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prince's land, our neighbours and some of them our fellow-countrymen, were the first to bring their grievances to the ruling powers and demand greater liberty and remission of taxes. In all politeness and modesty, of course. But the matter is still not yet decided. Probably they will moderate their requests somewhat and agree to a reduction.

Our Toggenburg too was thrown into confusion but more from a desire to imitate than that we have reason to complain of harsh government. In most of the communes assemblies were held and appointed certain committees, who were to collect points of grievance in all the communes, then give them to a Commission and to the cantonal council. But very many among the sensible farmers do not like the business at all. They think that we should be content, keep still and quiet. Compared with other places both near to us and further away we have sufficient liberties. As for small grievances, remnants of serfdom, they will quite easily be relaxed. [...] Especially when the authorities care generally for the welfare of the country, the advantage of individuals cannot be taken into account." [Voellmy, v 2, pp 276-279]

5th-8th Aug. On the 5th Bräker visits Girtanner who advises him against taking Anna Katharina away from St. Gallen. But Bräker has obtained permission to have her released on condition that she leaves the Prince-Abbot's domains. On the 6th he escorts her, much against her will, into Canton Thurgau, and on the 7th leaves her with a friend

[not identified]
in Konstanz, in a poor household - Bräker is "somewhat troubled by fleas" during the night. Next day he goes home via Bischofzell to Oberuzwil, where he spends the night and meets an old woman, widow of a pastor, who had been at school and confirmation instruction with him. [Chronik, p 423]

September (no exact date) "In September hardly four weeks had passed amid the confusion of well-founded great and little anxieties at home, when the lack of money, money, the indispensable necessity, called me once more to St. Gallen, which I still regarded, dear St. Gallen, as my place of refuge and that on well-tried grounds. I have often before in greatest difficulty found money there, when elsewhere none was to be found and all the springs had run dry. At least I always find an open invitation to table. In one house too, which may Heaven bless, I have always found considerable assistance. Concerning such magnanimous people I take care as for my life, that I do not abuse their kindness. I should like to mention a few of these dear noble people by name, if I might. But I know that they would not permit me to do so." [Voellmy, v 2 pp 252-253]

[This reluctance to name friends, particularly Girtanner, makes more sense now that Bräker's family has had trouble with the law. The Chronik [p 424] says that Bräker was thinking of possible publication.]

In early September Bräker visits Anna Katharina and gives in to her pleas to be taken home, where he will keep her hidden. Clergymen and other respected men have advised him to separate Anna Katharina from her husband, but Bräker thinks this will not help matters. He gets ready for a journey to Zürich and Bern to ask friends for help and advice. Salome is against this plan, so Bräker tells her that he expects to collect money owing to him. He has managed to save secretly a small sum for the expenses of travel. On the 20th, the day before he plans to set off, Anna Katharina escapes from the house, after a long search she is discovered in a nearby fulling-mill with her husband, who alleges that he had come there because he longed to see his daughter Susanna Barbara again. [Chronik, p 424]

21st Sept. to 15th Oct. Bräker travels to Zürich and Bern [Chronik, p 424] Voellmy (v 3 pp 162-8) has selected "the most interesting points". Dates and supplementary information from the Chronik [pp 424-428]


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