Letter 15
Date:
June 10, 1874
Sender:
J. W. Korschot (Wisconsin)
B.D. ten Damme
Addressee: Mrs. Diela ten
Damme-te Selle
and brother
Oostburg, June 10, 1874
Highly regarded brother and sister. Today I take up the pen to
write you a few characters and to let you know that we, by the Lord's
blessing, are still quite well (lit. "are still standing") till this day and the same we wish
for you.
Now we would like to hear once again
from you, since it is
such a long time that we have seen each other face to face, and also
a long time that we have heard anything from each other, so that it
seems that we are no longer brothers and sisters.
But yes, brother, as long as we are here on this side of the grave, I
shall think many times how is my brother doing. Will they be still
alive or are they dead. But may you still enjoy the privilege of
being alive, then please let us know that with a little bit of paper and
ink. Because how soon it can come to an end with us, and then it is
like that poet says, when we enter the valley of death, every
earthly friend leaves us alone. But He the best Friend in distress
accompanies us even behind grave and death.
Yes, Brother, might we learn to know that
Friend. What a great privilege for every person. But it happens so
often as again that poet says, Oh Lord, our heart is as hard as a
rock. Even in view of our sins, it does not want to go to You above, no it is bound by
the stuff of the flesh. Oh Lord, we are missing desire and courage.
We can hardly persuade the narrow flesh and blood.
Now, Brother, I cannot write you much special.
We and our children have food enough. We still have our youngest
daughter with us. She is not married yet. We have 50 acres of land,
then we rented out 20 acre’s to the daughter of the “Haagesman” and
her husband. And we have 3 cows and 2 calves and 2 hogs and one
horse.
Now I let you know that people tell us that
your youngest son was called into eternity. Let us know some day
about it and write us a big letter about the circumstances in
Holland about brothers and sisters and children. So we will
expect a letter from you as soon as possible. Herewith I close with the pen, but not
with the heart, and wish you the blessing of the Lord, soul and
body, and call myself your brother and sister.
J. W. Korschot
B. D. ten Damme
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