Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 11, 1881

White, W. C.

Healdsburg, California

November 9, 1881

Previously unpublished.

Dear Willie:

I called today upon Dr. Farrer. We had a visit of a couple of hours while Brother H. [Fred Harmon] was getting his horse shod. The doctor says the term of school he wishes to attend will not begin before January. The doctor seems to be a sharp business man. I would think he might be a good one to fill in [at the Rural] Health Institute at Crystal Springs. 3LtMs, Lt 11, 1881, par. 1

Fred Harmon and I went up to the place, brought away chairs and what not, and took home the drag and barrel we had borrowed. Took home Sister Snooks’ things as we returned home. Brother Young stopped us and said Mrs. Brown had been dissuaded by persons at the hotel from taking our property. They told her that it would be seven years before she could realize any profits from fruit, and in winter the roads were impassable. She told him she wanted him to show her places, which he did. She decided to take a place, buy it for forty-five hundred. She telegraphed to her husband she would not buy our place—so that has fallen through—and somehow I am not sorry now. I shall get some man and his wife in there who will take charge of the place, shall set out fruit at once, and seek for a supply of water. I have prayed for the Lord to open the way, and I believe He will. I want to move in His counsel. May He direct me in all things is my earnest prayer. 3LtMs, Lt 11, 1881, par. 2

I shall never think Mrs. Brown a substantial woman. Why, she said she was delighted and suited in every way, and now she has changed right about. 3LtMs, Lt 11, 1881, par. 3

Try to think of someone to come on this place and work it. Fred Harmon says he thinks he can better get a living from our place than his. He thinks it a superior place for turkeys and chickens. If he can sell for three thousand, he will take our place at that. It ought to bring more, but I will tell him, if you think it best, I shall charge three thousand and five hundred and will board out the other five hundred with him. I shall leave these things with you to manage. I shall say nothing till I see you and we can talk over matters. I felt after you were gone so lonely and sad, but I will see you either the last of this week or the first of next. 3LtMs, Lt 11, 1881, par. 4

Mother.