#30
Swinemnde, December 11, 1885

My dear brother!
At the same as this letter as this letter, I sent you 5 dollars by postal money order, which you will please kindly accept from me as a Christmas present.
Regarding your last letter, I regret that nothing has come of the Julius-affair so far. The questions you raised in it, I can not answer, and have forwarded it, together with the enclosures, to Hugo, but have not received an answer from him or from the other dear siblings in Treptow. Only that, back then, our father gave power of attorney to brother Theodor, for the collection of any funds, and that he later sent twelve Thalers to father from the sale of Julius' personal effects over there. After I had received your letter and enclosure back from Treptow, I sent both to Theodor, and asked him to comment on it, also to communicate the same to sister-in-law Emmi, so that she also feels prompted to continue her monetary generosity towards you.
I sent the letter to Theodor over 14 days ago, and asked him to comment on your questions, and to send me his answer, as well as to return your letter and enclosure, because I wanted to make this shipment to you before Christmas, and also return the decree of the Finance Department in Washington to you. Unfortunately, I have not received a reply to date, and can therefore not answer any of your questions, and since I now didn't want to wait any longer with my Christmas [mail], you receive this letter without them.
My wife and children are, thank God, all quite well and happy, and my beloved wife and I wish that you and your loved ones may also enjoy complete health.

I have no news from here or from our family for you.

With the most cordial regards from my wife and myself,

I remain lovingly,

Your brother Gustav.