33. Jules to St. Paul 1866

In the Springtime of 1866 my brother Jules and his family arrived. We gave them gratuitously the rooms on the third floor. We had rejoiced much to see them come; and we hoped to be able to help them, and that we might live in perfect unity together, since we asked nothing from them. We gave them the wood, the bed, the stove, and other pieces of furniture, so that they might at once feel at home. I accompanied my brother and found him work at two dollars and twenty-five cents a day for the start. But he, his wife, and his children hated us, saying about us all the evil they could, and not wanting even to improve their rooms; fearing that we would have the fruits of their labor when they should leave. They even wrote against us to Switzerland.

They lived with us for one year, and then left for Osseo. For several years their hatred did not diminish. At length there came a time when they quarreled with my brother George's family, particularly with Emilie. Then they came to us with their complaints; and from then on I think their hatred was over.

When Jules arrived from Switzerland, I informed myself concerning our former neighbors and friends. There was not one of whom they did not speak ill, except Echmann. The father, the mother, the children, all apparently with the same trait and failings. Singular character!

My brother although so full of hatred for privileged classes, is tender toward children. He could not see human blood flowing without fainting. He doesn't pay his debts too quickly, but he would do no wrong to anyone. He freely gives hospitality to any Swiss who crosses his path; and with such he would be generous. His property in Osseo consists of fifty acres, a level piece of ground, all cultivated, but with no spring.He must pump the water he needs. With each letter he writes me, he complains of his crops. Each year seems to him to be a bad one.