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Swiss American Historical Society Review

Swiss American Historical Society Review

Keywords

Johann Caspar Lohbauer, letters, Swiss people

Abstract

These letters of a great-great uncle of mine titled, Experience and Enlightenment: Character Portrait in Letters of Johann Caspar Lohbauer, killed in the US Civil War 1863, Published Zurich 1864, were published in book format by his family in Switzerland and were introduced with the following words:

"If we print these letters, at first to a restricted public, it is because of the distinct wish of many dear friends who had seen part of these letters, or had heard of its contents, and who by their knowledge were affected and dearly wished to know it all- a wish, which with the publication of these letters could be best achieved. We also believe that these letters contain lots of interesting and new information, not only for those who were intimately related to the writer, by family or other, but also for those who, for whatever reason, look to the United States and wish to hear some unadulterated news. This is the only reason for the publication thereof: they are not the letters of a scholar, nor of a geographical or statistical academic, or least of all of an immigration agent, but the narrations of a healthy, practical mind and of a warm heart, reports that were never intended for the public, only for his parents and his family. Coming from this angle the letters should be read and understood. We believe that the reader will be filled with respect and love for the writer. He redeemed himself in a foreign land. May he be remembered with honor and the publication well received." (Dated December 1863)

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