Source: Tom 17

Tatka!

I received your letter.

You have lately begun to praise me.

What does it mean? Is it good, or bad?

I have no news, unfortunately. I am living well enough, awaiting better times. The weather here has turned bad, curse it. I will have to flee to Moscow.

You hint at some trips of mine. I can assure you that I have gone nowhere (absolutely nowhere!) and have no intention of going anywhere.

Kisses, very many, and hard, very hard.

Yours,

Iosif.

8/X-30

Source: Iosif Stalin in the Embrace of His Family. From the Personal Archive. Pp. 34-35. AP RF. F. 45. Op. 1. D. 1550. L. 40-51.