the schüpfen-letter (excerpt)

“(...) Well now. I for myself, have no time to sleep, during the day and, last summer when we absolved, a beautiful, quite amusing and funny trip, to the "Bären" in Schüpfen, I set my mind on drawing large and beautiful portraits, for the purpose of my earlier experiences and adventures, to be suited to the latter, which I have now succeeded, more or less well. The 10 commandments, from Africa. Of course: All, each, African views. And so I ask the higly honored "Bären" – innkeeper-family in Schüpfen, to frame the latter, each, nicely and without fault and then to hang them, on the walls of the ball-room. I send you these 10 pictures, as voluntary, gift. To cover further expenses for the latter, of course, for carpenter and glass cutter, etcettera: And, if possible, also, a gratuity for my effort and, the used material: I recommend you to organize a collection for voluntary donations, every time you have a dance: A marriage: A child-baptism: Or any other kind of happy celebration.? Why. That way you do not lose anything: And to some extent you would also do me a good turn. My advice is good and flawless: Believe me (...).”

Respectfully signs, greets and finishes

my Humble Self, the Schüpfen-Peasant,

St.Adolf II. or Wöulfli-Döufu.

New Clinic, Waldau, Berne, 1,922.