Letter from Barbara Klimkowska to Maria Łotysz (Maryla Łotyszówna) dated 24.02.1942 - manuscript, written in black ink (a small fragment was written in pencil: “to forever mine Mary from the truly faithful and loving Baśka”) on a sheet of lined paper, double-sided, in Polish. Contains few deletions. The letter was written in Równe. The author described working as a translator for the German police. This is Klimkowska's last letter to Łotysz - probably not long after it was sent, its author has been killed, together with her sister Jolanta and her mother.
Full letter content:
"Równe, 24.2.42.
My dearest Mary!
I received your first letter a while ago! I have to go to the office in ten minutes. I'm writing right now, however, because today one of the gentlemen who lives in the house where I do is going on holiday to Germany. Marychna, your letter is so sad, but don't worry because [I'm sure] we'll see each other and everything will be fine. I think I might be able to go to Warsaw, to my Father, in the spring. I would then go through Lublin and we would see each other. Hold on, darling!
Password: Emil!
You see, things are not very cheerful at my place either: Mr. Jan is not here, Mummy was ill, problems with gall bladder. I have communicated with Father in Warsaw, who wants to help us a little. I have been working for three months with the German police for the Równe region as an interpreter. I type, write interrogations, talk all day in German, Ukrainian and Russian. At my office there are 17 elderly, fatty men and I am the only woman. They treat me like a duchess. The work is exhausting, requiring constant focus and nerve strain, abounds at times in highly drastic detail, and shows all the misery and derangement of life. At the same time, however, it is wildly interesting and can give a lot of satisfaction. Im extremely tense. I have so much to tell you and God willing, it will happen soon. I am sending you my likeness. It is not extraordinary, but I will try to send a better one soon. My darling girl, I will write you much, much more in the coming days, and in the meantime stay healthy for me, and let all Yours do so.
Mass of kisses to forever mine Mary
from the truly faithful and loving Baśka[2nd page]
Please Marylka, send response to Basia to the following address:
Frau Alina Worm
Potsdam
am Neuen Markt 10
Warm regards to you andYyours
M. Kluyeva"
prepared by Monika Harchut
