Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

Letter to their grandmother and friend in North Hadley, delivered by hand so no postal markings present. Doing well despite a long, tedious journey of 1,700 miles and father being absent in Chicago upon their arrival. Describes their log cabin, grove, and garden, and having twelve neighbors in the area. Hoping her children take good care of her in her old age. Praises the beauty and richness of the "new country." Religious gratitude and reflections.

Eleanor's death in "child bed" and other news of acquaintances. Completion of lectures. Anticipated summer plans with Little and others at "the Point." Desire to make acquaintance with a woman from the Episcopal Church. Fever in Freehold.

Has succeeded in securing 140 boats.

Agreed to stay in Hamilton for a year without knowing they were reliant on the Home Missionary Society for financial support. Commentary on religious inclinations in the area, leaning towards Baptists largely due to the presence of Madison University. Notes Methodist and Episcopal churches, too. "These denominations absorb almost all the population that are not sold to whiskey and universalism." Distillery and "three high pressure rum taverns" are in the village. "Those that wish to escape election go to the Methodists; those who are afraid of puritanism flee to the Episcopalianism, and the Bap. church offers easy times to those whose money comes and goes hard. So what can you expect of us but that we shall remain as a buoy to show where Congregationalism got shipwrecked." Has a good relationship with the local Baptists. Little hope for a local revival.

By direction of J. T. Cochran, enclose sight check for $150 on New York Brown Johnston & Co. on Duncan Sherman & Co., payable to Stribling.