254 EAST PRUSSIA TO THE GOLDEN GATE 



you before. For instance, just at present I am again at 

 a boarding* house; simply because, while I am sick, I 

 have better care there; I can have a cup of tea, or any- 

 thing* I need on short notice, and do not have to prepare 

 it myself; I can select among different well prepared 

 dishes what suits me best; and last, but not least, the 

 prices of provisions are so high at present, that the small 

 saving which might be effected— perhaps 2 or 3 dollars 

 a week — does not amount to anything, when you think 

 what it is to supply myself with wood and water; and 

 when I consider what time it takes to prepare my meals. 

 This alone would occupy me one or two hours a day; but 

 during the same time I can take out of my claim double 

 the amount I might save in preparing my own meals. I 

 shall remain in this boarding house until I am quite well 

 again, and until through cheaper provisions I can effect 

 a saving. 



Flour is worth now, lb $ .25 



Rice " 25 



Ham "..., 50 



Tea " 1.25 



Onions " 25 



Crackers " 35 



Candles each 15 



Beans lb 35 



Salt pork " 40 



Coffee " 40 



Potatoes " 15 



Fresh beef " 25 



Cheese " 30 



Matches, pr. hundred 12% 



I am very glad to see that you, my dearest mother, 

 take such a kind interest in * * * and * * * 

 the only two friends I had in Konigsberg. Though en- 

 tirely different in their ways, they have this in common, 

 both are pleasant and thorough gentlemen. Your hint, 

 that I might have the pleasure to grasp my dear * * * 



