Pennland
2 September [1934]
Dear Dr. Nathan,
We are approaching New York. First, we are going to be in Watch Hill, so we won’t see each other at first. Thank you for your warm-hearted words. Once you are quietly visiting with us, then I shall tell you about “her” horrible death; it was brutal! And then you will understand that never again will I be able to feel anything like joy.
 [ALS. Folio, p. 1. On letterhead: “ON BOARD S. S. …”]


My daughter took away with her too much of us, almost our very selves—not much is left behind!—Us—Margot and I, of course. My husband is hardly vulnerable.
He is like the kind moral philosopher. Does much good, accomplishes valuable things, but individual fates don’t count for him.
Eight weeks ago today, we carried my child out. They say, time heals. But I don’t believe it!
All the same, one carries on, you know.   
I do have another child who is splendid, fine, sensitive, but that child is so unhappy without her sister. Those two were one soul!
Goodbye until October! Most cordially 
Yours, 
	Elsa Einstein
[Folio, pp. 2 & 3.]