The Third Letter

January 5, 1899

Dear Brother,

Winter is here, and my fever has not gone away. Instead I have had hallucinations, seeing you, mother, or father in places where I am sure they and you are not. As I was at the market yesterday, many times did I often see a tall man in a dark coat following me, and I was sure he was there until I turned and he vanished. Sometimes when I catch a glimpse of his face, it is yours, sometimes father’s, and sometimes mother’s image that greets me. I believe I am homesick, and I am suspicious of everything now, and so I will try to stay at home until the fever goes away. I have already made plans to move out west, where I can work in agriculture where the air is cleaner and the people are less. With my expertise in English as well as farming, I have already been selected as a translator for other Italian immigrants who may wish to work in agriculture as well.  But with my hallucinations and sickness, I have not been able to work and I have only managed to write this letter with the strength of a long day’s rest and a drink. I do not believe it is a cause yet for alarm as death does not feel close, but I will not be able to send back as much money as before. Without work, it has been more difficult to pay rent, so I much conserve my spending to the bare necessities of food and shelter. I will write again as soon as I get better. Tell mother I love her.

Until next time,

Alberto