White, Mary
Denison, Texas
December 7, 1878
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 106.
Dear daughter Mary:
I sent for you to purchase blankets of Griswold. If when this reaches you you have not purchased them, do not do so. Since receiving a letter in reference to the state of things upon the Pacific Coast, especially their embarrassment upon the church at Oakland, I have no appetite for to purchase anything unless positively necessary. If no effort has been made in regard to a cloak, do nothing about it. Not a cent shall go for trimmings or anything not actually needed. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1878, par. 1
Will you please send the lightest hair mattress. I thought of purchasing one here, but have not done so and shall not. We must practice economy in everything. There is such a pressure upon the point of means. We must deny self of many things. If you can find a chance to sell that secretary I bought of Fray for twenty-five dollars, do so. My heart aches as I see the close places we are brought into in reference to the cause of God. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1878, par. 2
I am now writing out testimonies for different ones. We shall get out a testimony at once before the holidays. Every dollar must be used with economy. I cannot see our way out. May the Lord help us is my earnest prayer. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1878, par. 3
Edson writes that the Oakland meetinghouse is in debt eight thousand dollars, which they have no idea how they can meet. Two thousand will have to be paid in a few months, and they [do] not know [where] the means is coming or where from. The Oaklanders want to sell it to the Christians. I answer, No, no. Every inch of that house will be wanted. I would sooner sell my house on the corner of Castro and Eleventh Streets and put its avails in the meetinghouse. I would feel as if I were selling my Savior. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1878, par. 4
We found out who the men were who signed their names in the Herald soliciting our labor in Dallas. Mayor, first; banker, lawyer, ex-representation to Congress, present representation to Congress, physician, and many others. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1878, par. 5
We shall go in February when the tent can be pitched and a crowd got out to hear. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1878, par. 6
Hurry along Sister Booth, I need her at once. If she decides not to come, send Mary. Lots of work to do. We must have help. We are very favorably situated for we have good cook and through that will seize the pen at any time. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1878, par. 7
Mother.
Send us lots of envelopes, with Review and Herald printed upon them. All sizes, large and small envelopes of every dimension, square, long, and smaller size. 3LtMs, Lt 59, 1878, par. 8