Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 59, 1876

Hall, Lucinda

Oakland, California

April 8, 1876

Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 431-432; 9MR 29-30.

Dear Sister Lucinda:

I wrote James this morning; will write you tonight. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, par. 1

We have just read your letter with great pleasure. My husband writes that an appeal is to be sent to me from the conference, but I shall not be moved from that which I believe to be my duty at this time. I have a special work at this time to write out the things which the Lord has shown me. We progress finely but I cannot write more than half a day. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, par. 2

I do not feel that it was your duty to leave California when you did. You cannot tell how much we miss you. At a time when you could do the most to help, without drudgery, you left. You see how it is. No eye to look after the children. They are worse than orphans, for I have felt that I must neglect everything to get out these writings. I have not attended meetings for two weeks. While Elders Waggoner and Loughborough are here I let them do the work, and I keep all my strength for one purpose—to write. If you were here, that I could speak to, I should feel perfectly happy. I miss my husband very much indeed. But while he felt so unreconciled to staying I could not urge his remaining in California. But I have not much idea of crossing the plains for one year. Therefore, no appeals or urging from any quarter will have the least influence. I am very firm this time to carry out my own convictions of duty. I have a work to do which has been a great burden to my soul. How great, no one but the Lord knows. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, par. 3

Again, I want time to have my mind calm and composed. I want to have time to meditate and pray while engaged in this work. I do not want to be wearied myself or be closely connected with our people who will divert my mind. This is a great work, and I feel like crying to God every day for His Spirit to help me to do this work all right. Every other consideration seems of minor consequence to this. Even the camp meetings are a secondary consideration. Had you remained till June, with the care you could have relieved me of, and the help given me, I might have completed one book and considerable on the second, and gone to the camp meetings. As it is, I shall move very slowly, take care of the children more than I have, hear them read, prepare their work, etc., etc., and do what I can. May God give me wisdom and sanctified judgment to fill my place in every particular. I have some precious hours of peace and rest in my Saviour; that is a luxury. Oh Lucinda, I do love Jesus. He is so near, so precious to me. Oh, pray for me, Lucinda. Pray that heavenly wisdom may be given me. I want to make every move in God. I want this work got out right. I must do this work to the acceptance of God. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, par. 4

I will say a word about the pictures. Tell my husband to be very choice of those he has. The negative of James at Dunham’s is broken. His boys that he employs got into a fight and broke about five hundred dollars worth of negatives for him. He feels very bad about losing the negative. I will send yours with this letter. I intend to write every day to the one who writes me. I will promptly answer every letter you write [even] if I have to sit up late and rise early. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, par. 5

Mary is just the same. I have been getting matter ready for third form of Testimony. Cassidy’s matter at Petaluma was needed for labor there next week. I put copy in Elder Waggoner’s hand to copy. He just did a miserable job. He did not change anything or improve it at all. I prize Mary more and more every day. Willie and Mary are doing well. Mary gets along with the work, but it is more than she should do, either in the office or in the house. I am tired and must stop right here. I have worked very steadily today. Much love to yourself and my husband. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, par. 6

Love to Rosetta, Arthur and all inquiring friends. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, par. 7

I sent to have a shawl knit for me—is it done? 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, par. 8

Dear Lucinda, take good care of father. Let others think or say what they will. Do see that he does not gather burdens upon himself. I pray for him and I hope that he will remain well, cheerful and happy. But as to my going east, I have not the slightest idea of it. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, par. 9

In looking over your pictures, I see that they have finished the wrong ones. Will send you two of these and get some of the last as soon as we can. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1876, par. 10