October 25 1868, Letter from Christian Frautschi to his parents and brothers in Switzerland

University of Wisconsin-Madison. Max Kade Institute. Frautschi Letters (MKI/Frautschi3/C1868E)

Electronic version: http://frautschi-letters.mki.wisc.edu/let/C1868/Christian1868.html

Mazomanie October 25, 1868

Greatly beloved parents and brothers!

Your news of July, that all was well with you, gave me great pleasure; I could only wish that you might write us more frequently and that I might receive something more often than formerly.
To the same end with regard to you, I am writing you these few lines. Right now I do not feel disposed to write much to you, but I am aware that this is sometimes not very pleasant for you, either.
The Pilgrim, which in September received a Marseilles passage to America from you, reached me for a visit on October 3, without complaining of the hardships of the seavoyage or of being wet through; with his pilgrim's staff, however, he did indeed make me aware of many cancerous sores of my fatherland. More frequent visits would be pleasant for me, but I cannot ask it of you on account of the expensive postage. I don't believe, however, that 25 cents is the legal postage for forwarding used journals to the United States of North America, according to the newest postal agreement.
The Christian Messenger must discontinue its appearance among you for a few weeks, during which I was looking around for a place and didn't receive it myself.
I told you last year how the raising of hops played an important role in this region, and in fact, there are many who began to plant several years ago who have become rich and who induced thousands of industrious workers and many artisans into excellent employment. Baraboo and its surroundings were a principal hops raising center, and wheat and other plants were entirely neglected. The hops give a great deal of work, and accordingly farmhands were employed at 25-30 dollars a month in addition to their keep. Also the equipment cost a great deal; one needs drying houses, presses, great ovens, and the like. Last year it was worth 50-60 cents; then the outlay climbed to still greater proportions. A month ago, at harvest time, 25,000 pickers were needed in an area of 30 miles, so that children were transported here from large cities 100-150 miles away. Each one had to earn from 1 to 2 1/2 dollars a day during a 2-week period. There was one man in Baraboo who had planted 27 acres, and who alone needed 200 pickers; so you can imagine that it takes a great quantity of kitchen equipment, tents,bedding, and the like, and it necessarily looked to be on a military scale. Now this year at the hops harvest time no one wanted to buy, or in the best bales at 10-15 cents. At such a price the proprietors did not want to deliver; yet the pickers had to be paid at once, and so it came almost to a crisis. Weak young hop growers had to mortgage their property for borrowed money, and had to pay double interest; legal interest here was formerly 10 per cent. Then came unemployment; as a result of which I left there, too, and can finally be content that I was able to receive my pay. With this I am going to close the story of the hops; I think many will flee from the hop roots and henceforth will amuse themselves better with sowing wheat.

The wheat harvest began here this year about the middle of July. On account of the unusual heat the crop frequently ripened too soon, before it was fully developed; however, the quantity and quality of the wheat is good this year, and the price lower than last year. Since the beginning of August until now we have had mostly cool weather. Out of my possessions [tools?], as much as I could, I gave our Cousin what he needed; you can dispose of this, for the rest, as well as the boards [tables?] with consent. I shall write to you again in a short time; for this time I will close and hope that these few lines will find you in as good health as they leave me.

Before all else, let us poor Earth-pilgrims right earnestly consider and take to heart the purpose of our being here [in order] to become eternally holy. Thus, we know that, without struggle, no Crown will be forthcoming, and that to postpone Repentance and Conversion until [one's] deathbed is very dangerous. Therefore our dear Saviour beats daily in our hearts, and recalls us with His sweet shepherd's voice, to give ourselves thus complete and undivided in body and soul to Him. He will help to carry our [] for us. Indeed He said Himself, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." This often gives me courage in need and tribulation. May dear God help us go forth even to the end, in accordance with the will of His eternal love. Amen.
I received a letter from Brother Joh. Jacob 3 weeks ago. He is well. I hope to hear from you soon and would like to ask you to send me your photographs. Many greetings [beloved of God?].[This was Lowell Frautschi's misreading of Christian's signature.]
Mazo-manie, Wisconsin

[text written sideways, from lower to upper left margin]

Greet the relatives and friends for me.