White, W. C.; White, Mary
Battle Creek, Michigan
October 26, 1876
Portions of this letter are published in 3SM 108; 3Bio 48-50, 53-54.
Dear Children:
We have just read Willie’s letter; also one from Elder Loughborough, received at the same time. 3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, par. 1
We are in the very worst drive and hurry getting off my volume two, Spirit of Prophecy. Three new forms are already printed. If we remain here four weeks longer we shall have the book completed, and remove from my mind [a] great burden of care. I have to move very cautiously or I should surely break down. We expect Brother King will start for Oakland next Monday. We want to go with him—sometimes think we must. [But] then our work is now arranged for process of completion and we feel that it would not be wisdom to leave it. I have every convenience here. We board with Brother Ings; have no care aside from the work. Father is arranging matters with Institute and with College and Publishing Association so that matters will move right when he leaves. 3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, par. 2
I tell you, Will, we ought to be here all the time. This is the great heart of the work, and if the body here is healthy, a healthful current will be diffused through the entire body. Your father’s and my influence is needed here more than in any other place. We are appreciated here. We can do more good when we are appreciated than when we are not. We never had greater influence among our people than at the present time. They all look up to us as father and mother. There is nothing that they would not do for us to help us if they could. We hate to tear away, but we must. I would be perfectly content to remain here all winter and do my writings if we did not think of you on the Pacific Coast, working so long, so patiently, and so courageously to advance the interest of the cause on the Pacific Coast. God bless you, my children. Your father appreciates your efforts on the Signs. He thinks your plans are sound. 3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, par. 3
While we are seeking to get off my books, Sister Ings is devoting every evening to my scrapbooks. I have one about completed and several smaller-sized ones half done. We are getting together all the best pieces from exchanges for you to use—mothers’ pieces for books, children’s pieces for small books, youth’s pieces for Sabbath reading. We are working to help you in your work in every way we can. These few weeks will tell if we can make it. I fear if we left immediately the book would be hindered for two months. Mary [Clough] is driving to the uttermost. 3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, par. 4
We know not yet just how much help we shall have, but do not be concerned about family arrangements. You can have the chamber if you do not choose to compose our family. We will endeavor to secure a good cook, reliable in every way. Barbara Stickney designs to remain in Oakland this winter and help what and when she can in the office. We shall bring, we think, two or more girls to help in the office. We are talking of having Bert Loughborough learn the bookbinding trade [so] that he may take hold of that business in California in our office. So you see, we are planning and working to do a big business when we shall come, which will be in about four weeks. We tell you these particulars that you may not be in uncertainty. 3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, par. 5
I cannot tell whether Lucinda will come or not. She has got it in her head to go to school and qualify herself for a worker in the cause. I leave her to act as she sees fit. Samuel and Mary [Abbey] would come if we said so, but we dare not take responsibilities. 3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, par. 6
I will now say good-bye. Do not bring any clothing. We are having pants and vest made at Salisbury’s. 3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, par. 7
Love to all, 3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, par. 8
Mother.
We were never so full of business before. Mary sits up until twelve and one o’clock at night. She works tremendously. Sent your letters to Lucinda. 3LtMs, Lt 46, 1876, par. 9
Mother.