Orange, Orange Co, VA.
Jan 24 1893

Dear Sister Alice: Your short but welcome letter was graciously received. I started to read your letter and then turned to see the signature and I thought Alice of whom I heard intending to teach school at Tooele was home for the holiday or was not teaching, as I supposed she was. I began reading again and concluded who the writer is. Tho, I had not heard where you were living, but am glad to hear of your living there if you enjoy yourself in living there. I suppose you find plenty to do to keep your mind on your work. There is a rich man or at least he once was rich and aristocratic who knits to keep his mind employed. "The repose of the soul is exercise not rest." If we would be happy we must work. Don't you think I could write quite an essay on work.

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Our life is one of stern realities isn't it. I heard Apostle Jos. F. Smith say that when our people are laboring to build up Jackson County that it would be done in such a practical way that the hand of the Lord would hardly be acknowledged by some engaged in the work.

Although our lives are made up with so many trials the prophets that foresaw our day would have rejoiced, no doubt to have had their children live in this age "Distant-lands lend enchantments to the view." We are so apt to look ahead or behind us. I supposed when I get home I will think back on the times I enjoy in Virginia and think I should have enjoyed them more than I do. By the way, I can enjoy sitting here in a room all by myself. All I had to do was make known my desire to write a letter and a fire was soon made and a lamp lighted. One of the boys has just carried in some wood to burn in the morning and in case I want to rise early he has some pitch-pine here ready. We are treated right royally. The best beds and extra cooking are prepared and a general good time we have. We try and think it good even when it is cornbread and pork and milk. Sometimes a good cup of rich milk and hot biscuits crumbed in taste good.

Sometimes it is a foretaste of the great future to have more of these good things to eat for a few hours. One that never does without a meal does not know its benefit of the soul, does he. The people here think it strange for one to fast; but they yield in respect, however. I don't think our people at home fast too often, considering the great work they are engaged in. Some, perhaps, don't fast often enough to realize the magnitude of the work, say nothing of engaging in it. But there will ben enough to carry on the work to glory. I hope we shall always be ready to do our parts and in the day of the Lord's power we shall be among his people; for His people will be willing. We are standing on a large foundation and have commenced to build and eternity lies before us. We of all people should be cheerful lovers of the Lord. And, again, there are some of us who have - well it was made known in these days that the field is now ready, let him that will cast in with his sickle All have their burdens and they can labor with all their might in one way or another. 

Hope you all keep well and have Heaven's care. I wish to be remembered to your folds. 

Yours truly, 

C.

Madison Run
Orange Co. Va