Lt 8, 1874

White, J. E.; White, Emma

Santa Rosa, California

February 7, 1874

Portions of this letter are published in 2Bio 404-405.

Dear Children, Edson and Emma:

We received a letter from Edson February fifth. We were very glad to hear from him. We hope you will write frequently, that we may learn of your prosperity. Your father is much stronger than he was one year ago. He is of excellent courage. He does considerable writing, takes care of two horses, harnesses and unharnesses them. He takes care of one cow, all but the milking—that Lucinda does.2LtMs, Lt 8, 1874, par. 1

I have had, and still am troubled with, inflammation of the eyes. I am able to write moderately through the day, but as soon as the light is brought in the room I can do no more. Cannot read or write a letter, or work. This I keenly feel, for I have much writing which must be done, and it presses me and worries me.2LtMs, Lt 8, 1874, par. 2

I am now revising Sufferings of Christ. I have my article for next Reformer to get out, article for True Missionary, and one for Instructor. I see no rest, no letting up from labor. Last week I sent twenty-one pages, “An Appeal to the Young.” But we are very grateful that we are all tolerably well. The Lord is good to us, and we will have hearts of gratitude continually for His many mercies. We do not deserve one of them.2LtMs, Lt 8, 1874, par. 3

We learn that Maggie Loughborough is very ill. Her recovery is doubtful. We feel to sympathize deeply with them in their affliction. I think she is afflicted with throat and lung disease. I have just written to them.2LtMs, Lt 8, 1874, par. 4

We have just returned from riding out five miles to Sister Anderson’s for apples. She supplies us with fruit without charge. We have had a few sunshiny days. There have been continuous rains, but just as soon as it stops raining the roads around about Santa Rosa become dry so that we can use our team. We have purchased us a good covered carriage. We have the use of a good cow. We have plenty of house room and all the furniture we need. We are comfortably situated. Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Woodland, and San Francisco are no place for invalids. But there are locations within thirty miles that have the reputation of being very healthy, the atmosphere light and pure.2LtMs, Lt 8, 1874, par. 5

Did you send the chairs you mentioned to Battle Creek, to be sent from there, or did you send them direct to Santa Rosa from Ann Arbor?2LtMs, Lt 8, 1874, par. 6

Please write as often as you can. In much love to you both, I remain,2LtMs, Lt 8, 1874, par. 7

Your affectionate Mother.2LtMs, Lt 8, 1874, par. 8

Thank you for copying the letter for me.2LtMs, Lt 8, 1874, par. 9