Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

MR No. 1565—A Trip Across Germany and Holland to Kettering, England

(Written June 30, 1887, from Kettering, England, to “Dear Children.”)

I wrote you last from the depot in Hamburg. We took the second class compartment, which was extra. The car was new and sweet, toilet room adjoining, and we rode from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. in that car. A lady and daughter rode one half hour with us. Aside from this, we had the compartment all to ourselves. As I had slept but a trifle the night before on the boat, I slept much of the time passing through Germany and Holland. 21MR 310.1

We had fine weather. The country was in its glory and everything was beautiful and enjoyable. Now I was no more sick and could relish my food. We traveled three days and three nights and had only one cup of warm drink. Ate our dry lunch. Purchased a couple of pounds of strawberries at Copenhagen, which made our meals enjoyable. We had some little forebodings of the water, but at 10 p.m. we stepped on the boat and were disappointed to be assigned to a little, mean-looking cabin where there were many berths and all as hard as the floor. 21MR 310.2

I felt provoked at first. They said I could have first class berth, also Sister Ings, for one pound. I would not gratify them to pay one cent extra, so the fur and the feather pillow were arranged and the port holes closed; but we begged for the door [to be] open and it was granted. We were in the end of the boat down in the lower cabin, and I did sleep tolerably well. The boat did not rock at all but moved smoothly crossing the channel as if on a mild lake. So we all felt to praise God and take courage. 21MR 310.3

We were ticketed for Victoria depot and arrived there about eight o'clock. Took the hack. Rode three miles across the city to the ______ depot and took cars for Kettering on fast train. Was only one hour and half. We reached here in good condition, not much weary. Found Brethren Robinson and Lane (and Sister Robinson) and Boyd and Sister Nussbaum expecting to meet us there tonight. 21MR 310.4

And here we are at Kettering. Have telegraphed we would meet them next Monday at London. 21MR 310.5

Shall look for Brethren Lane and Haskell tomorrow. Brother Haskell has been to visit Brother John in Wales to urge him to unite with Brother Durland in the tent effort in new place, about six miles from Kettering. 21MR 310.6

Brother Durland will be here this Sabbath, so we changed our appointments after receiving a telegram at Stockholm, Sweden, from Elder Lane. 21MR 311.1

There has been an earnest desire for me to speak to the people in this new place where the tent is to stand this summer and fall. I decided to come again the Sabbath after being at Southampton, and then go on to Grimsby to speak to them, so I can speak in this new place under the tent. 21MR 311.2

We will go to London next Monday. Stay there till Wednesday—see the friends that are to sail to Africa, then go to Southampton a week from this next Sabbath, and the week following be at ______ where the tent is. 21MR 311.3

This is all I can write you of news at the present time, so I will stop and send this at once. I have heard that you all had a rough, hard time on the steamer. I was so sorry for you all. But we have never taken a journey when we have been favored by the Lord as on this occasion after you leaving us at Christiania. 21MR 311.4

I see much work to be done. May the Lord give me clear, spiritual vision to discern my work and to do it. One thing I must mention, Would it not be well to give Elder Waggoner the light-colored chair and the dishes and the bedding he needs, if his is not coming on? What think you? These things consider and do according to your best judgment. 21MR 311.5

I hope to hear of Mary's continued improvement. I feel myself quite improved with the exception of pain in the base of the brain, but I hope this will pass away. 21MR 311.6

I am glad Sarah is with you. She will guard Mary, I hope, faithfully.—Letter 85, 1887. 21MR 311.7

Ellen G, White Estate

Silver Spring, Maryland,

April 18, 1991.

Entire Letter.