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Will send 10 Kg. butter with my brothers – will try more when I depart myself

And for that reason too I should travel to a different place, where

there was a better climate for my lungs, but where

I don’t know. Can you give me some advice –

there is that difficulty with the grant, that one

can only get 1000 kr to begin with, and one has to

manage with that for a quarter, before one can get more

money; – it is thus impossible to take advantage of, without

having working capital, – it is impossible

to manage with 1000 Kr. per quarter here at home these days, –

not to speak of when one shall travel abroad with a family.

In Denmark it is of course cheaper to live than here,

but it costs to move with an entire family, and

then there are complicated new passport regulations,

and if one wants to bring a few household goods, then there are

all sorts of customs regulations, – it is evidently difficult

merely to bring paints with you, – one may get through

for a while, but then one is stopped and risks

losing one’s dearly acquired paints – among which many can-

not be replaced – (I am already missing many of the paints, that I

am used to, and there is no likelihood of getting them back.)

If only I had known a shipowner, who had a ship

that sailed to South Africa, and for a reasonable price

would transport me and my family there; – but then I would

probably not get the grant, – I have applied once before; (when I had

a grant) to be allowed to travel to Africa, but was denied-

Well forgive me for bothering You with my helplessness!

We have received an invitation to visit the Prytz family

again, – but I am afraid of becoming overly indebted

to these kind people. With wishes

for a good journey to America for Höst and with best wishes from

Engel and me I remain Your devoted Nikolai Astrup

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