I now set out for Cassville, feeling grateful to my new-made friend, Mr. Segar, a native of Richmond, Virginia. I had traveled but a few miles when I came to a house of another of my customers. He settled the claim I had against him, and I arrived at Cassville that night. I met many of my old friends and stayed there three days, during which time I collected about four hundred dollars of my old debts. My sun, that I had thought had set forever, began to rise again. My prospects brightened, and in a short time I collected about fourteen hundred dollars of my old debts. I then returned home to furnish my family with the necessaries which they stood in need.
     I stayed at home for a short time and then returned to the lead mines. The morning I was to start Mr. Stephen A. St.Cyr, a Frenchman, came to see me. He had formerly lived with me at that place. I was not in good health. My wife insisted that he should go with me and take care of me, if I should be sick on the road. He said he would be willing to go if he had a horse. She said that if that was all he should have one. The horse was gotten and we were soon on the way. He had been a clerk five years for the Fur Company in the Rocky Mountains, and was well calculated to explore a new country. On our arrival at the mines I found that my brother had not struck anything valuable in digging. He had remained in the mines while I went home. I had conceived a plan and formed a fixed determination to explore the beautiful valley of Rock River, which I had passed through in the year 1829.
     My object was to make a location, as near as possible, on a true line leading from Chicago to Galena, believing that at some future day, at the crossing of Rock River, it would be a very important point. In order to get all the light I could, in regard to this locality, I carefully examined the map of the territory embracing the Rock River Valley, the locality of Chicago and that of Galena, ascertaining the distance. Both places stand south of the northern boundary of the state. All things being arranged, the Frenchman and myself set out on our exploring expedition, from near Mineral Point, on the Pecatonica in a small canoe. We expected to reach Rock River in two days, but, owing to the crookedness of the stream, it was seven days before we reached it. By this time our scanty supply of provisions had given out and we were forced to supply ourselves by the aid of our guns. We found pheasants, squirrels and other game were plenty, and we lived well, with the exception of bread.
     We descended the Rock River to where Rockford is now situated, where we made short stop; examined that section on both sides of the River and found too great a scarcity of timber for a settlement. Besides, I believed it too near the state line; that the true line from Chicago to Galena was far south of that place. We then descended to where Byron now stands, where we stopped and looked at the surrounding country, believing that that was about far enough south. But there was the same objection on account of timber.
     We still pursued our journey down the river, about one mile above where Oregon now stands. We saw a tent on the west bank of the river, near the north-east corner of the Fair Ground. I said to my friend that there was an Indian Wigwam; we will stop and see if we can get anything to eat. He said that it was no Wigwam but a white man's tent. We landed and, going to the tent, I was agreeably surprized to meet my old friend, Col. William S. Hamilton, a son of the celebrated Alexander Hamilton, who was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr. I had made his acquaintance in my early settlement in the lead mines. I had not seen him for five or six years. He seemed astonished to meet me among the Indians and inquired what had brought me there. I told him that I was on an exploring expedition to look at the country, and if I liked it to locate and make it my home. He said I need not go any further; that I was in the right spot. He said he had a contract from the Government to survey into townships a large portion of Rock River country, that he could give me directions where I could find one of the best locations he had ever seen; that it embraced good timber, good water, with a beautiful rolling prairie running down between two fine groves of timber -- about three miles west of where we were. We were hungry; he prepared dinner for us. He was about to raise camp and prosecute his work on his line; he had been there a day or two cooking and making preparations to continue his work. After we had finished eating he took down his tent, packed up and started on his line, but before he left he gave us a week's supply of bread, and cut a middling of bacon in two and gave us half. Being thus supplied with provisions, we had nothing to prevent us from making a through examination on both sides of the river. This being done, I was satisfied it would admit of a fine settlement.
     I made the first claim where my farm is. My next object was to make a claim where I intended making the road from Galena to cross the river. On examining the banks on both sides, I found there could be a good road where Oregon now stands, so I made my claim there. This was in the month of November, 1833.
     The object of our journey being accomplished and fully satisfactory, we packed up our blankets, left our canoe and steered our course for the lead mines, on foot. We arrived there in three days, undergoing much fatigue, hardship and suffering on our route. In the Winter of l833 I went to the Legislature of Illinois and got a Bill passed for a state road from Chicago to Galena; also got the franchise of the ferry where the road crossed Rock River.

Part II

     In the spring of 1834, my two brothers, B.T. and G.W. Phelps, one hired man and myself, set out from Schuyler County with teams, provisions and farming utensils, to commence opening the farm on which I now live; planted and fenced forty acres in corn, built a house, and returned home, with the intention of moving the family up that fall. But, on reflection, it was thought best to winter there, as we had plenty of food for our stock at home, and would move up early in the spring. So my brother B.T. and myself came up in the fall together (to harvest) the corn and build a ferry boat. On our arrival at Dixon we ascertained that the commissioners appointed to locate the road, had located the road through Naperville by the way of Dixon to Galena, making the road at least thirty miles longer to accommodate Mr. Naper and Mr. Dixon. Having been disappointed in the location of the road, I was resolved to have one, cost what it would. After we had gathered our corn we returned home. I went to the legislature, got a bill passed for a road from Chicago to Galena, at my own expense. I was appointed one of the commissioners to locate the road.
     I moved the family up in the spring of 1835; arrived on the 17th May, found all our corn had been taken by Indians, had to depend upon grass to support my teams, and haul our provisions from Galena; laid out the town of Oregon.
     In the fall I was in Galena and found notices posted by Mr. John Dixon, that at the meeting of the next legislature, he should apply for a new county. This division did not suit me, as it was intended to place Oregon on the northern boundary of the county, thus cutting off all hopes of its ever becoming a county seat. I immediately posted up notices that I should apply for a county at the ensuing session of the Legislature, making the boundaries altogether different, with an eye single to making Oregon the county seat. The following winter I again attended the Legislature, had a bill drawn up and passed creating Ogle county, and commissioners appointed to locate the county seat. It was located in the spring of 1837; the county was organized the following fall. During this winter there was an effort to move the county seat to Dixon. I again attended the Legislature and defeated their bill: during this struggle for the county seat. It must be borne in mind that Ogle county embraced Lee also.
     After all attempts had failed, Mr. Dixon advertised for a division of the county in 1838. About the time I happened in Galena, was shown his advertisement for a division, by a friend of his. After examining it carefully I told his friend that I would not oppose the measure, provided he would agree to a small alteration. I have but little doubt but my views were communicated to Mr. Dixon; but, be that as it may, he was up to see me in a few days; my demands were agreed to, I signed his petition for a division, gave him all the aid I could in support of it; thus ended the struggle about Ogle County and the county seat.
     During the years of 1835, 6, 7, and 8, the beautiful valley of the Rock River was just filling up with a set of industrious farmers from the New England States and Maryland. Our rich and fertile lands began to show marks of civilization and enterprise, farms were opened on the margin of those delightful prairies, school houses were reared, and mills built for the convenience of the settlers: though the early settlers had to undergo many deprivations and hardships, doing without many comforts they had been accustomed to, yet they looked forward to the time, not far in the future that they should be surrounded by all the necessaries of life at their own happy home. These things have been attained in a great degree. Many families that moved to this valley at an early day without means, are now well settled on their own farms, basking in the sunshine of prosperity. It is industry that subdued the forest, tamed the wild prairie and developed its resources for the comfort of man.
     It is in the valley of Rock River in Ogle County that I laid the foundation of the prosperity I now enjoy. I followed farming and improving my farm from 1834 to about 1844, though I went to Lake Pepin on an exploring expedition in the fall of 1840 for the purpose of location on some point to build a town, with the intention of remaining all winter. I made the location where Lake City now stands, but learned afterward it was an Indian Reserve. Finding that to be the case, and the weather growing cold, and badly provided for wintering in that cold region. There were three of us in the enterprise, we agreed to turn homeward: by this time the ice was running thick, we had to descend the Mississippi about three hundred miles: before we reached Prairie Du Chien. We bought a large pironge or dug-out, and put our baggage aboard. We set out amongst the floating ice. It was many days before we reached Prairie Du Chien, passed on to the mouth of the Wisconsin River, where it was found impossible to pass down any farther. We lay there three days, hoping the ice would cease running, so we could pass. In the meantime, there fell a heavy snow, and our provisions gave out. These circumstances forced us to leave our pironge and return to a house opposite to Prairie Du Chien. There we spent a week before we could cross the Mississippi. We all underwent much suffering: so ended that enterprise.
     For the next two or three years there was nothing of interest. I was busy farming, raised a large surplus of produce, and having no market nearer than Chicago, I determined to build boats and ship to St. Louis, with a view to raise money, to engage in the mercantile business. Accordingly I built two boats, at Oregon, loaded them with produce that was raised on my farm, and set out on the trip. That was in the month of May. Owing to the low stage of the river, we had much difficulty at Sterling, we had to light over the rapids which consumed seven days. That being done we again set out on our journey, met with no further obstacles until we arrived at the rapids near Rock Island, and about three miles from the mouth of Rock River. We were there informed by a pilot that it would be impossible to cross; but the river was rising slowly, we lay there three days. The man that I had employed to pilot us across the rapids, said that the river had risen sufficient to cross. We again set out, and in a few minutes were swiftly gliding down the rapid current. The pilot looking ahead, saw a large cotton-wood tree that had floated down and blocked up the channel: orders were given to pull to the right, and miss the tree if possible. This being done which threw us upon a reef of rocks, tore a hole in the bottom of the boat and it filled with water. We then beckoned the other boat to still pull to the right, so as to miss us. This was done, but with no better result, as she came opposite us she lodged on a reef of rock and filled with water. There was some produce that was lying on top that was not wet. The next thing to be done was to get a lighter and take out the loading and raise the boats. I went up to Rock Island, hired a ferryboat, stretched a rope from the shore to the boats and made it fast. By that means we could reach the boats over the rapid current; by the most untiring perseverance we got the loading out, and raised the boats in about ten days, but lost all the trading that had got wet.
     We fitted up one of the boats, and reloaded with the produce which had been saved in good condition. My son James C.T. Phelps, took charge of it, and ran it to St. Louis, and sold out at fair prices. Thus ended that enterprise, at great loss of time and money. These were the first boats ever built on Rock River.
     That unfortunate result did not prevent me from trying it again. In the spring of 1844 I built another boat, loaded it again with the products of the farm; my son James took charge, and landed it safe in St.Louis. Sold out at remunerative prices, and laid out the proceeds in groceries preparatory to commencing business in the fall. I went to New York in the latter part of October or first of November, to purchase goods, bought my stock and returned home in December. I had agreed to form a co-partnership with Mr. Wesley Johnston; he was to meet me at Knowlesville in New York, and furnish his portion of money to purchase the stock. He failed to meet me there. I went to the city of New York and purchased stock in the name of John Phelps and Son, but before the goods arrive at Oregon, Mr. Johnston returned and his complying with agreements I withdrew and turned over my interest to him, which co-partnership has existed ever since. For many years I purchased their goods in New York and elsewhere, being their regular empowered agent to do so. From 1844 until the year 1856, I was engaged in various pursuits: sometimes in keeping store for Phelps and Johnston -- in fact my time was mostly spent in their interest, and whatever occupation I pleased to follow.
     In the fall of 1856 I visited Texas, spent the winter there, traveled and explored much of Western Texas from Galveston to Lavacca, Victoria, Gonzales, Austin from thence to San Antonio, from San Antonio to Goliad, from thence to the Neuces River. I also visited the Alamo, where the brave Crockett fell. I was in the fort at Goliad where the brave Fanning and his band was slain by Santa Anna, after they had surrendered as prisoners of war. At those hallowed spots the marks of war were still visible on the walls. After having explored much of Western Texas, and passing over those beautiful undulating prairies, together with the mild and salubrious climate, I determined to make it my future residence. This determination was strengthened by the fact that all the citizens agreed it was the finest climate and country in the world. Having provided myself with money before I left Illinois I determined to make some investment if anything should offer sufficient inducement. There were two chances that I supposed would pay well; one was horses and mules, the other a drove of cattle. I however settled on horses believing they would be more profitable and less trouble. I went to Goliad in April, the great market for such stock. I there bought a drove just from Mexico, two hundred and eight head of horses and mules. After a preparation of a few days for the long journey, we set out for Northern Illinois, a distance of fifteen hundred miles. I had five hands, three Mexicans who came with the drove from Mexico, and two white men. We were three months and ten days on the road from Goliad to Polo, Illinois. Though we had to undergo many hardships and privations on the route, yet there were many things pleasant. It was always pleasant to me to travel in new parts of the world where I had never been.
     The most interesting part of the journey was through the Indian Territory, a distance of three hundred and fifty miles. Much of that territory was rich and well timbered, with beautiful rolling prairies, well watered, and will be someday the abode of happy thousands. This enterprise turned out profitably; we cleared some seven thousand dollars. So I passed Austin, Texas, I ascertained that there was a large brick store for sale. I examined it carefully, and finding it would suit me for a business house, I appointed an agent to purchase it for me, authorizing him to draw on me for the first payment of the purchase money. I had not been at home but a few days before I received a letter informing me that he bought the property, and draw on me for four thousand dollars. The money was sent and I proceeded to New York, and purchased a large stock of goods for Austin, shipped them for Fort Lavacca, Texas, and returned home to make arrangements to move my family to Austin; but on my arrival home, I received a letter that the contract for the building had been broken and the money returned. This placed me in a bad condition, the goods having been shipped for that place, and having no house to go into. I immediately set out for Texas, to procure a business house, leaving my family to follow as soon as possible.
     On my arrival in Houston, where the gentleman lived that owned the building that I had purchased through my agent, I found him in his counting room reading a letter. I introduced myself to him as being the man that had purchased the brick store in the city of Austin through my agent; that he had drawn on me for the first payment, the money was sent, and on the strength of that contract, and my compliance in forwarding the money, and believing from these facts that the property was mine, I had gone to New York and purchased a large stock of goods, and shipped for that point. On my return home in Illinois I received another letter enclosing my money back, as I before stated. The letter he was reading was from his agent at Austin: he handed me the letter saying that it was concerning the sale, and stated to him there were in the post office many packages and letters to me, evidently bills of goods purchased for that place, that it would be a great disappointment and damage to me. I told him his agent took a proper view of it. His reply was that I should not be put to any inconvenience -- that if I did not see fit to pay the difference in question I could have the building on rent, and would give me a year to consider if I would take it on his terms or not, as I might see fit. This proposition set the matter at rest, in a couple of months I accepted his proposal and took the house; the goods arrived, business was good, and all things bade fair for prosperity.
     Nothing was wanting but the safe arrival of my family, who were to leave Illinois in a few weeks after I did; but time rolled on slowly -- no tidings of them. I knew they had time to arrive, if no misfortune had befallen them. I grew anxious and uneasy, but weeks rolled on and left me in doubt and gloomy suspense. But my anxious doubts were too soon confirmed by stern reality. John Shaffer, a clerk of ours who traveled with the family, left them in New Orleans, and came on to Austin, bringing the sad intelligence that my wife, son Napoleon and brother G.W. Phelp's wife were all lying dangerously sick in the city of New Orleans, but it was thought they were slowly on the mend; that he was sent on to inform me of the cause of delay. This sad news had a tendency to increase my uneasiness. I well knew his instructions were to report as favorably as possible. I was then again doomed to weeks of gloomy suspense. The family arrived at Austin worn with fatigue, worn down with grief, bringing the sad news of the death of our son Napoleon and my brother's wife. These afflictions in a strange land made it doubly severe: no friends to soothe our grief, or sympathize with us in our sorrows. This all happened in the year 1857.
     In the spring of 1858 I again went to New York to purchase goods for Texas; returned by way of Illinois, and so on home to Texas. I remained there until the summer of 1859; the family being dissatisfied, and wishing to return to their old home in Illinois, I bought teams, a good carriage and baggage wagon, and set out on forth of July, on the overland, route, a distance of one thousand four hundred miles. We were forty-two and a half days on the road. The journey was pleasant, having good weather, fine roads, and nothing to impede our course. We lost a mule by choking himself to death in the night, by getting his hind feet in the halter: as we had an extra horse which took his place in the team, this caused us no inconvenience. The family was much delighted with the beautiful landscape through which we passed: we were upwards of a whole day in passing through Indian mounds which seemed laid out in regular distances and uniform height and size, say about seven or eight steps apart. The days journey was about thirty miles: it seemed to be a burial place, but was too extensive for any such purpose; but who can fathom the mystery? Were they designed for residences, or tombs? When were they constructed? Who were the builders? Will the world ever know more of them then we do at this time?
     The journey being finished and the family settled down at home, I again went to New York to purchase more goods for Texas. I returned by way of Illinois, left Polo in November for the South again: remained there until April, 1861, after the war had broken out. -- Believing I would again cut off from my family by a protracted struggle, I again set off for my home in the North. I took passage on a steamship at Galveston and arrived in the City of New Orleans in two or three days. On our arrival, the ship was taken possession of by the Confederate Government; all was bustle and confusion, troops were gathering at every town I passed through. Before leaving New Orleans I purchased forty hogsheads sugar, several tierces of rice, and a number of barrels of Molasses, and shipped on a steamer for St. Louis, which was the last one allowed to pass the city of Memphis, as the cargoes were confiscated from that time on, that were intended for the West. I took the cars from New Orleans to Cairo, and thence for home.
     In June 1860, I left Austin for Illinois again, and traveled the whole distance alone in a buggy, lay out every night without any company, or stayed in a house until I had crossed the Missouri River, a distance of about nine hundred and fifty miles. I had intended when I struck the Indian Territory to wait until I should find someone going through, so as to have company; but when I arrived at Red River, it seemed somewhat uncertain how long I might have to wait. I therefore came to the conclusion to pursue my journey alone. I had traveled but one day's journey before I met with an Indian who inquired of me if I had seen a man hanging by the roadside. I told him I had not. He said he expected his friends had taken him away. I inquired how he came to be hanging there. He told me that the man had come with a small drove of horses and stopped at the house a short distance from the road; that night there came some men and took the horses and the man that brought them there, and went off with them. The next day they found him hanging by the roadside. He also said that he had stolen the horses and the owners followed him. The circumstances led me to reflect that my situation was not a desirable one: I knew there were many white men in the Indian Territory "that had left their country for their country's good", or, in other words, to evade punishment for high crimes against the law; that I was alone, that I must sleep at night, and whilst asleep it would be easy for such desperadoes to kill me, take my mule, buggy and effects, and make their escape. Under these reflections I became a little more careful, and would leave the road at night, and place myself in some location where my buggy could not be seen from the road. This precaution was used for two or three nights, but finding it inconvenient, owing to the location of the ground, was forced to stop in the midst of wide prairies, where there was no possible chance of getting out of sight of the road. I therefore camped wherever night overtook me. I had provided myself with sufficient provisions to last me through the Indian country, also corn for my mule. There was nothing wanting but company to make the journey pleasant. I was seven days passing through the Indian county, until I reached the settlements in the south part of Missouri: nor did I lie in a house until I crossed the Missouri River, a distance of nine hundred and fifty miles from Austin. I was thirty-five days on the road, and did not change my clothes until I reached home in Polo, as I had lost the key of my trunk soon after I had started from Austin, in the Indian country. I had also lost my valise out of my buggy, which contained my Navy colt revolver, and in consequence was unarmed, and had nothing to defend myself with. After I had crossed the Missouri River, I was taken sick, and had to stop two days before I was able to travel. That was the first time that I had shelter from the time that I left Austin on this trip. I lay in the house on my own blanket; I was urged to take a bed, but would not having a change of clothes to put on. As soon as I recovered sufficiently to travel again, I made a new start, traveled all day, being much fatigued called at a house to stay all night. I was told they could not keep me; that his wife was sick, and could not give me any supper. I told him it was shelter that I wanted, and would waive a supper: that I had been sick, and did not wish to lay out. He replied he was frequently imposed upon by travelers; that they would call and stay all night, get their supper lodging and breakfast, and when they were ready to start would say that they could not pay at present, but would pay him the first time they passed, or would send the pay to him, but never did it: he had become tired of such imposition. - he wished to know if I could pay my bill: I answered that I thought I could. He replied, pointing his finger at me. "I want you to be sure". I answered I was sure I would pay him. He said then you can stay. I had a good supper and breakfast, and my mule well taken care of: paid my bill in the morning, and resumed my journey. I found the same difficulty almost every night, doubtless owing to my haggard and unclean appearance. I bore their indisposition to give me accommodation without offense. I was satisfied that were I at home, no such looking man could have got shelter with me.
     There was another little occurrence that took place, to the great amusement of the parties that witnessed it. It was this. As I was driving by a house, I discovered they had a lot of fine ripe cherries hanging on the trees in the yard. Being fond of them, I concluded I would call and get drink of water, and perhaps they might invite me to gather and eat some of that fruit. So I got out of my buggy, went into the house and asked for water, which was handed me: at the same time I noticed four or five buckets setting in the room full of cherries. I observed they had a fine lot of that fruit. She replied, yes, our trees are very full this year: I said there was no fruit I was so fond of: the lady said it was very good, would I not wish to gather some? I thanked her and said I should be pleased to do so. There were three young ladies in the orchard, where I went to gather a few to eat and some to put into my pocket. Seeing a tree on which the fruit was much riper and fuller, I went to that and commenced gathering. I soon found why the fruit was not gathered: there was a bee hive sitting under it. They began to swarm out upon me. I to retreat, and keep up a running fight, the young ladies to laugh in a smothered manner. I ran under other trees and knocked off my hat, giving the bees a better chance at my face, which caused me to re-double my exertions in fighting and retreating. I ran under some other limbs, which caught on my wig and left it hanging there. This was too much for the ladies to bear: they broke out in the wildest shrieks of laughter, to my great mortification. I kept back till the enemy retreated, gathered up my lost property, hat, wig and handkerchief, and left for Illinois, and arrived at home a few days after. This was my last overland trip from Texas to Illinois.
     In the fall of 1860 I returned to Texas, the mercantile business being closed out: was there for the purpose of making collections. I succeeded in collecting about $5,000 in gold. The war having broken out in the beginning of 1861, and believing that all travel would be stopped between the North and South, I left for New Orleans. On my way home, while in that city, I invested the $5,000 in sugar at 3 1/2 cts. per pound, and shipped it by steamer for St. Louis, where it arrived safe: it was the last steamer that was allowed to go above Memphis, as after that the Confederates confiscated all cargoes consigned to parties above that place. The sugar was sold by a firm in that year at from nine to ten and a half cents. On my return to Illinois in 1861, I spent my time on the farm, -- clearing up a wood lawn, planting a variety of fruit trees, setting out a fine vineyard and a large quantity of dwarf and fancy fruits. After completing that work I commenced in the year 1863 on the farm, building a commodious and fine Gothic brick residence, together with suitable outbuilding, planting three acres of forest trees, consisting of sugar maple, elm, honey locust, cherry, scotch pine, Norway spruce, balsam or fir, and larch in front on the house, extending to the State road from Chicago to Galena, as those acres are a lawn to the house. In fact I have done everything that was necessary to be done to make a pleasant and a happy home. Its improvements are substantial and elegant; it will make a beautiful home for those that follow me. These things have all been done within the last six years, ending the first of January, 1867.
     In November, 1863, while the work was suspended in winter on my residence, I took a trip to St. Paul, Minnesota, for pleasure and to visit my son, JCT Phelps, who was engaged in that city in the mercantile business. I remained there about two months and a half. I went to see all the places of note that were within a short distance, as St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis, Lake Como, Minnehaha Falls, Fort Snelling, I then returned home, and continued to make whatever improvement on my place that I fancied. In March, 1865, I was subpoenaed to Cincinnati, Ohio, in a military trial, to give evidence in the case, as to the character of the principal witness sustained in the city of Austin, Texas. The trial was for conspiracy to release the rebel prisoners in Camp Douglas. The parties tried were Judge Morris and Walsh: Morris was acquitted, Walsh was sentenced to prison.
     In December, 1867, I went to Virginia to see my birthplace and visit relatives, who gave me a warm reception. In viewing what was my father's farm brought many sad feelings to my mind. The old homestead had been moved off; the only trace that time had left was the stumps of locust trees that had shaded my only home. Father, mother, brothers and sisters now sleep the sleep that knows no waking, and that pleasant home is now a dense pine forest, and soon all will be forgotten. I then went to Tennessee where my parents spent the remainder of their lives; visited their graves, and some old friends who were still living. I returned home in the month of March following. I cultivated my vine through the summer, was rewarded by a good crop of grapes in the fall, and made about four hundred gallons of wine: have made wine every fall up to this fall of 1873, and have at this time about three thousand gallons on hand, having everything finished up ready for winter. I concluded to take my daughter Sarah L. Johnston south for the benefit of her health and pleasure, as she was anxious to visit the home of her childhood.
     We left Oregon on the 20th November 1873, arrived in Kentucky in two days, enjoying the society of relatives and friends whose hospitality and kind heartedness seems to be a gift of nature, well cultivated. We remained two weeks in Cynthiana, then started again for Gallatin, Tennessee, where we met many friends and relatives, it being in the neighborhood of my own home, where all was bright and beautiful to my untutored mind. We traveled through all or a large portion of that State: was in Murfreesbourough where the battle of Stone River was fought. We visited an uncle of my wife's, who was one hundred and four years old. He was in possession of all his faculties except sight: his mind clear and remarkably good. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and went to hear a sermon every Sunday. We also went to the Cumberland Mountains: the scenery grand and the valley's fertile, and good health the boast of its inhabitants. I concluded to go to Texas, as traveling was pleasant, but my daughter did not wish to go by water, so it was agreed that we would go no farther south, and we could meet with no better entertainment than with our relatives, whose kindness will never be forgotten. We returned, and arrived home the third of March, 1874.