Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 139, 1893

White, W. C.

Gisborne, New Zealand

October 11, 1893

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Willie:

We are now at Sister Bruce’s cottage, and we are welcomed here; and everything that can be done to make us at home is done. Sister Bruce urges we remain until just before camp meeting, and this we shall do unless you have some other plans for us. You have been here and know what is the situation. We have a steady horse and trap, called a sulky, which is a two-wheeled trap. I thought at first I could not ride in this conveyance; it seemed to hurt me. But yesterday I rode two hours and felt much better when we returned. 8LtMs, Lt 139, 1893, par. 1

I should be pleased to receive a letter from you that will tell us your plans and what you are going to do, and where to remain. I thought in regard to camp meeting, we would secure rooms if possible, close to the grounds, or have a tent and not attempt to provide for ourselves, but our meals will be provided—I mean, we board at the dining tent. This will save all care and the perplexity of providing for ourselves. 8LtMs, Lt 139, 1893, par. 2

We are invited to remain here in this cottage. Sister Bruce will have to go into the country in a couple of weeks, but we can, she says, remain in the house just as though it were our own. And Willie, this constant moving process, settling and unsettling, is making me very weary. I am expected to go to Ormondville when I go to Wellington, but I do not think I shall do this. I think this carrying the bed and bedding from place to place is a trying affair, and if I am to have any strength for camp meeting, I must not engage in labor to tax the strength I already have. I think Elder Wilson will have all the work he should have right here, for I shall not speak evenings more than I have to. I spoke last Sunday evening and shall speak next Thursday evening, and then next Sabbath and Sunday. 8LtMs, Lt 139, 1893, par. 3

I thought I would have this letter ready to send to you. I want to write so much. I am trying to speak and do what I can here, and then shall go to Napier; and may not remain in Napier to tug up my bed and bedding again, but keep the same boat to Wellington. This will save considerable moving and expense and work. I am not strong. I must be careful. Brother Wilson and I have had a long talk and entered into an agreement to speak only three quarters of an hour to one hour at the longest, and as yet we have done this. Do not you think it would be wisdom to remain here as I suggest? 8LtMs, Lt 139, 1893, par. 4

Please answer this if you can. With much love. 8LtMs, Lt 139, 1893, par. 5