Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 6, 1872

White, W. C.

Washington, Iowa

May 20, 1872

Portions of this letter are published in 2Bio 339.

Dear Willie:

We are very pleasantly situated here and I am very well persuaded that this place in Washington should be our headquarters. Father works in the garden much of his time and rests well nights. He has been writing quite a lengthy piece for the Reformer. There are many things to interest and take his mind—the trimming of trees, improvements to be made. We had quite a little diversion in moving the toilet from the front yard to back of the henhouse. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 1

I think this is just the place for Father. We are trying to rest up for camp meetings. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 2

Do you hear anything of Brother Littlejohn? Will he attend the camp meetings? I really hope he will. We want to see you and him very much. Please write us particulars how you get along in your work. Are you happy? How are Edson and Emma? 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 3

This is a beautiful place. I shall feel at home here. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 4

My dear son, we do not forget you when we pray. We remember Edson and Emma and you and plead with God to give you strength to walk the self-denying path His own feet have trod. Be watchful and prayerful. This you can do and be cheerful and happy. Do not let sadness cloud your soul. My dear boy, make God your trust. Pray to Him earnestly for strength to endure and to escape the perils of these last days. Be determined never to make the hearts of your parents sad. Sadness and trials needlessly caused us are already bringing us near the grave. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 5

I will write again, I think, tomorrow. Do not, my son, allow other boys to draw you from your duty and from God. We do not wish to make our home in Battle Creek. We are near enough here. We expect to visit California in the fall. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 6

In love from 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 7

Your Mother. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 8

May 21

I designed this letter should have gone yesterday but it was overlooked. I will add a few words and send it today. We rested well last night. I think I see evidences of great improvement in Father. He is cheerful and of good courage. I have not been very well. Hope to improve and be ready for camp meeting. I think I must have put up a collar pin in a box somewhere to bring here but cannot find the box. If you find it, please bring it along. I lost mine on the cars and am minus a pin. Robert Kilgore and Asenath and their two children were here yesterday. Do you hear anything of the express bundle sent to me from Lancaster? 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 9

We have not heard one word from any of you since we left. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 10

We hope you are all well and happy. We shall live here and have our goods brought to us on the cars, we think. We hope the place in Battle Creek will be sold as soon as possible. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 11

In much love to all, 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 12

Your Mother. 2LtMs, Lt 6, 1872, par. 13