1893

1893

8 January

Söul
le 8 janvier
1893

Chère Amy,

Voilà déjà plusieurs semaines que nous n'avons eu une causerie, mais avant de commencer mon récit de tout ce qui s'est passé pendant ce temps je veux te remercier de la jolie petite aigrette que j'ai reçu par le dernier courier. Il faudra me dépêcher d'allerà un bal pour pouvoir la porter.

Il n'y en a guère ici encore mais nous été assez gai pour nous. Plusieurs personnes ont donnè des arbres de Noël; le dernier et le plus beau était vendredi dernier chez les russes, leur Noël n'ayant lieu que 12 jours après le notre.

Outre les enfants il y avait aussi bon nombre de grandes personnes de sorte que je me suis assez amusée, en enfantillage avec le secrétaire M de Behrbery [?] assez gentil garçon. Il ya dix jours Mme Hillier (consulate Anglais) a donnée une charade, pas trop brillante mais on n'est pas difficile ici et cela nous a paru très passable.

Maximilian von Brandt in 1892

Le 2 janvier nous avons reçu pas mal de visites, bien qu'il faisait un froid de loup. Mais nous reprenons nos vieilles habitudes maintenant et il n'y a plus rien sur le tapis si ce n'est encore un de ces horribles diners de missionaires que nous allons avoir la semaine prochaine. Le dernier j'espère, qui a été remis tout ces temps cià cause de l'indisposition de Papa, mais il va mieux et nous avons hâte d'en finir. Maman va assez bien mais elle s'ennuieà périr et ne parle que de l'en aller. Je crois que nous en avons tous en plus qu'assez et ne partirons pas avec grands regrets! Moi, j'attends toujours et j'en suis aussi bien lasse quelquefois, surtout quand je pense que nous en avons pour encore trois mois,à peu près, si tout s'arrange selon nos désirs.

Il y a déjà presque un mois que je suis sans nouvelles et je ne sais si la réponse est encore arrivés de Berlin, mais je crois que c'est encore trop tôt. Nous faisons néanmoins tout les arrangements pour être mariée au commencement d'avril et j'ai parléà l'évêque il y a quelques jours. Il doit me faire savoir sous peu si il consentà nous marier ici, c'està dire au salon pasà l'èglise, aussitôt qu'il l'aura fait je t'enverrai la nouvelle forme de lettre de fairepart. En attendant ajoute les noms de Mr & Mrs Alfred Dwight Foster 44 Fairfield D. si tu ne les a pas encore sur la liste.

Avec tout cela je ne t'ai pas décris les cadeaux que Brandt nous a fait pour Noël. A Maman une robe chinoise de soie jaune brodé de papillons, Papa un petit porte-cigarettes en cuir noir avec initials M.B. surmonté de la couronne en argent,à moi -- tu vas ouvrir de grands yeux! un ravissant petit service, théière, cafetière, crémier et sucrier, en argent massif, d'ouvrage chinois; attends ce n'est pas tout - une broche de trois superbes améthystes montées en branche avec de tout petits diamants; une plus petite avec une grande pierre et diamants et des petites boucles d'oreilles ravissantes pour finir la parure. Pense donc! Mais c'est sa dernière "extravagance" je lui dit, car maintenant nous allons être raisonables.

Papa et Maman m'ont donné un gentille petite boite argent et émaille Koréenne, et Dr Allen m'a ciselé un cadre en bois pour portrait. Plusieurs cartes et des souhaites de toutes part, de sorte que je n'ai pasà me plaindre.

Demain je commence l'afouie de repasser la garde robes de Maman et les batailles avec le tailleur. Il est presque impossible de la plaireà moins que je ne lui fasse des robes, et des chemises russes comme les miennes et je m'y refuse obstinément. Il me manquerait plus que cela. C'est qu'elle commence á vieillir sérieusement. Maman ne peut pas être bien loin des 70 ans. Papa en a 65 et elle est le plus agée je crois, des deux, -- de sorte que j'ai toujours les mains pleines d'ouvrage.

Je me porte mieux mais en ce moment j'ai un gros rhume, qui ne m'empêche pas de trop bavarder tu vas dire. Tu as raison et je m'en vais surtout comme j'ai d'autres lettresà écrire pour ce courier.

Comment vas tu? Mme Winthrop m'écrit "beaucoup mieux".?

Mille baisers aux mioches et pour toi avec bien de remerciments pour ton gentil souvenir.

Hélène

Seoul
8 January
1893

Dear Amy,

It has already been several weeks since we have had a chat, but before beginning my recitation of all that has happened in the meantime I want to thank you for the pretty little aigrette⁴³ that I received by the last mail. I will have to hurry and go to a ball in order to wear it.

There is scarcely anyone still here but we have been gay enough for us. Several people provided Christmas trees; the last and the best was last Friday at the Russian's, their Christmas not taking place until 12 days after ours.

Aside from the children there was also a large number of adults of the sort that amuse me, being childish with the Secretary Mr. de Behrbery, a nice enough young man. Twelve days ago Mrs Hillier (British Consulate) gave a charade, not brilliant but one is not difficult here and it appeared to us quite passable. The 2nd of January we recieved a fair number of visits, even though it was very cold. But we are recovering our old habits now and there is nothing still left but one of these horrible Missionary dinners that we are going to have next week. The last I hope, which has been put off all these times because of Papa's indisposition, but he is better and we are eager to finish them. I believe that we have all had more than enough and we will not leave with grand regrets! Me, I wait all the time and I am well tired of it sometimes, especially when I think that we will have three months more of it, more or less, if all goes as we wish.

It is nearly a month that I have been without news and I do not know if the response has arleady arrived from Berlin, but I believe that it is still too early. Nevertheless we are making all the arrangements to get married at the beginning of April and I talked to the Bishop several days ago. He should shortly let me know if he consents to marry us here, that is to say in the living room and not at the church, as soon as he does it I will send you the new announcement. While waiting add the names of Mr and Mrs Alfred Dwight Foster 44 Fairfield D. if you do not already have them on the list.

With all of that I have not described the gifts that Brandt gave us for Christmas. To Mama a Chinese silk dress embroidered with butterflies, Papa a little black leather cigarette case with initials M.B. under a silver crown, to me -- you are going to open your eyes wide! a ravishing little service, silver teapot, coffiepot, creamer of Chinese design; wait that is not all -- a brooch of three superb amythysts mounted on branch with tiny diamonds, a smaller one with a large stone and diamonds and small ravishing earrings to complete the finery. Think then! But it is the his last "extravagance" I told him, since now we are going to be reasonable.

Papa and Mama gave me a nice little silver box and Korean enamel and Dr Allen chiseled a wood frame for me for a portrait. Several cards and good wishes from everywhere, leaving me nothing to complain about.

Tomorrow I begin the ??? of ironing Mama's wardrobe and the battles with the tailor. It is almost impossible to please her unless I make her dresses, and the Russian shirts like mine, and I obstinantly refuse to do so. I lack more than that. It is that she is beginning to seriously get old. Mama cannot be far from 70 years. Papa is 65 and she is the older, I believe, of the two -- with the result that I always have my hands full of work.

I am doing better but at the moment I have a bad cold, which does not prevent me from chatting too much you are going to say. You are right and I will flee above all because I have other letters to write for the mail.

How are you doing? Mrs Winthrop wrote me "much better."?

A thousand kisses to the little ones and for you with many thanks for your nice souvenir.

Helen

6 April

Peking April 6 1893

My dear Mr Heard

I was sorry to hear by your ??? of the 29th that you had resigned. I sincerely hope that the home air and surroundings will improve your health.

Mr von Brandt got off from Peking amid the firing of crackers and the enthusiastic cheering of his friends.

This reminds me that I have a letter from Hon Wm Walter Phelps⁴⁴ in which he acknowledges the receipt of mine of Dec 19. He regrets that nothing can be done in the matter of retaining Mr von Brandt at Peking, as the Emperor has made and published an adverse decision.

He says he knows your daughter well: "I saw her grow up & lived for one congressional term in her father's house" -- also "I have the pleasantest recollections of our last meeting & wish there were soon to be another."

For these reasons he would have been glad to be of service.

I see the Governor of New Jersey has appointed Mr Phelps lay ??? of the ??? of errors. The politicians are becoming liberal in these days.

I suppose this letter will reach you in time for felicitaions on account of the wedding which I accordingly sincerely offer to Mrs Heard and yourself.

Yours sincerely
Charles Denby 

9 May

décorer le bateau de drapeux l'allemand en avant et le drapeau Américan ??? main, et comme nous quittâmes bord il a tiré un salut Chinois -- trois coups de canon. Je reviens á ma journée du vendredi - de 2 hrsà 6 1/2 je reçu des visites - beaucoup de vieilles connaissances. Il fallait parler allemand presque entièrement! Ereintée je me sauve enfin pour me reposer un moment avant le diner du soir -- 16 personnes, encore de l'Allemand. Mais j'ai éprouvé pour la première fois la sensation d'être femme mariée et "excellence". Aussi au dessert, c'està dire au moment de se lever de table je remarquait que la conversation languissait, ou attendait évidemment quelquechose, j'étais fatigué et je me demandait quand on allait se lever. Enfin notre hôte me demande si je voulait bien retourner au salon pour le café -- jamais il ne m'était entré en tête que je devais me lever la première. C'est une des choses qui m'a été le plus difficileà apprendre surtout quand il y a une dame de la maison. Je me suis vite hibitué a l'Excellency [???stuff in German???] -- le lendemain vendredià neuf heures Dr Hall m'arracha deux dents. je me sentais dèja indisposée après toutes les bonne choses dont j'avais trop mangé et le champagne et ceci ne me rendit guère plus vaillante, mais je fis quelques commissions, puis une visiteà des vieux amis de B. qui partaient pour Canton dans une heure, et ne rentrit que justeà temps pour m'habiller pour aller dejeuner en ville. J'ai du quitter la table au beau milieu heureusement nous étions toutà fait en famille car nos hôtes étaient en grand deuil. Mme L. fut très aimable et me soigna si bien que je me sentais beaucoup mieux et rentrit sans accident. Aussitôt rentré j'ai un autre accès et B. me mit au lit et fait vinir le docteur qui prononce -- bad indigestion, ce que j'avais dèja diviné. J'avait le fièvre et ne pouvait plus remuer, de sorte que B. va seul au diner chez les B. Dimanche je reste tranquil et ne mange que de la soupe au riz! ce qui fait que je me suis assez bien pour assister au diner du soir,à la maison 20 personnes -- bien que sans rien manger. Lundi B. me mène dans des magazines chinois pour fair des emplettes, c'està dire pour me gâter en m'achetant des brocarts -- 3 robes, une petite broche et un bangle en or pour me dédommager du diner. Je me repose toute l'après-midi formant la posteà tout le monde, mais je me suis déjà assez forte. Le soir je me suis fièrement amusée. Diner chez Dr Hall - mon dentiste! où j'avais une vielle connaissanceà ma gauche. Nous ne nous étions pas vus depuis longtemps et il est toujours amusant. A dix heures bal au Club j'ai été tout de suite entourée ce qui ne m'a pas empêchée de danser. Chief Justice Ha????, le Président du committee me conduisit au souper età deux heures je rentraisà moitié morte. Mardi je me portais bien au désappointement de B. qui m'avais préparé un bon sermon, mais jusqu'ici il a dû le garder en réserve. Mardi soir les Allemands et principaux Anglais lui donnère un grand diner au Club Allemand. 80 couverts, musique, speech etc. etc. On lui presenta une adresse sur sur parchemin magnifiquement illuminée et signée par toutes les maisons allemandes en Chine, et une énorme lampe en argent. On bûtà ma santé séparément avec énorme enthousiasme des hurrahs et chansons. Enfin il revint enchanté me raconter toute l'affair en détailà onze heures. Je fit 34 visites et allaà un petit thé de Mme Ha???? en mon honneur. Mercredi, emballage et adieus. Jeudi matinà 7.30 encore des adieuxà maison,à huit heures une autre dose sur le wharf, accompagné de fleurs en quantités. Nous avions un launchà nous et commes nous abordâmes l'Oldenburg la musique joua et les drapeaux fur hissée. Il pleuvait. Une fois partis nous poussâmes un soupir de soulagement et dormirent toutes l'àpres midi. De ma vie, je n'ai été plus fatiguée et j'ai bien compris quel ennui cela doit être pour des grands personages de voyager. Nos cabines sont sur le upper deck, avec de vraies petites fenêtres; on a couper une porte entre les deux de sorte que nous sommes on ne peut mieux. La cuisine est très bonne et je ne fais que boire manger et dormir. Je commence aussià me rattraper un peu et déjà gagner deux livres. La mer est calme mais quelle chaleur! A Hong Kong il pluvait encore. Une atmosphère accablante. Je vis M. et Mme. Forbes qui demandèrent de tes nouvelles. Nous arrivâmesà huit heures dimanch (30 avril) matin, furent conduità l'hotel par le Consul et sa femme, gentils. Nous nous reposâmes jusqu'à une heure et demie quand on (Mr. Hoppins [??]) vint nous chercher pour aller au club allemand - en chaise. Là, conduite par M. H. au son de la musique qui jouait en haut, je traversait la grande antichambre entre une haie de messieurs qui, avec B. en tête, se referèrent [???] et me suivirent sur le grande escalier, dans une grande chambre sur le premier étape. Là neuf dames allemandes me furent présenté, et quelques uns des messieurs. Cinq minutes après nous defilions encore dans la grande salle où deux énormes tables étaient servit 70 couverts. Mauvais dejeuner speech. adresse en peluche bleue avec monture et monogram argent, etc. la même histoire. A cinq heures nous rentèrons assez fatigués, mais nous fimes encore un petit tour en chaise, nous arrêttant dans quelques magazines.

Lundi matin, visite, promenades dans le brouillard. Grand déjeuner de 20 pers. chez M. et Mme von Loeper. de laà bord accompagné de tout le bataclan. tas de fleurs etc. etc. Pendant tout ce temps rien que de l'Allemand et je fais des progrés sensible. On me fait des compliments de toutes part. [several unintelligible words, possibly German] et ainsi de suite avec des point d'exclamations sans fin. C'est amusant mais si absurde. Je ne puis pas me faireà l'idée que je suis "quelqu'une" et j'ai toujours envie de rire quand on me fait des révérences. A Singapore nous étions plus maitre de nous mêmes et pour le moment nous sommes au bout de festins et autre cérémonies. Nous nous sommes amusés tant bien que mal par la grande chaleur. C'està dire que nous avons -- où B.à acheter un tas de choses pour moi, broderies, argenterie indienne etc. Je t'ai acheté un petit mouchoir de Kurachi que je t'envoie par la poste. Une fois lavé il doit être tout bleue. Un petit souvenir de mon voyage de noce qui surpasse encore toute ce que je m'avais imaginé. Mon mari est si bon -- et si heureux qu'il fait plaisirà voir. Nous n'avons qu'amabilité et bonne chance de toutes parts. Nous sommes naturellement aussi le sujet d'intérêt et nous ne pourrions rien nous souhaiter mieux. Même le ciel nous es propice et depuis un jour avant Singapore nous n'avons plus de pluie et la chaleur n'est pas si intense que d'habitude. Pour nous il fait bien assez chaud et tout le monde porte des coustumes les plus légers.

En ce moment nous passons devant le côte de Sumatra, enveloppée d'un brouillard lourd et chaud -- un ciel gris et une mer luisante nous écrivons sur le pont pour être plus a l'aise. B. un long rapport moi - de nos triomphes. Faut esperer que tu pourras en débrouiller quelque-chose. A tu reçu le télégramme du 15, "Brandt, 15^th" sans délai? Je l'ai envoyé aussitôt après le mariage civil pour que tu l'aie plus tôt. As tu envoyé les lettres de faire part? J'espère trouver des nouvellesà Berlin en arrivant. Il me semble qu'il y a un siècle depuis que je n'en ai eu.

Le 10 mai

Interrompu hier je vais tacher de finir ma lettre aujourd'hui bien qu'il n'y ait plus rienà ajouter ce me semble. Les journées passent tranquillement et sans accidents. Je mange boit et dors tant que possible, me réveillant seulement quand nous rentrons dans un port quelconque. Après demain nous devons toucherà Colombo, déjà trois jours d'avance de sorte que si tout marche bien nous arriveronsà Gênes le 1^er ou bien du cinq juin. J'ai hâte d'avoir des nouvelles et d'apprendre comment tu vas -- et tu yeux.

Brandt se fait rappelerà ton bon souvenir avec amitiésà Russell. Mille baisers de ma part.à toi

Hélène .

Je t'ai envoyé plusieurs journeaux de Shanghai que je te pris de faire lireà Tante Alice ouà qui que cela peut intéresser. Papa t'enverra aussi deux photo. dont une est pour tante alice.

The Korean is the President of the bureau of foreign affairs, who proposed our health in a very pretty little speech which the interpreter translated. At 6 all was finished to our great satisfaction. Poor Papa was exhausted not have stayed in one place for half a minute during the entire day he was so excited. He did so much for us, and his two little letters since I left are so sad! ---

Sunday afternoon B. and I had an audience with the King and the Queen and the Prince. She was very friendly and questioned me for a good quarter of an hour what I was going to do, my house, etc. --

That evening B. received an enormous quantity of gifts from the King and the Prince, which made up for with enough friendliness and intrest all he had done for the treaty of 1882 with Korea. You will find a list of presents attached. Also you will find a photograph of B. taken three days before the wedding -- which is passable. Monday morning we departed early with supurb weather having with difficulty gathered all of our things. We went immediately on board the "Ping Ching" which was waiting for us and left the next day at dawn. We had good weather until Shanghai -- it rained alas and during the entire week the weather did not completely recover. Arriving at 3 we rested tranquilly, chatting with hour host, the Consul-general M. Stuchel. Dinner that evening ???. The next morning I did some shopping and made a quick visit to the Dentist. ???? -- late enough because we went on board the ship to see our cabins and dirct the changes that had to be made.

had had the ship decorated with the German flag forward and the American flag on the main deck, and when we departed he gave the Chinese salute -- three blasts of the cannon. I return to my day of Friday -- from 2 until 6:30 I received visits -- many old acquaintances. It was necessary to speak German almost entirely! Exhusted I finally saved myself to rest a moment before dinner -- 16 people, again German. But I experienced for the first time the sensation of being a married women and "excellency." In addition at desert, that is to say at the moment to rise from the table, I noticed that the conversation was languishing, or was apparently waiting for something. I was tired and I asked when we would leave the table. At last our host asked me if I would like to return to the salon for coffee -- it had never entered my head that I was supposed to be the first to get up. It is one of those things that was the most difficult for me to learn, especially when there is a woman of the house. I quickly habituated myself to the Excellency [??? text in German ???] -- the next day Friday at 9 Dr Hall drew two teeth. I already felt indisposed after having eaten too many good things and the champagne and that scarcely rendered me more valliant, but I accomplished several errands, than a visit to two old friends of B. who were leaving for Canton in an hour, and I did not return until just in time to dress myself to go have lunch in the city. I had to leave the table right in the middle, happily we were completely among family because our hosts were in high mourning.

Mrs L. was very friendly and took such good care of me that I felt much better and retourned without accident. As soon as I returned I had another attack and B. put me in bed and had the doctor come who pronounced -- baed indigestion, which I had already guessed. I had a fever and could not stir, as a result of which B. went alone to the dinner at B.'s. Sunday I rested tranquilly and ate only rice soup! which left me well enough to attend a diner in the evening, at the house with 20 people -- eventhough I ate nothing. Monday B. took me to Chinese shops to do some shopping, that is to say to spoil me by buying brocades -- three dresses, a little brooch and a gold bangle to compensate me for the dinner. I rested all of the afternoon writing to everyone, but I am already strong enough. I proudly amused myself in the evening. Dinner at Dr. Hall's - my dentist! where I had an old acquaintance on my left. We had not seen each other for a long time, and it is always amusing. At 6 a Ball at the Club, I was immediately surrounded, which did not prevent me from dancing. Chief Justice ????, the President of the committee, conducted me to supper and at 2 I returned half dead. Tuesday I was well enough, to the disappointment of B. who had prepared a good sermaon for me, but up until now he had to hold it in reserve. Tuesday eveing the Germans and principal English gave him a grand dinner at the German Club. 80 tables, music, speech etc. etc. He was given a speech on a magnificent illuminated parchment at signed by all the German houses in China, and an enormous silver lamp. People drank to my health separately with enormous enthousiasm of hurrahs and songs. Finally he came back enchanted to describe the entire affair in detail at 11. I made 34 visits and went to a little tea of Mrs Ha??? in my honor. Wednesday, packing and goodbyes. Thursday morning more goodbyes at the house, at 8 another dose on the wharf, accompanied by quantities of flowers. We had a launch to ourselves and when we borded the Oldenburg the music played and the flags were unveiled. It was raining. Once departed we sighed with relief and slept all the afternoon. In all my life I have never been more fatigued and I released how sad it must be for the great travelers. Our cabins were on the upper deck, with real little windows. A door had been cut between the two with the result that it could not be better. The cuisine is excellent and I do nothing but drink eat and sleep. I also begin to recover a bit and I have already gained two pounds. The sea is calm but what heat!

In Hong Kong it was still raining. An overwhelming atmosphere. I saw Mr. and Mrs. Forbes who asked me for your news. We arrived at 8 O'clock Sunday (30 April) morning, we were conducted to the hotel by the Consul and his wife, nice. We rested until half past 1 O'clock when someone (Mr. Hoppins [??]) came to find us to go to the German Club -- by chair. There, conducted by M.H. to the sound of German music which was loudly played, I traversed the grand antichamber into a line of men who, with B. at the head, ??? and followed me on the grand staircase, into a grand chamber on the first floorl. There nine German women were presented to me and several men. Five minutes after we filed again into the grand room where two enormous tables were set for 70 people. Bad luncheon speech. address in plush blue with silver mounting and monogram[???], etc. the same story. At five O'clock we returned quite fatigued, but we again made a little tour by chair, we stopped at several stores.

Monday morning, visit, walks in the fog. Grand lunch of 20 people at the house of Mr and Mrs von Loeper. From there on board accompanied by the whole kaboodle. Bunch of flowers etc. etc. During all the time nothing but German and I am making perceptible progress. Everyone was complimenting me. [unintelligible, in German] and so on with endless exclamation points. It is amusing but so absurd. I cannot grasp the idea that I am "someone" and I always want to laugh when one is reverential towards me. At Singapore we were more masters of ourselves and for the moment we were at the end of the festivities and other ceremonies. We were well enough amused for better or for worse by the great warmth. That is to say that we had -- where B. had bought a bunch of things for me, embroideries, Indian silver etc. I bought for you a little handkerchief from Kurachi which I am sending you by post. Once washed it ought to be entirely blue. A little souvenir of my marriage voyage which still surpasses anything that I could have imagined. My husband is so good -- and so happy that he is a pleasure to see. We have only amiability and good luck from all parts. We are naturally also the subject of interest and and we could wish for nothing better. Even the sky is propicious for us and since the day before Singapore we have had no more rain and the heat is not so intense as usual. For us it is hot enough and everyone wears the lightest clothes.

At this moment we are passing before the coast of Sumatra, envelopped in a heavy and hot fog -- a gray sky and a sparkling sea. We are writing on the bridge to be more at ease. B. a long report, me - of our triumphs. I must hope that your are able to disentangle something. Have you received the telegram of the 15th, "Brandt, 15th", without delay? I sent it right after the civil marriage in order for you to have it more quickly. Did you send the announcements? I hope o find news in Berlin when we arrive. It seems to me that it has been a century since last I had any.

10 May

Interrupted yesterday I am going to try to finish my letter today even though it seems to me there is nothing more to add. The days pass tranquilly without accident. I eat drink and sleep as much as possible, waking only when we return some port or another. After tomorrow we are going to touch at Colombo -- already three days in advance as a result of which if all goes well we will arrive at Genes the first rather than the firth of June. I am in a hurry to have news and to learn how you are doing -- and your eyes.

Brandt asks to be remembered to you with best wishes to Russell. A thousand kisses on my part.à toi

Hélène

I sent you several newspapers from Shanghai that I ask you to read to Aunt Alice or whomever might be interested. Papa will also send you two photos of which one is for you and one for Aunt Alice.

Diamond neclace (or tiara)

Silver tea set - Sir Robert Hart ⁴⁵

2 silver napkin rings - four principal Chinese servants of Legation in Peking

silver tray - Mr Behdirs [??] & Mr Baur with a piece of original poetry!

6 little silver models of chinese furniture, Bar. & Baroness von Lechendorff

Silver tea kettle -- Mr & Mrs Lieder

2 oil sketches of Chefoo -- "

12 Silver coffee spoons Mr. F.D. Cheshire

?.C. "Ping-Ching"

Heavy gold hand bracelet & ring set with a large white pearl (each)

Yellow satin mattress & cushion heavily embroidered -- 15 hair ornaments of Chinese jewelry -- 4 pcs white silk -- 4 pieces yellow (dyed) pass cloth -- 6 mats & 2 large bamboo window screens -- Queen of Korea

A large roll of thick, colored paper, two tiger skins -- 2 marble boxes -- ??? and silver ??? -- mats, window screens faces, 4 pcs yel. gr. cloth -- 4 pcs white silk -- King and Crown Prince of Korea

Marble box & emb. pillow ends -- Pres. of the Foreign Office - (C?? P?? ???)

?? & silver tobacco box - 2 pil. ends -- Min Yung Chung

Leopard skin -- Kim Ka Chin

Tortoise shell comb, brush, & glass Mrs ????

Hankow lace collar & cuffs Russian towel -- Mrs Dmitrevsky ⁴⁹

Horn & ivory box -- M. Kandin T?????, pen, candlestick & photo frame of plate & leather. Dr. Schrameier

3 albums of Japanese ??? -- Col. Nienstead⁵⁰

4 rolls of silk H.E. Li Hun Chang⁵¹
4 boxes of tea

Small gold chatelaine -- E.L. Foster

Chique -- Mrs K.C. Winthrop

Chéque -- Amy & Russell

Large punch bowl. Bar. Goltz & other members of Legation in Peking.

2 painted enamel vases & bit of emb. Baron Spoeck von Sternburg

rolls of silk -- ?ui of jade -- ??? ecarfs Ministers of the Kungli Yasuen (in Peking)

Japanese vase -- Bishop Anger

Large white Canton crape shawl. Secretaries of Consulates & Customs staff in Söul.

Traveling clock. Foreign representatives Gen. Le Gendre, Mr. Greathouse & Mr Neoyan Commissioner of Customs in Söul

Bronze inkstand with large monogram

??? o brassware -- Mrs Greathouse 

Small emb. pouch -- Mr Yi

Carved ivory photo frame -- Mr Ker ⁵²

Book -- Bishop Corfe  ⁵³

Large silver lamp (5 ft high) German firms in China

Carved ivory photo frame -- Mr Budler   ⁵⁴

The following newspaper account from the North China Herald of the wedding of Max and Max was provided by Robert Neff.

The religious ceremony took place at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day, in the drawing room of the U.S. Legation, which had been prettily decorated with flowers, sent partly by friends of the bride and bridegroom. The Right Rev. Bishop Corfe, of the Church of England Mission, assisted by the Rev. M.N. Trollope, performed the ceremony, to witness which only a limited number of invitations had been issued. These included the parents of the bride, Mr. Krien, Baron von der Goltz, Che Piung Chik, President of the Corean Foreign Office, Mr. Oishi, Japanese Minister-Resident, Mr. Hillier, H.B.M.'s Consul-General, (Mrs. Hillier being absent at Chemulpo), Mr. Dmitrevsky, Russian Charge d'Affaires, and Mrs. Dmitrevsky, M. Frandin, Commissioner of the French Republic, Mr. O. Johnson, H.B.M's Vice-Consul at Chemulpo, Mr. Kehrburg, Russian Legation, M. Sainson, French Consulate, Mr. Tong, Chinese Consul (Mr. Yuan Sie-ksi, the Imperial Resident, being in Mourning and therefore prevented from attending), Mr. Tsai, Chinese Residency, General Dye, Military Instructor, Seoul, General Le Gendre, Vice-Preident of the Home Office, Seoul, Mr. F.A. Morgan, Chief Commissioner of Customs, and Mrs. Morgan, Mr. A. Granzella, Corean Customs, Chemulpo, General and Mrs. Greathouse, the Rev. W. B. Scranton, M.D. and Mrs. Scranton with their three little girls, Col. and Mrs. Nienstead, Captain N.P. Anderson, R.C. Pingching, and Mr. Reinsdorf. At the conclusion of the service most of the foreign community called and congradulated the bride and bridegroom and a photograph of the bridal party was taken. The bridegroom and the members of the Diplomatic and Consular bodies were in uniform. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by the President of the Corean Foreign Office, the speech being translated by the interpreter of the American Legation, Mr. Hong U-kuan.

The following day, Mr. von Brandt was received in audience by the King and Crown Prince, Mrs. von Brandt being received separately a little later. His Majesty had sent a number of presents to the bride some days before the wedding, including a handsome gold bracelet, and ring, with Corean pearls. On the evening of the 16th the King and the Crown Prince sent several presents to Mr. von Brandt including some beautiful tiger skins, mats, etc.

On the 17th Mr. and Mrs. von Brandt left for Chemulpo, overland, and embarked at the latter place on the revenue cruiser Pingching, which Sir Robert Hart had kindly placed at their disposal.

Amongst the presents the bride received from her friends in Corea were a beautiful travelling clock, the joint gift of the foreign diplomatic representatives at Seoul, Mr. Morgan, General Le Gendre, General Dye and Mr. Greathouse, and a beautiful crape shawl, the gift of the junior members of the Legation and Consulates, and some other friends.

1893