Children
Battle Creek, Michigan
May 17, 1877
Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 65.
Dear Children:
We are feeling some rested after a full night’s rest and sleep. We find things in Battle Creek in a prospering condition. There are above sixty patients at the Health Institute. 3LtMs, Lt 2, 1877, par. 1
Dr. Kellogg is the doctor for all the patients. He is highly appreciated. He feels very much pleased in making the statement that they have in the bank seventeen hundred dollars above all expenses. Dr. Kellogg is overworked, and we greatly fear for him, for he is like your father, so ready to take responsibilities and burdens. But we shall have him go with us to Colorado in a few weeks as soon as father can do his business in settling the Harvey estate. 3LtMs, Lt 2, 1877, par. 2
We do not intend to spend the hot season here in Battle Creek. I hope that Willie and Mary will be able to come on to Battle Creek. But the vacation commences in five weeks, but they will know what to do in reference to that matter. 3LtMs, Lt 2, 1877, par. 3
I think father has an idea that Sister Hall should be with us, that her work should be connected with ours. He thinks she will not be appreciated as she deserves in the office. I thought I would just mention this that you may not be disappointed if she should leave. We feel the deepest interest in Mary [Clough] and her mother. We hope that you will be very attentive to them. We have felt that unless Mary should give her heart to God and live and obey the truth, she will be of but little advantage to us in our work. If her heart is at variance with the truth, it does not look reasonable that she should be long engaged with us in the work. If she does not accept the truth we love and cherish, she will decide against it. Persons are not generally apt to continue long in the position she now occupies. We love Mary. We hope that your influence will not be detrimental to her spiritual interest. You may in the Spirit of Christ do her good. I hope you will in every way seek to help Mary [Clough]. I fear we have neglected her spiritual interest too much. She is so peculiar, so set, that it has been difficult to reach her. I have just sent her a letter of sixteen pages urging upon her the necessity of giving her heart to God. You may observe the effect of the letter on her and report to me. 3LtMs, Lt 2, 1877, par. 4
They are fitting up a room for me in the office. We take possession today. Shall sleep in the office. 3LtMs, Lt 2, 1877, par. 5
None of father’s undershirts were sent. There are only two old ones here. My basque to alpaca dress is missing. I did not do anything with packing father’s trunk. Wish I had felt better, but I think he will suffer no particular inconvenience. If my striped silk is there, send it to me. I have not searched carefully, but I think it is not here. My calico dresses, red wrapper and light colored wrapper, green merino wrapper and the green merino remnants, please send the first opportunity. Sister Ings is keeping house and is well. Her swelled neck is entirely cured. 3LtMs, Lt 2, 1877, par. 6
I will write you again soon. 3LtMs, Lt 2, 1877, par. 7
This must go into the office, but a word about Hannah. Her health is poor. I do not think it would be advisable for her to go so long a journey just now. I have been too poorly to visit anyone, but expect to see her today and will report in next letter. 3LtMs, Lt 2, 1877, par. 8
Love to all, 3LtMs, Lt 2, 1877, par. 9
Mother.