Lt 33, 1876

Children

Battle Creek, Michigan

July 7, 1876

Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 42.

Dear Children:

We arrived here the evening of the fourth about eleven o’clock. We were just in time to witness the procession of the Birds of Paradise. The leader was represented as an Indian warrior, then followed the continentals, the signers of the Declaration of Independence, dressed as they dressed, powdered hair, short breeches and leggings. Some things were really interesting and some ridiculous, but I cannot write. I have kept on the strain so long I am now finding my level and I am not very intelligent. We cannot, Father, Mary, or myself do anything now. We are debilitated and run down like an old clock.3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, par. 1

Do write us some news. Tell Frank to write. You can, I should think, state some things of the church and one thing and another.3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, par. 2

It is excessively hot. Is it cool where you are?3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, par. 3

Is Sister Rice coming east? When will she come?3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, par. 4

Are you all well? Mary, do tell me, are you well and happy? Are you worn, perplexed and homesick? Willie, how are you and the business cares agreeing? Do let us have some news if you have to hire a correspondent!3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, par. 5

I cannot think one bright thought, so good-by.3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, par. 6

May, dear, please accept this little present from3LtMs, Lt 33, 1876, par. 7

Mother.