Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 2a, 1874

Children

Santa Rosa, California

February 1874

Fragment. Previously unpublished.

Dear Children:

Last Friday we received an urgent letter from Brother Van Horn to come on Sunday to Green Valley and speak to the people. We both had much writing to do and we could not see how we could spare the time. I had a dream in the night which decided me to go Sunday morning and speak to the people. Brother Wilson took his horses, which we had been using for a week, and our carriage, and we started early. The road was very bad and muddy. In the stiffest, deepest mud the horses decided to stand still although they might have drawn us out easily if disposed to do so. We had to work quite a while to get started again. We went on quite swiftly through mud and ditches without slacking our pace. When within four miles of Green Valley we called to Michael Telons’ and rested a little and then went on. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 1

We had a good congregation, although the Methodist minister had called away all the people he could to attend exciting meeting at Sebastopol. For this reason Brother Van Horn was more anxious to give out an appointment for me to speak at Forestville, two miles beyond Green Valley, and thus hold all the people he could. He was at the most important point in his lectures. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 2

I had good freedom Sunday forenoon. Although the Methodists were laughing and making sport at the commencement of the meeting, they sobered down before I closed. They came intending to have rare fun in hearing a “woman preacher.” 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 3

After the meeting, Brother Van Horn baptized two, and we took dinner at Brother Ross’s. I was to return back to Santa Rosa in the afternoon but Brother Van Horn urged me to speak in the evening. I told him Brother Wilson must return that day. If he would provide a team and take me back fourteen miles Monday I would stay. We laid the matter before the brethren and the way was opened. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 4

In the evening I had a crowded house and took a solemn subject, “As it was in the days of Noah,” etc. [Luke 17:26.] A great change came over the people in the evening. A solemn power rested upon me as I brought home to them the heart-searching truth of their present state and the preparation that they must have in order to be saved. No laughing or sport was seen in the congregation. In this place, in the Methodist meetings, the young would talk and laugh aloud during services. Brother Van Horn said they were getting very bold in his meetings. But in the morning I addressed myself to them with great plainness and they felt the rebuke. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 5

Monday Brother and Sister Van Horn came to Santa Rosa to bring me home. We had a pleasant ride. The manzanita is in bloom and the fir balsam trees are very beautiful on that road. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 6

When we returned, we learned that Brother Wilson’s horses balked in returning. I cannot tell how long he was detained. Our new harness was broken, and I think that they had a pretty severe time of it. Brother Wilson was wishing us to buy this team, and we had been proving them for one week. We know now just what to do—let them alone. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 7

Your father seems quite strong. He and I walk down to the post office nearly a mile and back before breakfast. We walk down for the mail at night, so you see we have some exercise. My health is better. My eyes are improving. Sister Hall is real well, and the children seem to be in perfect health, hearty as little pigs. Adelia’s health is good. She is improving very fast. At first she was a little homesick, so much rainy weather and her husband was away. They both visit from house to house in Green Valley, and they are both beloved wherever they go. Brother Van Horn is a good laborer. He takes well with the people, and Sister Van Horn is beloved by all. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 8

We learn that Sister Loughborough is very sick—her recovery doubtful. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 9

In love, 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 10

Your Mother. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 11

Father has lost that ink receipt. Please send us the receipt as soon as you can. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 12

P.S. My kindest regards to Mrs. Brownsberger. 2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 13