do I have to worry about him as well?  That would be too sad.

Farewell; the letter needs to go out now.  Say hello to your dear husband and to Fritz from all of us and stay fond of             Your Mother

                                                                                                 March 18, 1859


My dearest Julie!

When I left your house you faithfully promised me you would write a letter every week.  It seems that you have forgotten your promise.  It has been four weeks since I left you, my dear ones, and I have only received one letter. Now you are probably thinking; "You have only written once so far as well."  That is true; however, it is a little different in my case.  Just imagine; one room, and in it ten people and all the other things one needs to live.  That makes it very difficult to write.  Besides, I constantly have to mend skirts and pants.  Every week I have a huge amount of laundry to do, after which I always feel sick for two days.  The laundry is a terrible strain on me, especially here, where we don't have a boiler.  I do have to help, though; Aline can't do it all on her own.  As you can see, it is not carelessness which makes me write so infrequently.  Believe me, my thoughts are often with you, and I have frequently felt homesick for all of you already.  I was very pleased to receive your little letter.  I took it to mean that you do love me, at least a little and think of me in kind terms.  Write to me often.  Your letter was quite nice, even though there were still various mistakes in it.  However, if you practice more, it will bet better. (note: Julia is trying to write to Mathilda in German Script but was basically educated in America).  For me to receive another letter from you yet, you would have to respond to this one immediately.  We are planning on leaving here at the end of next week, if the roads are good enough.  I hate the thought of traveling past Davenport without being able to see you all.  I am sure that I will be very sad when I open my arms towards you in vain and send my most loving regards and kisses your way.  But I will be consoled by the thought that I will soon see you, or maybe your dear husband, in Guttenberg.  I wish we were already there; I find it quite sad not to have a home.

What do you drink most of these days?  Do you do a lot of embroidery work?  Do you go out much?  How often have you been to see Mrs. Minges?  Give her my kindest regards.  Mrs. Engel really treated you quite nastily.  Try to avoid her as much as possible.  But be careful; I think she can be quite mean. I am glad to hear that Fritz is behaving well and is more diligent again.  Give him my kindest regards and tell him that I beg him to stay well-behaved and diligent, so that he will do well in life.  Also, tell him to be especially kind and modest with Junkermann, so that he will gain back his love; he seems to have lost some of it lately.  Please ask Junkermann to be understanding and patient with the child.  Ask him to do it for my sake; my heart will be forever thankful. (note, Fritz is the son of Mathilda and Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer and is staying in Dubuque with his sister Julia and brother in law Otto Junkermann, obviously Fritz did something upsetting).

Let Fritz write his own name when you write me a letter.  Many thanks for the newspapers; they gave me great pleasure.  I particularly enjoyed the article in the "heckle corner."  I hope it will put an end to the nasty gossip.

Nothing much is new around here.  The family is doing fine.  The little darling got its first tooth yesterday-a big event for Aline.  I will be the one finding it the most difficult to say good-bye to the child.  It is so lovely and friendly.  Hugo is very glad to have received the money from your husband.  I can't tell you how great the need is around here.

Mrs. Motz is living at Friederich's again.  Mr. Motz is going to Pikes Park.  Friederich spent a few days with us again.  Mrs. Anfrost and Mrs. Tasser came to visit occasionally as well.  Mrs. Tasser will send you the song.  Hugo says you wanted to have it.  Our flowers are about to wilt, but Aline and I took great pleasure in them.  Sometimes, when I sit by the window and smell the wonderful fragrance, I close my eyes and imagine being with you.

Translators note: Mathilda calls her "Frau Dr. Minges" in German.  I doubt that Mrs. Minges was a doctor herself, considering the time period.  It becomes clear in a later letter that Mr. Minges was a doctor.
In German, wives of doctors, professors, etc. take on the title of their husband and are addressed as Frau Doktor, Frau Professor, etc.  This custom is now changing through women declining to be addressed with their husband's title.  However in Mathilda's time, this was customary.

Mathilda writes that they are planning a trip to Guttenberg.  Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer had a brother William Hoffbauer who was a doctor in Clayton County, Iowa.

                                                                                  Guttenberg, April 13, 1859


My dear, beloved Julie!

I can believe that you have been waiting for a letter from me for quite some time.  But I can assure you that I just haven't been able to write.  For the first two days, I was too upset.  Then, our Aunt's help left, and I ended up doing most of the work myself.  It isn't just a little bit either.  It wasn't until noon today that a woman finally came to help out.  The first thing I did was to ask for some paper so that I could write to you all.

Since yesterday, I have been walking around feeling like a criminal; I can't find peace anywhere.  For yesterday, we picked up a nice heater from (#1-see translators note)
from Weiss's because Mr. Weiss had told father that your dear husband had sent him a letter saying that we should do this.  I have to admit that I had been looking forward to this new heater like a little child.  We talked our aunt into getting a somewhat bigger model, and to pay special attention to getting a good was boiler.  The one she currently has is already two years old and already showing signs of wear and tear.  I know Mrs. Weiss well and asked her if Junkermann had mentioned a certain price to them.  Mrs. Weiss said no, and that Junkermann had instructed them to have her pick a nice heater and anything else she needed.  Her husband confirmed everything, and so I didn't have any further reservations, either.  I chose the same size heater you have, with a copper kettle, plus a few other items desperately needed.  I was very happy about it at first, but then started to regret it.  Last night, I thought about everything again, and I started feeling very immodest and ungrateful.  I cried all night.  I beg you, my dear Julie, to ask Junkermann not to be mad at me.  Little by little I will pay off my debt.

You probably wonder why we are still here.  The house is not ready yet.  The weather is very bad still; we are supposed to remain here until next Tuesday, probably.  Father and Karl go out there every day to work on it.  We received a very friendly and warm welcome here.  Our aunt is very happy to have someone to talk to.  I listen very patiently, without walking away-unlike her husband-.

I don't know yet whether we will feel free and content in the future.  So far, I still feel quite depressed, in spite of all the friendliness surrounding me.  However, I think I will get better as soon as I can go to the farm.

I received your lovely letter with the nice words written by your husband just as I started writing to you.  Please accept my sincere gratitude for your love and attentiveness.  You can't imagine how pleased I am every time I hear from you, and how much love for you I carry in my heart.  Please write to me again in detail-soon.  I am sincerely interested in everything.  I can't tell you how much I look forward to your visit next month.  I will have to start writing things down; I have so much to tell you, things that would take too long to tell in letters.  If you come early in May, our aunt will probably travel with you.  She intends to visit you this spring, no matter how many objections uncle has.  They both send their regards to all of you.

Did Moritz Fleck come and see you on Sunday?  Our aunt would like you to give Mrs. Werter her regards.

You should see all the children here in one place; what a racket!  Imagine if Fritz was here, too!  I am glad that Fritz is going to German school.  I, too, think that it is better for him.  Give him my regards and tell him to study hard.  Having to travel past Dubuque without seeing you recently hurt quite a bit.  Had I known that the boat was going to stop for so long I would certainly have visited you.  We would like to express our thanks for the kind regards from your father-in-law.  Please send him our regards as well next time you write to him.
Your little one is a very good child, indeed.
You mention in your letter that you would always want to be yourself.  As long as you remain true to your modest and pure nature people will like you.  Just try to learn as much as possible yet, and for God's sake, keep your integrity.  You can't imagine the fear that strikes me at the thought of you sitting there, cowering.  It is bad for your health.

Have you received any letters from Walcott?  I expect one any day.  If you come and visit I can give you all kinds of news about Aline.  We were very glad to receive some letters fro the Ahler family. It is nice to hear that they are doing better again.  Give Mr. Ahler our kindest regards if you see him.  Father or I will write to them as soon as we are settled in.

Has anything changed at your house, or is everything still more or less the same?  Does Junkermann still have to kiss you a dozen times before he can go down to the store?  I am already looking forward to my next visit at your home; but when will that be?

Please come and visit soon.  Our furnishings will be very modest, however.  But you will receive a warm welcome, nevertheless.  Please invite our aunt sometime when you write to her again.  How come I can't stop writing today, even though I have nothing interesting to tell you?  I just don't seem to be able to stop. 

Father, Karl and the children send their kindest regards.  Please write again soon.
                        Your Mother who loves you dearly.

#1-Translator's comment: I was debating which term to use in English; oven, heater, furnace, or boiler.  Mathilda uses a very generic term (ofen) in German, without giving exact details.  However, it has to be something that can be used to heat the water for the wash kettle.

                                                                                              November 2, 1959
(No place written but at this time Friederick G.H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer were living in
  Walcott which I believe was first called Wolcott, Iowa)

My dear, beloved Julie!

Your father wants to mail his pipes today; this means that I have to hurry if I want to get a little letter done for you.  (Note: Father, being Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer is sending a collection of pipes he owns, from the old country for son-in-law, Otto Junkermann to sell and I believe he will sell them at his drug store in Dubuque, Iowa.  Friederick is trying to raise money to build the Hoffbauer's Brewery in Buffalo, Iowa at this time.)

I am sending along the cuffs that our dear Emilie made. (Emilie is Emma Mathilda Hoffbauer, 7th child born to Friederick G. H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer on April 1, 1855 in America.)  They are not finished yet, however she was picked up to go to Thekla's so suddenly that she didn't even have time to send the little crate herself. (Thekla is possibly a relative in the area and Julia Hoffbauer Junkermann also named her first born Thekla but at this time she was not born.) Thekla was sick, but is fine now and expects her second delivery at the end of this month.  I am sending the shoes today as well, as long as I have the opportunity.  Otherwise, I would have waited until your birthday.  I do like these shoes very much, but this is why I am sending them to you.  On the one hand, I think your pretty living room will be the perfect place for them to be worn; on the other hand, I want to show that I, too, can part with something that is dear to me, just like your father-that is if his pipes sell.  You have not idea, my dear Julie, how much he hopes to be able to sell them.  I don't know how we are going to get through these times, either, if we don't have some money coming in.  Your father would have loved to give one of his pipes to Mr. Haas, (this is Otto Junkermann's partner in his Drug Store in Dubuque) but they still need $70-$75 for equipment.  That means we have to sell everything of value that we own.  He can't very well give Mr. Haas just any ordinary pipe, either.

Your father wants me to finish.  I'd better close for now, even though there are still quite a few things I would like to get off my chest.  Fritz will receive a separate letter from me soon. (Fritz being son of Friederick G.H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer who is staying with his sister Julia and brother-in-law, Otto Junkermann in Dubuque, IA.)
I am very glad that he is more diligent again.  Tell him to stay that way.  Please give him my regards and tell him I would like to thank him for his letter.  Aline (daughter of Friederick G. H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer, 2nd child born to them, in April 1838 in Germany) sends you her regards as well and asks you to write to her.  Farewell then, my dear Julie.  My kindest regards to you and Junkermann,
                  Your mother, who loves you dearly.
I haven't had any more stomach cramps, thanks to Dr. Minges and his pills.  Please give my kind regards to all our friends.

Fragment of letter found that was written by Mathilda T. Hoffbauer
No date or place of origin

.....before I know if everything went well.  This huge distance-it takes an eternity to receive news.
We haven't had any news from Karl yet. (this being Karl-Charles, 4th child born to Friederick G.H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer on December 18, 1842 in Germany.)

By the way, what do you think about this?  Albert (this would be Albert Loeper, husband of Aline Hoffbauer, 2nd child and daughter born to Friederick G. H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer.) returned home after having spent all of this four days in St. Louis.  I can't get into any details right now, but it is terrible.
Keferstein is letting me know at this time that he is going to Dubuque in 15 minutes.  The old fool; why couldn't he let me know earlier?  Please be nice to him anyway.  I wouldn't want him to come back and talk badly about you.  I meant to write to Fritz yet, but I am running out of time now.  Give him my kindest regards, and tell him to continue studying hard.  Please ask him to write to me again.  Farewell then, my dear, beloved Julie.  Please write to me frequently; it is the only pleasure I have.  Give my kindest regards to your husband, and have him write to us again some time, too.  By the way, I was quite happy to learn that Junkermann liked the shoes so well.  Don't save them now; Emilie will be happy knowing that you can use them.
Kind regards from Aline; she will write to you soon.
Father and Jinni send their regards as well. (Father being Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer and Jinni being wife of Hugo Hans Hoffbauer their daughter-in-law.)

Fragment of letter found that was written by Mathilda T. Hoffbauer
No date or place of origin

Now I am even running out of paper.  I can't seem to be able to stop chatting with you today.  Is Liesbeth back yet?  If so, please give her my regards.  Please say hello to Junkermann as well; I didn't even say good-bye to him.  I wonder how the Ahlers are doing.  Have you seen them recently?  They were going to write to us, but haven't done so yet.  Give them my regards, if you see them.  I better close now.  Give Junkermann my kindest regards, and rest assured that I love you very much.
           Your Mother M. H.

Father and the rest of the family send their kindest regards to all of you as well.
Did I leave the patterns for the dress and sleeves at your house?  I cannot find them anywhere.

                                                                                               November 21, 1859
                                                                             (Not written but would be from
                                                                             Walcott, Iowa)


My dear Julie!

This day is full of memories of you and the past.  I thought of you so intensely that I felt lie-at least-writing a few friendly lines and offering the most heartfelt and sincere good luck wishes from all of us.  May God grant this one wish of mine and let you enjoy everlasting happiness.  At least there will be one place in my heart which isn't full of pain and sorrow.

I spent the past eight days in great worry about you.  You are not sick again, are you, my dear Julie?  Three weeks have passed already since we mailed our letters and the little crate with it contents to your dear husband.  However, we haven't heard if you received anything.  I put the letter addressed to you and the shoes, together with the cuff links, at the bottom of the crate.  Maybe you didn't notice those items underneath the packaging paper when taking out the pipes.  Please let me know.

What about the pipes?  Does Junkermann think he could get rid of them?  I am afraid they might be too old-fashioned.  Your father is very worried; it is as if our future depended on a successful sale.  Hugo (first born child to Friederick G. H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer on March 3, 1836 in Germany and would be 23 years old at the time this letter was written) will sell his Ox for lumber, with which they want to build the brewery.  We will use the basement here at the house to store beer and malt.  However, we still need $75-$100 for brewing equipment.  They intend to raise the money from the sale of the pipes and Hugo's summer wheat.  I do think your dear husband could take the time to judge whether he can sell the pipes.  Would he be kind enough to write us his opinion?  Even if your father didn't receive the money right away, at least he could start construction.  It would be of no use, however, if he count on this money.

On your father's birthday (the day of the Schiller Fest) for which you could have sent a few lines as well-all our old friends surprised us with a visit.  Friedrich brought his accordion; they all enjoyed themselves very much, except for me.  I worry so much about the future, I think I am sliding back into my unhappy mood again.  Everybody asked about you and wanted to know if you were thinking about visiting your hometown sometime.  I think Bernhart is organizing a ball for next week.  Wouldn't you like to come to that?

How is Fritz doing now?( son of Friederick G.H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer he being born in 1848 in Germany) Is he still a diligent boy?  Give him our regards and tell him to write again.  Bertha is learning very diligently.  But now again-with the winter-they hardly have any school.  It's terrible. (M. Bertha Hoffbauer 6th child born to Friederick G.H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer, she would be 7 years old at the time this letter was written, Bertha Hoffbauer was born 1852 in Watertown, Wisconsin and later in life married Bernhard Huelshoff, he being born 1846 in Lingren, Germany, in their lives they lived in Dubuque, Iowa where they raised their family.)

What is new with you?  Please write me right away and write a lot.  Karl (Charles, 4th child born to Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer, Dec. 18, 1842, Germany and would be age 17 at the time of this letter) has been gone for 8 days now.
Farewell, my dear Julie; I can't write anymore.  Give my kindest regards to Junk and keep me in your heart.
                                           Your Mother
                                            M. H.
Aline sends her regards;
she wants you to write to her.
(Aline is second child born to Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer in April 1838 in Zuerbid Germany and is sister to Julie "Julia."

No date was on this letter however from what Mathida is writing this letter was written in 1861 as my Great Great Grandfather Karl (Charles) Hoffbauer is soon to leave to join the Union Alliance in the Civil War.  He volunteered from his home in Walcott, Iowa and served in the 12th Missouri Infantry from September 23, 1861 until September 23, 1864.
                                                                                         (Before Sept. 23, 1861)

My dear Julie!

I received your dear letter the day before yesterday and want to respond to it right away.  I would not want things to get put off again.  I am glad that you are healthy again and hope that it will always be that way.  We are doing all right as well; I feel quite a bit better since I was in Dubuque.

Max is the only one who is not very well, and I don't know what is wrong with him.  He is sick in bed, eats a lot at times, and yet he keeps loosing more and more weight.  Sometimes he complains about the pain in his chest, but never coughs.  Only when he cries or speaks fast I can hear a strange hollow sound.
(Note: Max-Maxmillian Hoffbauer is 8th child born to Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer, he was born in 1856 in Walcott, Iowa.  Max would be about 5 years old at the time this letter was written.  Later in life, about 1886 in Scott County, Iowa, Max married Mary L. Stickleburger of Buffalo, Iowa.)
                       
You should see Father.  He is turning into a regular soldier already and looks 10 years younger.  He can fee the army in his fist (Translator's comment: This is a literal translation of what the German says.  I could not come up with anything idiomatic in English. (It is not an idiomatic expression in German, either.) I imagine that he might have pictured himself as a soldier, perhaps stomped around the house and pumped his fist.  He is very serious about leaving as well, just as soon as a regular regiment is put together here.  Karl (son Charles) of course, will leave as well-and so will Hugo (son Hugo). 

I do not know what will become of us poor women.  The fact that our first regiment did so well has heightened the enthusiasm.  Yesterday, we were in Davenport to watch the review of the troops.  It was quite nice, but I am sure you get to see these things as well.  You must have liked the trip to Gutenberg.  I wish I could have been with you.  I imagine things have changed considerably.  I felt very sorry for poor Heinrich and Albert for having to stay at home.  We hope that-very soon-they will get to go on their own little trip as well and come and see us here.  I have to say that I am a little bit mad at Aline and Albert (daughter and son-in-law, Albert & Aline "Hoffbauer" Loeper.) for stubbornly refusing to write.  Granted, I let them wait for a long time as well, but the circumstances were unusual.  They should have received my letters on the day that Fritz left. (Fritz being son of Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and he would be about 13 years old when this letter was written.) Please say hello to everybody and tell them to make up for what they have missed as soon as possible.
(Translator's note: Unclear whether Mathilda is referring to "making up for missed writing" or "making up for the missed trip"-or perhaps both.)

Is your dear husband back from Winona?  It would be terribly inconvenient if you had to move there.  It would also increase the distance between us.  I feel very sorry for Jinni; she has a lot to deal with.  Her father has been crazy for quite some time.  First, he spent a few months in Davenport with his wife.  However, for the last few weeks he has been living at Hugo's, with his hands and feet tied-a very sad sight indeed.-Jinni looks miserable. (wife of Hugo Hans Hoffbauer, her full and maiden name being Virginia Susannah "Myers" Hoffbauer, she was born August 15, 1841 in Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia)

I would like for you and Aline to come and visit us for a few weeks.  It would be a welcome distraction, for her as well as for us. (Aline being 2nd child born to Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and sister to Julia-Julie, Aline has moved to Dubuque at this time.)

Little Karl learned to walk and is a very nice child in general.  If only I could see all my little ones again!  I long to see them. ( this would be Friederick G. H. & Mathilda's Grandson and the son of Hugo & Virginia "Jinni" Hoffbauer, he was born October 20, 1862 in Scott County, Iowa either Walcott or Buffalo and died at a very young age.)

When is Mrs. Haas leaving (this would be the wife of Otto Junkermann's partner in the Drug Store business in Dubuque, Iowa.)

Is the house almost finished: I guess Mrs. Speitel will come sometime as well.  I spent a few very nice days there.

Fritz will write to you today; he had to help with the harvest today.  We are quite dissatisfied with him.  Although we cannot complain about any major flaws, we cannot praise him, either. (Fritz being Frederick Jr. son of Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and he would be about 13 years old at the time this letter was written.)

The situation here is still very uncomfortable; there is a lot of meanness going around.  Business is bad.  And yet, we cannot go elsewhere.  Farewell now, m dear Julie, give our kindest regards to your dear husband and all our friends.  Please write soon again and tell me about everything.  Please also remind that mean Aline, who seems to have forgotten entirely about us.

                                  Your Mother.  

This letter is not dated, however by the contents of this letter and with research by the translator, this letter was written April 12, 1863.
Translator's note:  Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 6, 1862
Casualties:  USA : 203 dead, 972 wounded, 174 missing or captured
                  C. S. A.  : 1100 dead, 2500 wounded, 1600 missing or captured

Translator also writes: There was a smaller battle in Pea Ridge, MO. on Feb. 17, 1862
                                 Casualties: USA: 5 dead, 9 wounded.  I am assuming that
                                 Mathilda is writing about the battle in Arkansas.


                                                                                               12th of April "1863"

My dear Julie!

I had initially intended to let you wait quite some time before responding, but in the end I was prevented from writing by the many things that came up lately.  Yes, my dear Julie, I found it really quite sad that all of you, too, are so indifferent towards us.  Three months have passed since I received your last letter, and during that time you could surely have found a moment to remember us if you had really wanted to.  I cannot describe how hurt I was by your silence.  You are the only one of my children who is really doing well, and so I expect you to be the one to pay the most attention to your parents.  Albert and Aline are not writing, either, even though the former knows of the uncertain situation we were in at the time he left us. (Note: Albert & Aline "Hoffbauer" Loeper, Aline being daughter of Friederick G. H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer.)

Your silence did not make a good impression on Jinni either; she was sure to receive an invitation from Aline to visit you this spring.  She would have loved to go and see Albert.  Now she intends to go to Johnstown and will do so next week already.  Even though I expect nothing good of this journey, I think it would be riskier to try to keep her from it. (Note: Jinni being Virginia Susannah "Myers" Hoffbauer, wife of their son Hugo Hans Hoffbauer.)

For 14 days we have been living with Hugo now; (son of Friederick G. H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer) we have the two rooms upstairs.  As much as we tried to find a place of our own, it has proved impossible so far.  In Davenport, we would have had a lot of expenses, and business is doing bad already.  So we have decided (and I hope we can do it) to build a little house here in W. ( Note: Walcott?) with the help of Hugo.  For this purpose we bought a lot, the second one between Dankmann's and Keferstein's.  Even if we cannot finish building the house right away, hopefully the times will get better and we can do it then.  It may not be much, but eventually we will have a home of our own, which we have longed for, and from which nobody can drive us.

Every penny we can spare now goes towards the house.  We sold my brooch, my velvet dress, and my pipe bowl for $20 already.  I want to sell my duvet and my good linens as well yet.  Then Hugo wants to pay what he owes us; several others have promised to give us what they owe.  Bernhart Isaak owes us a fir amount.  It will be taken out of his wages; this way it should all be feasible.  Also, Hugo promised to support us as much as possible.  I think that, once my worries about building-which at present are tremendous-pass, the little house with garden will make me quite happy.  Of course, quite a few other painful sorrows would have to be lifted off my shoulders before I could feel happy.

We have not had any news about Karl and Ed since the battle of Pea Ridge.  At least, their names are not on the list of the dead or wounded; but that is not enough to alleviate my terrible fear.  We don't know anything about Fritz, either.  This makes me very sad, for I tend to think that he might be dead.
(Note: Karl, who went by the Americanized name of Charles, Karl meaning the same in German was son of Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer, Ed being the brother of Jinni or Virginia S. Myers Hoffbauer and Fritz, being Frederick Jr. son of Friederick G. H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer who joined the Civil War at the age of 13, reporting his age to be 15 years.)

This letter has been taking me a long time, because now I always have to help Jinni get everything organized.  I worry a lot about this trip; although, sometimes I think Jinni might not find everything the way she expects it and might decide to come back home again.  Little Karl is staying here and will be keeping me very busy, as you can imagine.  I would have much preferred it if Jinni had gone to you, but it is too late to change anything now.
(Note: Little Karl is son of "Jinni" Virginia S. & Hugo Hoffbauer, Grandson of Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and was born in Walcott or Buffalo on October 20, 1862 and would be 1 1/2 at this time.)
(Note: No ending to this letter)

Translator's note: I cannot find Johnstown on current maps of Iowa and neighbor states.

                                                                                                  January 1, 1860

My dear Julie!

First, I would like to wish you a most sincere and heartfelt Happy New Year!  May the Good Lord bless you and your dear husband with nice and pleasant things this year and bestow you with a healthy baby (but only one!).  And may the Lord not forget about us, either; we would appreciate it so much if He extended His generous hand towards us.  Did you think about last year's New Year's Eve, my dear Julie, about how sad the two of us were then?  I often thought about all of you, especially since the mood here was very cheerless.  Little Klara has been quite sick since Christmas.  On Friday, Aline became sick and on Saturday, I got stomach cramps.  But all three of us are doing better again.
(Note: Little Klara is the daughter of Albert & Aline "Hoffbauer" Loeper and to date we are uncertain of her exact birthdate.)

Your lovely Christmas presents arrived here on Monday morning.  You can imagine how happy the children were.  There was a lot of laughter and merriment.  The drum immediately reminded Max of the Schuster boy.  (Note: Max being the 8th child born to Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer).  The girls are most pleased with the little iron.  The little stockings you sent, however, were too small again.  I will have to save them all for Max.  You know how big Bertha's feet are. (Bertha being the 6th child born to Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer).  The candy arrived intact as well; we wouldn't mind receiving some next year again.  All of us would like to thank you very much.  Bertha sends her regards and wishes to thank both you and Junkermann.  She would like you and Fritz to come and visit soon. (Note: Fritz being the 7th child born to Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and he is in Dubuque, IA. staying with his sister Julia and brother-in-law Otto Junkermann).

I have good use for the mittens Liesbeth sent me.  I just don't quite know what to think of her giving me a present.  But please give her my regards and tell her I would like to thank her very much.

Christmas here was very simple.  But I had to do something for the children.  Bertha and Emma received dresses and aprons, Max coat and pants. (Note: Bertha, Emma or Emilie and Max are children of Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer.) 

I also baked some gingerbread cookies and used them as Christmas tree decorations.  I am sure Christmas at your house was more plentiful.  Please write to me about it, soon.

I suppose I should tell you a little bit about what our future looks like.  It does not look very good at this point.  I have to tell you, my dear Julie, I have not been able to sleep at night for quite some time for all the worries and fear I am burdened with.  Purchasing the brewery in P. turned out to be impossible. (Note: Mathilda only writes the letter P and not sure of this location.) The man wanted $1000 for it.  Father said that, to him, it wasn't worth $300.  He went there a second time with Hugo, and they did buy two tubs for $150. (Translator's note: Mathilda does not mention what kind of tubs, possibilities are mash tub, lauter tub, fermentation vessel for example). These will be very useful for a brewery.  They made a $75 deposit in the form of Hugo's oxen; the rest is due by April 1st, 1861.  We will probably move next week or the week after.  Hugo is moving in with us as we could not do it on our own.  Perhaps there is a little more money to be made in P.  There doesn't seem to be any around here.  Even though we economize as much as possible, it still takes quite a bit of money to live.

We will start digging the basement as soon as possible.  Father and Hugo will do most of the work themselves.  Part of the $55 they have will be used for a deposit to buy lumber, and the other part for bricks to build the basement.  But will that be enough?  I have no idea how we could come up with more money.  Old Mr. Nokum ruined some of our plans again; he took away Hugo's summer wheat.  Although he says he would return it at sowing time, we are missing that money now.  We wouldn't have needed so much here in W. (meaning Walcott) but it would be

This is how this letter ends, unfinished and fragments of letters have been checked by the translator and nothing found to date fits this letter.

                                                                                           February 13, 1860

My dear children!

A heartfelt thank-you for your nice letter.  It was the first thing in a long time which has affected me in a pleasant way.  I can well imagine, my dear Julie, that my last letter caused you pain and sorrow.  I feel terribly sorry, but I couldn't spare you the pain.  I had the choice between not coming to see you at all, or to come and feel so uneasy that I would have become a burden to you.

But everything is all right again now.  I believe that you love me and enjoy having me there.  I will do my best not to burden you.

My dear Junkermann, I would very much like to accept your kind offer to pick me up here in person, and would like to thank you for it.  I do think traveling by railroad would be very arduous, and far more expensive as well.  We would all be happy to see you here again sometime.  I will not be ready for departure until March 1st, but will leave it up to you, of course, to determine if and when you would like to come.

I won't write a lengthy letter today; I think we will soon have the opportunity to talk about things face to face.  I will be very busy, since I have a lot of things to put in order before I can leave here.  My dear Julie, you suggested that I take Bertha along. (Bertha being 6th child born to Friederick G. H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and Bertha would be 8 years old at the time this letter was written).
It would mean one less thing to worry about.  I could take one of the boys to Mrs. Fuhrman's; that way, father would only have to look after Max. (Max being 8th child born to Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and Max or Maxmillian would be 4 years old at the time this letter was written).  I wonder, however, if that would be too much for you to handle.  Why don't you let me know in your next letter.

I have much to tell you; not everything is going well here.  You better get healthy again soon, because I won't have too much time to stay at your house. I am comforted by the thought that you have Miss Haake there.  She will be a great help, and you won't be so lonely, either.  Give her my regards, as well as to our other friends.  I really look forward to seeing you again.  I only wish I could leave here without any worries.

Father and everyone else send their kindest regards.
How is Fritz doing?  How come the little rascal hasn't been writing?  Give him my regards.  Kisses to both of you.
(Note: Fritz being 7th child born to Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and he would be about 12 years old at the time this letter was written and is staying in Dubuque, IA. with his sister Julia and brother-in-law Otto Junkermann.

No news from Karl yet. (Note: this would be Karl or Charles as he used his Americanized name as Karl means the same in German.  Karl is the 4th child born to Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer and would be 18 years old at the time this letter was written.)

                                                          Your Mother
                                                           M.H.

                                                                                              March 10th
                                                                         (Most likely written 1861)

My dear, beloved Julchen!

Yesterday, I finally received your letter, for which I had been waiting so long.  I am very glad that my fear was unfounded.  But you are a mean little woman for leaving me with my fear, for it is nothing but idleness on your part.  I hope you will work on this flaw of yours and keep us informed a little more frequently.

I had meant to send this letter with the one for Aline, but was unable to do so until today.  There were so many things going on here; things about which I wanted to have some certainty in order to tell you whether I will be able to come or not.  Of course, not everything has been decided yet, but I think I will be able to come and stay with you for a few weeks.  Please write to me as soon as possible and let me know when your dear husband could get here, so that I can prepare. Father has given me permission to spend 2 weeks with you.  That means that my trip cannot take up to more than 3 weeks altogether.  There won't be any use in trying to talk me into staying longer.  I am very happy that I will be able to spend this time with you.  And yet, I feel bad about leaving father and the children alone for that long.

Things have been very unpleasant around here.  Mrs. Keferstein is doing everything in her power to hurt us, because she does not like the fact that her husband is a patron of ours, even though it is he who cannot live without his daily beer and who likes to have some company.  We would not mind leaving here, if only we knew where to go.  Should you happen to know a little town where we could start another small tavern, please let us know.  It is too bad that taking care of Hugo's things is such a long drawn out task.  Currently, we couldn't even think of starting a bigger business.  Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to tell you more in person.

How I long to see your darling little child again!  I am sure she has changed quite a bit.  I also long to see Aline's children- and the rest of you. (Note: Mathilda mentions Julia's darling little child and this would be her daughter, Teckla who was born April 10, 1860 in Dubuque, Iowa and Aline is also a daughter of Friederick G.H. & Mathilda T. Hoffbauer who is living in Dubuque now with husband Albert Loeper and their children.)


As far as my health goes, things are quite tolerable. The problems with my head are worse again, but my stomach and liver have not been causing me much trouble.

What do you think, my dear Julie, can I wear my black coat one more time up there?  I cannot buy anything new; business is not very good right now.  Besides, I will need quite a bit of money for the trip.  Please drop me a few lines right away.  I should mention one thing: I can't very well come without bring Emma with me. (Note: Emma or Emilie is daughter of Mathilda and Friederick G.H. Hoffbauer and Emma would be about 6 years old at the time this letter was written.) First of all we have been promising her forever.  Second, with less supervision she would get into too much trouble here.  I think that Aline would gladly put her up for the two weeks, and Emma would have enough space to frolic.  The things you wrote about Mrs. Gelpke are terrible.  Is there no hope?

Please say hello to all our good friends.  I am looking forward to seeing them all.  Hugo and his family are healthy.  The little boy is a cute little thing; I love him very much.
Father and all the others send you their kindest regards.  Please write right away and keep loving me.
                                   Your dear Mother  

                                                                                         May 17, 1860
                                                                                          (Walcott, Iowa)

My dear Julie!

Even though not too many good things have happened to me here lately, I realized with astonishment that eight days have passed already since I left you, my dear ones.  I did not have the time to write to you sooner and to thank you again from all my heart for the nice things you did for me during my stay.

How are you now, my dear Julie?  I hope you have regained your strength and look good and healthy again.  I hope the same for my little grandchildren, especially sweet, precious Thekla.  How is the little creature?  Is she gaining weight?  And has she missed her Grandmother yet?  Oh, Julie, you cannot imagine how I miss the dear little child.  It will be difficult to get used to being here again, even though your father is full of kindness and attentiveness towards me.  Everything seems so different here; I am living in different rooms again.

Now that Aline and her little pest have left I often feel quite lonely; your father has to spend most of his time in the cellar. ( Note: Aline being daughter of Friederick or "father" and Mathilda and her little pest being their Grandchild.)

Bertha and Emma are going to school; so I am left with Max, whom I have to discipline quite a bit. ( Note:Bertha, Emma and Max are children born to Friederick & Mathilda Hoffbauer.) The poor boy was terribly neglected.  He is gradually starting to look cleaner, more human again.
(Father, or Friederick took care of Max while Mathilda traveled to visit Julie or Julia and family in Dubuque, IA.)

Jinni is courteous towards me (Note: this is her daughter in law, Virginia or "Jinni" wife of their son Hugo Hans Hoffbauer.)  I find her to be quite hard working now.  If only I could communicate better with her. (Note: I believe that Mathilda's English was limited.)

Have you seen Aline or Albert again?  I wonder how they are doing out there.  (Note: Aline is daughter of Friederick & Mathilda Hoffbauer and Albert is Albert Loeper their son-in-law and I believe she is referring to their move to Montana.)

How is poor Mrs. Ahlers doing?  Do they know yet what is wrong with her?  Please give them all my kindest regards and ask them to write Aline soon.  Are you thinking about going out there some time?  Wouldn't it be possible to get your dear husband to treat poor Aline a little more friendly, so that she could come to see you once in a while without having to hear any bitter remarks?  Being poor is not the biggest flaw a person can have; and so I am determined to try to cure myself of it once and for all as well.

My trip was fast and pleasant. (Note: Mathilda's home from Julia's in Dubuque back to Walcott.) It was the nicest boat I ever traveled on.  I was surprised how warm it was in Davenport at two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon; Hugo met me there.  I would recommend that you take the same boat when you come to visit us with Ms. Haake (which I hope will be soon).  It was the Northern Line, the one with the golden star in the front.  It has another name as well, but I could not find it anywhere.  Yes, my dear Julie, I won't give up until Junkermann gives you permission to come and visit us and soon, before the harvest begins.  Otherwise, our horses will be busy, and we need them for our little coach rides, don't we?  Ms. Haake is very welcome as well, provided she will be content with what we have here.  Give her my regards and ask her to write to me and let me know how she is doing now.

Mr. Werther was attentiveness itself around me, and I felt sorry that we lost each other in Davenport before I was able to thank him once more.  He wanted to pay a brief visit to a family he knew and meet us at Brohmer's afterwards.  We waited for a long time and then decided to go to the family ourselves.  When we got there, they old us he had left for the boat already.  I am sure he was unable to find us.  How is Mrs. Werther doing?  Is she still grieving?  Please give her my regards as well and to Mrs. Minger and all the other people I know.

How are things going with Fritz? (Note: this is Friederick & Mathilda's son who is staying with his sister Julie or Julia and brother-in-law Otto Junkermann in Dubuque, IA.)  Has his behavior improved, is he more diligent again?  Tell him to be a good boy and write to us regularly.  If only I could see your little girl for an hour once in a while.  Gosh, do I love that girl!  Take very good care of her so she stays healthy.  I wonder what her daddy is building with her now.  Has he shown her anything new yet?

I better close for today.  You will write soon, dear Julie, won't you, so that I know how you are doing.  Your father and I, we send our kindest regards to you and Junkermann.
Keep your mother in your heart.
Our regards to Liesbeth as well.
                (Note:This is how this letter ends.)

                                                                                             June 13, 1860


My dearest Julie!

Although I seem to have more and more difficulty writing to you, I can't find any piece of mind unless I say in contact with you.  Oh, my dear Julie, why do you have to be so terribly far away from me.  I can't reach you, even though my heart strongly desires to be with you.

You have probably received my short letter informing you that I was ill.  I am still quite miserable, but I am at the point where I can slowly drag myself around again.  The illness which attacked my face is almost gone.  I only have pain left in one location.  But the awful stomach cramps still won't go away.  I haven't had any yet today, but yesterday I had terrible ones; I have had them almost everyday. I started a new course of treatment yesterday; the old remedies did not seem to work anymore.  Father (Note: this being husband of Mathilda, Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer), takes care of me tirelessly, and I am often moved to tears by how good he is to me.  I don't think I would be able to bear the pain if he wasn't so good to me.  I have no complaints about Virginia either. (Note: must be referring to "Jinni" her daughter in law who is wife of Hugo Hans Hoffbauer.)  She has shown me nothing but goodness and kindness.  She is much more cordial and good natured towards me than she used to be.  The language barrier is the only bothersome thing left between us.  This is the reason why she cannot help me very much with my illness.

How have you been doing, my dear Julie?  I hope to God that you were spared from these stomach cramps.  From Mx. Haake's letter I learned that you have all had a good time and that everything is going well.  Give her my regards and tell her that I was very pleased about her letter and would like to thank her for it.  Please ask her to write again when she has some free time, and to describe everything in detail.  I will write back to her as soon as I am healthy again.

The letters from Germany were from Bertha.  They were full of information again. They talked about good and kind things, but also about quite a few things which made me feel sad.  Dear Bertha has got her share of worries as well-things I never knew about.  Among other things, they invested the majority of their assets in an investment scheme similar to the on Dr. Minges is involved in.  But it hasn't caused them any sleepless nights yet.  They would have loved to give us a small loan at this time.  However, I gather from her letter that it is absolutely impossible right now.  She promised me firmly that, as soon as she has some money at her disposal again, she would send me some.  At the time she sent me the letter she mailed us a package containing various items. The package is addressed to Dubuque as well; they thought I was staying a little with you longer.  You haven't received a notice about a package yet, have you?  I would like to ask your dear husband to kindly go to the Express Company and check if they have something, and, if so, to forward it to me.  I am assuming that it would cost quite a bit of freight.  I would like to ask him to pay it for now.  It would be really nice in a case like this if the pipe bowl cold be sold.  For then, he could just take the money out of the proceeds.  If it doesn't look like it would sell, I promise you I will send the money immediately.  However small our income is, I have tried putting away small amounts of money ever since I received Bertha's letter.

How about you bringing me the package down here in person, my dear Julie?  I, for one, would not have to pay freight again, and you could visit me while I am sick?  Also, you would have the pleasure to open the package and pick something suitable for yourself.  There is no hint in your letters about your coming down here anytime soon.  Is Junkermann really that hard-hearted that he wouldn't let you go?  I long to see you, but-even more- I long to see your darling little child.  If only I could hold it in my arms again!  Oh, my dear Junkermann, please send the little child down here with Julchen, if only for a week. (Note: Translator writes that Julchen is diminutive of Julie and used as an endearment.)  Who knows how long I will be around to see my loved ones.  Ms. Haake would probably accompany Julie.

Well, I have to say good-bye for today; I have to write to Aline yet.  (Note: Aline is also a daughter of Friederick G.H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer.)  I was very pleased by the way you welcomed the Lager family.  Why don't you write me sometime how things are going out there.  Give my kindest regards to Fritz (Note: Mathilda & Friederick's son who is staying with his sister Julia in Dubuque) and tell him to write me again soon.  Then hel'll get a letter back from me.  Farewell, my dear Julie.  Give your dear husband and your little one the kindest regards and a kiss from your mother.

Father and all our friends send their regards as well. (Note: Father is how she writes of husband and of course father, Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer.)

                                                                                          August 11, 1860
                                                                                           Walcott
My dear Julie!

I received your nice letter today and wanted to respond to it right away.  Well, my dear Julie, on top of all your own trouble you had to worry about my rather arduous trip home.  I feel terribly sorry that this trip turned out to be so unfortunate.  I had been looking forward to it for years almost, and it should have been a joyful event for you as well.  I don't seem to be allowed to enjoy most natural pleasures in an unspoiled way.

I am very glad that it was not a tragedy which called you home from here so urgently.  As a matter of fact, I even thought immediately that it might be nothing other than Junkermann's impatience.  You didn't write anything about my deal little chubby chops.  I was terribly worried about your little ones.  Is she perfectly fine again?  And what did Daddy say when he saw her again?  How is Fritz doing; (Note: this is son of Friederick G. H. & Mathilda Hoffbauer who is stay in Dubuque with his sister Julia and brother in law Otto Junkermann) is he fine again as well?  The poor boy did not want to let go of me.  He even turned around again, threw himself at me and started to cry heartrendingly.  Maybe he thought it would be the last time he would see me.  Now a few words about myself: I couldn't say that my trip to Davenport with you did me no good; but for the next few days I felt weak.  Everything seemed somehow empty, and I felt lonely.  I do fee a little better now, though.  I have regained my appetite and now I am forced to cook meals all the time-and to do all my other work as well.  I still find it quite difficult, but what can I Do?  I don't really have a choice.  I still have constant pain, sometimes quite severs.  I will probably end up going back to the doctor, even though I hate to add to the already enormous bill.  I do believe I have gained some weight back and think that, over time, I should get better again.

I think Jinni (daughter-in-law of Mathilda and Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer and wife of Hugo Hans Hoffbauer, her true name being Virginia) has somebody coming to the house tomorrow, someone who will do her work.  At least, I don't have to worry about that.  She is still feeling quite well and is very friendly.

The old grandfather died and we are all very worried about whether the old man had put his affairs in order.  Otherwise, it would be very bad for Hugo.  Bill is taking a pleasure trip with the money and one of his fine friends.-
Did Harri Moen come to see you?  He left here on Wednesday with his wife.

I was very pleased with what you wrote about the Lager family.  It seem that-with the help of God and Junk-they will have a quiet place of their own for a while.

I meant to write to Aline (Note: Aline is also daughter of Mathilda & Friederick G.H. Hoffbauer) as well, but, as you can see from my handwriting, it still causes me great difficulty.  I'll have to postpone it until tomorrow.  Give her our kindest regards and say hello from all of us to Junk and all our friends.

Your father is constantly irritated over people not paying.  Friederich spends several hours here every evening; they go threshing at Marquart's.  At least this way we have some fun time.

Until next time, when I will write more.

I am shaking all over; writing this letter has made me very upset.

                                         Your loving Mother

                                                                                          September 18, 1860
                                                                                             Walcott

My dear Julchen!

I received your nice letter this morning.  Since I have a little free time I want to answer it right away.  I am always very glad to receive news from you and to find out that you are all healthy and content.  It always puts me in good spirits for a while; therefore, never let me wait too long for news.  In your letter, you accused me of forgetting my promise to come and visit.  But couldn't I the same to you?  Didn't you and your family promise me to come and see us on the 27th of this month?  I can still keep my promise; I am just not health enough at this time, unfortunately. You would have to hurry if you still wanted to come here, however; the 27th is Thursday in a week.

Expecting to have the pleasure of your visit would be madness, and that is why I don't allow myself to get my hopes up.  I would get too depressed if it was in vain.  First we thought about inviting some friends, but I think it might be better to drop the idea.  Why don't you open a bottle of wine and drink to our health, though, both father (Note: father being her husband, Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer) and I could use it.  As far s my visiting you goes, there is little or no chance.  I can't possibly leave father and the children alone for more than a few days, especially since Hugo might move out of the house soon. (Note: Hugo being son of Mathilda & Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer) Finding a reliable person to help out is difficult.  But I'll see what it looks like when my two dear sons-in-law (Note: this would be Otto Junkermann & Albert Loeper) come down to get me.  In your request for me to come up I sense Aline's hidden wish to assist her in her impending delivery.(Note: Aline also being a daughter of Mathilda & Friederick G.H. Hoffbauer.)  If I can arrange it at all, I will try to be there at least then.  Have her write and tell me the due date as exactly as possible.

Jinni and Hugo send their regards. (Note: Jinni being daughter-in-law "Virginia" and Hugo being son of Mathilda & Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer.)  They are very pleased with their son, who is starting to look very cute.  If only I could see your dear little stubborn one again sometime.  Is it still as round, and is Junkermann still spoiling it?  I can picture him clearly, how pleased he is with the little thing when it is in one of its contrary moods.  Father and I would like to send our kindest regards to him, to Fritz (Note: Fritz being son of Mathilda & Friederick G. H. Hoffbauer who is staying with this sister Julia and family in Dubuque) and to the Lager family.

                                              Love,
                                               your mother
Tell Fritz to write.  And you, too, please write right away.