Lt 82a, 1888

White, Mary

Battle Creek, Michigan

November 29, 1888

Portions of this letter are published in 3Bio 419.

Dear daughter Mary:

I am home again in our pleasant rooms in the new building of [the] sanitarium. Soon after I arrived, all tired out with labor, sisters began to come in, and I did not mistrust anything for some time and at last learned that it was a little party of my old friends to celebrate my sixty-first birthday. We all took dinner which had been arranged at the sanitarium. All passed off well and pleasantly. I was too thoroughly wearied out to enjoy the matter as I otherwise would.5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, par. 1

I spoke at Potterville [on] Friday afternoon, Sabbath afternoon, Sunday twice, at half past two and at five o’clock p.m. [I] spoke Monday at eight o’clock and went from the meeting to the cars to meet my friends as soon as I arrived home.5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, par. 2

It is thought best for me to attend State Minister’s meeting in Des Moines. Start today. Willie says he writes you, so he must give an account of himself which I will not undertake to do. He seems in good health. All your letters I have the reading of.5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, par. 3

I received the sad intelligence of [the death of] Mr. Foss, my sister’s husband. He dropped dead after eating his dinner. He was placing the dishes from the table to the sink for Mary when he fell heavily to the floor, groaned and died at once. I am writing her this morning. Marian [Davis] will. Have you the letter written to her?5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, par. 4

I still believe the Lord will raise you up to health. Be strong in the Lord, yea, be strong. Cling to divine power with unwavering faith.5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, par. 5

I would write more if it were not next to impossible because other matters of writing must be done.5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, par. 6

Love to dear little Ella [White] and to the little one, Mabel, and to each member of the family.5LtMs, Lt 82a, 1888, par. 7

Mother.