Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 33, 1885

White, W. C.

St. Helena, California

February 20, 1885

Previously unpublished.

Willie:

I have a draft of eight hundred dollars. I want you to sign your name to the notes, with my name, and return them to Smouse. They were left at Healdsburg. I will have the notes sent to me, sign my name, then send to you for your name, and you send them on to Smouse. 4LtMs, Lt 33, 1885, par. 1

Now I want a draft of one hundred and fifty dollars. I have purchased a horse, a traveler, on condition that if it does not please me, Lockwood will take it. Sanford Rogers had this trade nearly made one year ago. He wanted the horse for his own use, but could not raise the money. The owner asked $150 for it then. Sells it to me for $125. He has three other horses and has no use for this one. It is gentle but spirited, one of the swiftest travelers. He is not at all afraid of anything. The cars may come close to him, and he is perfectly calm. 4LtMs, Lt 33, 1885, par. 2

We are getting settled nicely here. Of course, no carpets are down, no stove yet, but we get along and get something to eat. I wish you would send Wallace up here now. We want not a weak, feeble man, not a novice, but a man who can do something—one who can see what is to be done and do it. The hope of Brother Staines’ doing anything here will prove a failure. If he were ever so well qualified, he has no strength; and the more of such ones are about an institution of this kind, the more unfavorable will be the impression made upon minds. 4LtMs, Lt 33, 1885, par. 3

Brother Hicks is full of business. I have begged for Brother Roberson to do my work, such as digging, etc., until I hardly dare ask him again. I have eighteen nice trees from nursery to set today in the place of the ones that were not good. Brother Lockwood should not go into the hardest work, for he will soon fail if he does. I shall leave him Kit to use to plow with and dray out rocks. He feels pleased with the place and will do well here, I think. Rogers makes no calculation of leaving the hillside. 4LtMs, Lt 33, 1885, par. 4

Sister Lockwood has a large pail with cans in it. She says send that separately, but I do not think that pail better be sent now unless made entirely safe. The bags contain spoons, knives, and forks which they need. 4LtMs, Lt 33, 1885, par. 5