Khortiza, February 6, 1920

Instead of the Ukrainian Anarchists now we are having the Russian Bolsheviks in the house. These latter are on the heels of the fleeing Anarchists and have taken up their station here. Most of the colonists fear the Bolsheviks as they did the Anarchists. We notice, however, that the Bolsheviks are organized in regular army troops. Often they show a human pity for the misery which has been caused by their enemies. They are conscripted soldiers recruited from all classes of society and are not all Bolsheviks by conviction.

These people cannot help us very much, of course, but we feel it already as a blessing when we are not robbed and cursed. It is true, on the other hand, that there is nothing left which could attract robbers.

The Bolsheviks have reorganized their armies. There seems to be enough discipline so that there is no stealing; at least not beyond that which has always been customary in Holy Russia.

Oh, there is cruelty enough everywhere after that accursed World War. How can one wonder when young men fall into moral confusion after having served in the army for four years, entered the war, and, up till today, continue in that rude calling?