Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 41, 1879

Children

Denison, Texas

January 29, 1879

Previously unpublished.

Dear Children:

It is quite a sacrifice to me to give up seeing you. I had become very anxious to meet you again, but we were astonished to learn how much such a trip would cost. We feared that you would think we must see you at all hazards. Now there is nothing so very pressing, but at the same time it would be a great pleasure to meet with our dear children. You can reckon up the cost for yourselves and see how much means it must cost—seventy-one dollars ($71) from Denison to San Francisco. Just the cost from Battle Creek here I cannot tell. You may be assured it is a denial to us both to miss seeing you and consulting upon different matters. But letters can do this. 3LtMs, Lt 41, 1879, par. 1

Father had a telegram ready to send when I carefully suggested the cost. He was so elated with the possibility of your coming, he had not once considered this. Father has all confidence in you, whatever he may write to the contrary. 3LtMs, Lt 41, 1879, par. 2

We received Testimony No. 28 yesterday. We have enough matter written to issue another at once. What is best to do about it? One subject is upon courtesy, one on health of ministers—in regard to their manner of speaking—another in regard to leaving a place with the work half finished, and the most important of all is in reference to vowing or pledging and not feeling responsible to meet these pledges. With what you have on hand, there is abundance for this purpose. Some things I desire to have out at once. 3LtMs, Lt 41, 1879, par. 3

Sanctification should be set and clean proofs sent to me. It will, with some additions, make a nice pamphlet by itself. The other subjects all must go in Testimony No. 29. Your father does not write much now. It seems to make him nervous. But he is very active all the time. 3LtMs, Lt 41, 1879, par. 4

Last Monday we went about fifteen miles to consummate a trade for mules and new milch cow. In a few days we shall have abundance of milk. We have paid ten cents per quart for milk that tastes of cotton seed and is not good at all. 3LtMs, Lt 41, 1879, par. 5

It was so hot Monday we spread umbrella and put a heavy, lined cape over that. The sun pelted down so hot. It is rainy today, which will start the grass. Family gardens are made all around us. We have had no occasion for fire for several days. 3LtMs, Lt 41, 1879, par. 6

I think the way is prepared for Willie and Mary’s help, for you should both stand together in any place. I have written much to California right to the point. What do you think of our taking time to go by private conveyance in a company to Colorado? Think we could spare the time? We will have teams and a company of about twenty. 3LtMs, Lt 41, 1879, par. 7

Mother.