Rev. Peter Haskew

In this diary written by Rev. Peter Haskew he gives a daily account of his experiences in St. Joseph; an account of his service on Bellville Circuit of the Alabama Conference; an account of his service as preacher in charge of the Methodist church in St. Joseph and of the mission at Apalachicola. Rev. Haskew was a Circuit rider and in his diary describes his travels, on horseback, through southern Alabama and vest Florida. He also tells of his first ride on the old railroad at St. Joseph and describes a burial in the local cemetery.

This manuscript has been copied verbatim from the original Haskew diary. Obvious errors in spelling or wording have been underscored and show that these errors appeared in original script.

This manuscript has been carefully proof read by the area supervisor of Historical Records Survey and to the best of our knowledge is an exact and true copy.

On account of the lack of specific names, places and facts of historical interest, this diary has not been indexed, (Editors note: as of May 2000 an index is available) as is the usual procedure of the Research Division.

Copy Prepared By
Historical Records Survey
Works Progress Administration
State Office
Jacksonville, Florida
1937

This work was scanned by Marvin and Sue Schubert and proofed and indexed by Richard Haskew. May 2000

May 2. "I feel, this morning, sorry for an expression I made yesterday at Mt. Zion that I wanted the sinners to get proud and get the world and enjoy themselves as well as they could for this world is all you are going to get if they would persist and continue to rebel, but they must remember that they waded through my affections and love if they left. I fear a wrong handle will be made of the expression."

May 4. "I did not rest very well last night. I feel anxious that the Lord would be with me at a meeting today. I fear I injured the feelings of a sister because I asked her if she had anything for making or heming a couple of handkerchiefs. Today I am to try

to preach in the Presbyterian meeting house."

May 12. "On yesterday I met with the painful necessity, early in the morning, of hearing related by Abraham Cannon that there were a great many goats in the church and I suppose his charge is one of them. I left the place for my appointment at Burgess', where I found a broil between him and Brother Young blood, as Brother Burgess has not his name on any class paper; therefore not a full member. Today I endeavored to preach another funeral at Mr. Adams, it being the third I have endeavored to preach, and then joined in two members, the brothers of the little child whose funeral I attended to,"

May 13. "Last night I attended a night meeting, at which I felt a deadness, or coldness, and a thought entered my cranium that it was almost an abomination in the sight of God. I rose up and told the congregation of it: that we might or could break up and leave: that there was not enough of service prayer. We consequently left the meeting house. After--"

preach at Mr. Jones from the first clause of the 44 verse and 6th chapter of Luke, but know not that I did any good. I saw no crying or tears, though many may have been affected for good at heart. My own feelings were not very good, but dull, and I felt rather abashed. I left for Brother Jenkins at whose home I arrived in some two hours."

May 17. "I made a considerable ride yesterday to take in a new appointment. Found some difficulties when I got to the river Conecuh. There was no person to ferry me over, and I had to do it myself. On the side to which I came I found a canoe but the flat was on the opposite side. I got into the canoe and drifted across and got on the flat. After sometime toiling I got over safe, and left it as I found it. I found it. I could no appointment, but stayed a little while with Brother Moody and then came out into the three notch road, but did not feel as humble as Mr. Fletcher when he traveled in the Appian Way as Paul had and preaching the gospel with a

soldier chained to him. I reflected that Jackson traveled this road with his army. I stopped for dinner and my horse fed for which I paid 50 cents. I then came eleven miles. Daylight growing pale I stopped at Dr. Shaws and stayed all night. Paid my bill, being one dollar. Started by sunrise and came to Brother Sniders for breakfast. Endeavored to preach from these words-Fear not little flock, it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. I very well myself and others sat very still."

May 21. "Now at Brother Cooks after coming through the rain but I dare not murmer, the Lord is so good. Yesterday I went to the meeting house with my subject quite immatured, but before I closed I was almost astonished. The Lord have all the glory. Oh Lord go with me, tomorrow, to Monticello."

May 26. "I am now near the waters of the Chootawhatchee, on my way to Webbville. I felt an irritable spirit this morning until near 12 o'clock (of the clock). After dinner I proposed prayer, at which the old man professed

to be stirred up. I am, this morning, almost on the stool of repentance that I started to Webbville. Oh Lord direct me for the best'."

May 26. "I am now at Cambleton in the Florida, within 9 miles of Webbville. I hope to see it tomorrow. I have traveled some 30 miles today. Quite an unpleasant travel too with the exception of a very good road, and a part of the way, very handsome scenery. I saw a very beautiful green all over the woods as I passed today."

"Why fear ye, lonely traveler,
The woods bespeak your master is here.
Look round and see the objects near,
He is present-dismiss your fear.
Whilst riding I looked all around
From side to side, all o'er the ground.
The aspect beautiful and green,
Give love to God for all this scene.
Oh that my heart would love the Lord
For all His word, and wondrous wood."

May 30. 'For some days I have not attended to my diary, and some facts have gone into oblivion and are buried, but the reluctance I had is gone which pressed me down when coming to Marianna (Webbville?) when I came into Florida for the express purpose of a camp meeting,

but these being disappointed. The meeting is over, and but little good was seemingly done, none joined."

June 2. "I feel anxious this morning constantly, to find my soul engaged in the service of God. I am somewhat condemned by a brother by the name of G.W. Hawkins, who is so constantly engaged in the devotional exercises. I am in company with W.B. Neal and J. D. Loftin at Columbia, in Henry County Ala., where we shall be tonight I cannot tell, but we had a travel yesterday that was not mingled with many natural blessings. We got one drink of buttermilk, at which place we stopped and had family prayers. Brother Hawkins read of the woman going to seek the Savior after resurrection and gave an exhortation personally to the father and the mother, and then to all the children. It caused the tears to fall from my eyes, it was a melting

time to me. I expected to see that poor family never again. We bid them farewell and left them for this place. We are now on the eve of starting away."

June 3. "At Abbeville, in the house of a Brother Young, a kind friend and I hope a Methodist. Nothing has happened today, from Dr. William Garbet's but a wilderness country, for settlers were scarce. I am desirous of returning to my circuit, and hope by the grace of God to get there in a few days."

June 4. "I am now at Brother Miller' s, not far from Bouisville, (Louisville?) in Barber County in Alabama. I tarried last night at Brother Bushes, near the Beacham settlement. From there today, myself and Brother Loftin went in. search of bros. Neal and Hawkins. Brother Hawkins we found at Brother Beachams. Brother Neal had walked away, but we soon were all together again, but left Brother Neal at Beachams, and three of us traveled on in company. I have been detained some days longer by being lost than if I could have gone the way I went to Florida."

June 8. "I am now alone again on my circuit, away from all my lovely friends in the ministry. I endeavored to meet my appointments. Yesterday, at Gibbons, joined in one member.

Went then to Brother L. Loftins to see his son, John D. Loftin. I left him this morning. I have been absent some days, from my circuit in company with some ministers, in a tour to Marianna."

June 10. 'I endeavored to preach yesterday at McAdams meeting house, from John 3 and 8, but had not the liberty I wished. I have today to go and preach at a Baptist by the name of Jones. Oh, Lord, help me and I shall be holpen (possible holden?)."

June 13. Today I left Brother Haujhs in the valley for this place, or for the meeting house near this place. I am now at Mr. Boyart who is quite friendly. I endeavored to preach to the people, few in number. I also have a night meeting appointed. Oh, Lord, help my poor soul to do thy holy will."

June 14. "I accordingly attended my night meeting last night at Jesse Bryants. This morning came 25 miles to my appointment here. I found the largest congregation at

Conecuh church today I have ever found there. We had some crying, the people were affected and I hope not in vain. I have another appointment for the ensuing night. Lord, go with me."

June 17. 'I have just written a letter to a strange brother who has neglected his class. What may be the results, I can not tell."

April 24 "I visited three families yesterday. At one there were four adults, at the other the lady and her child, and at the other, one woman and one small child."

April 25 But few at meeting last night. Some of the members are attending the phrenologist's lectures. His first two were

public. His others are private, and for such as pay him, for eight lectures ten dollars. If anything is to give way and make room, it must be religion, or religious worship, so the members who attend the lectures leave the church services to attend there. This is thinning the congregation. I fear the members are not all right, we have so little intense feeling, religion seems low.'

April 26. "In my visits yesterday, at the first place I went I had a considerable cross, it seemed that all was forced. I felt ashamed; my mind was not ready but at a loss to utter

words. I had but few in my visits, with whom I prayed yesterday. At the first place I had one man, one woman and two small girls. At the second, one woman and one small boy, and I think he left before prayer was over. At this last place I should, perhaps, have had some more but the class leader, who is a Scholar in the phrenologist's room, went and took some others, before I got there."

April 28. "Yesterday was my usual fast day. I know not that I felt anything peculiar from It, I suppose I did not pray enough. I was at prayer meeting last night. Besides the colored members there was but one member and. that a female, out of some 20-odd. Some, and the most too I suppose, were at the phrenological school. For this the members desert their meetings.

This morning I start for Apalachicola. The Lord knows whether any will be converted or not, but I go. This will be

four times." (i.e. fourth trip to Apa. since coming to this station. Apa. was a mission, served by the pastor at St. Joseph.)

May 1st. "I have returned from Apalachicola. Stayed this time with Mr. Baker. He seems to be very kind. I had but a small congregation. Preached again in the Episcopal Church, no sacrament preached only twice. Left at 9 o'clock Monday. I still have to mourn, my poor barren soul, and the unfaithfulness of the members.

My box of books has come, which I sent for the brethren, one set of Clark's Commentary for Rev. P. W. Gauntier."

May 3. "I did not feel quite so bad yesterday as Brother Pease, in our social prayer meeting, as I did last Thursday was a week, in the evening. In the evening yesterday, I went to Mr. Green's, where we are in the habit of having prayer meetings. I designed altering the time of attendance at the place - coldly received. I mentioned prayer and

we had prayer. It was in vain, I fear. I know not now if there was the slightest thought of continuing the prayer meeting. Left without anything definite.

In the evening and quite late, I had a talk with Brother George Stewart concerning the end accomplished, or the good, of punishment in Hell."

May 5. "I have tried to preach twice today, in the morning from Isaih. 35th. Chapter 8 verse this evening at after three to the colored, from Luke 18: 18. Had better liberty this evening than this morning. Perhaps I may have to preach at candle lighting."

May 6. "Preached last night from Rev. 3:30. No visible marks of religion, but all was cold and dull."

May 7. 'I, last night, attended a meeting for the purpose of raising a choir in the church, to sing. The evening was dark and few attended."

May 10. "In a visit among the sisters in the lower part of the town yesterday, I found more Godliness than I had seen."

May 11. "Yesterday was fast day and nothing more than common transpired. This is Saturday and a day to prepare for going to church tomorrow. Souls may hang on the efforts, which may be made tomorrow. O for power that Lord a name may be glorified and souls saved."

May 12. "Yesterday I passed quite retired; I felt in anticipation that I could not preach. O for the Spirit on this thy holy day!"

I mistake; I preached but once and read Mr. Wesley's sermon on evil speaking. I hope it had a good effect. Three joined the church - two colored and one white. 0 that our souls may be alive to God for his grace in all things."

May 14. "Time seems to be going, and the church is in a cold state. The leader said to me yesterday he thought they all began to see it. I hope we shall all feel it and then we perhaps, will bestir ourselves to do better."

May 15. "Knowing that Brother Stewart had to leave soon this morning, I have writing this till now. Yesterday I heard that some who were not in the habit of going to church, since I had taken up regular visits at a certain place, (a young man) had inquired for company to go with him to the church. I hope these are budding of good times. We are still dull and cold."

May 16. "Yesterday was dull with me. Arose from supper and went to church. Neither of the persons where I now board went, they having an acquaintance from Columbus, Georgia."

May 17. "This is fast day. How few there are to keep a regular fast, and sometimes it is a cross to me. Yesterday evening I forgot two of my plans for private prayer. Lord, curse me not for this. Yesterday evening attended a funeral of a poor woman, but

perhaps rich in the enjoyment of grace. Here perhaps is my condemnation; I did not go and see her before she died. This is the sixth white person who has died since I have been in this place."

May 20. "On Saturday 19th was called to attend a funeral. On Sunday, at 4 of the clock, the same time of day, was called a funeral again. At this time, while at the grave, there was something serious about the appearance of the woods around the grave. The woods to the east was rather open and descending from the grave, while to my right stood the two parents of their only child, weeping, clad in black.

The sickness, which seems now to be raging, is extreme dysentaries, with pains in the bowels. Up to this there have been 9 deaths. Our meeting yesterday, was not lively as some, but I hope they were profitable. In the morning I endeavored to preach from Matt.18: 3, and at night from let. Thes.5: and now this morning I want more grace I may preach more preach better and do right in all things."

May 31. 'After dinner I walked out on the beach where I picked up a small piece of timber, and thought I would go down to Brother Byron's shop and make a rule of it. When there I sat down to read, when a volley of oaths began pouring forth from some beings on the opposite side of the street. I felt alarmed and thought I would leave which I soon did.'

May 22. 'At my place where I visited yesterday morning, I found one more than belong to our little prayer meeting. My next place I found none but the woman of the house and the two little children. The little ones met me before I got to the house. At the next place, which was about 1/2 hour after I was at the former place, while I was endeavoring to lecture on John 5th., the first part, there came in a gentleman. He did not, at first, seem to be possessed with very good manners, for he came inn and commenced his compliments and talking tile I was. I waited and as soon as he stopped, I commenced again. He sat still until I got through."

May 23. "Studied the scriptures yesterday morning until near one in the after part of the day. And after dinner read none, but kept company all the other part of the day. I fear I lost. Had liberty last night to preach a little."

August 9. "Yesterday I forgot my time of praying with the family of Brother Pease. I find some are willing to revive the Bible Class again. I fear the brethren will not make any provisions for me to attend the Mission."

August 10. "Nothing passed yesterday worthy of remark, but I am left, it seems, to paddle my own canoe. The Stewards have, thus far, seemed to be careless of preparing for me to go to the Mission. It really gives me some sad thoughts, to think of their carelessness, but so it is. I will try to bear and for bear."

August 11. "I have thought hard of the Stewards for not obtaining a privilege to go to my appointment to Apalachicola. I thought it was a providential thing for in the morning in

which I should start, I was unwell with a bowel complaint. But I do not like not going yet.

Last Sabbath we had a collection taken up. I suppose they do not know for what reason it was taken up, having only said to them it was taken up for expenses. But I wished some money, as I was so near out, that I was fearful, having no place to stay at, horse and all. Expecting to board my horse at the tavern, I wished some change but missed it as yet the stewards have not given anything, and I am nearly out. But the Lord save me from all harm."

August 13. "The Elder is still with us, and preached for us yesterday from Col. 1st. 28,"whom we preach, etc." We had no stir, all seemed acid and dead, but last night I fear everything was killed. I tried to preach from Hebrew 8:10, but all seemed to be so dead and dry."

August 15. "Last evening was a dull night at meeting, for numbers. Not one of the white members

were there. Three whites, Mr. Laprad, who is as attentive as any member, but of the colored I suppose there were fifteen or twenty. So these can come if the white will not. The night was dark and a little rainy, and great deal of water had fallen. The streets and walks were wet. I tried to preach to the people. May the Lord bless them and save us."

August 17. "Lost a few minutes in bed and mending my pantaloons, for I have but one pair, when anything is the matter, I have to set without and mend. I have one old linen pair which need mending, or patching, on the knees, and I have but a little money, some two dollars and 87 cents.

Our prayer meeting last evening was better attended than the meeting before. I know not when we shall revive. May the Lord have mercy upon us."

August 18. 'Attended the Bible Class last night. There were but four of us met. The ground was so wet, and so much water on the top. Found

Mr. Green at home. The class has been made up in his absence. I said 'I suppose there is no objection'. He said 'No, thank you,' and. retired from the room. Brother Hamilton is sick, and very sick, and if he does not mend, the Doctor or Doctors will have a pretty good fee from the (?) Dr. Scott is a drunken sort of a man hardly ever clear of the effects of spirits. Those who drink spirits much are liable to a great many evils, for a day or two ago Brother Gauntier hired out one of his Negro women at, I suppose, a very excellent place. The family were all, consisting of a mother and two twin daughters. Here there was to be no fuss. The Negro was to do what she saw to do, I suppose, but the drunken creature must have his dram, drink and sleep, and she was turned off." "

August 19. "From the wet the ground was damp, and water in some places, consequently thin congregations yesterday." I endeavored to preach from Isaih 12:1, but I suppose I made a water haul a hard, labored disconnected discourse not calculated to do good, by what Brother Gauntier told me

Brother Hamilton is dead. He was one among the best members we had. He has no family; no one is made to weep by that relationship. There was an old Brother by the name of Seely, who was in company with Brother Hamilton.

They received letters from me in the name of the church. Both started together, first to go to the Shewany (Suwanee) Springs, in middle Florida. Seely was to go to the northward, and was left at Tallahassee, to sail first opportunity, from St. Marks, and Brother Hamilton returned to this place, but it has so happened that Seely has returned too. Hamilton is dead, and Seely is very low, was taken from off the ship, or schooner in which he came yesterday, being speechless.

If this place will be sickly, I suppose it may now follow from the great fall of rain, which we have had. Later, Seely died at half past eleven of the clock-. the other died at 12 minutes after three, both in the A.M.

was preached at the hour of 4 P.M., and buried in the same grave. The funeral preached from 2nd Samuel 1:23, by P.W. Gauntler, and truly it was from it, for there was but very little that could be said to come immediately from the subject. I thought once he was preaching the funeral of Judge Clayton. As we both scatter, the people have scattering preachers."

August 22. "Thursday. The people turned out a little better than usual, last night. It was a bright night. Brother Gauntier exhorted. I was in bathing last night, near the wharf."

August 23. "Brother Gauntier was taken unwell yesterday, or sick, having some premonetery symptoms some days. He is taking medicine from the doctor, and I fear now he will be sick indeed. Nature might as well beat her way through as to have a doctor upon his back, unless they are better at the practice than I conceive.

prayed with them and for their son who was there with them. I think Brother Pease was considerable affected. At Mr. Green's, Brother Byron was there, and prayed. Went across the street to see sister Trumble, if she would not attend. She said she did not know that there was regular prayers kept up at Mr. Greens "

August 24. "The doctor has, I suppose, managed the case of Brother Gauntier well, and he is doing better."

August 25. "Went to see if Mrs. Hardin would send her children to our Sunday School, and let us try and do the children some good. She says they have a Sabbath School at home, and did not seem much inclined to send, and I did not feel much desire that they should come, and so left without getting a member for either the school or Bible Class. I fear my constant application to my books and reading are provoking to Brother Gauntier, and perhaps should be, as I ought to visit more, and urge the people to the thoughts of religion."

miserable as to talk so indifferent about the members of even the black church. If they do not do right, go and tell them of their errors, and not the rule of God."

August 27. "Yesterday evening, for the first time, I started for to see every family in town. Consequently at six - whether or not I did any good - I was at Dr. Gibsons, and we talked. much about apparitions."

August 28. "Yesterday, as the day before, visited and distributed tracts. As the day before, some people seemed glad to receive them, though they be sinners. I am in hopes that these little things will do some good."

August 29. "Thursday. Nothing scarcely passed yesterday, that should be recorded, or is so worthy, save the mercies of God. I intended to make several visits and distribute tracts, but the rain came up, and dropped some, and I never felt my folly so much as now, for the rain did not stop the people from dying. This is truly alarming. I think I will try and do better. I will visit more, and spread

August 30. "Visited a Mrs. Scott, also met a Presbyterian sister. I asked her if she would not join our church, yesterday evening. She made objections end then said she thought she could enjoy the privileges in the Methodist Church, and that she liked the Methodist discipline. This is my fast day: help me to watch and pray."

August 31. "Yesterday was my fast day, and I had some comfort in fasting, but I should say rather, in secret prayer.

I called on Mr. Lockey yesterday, or at his house, for him to take up his note. He was not there, but soon followed me down, and paid up, and took his note. Now this is right I have gotten two dollars quarterage from Sister Trumble, and I am so needy for money I do not intend to give it to the Stewards -only return to them the amount, as they took up a public collection some six weeks ago, and have gotten none yet. Lord, help me to do thy will, money or no money, if I can possibly get along."

September 3. "I returned this day from Apalachicola. But few out at church. Preached in the morning in the church (the Episcopalian), in the evening in the widow Roan's house, here we had but few. One hour after, to the Negroes. There were not so many as has been, and so some of them did seem to like the preaching much. One joined. I got in just before dark Saturday evening, and left before breakfast Monday morning, and was charged on the bill six dollars, but I think it was a mistake. I had, on the way, for my breakfast, a piece of rye bread, I think scarcely as large as a hand, and a little sweetened water. The bread was old, as I had taken it with me. May the Lord help me to stand all these things."

September 4. Visited Brother Sohuttlezer today. One of the sisters has left her regular attendance at both meetings - prayer and class That can be the reason I know not, at this time, but I fear, being poor, she cannot come in the style she wishes."

September 5. "Visited none yesterday. Tried to preach last night "Except your righteousness, etc.", had a considerable company compared with companies we have had."

September 6. "Visited and distributed tracts at Shepherds. Some were well pleased at the tracts. One man did not seem to like it."

September 7. "Yesterday was Fast Day, appointed by our last Conference. This Fast Day was for a revival of religion, and for preachers. Yesterday was spent at home

September 9. "Monday. Our meeting yesterday was rather profitable to my soul. How much it done I know not the Lord can only tell. None joined us in the white class, but two joined in the colored, and one was turned out for going to a dance. I hope no more will be guilty. I think the colored class is a tolerable passable class taking so many together. I think there are something like 48. O’Lord, help these poor, colored people to live and be faithful "

September 10. "Having received my papers yesterday, and having company a little while - Dr. Gibson and I also being slothful, I did not visit any."

September 11. "Wednesday. Passed about a little yesterday. Gave out some tracts. One man seemed as if he did not care so much about them but he took one and commenced reading. There are some houses where I have not yet been, but perhaps I may go. Last evening we endeavored to meet in counsel for the Sabbath School. The result was altering the classes some, and an appointment to preach to them. Tinney Lassrad is Librarian."

September 12. "Thursday. I passed the day, yesterday, pretty much within doors. Got ready to leave with a bundle of tracts in my hand. Dr. Gibson came in and we conversed until night."

September 13. Two deaths in town yesterday: one a sail-or and another a small child of Mr. Afflick's. The child they wish funeralized

in the old Presbyterian style. Whether they will get it done or not, I do not know. Yesterday I was on the point of forgetfulness and forgot my time at Brother Pease and my time at Mr. Greens."

September 14. "Brother Gauntier attended the funeral. He was quite feeble, but yet made out to sing, pray and exhort the people. I passed about yesterday evening, gave away some tracts. Will these little things do the people any good? I hope they will. The people seem friendly."

September 15. "Sabbath evening. As I wish to alter the time of writing in my little journal, I begin this evening. The Sabbath School was attended to as usual. I took a small class and tried to attend to them. I, then, at eleven, tried to preach but foundered toward the close of the text. To the Negroes Brother Gauntier preached, and I again this evening. I again foundered at the close of the service. Now what shall I do? I have thought again and again, would it not be better to wind

up at about one half-hour. I think I will try and do better for the time to come."

September 16. " I have gone out of doors but little this day to do good. I took a walk to Mr. Copelands. I He is absent on a journey to South Carolina. I do not know whether my walk was of any profit, unless they were of benefit, or will be. She is, I

reckon, a good Baptist lady."

Of other reading I have done but little. Having passed about a little among all the other rooms, I went to Dr. Gibson's, who read to me an answer to Dr. Sewall's lecture against Phrenology. I think Gibson will beat him out unless Bewail finds new foothold, which I suppose he hardly will do.

There was a prayer meeting this evening held for the colored members. I felt well and I hope they will have good times, and the Lord revive us, and may all bestir us."

September 18. "This day I intended and wished to see if I could obtain a horse from a friend to to the mission (Apalachicola), but obtained none yet. I distributed no tracts today, but should have done so as I have thousands of pages. If the Lord wills, I will try and take some to the mission (Apalachicola). This evening we had meeting. I endeavored to preach the last verse of the first chap. of James."

September 20. "I read so late last evening that I concluded to go to bed and write this morning

I fear I done but little good when at Brother Pease. Oh, how he and his lady felt. They wish to be happy in the knowledge of the love of God, there is no doubt. Evening. This day I have visited but little, but that little was, in some respects, agreeable. I hear Dr. Gibson read the balance of his answer to Dr. Sewall's lecture against Phrenology. I think Dr. Gibson has the better of the argument."

September 23. My absence to the Mission (Apalachicola) has caused a chasm in my little book. I could have taken it with me, but as I went to stay so little time, I thought it needless. I have gone down on Saturday and returned Monday morning, having to pay my way at the tavern where they charge me Six dollars for day and half for myself and horse, and. this time there was so much cursing and noise that I could not rest well, they got down and quiet. I was a little fearful they would break into my room. Such conduct about a house must have a leleterious effect. If they continue so it surely will sink. People will hunt for board elsewhere. This is, in its present garb, a cruel place, even the hostler was drunk.

I preached four times yesterday. Who was profited I know not. There was no visible signs of good that I know of."

September25. 'The day passed with some visits. I found a sick man who disbelieved that

anything could be known of a future world, or that God oared anything about the actions of man in this present life. After talking a little, I left - he invited me to return again and see him. I promised to do so.

September 26. "I again visited Mr. Clark who is very sick but wishes not to converse about religion. That, he says, will do for persons in health; that he now is too weak, and if religion be true, and a person until forty years, should have neglected it, they ought to suffer. He seems, from all I can learn, to be a Deist, and denies all certainty of knowledge of our future condition, and thus he lies very low, and what to do with him, I know not.

This day I distributed some tracts -found a woman very sick, and too poor to fee a physician. I came home and asked

Brother Gauntier if he would like to attend, He wished not, but I suppose was instrumental in getting a doctor who would not charge."

September 29. "Yesterday was Saturday. In my visits I found a lady sick in her bed, and trying to prepare mustard plasters for her feet. I took the plate fixed them end she put them on.

Evening. I endeavored to preach to the children this morning from Ecl. 12: 1. Brother Gauntier preached between ten and twelve from Hebrews 4:2. I endeavored to preach to the Negroes from Hebrew 6:1, and tonight from Isiah. 28:20."

September 30. 'Monday evening. Heard today that a man was dying; went to see him. He is the same Clark mentioned before, but when we got there he was found so low, Brother Gauntier asked him if he thought anything of the future. He said "no" that it all seemed like a dark thing, and that his thoughts were unsettled. But said Brother

Gauntier, "I think your mind could take hold of some promise of the Saviour's" he wished him not to confuse him. So he was let alone; a man perhaps, going into eternity with unsettled thoughts and not letting his thoughts dwell on the future."

October 1. 'The colored friends had prayer meeting tonight, and if they will learn to do right, and be humble, I think it will be a blessing to them. This day I made but one visit, where I found three women together read, talked and prayed with them.

I now hear a shout from my room. I suppose it is one of the Negroes who attended prayer meeting this evening. May the Lord bless the dear soul abundantly; the sound is a good one. That is one soul who has obtained religion, I hope, this year."

October 3. "This evening passed about from place to place in distributing tracts. Went into a man's house by the name of Hugh's, offered him, or rather told him I was giving tracts, and asked if he wished any. "They

October 4. "Just returned from love feast among the blacks, and with some few exceptions, it would have done well for the white class. I think the colored members are doing well. This morning visited the prisoners: talked with them, but read more sung with them and prayed with them. In the prayer had some liberty tonight in the love feast. Tomorrow will be our Quarterly Meeting, and love feast for the whites, at 9 of the clock."

October 5. "One day of the Quarterly Meeting is gone. At love feast we had eight with the P. E. who preached to us at eleven from Rev. 22: 17. It was a plain, clear footed sermon. There were but few more at preaching than at love feast. In Quarterly Conference there were but three. At night, eight grown whites, and a considerable number of

October 6. "This morning our beloved Brother Byrne left St. Joseph for the shores of Ireland. He truly was a good man, a good member, Class leader, and Superintendent of Sunday School. Therefore we had to open and conduct the School without him. School was thin, but we managed it as well as we could. The sermon preached by the P.E. was from Luke 24:46-47, then a tolerable good Sacrament after but a better sacrament after the sermon, for the blacks, and this evening I met, and not a soul at Class meeting.

Tonight Brother Gauntier preached from 2nd. Cor. 5:20. He got into a greater fever than the congregation, but I hope done some good."

Oct 7. "I have learned but little today, but walked about and tried to hire a horse. I wish I had a horse of my own: then I

should be able to go anywhere, to the mission (Apalachicola) or to the camp- meeting but our 4th. quarterly meeting is paused, and I have received but two dollars quarterage. Well, if I can be content!"

October 8. "I do not know that I am doing as well as I can, for I have not studied with that proficiency today that I should, for between my duties of keeping the P.E. company and pursuing my duties to God -and to cap the climax this evening, myself and Brother Gauntier went to the Negroes prayer meeting. He opened it with reading and prayer, etc. then London and Jupiter! Brother Gauntier spoke to me to call up the mourners. Some came forward, and among all the rest, I think, one miserable strumpet, at which the rest (in part) made considerable noise, and stamping on the floor, and one rolling on the floor. We had all kneeled down on the floor, but with such noise I did not think I could pray, profitably to the mourners, and did

not attempt it. There was such a noise, I arose and sit upon my seat, and waited awhile, but Brother Gauntier found his hat and put out. They got down somewhat calmed, we then sang and prayed, and broke up. Some whites gathered to see, I suppose, as I saw one white woman at the window. Where unto this will grow I cannot tell."

October 9. "This day has been spent in little improvement. Brother Malone preached for us tonight, from Isiah. 32:17."

October 11. "Now at Mr. Robbins near what is termed the econfina. He and his lady are aged people. His wife professed a desire for happiness. Last night we stayed at Mrs. Loftin where we had no prayer neither night or morning. (This was at the ferry crossing on last arm of St. Andrews Bay, at Perker, F.W.H.). The morning before, I purchased a gray horse with Brother Gauntier's note, amounting to one hundred dollars.

'This day was my regular fast day, but being in company with the Elder, I omitted

fasting, and having to ride, but will this ever do? O that my heart may be fully in the Lord before the Camp meeting comes on, which is to commence next Wednesday, near Marianna. We are now within four and thirty miles of the place."

October 13. "Now at John Davis' in Marianna, Last night I stayed at Brother Bush's. We came on from Robbin's, and when we came opposite to Brother Bush's it was so dark that Brother Malone would not turn out in the woods with his carriage, or sulky, I did and soon found the house - found Brother Finley who is a local preacher. I endeavored to preach to some of the Marianna folks from James 1:5, Brother Malone supposed I did better than usual. Well, the Lord be praised."

October 33. 'The Marianna Camp Meeting is over. We had some fine preaching, especially a Brother Smith from the Georgia Conference. We had nine preachers - G. Malone, - _ _ _ _ Smith, Brother White who, I understand is a

Dr. Armstid, local preacher; Brother Nowls, local preacher; Brother Bruner, local preacher; G. Strider, traveling deacon; Jefferson Bond, traveling deacon; and A,?, Harris, who was, last Conference, stationed at Marianna, Very few obtained religion, and very few joined. I know of but one who joined. And Brother Finley was there who was one in the number of the preachers.

I am now at Loftin's, on the St. Andrews Bay. I hope, if the Lord will, tomorrow night to be in St. Joseph. I stayed last night at a Mr. Hobbin's, as I went up I stayed with him, but he would not charge for me for my night's fare, etc., but as I was going to start this morning I went in and said to him, I wished he would let me pay him, He said it was acceptable. I asked the charge and he said, one dollar, and asked me to call again, and so I expect I shall if I pass this way again.

Tonight, for the first time, of the nights that I have stayed here, (Loftin's) we had prayers,"

October 24. "I am now at home, I came home so late this evening, I have not had time to let the members all know that we will meet tomorrow, at the church for our Centenary meeting, but must ring the bell at house. We had prayers at Loftin's as I came along this time, I learn from Brother Gauntier that Alonzo Loftin threatened cutting our throats, that is, mine and Brother Malone's, as we went up to Marianne, but he did not tell us so.

I have had some meditations as I rode on today. The black class is getting large in this place, and will require a great deal of instruction and care."

October 25. "This is our Centenary day of Methodism. I rang the this (editors note: Bell possible) morning at sunrise for prayer meeting, but none came. I then concluded to let it pass until evening, which was to be our regular prayer meeting, concluding also, that we would have our Centenary address on next Sabbath. This has been rather a strange day to me - my

October 26. One of the black class died last night. We had prayers over, or around the corpse this evenings. Her husband was very much affected, and it was a weeping time with all, pretty much, there were only seven of us."

October 27. "We have had three meetings today. I endeavored to give or expose of the Rise and Progress of Methodism, and begged for the Centenary occasion, I obtained thirty- five dollars, making my own subscription 85 dollars, I hope, at least, to get one hundred dollars, I have to beg for my general Conference collection etc. We are so miserably poor.

Eleven colored people joined the church this evening, and altogether we had a mighty roar,"

October 28. "This day ten years ago, I joined the Methodist church, it being in the year

1829, in my 26th year. Professed religion in my 28th. year about the first of August, on Saturday. I obtained license to preach the 4th. of September 1834. My membership was on the Morengo circuit, In December, following, I was admitted into the traveling connection at the Conference held at Greensboro in Alabama, The first year appointed to Cedar Crest circuit, the 2nd year to Monticello, the 3rd. to Green, the 4th to Winchester, the 5th, to St. Joseph Station and Apalachicola Mission, and here I am now, but expect to leave at the expiration of one month, O' Lord, help me to be faithful what time I do stay."

October 29. "I have visited some today, I endeavored to pray with the old lady Umphrys, and her daughter."

October 30. "I started out to visit, this evening. The first place I went to was Mr. Shepherd's. I went in and stayed but a little, as I found so much inattention. This rather gave me a check, so I went no where else but came

back after going to see Mr. Phineas Lassrad. This evening endeavored to preach from Psalm 51: 10."

November 1. "I have walked and talked too much this day I fear. My reading has not been very extensive, as it should have been. This was my fast day. This evening I intended to visit sister Trumble, but as I got near the door I saw there were many persons within, and I thought I could not enjoy myself, and so passed by."

November 8. "Now at Elizur Woods. I left St. Joseph at near eleven of the clock this morning, and arrived in Apalachicola this evening after the setting of the Sun. My ride was not pleasant to my feelings, as my horse was poor and his back sore, and, as I have had to ride my reading has been but little. I have not read today as I might.

I might have read on horseback, but all was neglected. I felt, in family prayer, this evening, some of the warming influences of religion, but I know not whether

the family were benefited: I hope they were. Tomorrow, if the Lord will, I expect to try and preach to this people if they will come out."

November 3. "I have endeavored to preach twice today to these Apalachicolianes. Whether I have done them any good or not, I cannot tell. They have done me some good - they have given me twenty-nine dollars and eighteen cents and

three-fourths, which will pay all my traveling expenses to and from this place. What other expenses may accrue, if I live to come again, with this time I know not, but my expenses are all now paid. In the morning I preached from Hebrew 12:1 and in the evening from Isiah. 59:1-2."

November 4. "I have gone about some this day and think we have some friends. O that we had a membership at this place, that they might send a preacher, but I fear it may be left out ."

November 5. "This day I concluded that I would visit out a little. I have done so and have

tried, but fear that I was of but little value but at one place, arid that was Mr. Leland's. I fell upon an interesting subject and talked and thought and quoted scripture to my own edification, and I hope to Sister Leland's. I stayed but little as their dinner would be late, and put off to another place, and there I gave away some tracts etc. This evening to Mr. Bartlett's - took supper - at last prayed with them, and left."

November 11. "I sometimes have longing for the time when I shall start for home. As Conference meets in January next, and I am a good ways off, and wish to go home and stay sometime before the time for meeting, I shall therefore, leave this, the Lord permitting, the last week in this month. And what have I done? I fear almost nothing. I attended at the funeral of an Italian today. I suppose he might have been a Catholic, and while at the burying ground, some of the Catholics in attendance stepped aside - at least I saw

one man and one woman kneel at the grave, and, perhaps saying prayers, put their fingers in their mouths (if I am not mistaken) and make a cross upon their breasts. Now what this means I hardly know."

November 12. "I have tried to affect a change today, in giving Union money for Life and Trust, but did not get one dollar, but heard of five dollars. I fear I should not be a good hand to attend to the business of the world."

November 14. "Having to preach a funeral, as I thought, today near what is termed the Dead Lakes some upwards of 20 miles, I left here this morning in the oar, but I suppose as they did not understand my purpose and aim, when I came opposite the school house, where the appointment was, in leaping out of the car, ,(car=carriage ed. Note) and she under way, I have sprained my knee but blessed be the name of God. I had another opportunity of preaching to my poor folks, men women and children, and I cried with them, And now, I am back, with their paying my passage in the car, and a bushel of corn to bargain which I much need.

November 15. "My time for leaving this place draws on space, which is to be the twenty-fifth. After some pleasant meditations in reading I walked out this evening, and had a very pleasant evenings chat with Mrs. Hardin, then walked away to Mrs. Jenkin's, and then home. This was fast day. I got to the table and had eaten nearly my meal before I bethought myself of the day. Tonight was prayer meeting night - but few were there. This night I was a little interrupted; Mr. Laprade had to pay over some 60 dollars for books ordered by Bell. It seemed we were about to take the church table for money changing. I did not feel very good, and it had better be but seldom done. I should have entered with the above that we changed some fifteen dollars, and it was this that stung me more than the other, or made me, rather, think of the money changers spoken of in the Gospel."

November 19. "Now in my room, having been to Apalachicola to see what I could do in the Mission. I fear I have done but little this

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