Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 3, 1865

White, J. E.; White, W. C.

Monroe, Wisconsin

June 13, 1865

Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 384.

Dear Children, Edson and Willie:

I am some miles away from home, yet am I not forgetful of home and children. We obtained a good seat in the cars, after a little difficulty, and had a very pleasant ride to Chicago. There was a splendid breeze in the cars and we were not troubled with heat or dust. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 1

We arrived at Chicago sometime after eleven o’clock. We did not think to obtain the number and street of Brother Place’s residence. While waiting, hoping to see him in the depot, nearly all the hacks left. We then started on foot for the best hotel but it was full and could not lodge us. Midnight found us wandering about the streets of Chicago in search of a resting spot. After walking above a mile we found ourselves in a second class hotel in a little, close bedroom with one window which came about the center of our bed. We tried to improve what hours we had and obtained a little broken sleep. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 2

In the morning we sat down to a most miserable breakfast. We tried to make the best of it. After breakfast we walked about four miles in Chicago. We took the cars at 9 o’clock for Jamesville. Had to wait there several hours for the cars to take us to Monroe. I had no appetite through the day and felt quite sick in the cars. At the depot in Monroe a large company of brethren and sisters were anxiously waiting our arrival, urging us to their different homes. We crowded through the company of twenty or thirty and were escorted across the fields and beautiful groves about three quarters of a mile to Brother Ingraham’s house, where we met Brother Loughborough and found him still afflicted with boils, but in good spirits. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 3

I do not remember of our engaging in a series of meetings more thoroughly exhausted than at this time. I had no appetite to eat and therefore could obtain but little strength. Sabbath, notwithstanding my feebleness, I spoke three times with freedom, but after the meetings closed I utterly refused to visit or talk with anyone. Evening after the Sabbath your father had nothing special resting upon his mind and urged me to improve the time, which I did with some freedom. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 4

Sunday the tent was pitched, for the meetinghouse could not begin to hold the people. Your father spoke to large congregations under the tent. Then I was introduced to the stand. I took my position with much trembling, knowing my exhausted condition of body, but the Lord strengthened me. I never felt more freedom in speaking upon the law of God than upon this occasion. The Lord strengthened me. Several of the Crisis and Himes parties were present. Some were ministers who had abused me with their base falsehoods. God gave me a season of perfect victory. Elder Loughborough preached once in the tent with special freedom. Your father spoke to the people again at six o’clock p.m. giving his war discourse. He was free and the people were especially interested. This discourse closed our series of meetings. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 5

We have had excellent meetings. We have had evidence that we never were more needed in any place than in Wisconsin at the present time. There is much work to be done here, which has been neglected altogether too long. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 6

What I desire now is strength. Anxiety of mind and care have left me so reduced, so shorn of my strength, that I cannot endure much. I hunger and thirst, not for ease but for strength to do the will of my Father which is in heaven. For two nights past I have not been able to sleep until after midnight. My nervous system was so affected I have had to sit up in the night, one night about two hours. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 7

We shall leave this place for Madison next Wednesday. We have here met with a lady who was at “Our Home” at Dansville when we were there. She introduced me to her husband. They attended our meetings. Your father gave a temperance discourse Sunday morning. She sat with her husband in their carriage just outside the curtains of the tent. They are intelligent people and the first in the place. They invited us to visit them and today we comply with their request. She made the remark in regard to your father’s discourse that it seemed to her she was listening to Dr. Jackson again. She spoke especially of my speaking at the convention, said she had never forgotten it; that it had been a great help to her since that time; that it had especially benefited her. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 8

Dear Children, be true to your own convictions of duty. Learn to love the right. Seek to be humble, devoted Christians. Guard yourselves every moment. Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation. My dear children, serve God. Seek to develop a good Christian character. Don’t be restless, Edson; be steady, be faithful to God, and you will relieve us of a great burden. May the Lord bless you, dear boys, and may you learn in the school of Christ until you are perfected for immortality. Much love to you dear boys. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 9

From your Mother. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 10

You had better send us all the pictures prepared. Send us Edson’s and Willie’s with us, and if you have none prepare the best of those of second quality. Put them on cards—Loring’s cards. If you fail for cards, get more from him. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 11

Edson and Willie, there are flower plants in the hotbed, everlasting or arameth and Chinese pinks. Take them carefully and transplant in those beds in front of the piazza. Don’t neglect to take good care of my flowers, rosebushes especially. Have Selah try on Edson’s coat. If it fits him he can have a summer coat cut out of that black cashmere at the office, if it suits his taste. I have cut out Edson a coat of ladies’ cloth. Selah’s coat could be cut from that if the pattern fits, and let Sister Hewitt have it to make. If he chooses to wait three weeks we will be at home and attend to it ourselves. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 12

Your Mother. 1LtMs, Lt 3, 1865, par. 13