The courier., 1901-08-10
10

port from what is termed q hard
farm" in Pittsford, a town Of western
Vermont. Preparatory to starting he
sold his farm, had his whole family
vaccinated, bought q new wagon, and
laid in extra clothing for his house.
hold. Quitting his old homestead ear
ly on Monday, September 30, 1917, af-
ter proceeding o few miles he met in
a solitary place his brother, who had
come from Rutland to bid q fearful
and prayerful farewell to those west
ward bound. The letters were ad-
dressed to his brother, from whom the
emigrant now parted, to see his face no
more.
Lowdon, Franklin Co., Pa,
October %, 1917.
Dear Brother:
Through Divine Goodness we have
reached this place; all in health, NO
unfortunate accidents worth naming;
but blessing on blessing follows us.
I wish we were thankful to the great
and good Disposer of ali events for His
mercies.
The reason of our coming so far
south is to cross the Allegheny noun
tains in turnpike that is very good.
We have been used very well by our
fellow creatures, both low Dutchmen
and high. l have not found ii as you
once thought it would be, namely, that
stage drivers would drive over me; on
the other hand, / being on the right
of the road as the law directs, and that
being the best as it happened, they
take their side at a respectful distance;
and so also with the great Massachus-
etts wagons, with five or six great
horses and great loads, who on seeing
us take to their own side. Those go
ing never overtake us, our horses be-
ing good and in good trim.
For about a week We have fallen in
company with a family from the dis
trict of Maine, and the town of Gardi-
ner on the Kennebec. They seem
clever people.
I think have some sense of my sit
uation, and had before started. The
miserable circumstances I was in
seemed to warrant the undertaking. I
am happy in having a clear conscience
in the affair
We have had very good weather; but
two rainy days. This state is a beau
tifui country with the appearance Of
great wealth. The greatest trouble we
have is going so far from so good
friends. May Almighty God show
mercy on us ali through the merits of
Christ our Savior.
Your affectionate brother,
A. B.
Six Miles East of Pittsburg.
Nov. IL, 1917.
Dear Brother:
I wrote per mail to Montgomery.
n. Y, and at Conneltown, Pa, at the
east side of the Allegheny mountains.
Till then We got along finely; but in
crossing the mountains We had rather
a tedious time, owing to rain and the
badness of the roads. My wife has
been almost beat out, but through the
goodness Of God has got we'll. The
children are and have been well-good
health myself. Some of my horses
got hurt and as it were beat out.
On the 9th we reached this place.
have been to Pittsburg, and for sixty
dollars bought a boat that will hold
my five horses, wagons, effects, family,
and the Kennebec mans family-the
man I wrote you of in my last-very
clever Methodist people.
All people, or almost all, that go
this way do so now-that is, go down
the river in boats. We have had moth
ing stolen yet-mercifully preserved
as yet.
Our boat is to be all ready for us
tomorrow at 10 O'Clock a. m, at which
time We expect to embark to descend
the river Ohio. The boat is some like
4 mud-scow; II has house. too. with
4 fireplace In it; three-quarters Of it
has q deck battened. I am told that
when I am done with 1t I can sell IL for
fcrty or forty-6ve dollars; that 1t is
1t to go to New Orleans with a load.
To tell the truth. dear brother, I am
It loss to determine whether to go to