Transcription of the letter from Franz to Paul Lefmann on 17 September 1918:

“Bremen, 17 Sept. 1918.

Dear Paul!

To my great surprise I just now hear from Mother that since the summer holidays I have not written to you at all. That is indeed quite a long time ago, and I must apologize to you for my idleness. I almost think that my work at school is partly to blame. Thirty hours a week of teaching in overcrowded classes with all the additional tasks—that is truly not so simple, especially in view of the lavish lifestyle we are leading at present. The thought of how we will get through the winter is not exactly encouraging either. It is almost incomprehensible how people can endure it. Austria’s suggestion to consult about peace is dismissed with mockery in the enemy press. The slaughter will therefore take its course. Enough of that.

Dear Paul! On Saturday, 28 September, I shall travel to Dissen. As Elise writes me, everyone in the Lefmann household is looking forward to my visit. I am glad to make the trip, since I did not get out of Bremen during the long holidays. Heti will accompany me, to have a pair of boots measured by my friend Hinrichs. Unfortunately I shall find my friend Karl Beuck in a depressed mood, as he has lost both his wife and his eldest son in quick succession. The two younger ones, Reinhold and Walter, will no doubt take up much of my attention; they are very happy that Uncle Franz from Bremen is coming. Mother will prepare a long list of everything I am to bring. Hopefully I will find some willingness among my friends; it will not be easy, for nowhere is there abundance.

The parcels you promised us are taking a very long time to arrive—they will not have been lost, will they? Also a loaf of bread from Karl Beuck, which was sent off a week ago, still has not arrived. In the next letter we shall surely be able to confirm its receipt.

We like to read the reports of your concert tour; this time will be to you in later years a dear memory.

With very warm greetings from

Your Father.”