D O C U M E N T S 1 6 4 , 1 6 5 O C T O B E R 1 9 2 0 2 8 1
164. To Elsa Einstein
[Benzingen,] Thursday [7 October 1920]
Dear Else,
After unhappy farewells and a happy voyage (with Rudolf Levi), arrived in Sig-
maringen, where, after about one hour, the boys arrived, who are very nice and
cheerful.[1]
At the station below we happened to meet the
priest[2]
who came up
with us. We picked up the luggage today by cart. None of the villagers go out for
fear of foot-and-mouth disease, which is rampant here. I hope you are well; endure
the 2 weeks in
Hechingen.[3]
The children brought food and cigarette butts along;
I’m smoking one right now after a festive lunch of
chicken.[4]
Think of the gift for
Mrs.
Brandhuber.[5]
The Zürchers are requesting a picture of
me.[6]
Take good care
of yourself & be careful.
Heartfelt greetings from your
Albert.
165. To Ilse Einstein
[Benzingen,] Thursday. [7 October 1920]
Dear Ilse,
Yesterday my boys arrived in Sigmaringen and I arrived in good shape with them
in Benzingen. The priest sends his
greetings.[1]
Please send two of my childrenÊs
books over here
immediately,[2]
one for the priest, one for my Albert. I will go to
Hannover if the people give me 1,500
marks;[3]
I’ll write myself. I shall probably
take you along to Spain and America, but only in the winter of
1921.[4]
Mother has
a bladder infection; it goes away by dieting and makes itself noticeable again with
each
lapse.[5]
It’s a tedious affair until it’s completely over. I advised her to stay for
another fortnight in Hechingen, but I don’t know whether she can stand it for so
long.[6]
We were in Haigerloch the day before
yesterday.[7]
The landscape there is
gorgeous. I liked the Hohenemsers very
much.[8]
Best regards from your
Albert.
Greetings to Margot, Anna, & the
grandparents.[9]