Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 40, 1884

White, W. C.

St. Helena, California

February 29, 1884

Previously unpublished.

Dear Willie:

I found the cellar partly dug, lots of stone piled up in heaps everywhere. They could go no further because they knew not what to do. [The] trees [are] all set. Now a wire fence must be put around the whole at once, or the cows will prune them. Sanford [Rogers] has taken his oak trees and pine trees for fence posts. I can do the same. Can get Italians to work for two dollars per day on this kind of work. They ask two and a half for laying stone foundation. Sanford has his foundation, or rock wall, for the back of his basement. Cost fifty dollars. All seem to think it a good thing and advise me to have it. I have all the stone I will want for the purpose. 4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, par. 1

If Whalin comes up Tuesday, he will want the foundation prepared if it is to be stoned up. What had I better do? Let me know. You ought to have come up with me. I do not mean to stay long, for I fear perplexities will come upon me to hinder my book work. The lumber has come and must be unloaded today. If you were only here, you could see Sanford’s house—it is all enclosed—and could judge for yourself better what is wanted. I will pay you for your time if you will come. You can take the phaeton and get a horse. Set Henry on the track of a horse. 4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, par. 2

It will take three coils of wire to enclose my land. This must be done at all events at once. 4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, par. 3

Now, is Bro. Whalin coming or not? These things confuse me. If the work does move forward, I want you here at once just as soon as you can come. Then I will come right back with you when you return. If the whole thing is to be put off two weeks, telegraph, and I will start home Sunday. 4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, par. 4

Mother.

P.S. Do write something. Come yourself or tell us something definite to do. 4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, par. 5

Sanford Rogers has excellent workers, outsiders that Whalin can use. They are real nice-looking, enterprising, sturdy workmen. Two men get three dollars each day and pay their own board, and some he pays two and a half and boards them. He says these are the best kind of workmen. Now tell me what is best. 4LtMs, Lt 40, 1884, par. 6