The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 80, July 1976 - April, 1977 Page: 78

Southwestern Historical Quarterly

The road to Wilke's place went over many hills studded with numerous
rocks. Now and then groups of trees came in view. To the left a tree-
covered range of hills was stretched out along Comal Creek. There are
farms, side by side, along this creek for six miles, all the way to New
Braunfels. This is where Wilke lives. We will both go to town in a few
minutes to rent a house. So I will give you a report on New Braunfels to-
morrow. Get ready to hear something important.
Tuesday, June 5
We are back from our trip. I took quarters at Wilke's house because
cholera is still prevalent in the city. Eighteen persons have already died,
and many inhabitants have fled. First we visited Wilke's brother. He is a
geometrician (land surveyor) and an office-holder in the Mainz Society.
The reception was cordial. He was very obliging in giving me advice re-
garding real estate for sale. He lives on the so-called mountain in a building
belonging to the Society." From here the view over the city is a pleasant
one. The shingle roofs and the leafy trees behind them and at their sides
make a good impression on the viewer. But the whole matter looked dif-
ferent when we came closer and saw the many wooden huts, and our
horses had a hard time getting through the mud in the streets. Nowhere
was there any activity, but I will stop now and first examine things closer
and then give my report.
[Steinert's account of his travels in Texas will be continued in the
October 1976 Quarterly.]
35The building was the Sophienburg, the headquarters for the Society in New Braun-
fels. Biesele, German Settlements, I21; Haas, New Braunfels, 26-28.