Dear Mina! From Munich we received a desperate letter today, and in Stuttgart still nothing for Betty's passport photographs has arrived. [Someone] telegraphed this week that the journey would depart next week — what is causing the great delay — Bella in Boston or Aunt Hermine? By the way, the Munich [relatives] have sent 4 crates and 5 kg here, and we will have them loaded on one of the next ships, and you will then need to take them into storage. A family named Bernhard Göschel from Forchheim and a Mr. Jacob Kaufmann from Bayreuth will presumably bring the luggage or take it along; they depart on the 28th. Perhaps it will be sent on another ship, in which case I will let you know by telegram or by "Clipper" [airmail]. Crate: 6963 — with couch/bedding, beds, etc. 6964 — Household items 6965 — [contents not specified] 6966 — Book crate Suitcases: I.O. 1, 10, 12, 14–18 containing clothes, linens, paintings and pictures You must see how you can get to Erich. [The] Kellers say how glad they are! Warm greetings, Arthur
Handwritten letter
Handwritten letter discussing shipping of belongings, with inventory
[Main body:] Liebe Mina! Von München [?] bekommen wir heute einen verzweifelten [?] Brief, und in Stuttgart weiter für [?] noch für Betty Lustphotographire eingetroffen. Man [?] diese woche telegraphiert die Fahrt [?] gingen nächste Woche ab, woran liegt nun die grosse Verzögerung — an Bella in Boston oder an Tante Hermine? Übrigens haben die Münchener 4 Kisten und 5 Kg hierhergeschickt, und wir lassen solche mit einem der nächsten Schiffe verladen und musst Du dann solche in Verwahrung nehmen. Voraussichtlich wird eine Familie Bernhard Göschel aus Forchheim und ein Herr Jacob Kaufmann aus Bayreuth das Gepäck oder mitnehmen; diese reisen am 28. [?] hier ab. Vielleicht schicken es aber auch mit einem anderen Schiff dann lasse ich Dich telegrafisch oder per "Clipper" wissen. Kiste: 6963 mit Couch betten Betten etc. 6964 — Haushaltungssachen 6965 — 6966 — Bücherkiste Koffer: I.O.1, 10, 12, 14–18 enthaltend Kleider, Wäsche, Gemälde u. Bilder [?] du musst eben sehen wie Du zu Erich Komest. [?] Kellers sprechen Wie froh sind wir! herzl. Grüsse Arthur
This letter documents the logistics of shipping household belongings out of Germany — a critical aspect of Jewish emigration. The Oppenheimers were sending crated possessions via ship to the United States through intermediaries. The mention of passport photographs, "Clipper" airmail, and the urgency about delays reflects the desperate race to emigrate. Bernhard Göschel from Forchheim and Jacob Kaufmann from Bayreuth appear to be fellow Jewish emigrants carrying luggage on the same ship. The detailed inventory of crates and suitcases preserves a record of what the family tried to save from their household.