The voyage of Thekla Nübling, part 5
For members of the Mitchell family
Thekla’s descendants are extremely lucky; a whole set of letters that she wrote to her family in Germany survive to tell her story of coming to America. I have done my best to translate these letters, so here they are (slightly abridged and edited for clarity).
This fifth set of letters describes her time in New York City while she waits for her brother, Max.
July 5, 1828
New York City
Today it has been 14 days since I arrived, and Max is not yet here. Mr. Browster told me yesterday that he will probably not come for another eight to 10 days, that he did not even suspect that I’d be here yet, and that he has been delayed by business.
I quite like it here. If I long for my brother or for you, or if I do not wish to practice English or French, I go to Minchen and chat in German; it is so pleasant for this lovely girl, as it is for me, to have found a fellow German, since she is often alone at home. I go there rather informally, as though we were close relatives, and if they have something that I like to eat I’ll sit down at the table. I have even slept there.
The doctor is seldom at home; he has to make so many visits, and when he does come home he has to make medicines because the pharmacies are very not well stocked. In the evenings, when his business is concluded, he sits down with us and we have many entertaining conversations; he always knows how to tell a story, and he’s funny. In this way he is different from most other respected and learned men.
The other day I made Swedish dumplings, and the cooking was just as pleasurable as the eating. They all tasted good, and I had to promise to cook like that again, and so I will, when Max can dine with us too.
Yesterday I saw such a crowd of people that my head is still dizzy from it. They were celebrating the festival of American Independence. Every year at this time, the nearby military forces gather in New York and Philadelphia; 14 regiments, each preceded by music, are led around the city. The military is followed by the guilds, pair by pair in a long stretched procession, each guild with its flag. It looked really nice and reminded my of the Ulm “Homage Day” that my father so very much enjoys.
But sometimes it made me laugh, too, for among the marchers came several who I thought looked like dolls with flaxen wigs, like those I had played with so much as a child. Also, some of the riders made me very concerned, because I thought they would tumble off the horses. The parade lasted two full hours, and people watched it from all the windows. Although our street has considerable width, it was so filled with spectators that the procession had to break through them.
In the afternoon I stayed with Minchen, because it is really only the common folk who participate in the party outdoors. It was very entertaining to sit by the window while the young women paraded around in silk dresses, with their silk hats with veils, white silk shoes, and silk stockings.
Today was a parade for Blacks, of whom there are a great number here, because they are free. It has been two years since they were given their liberty. It really makes us newly-arrived Germans puzzled, to see these people so polished up. Gradually one becomes accustomed to it. At first I was even a little afraid of the men, but some of them act better and are more law-abiding than the white people.
July 9, 1828
New York City
I still need to get used to something here — that being the thunderstorms that break out nearly every day, which are sometimes much more violent here than in Swabia. Also, fire often breaks out in the city, but when the fire alarm bell is rung at night, people only reach for the walls; if the walls are not warm to the touch, you can stay in bed, no need to evacuate. The city pays a total of 3,000 firemen, of which there are always a certain number in alternating shifts in the water-hose sheds. Our street has not had a fire since I’ve been here. The fire usually breaks out in the part of the city where there are still various wooden buildings, of which 15 burned down only yesterday.
July 10, 1828
New York City
Mr. Bruun, a Mecklenburger and a former good friend of my deceased uncle, just brought me a warmly written letter from my aunt in Philadelphia. She would have come to me already, but little Margaret was not well. Mr. Bruun came from New Orleans and spoke with Max there, so I have finally gotten a German perspective on this important matter. He should now be journeying with several other Germans who want to spend a few months in New York. He still does not expect to find me already here.
I can’t thank God enough for my health. How bad would it be if I got sick? But Dr. S. also offers everything to keep me from being becoming ill; he says: if I follow his orders, he will gradually get me so accustomed to the climate that I will not have to endure any illnesses in the South.
Mr. Hypeden, an associate of T. Mayer, graced me with a visit just as soon as he was gone. Then doctor came and scolded me to get to bed; I should bathe at 10 o’clock, and lie and rest while the heat is greatest.
But I explained to him, “Hot out there, hot in here, and I can not sleep in broad daylight.”
He had to laugh, and said as he left, “All right, your iron-clad nature will keep you healthy.”
July 12, 1828
New York City
This letter has to go; the parcel-ship is leaving the day after tomorrow. My patience is so thin that if he does not come today or tomorrow, I think I shall mail myself in a package back to you. Yet — still I wait on him.
Yesterday I went on the steamboat to Hoboken. Oh! How nice, how splendid it was there! Scarcely could I restrain myself from tears; this region has a striking resemblance to our Thalfingen on the Danube, but it is actually even prettier.
As soon as Max arrives, I will write again.
Stay tuned for the next set of letters, wherein Thekla and her brother are finally reunited.