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.

Nubel

2

Nübel.

2nd. Dec. 1842.

Dearest Ferdinand,

Have just finished a long letter to Auntie and Bertha. I'll have to write to you, though no answer from you — perhaps our letters will cross. I expect one this morning for sure. Will just shortly tell you the Minister

3

Pastor Johann Hagen, Iwanne's employer.

has a housekeeper from Schleswig, an elderly person who knows everything — and I am to pack by May. I should leave Nubel with a glad heart, if I did not have the thought where will the next be, and what disagreeableness shall I meet with, and what will worry you, and my poor sad heart, which has often caused sighs and tears — with one word — I am unhappy, and have just expressed my sorrow to the Tonning

4

Tönning.

people.

The housekeeper treats me so badly. Oh what a horrible person she is. She always gives me to understand that I am not wanted here. These things are not her business — why does she say them to me, and not the Minister's wife. I am annoyed every day that I have to stand it — and if I had a position for Feb. I would not stay till May.

One gets tired of life here. Please dear Ferdinand talk to the Mertens I would rather have any other position now in a household.

I would like to ask another favour of you — could you not write out a prescription for me — and tell me a good house medicine. I have been ill for a fortnight, no appetite and am often sick after eating, and then get so weary, and it seems as if it was all stomach trouble. Seems so strange otherwise I have no abdominal pain.

People who have not seen me for a fortnight say I have got thin, and am always so pale. The whole matter running me down so dreadfully.

5

Iwanne died of tuberculosis in 1845.

Give me your advice.

I would have liked to have talked to a doctor, but all such a business here. How are you dear Ferdinand. Ask Albertine

6

Albertine Warder?

to write soon.

You were right you thought my time would be half up in November.

7

Iwanne is referring to her position in the Hagen household. See Voigt & Sinkora (1996) p. 20.

Thank goodness that is correct.

I would not stay here for half the world. Good bye dear brother.

Give me the pleasure of a long letter soon.