Fort Bragg. Nov 30th. 97
Mrs Whiteside[1],
My dear Friend,
I recd
your kind & welcome letter some time ago & certainly thought to
answer sooner. I know you must think me
very thoughtless & untrue as a friend, but believe me I am a better friend
than correspondent. We all speak of you
so often & always with love. Was
delighted to hear that the children were doing so nicely. I always felt that the little blackeyed Miss
would make brother stand around when she could get at him. How much comfort they must be to you. There is nothing so warms the heart as the
dear children. I hope Mr. Whiteside's[2]
health is fairly good & that he is brave & courageous to labor for the
Master even when the circumstances surrounding his life & work are not all
that might be desired. The Enemy of our
souls will allow no person to do effectual work with-out trying to hinder, but
"thanks be unto God which giveth us the victory". Russell is still in Ukiah at school. Mamie will be home the last of this week or
first of next. Her health has been very
poor these last two months took a heavy cold & never got entirely over
it. Am anxious for her to get home so
that I can doctor her. Russell likes
the Ukiah climate very much. He looks
well so every one says. I am feeling
much better than when I saw you last.
Have done less hard work this year.
There is a Methodist minister preaching in the Baptist Church now &
he seems to be well liked. I believe
there is a great deal of trouble in the Presbyterian Church again but I do not
know what it is or what it is about. I
am very sorry. I am afraid you will
think that I am wearing your wrapper.
Am thoroughly ashamed of being so slow, but I waited a long time for
Mrs. McC. to send some velveteen & though it is cut I have delayed
finishing. Look for it soon. Mrs. Shaver looks very tired. I am sorry that she has the prospect of
another grandchild before the winter is over.
My little niece Ruth is so sweet and cunning she loves
"Auntie" as well as ever.
Says the drollest things. Her
great distress when it rains is that she cannot see me any more. I wonder if Clare[3]
remembers me. Bless his curly
head. The army does good work here now
the last two Captains have been educated & gentlamen by nature. It tells even in the Army. More & more do I learn to trust God
& closer does my Saviour draw me as I "follow on" O that glorious day when we shall meet each
other there, in His presence all danger & doubt & sin gone
forever. Nothing more to overcome. I know that I can be wholly satisfied with
the farthest corner in Heaven if I can only behold the face of Him who hs loved
me & washed me in His own blood & made me heir to an eternity of
love. God grant us grace to live for
Him. Love to the dear little ones &
Mr Whiteside with your own large share
Jennie C. [L????]