Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 14, 1860

White, J. S.

Battle Creek, Michigan

November 19, 1860

Portions of the letter are published in 2MR 249; 5MR 175; 6MR 189-190.

Dear husband:

I have just come from Ceresco. Left Battle Creek one week ago today. Visited at Brother Glover’s and they took great pains to make us happy. The whole family went and the boys had a good, free time in the country. I let them run and race as much as they pleased. Brother Glover brought us down to the cars today, and as we entered the depot we met Mary Loughborough and Martha Byington. John had brought Martha down and waited for the purpose of taking us back home. Martha handed me seven letters—two from you, one from Czechowski, one from Brother Hull, from Daniel Bourdeau, McPherson with five dollars for the poor fund, one from Brother Snook. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 1

We felt badly that you should suffer anxiety on our account. I had company and the babe was quite wearisome and I did not write until Tuesday, all the time thinking a letter would then reach you at Marquette. But Brother Loughborough said it would not, therefore I did not write. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 2

We are well as usual. Babe is fat and healthy, weighed last Thursday fifteen pounds. He promises to be a very rugged boy. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 3

Jenny is as well as usual. Willie is gaining in flesh. I am doing well; get extremely tired, sometimes, but get rested nights. Babe is quiet and good nights, but I will tell you one thing, he is so hearty it will cost you quite a bill to keep me and him. He eats and throws it up and is just as greedy to eat again. My appetite is good. Food sets well. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 4

We have all just taken supper at Brother Loughborough’s. They are hearty, good, and free; consider it a privilege if they can serve us in any way. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 5

I thought it might not do the boys any harm to have a little excursion in the country, and I could visit a little and while away the time in your absence. Willie enjoyed himself well. Was sorry it was time to come home. The boys played with Eli and worked a little and hunted a little. It was a great treat for them. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 6

George [Amadon] and Martha marry this week. Friday I think. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 7

Brother Byington went to Parma, to Burwell, and by being very decided and urgent got his money and had John Loughborough put it in the bank in Battle Creek in your name, for Martha; so I suppose there is a market for your house. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 8

Dear husband, the time of your absence is nearly ended. One week more brings you home. We shall all be rejoiced to see you home again. All as well as usual in Battle Creek, as far as I know. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 9

I feel very thankful to the Lord for giving you such good health and I am almost well again, but not strong. Your great boy pulls upon my strength and I have to live by eating. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 10

If you can find any garlic, please bring home a good bunch of them, for they are needed. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 11

The boys are all abed, the fourth one in his crib. It is past my bed time. I must close. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 12

We do not forget to pray for you. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 13

Yours in much love. 1LtMs, Lt 14, 1860, par. 14