Entry in serial letter to Henry from his mother October 27, 1907

Sunday eve – Oct. 27 – 1907

Dear, dear Henry – 

We have had a busy week trying to clean some house, Aunt Annie did the third story and my room and Annie’s.  Do not know when we can finish as Aunt Annie went away on Saturday.  We had quite a surprise last week from Phila – Uncle Ed went to Fort Worth, Texas on trial and they may move but I sincerely hope it will not come to pass – I have not yet gotten up to Spruce Creek but hope to soon, I had a very nice letter from Aunt M – she seems anxious for me to come, they were all disappointed I could not get up last week. 

We have had such beautiful weather but real snappy – very heavy frosts every morning – Papa says whenever he sees the frost, “I bet Henry would like to have a little of this” – I know he is saying this is “bloomin’ hot.”  It must seem strange to you – to think you will have no winter this year. 

We had some news from you Friday – the Navy department said you were at Port O’ Spain six days and how anxiously we will look for letters, oh dear boy write much just your whole life – Little things you may not think of interest will be much and every item devoured.  

This has been a rainy day but we needed it badly it has been so dry.  Mr. Hart is away on his vacation and when he announced last Sunday who was to preach he asked that everyone who could possibly come should be there.  Papa and Anna went, and Papa said such a sermon he had not heard in a long time.  The subject was “The Cross of Christ” – And his talk was on our life and how we bore the Cross for Him.  

Oh son never be ashamed, I know there may be few of your associates who own their Savior or know Him but stand firm.  They cannot but respect your life if you are true to your colors, and you may do them or someone much good.  Keep that end in view and live a clean, pure life.  I know you will but don’t be discouraged and try and win some one for the Kingdom.

Uncle Hanson and Margaret were in a while this morning they had been for a walk to “Wildwood Park” and they had a beautiful bunch of autumn leaves.  Uncle Hanson talked of you and is most interested and anxious to hear about your work, and especially wants you to work hard for the Signal Corps. 

Keep us informed always how you are getting on with it.  I think you will make it all right and it will be such a nice part of the work I think and give you some interesting things to work about.  And those things I think you can do well as far as I can understand the work we feel you are entirely capable.  Then it will be so fine for all your friends and more than all the rest for your home folks to know you are doing your best and not staying at the bottom but climbing to the top.  You know there are plenty always to fill the places that do not require much mind but there is room for you further on I feel sure.