The following is a letter from artist Julius Stockfleth to his brother. Stockfleth is known for his paintings of Galveston’s ships and harbor, including the only known painting of the aftermath of the Galveston hurricane of 1900.

Wyk on the island of Foehr

December 15, 1908

My dear brother,

This letter will serve as a Christmas card to you. It was with great sadness that our widowed mother and I returned to our native village. My failing finances forced me to leave Texas. This Christmas will be a quiet one for us.

I often dream of the great ships I used to paint in Galveston. As I walk along the beach of this island in the North Sea, I remember the boats I loved in Texas.

Nightmares of the tidal wave still haunt me. So many lives were lost in that terrible storm. Sometimes, I wake up in a cold sweat. Then, I dress, put on my black slouch hat, pick up my silver-headed cane, and walk up and down the beach. This calms my nerves. I hope we find the peace we seek here. May you and your family find peace and joy in the New Year.

Your brother,

Julius

from Artists Who Painted Texas by Marjorie von Rosenberg