Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 531—Letter to 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. 8MR 15.1

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. 8MR 15.2

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 who from? They must have been handed in when I was sick. 8MR 15.3

We have heard from James often. He is somewhat encouraged and thinks much of Brother Snook and Brother Hull. 8MR 16.1

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. 8MR 16.2

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. 8MR 16.3

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. 8MR 16.4

We have had earnest seasons of prayer that the Lord would increase my strength. Do pray for me. I need help. I need strength. 8MR 16.5

We send love to you and all your family. In haste, (Signed) Ellen G. White. 8MR 16.6

[P.S.] No sewing done since you left.—Letter 18, 1860. (To Lucinda Hall, November 2, 1860.) 8MR 16.7

Released May 20, 1977.