Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 146, 1895

White, W. C.

Norfolk Villa, Prospect St., Granville, N. S. W., Australia

April 5, 1895

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Willie:

I have received my American mail and there is a very excellent letter from Edson. Elder Olsen also writes well—short, though. He writes that your children will start from Oakland in the steamer that sails April 4. This will bring them to Sydney in one month and we must be here at that time to meet them. I shall wire this to you this morning. 10LtMs, Lt 146, 1895, par. 1

We are usually well. Sister Rousseau leaves this morning for Cooranbong. Maude will go up to be with her and complete her education in the sewing line, so I will not have to be paying her wages while I am gone. Of course, I shall not feel it best, all things considered, to have Caldwell remain here in my absence. I shall have no particular need for him as I shall have Maggie with me, which is altogether more appropriate than to mix up a married man away from his wife with a number of unmarried girls. Willie McCann will do the chores, which he does now, wholly. I shall cut down expenses in wages and board in not having Caldwell and Maude, fifteen dollars per week, and that is quite a sum. Brother Lacey left this morning for Tasmania by the way of Melbourne. Emily comes this day from Melbourne. I rushed her here before I leave. 10LtMs, Lt 146, 1895, par. 2

What we will conclude to do in the future must develop. I see but little consistency in my leaving for Tasmania. I may conclude not to go. It is the worst time I could leave my workers. Fannie has been gone one month. She came back from Cooranbong last Wednesday evening. Brother McKenzie has been moving, Willie McCann helping him. Fannie has been very busy, I expect, for I have not seen her since she came back. My family I think best to reduce if I go away, and I am sure this is best. Annie Ulrich [?] has no head quality. Maude does as she is told, but to do any thinking or planning seems to be entirely out of her line. 10LtMs, Lt 146, 1895, par. 3

Well, we will have all this matter considered in time. Even now, after receiving your telegram, I feel in my very heart it not best to take that journey just at this time when I should be here at the closing of my book. I am distressed over its delay, and yet I cannot see how I can help the matter. I supposed we would receive from you some intimation where to address you, but will do the best I can: send to Sister Tuxford for her to send to you. I do not write you much, for I do not have very flattering hope you will receive this. 10LtMs, Lt 146, 1895, par. 4

We do not cease to pray for you, and we hope and believe the Lord will open ways for His work to advance. I learn [that] all who see the school ground are delighted with it. I have not yet seen Fannie, and I know not how Metcalf Hare regards the matter. 10LtMs, Lt 146, 1895, par. 5

In love. 10LtMs, Lt 146, 1895, par. 6

I think I ought to be here to receive the children when they shall come, precious little ones so full of unnecessary anxiety and trouble. All will be right. I have not the least question on that point. 10LtMs, Lt 146, 1895, par. 7