Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here was 'Translated in Sydney from the German', and placed in Louise Wehl's scrap-book.

Tonning

2

Tönning.

13th. Jan. 1842.

My dear Ferdinand,

The roads have been bad and there was no opportunity to send a box. Theodore

3

Theodor Müller?

was here for a week. We had a happy time, he plays the guitar well. We had lovely evenings of music. On Xmas Day Grandfather got a cloth and Grandmother

4

Johann Georg and Anna Mertens.

a cap, Uncle a sweet letter weight, Auntie

5

Johann Ferdinand and Magdalene Mertens.

an embroidered collar and black kid gloves. Clara and Marie

6

Marie Mertens, M's cousin.

each a pretty doll, a hat and a basket. I gave Bertha an apron and sewing basket. She gave me a satin cloth, mittens and gloves. From the Mertens I got 5 piece. Christmas cakes have kept well but do not go far, too many of us. Bertha is well now has lost her backache. She will write next. I am sending you the Autograph book. I have cut out something for you.

Uncle has spoken to the Authorities, he would rather it did not come to auction as it would be disagreeable to have our things carried away. Uncle will pay for them.

Bertha and I talk about it daily it would be strange for us when we haven't the ferry any longer, he also wants to keep the small ferry boat.

7

M's mother had held the lease for the ferry business across the Eider River. See Voigt & Sinkora (1996).

You have not told us what to do for Chilblains. What you sent last did Clara a lot of good. She hasn't any now. Write soon. Bertha sends love. She has been to a ball at Bartelrink — drove the carriage.

Bertha went to dinner with Rievers and enjoyed it.