The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Lt 2, 1853
May 26, 1853, Plymouth, Michigan 1EGWLM 349.1
Letter to
Anna White.1
1EGWLM 349.2
Portions of this letter are published in Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Early Years, p. 274.
News of Ellen and James White's first journey to Michigan. 1EGWLM 349.3
Dear Sister Anna:
I now sit down to fulfill my promise to you and write a few lines, knowing you will feel anxious to hear how we bear our journey.2 1EGWLM 349.4
At Mill Grove [New York] James and self were in a very poor state of health. Tuesday we were undecided whether to return to Rochester [New York] or continue our journey. James was hardly able to sit up, his throat troubled him much, and his food distressed him. I was afraid some, how it would turn with him, but we prayed for him and the Lord gave us to feel that we must start and trust in Him.3 1EGWLM 349.5
We took the [railroad] cars about four o'clock P.M. for Buffalo [New York]. The boat did not start until half past nine in the evening from Buffalo. We waited in the boat from five till half past nine. It was a very nice boat, the air was sweet and there was every convenience on the boat. We took a stateroom where instead of finding narrow berths we found a nice large bed for both of us, made up clean, and a neat looking glass in the room, a large Testament like Sarah's [Sarah B. Belden]4 with the Psalms in the back. There was a washbowl, soap, towel, and by turning a faucet we could bring water in the bowl. We felt almost at home. We prayed together before retiring and committed ourselves to the watchful care of Him who never slumbers or sleeps, and we felt assured that He would keep us from all accident and harm. 1EGWLM 349.6
Some through fear sat up through the night. We paid nothing extra for our meals which we took on board the boat, or for our stateroom. 1EGWLM 350.1
We slept sweetly through the night. James felt much better than he expected to. He began to feel better directly after leaving Mill Grove, and he has been growing better ever since. 1EGWLM 350.2
Wednesday morn it was pleasant but the wind blew and the boat rocked considerable; some were seasick but we went into our room and lay down. We slept sweetly for one hour and a half; we did not get up until about noon. 1EGWLM 350.3
They had plenty on the table that we could eat and not hurt us, which was quite fortunate for us; we thanked the Lord in our heart for the food although we did not do it vocally. There were a great number of crying children on the boat; they were cross and ill-tempered. I thought of my little Edson [James Edson White] and felt thankful he was not like them. We tried to keep our hearts uplifted to God for strength, especially that James might be strengthened. 1EGWLM 350.4
The boat landed us at Detroit [Michigan] about half past three o'clock P.M. There were six hundred on board. We were obliged to wait in Detroit until six P.M. We then took the cars for Wayne [Michigan]—distance 18 miles [29 kilometers]. We arrived at Wayne about seven, and found Brother Lyon [Henry Lyon]5 waiting for us at the depot with a good team. We had been some troubled about the distance we were to ride in the night air, but Brother Lyon came prepared with nice buffalo robes and we did not feel chilly at all. We rode 12 miles [19 kilometers] and arrived at Brother Lyon's about ten o'clock. Brother and Sister Cornell [Merritt E. and Angeline M. A. Cornell]6 are here; they are solid and good. 1EGWLM 350.5
This is a most beautiful place surrounded with fruit trees. I should love to have you here today, but should not know what to do with you tomorrow. We shall have to ride 30 miles [48 kilometers] and part of the way it is a very rough road. 1EGWLM 350.6
I am of good courage but not very well in body. We believe the Lord will give us strength. The enemy made a powerful effort to keep us from Michigan,7 but he has not succeeded as yet. Oh, that God would give us strength from the sanctuary. We shall plead for it until it comes, it must come, we cannot labor without it. It will come from God, we believe, and [we] mean to walk out by faith. The promise will not fail us, it will be verified.8 1EGWLM 350.7
You must pray for us. I never saw the necessity of living near to God as now. We must keep our mind stayed upon Him and feel our entire dependence, and watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. We must exercise faith continually and act it out. We can have full and free salvation. You know what it is, dear Anna; don't settle down short of this. The storehouse is full and free, don't let us go hungry here, when there is enough and to spare. 1EGWLM 351.1
Anna, have faith, have faith in God. It seems to me that the faith of the family is rather weak; they must come up. Remember us to each member of the family. I shall write them before long. How are Sarah and Clara [Clarissa M. Bonfoey]?9 Is their health good for them? We want to hear from you all. James sends much love to Anna and the rest of the family. 1EGWLM 351.2
In much love. 1EGWLM 351.3