August 1, 1898
IX., Berggasse 19

Dear Wilhelm,

My father always maintained that he was born on the same day as Bismarck — April 1, 1815. In view of the need to convert the date from the Jewish calendar, I never gave much credence to this assertion. So he died after what is probably a typical long life, on October 23/24, 1896; B. on July 30, 1898. B. survived him by 645 days = 23 × 28 + 1. The “1” no doubt is due to my father's error. Therefore the life difference is 23 × 28. You undoubtedly know what that must mean. Another old man, Dittel, — May 15, [18]15 — July 28, [18]98 (early) — is 48 days behind B., and is ahead of Father by 23 × 26 [28?]; off by 1-2 days.

With cordial greetings,

Your

Sigm.