The following is a transcription of a letter written by Ulrich Tolstedt. It is one of the very few samples of writing by Ulrich Tolstedt. We believe that this letter was written to his son Lewis; it was given to us by Ulrich's great-grandson, Robert Tolstead. It is clear that Ulrich was literate and that he cared about the well-being of his children.
Amsterdam Texas Febr. 6/1904
Dear Son,
I received your letter and see that It has been intensely cold there, that is hard on anybody who has to be out. I have had ample ex perience to know how it feels. I talked with an attorney about the bankrupt law, I did so be cause I wished to have Ed avail himself of it but as he did not respond to my letters, I have not thought of the matter any more. The lawyer said it would cost about $75 to go through with it. You have, I suppose, been informed by the lawyer in Watertown and you now know how to proceed. I know that this Buffer is a scoundrel and must be beaten in his da stardly proceeding. The whole Buffer family are a dastardly lot, but they can not be reached by law. If one could get a hold of him he ought to be tied to a tree and horsewhipped on his bare back. You say you will write again, do so.
I am awhile here to avoid the cold weather, but don't like it here, though the climate is mild. Bertha's only chance to get an agreeable and comfortable life to life, is the oil prospects here on her land. They are still working but don't know if oil will be produced. I have man aged to have her in the possession of it, he has not paid a dollar towards it. Scarcely made a living for her, a poor one it was to say the least of it. I am not well but am around all the time. I suppose the weather has moder ated since you wrote, at least I hope it has.
Hoping that this will find you all well and with love for all I remain.
Your father
U Tolstedt
(note: wording, and errors have been left intact)