Gerard Derkenne - Letters from Holland

Amersfoort 8th June 1854

Sir,
Just a few lines to say Mother wrote to me on Monday. She probably isn�t able to pick me up for the music festival. Because rehearsals are just before the promotion days, she asked me to ask Willem if he was going, and if so, could he take me to Rotterdam. Can I get an answer soon?
My deepest respect, your dearest friend,
Gerard
(In a hurry)

Amersfoort 29th June 1854

Dear Friend,
I've got time for just a few lines, but I hope you're happy to get them. Thank you very much for the beautiful books you gave me. I hope I�ll always be worth your friendship , and that our love for each other will grow.
Now about our trip. Mother wrote to me yesterday to say that nothing would please her more than if you invited me to come along. She told me I could choose t either stay with you on the promotin day, or stay with Mr Beek.
To tell you the truth, I rather stay with you, because we spoke to each other in the last year only once, now we can speak again. Moreover it�s more pleasant with you than to sit in the upheaval of the children at the Beek's. And most of all on the promotion day there is so much rabble around. I don�t like that. So I'm hoping to impose upon you. Now dear Jan I�ve nothing more to say, but please write soon, and let me know if I can stay with your mother on the promotion day. I�m very exited that it is only one and a haaf weeks week until the vacation. Now dear Jan I stop, and give you my greetings, your dear loving friend, Gerard Derkenne

P.S. Don�t judge my letter on style or language, cause I�m half asleep - it�s 5 o�clock

Rotterdam 8 August 1854

Friend,
The doctor just visited - I had to wait impatiently to find out when he would take his leave and when we can go on our postponed trip. Finally, after a long conversation, he said I could go on Saturday, on the noon or 3pm train (whatever time is convenient for you. That ugly doctor, I want to kick him down the stairs for making me believe I could leave early)
If it isn�t too much to ask, could you write me a few lines before Saturday, telling me which train you would like, and at what time you could pick me up. We could leave at half past nine, but the doctor wanted to visit me to see if I am doing well, but is only able to visit me after 10 o�clock.
Wishing you all the best
I always be your beloved friend
Gerard Derkenne
PS Forgive me my bad handwriting because it�s done in a big hurry,

Don�t show this letter to anybody, because my secretary has written it and I �m not satisfied with her style or handwriting.
Adieu,

Rotterdam 26 July 1855

Dear friend Jan
I'm leaving the Sir behind so I can start my letter differently. Yesterday (Monday) I wrote a letter to Sir van Vlooten with the request to visit him on Wednesday the first of August. He will be surprised that I want to visit him on Wednesday in the middle of the week, but that�s because the music exam is being held on Tuesday evening 31st July in the Doele, and because I would like you to be there also. That's why I wrote Wednesday. But yesterday I received a letter from Sir van Vlooten in which he said he would like to see us on the 6th August, as he is cleaning the following week. I prefer the other week before the exam. I heard there shall be public festival for the opening of the Rijn railroad, and when we return from The Hague we will be in the middle of the village fair. Please answer me as soon as possible. I've enclosed Sir van Vlooten's letter. I�m now in my room, withe the door closed so I can read a novel.
I would be very happy if you came. In the meantime give my compliments to Willem and write me sometime how it is with his eye . Tell him I wish him a speedy recovery. Regards to your mum and dad, I await your answer.

Your always loving Gerard
Forgive me my bad handwriting and bad style and write back as soon as possible

Don�t laugh about the address - I don't know how to write it.

Rotterdam 22 February 1856

Sir
Ever since during my stay in Amersfoort I wanted to write you, But knowing I would leave very soon, I postponed writing until I had settled in Rotterdam. I asssured you in the Christmas vacation that I'd keep on on studying, but to tell you the truth, I was bored eating letters all day. After my dad was here on Quinquagesima (shrove Sunday), he said he would come and get me on the next Sunday, a decision his lord's son heard with great relief, although Dad also said I shouldn't think it would be easy in Rotterdam, that I would be running on empty or something like that. He also said that I wouldn't get so so much money. Sir Heikamp had told him that I was a bit too carefree, but he would keep me busy etc. etc. Dad kept his promise and picked me up next Sunday. When I said goodbye to Sir Heikamp, he didn�t forget to admonish me. I let them talk.

I've arrived in Rotterdam. I�ve been here for a day or three and I already I've been to a beautiful concert of uncle Hutschenruiter, where I had the great pleasure to meet your brother Willem. We were entertained greatly at the concert, because we had the great pleasure of hearing Miss Offermans and Lubeck the piano player and also Mr V�lman from The Hague, a first clarinet player.

This concert makes me think of Simon Brons, the boy soprano, your cousin. He went up to Miss Offermans to give his compliments with his hands in his pockets. He pretended to be a boy who knows absolutely nothing about music, and so rude to boot. We almost killed ourselves laughing. Now I�m sitting at home for three hours writing and practice my German. At half past 12, I�m going to read the newspaper and half past one I'll have dinner. At 2 o�clock I�m going to my Dad to let him check my book and then at half past four until 7 I'll do a bit of walking.

If it�s dark I�ll promenade on the Hoogstraat, and if I see a girl I like I�ll give her my arm. You�ll probably know how I was those holidays, in love with that Marie who I pointed out to you in the Doelen in the great room at the Matine Musicale on Saturday at the fair. I'm working up to visiting her again, and that�s why you see me all the time on the GrooteMarkt or at the Blaak. She lives at the GrooteMarkt, and her sister lives on the Blaak - she's often there. I'm not afraid to admit I am fond of her.

They are trying to place me on an office, and because I already have a lot of protection it will soon work out. At evening at the Hoogstraat it�s just like a fair. Full of boy-crazy girls and girl-crazy boys.

You only have to choose next Friday week. I�ll visit the Doele where they will perform Hayden's Creation. I'm so excited.

You probably think I�m very good in keeping my diet, but no. I eat meat on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, but I don�t have to tell you this. Do me a favour and please write within the next week.

I must excuse myself for using sir at the begin of my letter. That�s because I haven�t seen you a long time and so I don't dare to write something else. And also please excuse me for my writing and paper, it will be better next time. Please also be so kind to address your letter directly to me, namely

The Youngman G: Derkenne
Address
Miss the widow W Hutschenruiter
In Rotterdam�
Delftschevaart

because otherwise it will be opened. In the hope to hear from you soon.
Votre d�vou� Gerard

Rotterdam 11 June 1856

Sir!
You must surely be cross with me because I made you wait so long for a reply. I�m a regretful sinner and that�s why I say, �mea culpa mea maxima culpa.� To make up for my sins, I�ll write as much as I can.
First, about myself. I work three days from 9 in the morning until half past two at the office, then I quickly go eat something and go to my dad. At 5 o�clock I go there again until half past eight and then I also have twice a week German lessons. I could write about other things but I�ll keep it private, because I am afraid to tell you because of your last letter and admonishments.

For the last couple of days we've had beautiful weather. Sunday was a wonderful day. Then there was music in the park. It was so crowded and there were so many � to amuse me perfectly. Tonight will be the same again, so there'll definitely be something to do. You could come to Rotterdam just for the park. You could amuse yourself because there is such a magnificent building. I expect to see you here this summer. Promise me.
But I�m to egoistic and speak constantly about myself. How are you in that academic city? Unlike you, I am very angry at Utrecht. I hope you will amuse yourself as you did in Rotterdam during the music festival because then they were halfway to heaven.
Our tenor Theo Bergh, will tell what Rotterdam can do if they like. But now another chapter. My sister Cato along with Petrus and Paulus are helping make the days nice. We'lll have a church service with instruments. There is already a busy rehearsal.

But how�s Willem now? I haven�t heard from him for ages, That poor guy is there in Amersfoort, Its boring there. He should be here in Rotterdam.
I hope, Jan, you see through all this nonsense, and don't start asking 'What's wrong with his mind?' I'm in a good mood today because it�s such good weather, and because of all other sorts of things I shall not mention here. But now I�m being dull. I hope Jan you aren't upset for having had to wait so long, and that you are faster with writing than me. Hopefully I will see a proof of it soon. yours sincerely

Your noble friend
Gerard Derkenne

Rotterdam 29 December 1856

Sir,
I rather think you�re not in the land of the living anymore, because I never hear from you, I want to convince myself, and if I do not get an answer for this, I'll be certain you're dead.

I won�t tell you how my work is, because it's not worth mentioning. It�s the usual office practice, which you will be familiar with, although you do not work in an office.
Hopefully in January I'll get to see your brother Willem. And maybe I'll see you too, to check if you haven�t become grey because of all the study in th middle of the night etc, etc etc.

This winter we haven�t had many concerts, operas etc, only Eruditio for which I got a ticket for six concerts. The 4th concert is the Seasons, and they are already busy rehearsing. I also heard that Gardoni and Wieniawski will soon give a concert and the tickets will cost three and two francs. Wieniawski will be heard in the Yacht Club building. Nowadays we also have concerts of Verhulst with only songs of his composition accompanied by piano. Sometimes it�s very beautiful, but usually becomes pretty boring.

With the approach of the new year, I don�t want to be the last to wish you good luck with your study. I hope you'll soon be free of you classes, that you will always have a full purse, and never be short. I hate all the common wishes in all the new years letters.

I hope you will be satisfied with it, which I think you will be, Sir!

Although I do not write all the usual compliments and congratulations which usually are done I do sincerely mean them, and I�ll add that I hope you will also write something.

Looking forward to your reply

Your friend
Gerard Derkenne

August 20 1857

Friend,

At last I found some time to write to you. I didn't have any because the fair took it all. I've been having a great time because my sisters are both out of town. Cato is in your area and Gonne in Germany.

On Saturday it gets better. The famous Doelen horse races are on. Some people will go there at 6 o�clock and some even at 5 o�clock to get a good place even though they don't start until 7:30 - it�s really strange to see. Decent housewives with food and bottles of current geneva gin peeking out of their pockets etc etc etc

Speaking of gin, you should have been at the Doelen Saturday morning for the so-called current vomit or at the matinee musicals (that�s dying with laughter, in the big hall was music, and when they started playing a waltz the whole hall started to dance and sing. It was fun to look at and to join them.)

But you already know what goes on at the fair. Especially in Utrecht were there are so many lovers around for all those nice � girls.
I do humbly ask you to forgive me for the above sentence. It somehow dropped out of my pencil by accident, and I don't feel like rewriting the whole letter.

I�ve corresponded with Mr van Vlooten for sometime. He's asked me to visit him on Saturday and Monday evening. That�s why I got a positive answer and now think that when the auction stress has past a bit, (it's in Amsterdam on the 31 August and the 4th of September), I�ll go to the honourable.
I don�t have any further news, I hope you do not wait as long as I did with writing back

Votre devou�

Gerard Derkenne

October 27 1857

Friend!
I was happy to get your letter on Sunday, but I didn't much like the style. I hope it's a passing fad.
In the meantime, friend, I must already congratulate you on your birthday, hoping with you that although my letter is addressed to J.H. Jur: Stud and she next year will be addressed not to Juris Card: but to Mr J.H. resident of Utrecht Amsterdam or Rotterdam, member of General State, Regional lawyer, all possible titles.
I don't know if that's what you want, but to get there, you mustn�t work too hard, otherwise you�ll go backwards instead of forward. If you're like me and restless then you should give yourself another one or one and half years more. And then if you are ready no one will say that you spent your time with your etc, etc.
But Jan, without concealing something as important as the congratulations, you mustn�t be angry with me that I do not describe in detail what I wish you. For example I could wish you a nice beloved, a nice practice, always money in your pocket, good health, going fast trough your exam, etc etc etc I don�t know what you like most. So choose one or all. Thank me in your thoughts, as I thought about it

I must not forget and tell you. This birthday you�ll have to remember you left me from the 20th June until the 25th October without a letter. You will plan to never do this again. At home they say I would be a very good priest.
Of the students whose names you wrote me, I know Wijt and Muschaert fairly well, and how is it with van der Leeuw?

We have a seraphine organ cause ours is in repair, it's not very good. If you come over here for the fair, I�m sure you'll have passed your exam. Then you can hear it yourself.

It�s not yet decided if the three plays of the Company of Tone Art (Maatschappij van toonkunst ) will proceed. The Open Half from the Hague, which will playing here for the entire two weeks is very bad.

I assume you've heard that the Italians from London will give several concerts in Holland. I hope to get a letter from you in the next month saying your health is improving.
All yours
Gerard Derkenne

Sir J.J. Heiligers
Student Lawyer
Utrecht

Please give my regards to Willem and other family members, and excuse for my bad handwriting because I�m in a hurry. It�s already nine o�clock in the evening.

1859

Friend!
Perhaps you expected to receive a letter earlier, but I had so much work I couldn't get my head around it. As I thought the whole letter was �depeche� (French for in a hurry), A joke or what supposed to be one, it came with the boss who first said to me good morning and approved I was two more days gone. The work was kept up to date, so on the first day I didn�t have so much work as I thought it would be. I distributed two packages of thee, and was proclaimed as being very generous, the only comment was I looked spoiled. As they said lately on the office it was not alone from smoking cigars.

I�ve spoken with Willem, he said he wrote to you, so I won�t have to speak about it here.

The funeral of O. Spits was very solemn, I heard, I was also invited to carry the good man, but I thanked for it. We�ll probably do a requiem of Cherubini for the funeral.
They are all very anxious, asking themselves who'll come. I don't care.
The main purpose of this is only to say thanks for the fun etc etc during my short stay in Utrecht. I do apologize for all the boring moments, and also for the sorrow I caused by breaking the transparency. I've looked everywhere to see if I can replace it. Those I�ve seen were fairly rough. When I see a nice one it's so expensive it makes you shiver. Or at least, it makes me shiver.
This is the reason I didn�t pay the 10 guilders back. Although I�m normally very prompt with such things. I hope you do not urgently need it. I hope I can give it to you when you arrive in Rotterdam.
Willem and Gonne have been invited for a meal next Sunday at Bremer's. They had to apologize because they had to go to your uncle Nijs, for tea. Next Sunday week they go to uncle Hus, to play. What a life. And me, poor devil, all I do is work hard and not get invited.
No other news, excuse me for the strike throughs etc. Are you still busy with the obligations of the skipper? Write to me soon

Gerard Derkenne

I hope you have the patience to read this, as I can�t read it myself

19 May 1859

Dear Jan,
Thank you for your fast answer, and messages about Willem. The boss isn't here and I'm not in the mood for work, so I've got plenty of time to reply. As you said (and I agree) when somebody wants a partner in his office it�s not so good. I also don�t hope you thought in my last letter I had somebody in mind. I suggested the possibility Willem could find somebody. I�d like to explain it in person.
You write about staying. I must remind you about something that won't be a surprise - at least to Willem. Even though we appear to be friends with the van Beek family, there is basically a feud going on I would never stay at the van Beek, because I cannot forget the treatment they gave me.
I'd be happy to use your place for the Whitsun, if it's not too big sacrifice of you. I'd hate to be here during the Whitsun days. I'd be happy to sleep on the couch or something.
I can tell you this trip will be more pleasant than going to Amersfoort. I'll see Willem and also Mr Diepensant who'll be coming during the holidays. I'm not so involved with the others. Be so kind as to give me free time, without embarrassing or offending you. I don't want to be a nuisance. Please answer me at once about this. We've had two messages from Willem via sister He seems to enjoy himself very much, he shall
probably be in Amersfoort. How is it now? Can he or may he read his letter first? You understand this is Gonne's best interests to see if her letter is read or not?
For the rest nothing special. Please give my greetings to Willem, and tell him I�ll write him soon. Looking forward to your answer, signed

Your inclined friend
Gerard Derkenne

8 November 1859

Friend!
Just a few lines to let you know I have a ticket for the concert of Schillers just for you. I'm counting on you coming on Friday. Let me know what train you'll be on, so I can pick you up. You can use Willem tomorrow as a messenger.
I've run out of time, cause I have to go to the Song Association rehearsal at seven. If I�m too late Verhulst will punish me like last Friday.

Gerard Derkenne

6 o�clock at night.

28 January 1860

Friend!
You must be wondering why I'm writing, thinking, 'What does he want to say now?' I�ll help you stop wondering and tell you directly. Mother is, as you already know, suffering. Yesterday she had a serious fainting spell, so her health is going downhill. What�s she�s really suffering from I don�t know, but I think it�s a female disease.
If I�m right it�s a blood loss thing although I really have no knowledge of those things. They say to fix that old port wine should be prescribed to give her new strength. I don't know how much that would cost, and I am sure I�d never get as good as you have. It's a big ask, but please would you be so good as to send me one bottle. I don�t like to ask but it is for my mother. I hope you have one left - we went through a few last time I was with you. I know transporting wine is not a good idea, as it becomes turbid, but there is no other way. I believe a pipe basket with lead will be the best package for it. If you don�t have one I believe if you wrap some straw around the bottle, and tell the railway about it.

By the way I must tell you I got a 100 guilder raise. I'm now on 700.
Thanks in advance for this even if you don't send anything, in which case I'll know you have none left, something that would pain you as much as it does me.
I hope you received the parcel I send you on Thursday

Signed in a hurry
Your devoted

Gerard Derkenne

28 January 1860

3 March 1860

Friend!
Among the many accidents people can get into, there is one especially designed for young people and that�s conscription. As I found out. I was picked out in the lottery. Don�t be afraid, I won�t go, even though all my friends say it would be perfect for me. If I didn�t have to leave so many things behind, I would do it. But my guardian-angel boss has intervened. I visited him this morning to make some things clear for him. He said he'd lend me 325 guilder from his public cashier, to get a name changer. I can pay it back in yearly amounts of 100 or 200 guilder, but I might be able to persuade him to give it to me as a present. That would be good, because otehrwise I'll have to work hard for it.

Next Friday the Horma will be announced at the Singel. On Thursday Jews bought complete couches from the parterre. I have had great trouble even getting two standing tickets, so it will be a full house. I see the Pioortore is not for you, but a concert is. Uncle H. ill give his concert in a fortnight in which will play Buziau, Miss Offermans will sing and a new symphony will be played. No further news on the musical scene.

How are you, I heard from Willem you are every fine, is this true?

Mother is getting better, I shall go to the church with a 'vigilante'

No further news, I�ve no more time. Please do write to me soon.

Your devoted
Gerard Derkenne
3-3-1860

3 May 1860

Dear Jan
No doubt you've been expecting me to write for a while, but I've really had no time. You'd understand the catastrophe hit me very hard. That�s why I've been seeking distraction in my work. I work from nine until four, then from five until nine in the evening. What we lost in mother I don�t have to tell you, you know it yourself. It's still like a dream. I keep my appearances up for the sake of my sister, but nobody can replace her in my affections. I�m now alone, and don�t wish to open up a wound that�s not yet closed. It doesn�t help. Willem will have written to you about the circumstances, so I won't go into those. I'm just keeping myself busy through work.
We have to be frugal, too, especially because of the expenses mother incurred as a result of her illness. There were bills that were left unpaid, and which we have to pay now.
You may ne skeptical but I can adapt to any circumstances.

Due to what happened, I�m more convinced than ever to do something mother would not have allowed: go to the Dutch East Indies. Off course, I won't for a couple of years yet, since my sisters need me. Mother didn't want me to go because she would have then been without me, even though she often admitted I would probably get a good job there. I've liked the idea for a while but have felt I need to stay here to support her. Now she's gone, there's no serious obligation or affection which can hold me from my plan.
I'm sure you understand that all this is strictly confidential. I'm counting on your discretion.

Off course all the plans to leave town etc. have evaporated. I�ll probably see you here at Whitsun. I�m a member at the Officer's Society, where I introduced you at the Aida performance. We won't be in mourning due to the high costs, and it doesn't mean anything anyway.

We received a lot of condolences and sympathy as I already told you. Gonne is contacting them as time permits.

No more news, only I saw this in the newspaper. My friend Embrecht has been appointed by the high counsel as solicitor and lawyer at the supreme court in the Dutch East Indies. You might know this already

I've enclosed a memorial card, the burial was last Friday. I can�t cope with it. The pastor accepted money for it. It annoys me terribly, considering she was a woman who put so much time and effort into the church.

I hope to hear from you soon,
Your devoted friend
Gerard Derkenne

3rd May 1860

18 May 1860

Honorable Jan,
As you would have noticed, our letters have crossed.

It would please me very much if you visit me over Ascension. We�ll have some fun. I only fear those awkward conversations which will force you to make visits, thereby losing the best part of the day. If you could do without the visits, it would please me a lot. Suppose you visited Hulstkamp and suddenly you�re asked to pass by at the evening, asked for dinner or something similar. Perhaps you could talk your way out of it. But now comes your uncle Uijlenberg, you visited H, and so you start all over again.
Let me know what you think. I could visit you but I it will cost me a lot. To tell you the truth, I�d rather stay here. Correct me if I'm wrong but there not much to do in Utrecht on those kind of days. If you want to amuse yourself you have to take a carriage to go somewhere and it in gallop. I would be very pleased to be your companion then. Think about it, and let me know.

In any case I hope you won�t be confined so much to Schiedam over Ascension, but rather come here, as I wrote you in my last letter. There's music Sundays and Mondays at the Officer's Society, where I can introduce you. And there's plenty of opportunity for fun.

I approve of your plan to rent a house here or there over the summer. You say you plan to work and my reply is the mind is willing etc etc. You'll need a lot of brainpower to study those dusty books, especially as the temperature is likely to be 80-90 degrees like last summer. I'd rather be lying outside in the grass than inside in the shadows. Don't rent in Haarlem, - it's not the expense, but there a few problems with that idea. First, your family is living there: you'll be obliged to go for a walk with them, horse riding or go concerts, etc etc. Perhaps you have other reasons for wanting to go there, in which case I give up.
Yesterday evening I said goodbye to Mr Diependaal, who�s travelling today to Den Helder through Amsterdam, although not with much enthusiasm.
I could tell you some news, the rumours concerning Jan Lauweren or Jaap Hulstkamp's fears. But I want to see it for myself first before telling you more. Write to me soon about what you intend to do.
Your devoted
Gerard Derkenne
18th May 1860

September 1860

Friend, I know you've been expecting a letter but I've had my hands full lately. Thanks for the lager: it was well delivered and is almost gone. I must put something I said in my last letter in perspective. When I said I felt uncomfortable that you are eager to compromise, I didn�t mean I felt the five guilders was a small thing. You got it wrong. Be so kind to read my letter again, you�ll see what I meant.

Thank you for the beautiful lessons, although it seems you've gotten irritated by mine.

The German Opera mess exceeds anything you can imagine. Last week I was in the Martha, or Der Markt zu Richmond. I was lost for words when I entered the house, it was beautiful. The concert yesterday evening was let down by the second tenor. I can�t write about it - you need to read about it in the N. Rotterdammer.
This evening there�s the first rehearsal of the Tollens cantata. More than 260 singers including me are working on this. It�s a true Tollens rage. Tomorrow evening will be a Vauxhall in the Doele. This will need wintercoats and buckets of grog. Afterwards, there'll be a ball where every lady will get a bouquet and every gentleman an album with a portrait of Tollens.

No further news,

Next week after the Tollens festival, I'll write some more. Sorry about my brevity.
your dev,
Gerard

1860

Friend,
As promised, here are the portraits and articles on the German Opera. If you have more orders from friends let me know.

About the ship - you should decide tomorrow. I still shall go to have a look at the Eersteling, before I decide on the Capella . I'll write some further details later.
Signed,
Gerard Derkenne

I spoke to Willem yesterday about a few things he said he'd take care of.

14 January 1861

Dear Jan!

I already wrote to you earlier, but I want to tell you more about the case we talked about. It took a while but now I have a chance to be placed at the office in the O. J. Tomorrow I am to be presented to my future boss. I hope he likes me when he sees me, he�s already satisfied with my work. I shall probably get a salary of 200 francs per month or 2400 per year, and of course, the promise of a raise. I don�t know if I can live on it. You probably have much more of an idea, so let me know. When I should go, I don�t know. It could be soon. Then you will come later. PLease keep this secret.

Now to the financial part, thank you for sending the 300 francs. You can consider the bill as being paid. But I'll still owe you even when I've paid out the balance, so let me pay also for our last dinner. Your part in it won't be seven francs.
It�s incredibly busy with ice skaters. The Maas River looks fantastic. I�ve never seen such a beautiful ice. So smooth and no snow. Also you can figure skate everywhere. It�s now a popular rendezvous point. When the market and fair are on, I think you should come over. It'll hinder my work and I have loads of work to do, and obviously no work will be done.

There also a lot of hype for the emergency flood concerts, all making demands on your wallet, but I'm steering clear of that.
I hope to write you more in detail about the case, but I haven�t got more time. Aren�t you going to hear the Italians from Berlin in Amsterdam? I suppose you've been busy with the death of your grandma. Boring and unpleasant, but slightly compensated by the small inheritance.

Gerard Derkenne
14 January 1861

Friend, be so kind to close your letters on a different way, usually I cannot read a part of the letter.

Dear Jan!

Good news at last. I've been offered 300 a month as a bookkeeper in Soerabaija, in the Dutch East Indies, on condition I leave soon. This shall be mid to late April. I told the office. They didn't like it but were happy for me. Perhaps they already told you because aunt Binneveld let it slip, so by now the whole Kleiweg knows. As soon as I know something I�ll write you,
Waiting for an answer
Gerard

11 January 1861

Dear friend

Thanks for your prompt answer. I�ve decided to go. My future boss wanted me to hurry up and go possibly at the end of March, or the beginning of April, if my office can cope with it. This week I�ve told my bosses of my intentions. The just had to accept it, even though things have been going well. So you and I might have to split. It sounds like forever, I'm getting morose. I' won't dewll on it and neither should you.
I don�t have a free crossing. My boss is prepared to give me an advance on my wages, to help with expenses. I should be settled within a year or three. I heard from somebody whose been there you can live a decent life with f 200 a month. I must say I'm planning to lead a pretty solid life there if possible. I dare tell you I think I have enough power to in me to fulfil this plan. With good prospects I could even work in a bank. I shall do my best to live a solid life.
Nothing has been finalised concerning my travel arrangements. Mr �t Hoen will take care of it and I�ll let you know. He reckons I'll need 900 worth of equipment, which gives me the shakes. Will give me a letter of recommendation and please do me a favour, and answer me as soon as possible even if possible Monday. Gonne is a little bit sick, thick throat, a cold etc. Cato went to Tidelio with the Verkerk family yesterday. Willem and the rest of the family are fine.
Thanks for recommending the book Unter dem te Qustor. Willem also recommended it to me.

Hear from you soon
Gerard
11 January 1861

14 March 1861

Dear Jan

I dare to tell, you expected a letter for long. I owed you it for long. But my usual nonchalance is the cause of it. Since you left nothing happened, one big dose of boredom Friday evening I was with Wijk a Rotterdam citizen, Saturday to the opera, after that to Pircanti or the masquerade where I amused myself perfectly, after that I visited Madam Weinthal, Sunday begins the bitter suffering. Sunday at 12 o�clock I am weak. I arrived at 5 o�clock in the morning at home. Went on the boat and 15 minutes from Amsterdam I was seasick cause the IJ was fairly rough.

I didn�t dare to arrive that late at Mr Diependaal's, because de Helder was at a half hour from the N(ieuw) Diep, I had to stay at a poor Inn at den Burg. Monday morning I arrived at Hotel Diependaal with all my luggage. �.. an awkward boring lousy stay.. Don�t let Willem know as he'll just pass it on. Yesterday I telegraphed the ship owner asking when the Capella was leaving. They said I had to be on board at Saturday at the N. Diep. Then it wasn�t possible anymore for me to hold and at 12 o�clock at night went again to Amsterdam with the boat I arrived at 9 o�clock. Now I�m sitting in caf� restaurant de Beurstijn waiting and writing to you.
I just went to visit Mr Mayer, a fellow passenger, but he wasn't around. His old man was there and his sisters, both very sweet girls. I talked for an hour. The youngest is beautiful, I regret I could not except the invitation for tea. Say a little prayer for an east wind for me. Yesterday the wind was east, today again west. We'll be at the Nieuw Diep for ages if the wind doesn�t come.
Now my friend I have something else to discuss. I owe you 12 guilder for the portraits. I�m not able to pay you at this moment, since the captain also didn�t pay me the 13 he owes me. And I don�t want to ask him for it. Please accept my aplogies for this delay. As soon as I�m in Soerabaija I�ll send it to you. although if you especially need it, I'll try to raise the money somehow. Again my sincere thanks for all your friendship. If you write, please address it to Mr Diependaal Helder. The old man has asked me specially to thank you for the company you gave them.
Your devoted
Gerard
14 March 1861

22 March 1861

5 Den Helder 22-3-1861

Dear friend Jan

Although there is nothing special to mention, I just want to tell you I�m still lying here with the Capella. I received your letter this week. Thank you very much for your offer. I still owe you the 12 guilder and at the first possible opportunity I'll return it to you. It�s so boring here, I�m sitting in the pub whole day. Always decent. Not. I�m not drinking, only reading the newspaper, playing pool and chatting with the captains. The meals are very good here on board. In the morning barley with herring and then a good breakfast, tea, sandwiches, cheese, smoked meats, cold meats. From noon coffee is served, and from 4 pm soup, two meats, two vegetables and one little dessert. Quite satisfactory don�t you think? Every day I vist Mr Diependaal about a half hour from here. I would never suggest you to come to Den Helder cause it�s so extremely boring and quiet. No fun here.
The wind doesn�t want to go to the east. Last week it momentarily blew from easterly. but then straight westerly again. And I haven't seen one beautiful girl on the street, it's like a ghost town.
Of course there is no news, just storms and rain. So you thank god at the evening when you cross the board. The captain is very careful, but only a bit to precise. Nags a bit to much. The mates are big guys. Your binocular is appreciated by both. I thank you again for it.

I�ll write again before I sail. Your devoted friend
Gerard

PS Have a happy life, think of me now and then, and believe in me,
Your still devoted friend
Gerard Derkenne