“My dear wife and children! I am really glad to have received a letter from you but am curious why you haven’t written for such a long time. I have received the money, these last twenty marks, for which I thank very much, and I ask you to continue to think about me and my son. The weather here is very nice and I wonder how it is at your place. Please write to me often, and please answer every one of my letters. I am curious what you have done with the pig. Have you, my dear wife, permission to slaughter? Now I’m curious how it is with grandmother. How is her health? Please remember our vacation! I kiss you, I kiss everybody, but several to you and the children. Your husband Peter.”
Addressed to;
Josef Novy
Bakery
Domazlice
Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia
From:
My Address: Prisoner
Name: Josef Novy
Date of Birth: 27th April 1911
Prisoner Number: 73,034. Block 9a, Concentration Camp Auschwitz, Post Office II
Auschwitz, 14th February 1943
My dear ones!
I’m in good health, and I’m alright - I hope the same applies to you. I’ve received 3 letters and 6 parcels from you recently - all in good shape. Letters and parcels may not be sent registered, just send the parcels as per the first ones. The first parcels made me very happy - particularly the chocolate honey and the many sweets - please send more like that. My brother Jarde and aunt Milka could also send me packages - I would be very grateful. Send the money as I previously asked you, i.e., RM 40.- per month.
From now on I shall only be allowed to write once a month. Your lovely letters are a source of great happiness, and I look forward to receiving more. Please don’t forget to send me garlic, onions, and enough sugar. I thank you for everything you have done for me, and I hope that you will not forget about me. I’m always with you in my thoughts, and am looking forward to seeing you again. Please give my regards to all friends and relations, especially the Faila family.
Your thankful son, Josef
PS. You can send parcels frequently.
Josef Novy
Bakery
Domazlice
Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia
From:
My Address: Prisoner
Name: Josef Novy
Date of Birth: 27th April 1911
Prisoner Number: 73,034. Block 9a, Concentration Camp Auschwitz, Post Office II
Auschwitz, 14th February 1943
My dear ones!
I’m in good health, and I’m alright - I hope the same applies to you. I’ve received 3 letters and 6 parcels from you recently - all in good shape. Letters and parcels may not be sent registered, just send the parcels as per the first ones. The first parcels made me very happy - particularly the chocolate honey and the many sweets - please send more like that. My brother Jarde and aunt Milka could also send me packages - I would be very grateful. Send the money as I previously asked you, i.e., RM 40.- per month.
From now on I shall only be allowed to write once a month. Your lovely letters are a source of great happiness, and I look forward to receiving more. Please don’t forget to send me garlic, onions, and enough sugar. I thank you for everything you have done for me, and I hope that you will not forget about me. I’m always with you in my thoughts, and am looking forward to seeing you again. Please give my regards to all friends and relations, especially the Faila family.
Your thankful son, Josef
PS. You can send parcels frequently.
“The letter carrier’s lot is an unhappy one. He rises at five in the morning and works till nine, ten in the evening and in spite of that, he receives no weekly wage, but gets paid by the piece—six groszy per letter, and after subtracting all taxes and contributions to “social insurance” from which he, as a Jew, cannot benefit according to the canons of the occupation authorities, but for which he enjoys the privilege of paying, there hardly remains five groszy net. The delivery of one hundred, even one hundred and fifty letters a day nets him a ridiculous sum, when a loaf of black bread costs between 22 and 24 groszy ….”
My dearest parents and sister,
Your letter as always brought me great happiness. Mother, did you celebrate your name day? I am well. I thank father for the boots. What is new with Mr. Wojczik and Maria? Thank Mr Wojczik for his regards and please send mine. We have had our first snow. Please send my regards to Grandmother and Aunt Magdusia and Uncle and also Mrs. Srokowska. I would be grateful if one of my friends wrote a note to me.
How are you? What have you heard? Everything is in order here. I am miss you a lot. How is Dad doing with his work? Thank G-d that everyone is healthy. You don’t have to send me so much money; you need it for the house. I don’t smoke. Did we have a good crop of apples from the tree? Is everything set for the winter?
Can’t wait to hear from you,
With greetings and kisses from your loving son,
Lolek
Your letter as always brought me great happiness. Mother, did you celebrate your name day? I am well. I thank father for the boots. What is new with Mr. Wojczik and Maria? Thank Mr Wojczik for his regards and please send mine. We have had our first snow. Please send my regards to Grandmother and Aunt Magdusia and Uncle and also Mrs. Srokowska. I would be grateful if one of my friends wrote a note to me.
How are you? What have you heard? Everything is in order here. I am miss you a lot. How is Dad doing with his work? Thank G-d that everyone is healthy. You don’t have to send me so much money; you need it for the house. I don’t smoke. Did we have a good crop of apples from the tree? Is everything set for the winter?
Can’t wait to hear from you,
With greetings and kisses from your loving son,
Lolek