I have received both of your letters and we found you were all still well, which made me happy. We are also well and we hope this letter finds you still well as it leaves us.

I can share with you now who has become a soldier: George Kaufman – Uncle Nicholas’ son; Jacob Stoehr’s son, Guste; Johannes Weinberg’s son, Johannes; and Adam Schmidt’s son George, etc. They will leave on November 11^th, but where, I don’t know.

What are they saying there about the war here? This is a war such as we have never had before. Soldiers who have served previously are back in again and have been wounded.

Frederick Felde, Alexander Sattler, and Jacob Reil (Mueller) are all gone, but from some we haven’t heard whether they are alive or not...or whether they are just not writing.

Many horses have been taken, as well as wagons, fur coats and felt boots. We ourselves had to give a fur coat and a horse; a second one is marked to go. But when it will be, we do not yet know.

My son is, as of now, still at home.

The things you write about Katia are things she will have to decide for herself as I am not able to advise. She is over 18 years old, and not stupid either, as some are. If she should marry, I wish her much luck in her marriage and a good man. Of course we expect to be invited to the wedding, if it should come about.

Since the 20^th of August, no drop of brandywine, nor beer, nor wine. And when there will be more, we do not know yet...and maybe never.

The Kellers have written me now for the first time in a long time and asked for money they say I owe them. But I don’t owe it. The property was all turned over to their father-in-law who has sold everything, but where the money went, I do not know.

With regards, I remain

Your Father

Heinrich Keller