Letter from Buchenwald concentration camp written on November 30, 1941, by Joseph Sliwanski to his wife Martha

My dear Martha! First, I must tell you the following: Registered mail is forbidden to be sent to political prisoners. It is out of the question for Diola because you do not have any important business to tell me. It was with pleasure that I received your dear letter of the 16th of November and thank you very much for your kind words. So, you got your money just in time. But the cold also set in so suddenly, it is good you can hear something about warmth. It was so, since the mothers had to do their work with the others. So many Czechs at once, it was really a surprise. You too, dear Martha, will have to endure a lot in your business in Drazic. But you always must worry again that a mild spring will follow a severe winter. It will take a long time, and we have softened. What will Santa bring? Leuser's most fervent wish would have to come true, that would be a joy. But I do not believe that good luck beckons us. Darling, if you still want to give me some holiday cheer, then send me the rest of the money. I am grateful to you in advance. Otherwise, I do not use everything. I can tell you about myself that I am still healthy, which I can also tell you about you and all those who have changed. At home and at the front, I hope. Many warm greetings to my dear parents and Godparents, Czechs, elderly, and relatives. Be, dear Martha, heartily comforted by your poems. Sepp