GAUSS, Carl A. to William T. Gauss - 1924-06-30
From Gauss and his Children
|
Letter
Hameln, Germany
30 June 1924
Dear Cousin:
As I know not whether Helen is at home or at some other address, I write this letter to you. It is almost a year since we heard of each other, when you helped me so like a true kinsman, wherefore I thank you again and wish that the relations between the branches of our families here and in America may be kept up in future. We - the members of the second generation from Carl Friedrich Gauss - are getting old, and if our children after our death will keep up the connection is very uncertain. But I hope so and will do my part, so that my children may not forget their relatives. Good news from here I cannot tell you, for our country still suffers from the war and France asks impossible things of us. They want our land and money. will we ever get back to our place in the world? I believe not. If only the last ten years could be wiped out of the world's history. what misery would have been saved. Germany was forced to go to war and the rulers of the Versailles peace conference made our leaders sign what was not true; and under these lies our children and children's children will suffer. The year 1923 was the worst yet. It made me a poor man, as all money went down to nothing and so there is no interest paid any more, and I have no income, except a few (industrial securities?) yet, which I have to sell at low prices to support myself. When these are gone I must fall on others for help. I hope not to live that long. As I am 75 years old, it is hard to get into such a condition, after a man has put aside enough for old age. Physically I am well, even though old age is coming on; and I help my son William in his big garden and with the chickens, from which we try to help our household along. My son William has only one son now, five-and-a-half years old, the only ray of sunshine in our home, and he gives me lots of pleasure; the little man loves his grandfather very much. My oldest son, Carl, of whom I think I wrote last time, has been since last year in Wurzburg, Bairen, where he is professor and director of the Frauenklinik. He wishes me to come to see him this Summer, which I will do if he sends me the fare. My daughter, who is living in Bonn on the Rhine, is married and has a family of five children (three boys) and is getting along well; only it is not a good place to live, as the French are there. The life in America has suffered too, under the war, as have all countries of the world. But you are fortunate, as you came out in good condition and now rule the world market and can work yourself up. I will close with best wishes to your wife and children and all the other relatives in America whom you may see or write to. and I would be glad to hear from you again some time.
Farewell from your cousin,
Carl Gauss
To Wm. T. Gauss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Source
Location of the handwritten original unknown. From the Black Book, notes of Anne Durfee Gauss and Minna Gauss Reeves. Transcribed to softcopy by Susan D. Chambless, May 7, 2000.
Transcriber's Notes
Free and incomplete translation. --Anne D. Gauss
