Transcript

1 At the October Conference 1876, Bros Wm Ashworth, P T Farnsworth, and Myself were called on a mishion th to the Eastern States, we left home Dec. 18th 1876. Bro John Hunt took ous as far as Richfield, on the Sever River. Rode with Bro Murdock & Thurber as far as Manti. Held meeting at Salina, Bro Ashworth and myself Preached. Next day traveled to Manti Stoped at the Tithing office. Bro Farnsworth took ous to York, Stoped all night with the Bp of Fountain Green. Next day traveled to Salt Creek. Very Cold & deep Snow. Stoped all night with Bro Morgan & Family. Arrived at York Dec 25 11 PM, took train for Salt Lake City. Stoped with Bro Wm Hyde & Family while in the City. Remained in the City three days, Dec 27 Ordained A Seventy, And set apart for my mishion My Field of labor was the new England States. (27 January) Paid fifty cents for Certificate. To labor under Bro B.F. Cummings. Dec 30 took train for Ogden in company with Bros Ashworth, Farnsworth, Hall & Boyer, and McFarland. 10 A.M. took train for the East. Had a very pleasant time on the cars. Had a Chance to lay the principles of the Gospell before the several person, One man, A Dummer from Chicago, And a Lady from San Francisco, were very much interested. 2 Dec 31st Arrived at Omahah, took train for Chicago; Arrived at Chicago Jan 1st 1877. Parted with Bro Farnsworth. Took train for Boston Mass. Arrived in N.Y. 11.15, parted company with all the Breathren by this time. Very lonesom, A Stranger in A Stange land. Very Cold. Left New York 1 PM for Boston. Had a long talk with an Old man, on Religeon. He did- not believe in any Religeon, One as good As Another. His wife had just experienced Relig- eon from Sanky and Moody. As I said before, I was set apart, to Labor in the new england States, under Bro Cummings withe the priveledge of traveling for A Season with Bro Farnsworth, I being Inexerienced in preaching. while traveling from Omaha to Chicago, it came to me all at once, to go at once to Boston, where Bro C had his head quarters, I had A Aunt living in Chelca, not far from Boston. Her son arrived, at my place, just a few days before I left. Ought to have took A letter of interduction, but did not. Arrived in Boston about 11o c at night. (The coldest night I ever Saw, I believe.) Paid cab 2.00 to take me from depo to Chelsea where Aunt lived, Arrived there about 1130 = 3 =at night. The night was bitter cold, thaught I would freeze Crossing a bridge 7/8 of an mile long, Across charsestown neck. Rang the door bell. As I had no letter of introduction, I had to make myself known as best I could (I had not Seen fher Since I was a boy of Some 7 or 8 years of age) so when they became satisfied of my idenity, they were very kind. and glad to See me, And enquire about our folks, people Manners, Customs and Religeous views of the Mormon people, which I explained to the best of my ability. They did not believe much in Religeon. Were willing that every one should believe as they wished. (They are Spiritualist) believe that Joseph Smith received visions etc, for they have received many, were liberal in in their views. They thaught I must be awfull tired Jan 6 traveling So far. Jan 6, visited Boston, Natural History rooms, and Musiom of Science, Saw many new curious things, Such as Animals (Casts of) Some now extinct. birds of all kind, Stuffed, likewise reptiles, preserved in alcohol, etc etc. Beautifull picturs, Statuary both in plaster and marble, mumy's from Egypt. vaces etc.- from Pompei, Beautifull raught cloth from china. Old roman coin, etc. Sunday Jan 7. visited Second advent meeting in Boston, in company with one of my cosens, A young man About 21. 4 I read an advitisement in the Saturdays paper Saying that one B.T. Cummings would preach at – Court Street; Thinking it was our Bro C and wishing to find him as soon as possiable I went and found my mistake. After Singing and Prayer, the Preacher asked if any present wished to ask questions; if So he would Answer them. Some ques were asked; He Preached for about ½ an hour, then called for more ques Some were asked, when he turned to me, Seing I was A Stranger, wanted to know if I had any ques that would like explainds told him yes. The subject had been the building of Zion, he Said it was to be built in Jerusalem etc. I quoted Isiah, Zion shall be established in the tops of the mountains, = the Law shall go fourth etc = = and many people Shall say = etc. – asked him to explain what it ment. I said it clearly Spoke of two Zions etc.- It was too much for him. I asked him two or three more questions, when he jumped up and Said, you are a Mormon; I said yes, I profesed to be One, If a bom shell had bust in their midst it woud not have created more Surprise, I don’t believe The whole meeting were on their feet in a minute. Then commenced the battle of questions, and Such ques. I had neve herd Such ques before = 5 It was Brigham Young, Polygama, Scriptures, etc etc. I give a few ques – Do the Mormons live in houses, the Same as other people? Are not weomen forced to mary A man wheather She wanted him or not? If Brigham Saw A woman, And wanted her, could he not take her, even if she was the of another man. One old Lady (about 45) asked, Are not women forced to marry in Utah. Answer, Madam, women in Utah are free untill they are 150 years old, then they are forced to marry. She did not bother me any more. They laughd and claped their hands at her So, took a Seat in the farther corner of the room. Another woman thaught, the women in Utah, were not so jelous as they are here. I Said I thaught not by what I had Seen. She left me alone So we had it, from about 1030 till about 2 PM. when I left they invited me to come again next Sunday. which I did. Visited the Joseph Ites meeting at 230 When we returned home, My Cousin told the folks of our meeting, Said Cousin Horrace got the best of them all. How it was done is more than I can tell, for it was not by my wisdom, If I had been left to my Own learning I would have been = 6 Confounded and made a laughing stock off. The Lord was with me, And braught things to my mind, as I needed them, thereby, I was able to confount the learning of any man. their wisest. After returning home I visited A young woman, wanted to geather to Zion; I tried to get a chance to talk to her, and advise her what to do, but could not get a chance to Say much, for the family she was stopping with would not give me the A chance. Tried 2 or 3 times to see her but failed. wrote letters to Bro Cummings, but could not get an answer, begun to get uneasy. Spent the time visiting paces of interest, writing letters maekeing inquireys conserening my genealogy, wrote a letter to the Post master making enquires of a Uncle and Cousen that usted to live in vermont. Jan 10 visited a Mr Burrage, a distant Relative on my mother’s side. He was compileing a book of the Burrage family. Gave him a link, that was lost to him, had a long tald with him. (His book is complete, sent Father a coppy) Spent Some time in the Genealogical rooms of Boston, looking over the records. Jan 11. visited the Chelcea high School, in company with Uncle Gus – (Francis Spinney’s Husband) 7 visited the Banner of Light, Spiritual meeting, in company with Uncle Gus’s Brother – (Spinney) His virdict was, what d.m. fools I did not contradict him. It was all nonsense to me. A woman sat at a table, in a few minutes make faces, and act as though she was trying to Swallow something. Said the Spirits were enterening her body. in a few minutes she began to talk. One Spirit was an Irish man, (So represented) = Said it is very dark here. thaught he would like to spake to them a bit, had died in Boston some years ago, etc. etc – Jan 12 visited two men by the name of Skinner, found they were no relation of mines – Uncle Joseph Pierce visited arrived ous to day. remained 3 or 4 days. He is very poor, and not well, Sick most of the time. Is very favorable to mormonsism. Sunday 14 visited Sunday School in Boston; visited Age to Come meeting, had a discussion with them. A Mr & Mrs Rawson wished the Book of Mormon, & doctron & Covenents to read; Invited me to visit them, And bring my Books. while returning home Saw a child run over, by A Sleigh, the driver did not Stop to See if it was hurt or not. 15th Paid a visit to Mr & Mrs Rawson, took my Books with me. Spent the day in reading and = 8 And explaining the principles of the Gospell. They asked A good many question, which I answered to the best of my ability. Remained up late readind the Bible and explaining it, Staid all night, had a good comfortable bed, sepper & breakfast. Remained withe them tull after dinner, gave them some good avise.invited to come again Took streat cars for Aunts, arrived there about 6 in the evening. Found Bro Cummings Awaiting for me. Oh how glad I was to meet him, Although we had never before met; still we were friends. We had a long talk that evening and Slept in the Same bed. Offered ut the Same Prayer. It was like a beacon lite in a dark and stormy night. I felt I was A Sranger in a Strange land and people. 17th Bro C visited some of his friends in Boston. I received a letter from Cousin Austin L Skinner of Chelsea vermont, inviting me to to visit them before I returned home. I answered his Letter, thanking him for his invitation, Saying I would visit him before my return home. 18th visited my new friends in Somersville remained all night had a very enjoyable time with them. Bro C- visiting Friends in B – On my comeing home, found a note from Bro C Stateing he had unexpectedley been called = 9 to Salem, And for me to follow him. Jan 20 Tok train for Salem. Arrived about 430 met Bros C & James Mack. Tried to hire a hall to preach in, did not succede. Sunday 21 went to the Unitarian meeting, Preaching by the Rev Mr Beanheard, (text) Second chap- of James, Afternoon, went to the Advent Sunday School, took part with them. Had a long talk with some of them. Evening went to Advent meeting, A Mr Fielding read a discourse on atributes of Savior. Made arrangements for the hall to hold meeting in. Jan 22. made arrangements to get bills printed anounceing our meeting to night; had 250 printed, Afternoon, Bro Mack and myself dsitributed hand bills, walking up and down the Streets – giving one to everybody that would take one. While distributeing hand bills we visited a large cotton mill, the largest in Salem. 500 looms on one floor. At the meeting last evening, Bros Cumming, Mack and myself Spoke; I about 15 minutes, this was my first attempt at public Speaking to a congrigation of Strangers. We had a very fair meeting, After Service was over Bro C. asked if any wished to ask questions; Some few ques asked and answered. Held meeting next evening, I Spoke about 30 minutes Bro C gave them as fine a discourse on Polegamy as I ever heard. 10 Jan 25 Paid 2,50 for use of hall. Had a Long talk with the editor of --- Visited the Peabody museum, was very much interested in what I saw One thing in perticular A representation of Heven and Hell, carved by a monk, out of wood, they each one were about the size of half of an wallnut. It took a very powerful magnifying glass to see the figurs. Heven was repsented by God Setting on his Throne Suronded by a concours of Angls in the act of doing homage, and Singing Psalms, with palms in their hands, clothed in white Heell was represented by the Devel Sitting on a throne surronded by his Angles Some were bringing in prisoners bound in chains, Others were in the act of pitching poor Sinners in the botomless pit with pitch forks (there were 2 or 3 pits to be seen) Others were danceing, and mocking. Fire was See issueing from the pits. The devells wer had horns, hoofs and tail. It took a monk 7 years to make the two. They figures were so small that to the naked eye, they looked rough like the inside of an walnut Shell. 25 A mister Chase. A Millerite pade aus a visit he came expressly to show ous the erior of our ways, Said he had come to spent all the afternoon with ous. We took our Bibles and commensed, we let friend Chase take the lead, After awhile he gave = 11 ous a chance to say a few words. We did not get fairly started, berore he began to get very uneasy; but we held on to him as long as we could. He remarked, we are (his church) are the Children of Abriham etc, but denounced Poligamy in very bitter terms. I remarked to him, Mr Chase, the Bible says if you are Children of Abriham, you will do the works of Abriham, how many wives had Abriham? He could not stop another minite, had some very urgent buisness to attend to, very very Sorry to leave ous, would call another day and spend all day with ous. That was the last we Saw of Preacher Chase, The Mormons wer too much for him, he was completely whipe out. There was one Lady present who had just joined the Church, (She used to belong to his Church) And being surounded Constantly by temptations was in a masure weak in the Faith; After our Argument with Rev Chase, her fears were set at rest for ever. Rev Mr Chase will let Mormon alone hereafter. While Stopping in Salem, we Spend most of our spare moments in reading, asking questions and posting ourselves for the work that lay before ous. Sunday 28. visited the Protestant-Episcopal Church. In the evening we held Prayer meeting in Bro Byards house, all Spoke, and felt well. 29th visited a Mr Avorell, took Supper with him and Family. 12 Met Bro James W Preston from American Fork Utah, Spent a very plesant day in talking, reading etc. Visited a large tannery belonging to a Mr western, noted the process of makeing Leather in detael. Jan 31 Left Salem for Lowell, in company with Bro Mack. Arrived at Chelsea at 930 stoped with my Aunts She was very glad to see me again and made ous very welcom. After noon we visited Boston to see the sights, tried get to hear Sanky and Moody but failed on account of the crowd. Visited Dr Hellocks Rooms 110 Court St. Saw some of the most horrible Sights I ever saw We left Chelsea at 845 Stoped all night with Mr and Mrs Rawson – at Somersville – had a Long talk with them on the Principles of the Gospell. They Asked Aus to Pray with them – which we did. remained all day with them; wished ous to stop another day. not very well this evening – Jan Feb 2. Feb 3rd we took 10 oclock train afor Lowell, arrived at 1110. Fount Bro C – Stopping with A Bro Bakes and Family. A very good Family. Found here A Small branch of the Church. Sunday 4th held meeting at Bro Bakes at 230 PM Bro Mack and myself occupied most of the time. Meeting again in the evening Bro M, C & myself – 13 accupied the time. After meeting was over – we had a longt, and warm discussion with a Mrs. Jinkenson on Poligamy. She was teriable bitter. we were till 12 or 1 o.c talking. I talk the planeist to her that I ever talked to any one on that Subject. I told Some of the ways women were threated in that place the number of houses of ill fame in the city of Boston – and number of prostitutes – and the cause of their being so. And the number of women without husbands etc that there were more men than women it being natural for women to desire man – and not being able to get one they resorted to Prostitution – which they considered perfectly right – but men must not marry more than one wife etc etc. After I had talked to her f 2 or 3 hours – She felt much better And invited ous to visit them – we found they had joined the Mormons in England had emigrated to this Country got as far as Lowell and there stoped. She had joined the Methodist and was very religeous, that the mormons should dance was awful awful. We visited them the next day took dinner & supper with them, and a long talk with them on the princeples of the Gospell. We visited them off and on while we remained in Lowell. We can Reconverted them – and they have Since been baptised and emograted to Utah and are a very 14 respected family. Mr & Mrs Jinkenson One daughter and two Sons – The oldest had been educated for a Preacher – and had about concluded to join the Episcopation Church. He is a very well educated young man. Paid a visit to a Mr Hosmer had quite a talk with him. Visited all the places of note while staying here Such as the Catholic Church Called the Immaculate Conception. A very Beautiful building, the finist I saw in my travels, Carpet Rooms where they made all kinds – carpets, suspender factory cotton Factory, etc. somety While in Chelsea, Salem, Somersville, Boston and Lowell I was treated very well – was invited to partes – and to spend evens with different Families etc. Sunday 11th Meeting afternoon and evening Spoke about 30 minutes in the after noon meeting. Bros Bingham and Perry joined ous here – remained 2 or 3 days and returned to their field of labor. One Sister Deickoll was very kind to ous visited her several times and ate withe her. A daughter and Son she had have Since emograted to Utah. I have had the pleasure of making them comfortable – as they did me when I was amoung srangers. Monday Feb 19th Packed my valiese for Pareparetery to going to main – to join Bro Robenson who had gone there a few days before. Bid all good by – took train for Boston, Stoped, Stoped all night with my friends at Somersville. Very well treated. 15 Feb 20 Arrived at Aunt Frances at Chelsea Mass very glad to See me – were all well, And want to go to Utah. Remainded here 4 or 5 days waiting to hear from Bro R So as to know where to meet him wrote but got no answer. Spent my time in Seeing what there was to be Seen And laying the principles of the Gospell before these that I had a chance. visited Ship yard to see how they construct Ships had a conversation with 3 or 4 on Utah and the Mormons visited Bunker hill monument. Received letter from Bro C telling where I could find Bro Robenson March 1st took Steamer for Portland Maine Arrived in Portland about 230 in the morning As the train did not leave for Tomestown for Some hours took walk around the City. had a talk with some Laborening men. times very hard with them wished to God the United States would go to war etc Arrived in Thomestown at 530, had long talk with a Lady on on the cars. She invited me to visit her at her home and make the aquaintence of her Husband. Never had a chance to visit them. Would have liked to. Thomeston being the as far as I could go by Rail, I was obliged to walk, Soon after I started for Cushing it comensed to Sleat, traveled 2 or 3 miles, comeing to a house asked for the priveledge of Stopping all night which was granted. Their name was Harenington, treated me very well. Had a talk with them on the Principles of the Gospell. 16 Left Mr & Mrs Harengton on foot for C Some 5 miles distant. About half way, - made enqurus for Bro Robenson herd of him, was directed where I would find him, went there there but did not find him – they directed me to another house. went there, the Lady in = vited me to to rest and take dinner. While resting Bro R arrived – Happy meeting. we had a long talk togeather. While I remained in Cushin I made my home with this old Lady, her name is Robinson A relative of Bro R’s. That evening we took Supper with a family by the name of wiley. Had a long talk with them on the principles of the Gospell. March 5 Visited Thomaston to See Some of Bro R’s Resdives. Stoped all night with Mrs. Wood was very bitter expecely Poliamy. We gave them (there were 2 women) a talking to – that I don’t think they will Soon forget. 6th Took breakfast & dinner with a family by the name of Viwal – a very good family, and very well off, Merchant. had a long talk. 420 Started for Mrs Robensons. herd of a Mr Fulmer who it was said was a mormon. We Called on him. Denied being Said there were no mormons in this place etc. Had a big talk with him, that I think = 17 he must remember. I gave him Some hard nuts to crack, And left him; Cold March 8 Attended a funeral of a distant Relation of Bro Robensons. At a place named St George; While there we improved the oppertunity to Preach teach the principles of the Gospell. As we all ways did when we had an opportunity Sunday 11th held meetins in Cushing which was very well attended. I took a text, - 11th chapter of Acts. Spoke about ¾ of an hour to a very attentive audience. Bro R like wise Spake. Visited St George again Stoped Some two days. Found a women wh by the name of Sevy, who once belonged to the Church – but had fallen away. had a long talk with her on the Principles of the Gospell. 16th held meeting in the school house had a very full house. I preached about 1½ hour. After meeting we had a very long and warm talk with a Mr Smally and family on the Principles of the Gospell, - He was a Deacon in the church – ous and very zelous – our principles conflicted with his of course which made him very mad. came very nigh turning ous out of doors. We attende a Class meeting while here A regular Ranter. While here, we sowed seeds that ought to bring fourth fruit. We Spake as men having athority, And not affraid nor ashamed of what we believed. 18th Returned to Cushing (lower part) Stoped with a relation of Bro Rs, named Payne Orff A Pious old methodist, who had seen the Savior. 18 Bro B thought he made a mistake and Seen the Dvl his wife was a very good women. Mr Orff had nothing to do but read his bible which he did. Said he had read it through 9 times. He would not let ous alone. we would wind him up on one subject – and then he’d go and take a walk and get over his mad fit and start aggain on some other subject. If any man heard the principles of the Gospell he did. the night before we left him we gave him Some hard pills to swallow I tell you. Bro R went back in 3 days after- and found him still trying to get thera up or down, I don’t know which. we remained in Cushing and vacinity, till April 9th visiting Bro Robensens Relatives, and teaching the principles of the Gospell whenever we could get a chance. We held two meeting in C, the last was not very well attended. I Spoak about an hour. A Mr Seavey – A big gun in this neighborhood – had Sent wort that he was coming Some day to confound those mormens, And completely use ous up, etc One day as I was reading in Mr Robensons, a man and Severel neighbors, came in, and others droped in untill there was quite a house full. It did not strike me as strange; I was unsuspecting as anybody could be. After An intruduction etc we cominsed talking on the Bible, Subject. Baptism. I proved to him that baptism was nessary to Salvation, etc 19 He said Prophets were not neaded now etc, proved to him that they were; Then it was Poligamy. I proved from the bible that it was a true principle. Then it was Brigham Yound & John D Lee Mountain medow massacre etc. Then we had the subject of the Indians. To wind up on Politics. He acknowledged that I was right – on every Subject. I completely vanquished him. he went home like a whiped cur. He had invited the neighbors to come and see him whip the mormons, but he was completely whiped by one. That was the the verdict of them that was present . they Said. he acknowledged I was right on every subject. April 10th 1877, took my valiece, And Started for Damescotta – where Bro R had a distant relation living. Friend Orffs took ous 2 or 3 miles in his wagon, then we took it a foot, the road in my places was very muddy. After traveling all day tired and hungry, we began to ask for a place to Stop all night. We asked at thirteen places, before we could get a place to lay our hedds. If we had not been mormons we could have stoped at allmost any house, but mormons were not wanted. At last a Mr Leeman, took ous in, And treated ous very well, After After abuseing the mormons for every thing he could think off. He was terable bitter. Said the mormons were not fit to live on the earth ought to be all killed off etc. It was J.D. Lee, B. Young & Poligamy, till 12 or 1 oclock at night. He filt much better next morning invited ous to call again. Black Republican negro better than a white man. 20 Arrived at Damescotta about 830, Stoped with a family by the name of Parson, a distant Relation of Bro Rs. Remained withe them till the 16th. Found them a very nice family and reasonable. Had several long talk conversations with them on the Princeples of the Gospell. They Seemed allmost convinced of our Principles. We allmost convinced then the aurthen- tisity of the Book of Mormon. up to this time we had April faired very well. Just before – and after John. D. Lee was executed all h-ll began to boil and roar We had it J.D. Lee, P Young, Poligamy, And the D-m mormons every where we went, the papers were full of lies – and we had it to face and combat. April 16 Left the Parsons family for A tramp. Traveled 15 miles, tried to get a chance to preach but could not. Tried at 18 praces to Stop all night = before we could get a place. A mr Toby took ous in. Remained up till 11 oclock talking on the Principles of the Gospell. Very good women - man Surley. Left next morning at 530 Traveled this day 16 miles, tried to get the a School house to hold meeting in – failed, as usuel. Stoped with a family by the name of F C Stickna. gave them the Gospell very plain. invited ous to call again. 18th 4 places for dinner walked 14 miles, 4 placesés for a night lodgeings. A mr J H Allen took ous in and treated ous very well. we gave him all the Gospell he wanted. dont want any more mormenism. vassalboro knox Co maine. Tried to get the School house to hold meeting in failed. 21 April 19 1877 Traveled to day about 20 miles, 5 miles in a heavy rain storm, Asked at 9 placesés to Stop all night. tried to get the to sleep in a K barn tried at two places to get in their barns – it raining hard. we would ask at a place for a nights Lodgeng as soon as we told them we were mormons – the door was slamed in our facesés. At about 9 oclock a mr Levi Turner took ous in, gave ous dry cloths to put on while ours were drying. Very good family up till late teaching the principles of the Gospell and alaying prejudice. Allmost discouraged and worn out. 20th Traveled about 20 miles 2 miles in the rain and mud 6 placesés to stop. A mr Jos Ulmes took ous in. (two brothers) tired and worn out, not much Gospell that even – but the next morning we had it hot and heavy. Oldest many worst bitter as h-l they rejected ous and our principles, but we told him Some things I don’t think they will Soon forget. the old mas was a preacher. 21st Traveled about 20 miles to day: asked at 6 places before we could get any dinner. mr J T Studly gave ous dinner. Had a long talk with him his wife on the Pri= nciples of the Gospell; very tired. A mr J T mudy took ous in for the night, went to bed with out Supper. Had a short talk with him next morning. 22nd traveled 14 miles to Damescotta, wore out and foot sore; Found several letters waiting for ous. One from Bro James Mack, to me contained $2.00. 22 Likewise a letter from Bro Cummings, directing ous where we could find some Saints. Monday April 23rd Started at 1.30 for Liwiston mane took cars where we expected to find a Bro Eastman. Arrived at L at 7.30 could not find Bro E. Stoped at a hotell al night. found him next morning. He gave ous 1.00 but could not keep ous a few days. Left him and started for newery, on foot. Traveled about 11 miles, crackers and cheese for supper breakfast and dinner. took train for 10 or 13 miles, then a foot again. Stoped all night with a mr S F Sturn paid 50¢ for supper and bed. 25th walked 20 miles to Bro Josiah Smith. An old man 86 years old Joined the Church many years ago, but had not gathered. his Son & family was living with whim. We Preached the gatherening to them. Stoped all next day with them. Joung Smith is a very good man, with a large family. 27th took my valiese- and started for Newery Grafton Oxford Co Maine- to find a Bro Beetie, traveled 5 miles took dinner with a Mr. C White & family. Tried to get the school house to hold meeting in, Thought shure we would get it for a while, but after they had talked to ous a while, they did not want to hear ous preach, no use for mormon preachers. Arrived at Bro Beaties at 420, found him and family well. we remained with Bro Beatie and family, till June 13th 1877, promilgating the 23 principles of the Gospell when ever we could get an opportunity. Bro Beatie Joined the Church in the days of Joseph – but had never geathered with the Church. We had many long talks with him and wife. He has Since emograted to Utah. I received a letter from his wife a few months after my return home Stateing their arrivel in the valeys of the mountains. I was very much Surprised to find that they had come – as I did not hardly expect them to come. In my letter I asked her how it was that they had come? “She Said it was through a conversation we had with them A few days before we left them.” June 12th Bro Robenson and my self had a long talk – when it was desided that I should visit a Cousin, living in vermont. So the next day I started – Bro R accompaned me 10 or 12 miles through the woods to a plac called Success. no body living there. Camped all night = Slept all night – in the hay in an old tumble down barn. Next morning at about 2. I bit Bro R good by and Started on the trail through the woods, for Miland – where I expected reach the R.R. traveled 16 miles by 11 o.c. wet to my knees and tired out no breakfast or dinner, had to take off my boots and ring the watter out of my Socks and travel on. tired and worn out. After I had rested a while I was So Stiff= 24 and sore that I could hardly move. (While stopping with bro Beatie – Some of my friends at home had sent me some money. David McDonough 1.00. Joseph Cartwright .50, my folks 1.50) Took train for nor- =thunderland. arrived at 135 had to stop all night, Supper & bed .50. 15th took 8.10 train for Barnet Caledona Co N.H. where one Bro Hadlock lived – A very good wife man – cant Say as much for his wife. No breakfast or dinner. Supper with bro H – remained all night Bro H was very glad to See me. would liked to have had me Stop Severel days – if his wife would give her consent – 16th took train for White River Junction V.T. Arrived at 1230 Money all gone except 55cts bought ticket – as far as 55cts would go, it would not carry me as far as I wanted to go by Some three Stations. I said to myself bro Skinner you wride to your distanation unless they put you off. on the Same train, was a methods minister who h was going to the Same place as I was, but had the Same kind of a ticket as I did. when we arrived at the station that our tickets called for, he did not get off but Still rode on, when the Conductor asked him for his fair – which was allmost as much more. they had quite a Squrable, threatened to put him off. At last he paid. now comes my turn – but no he passes by and Says nothing. So I ride as far as I wanted to go. walked 14 miles to Chelsea V.T. Orange Co Vermont. 25 Arrived at Chelsea at about 630 tired. Found my Cousin Austin Skinner and family well. I remained with them Some three weeks. They were very glad to See me – and treated me yery well. Had Several good Long talks with them on the principles of our Religeon. especialy Mrs Skinner. She Seemed quite taken up with my belief. but that was it amounted to. While here I met an Uncle my Fathers Brother, who was more than glad to See me, but was very poor. he asked me many questions. had many a long talk with him. And with the family he was stopping with. While here I mad the aquaintence of a good many, And preached the principles of the Gospell to all that I could. And did the best I cood under the circum- stance. I made my home with Cousin Austin and helped him in the field. and arround the house etc as much as I could. I did not like to be too idle. Having gone as I thought about to the end of my rope – I wrate to Bro Cummings what I should had better do. he wrate me that all the Elders except him and me had left and gone home. I had the Same priveledge and to let him know when I would start, and he would 26 would go home with me. I did so, and where, but by Some mishap he did not meet me as I expected allthough I waited some four days I immeditly – after hearing from Bro C- wrote home for money. which was send by return mail. the folk had to borrow some to bring me home. While with my Cousin & uncle I Spent Some time in getting our Geneology visited the grave yards – and old family Bibles neighpers etc, etc, by this means I managed to collect a good many names wilt date of Birth Marrage Death etc, which were of great value to ous. Pade a visit to Montpelier the Capital of Vermont. A few days before I left I heard a voice call me as plain as I ever heard a voice – Horrace Come home. I was not a Sleep nor yet a wake. July 11 Started for Cl Lovell where I was to meet Bro F. waited two days for him. 13th went to Chelsea Mass to my Aunt Francis Spinney. Stoped here three days Still no word from Bro C.- 27 July 16th. 720 took Emegrant train for Omaha, with my Niece Hattie Spinney. Arrived Omaha on the 19th at nite 20th took train ogden Home Ogden 24th. Salt Lake City 25 missed connection. At ogden had to stop all night. Home Beaver City Utah Aug 1st by slow mule teams, found all well and glad to see me h at home again. went to work to pay for money borrowed to returny. no more From your Brother in the Gospell of th Christ James H Skinner