Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 18, 1882

White, W. C.

Healdsburg, California

June 13, 1882

Previously unpublished.

Dear son Willie:

I have decided to spend next Sabbath in Santa Rosa. May [Walling] and Sister Kelsey will be with me there. I desire you to meet us there. Ride up with us after meeting. Spend Sunday with us. We can talk things over in regard to what shall be done as to building here. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 1

I have taken a little look at the Lewis property. There is no house on it except an old boarded shanty of no possible worth. Not half as good as my little house up here that Roberts lives in. A portion of the land, called bottom land, overflows every winter and is for a short time eight feet under water. A German, I think he is a gardener, says he has been there three years but could do nothing with the bottom land. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 2

The land rises abruptly from the lowland, and there is a high elevation. On this elevation is a good show of fruit trees—pears, a few peaches, almonds—but these do not do anything because of early frosts. [There are] considerable—many—apple trees. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 3

I doubt whether we will want the property. I might exchange for the smallest house of mine. I would not do any more than this, and I will go today with Mary and her mother and Brother [Fred] Harmon, if he is at home. He was called away yesterday to Santa Rosa by telegram. His sister’s child was dead. He will probably be at home now. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 4

We all went to the redwoods yesterday. Took our dinner. We had a very pleasant time. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 5

Sunday, Professor [Sidney] Brownsberger and his wife, Brother and Sister Harmon, Sister Kelsey, Mary [White], little May, little Ella [White] and I visited Sister Colridge ten miles out from Healdsburg. They were boldly tangled up with Battle Creek. We had a profitable visit. Had a praying season with them. I am satisfied Sister Brownsburger has made very decided changes for the better the last year. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 6

Well, I shall expect you at Santa Rosa. We have no well, and I want you to see this place. I will write you after looking at it again this morning. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 7

I want a couple of Life Sketches. There are none in my library. The matters of these books need to be talked over with you when Mary returns. I may come down with Mary and see some matters through the press. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 8

I have had so much company, could not do writing, and I wanted Mary and her mother to have a change while here. Then Sister Jones might not get away from home very soon again. I wanted to make it pleasant for her. I think she has enjoyed her visit. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 9

Well, I shall expect you to [be at] Santa Rosa to meet us. Say nothing to Brother Jones of the matter as Sister Jones wants to surprise him. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 10

I have sent my wagon to be repaired at Brother Litticer’s and shall go down for it on Thursday, early in the morning, taking Brother Litticer’s wagon and all the crowd back to Santa Rosa, saving them one dollar each on their fare. I might take them to Petaluma, but that would take time and perhaps would not pay. Would it? 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 11

About the time this company came, my head gave out. I could not write at all for days. I am now gathering back my brain power and can do something again. I thought it would do me no harm to have a change and have tried to give some time to my visitors. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 12

I have not had Mary and her mother at all to myself yet. I want them to stay a little while after the rest are gone. If I do go to Petaluma, I will write you and have you meet me there. I was afraid to bring Mary there, fearing she would be so near you would think she had better cross the bay, else I should spend next Sabbath in Petaluma. But in Santa Rosa they make such an ado about my not speaking to them, [I] thought it best to go down there next Sabbath. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 13

Please remember and send me two Life Sketches, or bring them; that will do as well. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 14

The mattress for Papworth to fix is on Sister Kelsey’s bed. It is hair; rather hard; needs a new cover and entire overhauling with five pounds added to it; and it [is to] be left on the bed in my room when my new one is removed. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 15

Will finish this letter at Healdsburg. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 16

Brother Harmon and Mary White, Mother Kelsey, and I looked over [the] Lewis place. All think it [is] no profit to me. No house on it. Bottom land [is] wearing away every year; one acre and three-quarters in such land. Good fruit trees on the land. The man has been on it four years; has it till next January. He says it is not worth over one thousand, if it is that. Come and see. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 17

Mother.

I ought to have ten dollars [a] month for house. 3LtMs, Lt 18, 1882, par. 18