Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 7, 1854

Loughborough, Brother and Sister

[July 1854]

Portions of this letter are published in 7MR 259, 352. See also Annotations.

Dear Brother John and Sister Mary [Loughborough]:

I have written off the vision for you as soon as I could. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 1

I came home from Michigan as you will know expecting to get rest, but we did not get home until Friday, the very day the conference commenced. That day our house was crowded and was so all through the conference. As soon as the conference closed Clarissa was taken sick with fever and ague, and when we returned from the West we found that Anna [White] had greatly changed. Consumption has marked her for his victim, and to all human appearance in a few months she will be laid by Nathaniel’s side. We have had a serious time. I found Clarissa and Anna could not eat, had no appetite, and our family did not understand providing for the sick. The conference brought so much labor upon the family they had all they could do, and I was obliged to keep on my feet day after day to wait upon the sick until my feet at night would be blistered, and it was impossible for me to rest I was so exhausted. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 2

Clarissa was very low and two or three times a day we labored in prayer to have the power of the enemy rebuked upon Clarissa. The anxiety of my mind was very great, it has been wrought up to the highest pitch. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 3

Sister Seely lives the next house to us, and there was Brother Rhodes sick with fever and ague, and a few days since Brother John Andrews was taken down with the fever and ague. He had two or three days [of] chills here, but he has now gone to Brother Ortons. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 4

Anna and Clarissa have been very, very sick. The power of the enemy was broken upon Clarissa about two weeks since, yet her chills continued until yesterday. She and Anna have been unable to labor at all. My sewing has laid almost entirely still. I have been disheartened and nearly discouraged to have so many sick around. I have to have a care in this family that I ought not to have, yet I have felt thankful that my health is so good, but I am getting worn out. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 5

This morning we anointed Anna and prayed for her, just before James left for Vt. Anna has neglected her own case, seemed to be rather stupid to her own condition, until we have feared much it was too late for her. Our trust now is in God, but Anna to all appearance is marked for the grave. We have had some faith that God will have compassion and save her to labor for Him. She has had no faith for herself, but now is aroused some to take hold of God. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 6

The above is my excuse for not writing before. I am not going to get down or get discouraged, but do pray for me. I need your prayers. We are trying to hold on to faith. James has gone to Vt. to attend the tent meetings there. I felt that it was his duty to go. I would request the brethren and sisters to remember us in their prayers. Write us often. You must not expect an answer, this is the last letter I can write you for it wearies me much. I have written and sent the vision to Brother Fitch and one to Brother Pearsall, also one to Brother and Sister Brooks and the band in Bedford. I have attempted to write the vision to Brother Frisbie, but had no liberty to write. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 7

Much love to all. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 8

E. G. White

I meant to have written Brother Smith’s family but am too tired. They must excuse me now. I will say that I was very sorry that I did not know when the box of books went to Jackson so that your things did not go, Mary, nor the manuscript. I meant to have sent about Luman, and the frame of the purse Brother Dodge spoke of. I was sorry but James did not think to speak to me about it till it was mailed and in the wagon. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 9

I would say I spoke of quilts when I was West but I hope none will trouble themselves or rob themselves to send [to] me. We have enough to reach around and if we have a smaller family next spring can do without any more. I spoke about having some strips of carpet woven. I have been thinking we might do without them very well, especially if we reduce our family. So don’t trouble about them. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 10

I received a letter from Sister Kellogg. Thank her for writing. It does not tire me too much. Will write her soon. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 11

Much love to each member of Brother Smith’s family, also to Bro. and Sister Dodge. Their great kindness will never be forgotten by me. 1LtMs, Lt 7, 1854, par. 12