The main argument contained in the above letter was good. But as to the route to be taken, the writer entirely differed from his wife. The reason of this remark will appear hereafter. To return immediately to Gilead was the resolution, and the nearest way thither was the object of great solicitude. And here, let all be warned not to trust too much to the map for the quality of roads, or even for their distance.
Nothing is more deceptive.
A whole life of trial cannot wear away the habit of diminishing distances and difficulties by dreaming over a map. The late rains had swollen the Sangamon river, so that the road across the bend of this stream, by the way of Decatur, was thought impassable. To go round the bend towards the south, was the only way left. There were ten communicants. Two of these he had the same morning baptized as adults, and four of whom he had confirmed.