The Sixth Month

June 17, 1899

Dear Brother,

I hope you were surprised with the money that I sent home. I’m sure it’s more than enough, but as I’ve told mom, I hope you spend it wisely. Things are somewhat better than the month before, no longer do I worry about food, or place to sleep. But it is my moral that continues to be low for reasons I do not know of. In the mornings, I wake after a long rest and yet I still feel tired. The world seems sluggish and the grey of the walls and brown of the floor seem ever more flat and dark. There is no motivation for me to help in the fields or at the desk. In my opinion, I doubt the medicine the doctor gave me the month before, a prescription of a tonic for general illnesses as well as some kind of herbal remedy I could concoct at home. Though my other discomforts went away, I wonder if it was simply replaced instead by this constant lethargy.  I am no expert on medicine, but I believe it is safe to say, I should not be feeling like this after the treatment. But because of my energy, I think I will wait until he comes around the farm next week or so. I do not think it is a big issue to worry about; I am simply frustrated that I have been so unproductive. Hopefully, in my next letter I will be able to bring better news. Enjoy the money brother, and I will write to you when I can.

Your brother,

Alberto

The Fifth Month

May 6, 1899

Dear Mother,

I’m sorry I have not written to you in while. I have had a bad case of food poisoning that left me quite sick. I’m not sure what it was, perhaps it was the bread or milk, which may have been spoiled. I’ve probably been rationing my food for too long, but that is about to change. I believe it is fate that has finally smiled upon me mother, for yesterday, in the fields, I came across a buried chest. How no one else unearthed it, I do not know, but inside this chest, I found a great amount of dirty coins, which upon closer inspection and much cleaning turned out to be gold coins. Thinking quickly, I hid the chest under some clothes in my room, and I only spent what I needed, buying medicine, and sending a great amount home to you. Because my health has greatly improved, I am once again optimistic and I have picked up the search for father again, this time with a great amount of resources. Now it would seem odd for me to leave the farm so suddenly with so much money in my pocket, so for now I have decided to stay and finish up the season before my resignation. Enclosed you will find enough money to make up for the past months and more. Please spend it wisely, as even this much wealth can disappear without prudence. Tell brother I send him my regards.

Love, 

Alberto