Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 45, 1876

White, W. C.; White, Mary

Battle Creek, Michigan

October 19, 1876

Portions of this letter are published in 9MR 35-36.

Dear Children Willie and Mary:

It has been a long time since I have written you. I have been in rather a feeble condition since the camp meetings have ended. My head has forbidden my writing anything, which has been an affliction to me. 3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, par. 1

A few days since we were invited to Brother Salisbury’s to dinner. Sister McDearmon was present and wished an interview with us. We all went. There I had premonition of a paralytic shock. I became almost blind—was dizzy. The most earnest efforts were made to save me from the terrible calamity of a paralytic stroke. Father prayed earnestly for me and the threatened evil was averted. Weak and dizzy I remained for several days. 3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, par. 2

I am not feeling natural yet but I am much improved. I am so grateful to God for His preserving power. He is physician of both soul and body. How can we ever doubt His willingness to bless and save us? 3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, par. 3

We now think we will leave Battle Creek one week from next Monday but we may be delayed one month. Keep up good courage. We will bring help with us and we hope you will be of good courage. 3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, par. 4

We have decided to have the printers go on my book and not transport these books across the plains again. Part of the book is here already printed. We shall not have them stereotyped because we shall not wait to have matters of my book so very, very exact, but get out this first edition and get it in market. Then we can take time to get out a more perfect edition on Pacific Coast and have it stereotyped. Then your father’s and my life will be written and printed in the Pacific Printing Office. But we have all used our best judgment and think we had better remain here till December and complete this edition. Meanwhile, we can help the Signs of the Times as much or more here than there. We shall do up the work here so as to be free to stay as long as duty may call in California. 3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, par. 5

Mary Clough feels that she cannot break off from this book again. She wants to see it completed. We will therefore do our utmost to accomplish this object and as soon as done, come right along. 3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, par. 6

We visited with Sister Kelsey, Oliver, his wife Hannah and child last Sabbath. All cheerful and happy. 3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, par. 7

Write us often. In much love, 3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, par. 8

Mother.

We just read your letter, Willie. In regard to almanacs, Father is much pleased with your plan. Go ahead. Sent yours and Mary’s letters to Lucinda. Mary Clough wrote four pages after the same style, inviting her to come and go with us. 3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, par. 9

October 19, 1876

I have just received a letter stating she intended to accompany us. 3LtMs, Lt 45, 1876, par. 10

Mother.