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My dear Theo,
I heard from home that you arrived safe and sound at
Brussels and that your first impression was good.
I know so well how strange you must feel in the beginning,
but don't lose courage, you'll get on all right.
You must soon write me how you are getting along and how you
like your boardinghouse. I hope it will be satisfactory. Father
wrote me that you are on good terms with Mr. Schmidt; that is
right - I think he is a good fellow from whom you can learn a
great deal.
I am very busy just now at the beginning of the year.
My New Year began well; they have granted me an increase of
ten guilders (I therefore earn fifty guilders per month), and
they have given me a bonus of fifty guilders as a present.
Isn't that splendid? I hope to be able to shift for myself
now.
I am very happy that you work in the same firm. It is such a
splendid house; the more one works there, the more ambition it
gives you.
The beginning is perhaps more difficult than anything else,
but keep heart, it will turn out all right.
Will you ask Schmidt what the price of the Album Corot,
lithographs by Émile Vernier is? Somebody asked for it
at the store, and I know they have it in Brussels. Next time I
write, I'll send you my picture, which I had taken last Sunday.
Have you already been to the Palace Ducal? Don't fail to go
there when you have a chance.
Well, boy, keep your courage up. All the friends send you
their compliments and good wishes. Give my regards to Schmidt
and Eduard and write to me soon. Adieu.
Your loving brother, Vincent.
You know my address is,
Lange Beestenmarkt, 32
Or Goupil & Co., Plaats
At this time, Vincent was 19 year oldSource: Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Theo van Gogh. Written January 1873 in The Hague. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number 003. URL: https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/1/003.htm.
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