June 5th, 1832
Dear Aunt Lisette, How are you? I've always considered you to be someone in whom I can confide; someone on whom I can depend for advice when I'm faced with a difficult decision. It gets harder each day to remain a solid rock amidst the crashing of waves in this revolutionary tempest.
The air here, in Paris, is thick with tension and anticipation that something great should occur. I fear it won't take much to upset this delicate balance and land us in a battle for lives. I do not mean to complain, but my comrades know nothing of the seriousness of the matter. I'm all alone in this respect.
I guess it's my own fault, isolating myself. I push them all away, push everyone away. Then I wonder why I have no one. I can't let any of it bother me, for I must remain strong, for their sake.
By 'them' and 'their', you've doubtlessly guessed that I mean the Friends of the ABC, the sort of family that I've selected for myself, if you will. They're all of them worthy of the cause for which they fight, and if die we must, I shall be honored to die alongside them. I can't help but wonder if I'm leading them blindfolded to their doom. If they only knew. All so young, and full of youthful idealism. I'd hate to see that spirit dampened by an enemy musket, all on the account of me.
Do not let the words contained within these pages sadden your heart. I knew the risks going in, and was always willing, if not eager, to take them. To have died young, trying to better the lives of others is far better than the lives of those who never dared to live.
Aunt, I must go. A great turmoil has arisen in the street below. I daresay this is the event we have been awaiting. If my parents ask about me, tell them what I've detailed in the paragraphs above. Tell them.
Your nephew, Josef
Dear Aunt Lisette, How are you? I've always considered you to be someone in whom I can confide; someone on whom I can depend for advice when I'm faced with a difficult decision. It gets harder each day to remain a solid rock amidst the crashing of waves in this revolutionary tempest.
The air here, in Paris, is thick with tension and anticipation that something great should occur. I fear it won't take much to upset this delicate balance and land us in a battle for lives. I do not mean to complain, but my comrades know nothing of the seriousness of the matter. I'm all alone in this respect.
I guess it's my own fault, isolating myself. I push them all away, push everyone away. Then I wonder why I have no one. I can't let any of it bother me, for I must remain strong, for their sake.
By 'them' and 'their', you've doubtlessly guessed that I mean the Friends of the ABC, the sort of family that I've selected for myself, if you will. They're all of them worthy of the cause for which they fight, and if die we must, I shall be honored to die alongside them. I can't help but wonder if I'm leading them blindfolded to their doom. If they only knew. All so young, and full of youthful idealism. I'd hate to see that spirit dampened by an enemy musket, all on the account of me.
Do not let the words contained within these pages sadden your heart. I knew the risks going in, and was always willing, if not eager, to take them. To have died young, trying to better the lives of others is far better than the lives of those who never dared to live.
Aunt, I must go. A great turmoil has arisen in the street below. I daresay this is the event we have been awaiting. If my parents ask about me, tell them what I've detailed in the paragraphs above. Tell them.
Your nephew, Josef