ANS in German, signed “Albert,” penned at the conclusion of a longer letter in French by his cousin Alice, written from Princeton to their cousin Alfred Koch in Geneva, one page on an airmail sheet, 7.25 x 12, September 5, 1949. Einstein’s note, in full (translated): “Cordial greetings from all of us while we are spending a few happy days here. Naturally, no games of captain and sailor such as we had long ago at Munich in the huge crate next to the factory.” The letter, signed “Alicette,” in part (translated): "News from you at last and it was a relief. So, thank you for your letter…that made me very happy and interested me. Happy that Alfi is doing better and better, and that Papi has recovered, also happy that Gaby was able to sort things for the apartment, and that Iris Alley is doing fine. Have her kind letter Alfredino, and am thanking her for it.—Am overburdened and overworked…our dear ones in Princeton work wonders. I am going back tonight for New York—I am leaving on Sept. 21 on the S.S. America and should arrive in Le Havre on Sept. 28.” An additional note in German by Albert’s sister Maja is penned below (translated), “The best and sweetest greetings and kisses from your Maja.” Intersecting folds, some dampstaining and soiling affecting the top of Alice’s letter, and show-through from airmail markings on the reverse, otherwise fine condition.
Born in 1879, Einstein grew up alongside his cousins in Munich until he was fifteen years old, when his family moved to Italy after the failure of his father’s company. This note recalls what must have been one of his favorite and most vivid memories of childhood—in another letter to Alfred, written three years later in 1952, Einstein remarks, ‘Much time has gone by since we were squatting in that marvelous crate at the Munich courtyard and played ship. You were a splendid captain.’ Beginning during his time as a young man studying at the Polytechnic Institute in Zurich, Einstein was able to live out this cherished boyhood game when he was introduced to sailing, which became one of his favorite pastimes. A wonderful and nostalgic family letter. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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