Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 69, 1891

White, W. C.

Petoskey, Michigan

May 19, 1891

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Willie:

After you left I felt very lonesome. Sara and I started out to find the bowl factory to get the pieces of wood. We went to one factory in the village, but they used all that they made for their fires. We then went one mile and a quarter out, found the very best kind of wood in little hard chunks all prepared, about less than one quarter of a yard in length, fifty cents a load. We might put just all we could get on a load. 7LtMs, Lt 69, 1891, par. 1

We asked Mr. Miles what he would draw a day for us. He said, Three dollars and a half. Paying fifty cents per load would be rather high. Brother Starr went to the livery and hired one horse to put by the side of Jessie, and they furnished a lumber wagon. This team drew two loads. Then it was, we thought, hard on Jessie. The livery stable horse was poor and did not pull with Jessie. She wanted to take the whole load and we got another from the livery. 7LtMs, Lt 69, 1891, par. 2

Elder Starr has drawn two wagon loads for us and one for himself, and has gone for the fourth load; so he will have two and we two. There is no splitting to be done. All prepared for the stove except large flat pieces from logs that we can make for steps in the embankment, all that we will need. We feel pleased over this matter. My wood, two wagon loads, more than a cord on each load costs me fifty cents a load. Then the team will cost another two dollars. The girls, Ida, Edna and Sarah Robinson were at the mill to help load, so it is, we think, the best thing we can do. After we get these hard, large slabs of maple, then the cutting and sawing them, makes them come to certainly two dollars per cord. I have certainly two cords and a half, and maybe three cords, which will not cost me over two dollars, and they are so clean and nice and solid that I am more than pleased, for all our burden is over in regard to preparing wood. It is all ready for any kind of a stove. I may get a load of chunks to make this go as far as possible in the stoves which will not take long wood. 7LtMs, Lt 69, 1891, par. 3

This has taken the whole day. It will be seven o’clock before Brother Starr gets home with his load. I have had taken off the surrey canopy top, and the top to the phaeton, so both carriages are dismantled and will be safer and run easier. 7LtMs, Lt 69, 1891, par. 4

Today I have been writing on the life of Christ, Matthew 7 chapter. I have put in good time today, as Sara has been ready and Marian and I [had] to have some exercise in unloading the wood. They were big loads I assure you. 7LtMs, Lt 69, 1891, par. 5

Mrs. Brown came over this morning and said her husband could do nothing to [the] chimney this week and maybe he could not do it next week. It has been quite warm today. Have had no need of fires only in early morning. The carpenters have not come to work yesterday nor today, so everything stands just as when you left it. I do not feel in any rush. I shall try to do some writing every day, if my head will permit of it. Have had no particular trouble today. 7LtMs, Lt 69, 1891, par. 6

Edna has been very much employed in the wood line, also Sarah and Ida, and now my worriment is over, for this pile will last us, I think, all the time we shall be here. 7LtMs, Lt 69, 1891, par. 7

I hope you will not be imprudent in working nights. You will surely lose ground physically, as well as spiritually, if you keep doing as you have done. Please show a little good sense, and remember that in order to do healthful, wholesome work, you must move more intelligently and take time to rest your mind. I hope you will be prudent for this is your duty. 7LtMs, Lt 69, 1891, par. 8

Much love to yourself and my little grandchildren, and Mary and Addie. I would be pleased to visit you all, but many miles separate us. We can pray for one another, and this is a comfort. 7LtMs, Lt 69, 1891, par. 9

Mother.