Albert Hafner Letters
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, June 5, 1893
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner thanks Elizabeth for sending him lilies and his birthday present, which is a musical instrument he can enjoy playing in addition to the piano. He apologizes for writing irregularly and updates Chandler on his work at the cigar factory while Mr. Muñiz is out of town. Hafner thanks Chandler for writing him while sick with a cold, but he insists she get the recreation and rest she deserves as well. He closes by informing Chandler that his mother wishes to decorate his father's grave, and Hafner asks Chandler if she could send him ideas for decorations.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, May 10, 1893
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner updates her on his trip from Tallahassee. He calls the beautiful landscape "God's Country," and says all the residences feel like home. Hafner ponders the city's economy and workforces and gives Chandler his observations of Florida lawmakers. He closes the letter saying how happy he is that their disagreements are in the past.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, May 9, 1893
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. The couple appears to have recovered from their argument and reversed their decision to call off the engagement, meeting in St. Augustine and deciding to marry as soon as Hafner can afford it. Hafner writes to her from Tallahassee while on his trip to Chicago. He recounts his trip and updates her on Mr. and Mrs. Gray.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, May 3, 1893
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He responds regarding the letter Chandler received from another woman indicating he was in love with someone else. He tells Chandler there has never been another woman besides her. He recounts that when he was ill and suffering from many financial losses, he worried Chandler would leave him, but his friends consoled him and affirmed otherwise. As matters worsened, Hafner says he hoped Chandler would offer him love and support, but she did not offer him the compassion he wanted. At this, he insinuates others might have seen an opportunity to fill her place. Hafner swears his heart remained with Chandler all the same and the only concern preventing him from marrying her was his lack of wealth. Recently, Chandler's messages have becoming loving and supporting once again, and Hafner implies others might wish to intercept these affections, using the phrase "dogs in the manger." However, he says he cannot tell if the message was meant kindly or maliciously, and he says the author's need to speak for him proves that he never voiced any wish to stray from Chandler. Hafner says the future is entirely in Chandler's hands, and since her last letter indicated her wish to call off the engagement, he agrees to respect her wishes and return her photos, Gifts, and letters. Hafner expresses surprise at the extent of her temper, saying he can picture her destroying all of their furniture in a fit of rage. Hafner tells Chandler that now that they've broken up, he is all alone and without a single friend. He gives Chandler his blessing to find another worthy man and marry him. He announces that he will be on his way to Tallahassee when the letter reaches her and will skip his stop in St. Augustine now that he will not be meeting her there.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, April 28, 1893
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner returns to Tarpon Springs from a business trip in Tampa. He informs Chandler of a business proposition from the Macfarlane Investment Company: If he will relocate the cigar factory to their land in West Tampa and produce a desired quantity of cigars, the company will donate a factory building and production sites. He has also been offered membership in the Florida Press Association. Hafner thanks Chandler for the picture frames she gifted him, and he updates her on Mr. and Mrs. Hunting and the Safford Family's estates. Hafner apologizes for any hurt he caused Chandler in recent letters, telling her he does not wish to project his discontent with others onto her.
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Letter, Carrie Woodson to Elizabeth Chandler, April 26, 1893
Carrie P. Woodson
A letter sent to Elizabeth H. Chandler by a woman named Carrie P. Woodson. Woodson tells Chandler that if she loves Albert Hafner, she must release him from their engagement because he is in love with another woman.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Mary Ware, April 24, 1893
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to Mrs. Mary Ware, the aunt of his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner tells her he didn't get a chance to read her previous letter until recently due to a trip taken during a storm. He recounts a story of when his business "saved" his life; While onboard the Ellen, Hafner and his colleagues find themselves without food, and he is able to get out of providing a meal because his clothes are saturated with the smell of tobacco. Hafner forgives Ware for insinuating he was not serious about marrying Chandler, saying the distress that caused themselves after that were their own faults. He tells Ware he could never hurt someone who loves him as much as Chandler does and reaffirms Chandler's loyalty to him. He argues that the messages they send via letter are just as effective as verbal conversation because they are honest with each other. Hafner's mother remains unwell. Hafner tells Ware he plans to meet up with Chandler in St. Augustine as soon as he is finished with his business in Tampa.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 24, 1893
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner discusses his choice to complete his work separately from Chandler instead of marrying her first. He says he does not want to subject her to his financial insecurity or stress and works better knowing his loved ones are not burdened by his business. He thanks Chandler for a nice picture she sent him of his mother. Hafner then reflects on the anniversary of his father's death and updates Chandler on the state of his canoe.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 17, 1893
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner offers his condolences for the death of Chandler's brother. He attaches recent newspaper clippings about his accomplishments and announces he has been voted city clerk and treasurer of Tarpon Springs.
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Incomplete Letters, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler
Albert Hafner
Three pages containing unfinished or miscellaneous messages from Albert Hafner to Elizabeth H. Chandler.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, May 12, 1893
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner has arrived in Kentucky near the Mammoth Cave system. He recounts his travels and sleeping accommodations. The group will travel to Cincinnati to stay and will then make the final trek to Chicago. Hafner tells Chandler he wishes they could be experiencing the landscape together.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 31, 1892
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner compares Chandler's thoughtful letters to his friends' generic condolences. He says she is the sole reason he does not feel alone and only further confirms that she is the ideal match for him. Hafner hasn't heard from home, but receives a message from his brother John, who expresses his shock and grief at learning of their father's death. John says he also does not know whether they should return home or not, but they should be prepared for further instructions. John tells him their brother Joseph is in Texas. Hafner and his father previously agreed that no one would give Joseph any more money, but this knowledge informs Hafner that Joe went to John in America and appeared to get money out of him regardless. Hafner says he wishes to know no more.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 28, 1892
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner thanks her for her compassionate, genuine condolences in her previous letters. He sends a translated version of her words to his mother, telling Chandler his mother will find comfort in them. He summarizes a letter from his mother, who wrote about his father's fatal disease and their youngest son appearing to help care for him.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 25, 1892
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner receives a letter from his mother dated before his father's death. Against his father's wishes, she wrote to announce he was ill for several weeks and described her experiences caring for him. Hafner expresses relief at having the full story and knowing his father died a natural death.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 23, 1892
Albert Hafner
Content warning: This letter contains mentions of grief and suicidal ideation. Digital Collections provides access to these materials to preserve the historical record, but we do not endorse the attitudes, prejudices, or behaviors found within them. If you are struggling with suicidal ideation, please call or text the suicide hotline at 988. A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner continues to grieve his father's death and expresses panic at the fact that no one has answered his messages, including his brother in the United States. Hafner condemns the general condolences offered by other townspeople, but writes about his gratitude to Mrs. Keeney and the town drug clerk, who have both offered quiet, genuine demonstrations of support since he learned the news.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 22, 1892
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner grieves the death of his father. He asks his brother to send a cablegram to their mother, who is alone in her grief in Switzerland. Hafner despairs over the decision whether to return home or remain in Tarpon Springs, and he touches upon his complicated feelings regarding his father.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 20, 1892
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner compliments Chandler on a fundraising fair she helped put together, saying that Tarpon Springs rarely hosts an event that is financially successful. He then tells her about a broken walkway by the bayou that women in town insisted he and other men help fix. Hafner gives an update on the new Tarpon Springs Yacht Club he has joined and recounts a story about saving his friend Margarita, a woman who is a skilled sailor, on her sinking canoe. Hafner closes by discussing the death of Mr. Wilson, which Chandler informed him of. On March 21, he tells Chandler he has just learned of his father's death.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 19, 1892
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner updates Chandler on the cold weather in Tarpon Springs. He tells her he will be very busy receiving tobacco shipments this week, and informs her he has joined the newly founded local yacht club.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 15, 1892
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner laments that he could not comfort her while she felt poorly, recounting his own experienced with a toothache. He then updates Chandler on Mr. Muñiz, who is having some trouble with the business. Hafner confides that he thinks their upcoming visit in St. Augustine will not be as enjoyable as their previous days together because it will be a performance for so many onlookers.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 14, 1892
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner writes her a short letter at 5 in the morning after taking the canoe out to the Anclote River. He then writes her a longer letter telling her how happy it makes him to write to her. Hafner says many of his friends think he overestimates the ability a woman has to understand a man, but he disagrees, saying Chandler understands him perfectly. He tells her she has given him a clarity of thought and purpose he lacked before they began writing each other. Hafner closes by updating Chandler on an anonymous female writer in Truth magazine who many single men in town are seeking to identify.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 10, 1892
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner was to write on new, uglier paper since his usual sheets have run out. Hafner expresses his joy at receiving Chandler's charming letters because she is the only person who doesn't annoy him at the moment. He tells her he has been invited to numerous social gatherings since his dinner with the governor and is becoming popular among many residents, including tourists. Hafner then ponders the significance of him picking Elizabeth for his wife even though he has is surrounded by plenty of charming women; his answer is that she is the sole woman he can love for "her own sake," and he prefers no one else.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 7, 1892
Albert Hafner
Content warning: This letter contains mentions of suicidal ideation. Digital Collections provides access to these materials to preserve the historical record, but we do not endorse the attitudes, prejudices, or behaviors found within them. If you are struggling with suicidal ideation, please call or text the suicide hotline at 988.
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He responds to Chandler after receiving a letter from her aunt, Mrs. Ware. Chandler's aunt calls Hafner inconsiderate; in lack of a response for her letter, Hafner writes to Chandler instead, saying he does not believe she would turn to her aunt to tell him about his misdoings. If she did, however, he asks her to come to him directly in the future. -
Summary of March 1892 Letters, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 1892
Elizabeth H. Chandler
A summary of letters sent in March 1892 by Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth H. Chandler in Massachusetts.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, March 1, 1892
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner expresses concern because he received a letter from his mother announcing her health is fine, but the letter was clearly written by his father. He also received a Family portrait from his mother, which he immediately sent to Chandler. He says he can tell by their faces how much his brother John, who is also in the picture, has caused their Family to stress and worry through his actions. John is urging their parents to sell their things and move to Chicago where they can forget the black sheep of the Family: Joe, another brother.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 30, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner teasingly complains that Chandler did not find one of his jokes funny in a previous letter. He then defends Chandler's love for antiques, saying he will be happy to see her include old furniture and decorations in their future home.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 29, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner updates her on his cold, which he believes is almost cured. He tells Chandler he received news from home: one of his uncles whom he respected and looked up to has died. He closes by sending Chandler clippings about his uncle's passing and a copy of an old Switzerland state document.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 25, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner informs her that he is sick with a severe cold. He tells her how severe the cold weather has been in Tarpon Springs. Hafner then responds to Chandler's previous comments about how romantic it is for a couple to only meet once and not see one another again until their wedding day. Hafner ponders the sacredness of Betrothal versus wedding ceremonies. He then recounts a story from when he was a boy, and the priest told his class only Catholics went to heaven, and Protestants go to hell. Hafner, whose mother is Protestant, approached the priest, who told him all of Christ's words cannot be documented, and good people will find a spot reserved for them. Hafner then goes on to talk about his troubles with the bank and describes his reasoning for not backing the governor entirely. Hafner asks Chandler to send him seeds from her favorite pumpkins so he can grow them in his garden and offers to bring her more news clippings from Switzerland.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 22, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He responds to Chandler's previous letter, which included a letter written by her great-grandmother. Hafner offers his support regarding Chandler's brother, Nat, who has made poor choices. He tells Chandler she holds no responsibility over his actions. Hafner ends the letter answering Chandler's belief that her grandfather is "unbalanced," saying all people are unbalanced or insane in some way.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 21, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He tells her that one of his cats climbed into Jack's — his owl's — cage and stole a piece of meat from him. This incident made him realize how much work he has to do in Tarpon Springs before he can finally leave. Hafner thanks Chandler for regularly writing to him and thanks her for making him happy. He responds to an uplifting comment Chandler made about a sad-looking sea-calf, saying he repeated the sentiment to Mr. Turnpaw, who was disappointed at the birth of his daughter instead of a son. After hearing her comments, Hafner said Mr. Turnpaw is now very proud of his daughter. Hafner thanks Chandler for some clippings she sent him about the cigar industry. He then recounts a conversation with Mr. Muniz, who told him about the difference between a marriage that benefits a man's business and one that diminishes it. He closes with a joke made at the dinner table about how large their future home should be.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 18, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner recounts his dinner with the Safford Family, including a wardrobe malfunction that took place before. They discussed Canoes and canoeing, his engagement to Elizabeth, and Hafner's Family. The governor then asks about Mr. Muñiz and his Business, inquiring about the large stacks of cigars he keeps at the factory. Hafner responds that he can't comprehend all of the man's business dealings, but that he knows Mr. Muñiz refuses to do anything but ship cigars out of the state.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 16, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner admits disgruntledly that he despises how many people come up to him to chat and invite him to events, including the governor's wife, who invited him over for dinner. While he doesn't want to go, he agrees and tells Chandler he will update her later.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 13, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner updates her on his cigar business and recounts a conversation with Governor Stafford, who pointed out Elizabeth and her aunt during their stay in Tarpon Springs. Hafner announces his engagement, and the governor congratulates him while also asking that he remain in Tarpon because the town has become so fond of him.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 11, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. In a continuation of his letter from October 10, Hafner updates Chandler on himself and other former hotel guests who left the hotel for better meals. He tells Chandler she probably can't impress his father more than she already has, but that is just how the man is. Hafner discusses his love for Chandler's authenticity, saying he would not love her the same if she tried to be anyone else for him but herself.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 10, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He discusses the words used in German to describe Elizabeth between Hafner and his parents, all of which indicate his father is very fond of his new fiancée and fills Hafner with pride. He interprets that his father would only be happier if Hafner found great success in his Business, and Hafner indicates he wishes the same thing.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 9, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner answers a letter from Chandler in which she expressed concern that she'd shared too much about their plans with other people. Hafner elaborates that it is better to withhold information about his future move out of the small town because the knowledge will eliminate any appropriately priced offers for his home. However, he consoles Chandler and assures she has no reason to beat herself up.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 7-8, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He recounts a sailing trip with his friend Joe Patten, who eats meals with him, and informs Chandler of Patten's poor table manners. When Patten insisted Hafner wait on him and serve him a glass of water during their trip, Hafner handed him a glass of saltwater and reminded him to say, "Please." Responding to Chandler's question about including antique furniture in their future home, Hafner says he leaves all choices in her hands and will enjoy anything she chooses. Hafner discusses his suspicious outlook on vegetarianism and what the tobacco industry looks like in Massachusetts, where Chandler lives. He updates her on the state of his garden and points out an ironic and romantic overlap of their letters; at the same time Hafner sent Chandler a letter about the benefits of courting via writing, Chandler sent him a letter describing how useful it was to write thoughts immediately from her heart. He then encourages Chandler to send her unfiltered commentary, even though she often feels the need to exclude things he probably should not read.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 6, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He recounts a trip to Anclote Key on the Ellen with his friend Joe Patten, who has recently returned from vacation. He also describes Tarpon Springs' spongers and their way of life. He closes by mentioning green-goods-men, or people who perform the green goods scam. This fraud scheme involves luring people to purchase counterfeit money but replacing any currency with sawdust or paper that holds no worth.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 2, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner, in response to Chandler's previous letter, ponders whether the couple is disadvantaged by their distance. He then argues that their relationship might be even stronger because people can be so much more candid on paper. He reflects on three women called Misses Otis, saying he remembers them very well, and they were very likeable. Hafner closes by updating Chandler on the status of the Tarpon Springs residents.
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Summary of October 1891 Letters, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 1891
Elizabeth H. Chandler
A summary of letters sent in October 1891 by Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth H. Chandler in Massachusetts.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, October 1, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner explains the circumstances that require the cigar factory to be in Tarpon; tobacco grows best in South Florida, and Mr. Muñiz only wishes to sell cigars he would smoke himself, not ones of poor quality. He reaffirms his decision to leave his name off of the factory's sign. Hafner recounts some of the history of Tarpon Springs to describe how Mr. Muniz ended up in the town and Hafner began working with him. Hafner is very close with his business partner; after Mr. Muñiz's wife died, he had few people who understood him. Hafner looks down on the practice of husbands sending their wives away when it is "in style." He also argues that cigar salesmen are the most free employees in the world.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 30, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner admits he is glad his father lives so far from Chandler so she won't be subjected to his scrutinous company. He then expresses his disappointment that the postmaster did not mail one of his letters on time as promised. He discusses smugglers who come to the area to steal fruits and chickens to trade for whiskey and cigarettes. Some stole his peaches to trade for aguardiente, a spirit made from sugarcane. People ask Hafner to interpret for them with the Spanish traders, but he refuses. He tells Chandler about a new player, a friend of Mr. Muñiz who is building a large, extravagant hotel that will hold the cigar firm's sales rooms. They wait for months for this man to come to Florida and finish building, but they refuse to rush a man of his status. In response to Chandler's question about where their home will be, Hafner says she may make all of the decisions, as home is wherever she is.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 29, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner confesses he has not yet sent Chandler's kind letters for his parents. He confides that his father understands little about his children and is a stern judge of women and horses; Hafner refuses to hear judgment of Chandler, so he waits until her words will land more welcomely. Upon receiving his father's reply to Chandler's picture, Hafner writes out his father's response in German for her to read. He is amazed and pleased to read that his father approves highly of Chandler, despite his tendency for criticism.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 28, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner left the Tarpon Springs Hotel and traded it for the Fernald Cottage. Mr. Purcell from the Occidental Land Co. approached him in hopes of making it right, but Hafner did not return. He admits that his sewing is coming out poorly, and though he asked his laundress to sew the buttons for him, she refused. He can't sew with a thimble; finishing a sewing task, especially if he pricks himself, fills him with pride. Chandler advises him to treat his water barrels to repel mosquitoes. He discusses his tendency to be combative.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 24, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. After Chandler asked him if he designed a futuristic garment that could replace trousers, Hafner delivers his complaints about long pants again. He envisions a pair of pants that do not go below the knee and believes women could also benefit from bottoms/skirts that are knee-length. He reflects on his ability to sleep throughout his travels by train and boat in his youth. He enters a discussion about his high opinion of women; he believes women stand morally higher than men even though men are believed to be the stronger sex. Hafner says once women come together and refuse to marry "puppets" and the government pays them what they deserve, the male puppets will fall out of existence. He then expresses his gratitude that Chandler's letters to him are unlike those she sends to anyone else. Hafner updates her on the canoes; the white one needs repainting, and Chandler has no need to be jealous of the few girls who have been passengers in them. The managers of the hotel are well again.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 23, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Hafner recounts a visit with his friend Joe Patten, telling Chandler he received the fruitcake she sent him and the two friends enjoyed it very much. Hafner tells her how busy he is with opening the cigar factory and recounts his experience painting the business's sign outside of the building. He also tells Chandler he will have to taste some of the cigars soon, but he assures her he will not pick up his previous smoking habit.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 20, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. Chandler has announced that she feels neglected by Hafner between his constant workload and his short letters. Hafner insists that he wants nothing more than to be with her and write to her in great detail, but his work prevents him. Hafner goes on to explain that the cigar factory feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him, and he must take it, but that doesn't diminish his love for her.
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Summary of September 17 Letter, Albert Hafner's Parents to Albert Hafner, September 17, 1891
Elizabeth H. Chandler
A summary of a letter sent in German to Albert Hafner from his mother and father in Switzerland. In a translation by Elizabeth Chandler, his fiancée, Hafner's parents express their congratulations on Hafner's engagement and tell him Chandler looks like a beautiful, kind woman in her picture. Hafner's parents close their message by saying they would love to have Hafner visit them soon.
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Letter, Albert Hafner to Elizabeth Chandler, September 17, 1891
Albert Hafner
A letter from Albert Hafner to his fiancée Elizabeth Chandler in Massachusetts. He announces that his cigar firm, Fabrica de Tabacos de B. Muñiz will be featured in an issue of Truth magazine. He sends Chandler the full copy he has written to represent the firm with the owner Don Benefacio's approval. Hafner decided to withhold his name from the cigar factory because the tobacco industry is still not considered legitimate in parts of New England, and he doesn't want to face disapproval from his friends there.
