Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 6, 1859

White, W. C.

Dartmouth, Massachusetts

September 15, 1859

Portions of this letter are published in 3MR 120. See also Annotations.

Dear little Willie:

Have you received the letters I have written to you? 1LtMs, Lt 6, 1859, par. 1

I will tell you what I saw last Wednesday. The fire companies were out with red caps and red uniforms; the officers had plumes in their caps. Then I saw in an alley, looking out at the firemen, a poor deformed lame man. He was sitting in a little carriage and what do you think was drawing him! It was not a dog or horse, but a goat, harnessed up just like a little horse. I thought if Willie had seen this, it would have pleased him, so much. Only think, a goat drawing a wagon with a man in it. 1LtMs, Lt 6, 1859, par. 2

Willie, I am now visiting where there are two little boys, not as large as you are, and two little girl babies. The little boys and girls are cousins. They are very pretty little children. You would love to play with them if you were here. 1LtMs, Lt 6, 1859, par. 3

We hope little Willie is well and happy. We believe you are trying to be a good sweet little boy. You must try hard to be good. Don’t please Satan by giving way to wrong temper, but remember he that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that taketh a city. 1LtMs, Lt 6, 1859, par. 4

How glad we should be to see our dear little Willie again and hear his [sweet] voice. We love you very much Willie, and want you to be good and pleasant and lovely. Then every one will love you. 1LtMs, Lt 6, 1859, par. 5

You must tell Grandpa and Grandma that we do not forget them, but often think of them and speak of them to our friends. You must try, Willie, to make Grandpa and Grandma happy. Don’t grieve them by being noisy and rude, but be quiet and mild, gentle, then they will love you. Mind Jenny and try to please her. Be a sweet little boy. 1LtMs, Lt 6, 1859, par. 6

From your mother. 1LtMs, Lt 6, 1859, par. 7