Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 14, 1903

Kellogg, H. W.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

January 13, 1903

Previously unpublished.

Mr. Henry W. Kellogg

My dear Brother,—

I have received several letters from Dr. T. S. Whitelock in regard to the Potts’ sanitarium property in Paradise Valley, a few miles south of San Diego. He knows my mind fully—that to purchase this property would be a wise move. 18LtMs, Lt 14, 1903, par. 1

Dr. Whitelock writes that they are doing as good a business in the San Diego treatment rooms as is possible in the limited quarters they have at present. In a letter I received two or three days ago from him, a copy of which I am enclosing to you, he states that the Paradise Valley property is now offered on still more favorable terms than it has been offered heretofore. We can now secure it for eight thousand dollars, as you will learn by reading his letter. 18LtMs, Lt 14, 1903, par. 2

I think it would be a great mistake for us to overlook the providence of God that has placed so valuable a property within our reach. If I could, I would heartily share the financial burden of buying this place; but for months I have received almost nothing from the sale of my books. About all the income I have now is the fifty dollars a month sent me by the General Conference. I have workers that must be paid. Occasionally I have an opportunity to borrow a little money, which I use in partially paying my workers and in preparing new books. But I am handicapped for lack of means and have nothing to advance on the purchase price of the Potts’ sanitarium property. 18LtMs, Lt 14, 1903, par. 3

Brother Kellogg, if you would help us pass through this narrow place by securing this property for yourself and for us, I fully believe that it would be the right thing for you to do. I am sending to you a copy of a letter I have just written to Elder W. T. Knox. 18LtMs, Lt 14, 1903, par. 4

I regard as a great favor the efforts of the agent to induce the owners of this property to make to our people so low an offer. I am feeling so thoroughly worn out by the burdens brought upon us by our brethren who view matters from a wrong standpoint, that I cannot write you much in regard to this offer; but it is resting on my mind, and therefore I write these few lines to you. 18LtMs, Lt 14, 1903, par. 5

If you could advance something to help buy this place, perhaps we could find others who would be glad to unite with you in raising the amount required. 18LtMs, Lt 14, 1903, par. 6

I have not slept much the past night. I woke up at one o’clock and could not sleep after three. I was drowsy, but could not fall asleep. In the visions of the night I was laboring with my brethren, encouraging them to buy this property at once. I was saying that there would be no objection to the plan of two or three brethren uniting in buying it, if they were “picked” men, men who would not adopt a “rule or ruin” policy. 18LtMs, Lt 14, 1903, par. 7

My brother, think this matter over, and drop me a line in regard to what you decide is advisable to do under the circumstances, for this will set my mind at rest. 18LtMs, Lt 14, 1903, par. 8