October 15, 1898
Dear Brother,
I hope you and mother are well.
Winter is coming here in New York as well, and I hope the two of you warm for
the months ahead.
Things have not been going as well
as I’ve expected, but I suspect it is due to the poor environment that I’m in. On
the good side, I have found a position working as a translator in a local
office, copying documents and letters from English to Italian and vise versa.
The pay is very little, but it is a steady income, and I would be considered
lucky among most. Many of the tenants here on Elizabeth Street are ill are have
become ill due to the crowding and despicable conditions. I have tried to keep
myself healthy but I developed a fever that has persisted for quite some time. It is with this health risk the area poses
that I’ve decided its time to move on. I have heard stories of immigrants,
German mostly of moving out west to work in agriculture, and I am considering
joining them. I think I will do well, Alberto. We both remember the summers we
spent working in the farms back in Italy, growing tomatoes and grapes to be
sold in the market. Perhaps this is also where father has gone, as though I
have searched high and low for him these past two months, he is nowhere to be
found. I would be lying to say that this does not discourage me, but I must
push on. America does not wait on the lazy and I am still optimistic that I
will find good fortune. Take brother, and I will write to you soon again.
Until next time,
Alberto
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