Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 10, 1880

White, James

Oakland, California

March 12, 1880

Previously unpublished.

Dear Husband:

It is a most glorious morning. Would like very much to see you stirring about this morning. I think my left lung improves slowly, but is not all right. I am very careful and I expect I shall be well as I labor. 3LtMs, Lt 10, 1880, par. 1

It now seems to me I shall not remain here longer than three months from now. In that case I shall not visit Oregon, for it will be too tedious and painful a trip to stay so short a time. I have turned the matter over on every side and after much thought and prayer it seems to be this way in my mind: to remain here until after camp meetings—one or two are held this spring—then to return East wherever it may seem to be duty, [and] labor the best I can. I am desirous, if it be the will of God, to attend a camp meeting which shall be held near Portland: also attend camp meeting in Massachusetts, and one in Iowa, perhaps [one] in Ohio, and in New York and in Indiana. Farther than this I may not attend camp meetings. But I expect the Lord will direct. 3LtMs, Lt 10, 1880, par. 2

I shall visit a few places on this coast, but confine my labors more to Oakland, for it seems to be as promising a field here as we can find. There are some embracing the truth all the while. The active circulation of tracts and papers has aroused an interest to hear upon the subject, and if there is preaching here every Sunday night we should have the better part of the citizens come out to hear. I feel that time is short and I am desirous of going just where the Lord would have me go, whether it shall be the most pleasant for me or not. 3LtMs, Lt 10, 1880, par. 3

The matters here at this office are in such a condition Will and Mary [White] cannot leave till someone shall come to do the work they are doing. Elder Waggoner is now staying by, that matters may be referred to him when necessary, but he ought not to be here a day. He is very feeble and wishes to go to the country. Lucinda is fearfully worn. Wishes to get back home that she may rest. But you know what her home is, poor child. I feel sorry for her. She is so poor; her lungs trouble her. Now both of those who have had the care here, Elder Wand [?], Sister Hall, are in this condition. I think Lucinda has served her time and I cannot ask her to be with me, for I know this will be no relief to her. She must be freed from all care. Our daily prayer is for God to raise up those who can take care and conscientiously work in this office. They need a head. When Willie leaves they should have a head or things will be no better than now. 3LtMs, Lt 10, 1880, par. 4

Edson [White] has consented to leave for the East the coming week. I have consented to take his place off his hands at $2,900. It is well worth this sum. We are safe in giving this, and he will have but about three hundred to use now to pay his and Emma’s fare. The place is a most desirable one. It is retired, free from dust, has sweet and fresh air, excellent water, prepared for us to go into at once. He could not get away unless this was done. 3LtMs, Lt 10, 1880, par. 5

I have something coming to me on my wages since [the] last settlement. Will you please look up the matter and tell me how much it is? I think there is no less than two hundred dollars interest money which must be paid and some small debts of Edson’s included in the stated sum of the property. He will give you all particulars. It is too bad to deprive Emma of her home which she thinks so much of, but Edson seems willing to do anything I tell him. He has perfect confidence in my judgment. Emma is willing to do anything that looks right. Edson is a great worker in the temperance and Sabbath school interest, and all regret his leaving very much. They say no one can fill his place. 3LtMs, Lt 10, 1880, par. 6

I hope that the Lord will lead and guide and bless you and let His light shine upon you. 3LtMs, Lt 10, 1880, par. 7

In love, 3LtMs, Lt 10, 1880, par. 8

Your Ellen.