Lt 9, 1871

White, J. E.

Battle Creek, Michigan

May 24, 1871

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Edson:

We expected to be before this in Iowa, but every day something has come in upon your father that needed his attention and he has not yet been able to leave. Our trunks have been packed a week but here we are still. Everything in Iowa is suffering for attention from your father, but we cannot leave things here in the office and Health Institute to suffer. Shall we hear from you here before we leave? We were going without fail yesterday, but the night before a very desirable span of horses was driven up to the office to see if your father would purchase them. The man was drunk and Brother Abbey could not do anything with him that night. Yesterday he and Willie were gone all day until nine o’clock at night. They bought the team, paid four hundred dollars. 2LtMs, Lt 9, 1871, par. 1

Then Brother Root was taken sick and Brother [?] and things were suffering at the Institute, and Father could not leave today. 2LtMs, Lt 9, 1871, par. 2

If a letter will not reach us here evening after the Sabbath, send to Washington, Iowa. 2LtMs, Lt 9, 1871, par. 3

We hope you are well and seeking to walk in the counsel of the Lord. Do not, I entreat of you, neglect your eternal interest for the meager things of this life. 2LtMs, Lt 9, 1871, par. 4

May God help you and Emma to make a full surrender of yourselves to God to serve the Lord with all your heart. 2LtMs, Lt 9, 1871, par. 5

In much love, 2LtMs, Lt 9, 1871, par. 6

From your Mother. 2LtMs, Lt 9, 1871, par. 7