El Dorado. Thursday Sept 24, 1885
Dear Ollie
Your letter came yesterday was very glad to hear from you. It found me improving in health but not relieved yet – but trust I shall be in due time. The effect of the water here has been different fr. any thing that I have ever experienced. It causes the body to itch all over & no amount of rubbing will allay it For a few of the first days after I came here I itched from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet. I would rub & rub & rub until I could rub no longer & would then give up to let it itch & from pure exhaustion would fall asleep. What seemed strange to me was that there was no breaking out in connection with the itching I have been here two weeks to day & in two weeks more they tell me I shall be well. Just three weeks more than it took me to find relief at Sweet Springs. So you see I like Sweet Springs best. Oh yes all the time.
There are still a good many people here made up of all kinds – the rich & the poor. More of the latter. The old & the young. Representing all the diseases that mortal man is xxx to & they say these are all to be cured if persons will only stay long enough Well perhaps they would – but I find a good many go away xxxx enough about el dorado. Mr P & Mr & Mrs Banks are here. Mr P back for the second time.
I am glad to hear good a.c of the Services & trust it will continue to I am sorry that you feel discouraged because your mind works slowly & retains badly. Don’t forget that many a man who has huge xxxx mind to contend with has by steady application attained to distinction accomplished much good & been an ornament?? to society. As to your future I know of nothing that I should like so well as to see you a faithful minister of the gospel & it would be the delight of your fine mother’s heart but I would not have you determine to be a minister simply to please us – a higher motive should activate you - nothing less than a well grounded persuasion that it is what the ever dear Savior would have you do. Go to him then as your dearest, best friend, ask him to direct you to make plain to you the path of duty - & he will show it “lest all you care upon him for he careth for you” yes all you care – care for your studies & care for how you are to serve him When one can feel it to be their duty to preach the gospel it is a precious work. The noblest that man can engage in – It has its trials – it has its discouragements but it has it xxx – sweet & precious – far outweighing all that are against it.
I heard back from home & Brownsville a few days xxx – all were well. They told me Willie was with you. I am glad to know it. Trust to he will acquaint him creditably he can do it if he will. Remember me to him. Also Mr Solbert & xxxx Write me when you have leisure I shall remain two weeks I suppose. With earnest prayers that God will bless & make?? you a useful & happy man.
I remain your affectionate father O.S. Bulkley
