Swinemnde, April 6, 1888

My dear Sister in Law!

I just received your dear letter from the 23rd of the past month, and I hasten to send you at once the support that was so far directed to Ferdinand in the amount of 45 Marks, together with this letter by postal money order to your address. I wish you to receive it in order.

I would have sent this amount earlier, but since Ferdinand mentioned that you would be moving, [the new address] was not known to me.

I cordially regret that Ferdinand is still so much in need for help, however, he is closer to no one than his wife and children; The good Lord God may soon relieve him from his suffering, and provide you and your children with the best health.

The municipal welfare system is over there just like it is here, and since you have already lived so many years there, this should apply to you as well.

For Ferdinand to undertake a voyage over here would be even more futile than the first, for over here you don't have a home either, and woud certainly be subject to deportation. The conditions here have changed much in all those years; Ferdinand is the youngest of us brothers, I am already 71 years old, would therefore, and I most likely speak for the others as well, not be able under any circumstances to take him in; the sisters are likewise not that well off yet and have enough to do to care for themselves.

As for you and your children, being utterly ignorant of the conditions here, what you could do to support yourself is a very, very difficult question to answer. Therefore, do stay where you know the conditions.

I will circulate your letter among the siblings immediately, and ask all to contribute something and to send it to me; awaiting the best results, I will send the collective amount to you when the time comes.

Now, my dear sister-in-law, with God, who may stand by your side, helping, we will hope for the best. May He stand by you in his helpful grace, and give all of you health and happiness.

With the most cordial regards from me and my beloved wife, I remain

Your loyal brother in law,

G. Friederici.