Original text

Mühringen July 9/74

Dear Bell

Your letter with Photo of the 19th ult. was gladly received on the 5th & would I have replied at once but for a short trip in company of mother & sister to Rottweil from which we returned last night. I suppose my Postal from Carlsruhe is to hand which told you that I landed in best of health & had a slow but otherwise good voyage without getting seasick at all. I was one of the few who stood up all the way. My parents sisters & brother-in-laws all been to meet & see me & I do not know how to express or describe the meeting. Thank God I found them all in good health & not much changed. I could write so much that I do not know where to begin first. I kept a diary while on steamer but do not keep it up now not having so to say any time for it, as I have either visitors or pay visits in town & abroad. Have also seen some of my former employers who were indeed more pleased to see me. In Stuttgart I have been 3 or 4 times already, but somehow have to go there several times again. Imnau (a watering place, mineral springs & fashionable place) is within 10 minutes walk from this place where I have met several Americans. I go there very often & have also danced there already. I played a good deal of chess on steamer & also play frequently in Imnau & here, but have to say myself, I have not gotten beaten yet. Think the bad playing of the adversaries is the cause. English is now a main point in fashionable circles & I have had the pleasure to meet with several German Ladies who speak the language tolerable well. I have so far enjoyed myself very much & the social life in Germany is far ahead of ours across the water. As to Business I have not had time to notice or examine much into, however, parties who, when I left this country were in moderate circumstances, are now well off & living to suit their wealth in cities or towns. But now to your favor. Your photo I think is very good excepting the left eye. Please accept my thanks for same. I am sorry to hear you feel indisposed so much so as not to accept the invitation to Louisville where I should think it would be more pleasant during the hot summer than in Philada. In this country it is not so warm as in America. Hope that all of you are well. I have not had time yet to visit your relations in Osterberg, but have forwarded the letters saying I shall call as soon as I can. From Fincastle I got so far only one letter with the sad news of the death of Godwins Babie. I shall write to your Pa & Uncle Henry shortly. I will close as you may get tired of reading. Kindly requesting you to give my best wishes to your Parents, sisters, aunts & cousins & yourself. I offer the regards of
Your friend
Isaac Sweitzer

Please remember me in your next to Uncle Henry & shall write to him soon.

All my folks have asked to be kindly remembered & best of wishes.

Transcribed by Renate Evers