Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 71, 1905

White, J. E.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

February 18, 1905

Previously unpublished.

Dear Son Edson,—

Last night I was counselling you not to do as you proposed, not to let the deed of your property stand in my name, because the influence would not be for the best. Raise what means you can, but do not use my name as owning this property. It will not be best to make the transfer of the property to me and to dispose of it as my personal property. 20LtMs, Lt 71, 1905, par. 1

I was counselled not to become thus entangled. To bring my name in thus would be charged as a scheme of yours to raise funds for your own benefit, and it would hurt my influence. Nothing should be brought in to give me any connection with the sale of your property. I can call for means for the establishment of the colored sanitarium, but anything that would appear as a means of extorting money, in connection with you, would hurt me as well as you and bring me into perplexity. Therefore I dare not have you call for money in that way. 20LtMs, Lt 71, 1905, par. 2

I am in such a condition of mind that my brain should be freed from all perplexity. Nothing must be done that could be interpreted as a scheme of J. E. White to influence his mother. I write this because I wish to save you and myself from further perplexities. I must stand alone as much as possible. You are at liberty to consult your mother at any time, and to be free to write to her, but do not mix me up in matters that will bring me perplexity and weariness and hurt my influence. 20LtMs, Lt 71, 1905, par. 3

I write you this because I do not know that I shall have time to talk with you. 20LtMs, Lt 71, 1905, par. 4