Scope and Content[Aware we are searching for first person descriptions of life in Singapore for the exhibit this summer, Swenna Manger of Holland offered this letter written by German immigrant Albert Gensink in 1874, which she has uncovered and translated. It is datelined "Zinkepoel " and Mrs. Hanger suggests that perhaps Gensink had never seen the name of Singapore written down, and was trying to sound it out phonetically, of course with his German speaking ear. He describes the price of things in Michigan, and, apparently in response to a question, discusses whether he thinks the recipient of the letter, one Wilhelm Lubbers, should join him in Michigan.] --- Zinkepoel 26th March,1874 Beloved friend or beloved brother in the Lord Jesus Christ, Wilhelm Lubbers. Your letter which you sent me, I received in well being and I was happy to read, that you are well. Health is such a blessings but the greatest blessing and comfort is through, that we are at peace with and through Christ. You wrote about sickness in your neighborhood. It is the Lord's patience that has spared you, because we are not better than any of those who suffer. May this bring forth thankfulness and repentance. We cannot do this of ourselves, because our ego is in the way and this is why the Lord Jesus Christ says "without me, you can do nothing." If our human nature would only accept this, but it is only through the working of the Lord that we are awakened. Only then do we ask, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" Only then will we be acceptable tools in God's hands. Otherwise, everything here is the same. Deaths and births come and go, but I have been here a year now. During this year, you had more deaths by you than we have had. Much has happened during the course of the year. I will now quote you some prices of farm product here: A bushel of wheat is 45 to 50 cents. A bushel of potatoes is $1.00, eggs are a penny each, butter is 34 cents and coffee if 40 cents a lb. Milking cows are about $30 to $40. For $150 you can get a good work horse. Brother, you ask about my opinion, what shall I say? I will tell you what I think, I cannot judge your circumstances, but looking to the future for your children, they will have a better life here. Weighing the difference, the prices are low here, but if you have not mortgaged your land, you are all right. If you have to pay interest, that is high here; 8, 9, sometimes 10 % mostly you pay 8% but there is land in abundance. This summer prices were from $600 to $900 and sometimes $1,000 for a 40 acre farm. An acres is about a Muddeland. You have 40 acres here in one piece. Often there is a house with it, but them the price is higher, but you can move right in. Of course, your brother probably wrote you all of this too. In my opinion, it is better here. But I do not dare encourage you. As far myself, I believe that it is better here. Albert Kannen has 2 horses and part of his land cleared. He has a good house too. This summer, he plans on building a new barn, so you can see that it is better here than by you. As of now, I did not buy land yet. J. H. Pauls bought 20 acres from Lukus Ensing for $500. No, not 20 acres but 40 acres. I bid on it too but stopped with $100. He left it to me for $150 because [illegible] Since I plan for a visit by you, if the Lord wills it, I cannot tell you at the present at what time I am coming. Then we can talk face to face and do not have to rely on letters which is much more pleasant and comprehensible. Yes, brother, I have to come to a close with the pen but not with the heart. Now receive heartfelt greetings, W. Lubbers, Gesina Lubbers and the two little boys. I greet you altogether, Albert Gensink, that is my name.