Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 111, 1905

White, W. C.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

April 11, 1905

Portions of this letter are published in 5Bio 35, 399.

Dear Son W. C. White,—

This morning I have received and read your short letter. 20LtMs, Lt 111, 1905, par. 1

Yesterday I sent you copy of a letter I received from Brother Ballenger and would be pleased to have you return it after you have read it. When I answered this letter, I did not know that you were going so soon to Los Angeles and San Diego, or I would not have written to Brother Ballenger so fully and freely. 20LtMs, Lt 111, 1905, par. 2

I do not feel a burden to attend the meeting at Mountain View. I should enjoy being present, but I feel that my work here demands my presence at this time, and a trip to Mountain View might unfit me for writing that I ought to do. From now on I mean to do less writing and obtain more exercise and more of out-of-door life. Certainly no place I have ever seen equals the beauty of the scenery around here. The weather is excellent and has been all of this month. 20LtMs, Lt 111, 1905, par. 3

The sister who came to work in the house does not take to cooking and is not satisfied. She wishes to leave the last of this month, so we will have no one to do the work that Sister Nelson did. As far as cooking is concerned, Sister Carlson is inexperienced. But Sister Hall has come in to help us out. Sister Hall and Sister Carlson have been putting my hats in good condition and have been doing what sewing I need to have done. So as far as clothes are concerned, I will be prepared to go to the General Conference if I desire. 20LtMs, Lt 111, 1905, par. 4

I have not decided to attend the General Conference, but I do not regard it as impossible. I should prefer to remain at home if my brain will allow me to get my writings in proper shape. But if I have to bear the burden of the perplexities here at home, and must write constantly to the brethren assembled, I feel that I would prefer to be on the field of battle rather than where it takes two weeks to write and receive a reply. I only desire to do the will of my heavenly Father. If it is according to His will, I am willing to go. 20LtMs, Lt 111, 1905, par. 5

But it is a problem what to do with the matters here at home. Maggie and the rest of my working force are here, and to leave for the conference would mean a breaking up of our work for several weeks. It seems that it would be a loss of much time. When I think of this, it seems impossible for me to go. 20LtMs, Lt 111, 1905, par. 6

Brother Burden writes that the sanitarium at Glendale is crowded and that they must do something to accommodate those who apply for admission. Cannot tents be erected to accommodate some of the helpers or those who would be willing to live in tents? I hope some way may be devised, so applicants will not be refused because of lack of room. 20LtMs, Lt 111, 1905, par. 7

It seems to me that the land adjoining our property at Paradise Valley should be secured. I have sometimes thought of visiting San Diego if the Lord wills, and if so, I would like to stay in the house on the property yet unpurchased. I would like to try the climate once more. But I must now close. 20LtMs, Lt 111, 1905, par. 8