Lt 198, 1902

Whitelock, T. S.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

December 14, 1902

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother Whitelock,—

Today I received your letter in regard to the Potts’ Sanitarium property being offered to us now for eleven thousand dollars. I have no hesitancy in saying that I think it would be well to accept this offer and close the bargain at the price specified, provided that you are certain of an ample water supply. This is my judgment in regard to the matter. We can take more time to consider the advisability of securing additional property near by.17LtMs, Lt 198, 1902, par. 1

I will send this letter to the post office tonight, that it may leave St. Helena tomorrow morning. If, after receiving this, you desire to wire to my son, W. C. White (who is now in Battle Creek, Michigan), in regard to the offer and my counsel to accept it, you may do so. If you can arrange with the agent to give you time to receive a letter from W. C. W. in reply to your message, before closing the bargain, I should advise you to do so; and in this case, be sure to have it plainly understood with the one with whom you are dealing, that the offer is to be held open until you can hear from the East.17LtMs, Lt 198, 1902, par. 2

I should be highly gratified, if our people could come into possession of this property. We ought to have it to use in the Lord’s work.17LtMs, Lt 198, 1902, par. 3

I am sending this letter without delay, so that you can make sure of securing the property. I have received a copy of the letter that W. C. White wrote to you, in regard to the prospects for organizing a company to purchase this property. Suppose you have received this letter. I will write to my son this evening. We do not want this property held by too many, nor do we want too many to settle near by. We will now make earnest efforts to raise money sufficient to purchase the place. If Brother H. W. Kellogg helps us, we shall be thankful. It is the Lord’s providence, I believe, that has given us this opportunity. I cannot write more now. Let not this chance slip. This is the property that we want.17LtMs, Lt 198, 1902, par. 4

Remember me to your wife. With respect.17LtMs, Lt 198, 1902, par. 5