March 2007

August 15, 1878 Letters from Mrs. E. G. White

The following we extract from private letters received from Sister White since leaving Oakland, July 28, accompanied by her daughter Mrs. Emma White, and Miss Edith Donaldson.
She writes under date of July 29: “We arrived at Sacramento yesterday, and were met by Brother and Sister Wilkinson, who gave us a hearty welcome and took us […]

August 1, 1878 Visit to the Prison

Sunday, June 23, by invitation, I visited the prison, in Salem, Oregon, in company with Brother and Sister Carter, and Sister Jordan, who took me there in her carriage. The superintendent and warden of the prison were introduced to me. When the time arrived for service we were conducted to the chapel, a room made cheerful by an abundance of light, and pure fresh air. At a signal from a bell, two men opened the great iron gates by means of a lever, and the prisoners came flocking from their cells into the chapel. The doors were securely closed behind them, and for the first time in my life, I was immured in prison walls.

July 25, 1878 Visit to Oregon

My visit to Oregon was of special interest to me. I here met, after a separation of four years, my dear friends, Brother and Sister Van Horn, whom we claim as our children. It was a most precious season to me, especially did my motherly heart go out in sympathy and love for Adelia Van Horn, and her two children whom I had never before seen. Separation had not estranged our hearts; our love and confidence had never been broken. Every moment of my stay with those dear children was precious to me.

July 18, 1878 Incidents on the Voyage to the North

We left San Francisco June 10, in the steamer Oregon for Portland. I had been overworked, and was much worn, and flattered myself that I should rest on board the steamer. But the wind blew very strong directly against us, I remained on deck after nearly all had abandoned it because of sea-sickness, I enjoyed the sight of the billows running mountain high, blue and green, and the dashing spray reflecting all the colors of the rainbow. I could not become weary of looking upon that grand scene; and I reflected how easily all on board might be engulfed in the angry waters.