Dear Uncle and Aunt,

My Parents have asked me to take up the pen and to write a few lines to you. I am now 20 years old and a few days ago I returned home from a two and a half year journey. I have taken up the same calling as my father had. By now I have been to Australia twice, the first time with the "Optima" to Newcastle N.S.W. Unfortunately I was not in possession of your address so I could not be in touch with you over there. My brother Jurgen, 24 years old, is also seafaring as an engineer. At present he is on his way by steamer from Kiel to East Asia. My sister Margaretha is at home hand helps mother with the housekeeping. My youngest brother Peter is now 6 years old. My Father has given up seafaring one and a half years ago and now works as a ships broker and also has a harbourside inn. In the year 1891 we left Burg and moved to Kiel were my grandfather died soon after our arrival. We all went to school there. In the summer my sister Margaretha visited Fehmarn and during that time Uncle Nicolaus died. Uncle Nicolaus’s sister’s daughter’s child Cathrina Koch is now also engaged. We wish you all merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Letter from Peter Schroeder to Ernst Christian Bügge and his wife Louise

Dear Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law

On our visit home to the island we found that much has changed there in the long time that you have been away. Like everywhere else, Fehmarn has shown much progress. I have been away from there for 15 years also, and have been back only twice for a few days to visit. Aunt Gertrude spent 3 weeks holidaying there with her children every year, but not any more in recent years. The last time Gertrude was there was for the funeral of your brother Heinrich. Considering the circumstances, Sister-in-law Doris is reasonably comfortable. She has to bear a heavy burden with her son Heinrich who like a little child must be dressed and undressed, and Doris can’t even lift him. When brother Nicolaus died Margaretha was at Fehmarn. Sister-in-law Catherina who stayed in Burg lives alone, and finds it hard to get used to it, we think that she spends most of the time in Sahrensdorf. When her granddaughter Catherine get married she probably will move in with her.

For many a long year we sent our photographs to Australia for you and Brother Georg. We also have sent a couple of letters to you but have never heard whether they arrived. Do write soon and best greetings from all of us and Happy Christmas and New Year

Your Brother-in-law
P. Schroder