3 January 1950

Berne, Auguste
Mayor of Feves

Dear friend,

I thank you for your greetings which I have received so far and I hasten to present to you my best wishes for the year 1950 to you, your family and all the people of Morganville. I would be very grateful to you to be my messenger to the Morganville-Feves Committee and to thank them for all their efforts, their generosity and wholeheartedly again assert to them our good company and our great desire that this beautiful friendship born in kindness and charity extends indefinitely.

Your charity was great and the small gift that you received must be a tangible and permanent thanks for your generosity.

Moreover, the visits of Mrs. Utley and Mr. Koelling have proven that from both sides a frank friendship was established. Mr Koelling told you of his short stay in Feves, an all too brief stay which did not allow him to get in direct contact with the entire population. Mrs. Utley, in contrast, knows everyone. Her big heart and kindness conquered all Feves and now she is at home with us.

I would like to give you some information about 1949. The fruit harvest was good. By contrast, wheat and rye suffered from voles (mice). Drought did not affect the other crops.

At the current time, it is too mild for the season and that does not bode well. We look forward to the snow and hope the wind does not come.

Some comments about the packages: all have arrived intact and safe. The distribution was well done. Mr. Torlotting and wife are responsible for making the necessary arrangements.

Therefore, dear colleague and friend, I will end by shaking your hand over the ocean and with fervent wishes that everyone at Morganville live in peace and happiness.

Aug. Berne

(Note: translated from French)