[White, W. C.; White, Mary]
Humboldt, Nevada
July 28, 1880
Portions of this letter are published in 11MR 65-66.
Dear Children,
It is not yet two days since we left you and it seems one week. We have had a pleasant and comfortable time thus far. The train stopped six hours at Rockwell. We went out in search of our people. We were made welcome at Sister Prosser’s. Her husband is not a believer but he gave us a hearty welcome. We took dinner with them. Was sorry I was not in a better visiting order, for I was so worn, visiting was a tax. We prayed with them about 2 o’clock and then went to the train only a few rods from their house. We have not yet put up our bed. We, Sister [Lucinda] Hall and myself, lie down and sleep much of the time. The more I sleep the more I want to sleep. I am not worth much. 3LtMs, Lt 37, 1880, par. 1
Our car has been filling up until it is filled. Every seat is full and men lie and roost upon the upper berth, spread their lunch and make that their home. Upper berths mostly are taken. We retain ours as yet, but may have to give it up any time. As long as we can retain this, we will be as comfortable as on the palace car. We have slept a good share of the forenoon. While I write it is a little past two o’clock. 3LtMs, Lt 37, 1880, par. 2
We have just passed Humboldt, not yet half way to Ogden—385 miles to Ogden. We have come 335 miles. Our changes will be made Friday morning at eight o’clock. This relieves my mind. I shall be anxious to hear how Willie is. I hope he is improving. My head aches all the time. I can scarcely hold my eyes open. I feel grateful for the comfortable time we are having. 3LtMs, Lt 37, 1880, par. 3
All the passengers are first class. No regular emigrants. We were pleased to find the rolls but sorry that [not] any of the oranges were left for they will be the most expensive for us to buy, for of these articles, oranges and lemons we should prize above everything else. Nearly half of [the] oranges I purchased were not put up at all, but we have a good lunch and will be thankful for all the good and will not feel badly about anything. 3LtMs, Lt 37, 1880, par. 4
I found my credentials. Elder [S. N.] Haskell’s name was on the envelope so I did not recognize it. 3LtMs, Lt 37, 1880, par. 5
We just draw shawls about our berth and eat and sleep in our own room and no one to gaze upon us. We have a pleasant breeze today. Nothing today in scenery but alkali and sage brush. We have scarcely a bit of dirt. Conductors say that the emigrant cars are made so comfortable, the first class passengers are but few, but now all are crowded, first-class, palace, and emigrant. 3LtMs, Lt 37, 1880, par. 6
My heart says, God bless my dear children. Be of good courage. Jesus is the Captain of our salvation. 3LtMs, Lt 37, 1880, par. 7
Mother.