Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 18, 1860

Hall, Lucinda

Battle Creek, Michigan

November 2, 1860

This letter is published in entirety in 8MR 15-16.

Dear Lucinda [Hall]:

It is five o’clock. I improve this opportunity while the yet nameless one is asleep. (Send him a name.) He needs much attention. Never did I miss you as now. We have had Addie Jones to help us, but I should wish to be delivered from such help. She is just good for nothing; shall not keep her after this week. I employed her that Jenny might be released to take care of me and tend the baby; but instead of that, Jenny did the washing and I was left without help until about four o’clock, and felt almost crazy with weakness. I told her to tell Jenny I must have help. She said to her, “Sister White says she will want you this afternoon.” That night I could not sleep and Monday was very weak and could not sleep Monday night. 1LtMs, Lt 18, 1860, par. 1

Sister Kellogg came for me yesterday and took baby and me home with her and we spent the day; had a good visit. Last night I rested, yet my back is weak and I am so lame I cannot get around much. I went upstairs once on my knees to get these things together for the poor. Czechowski is quite poor and we shall send a box to them in about four weeks. Mr. Warren’s little girl is dead; died with croup very suddenly. They had no little chemise to lay her out in; got one of Mary Loughborough. The family, we find, are destitute of almost everything. They must have help or suffer this winter. Dr. King is near his end; can live but a few weeks. 1LtMs, Lt 18, 1860, par. 2

Lucinda, I found a pair of shoes in the “Poor” box. Do you know whom they are from, so as to credit them to the giver? And there is a bundle of clothing—a small petticoat, a shirt, nightdress and a few such articles. Do you know from whom? They must have been handed in when I was sick. 1LtMs, Lt 18, 1860, par. 3

We have heard from James often. He is somewhat encouraged and thinks much of Brother Snook and Brother Hull. 1LtMs, Lt 18, 1860, par. 4

Lucinda, had I seen how much I needed just such a girl as you with me this winter, I should have made a strong plea for you to stay, but there you are at home and nothing, I suppose, will tempt you to leave it. I don’t blame you, but I miss you so much I sometimes wish you had never come! I have a long cry now and then, and it does me good; I feel better afterwards. 1LtMs, Lt 18, 1860, par. 5

My babe is a fat, healthy fellow, and takes all my strength to tend him. He is as large as a child three months old. 1LtMs, Lt 18, 1860, par. 6

I can’t endure to see things all in confusion about the house. Jenny does all she can, but she can’t do everything around the house and tend baby too. I wish I were with you but this cannot be. Sister Benedict has taken a class in Sabbath School—your class. Brother Frisbie has moved back to the Creek. 1LtMs, Lt 18, 1860, par. 7

We have had earnest seasons of prayer that the Lord would increase my strength. Do pray for me. I need help. I need strength. 1LtMs, Lt 18, 1860, par. 8

We send love to you and all your family. In haste. 1LtMs, Lt 18, 1860, par. 9

Ellen G. White

No sewing done since you left. 1LtMs, Lt 18, 1860, par. 10