White, W. C.
Healdsburg, California
February 23, 1882
Previously unpublished.
Dear Willie:
We arrived at Healdsburg about three o’clock. Mary [Chinnock] had her teeth attended to. Addie [Walling] had one drawn. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 1
We left Santa Rosa about half past eleven. Had gone but a few miles when the horse began to kick, and I saw a shoe was missing. This hindered us much. At Windsor had one put on. We had a poor, broken whip. We let down the check rein to let the horses drink and let them go unchecked, when Kate began to lift her hind feet—not very high. I got out, stood by her head, patted her, and asked a man nearby to help me arrange the harness which seemed to be slipping off. This bound her somewhat and caused her to kick. She was not ugly but just frightened. She trembled like a leaf all over. I patted her and talked to her, and after the harness was properly adjusted, she behaved all right. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 2
They want me to come to Santa Rosa now. They need my help. Notice will be put in the paper at Santa Rosa that I will speak next Sabbath. I suppose I will have to go to Woodland in a week or two. I am very tired, but expect to be better ere long. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 3
Roberts came through all right last night. [He] went away up to our place, but we were not there, and he then came to Brother Harmon’s. We go up this morning. A man was there, calcimining the sitting room, and [he] will whitewash the kitchen. The buttery needs painting, and the kitchen, very badly; I think I shall have to have it done before it is all right and decent. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 4
Sister Harmon made a bee; rallied all she could and cleaned our house last Tuesday, so there is no cleaning to be done. All the goods have come. Shall get a dray to take them up to my Healdsburg place today if we can, rain or shine. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 5
I was made very sad to learn of Sister Colby’s death last night. The girls would not let me go up with Edwin to their place. Had I gone, [I] should have found myself in a houseful of people and Sister Colby just dead. I think it right that I did not go. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 6
I think I shall want a fifty-five dollar draft. I also want you to put to the credit of Sister Manor eight dollars for hens and charge the same to me. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 7
We all went up to the place last night. The girls, large and small, are highly pleased with the house and its belongings. I shall have a dray hired today to draw up my goods. I think twelve dollars very cheap for bringing all these goods and handling them so many times. What do you think about it? 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 8
Brother Harmon says I can have one horse of his to use, he thinks, all summer. This will save my buying. I wish I could get that wagon of Myers. I shall perhaps go to Woodland; then I can call to Napa and see the wagon; then I shall be that dunce that I shall know nothing about the value. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 9
All my company are in good spirits, but it is just pouring down rain now and am fearful we cannot do anything this week. We shall try hard to get settled this week. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 10
I am sorry that a mistake was made in regard to springs for [the] bed because I thought you preferred these to the wire springs. I think you will be better pleased to put the hair mattress on the mattress I left. Do as you think best about this. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 11
I am anxious in regard to Willie. I hope he will be very careful. And Mary [White]—she must have help till she gets strong. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 12
Brother Cole got the two mattresses, one spring, and one pillow for five dollars. This is nice for me. I think my purchase at Santa Rosa [was] good. Brother Harmon is ready to help me. 3LtMs, Lt 1c, 1882, par. 13
Mother.