(12) Letter: Edward Kummer to his sister Carrie, August 8, 1857

Keokuk, Aug. 8/57

Dear Sister Carrie,

The roll has come around to you again, though the answer has come to hand to mine of the 18th ult. Still I have been advised if your health &c. through Sophie & Aggie, from the latter of whom I received a few lines this morning, dated Aug 3d. I promise you but a short epistle this time, for I am rather at a loss what to write _ however, in the stead thereof I have enclosed a printed document which has just been started here, to be issued semimonthly. It will give you more definite & reliable information concerning the "Gate City" than I have communicated. After a long drought of two

My best love to Sophia, Aggie, Edward etc. And believe me to be as ever, Your affectionate Brother Edward Kummer

I suppose you'll have no objections to show the enclosed to [S.?A.]

month's duration, rain has at length made its appearance. Yesterday afternoon a tremendous storm of wind buried the city in dust directly after which thunder lightning & rain followed. It has remained cloudy ever since, and occasionally we have a shower. The ground needs it sadly, for the crops in the immediate vicinity have suffered not a little.

Last Monday was Election day for County Officers & the adoption or rejection of the New Constitution. The Democratic party & new Constitution won the day here reliable accounts from the interior have not yet been received. Of course, during the day, some few had to distinguish themselves by trying the hardness of one another's

heads. Nothing serious occurred. Edward Kluge & Annie Brickenstein are to be married on the 20th inst. Br. Lennert is engaged to Susette Fetter of Bm. Boarding School, & will marry in December probably. The Synod in Germany thus far has proceeded very well & very harmoniously. There was a death among the Synodal brethren viz: Samuel Reichel of Oakbrook, England, step brother of Levin's. Jac Haman is at Nazareth again & purposes teaching music in Philadelphia once more.

Dr Wilhelm - (his wife's maden name was Chr^a Fried^a Paulus) is going down hill fast -- cause liquor. Lately he made an attempt on his wife's life & was kept in the B^m lock up for some time.