Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 55, 1878

White, Mary

Denison, Texas

November 20, 1878

Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 103.

Dear Daughter Mary:

We have received Willie’s letter and just read it. We are inclined to think it best for Sister Booth to come to Texas. We are now in a very pleasant place where it is dry and sandy, where we can walk out if we choose any time. There is abundance of room in Brother Bahler’s house, and it is much pleasanter than any place we have yet seen. 3LtMs, Lt 55, 1878, par. 1

We will now write what we want: six sheets and as many pillowslips for common pillows; no large pillowslips. I want all my writings. 3LtMs, Lt 55, 1878, par. 2

Ask Brother Farnsworth in reference to that testimony sent to Iowa. I must have it and a copy of all my testimonies lately written, in manuscript or in pamphlet form, in print. Father wants those we had in California. Whatever is lacking, search for them at the office or please send all the numbers in pamphlet form and the bound volumes. Also tell Will to make no charges for these as we use these in writing for the benefit of our papers. Send one copy of each of the three volumes, for which charge two dollars. Send one copy each of the four volumes of the Spiritual Gifts, for which make no charge. Volume one and two you will find in one book. Send three or four copies of Henry’s life in pamphlet. All my writing I want for Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 4. I want all the books I have named to you before. These books and writings had better be sent by Sister Booth, as we shall need them at once. Be particular to get the writing for Elder Bourdeau and all the writings I have left there at home. 3LtMs, Lt 55, 1878, par. 3

Will you send my broadcloth sack and dress to match. I lost my velvet sack and am left quite destitute now. If I thought I could get a sack like Emma made there by that large pattern, I would have it done, for I shall need a cloak here this winter, I think. Send that alpaca and flannel in the drawer; that is not to be used for the children this winter. Send my gray Ulster. Get my hat pressed and trimmed. Send by Sister Booth. Send a couple of silk dresses. In the trunk in the chamber is a black alpaca dress skirt. Send it. I also have a black alpaca skirt that I had prepared for me. Send it. You may send in box two white bedspreads. It will save buying. You may also send one pair of blankets. See if Sister Booth can bring two trunks. I think she can; so passengers who have come to Texas say. Send my plaid shawl. Send Father’s every-day coat. 3LtMs, Lt 55, 1878, par. 4

It is well we had a good supply of underclothing, for today is the first washing that I have had done since we left home. There is a well of beautiful cool, soft water close by the door. This is a blessing that is not always found in Texas, I assure you. I want three good, large, new shirts made for Father. These old ones amount to but very little. They may be good for someone, but not for him. I am so glad he has plenty of underclothing, that he can change as often as he pleases. I want that stone bottle of violet ink sent. It just meets my wants in writing. 3LtMs, Lt 55, 1878, par. 5

In the drawer of the secretary in the office is a bag of gum. Please send it. Send me three pairs of woolen stockings. Send in box that new worsted material for dress, such as Emma used for her dress. And if you see anything you think I need that I have not written for, please be thoughtful and send it. We will not have comfortables sent. Put our best mattress in a box, and also my willow rocking chair. Pack carefully. 3LtMs, Lt 55, 1878, par. 6

Mother.