Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 8, 1870

White, J. E.

Battle Creek, Michigan

May 17, 1870

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Edson:

We expect a letter from you now every day. Your father wrote you last Thursday and sent a check. Have you received it? We feel anxious to hear from you. How are you prospering? How is Emma? Does she take the powders I sent by Sister McDearmon? I think that the remedy will be of use to her now. One teaspoonful of the powders make one quart of liquid. Steep it thoroughly, keeping covered. Pour off and let settle, then bottle. Keep in a cool place. Put the dregs to steep again in a little water and mix with that in the bottle after settled. Take one great spoonful before each meal and one at night before sleeping. In one week increase to two or three spoonfuls. 2LtMs, Lt 8, 1870, par. 1

I am preparing second book. Have completed the first. My time is very much occupied. Edson, I cut you out a plaid shirt. Take it from your trunk and let Sister McDearmon make it. The machine will do it about all. How are your clothes—in good order? 2LtMs, Lt 8, 1870, par. 2

We feel interested that you should succeed, but don’t work beyond your strength, and do not forget God and the claims He has upon you. The Lord will bless you and strengthen you if your heart is submissive to Him. Take time to read your Bible and to pray. The Lord will never forsake those who put their trust in Him. Be of good courage in pursuing a course of right, and may the Lord guide you, is my prayer. 2LtMs, Lt 8, 1870, par. 3

Let us hear from you frequently, if but a few lines. I hope you will not get the ague upon you. You had better be cautious. Preserve your health. Willie and Byron work together well. I think that they will do first-rate together. Byron takes much care from Willie. 2LtMs, Lt 8, 1870, par. 4

My first book will be ready for distribution next week. Will send you one when it is out. We have Busha Dixson with me sewing now. She seems to be a very fine, good girl. She is mulatto. Has been at the Institute for eight months. I speak to the Institute quite frequently now. Always have liberty. The patients and doctor and helpers beg so hard for me to come I cannot well turn them off. The meetinghouse lots are all cleared from the lumber and ploughed and sowed to grass seed. It looks very neat and clean. There has been a job done by the carpenters, new and convenient steps made for the Office, and stairs for me to step from the carriage upon at the Office. The meetinghouse and Office have been all cleaned thoroughly. It looks like a new Office. While the women were cleaning, the carpenters were donating their work and lumber for steps and for platform, and steps to accommodate those stepping from the carriages. Father is speaking to Institute this morning. Lucinda has not come. 2LtMs, Lt 8, 1870, par. 5

In great haste and much love to all the family, and especially to you, my son. We hope Emma’s sickness is not of long duration. 2LtMs, Lt 8, 1870, par. 6

Write often. 2LtMs, Lt 8, 1870, par. 7

Your Mother. 2LtMs, Lt 8, 1870, par. 8