26

27

[27]

four members. I drew up the constitution and it was adopted
without amendments. They [cipher]

My school is now half past and such success as has attended
it has not attended any other of which I have heard. I have not
yet punished a schollar nor heard a complaint.

[Paragraph of cipher]

Old times [Cipher]

27

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[28]

J. J. Strang January 22d, 1832

[Paragraph of cipher]

Jan. 23d This day begins the last half of my winter's work and singularly [2 words of cipher] the school felt wonderfully [3 words of cipher]

Jan. 28th Today I have dismissed my school for want of wood
[Paragraph of cipher]

Jan. 29th Today I went to one meeting. I have not attended religious meetings very steadily this winter.

28

29

[29]

though I generally hear one discourse every week and sometimes
two or three.

We have some reason to fear that our debating society will
share a hard fate.

[About 6/7 of page of cipher]

31

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[30]

J. J. Strang February 19, 1836

Feb. 19 Today I have not felt so smart as sometimes on account
of a light cold. Let it go off as it came! My constitution is
growing stronger continually.

Our Debating Society has finally succeeded and has been
got thoroughly into operation. We have had three debates, one
was a very sharp one, and I had the honor to carry the question
allmost single handed. We have another next evening. I shall make
a very little preparation for it.

I expect to dismiss my school soon and leave the place. The
time for which I engaged is not up, but I anticipated such
a close from the commencement, for the people want their boys
to work in the sap works. I made the bargain with Mr. Draper

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31

[30a]

for when he feels rich he feels very rich.

There is no complaint against me and they offer me a good
recommend.

Some young chaps have treated me rath-

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[31]

er indecently and I would have trained them if they had come in
the house but they were wise enough to stay away. They said if
I would come out doors they would dress me, but when I went out
they kept a proper distance. I wanted to train them in the house
but thought it wise not to meddle out of doors. I wrote home a
short time since and informed my parents that there was a prospect
of my coming sooner than I had expected.

The winter season is now nearly past and I am sorry I have
not made more improvement in preparing for my great designs
[l]ine of cipher appears in here] but I have,

But yet I feel as if I had gained some.

[Paragraph of cipher]

24

33

[32]

J. J. Strang February 21st, 1832

Feb. 21st Today I have dismissed my school and now find myself
a little more at liberty. I expect to return home shortly
the schollars all felt pretty well and I in respect gave them
all handsome little presents.

Feb. 26 I am yet in Randolph though I ought to be at home. I
dismissed school last tuesday and since [then have] been at uncle
Smith's. I expect to go tomorrow. Two or three of the district
are probably glad to have me go but it is for reasons not con-
cerning the school, for they have expressed complete satisfaction
and given a recommend. I know of no displeasure except of one
solitary schollar and all were very sorry when the school closed.
I have not chastised a schollar this winter and yet have been

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35

[33]

I attended the debate last Monday; it was very interesting. perhaps more so to me because it was the last which I was to attend [4 lines of cipher]

Hanover

March 9th Once more I find myself in my own town and among my own friends and with feelings of real satisfaction I again commence a renewal of my connections.

I arrived in town last Monday and have called on most of my friends allready: the town is revolutionized in some respects very much. a dozen or twenty couple married and as many farms near home changed owners.

March 16th I am already beginning to neglect my diary from over much labour. I have found time to do some writing

38

[35]

[Second side of same sheet]

[Paragraph of cipher]

March 21st Birthday I am 19 years old and am yet no more than a common farmer. It is too bad. I ought to have been a member of Assembly or a Brigadier General before this time. If I am ever to rival [cipher] which I have [cipher].

In the last year I have learned all that I profess to know. That is that I am eager and mankind are frail and I do not half know that: nevertheless I shall act upon it for time to come for my own benefit.

Apr. 22d Time passes on very agreeably but with but little profit. I am at a loss what to do: sometimes I think of going into the

[36]

service of the fur company: sometimes of studying the law,
and sometimes of speculating either in this or some foreign
country: [2 lines of cipher]

Today our debating school is to be revived but not without
opposition for some of the common school district have appointed
themselves our conscious keepers but we are not to be driven.

I have not yet begun my correspondence with Mr. Crowley on
account of the uncertainty of my remaining in this place.

This day makes just one year since I cut my foot. It is
yet weak and calced but I can outrun any of my fellows.
May 27th [3 lines of cipher] It is a difficult business for me,
but I wish to try if there is the least chance

[1832] 41

44

40

[37]

[Continues same sheet]

my mind has allways been filled with dreams of [3 words of cipher].

June This is a flying time with me.[5 lines of cipher]

July 1st I have neglected my writing to long. Aunt Sally Jones
and Clarissa C______ have made us a very good visit. They were
well pleased with the place. I returned with them as far as
Buffalo; it was the first time I ever visited a city. I and my
friends were well pleased with the place: it is XXX in a
flourishing condition: the people were taking all possible means
to prevent the introduction of the Spasmodic Colera which has for
fifteen years been destructive on the eastern continent and has
just broke out on this.

42

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41

[38]

Jerome son of my friend Dr. Simons is dead having been afflicted
with a long and distressing illness, he was a very amiable lad.
The Queen Mab and the Age of reason have been my companions of
late. Shelley is at least equal to Paine. It was not till very
lately that I was able to obtain such books. [1 line of cipher]

I have finally concluded to study the law next winter unless
I can get better business before that time.

July 5th The American patriot's Sabbath, the anniversary
of our national Independence. Thanks to the frailties of King
George, but more to the firmness and killing patriotism of our
own beloved leaders that whilst Greece torn with internal con-
vulsions has permitted foreign autocrats to point her a king with-
out asking

[39]

[Same sheet]

her council, whilst France is still domineered over by a bourbon
tyrant and whilst the liberty of Frenchmen is a thing rather
wished for than believed to exist, whilst England trembles and
totters to her very foundations with the racking of internal con-
vulsions, whilst Belgium holds her national existence only by the
hated will of the tyrants, whilst the death knell of Poland is
closing its sound upon our ears, and a dark dismal and bloody
cloud hangs over the once beloved republics of South America,
whilst a doleful and horrid darkness overshadows almost all the
earth, and the ignorant multitude pay obeisance and adoration
to the cruel tyrants that oppress them and rob them, we are
permitted to enjoy national and civil liberty to be our own

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43

[39a]

governors and legislators and to speak and to think according to
our own consciences.

Long may our liberty continue, may bigotry and religion
cease to tramel it, may the absolute despotism which superstition
has established over the minds of some work its own cure.

The day was appropriately celebrated at Fayette. A pro-
cession of about 500 people marched from the village to a grove
and heard an oration from Esq. Mullet. Tables were set under
bowers and toasts drank and cannon fired. The young people
attended a ball from 3 o'clock till sunrise. The bill was $2.75
per couple and amounted to about $100 on the company. This sum
was sufficient to procure respectable entertainment for the whole
company purchase a handsome library of 100 volumes with the

[1932]

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[40]

[Same sheet]

July 27 From my infancy I have been taught that mankind was totally depraved, and my own observation and experience have demonstrated that the heart of man is an impure fountain from which bitter waters are perpetually flowing. I have long been persuaded that the depravity of man originated in his unnatural habits and when I first made the discovery I firmly believed that I had also found a cure: that if the depravity of man originated in his unnatural habits, a return to those which are natural would effect a cure; that though the cure might be slow yet it would be certain and invariable. All this I still believe, but what are our natural habits?

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[41]

I have searched and searched in vain. The question is yet
unsurmountable, and so far as I know or in all probability ever
can know, vice, misery, and wretchedness; gold, monarchy and murder;
kings, priests, and parisites are man's perpetual associates. My
heart sickens at the thought, and my whole soul shrinks with horror
at the idea, and I wish that I had not been born.

[3 lines of cipher]

Aug. 5th Some time since took a resolution which I now solemnly
confirm to be [1 1/2 lines of cipher] unless I find better business.

[1032] 44
[42]

47

[Same sheet]

Sept. 16 My head is filled with projects. I propose publishing a
literary and scientific journal and am only waiting for a printer.
It
This is of minor importance and I shall undertake *xxx* merely to
introduce myself to the public.

Moreover I hope very soon to form a Literary Association and
besides this I shall make an effort for a "mutual instruction
military Academy" *xxx* for young militia officers. By the way
I am fourth corporal after having failed of an election to a
higher office. The cause of my failure was my refusal to buy
men's votes with rum and I am more displeased

[43]

with that than I should be with a dozen such effects.

Oct. 15th Late in the evening. I have just finished a constitution for a literary society at Forestville. An Academy has lately been established there by Mr. S. a. Hutt.

Allen Smith who married aunt Polly six or seven years ago
ha[s] just left the country, I hope forever, he having another wife.
I opposed the match with unshaken firmness till opposition was vain.
When true to a maxim of mine that it is better to submit to anything
than to protract dissension forever I finally gave in my submission,
but with a heavy heart and a deep-rooted conviction that she had
sold herself to misery I have never had occasion to change
that opinion. Her days have been spent in care and distress, and
her nights in misery and mourning. He deceived here in anything
that

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49

[44]

[Same sheet]

J. J. Strang January 1st 1833

concerning her happiness, pretending to have a handsome property
he proved to be poor pretending to be amiable, kind and affec-
tionate he was disagreeable harsh and relentless. He became a
minister of the Baptist denomination, preached in several churches
and was very successful; what an argument for infidelity; though
he always got in a jumble; and finally when he was found out went
away with nearly half his property (except household furniture)
leaving Polly with two children in poor health and less property
than he received by her--- more of this at another time perhaps.

Nov. 11th The commencement of winter the emblem of life's
latest stage is close at hand. Reviewing the scenes of the past
summer I have reason

in vain. They antici
themselves in prepari
it should be their in
time they were courte
pay them for their as
Under his administrat
but his sentiments we
as he saw himself sti
never assist them in
denounced the allian

 attempts and busied
 were desperate means when
 attempt. In the mean-
 e corrupt enough to
 son party successfully.
 their former influence
 with theirs and as soon
 and they saw he would
 both parties gladly

[45]

in vain. They anticipated failure in those attempts and busied
themselves in preparing the public mind for more desperate means when
it should be their interest to make a final attempt. In the mean-
time they were courted by such parties as were corrupt enough to
pay them for their assistance and by the Jackson party successfully.
Under his administration they gained some of their former influence
but his sentiments were not wholly congenial with theirs and as soon
as he saw himself strong enough without them and they saw he would
never assist them in their ultimate designs both parties gladly
denounced the alliance, and the southerners

6'3

57

[46]

Ja. J. Strang January 1st, 1833
law

prepared a loan for the fatal rupture which must ruin them or the government. The Tariff is the great burden of their complaint and to it they impute all the evils and suffering from slavery luxury and misgovernment--- as well as that of producing nothing but what the southwestern planters produce in three times as large quantities with the same labour.

The South Carolinians take the lead in this business and hold that any state has a right to nullify laws made by congress and solemnly declared constitutional by the Supreme Court whenever such state shall deem them unconstitutional.

5-4

52

[47]

The Legislatures of the southern states in general probably will not concur in this. But it is supposed by those who observe closely that they will generally agree that a state may secede from the Union without incurring the displeasure of the general government or the other states.

As yet but little has been done that wears a permanent character. The Legislature of South Carolina have called a convention to consider the Tarriff laws which convention declared said laws void in that state, commanded the authorities to prevent their execution and imposed a detestable test oath on officers, judges and jurors.

[48]

J. J. Strang January 1st, 1833

some have entertained a hope that the valiance of their proceedings
would work a reaction in publick sentiment and perhaps it would
in this country where people are a little more considerate
but I venture to predict (and with sorrow) that this will not be the
case, that there will not be a reaction and that they have taken
their ground for success or ruin.

The President, Gen. Jackson, has issued a proclamation informing
them of the consequences which must result from such a course and
declaring that the laws *shall* be executed and the *Union* *shall* be
preserved. This proclamation is very popular and people generally
believe it will put an end to mulification that

576

54

[49]

the tariff will be modified and the South Carolina convention will be recalled and will repeal the odious ordinance of mulification but it will not be so. they will not retreat unless they know their only alternative. Submission or death. Nevertheless The Proclamation will have one good effect; that is, it will call around Gen. Jackson all or nearly all those leaders and statesmen who have the confidence of the people in those states which have allways opposed his pre-tensions but which are devoted to the Union.

The proclamation is an able state paper and if Jackson is the most popular man in the United States it will effect [its popularity] if anything will. Possibly its firmness may drive the nulifyers but

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[50]

its arguments will not convince them. They have run mad--- the
disease is epidemick and unless soon arrested in its course our
government is a mulity our liberty the liberty--- the like of the
assassin! justice a mockery and perpetually changing power the
only rule of right.

We are quite anxious to hear how Virginia receives the Presi-
dent's Proclamation Much, perhaps the very existence of the
Union depends upon his course. People generally have much confi-
dence in her but for myself I fear the very worst.

Jan. 2d I am studying the Law. began 17th Dec. Esq. Fraser is
my tutor. I get a lesson in Blackstone's Commentaries of about
20 pages a day. I know not what my prospects are but this much

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[50a]

I know--- I never will be a member of the bar when I am afraid of
any of equal experience in the state. I should rather be the
best hunter in an Indian tribe than a commonplace member of the
New York bar. However it is useless to say what I will not be
though well enough to think what I will do. So I think I will
study faithfully day and night for seven years if by so doing I
can make a respectable lawyer, and if I cannot I think I will try
the mercantile business. Nevertheless if called upon in a good
cause I should prefer the profession of arms if I could accommodate[?]
my mind to it.

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[51]

Jesse J. Strang January 3, 1833

Jan. 3rd Just heard from Virginia--- affairs go the very worst possible. The governor is a nullifier and the Legislature not much better a committee of 21 have agreed to report resolutions affirming the Virginia doctrines I believe with some new and revolting features. The Nulifiers are requested to desist in their present course but are backed up in all their objections.

The president's proclamation is condemned in severe terms, and congress is called upon to see that the course therein contained be not followed and the doctrine is plainly avowed that a State has a right to secede from the Union and that its citizens are not guilty

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[52]

of treason in taking up arms against the government at the call
of the state authorities.

It is reported also that the proclamation was very illly re-
ceived in Charleston. I very much fear it will pass like the
torch in the parched plains of Africa or like the Jumblers'
fire burns in the mountains of India which sheds a gloomy light
in the midst of thick surrounding darkness but to discover the
spoliations of all that is beautiful in nature; the destruction
of all the monuments of art, of the overwhelming ruin of the
kings who rashly make it the declaration of their own destruction.

Our honest people are still confident in the success of the
president, believing that a few hundred troops which are being
sent on

41

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[53]

James J. Strang, January 3rd, 1833

to Charleston will effectually protect the revenue officers and
that the Nulifiers will not venture to strike the first blow.
Jan. 9th Evening. We have had a debate this evening on the
propriety of our government's removing the Indians without their
consent. We have debates allmost every week. our numbers are
few but there are three faithful ones in the number. Mr. Lakatt
one of our principal members has a peculiar faculty, such as I
never met with in any other person, of appearing sensible and even
reasonable in the greatest absurdities. He is skillful in the
management of a question and is not particular as to which side
he takes on any question. He is a particular friend of mine.

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[54]

Jan. 10th News again from the south. The President's Proclamation has rather exasperated than killed the Nulifiers. They are proceeding in the most determined manner. several bills for executing the ordinance of nulification are in progress in both houses of the Legislature. The governor Gen. Hayne has at the request of the Legislature issued a proclamation in answer to that of the president which is well calculated to arouse the spirits and to inspire the ardor of the people to whom it is devoted. It is a most masterly production and in a good cause it would be to its author a memorial more imperishable than a pillar of marble.

Why are such men to be leaders of such a party. Men who have had the highest places under our government, and the most unexcep-

43

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[55]

tionable places in the confidence of the people. It seems as though they were led by some blind and causeless fatality within as though the fixed mind had forsaken its utmost purpose and the whole soul had become the slave to objects which it knew not, and the patriot which who but yesterday was pure as ether today has murdered himself and poisoned his friends that he might ruin his country.

I have regarded Gen. Hayne as a father and only regretted that I had not a personal acquaintance, but though I will not say he is ruined I fear his country is undone. O! curse the fatal star that shone upon his birth too brightly. But I am indulging in imagination. Our country may not be ruined. Even now the business may be settled and if not

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[56]

new governments may be built on the ruins of the old, perhaps
securing liberty to the people or perhaps power to the tyrants.
Three months may decide the contest and twenty years may not.

The whole world has her troubles also and fears are enter-
tained that the Belgium question may embroil all Europe in war.
Great Britain and France have allready interfered in favour of
Belgium and Russia and Prussia are known to view these things with
disquietude and distrust.

Jan. 27. Our political affairs are rather growing worse though
they have not yet come to an exact crisis. The day on which the
Carolina act of Nulification is to take effect is just at hand;
only four days hence. Congress are busily engaged on a new
Tariff bill, reducing the rate

[57]

James J. Strang January 27, 1833

of duties to the standard of 1816, which is merely nominal. Perhaps it might have been well to have kept it at [the old] rate but it is too late now. The rate of duty on foreign merchandise was gradually increased from that time down to 1828 when it had become a perpetual protection to American Manufacturers. Now an attempt is being made to suddenly reduce it to a more nominal sum and of course to completely ruin those who have invested all their fortunes in manufacturing under its protection. The plan may succeed and may not. Nothing can be gained by it. The manufacturing states would suffer a complete ruin by its effect. And we of the western part of the Empire State might feed wheat to our hogs and set the girls to making linnen or doing kitchen work for 30 or 40 cents per week.

44

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[58]

If reports are true the President has exposed himself to the
just contempt of all the world. His proclamation was worthy the
place he occupied and was expected to draw round him a host of
statesmen who had long been opposed to him. In that proclamation
he told the people that the laws should be executed and the Union
should be preserved; that the government authorities were not to
be intimidated and that the menaces of the nullifiers were vain and
nugatory.

But now if we have the truth he is intimidated and is very
anxious by timely and unjust concession to back out of his own
ground, to yield to a snarling faction, to buy the favour of the
Nulifiers at the expense of the Union to leave the New England
states the choice of secession or total ruin.

There is no knowing his course.

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[59]

Jesse J. Strang January 27, 1833

A day beforehand. Every paper which he publishes is in a new
style and his Messages to Congress would not be thought to be the
same man's work. Nor does anyone pretend to believe he is the
author of any of his state papers. This accounts for his published
opinions being so far superior to his actions and private conversa-
tion. I am getting along quite well with my study. Have allready
read one book of Blackstone except so much as relates to personal
property. The study suits me and I think I shall continue it unless
the field of battle lacks one man. [About 2 words in cipher]

We have a present prospect of a printing press in Forestville
and it will if established be a great benefit to persons of
literary and scientifick

[60]

genius. The most favourable circumstance of all is that there is to
be a literary paper in the commencement and that allready commenced
in another place. [2 paragraphs of cipher]

Feb. 3d Sunday. The superstitious hold it waste but for myself I
know of no time to go to do a good deed.

Yesterday I finished the first two books of Blackstone. I
study about fifteen hours a day but one-half of this time is given
to politics and miscellaneous works, and I can only get about
five days in a week. [1 1/2 lines of cipher]

[61]

[Same sheet]

James J. Strang

February 1833

The President has communicated a message to both houses of
Congress on the Carolina affairs, together with all the papers on
that subject which he could obtain. There was some debate in
Congress when these papers were submitted. Mr. Calhoun (who has
resigned the office of vice-president and accepted that of senator)
made an animated speech against the president. There is no knowing
how this business will end. Congress had been for some time engaged
in a new tariff bill, but it is doubtful whether it will pass. The
nulifyers wish not to have any reduction of the tariff unless
it is totally abolished. The Jackson men wish not to reduce it
unless by so doing they can gain the nulifyers because they would

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[62]

even to a partial reduction except to avoid civil war. There are
many members who are willing to very much reduce the tarriff merely
to avoid civil war but who will never consent to it short of an
absolute pledge on the part of the leading Carolina statesmen that
they will retract their position. This pledge never will be given
but by absolute necessity. The political existence of Calhoun
Hayne McDuffie Hamilton and several others who have figured in the
highest political circles depend upon their success in this undertaking.

They have 140,000 gallant spirits to back them up: they are a
hot headed race and they will not retract unless influenced by
sternn steel. They may compromise but they only will be the
gainers in such a case. They will give nothing but by force or for
a chance of taking double another time.

[63]

James J. Strang February, 1833

Feb. 9th I rather expect, or conjecture that Virginia will back
out of her favour to Nullification a little but will stick to her
old doctrines generally. She will not approve the president's
Proclamation or the tarriff but will stick for the Union if she
can regain her former influence. North Carolina I think is rather
gaining for Nullification and Georgia will probably stand strong for
it if circumstances favour some other southern states may cast
some influence that way.

Thinking again of all the circumstances at the latest dates
I am inclined to think Congress cannot reduce the tarriff at
present. Last [news] from Washington was allmost the last of
January. The tarriff bill was not nearly completed. Powerful
exertions were making to delay until Congress could get some facts

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[64]

to act upon. many who were willing to reduce the duties wish to know something of the effect of particular species of industry. If they proceeded immediately large districts might be ruined by the operation of the law if they delayed but three days it would be too late. The bill could not even be published in Carolina before the die would be cast. Moreover if the bill was passed it would not do to have it take effect immediately. It would ruin half our merchants to permit foreigners to run in goods of the like kind and glut the market while their present stocks are on hand.

Feb. 8th On the 9th Dec. the Belgian [revolution] was effectually commenced. We had the news by the first [of] this month. How it will end is uncertain but this much is certain, that France will

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[65]

shake Europe like a sail in the wind. her king will rise or fall
like a meteor in the air, his chance is precarious, but the course
of his people is certain. The eastern powers still stand aloof,
but [the] Prussians are making immense preparations to meet their
wants.

[2 lines of cipher]

Feb. 29th The French took Antwerp citadel the last of
December and since evacuated it and the Belgians have taken possession: there is again a small prospect of a general pacification
in Europe. With us it is different, hostilities had not at the
latest dates commenced. Indeed there is no certainty as to when
the crisis will come. the nullifiers are making great preparations

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[1877]

[66]

The Amaranth a literary paper just commenced at Westfield is to be removed to Forestville the seventh of March. This is a favourable circumstance for our literary geniuses. I hope it may give a spur to the Delphian Society.

[5 lines of cipher]

March 20th How strangely beautiful this night: it is the eve of my nineteenth year's end. I fancy it's a picture of myself. The piercing red flashes of the noiseless and unseasonable lightning in the distant west; the solemn rolling of distant and eternal waters:: the beautiful murmur of a pleasant waterfall in an adjacent brook: the more than usual warmth of the season moderated by a pleasant western breeze: the uncouth darkness which mantles the whole

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75

[67]

J. James Strang March, 1833

face of heaven enveils the throne of the Spirit of Nature, spangled
over by the bright radiant stars of a western sky and broken only
by the distant flashings of the deep tinged lightning, conspire to
make the scene solemnly beautiful, grand and majestic. Did I say
I fancied the scene a picture of myself. Others may judge of
me: I will not say it again, but my evening's walk was surely the
journey of my past life. I was alone: the works of nature and
of art surrounded me: those of art were prominent: they attracted
my attention: I gazed upon them: I turned my eyes to their glimmering lights: they did not dazzle but bedimmed my eyes: I turned
from them in unsatisfied silence: the beauty of the scene around

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76

The face of Nature appeared the human face of dimly, but it was March 21, 1833. The prospects are before me 20 years of my life, what have I done? The last winter had in my study and I shall make a first for two years to

ful not an unseemly mark
light of nature shone but
[2 words of cipher]
ise in hope bright
on most untiring exertion.
And what have I done. O!
nothing but commenced doing.

I know I have done well
in my study and I
fine. Whether I ever
uncertain but my study
business

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[6&]

The face of nature was serenely beautiful not an unseemly mark
appeared the human ken is short and the light of nature shone but
dimly, but it was in an elusive light [2 words of cipher]
March 21, 1833 This is my birthday. I arise in hope bright
prospects are before me but all depends upon most untiring exertion.
20 years of my life have already passed and what have I done. O!
what have I done? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing but commenced doing.
The last winter has given me a fair start. I know I have done well
in my study and I believe my prospects are fine. Whether I ever
shall make a first rate lawyer or not is uncertain but my study
for two years to come will be useful in business

yet Mr. Smith said
my life was the
I endure misery
is he is a rest!
Feb. 14th Last
(Smith's Mills)
a challenge. The
time of meeting,
question Not s
allow us our tu
crowding one pr

en I say the last year of
I enjoy more happiness than
. *But this is* The difference
cool Philosopher.
men in this settlement
nt to attend a debate on
-side, presiding officers,
ven did not inform us the
ntages they even would not
ained the decision by

[87]

yet Mr. Smith says I tell a falsehood when I say the last year of
my life was the happiest and when I say I enjoy more happiness than
I endure misery he is nearly out upon me. But this is The difference
is he is a restless Christian and I am a cool Philosopher.

Feb. 14th Last evening the young gentlemen in this settlement
(Smith's Mills) went up to Rugs Settlement to attend a debate on
a challenge. They had their own question-side, presiding officers,
time of meeting, place of meeting, and even did not inform us the
question Not satisfied with these advantages they even would not
allow us our turn in speaking and then gained the decision by
crowding one presiding officer out

30

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[88]

James J. Strang

February

out of the chair and appointing another in his place After the
discussion was closed one of the officers vetoed because he ad-
vised to decide against them.

Feb. 18 I have been making arrangements for a splendid exhibition at the close of the school year. This evening was appointed for recitation of one piece but the house was crowded with spectators and it was necessary to give way. If scholars do not care enough for instruction or spectators for exhibition to mind their own business I can [use the?] time and money for other purposes.

Feb. 19th Next week closes my school. I know not what business I shall then engage in. Day before yesterday I mailed a letter to uncle John W. James offering to go to New York as clerk for him.

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[11]

business. But what more has the year brought forth? Nothing
worthy of my remembrance--- but it has continued one thing which
I will not forget. True in the time I have prepared for going
to New Orleans; but that is not as though I had gone; at least
it does not so much expose me to the yellow fever, though it
may mean the rambling fever. And I have tal[ked] of going to
Texas, and that is cheaper than going; but now if I could
realize one-half that is said in the printed descriptions of
the country I would go there rather than to any other country.

I have neither friends, vassals, or money. I was not born
to fortune, name, or influence. I was never the favourite of
accident or chance. No man ever gave me a dollar; and if half

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[70]

[1834]

March 9th Town meeting today and of all meetings for publick business which I ever witnessed or heard of none equaled this for folly and corruption. Only 472 votes were polled and from these the chairman found more than five hundred for almost every office in town. One man who run on both tickets had 711 votes and for the office of Justice both candidates together had a still greater number.

[4 lines of cipher]

March 20th Time passes on but improvements do not allways keep pace, however I am trying what I can do in that line by again reading law. I now read with Esq. Rathbon at Silver Creek. I would embrace other business if it offered a fair prospect but shall not neglect this

[71]

James J. Strang March, 1834

for any visionary project. I have not yet heard from uncle John
but I do not think he will send for me. I was rather too late in
writing to him and now the pressure in the money market is so great
that business is at a dead standstill. Such times have not been
experienced in sixteen years and the first question on Change is not
who has broke but who remains. This is in consequence of a dispute
between the National administration and the United States Bank.
Gen. Jackson commenced a war upon the Bank immediately on coming
into office and has continued it ever since. The deposits of publick
money are removed to local Banks and the United States Bank in con-
sequence

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[84]

has narrowed its business several millions while the local banks
do not increase theirs in proportion lest they should be broke in
a sudden pressure. There is no doubt the United States bank may
be dispensed with and individual and publick business continue:
but a proper plan has not yet been adopted and we have no prospect
of one.

Mar. 21st Surely this is no strange day: much like other days:
the sun rose at six and goes just fast enough to set at six though
if it was more dependent than I am and ever have been I might
think as it keeps behind clouds and winds and storms that it had
a mind to play a prank and shorten or lengthen the day.

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[72]

[1834]

so busy in doing nothing as in the last of April and first of May.
When I have little to do I have no time to do anything. There is
not a more abominable saying than "not too many irons in the fire."
The more the better provided they are not forgotten. While cooling
the first hammer the second and heat the third regularity and
attention only are necessary then none will burn

I am now studying law with Esq. Rathbone but my progress is
rather slow. I give too much attention to farming at which I am
also engaged with my father

[73]

[Same sheet]

James J. Strang, June, 1834

We have had a wonderful season. In February roads were dusty and some trees began to put forth leaves. 12th of May snow was three inches deep on the hillsides. Many were planting corn but the soil suddenly became too light. The leaves of the forest were cut off and now beech timber looks as though it had been burned.

June 23 A miserable hot day. I am almost melted. I have given the day to news and light reading thus far. I must now try something of another sort for by grace of God and will of man I am appointed to deliver an address on temperance the first of July and all tell me it must be

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[74]

completely written. I believe I could speak as well without writing but I shall not try at first.

July 1st Well my time is coming. I shall soon have to make the temperance address. Probably there have been some misgivings as to the result but it will soon be decided.

Evening. It's done. After this experiment with my experience in debating I may safely ever consider myself perfectly at home in publick speaking.

July 4th Today our nation commences its 59th year, but the actions of our great men shew a determination never to permit it to outlive its 60th. The leaders of the people are governed by a strange infatua-

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[75]

James J. Strang July, 1834

tion half of them would gladly think themselves to hell and drag the whole United States with them if by that means they could come into power.

Jackson and his friends have waged an interminable war against the bank of the United States merely to draw the attention of the people and keep together his party while they are carrying on their corrupt measures. The opposition are perpetually contending for the bank for which they care not a cent merely because it is the only rallying point on which so many different parties

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[76]

can be kept together.

Jackson would agree to the recharter of the bank and assist to do all the evils he pretends to believe the bank capable of, if so doing he but could again be elected.

The opposition would abandon this bank and even establish the odious treasury bank if by that means they could come into power.

Finally patriotism is vanished from the land and as for honesty there never was much among mankind. Politicks never ran higher than now. There may have been a deeper feeling enlisted on the election of Jefferson, but there was

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[77]

James J. Strang July, 1834

not so much turbulence passion or real political exertion as
now. The road of corruption was not so well known though
people may have been as much inclined to use it.

A slight circumstance would be sufficient to shake our
government to its very center. People have spent too much time
in mis-calculating the value of the Union; to what purpose time
only can tell. The future is to be dreaded though the great
split of Allmost every party will probably prevent anyone's get-
ting the upper hand and thus save

[82]

[1835]

the Union when the virtue of the people would not.

A great man hath fallen. No! he shall never fall. Lafayette is dead: but death made no conquest. He hath filled the measure of his days with ⋆ and glory. He hath lived like an angel and died like a god. Though his spirit-striving patriot-animating mortal part hath ceased to move among us, to cheer the world and to strike chill dread and horror to its oppressors. But his memory shall live. The spirit of his greatness shall live. While there is an aspirant for liberty his early days shall

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James J. Bstrang 1835

inspire his soul. While a patriot exists his latest hours shall
cheer him in his toil. While Liberty is a blessing to man; While
greatness is an honour to nations; While tyranny is hated by the
people and oppression is deprecated by the sufferers never shall
his name be forgotten. Liberty, Honour, Freedom, Justice, Virtue,
and Glory

Until all these shall perish

Until the stones shall crumble into dust

And the oak tree decay with age

Until streams shall cease to flow

And the mountain waters be dried up at their sources

Until these be lost in the flood of age

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[78]

[1834]

Aug. 11th Today I fairly recommence my legal studies. As yet I have not studied in an office and of late my attention has been divided and much of it given to farming. I shall speedily prepare for business in Justice's courts and try to earn part of my expense.

Politicks are running wild. The opposition to the administra-
tion are trying to unite under the name of Whig. The plan may
succeed but if it does corruption is the order of the day. Honour
and virtue can never unite men of such discordant principles in
such a cause. I have just received papers

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[79]

James J. Strang

1834

from Uncle James which argue strongly that he will not be sold to
traitors
Whigism to suit the caprice of XXX to Antimasonry.

Aug. 15th Business plenty, health good and spirits high. Business
for my tutor, health for myself, and spirits for association and
posterity? What have posterity to do with me. Well time shall
answer. I have no trouble on that point. It is written "Not in
the Alcoran not in the Bible not in the will of the priesthood
not in the good pleasure of him who claims the keys of Heaven and
Earth and Hell not in the secret decrees the inscrutable De-

[2]

Signs, the preordained declarations of a forever changing
merciful and cruel creature of superstitious imagination
seated high in heaven on a dazzling and splendid throne and
gazed on by successive millions of human beings. But it is
written; written in the constitution of nature and in the native
bent and vigor of the mind.

The principal part of my time is bestowed on law reading and
office business but I find time with all to review my school
studies and I am advancing a little in Algebra and commencing
Geometry. Without a teacher as I always study

[1]

James J. Strang

[Diary--- page torn]

Aug. 21st Today my good parents go to visit brother and fetch home sister. [Paragraph of cipher]

23d This commenced the sickest day I ever suffered since my remembrance but now (evening) I am again smart for a sick person: that is I am able to walk about. I was taken with pains, purging and vomiting. Some call it colera but I think otherwise.

25th Attend to business as usual but I am weak.

31st Tomorrow the train bands meet: what noble soldiers they are and what an officer I am: that beats my grandmother's relations.

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[1835]

costs which they had to pay then I was complained of for false
swearing and the Justice who issued the warrant being a mere
cypher in their hands committed [me] but the officer refused to
take me in custody and I went alone and put in bail. The grand
jury sat the 22d. Forestville spit its venom in vain. Its highways
and lanes and ditches were emptied to go and cry against me. All
Hell was raked for false witness. Young men whose beards were not
grown harangued the multitude. Old sinners whose feet trembled
beneath their emaciated bodies and whose eyes stare horror-struck
at the gaping grave appeared in open day and pleaded jurors to
perjure themselves and ruin me. Clergymen and their pious fol-
lowers prayed the overwhelming vengeance of the Allmighty on the
heaven daring Infidel who Providence had thrown in their power.

[81]

James J. Strang

June, 1835

said in their hearts and spoken with their lips "there is no
God" thanks fate and fortune that I should soon fall a sac-
rifice to unchanging friendship upon the shrine of their
power it's done. 18 or 19 jurors say "not guilty" I shall
never forget the friends who were faithful at that moment.

For my 7 to my innocence let the light of future judgment
reveal it.

June 26th Recovered of the Small-pox. Today I am out at work
as usual.

June 27th Hard time this. Yesterday the creek raised very
high endangering the works about the Mill. I worked in the
water half the afternoon, some of the time completely covered

[12]

a week in venturing to call on me. Uncle John W. J. and Lady
have gone to the southwest she staying [a]t Pittsburg while he
goes to Nashville they will return this way Uncle
Manly is quite a different person from what I expected.

July 9th The anniversary of freedom and the birthday of liber-
ty has come, Aye come, but not past I cannot praise our free-
dom and our fair country--- Another Subject--- they who know the
most must mourn the deepest o'er the fatal truth. The tree of
knowledge is not that of life, philosophy and science and the
springs of wonder and wisdom of the world I have assayed and in
my mind there is a power to make these subject to itself. But
they avail not: I have done men good and I have met with good
[one word illegible] among men. But this availed not: Good or

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10Y

[13]

James J. Strang July [page torn]

-------- I have no [word illegible--- ahead?] And feel the curse
to have no natural fear. No fluttering throb that beats with
hopes or wishes Or lurking of something on the earth---

[1834] 103

18

[85]

Sept. 13th Every Sunday is stormy this luckless season. However there is one good result therefrom. It keeps a fellow out of mischief. I have not been very mischievous on the Sabbath this summer. I have had too much work to attend to. Nearly everything except the money business goes wrong. That does very well. Others are growing better. We will see how they turn. The road which never turns is longer than Satan's from Hell to Earth.

Oct. 20th I cannot die. If the thing was possible I should not now be among the living. Within the last six months I have everything short of naked swords has been tried in vain. Today accident has undertaken the work but I yet live. I know this is treating the subject too lightly: but I have met with so many difficulties

[86]

J. James Strang

and dangers and perils among false friends of late that even the
elements seem as enemies to me when I am endangered by them and it
is natural to treat them with the same scorn as my living enemies
when I escape them. The accident was this. I started from the
head of the floom [flume] to walk on a board to some flood wood
lodged in the pond for the purpose of starting it over the dam
intending to return to the floom before it went over. The water
was at this time higher than it was ever before known sheeting over
the dam four feet. The board on which I stepped (though I had
several times walked it before) broke and let me in. I stoped near
where I struck five or six feet down the dam. In an effort to move
towards the floom I

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[3]

was carried to the end of the sparr [span?] my head reaching over.
Here David reached me a board but my exertion to raise myself
by that loosed me from the dam and I started over seeing
I must go to prevent going head foremost I seized the end of a
sparr [span?] as with the convulsive grasp of death holding on
till I completely turned round striking the rocks below as a
bear fall[s] from a tree. I was carried about 30 rods when I
caught to a tree which had lodged in the middle of the creek
the water ran furious as a mill tail more than six feet deep
and rolling like a lake in a storm. I was carried the most of
the way under water yet seldom touched bottom I made several

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[4]

under but it broke and I was immediately carried under a mass
of flood wood and wedged down at the bottom where I remained
about half a minute when between most desperate exertions I
succeed[ed] in bringing myself out. After this I grew weak
very fast until I got out. as I approached the log where I
stoped I raised above water and saw indistinctly something that
I hope[d] might be terra firma. I was immediately sucked under
water when striking the rock and springing with all my might
I brought one foot in contact with a log. That swung me round
and I caught hold and clumb above water when I raised and got up.
The next question was how I should get ashore and I directed
David to go around a[nd] fall a tree from the opposite shore.

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[5]

opposite shore to me which he did in less time than anyone would
immagine it possible and I climbed ashore.

What a multitude of thoughts were crowded together in that
short space of time. Brief has been my life, for then I re-
membered it all few are my friends but none were forgotten;
Few also my enemies, but it was a melancholy thought that of
the most relentless I was perhaps to die unavenged.

Speaking of dying I may say I did not but for a moment
expect to die (though I knew the chances were against me) but
in that moment how did imagination [picture] the obsequies of
my end; friends sobing around; my poor heart-broken mother sink-
ing by my pale remains; those who in life had injured me deep

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[6]

clusters round talking, perhaps that the hand of God had done
it, and then offering their consoling (ah! vile) assistance.

I thought too that this was to be the last end of all my hopes
and prospects and aspirations. To die is no [word illegible---
ehead?] if we are to live again: but when should the end be.
I would not live forever.

Nov. 22d All things appear to be in their natural channel again.

Life is the same as of old, except that it has more cares. I
am glad I have not a family. Yet man was formed for society.

Without it he is hardly human. Every man at middle age should
have about him a wife and family.

Dec. 6th Again the year approaches its end. O! time time how
quickly thou fleest away. What has become

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[7a]

I just returned from a visit to N.E. in Pennsylvania: 'tis
the first time I ever was out of my native State. So Wednesday
fourth of May 1836 at 12 o'clock I passed the bourne of my own
dear, my own great New York; the greatest and best. the Lady
Superour of this community of sister states. Pennsylvania may
[be] second, but how greatly inferour. Perhaps she will not
allways be second, but New York must allways be first, unless
the swamps of the mother of rivers rise to midair and redeem
New Orleans from the eternal pestilence. When the five millions
of drowned land at the mouths of the Mississippi shall be cultiva-
ted gardens and the enterprising Yankee may live on the banks of
that mighty water without trembling at the pestilence that yet
not only lurks in darkness but stalks forth at noonday; then

[8]

ites with me. Sally Hysted is very intelligent: quite smarter
than ordinary ladies.

There is nothing permanent but change. And such strange
changes there are. We are all selling out. I had rather live
here than in any other place God ever created but if all my
friends go I shall "go too" as the great man said when he went
to Babylon to make confusion. Florida is a better place and
Texas best. I wish to go there but if I should mother would cry
herself to death they need help and we'll deserve it. [Cipher]

[9]

James J. Strang May [18] 36

May 29th Well I have commenced the last page of the thousand things to write and no cash to purchase another book. How many changes have hapened since I commenced this little volume. Very few of them are chronicled here.

Pearces's family started for Root River yesterday. Benjamin has been there a year and sent for them. Good fortune betide them. They have been faithful to me: faithful to the obligations of friendship.

[Cipher]

I am again reading law at Silver Creek. I think I shall not read there long. There is but a little business. So Old Book Farewell.

[10]

May 21st Again has rounded around that dark star which shined
over my birth, though dim, too brightly.

"Who is he so swiftly flying?
His career no eye can see.
Who are they so early dying?
From their birth, they cease to be.
Time--- behold how quick its pace!
Moments--- who can count their race?"

Youth is not rich in its stores of time and middle age is
soon exhausted. After, is a small sinking pool which few enjoy
and less profit by. I would never be an old man though I wish
to live forever.

Let me see the past year has produced some advantages. It