Handwritten letter by Pesa Frydlender (later Kern by marriage, see note to letter MPOLIN-A50.1.4 concerning the author) on a single blank sheet folded in half. Numerous annotations in the margins.
Content (spelling and punctuation have been partly updated):
Warsaw, 1.X.38
Dear Tadzik!
As usual, your assumptions about the war are correct, it's just that there's always something unforeseen and the war over [?]. And we won the Trans-Olza Silesia for us [?] and they are beating the Jews. This is how it usually goes, and no wonder: these "our" applicants ex nosbus [?] [perhaps a reference to the maxim "exoriare aliquis nostris ex ossibus ultor" – from Virgil's "Aeneid": Latin: may one day an avenger rise from our bones] (Rejnfeld, Kac and the 3rd one) enlisted in the volunteer corps. Quota – patriotism. So it is not the last letter, Tadzio!
Back to your own matters. 1) I was in N.P. [the editorial office of “Nasz Przegląd”] (the “Our Review”). In August you had the following articles[:] 3. Bawełna rządzi światem (Cotton Rules the World), 4. Konsumpcja kurowana (Cured Consumption), 9. Prymat praktyki nad ekonomią (Primacy of Practice Over Economics), 20. Na horyzoncie gospodarczym (On the Economic Horizon), 25. Apologia włoskiego faszyzmu (An Apologia for Italian Fascism), 27. Sytuacja gospodarcza Francji (The Economic Situation in France). I drew their attention to 27 VIII. On the other hand, on the 2nd there was an article "Polityka i Gospodarka Surowcowa" ("Politics and Raw Materials Economy") that was not signed and I established in the N.P that it was not by you. I contacted Szwalbe [the magazine's editor]. 2) He received your three articles, but as he informed me, they are not printing economic articles at the moment, when the situation clears up, he will release them.
You could start a political series now, I think it will release them for you and you can give it a go. 3) Regarding the payment for the Jubilee article, write to the management board and demand a higher payment, they will probably take it into account, this is what Szwalbe said to your father. Speaking of your father, he is trying to help me at every opportunity. I recently drafted some amendments to the Cosmetics Ordinance on behalf of the Association and was paid 30 zlotys. Today some Odessa [?] repr. entrusted me with a case for 40 zlotys and I got 10 zlotys, but they will pay me extra at [...]. Relations with the staff [?] v. pleasant and cordial. Ms Landau [...] is trying to help me. More work in the union recently. Today I picked up my salary and the till is empty – 1 zloty 12 groszy. You know, Tadzio, after you left, there turned out to be a deficit in the till already after taking into account the money you had given me for small expenses that you had not recorded. I have already compensated for it. Gryńko[...] is using my services repeatedly [...]. I have allowed myself the luxury of having files delivered to my home. I think I have nothing against this way of handling things. And don't say thank you at all, because you know perfectly well that even if I go out of my way, I will never repay you anyway. Tadzik, don't worry, I'm going to live for a while yet. Anyway, I'm not going to snuff it until I see you. And I've grown accustomed to Bronka [?] being in pain, and I can't imagine what it would be like without it. [...] this week I will go to Rubinszetajn [?]. I have a criminal case on Tuesday, I'll probably make about 15–20 zlotys, I've earmarked this for “Pestka's” conservation. Okay – in - - -
I am continuing the letter after a pause. I've just come back from Ziemiańska Street. I was admiring your band from afar, with "Tros" in the lead. The Jews from Ziemiańska Street were in a [?] panic, they were beating the Jews, but they almost don't let you write about it because of the elections. Hence it would seem, as for the official line not to pass, at least externally, as "anti-Semitism". Tad! I am worried about Hitler's victory more than I expected. Democracy defeated [?] by politics [...] - - - - - It's late, 1.30 a.m., I have to take advantage of my good mood and try to get some sleep or my night will be lost. Sending you lots of kisses Pestka
[Annotations in the margins:]
Tad, please don't play roulette, because I was worried and incredibly sorry. [...] because of your playing cards, Żelichowska [?] and Gotlib [?] got scolded by me, because they told me you lost 500 zlotys, and you were not paying. It's v. good that you are not paying, but I was no less worried that they were talking such trash.
Your jubilee article was a success. Father was beaming with joy. Szwalbe praised it. And I was v. happy [?]. Just don't be angry with me, but it feels so good to me to hear good things said about Tadzio.
How is your economic [...]? Wouldn't it be worth your while to write your doctoral thesis in Paris? Your "friends" would burst with jealousy if you pulled a prank on them and came with a doctorate title. And in general, they are getting mad. I feel it often.
I will write about the “Romance” [?] some other time, or reply when an opportunity arises.
Gelernter [?] [in Warsaw in 1938 there were two male attorneys of this name active: Szymon and Józef, perhaps it's about one of them] sends his regards to you. He asked me not to forget.
