Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

1874

Letters

Lt 1, 1874

White, J. S.

Sacramento, California

June 3, 1874

Previously unpublished.

[On the train.]

Dear Husband:

We are nearing Sacramento. We are usually well. There is scarcely any dust. The car is not much crowded. I have an entire seat. I shall get along first rate, I think. I have made no acquaintances yet, and do not think I shall try. I feel anxious to hear how the work of God prospers in Oakland. 2LtMs, Lt 1, 1874, par. 1

Don’t worry the least about me. 2LtMs, Lt 1, 1874, par. 2

Your Ellen.

I am now beyond Sacramento. 2LtMs, Lt 1, 1874, par. 3

Thursday Morning

We are on the dreary plains, destitute of vegetation. There is scarcely a green thing to be seen. 2LtMs, Lt 1, 1874, par. 4

Rested some last night. One car after another was dropped off. Had to change cars at one o’clock and take a forward one. The car I am in and the smoking car are all the first[-class] passenger cars, except the sleeping cars. I feel quite well this morning. There are but few passengers in the car. At Golden Hill (I think it was) the car nearly emptied. 2LtMs, Lt 1, 1874, par. 5

I shall get along very nicely, I think. I have no fears, for I believe that I am in the way of my duty. I hope things may by this time be assuming a more favorable appearance. We cannot expect everything to be as smooth as we could wish in this life of temptation and trial. My prayer shall be, “Lord, make me what thou wilt. Cleanse and sanctify me.” If I am all right, I shall not keep bumping against so many rough corners. I am clinging to God; He will be my Helper. He will also be with you. 2LtMs, Lt 1, 1874, par. 6

Your Ellen.

June 4, half past 5 o’clock, a.m.

I have just made the acquaintance of an humble-appearing woman. Gave her one copy Reformer, Youth’s Instructor, and Review and Herald. She was highly pleased with them, and gave me half a dollar. She urged it on me so strong I could not well refuse. 2LtMs, Lt 1, 1874, par. 7

I find I cannot get a letter on the way back before noon. I am sorry now I did not send back word from Sacramento. 2LtMs, Lt 1, 1874, par. 8

I enjoyed the currants very much. There was an abundance of cherries, most splendid black and nearly white, but they asked fifty cents for a small paper containing about twelve. 2LtMs, Lt 1, 1874, par. 9

Ladies behind me bought a paper, thinking he said one bit. They were provoked when they found four bits was the price for twelve cherries. 2LtMs, Lt 1, 1874, par. 10