Howells, Thomas 04 - Journal

continued

7^th. Breakfasted this morning with John Long. Busy all day with the accounts. Took supper with William Nibles. Slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

8^th. Nothing of any moment today. Took dinner at the Conference House. Wrote two letters home to the inhabitants of the 15 Ward the other to my wife and children. Took supper at Charles Chivers. Slept the night at the Conference House.

9^th. All is right this morning. Visited Mr. Hodges in the afternoon who is very favorable to the truth and told me that he would be baptized. In company with him we went to see Brother Berry who is very sick and poor. We gave him half a crown each met with the Saints in the evening at 7:30. A very few came together. I was called to address the meeting. Told them that the Branch was going to sleep and it was necessary that they should wake up to the sense of their duty. Slept the night at the Conference House.

10^th. Breakfasted this morning at Richard Rawles. After which, he accompanied me to the Cumberland Basin where I took a steam to Ilfrocombe [?]. Before she went to the river they discovered something not right with her boilers. Now we will have to wait until evening. I came to the conclusion that I will go with the Princess Royal in the morning. Went to bed and dreamt that the steamer was gone. In the morning to my utter astonishment the under-line was going, instead of the Princess Royal; and she would not take any passengers. And thus my dream was fulfilled.

11^th. I went to the Railway Station thinking to go with the train, but it was too late to go with the third Class. I came to the conclusion that I would not go down this month. Slept the night at the usual place.

12^th. Took train at Bristol, 8:30 a.m. for Durston arrived there 11:30 a.m. Walked from there to Crush to Abraham Foster and residence where I reached at noon. Took dinner after which, in company with Foster we went round the neighborhood to invite the people to come to meeting. Slept the night at Foster House.

13^th. There wasn't enough of bed clothes upon the bed I slept, very cold. Partook of food after which, in company with A. Foster we went to invite more people to meeting. About 6 in the evening they came together and filled one of Brother Foster's large rooms. I addressed the meeting upon the first principles of the Gospel, and had very good attention. The tears fell freely from the eyes of a good many, I told them if the Gospel was upon the earth what occasion had the angel to fly in the midst of heaven with the everlasting Gospel to preach to the inhabitants of the earth. The meeting was dismissed to reassemble next Sunday. Slept better tonight, more clothes upon the bed.

14^th. All is well this morning partook of food and posted my Journal. Slept the night in the usual place.

15^th. After breakfast this morning Sister Foster showed me a table spoon 103 years old and no worse than new. In company with A. Foster we went to see his stock. About 2 miles from his home where he has 2 fields the stock comprised of sheep and cattle. Returned home, took supper and went to bed.

16^th. All is well this morning. After breakfast in company with A. Foster we went to see Mr. Knight who lives in Curland near Taunton. He believed the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Being that his wife teaches the Parish school they were counciled not to be baptized for the sake of the situation. We partook of dinner with them and returned home to Creech-- distance 7 miles. Slept the night with A. Foster.

17^th. After breakfast in company with A. Foster, we went to visit North Tawton to see the few Saints that are there. Called at Sister Whitehead. Partook of dinner with her, and went down from there to Sister Haines, she gave us apples and cider to drink, also gave me a sixpence. We called to see James Bay, who told us that he was once converted. He said that the spirit came upon him and prostrated him upon the ground twice in succession. And he believed that it was the spirit of God and said if he was a scholar he would not work anymore for the Farmers. Thus you see the ignorance of the people. They are very little above the brute creation. I forgot one thing that I should have mentioned before. I received a letter from home this morning announcing an increase in my family, a daughter born since I left home. Which news gave me joy and satisfaction. May the Lord bless her and her Mother is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ Amen. Slept the night in the same place.

18^th. All is well this morning. In company with A. Foster we took a walk to his farm. Returned home and went to bed.

19^th. After breakfast this morning, in company with A. Foster, we took a walk as far as Taunton, where we saw many things. We met a lady on the road who has been in the meeting last Sunday and heard me preach. She was well pleased with what I said and said that she would come to hear me again next Sunday. We returned home late in the evening and I slept the night in the same place.

20^th. Partook of food after which, in company with A. Foster, we went around the neighborhood and invited the people to come to the Meeting. It is showery today.

About 5:30 the people commenced to assemble. At 6 the room was full. The meeting was opened by prayer. Before I had preached 10 minutes the devil entered a young woman. I carried her unto the next room and returned, resumed my preaching again. Before I said many words the devil commenced to yell throughout the young woman and continued while the meeting lasted. I had to excert great faith to drown his voice.

The people paid great attention to what I said and they all felt well and wanted to know when I would come again.

After the meeting was dismissed the devil ceased his yells and they put the young woman in bed and sometime in the night she came to her senses. She said that she knew nothing of what happened. I slept at the same place.

21^st. Partook of food as usual. In company with A. Foster we visited his farm. I had a little conversation with a man by the name of Howe who had formerly been in the church. Took supper and went to bed.

22^nd. After breakfast this morning a letter came from A. Tool who is in America in Salt Lake City. She is a niece to sister Foster. The tone of the letter is rather against the Country. She is a little disappointed in a man that had been on a mission in England by the name of Moore. Slept the night at the same place.

23^rd. I arose out of bed this morning very early and took breakfast. After which, I started for Bristol. Walked into Durston Station. There I took a train at 8:05 a.m. Arrived in Bristol at 10 a.m. I took dinner at 7 Tower Hill after which, I went to the bath house and took a bath. Also had my hair cut by a barber. Met with the saints at 7:30 p.m. in prayer meeting. I spoke of the necessity of the Saints to awake to their duties. Also told them to exercise faith that they may be redeemed from this land of oppression. After the meeting was dismissed in company with Brother Rawles we went to see James Berry who is very sick in bed. Also very poor. We annointed him with oil and layed our hands upon him. Slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

24^th. Breakfasted this morning at Brother Long's. Nothing of any monument transpired today. Took supper at the Conference House. Also slept the night there.

25^th. All is well this morning. I made bills for the Book agents also audited some accounts and wrote a letter to my sister Amelia. I took supper and went to bed.

26^th Took train this morning 7:33 at Bristol Station for Trowbridge. Arrived there a few minutes before eight, and called at Simon Gorven, the President of Steeple Ashton Branch. His wife is sick in bed. Continued on my way. Reached Ashton at 11:30 a.m. Called at Thomas Bishop and there took dinner after which, visited John Barret and took tea with him. Also visited John Smith and took supper with him. Slept the night at Thomas Bishop's.

27^th. All is right this morning. Breakfasted this morning at Thomas Bishop's and took dinner with John Smith. After which, I met with the Saints at 2:30 p.m. In Thomas Berret's house we had very good times. I addressed the meeting upon the principles of the gathering and proved it to be scriptural. Also bore my testimony that the Gospel was upon the earth in its purity. Took tea with Sister Barrett and supper at Thomas Bishop's. Also slept the night there.

28^th. Breakfasted this morning at the same place, also took dinner there. Took supper with John Smith. Slept the night with the Bishop's.

29^th. Breakfasted this morning at Bishop's, also took dinner there. And tea at Father Barrett's. Supper at John Smiths. Slept the night at the Bishop's.

30^th Breakfasted this morning at Bishop's after which, started for Chalford. Reached there at 12:30 p.m. and called at David Mead's, and took supper and tea with him at his house. According to previous appointment I held a meeting in Sister Elkin's house at 7 in the evening. The people came together and filled one of her large rooms. I addressed them upon the first Principles of the Gospel. Also said a few words upon the necessity of gathering together to avoid wars and the calamities that was coming upon the inhabitants of the earth. They listened very attentively and were pleased with the meeting. I slept the night at Sister Elkins.

December 1^st. Breakfasted this morning at Sister Elkins. After which, I started for Titshead accross the Downs by the way of Timber. Reached there at noon and called at John Daniels where I calculated to stop for a few days. Partook of food and slept the night there.

2^nd. All is right this morning. It is a fine frosty morning. Breakfasted after which, took a walk. Returned home again. Took supper and went to bed.

3^rd. After breakfast this morning I read the stars, which cheered a little of our drooping spirits. Partook of food and went to bed.

4^th. Breakfasted this morning at the usual time. It is rainy and likely to continue through the day. And I have an appointment to fill and 4 miles to walk to the place. The name of the place is Cavington. Thank the Lord the day has turned out to be fine. At 2:30 p.m. the people commenced to assemble. I should suppose by the appearance of the assembly that they came together for to make disturbances. The meeting was called to order by John Daniels. I addressed the meeting and told them about the calamities that would soon befall this generation. The seriousness of my preaching prevented the disturbance that was contemplated. After meeting walked 8 miles to Steeple Ashton and there slept the night with Thomas Bishop.

5^th. After breakfast this morning visited the Brethern. Partook of food and slept the night at Bishop's.

6^th. I got up early this morning and partook of breakfast after which, I started for Trawbridge. Not being acquainted with the road and before daylight in the morning. I took the wrong road and went about 2 miles out of the way. But I reached Trowbridge in time and found out that the Papers that I saw had printed the 3^rd Clays [?] in the wrong column and I had to wait until noon.

I called at Simon Gowen and took dinner with him after which, took train for Bristol. Reached there 1:30 p.m. I went from there to my old stand 7 Tower Hill. Took supper at John Long's. Also called at James Berry who is not much better. We laid hands upon him. Slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

7^th. Breakfasted at home this morning. After which, wrote a letter to Liverpool, to the Editor of the Star. Met with the saints in the evening. There was a very good spirit in the meeting, more present than usual. I counciled the Saints to be diligent and always remember their assembling together. Slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

8^th. Breakfasted this morning at the Conference House after which, answered several of my correspondence. In the evening in company with Richard Rawles we visited James Berry and annointed him with oil and layed our hands upon him. I slept the night at the Conference House.

9^th. Breakfasted this morning at Richard Rawles after which, I sent a post office order to Liverpool to the amount of 2 16 0. Visited Brother James Berry in the afternoon, he is no better. I gave him a shilling. Answered a few of my correspondence. Took supper and went to bed.

10^th. After breakfast this morning I went to the Bath House and took a bath. Nothing of any monument occurred today. Partook of food and went to bed.

11^th. All is well this morning. In company with Richard Rawles we took a walk through the City after which, we took dinner at his house and from there to meeting which is held in 7 Tower Hill 2:30 p.m. There were but very few present what there was felt well. I urged the necessity of the teachers to be more diligent in their visits amongst the people. After meeting went to tea with Brother Irwin. The Saints reassembled at 6. Also a goodly number of unbelievers I addressed the meeting. And showed the people that the Gospel had been taken from the earth and restored by an angel unto Joseph Smith and that it is preached in its former purity by the Latter day Saints. After the meeting in company with many of the Elders we visited James Berry and annointed him with oil and layed our hands upon him. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

12^th. Took passage this morning on the Spicy for Ilfracombe. We started from Bristol at 9 a.m. As soon as we came to sea I took sick and continued to do so until I was landed in Ilfracombe at 4 p.m. The gayes [?] was lighted when we arrived. I continued on my way to east down distance 9 miles from Ilfracombe. After a dreary walk through rain and mud I reached there at 8 p.m. and was glad when I got to my journey's end at least for tonight. I was kindly received by Brother Larwell and family whom is consisted mostly of females and very fine girls. They are all marriagable with the exception of one. Took supper and went to bed.

13^th. All is well this morning. Partook of food and remained at home all day. In the evening the family sung some of the songs of Zion, tended to prayers and went to bed.

14^th. Remained at home all day and posted my Journal. Partook of food as usual.

Everything went off all right. Attended to prayers and I went to bed.

15^th. All is well this morning. After breakfast I went to visit John Tucker who was formerly in the Church. I stopped with him all day and we conversed upon the topics of the day. He has a fine daughter by the name of Ann. She is in the church. Slept the night at Larwell's.

16^th. It is raining very heavily this morning and Brother Larwell is going to Barnstaple. He will have a wet day of it. About 10 a.m. the rain ceased. I took a walk as far as the Post office where I posted a letter to send to one by the name of Thomas Stantake Clappery Mill asking him the privilege to preach in his house. Slept the night at Larwell's.

17^th. All is right today. Partook of food and learned a few passages of scripture. The Star came at noon which was quite a feast of fat. Things here in this dreary land. I took a walk unto the upper part of Larwell's farm and in a secluded spot I offered a secret prayer unto the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. Slept the night in the same place.

18^th. After prayer, partook of food as usual. At 3 p.m. I met with the Saints and there were present in our meeting from 30 to 40 believers. I addressed them upon the first principles of the Gospel. The Lord blessed us with a good portion of his spirit that inabled me to speak fluently and with ease. The meeting was dismissed by Brother Larwell to commence again in the evening.

At 6:30 p.m. persuant to appointment the people convened again. There were present of unbelievers about 30. I addressed them upon the principles of the gathering and we had unusually good times. The spirit of the Lord was with us. After the meeting Ann Tarcker while shaking hands with me left half a crown in my hand. I slept the night in the same place.

19^th. After breakfast this morning I went to see William Irwin to his own residence and remained with him all day. He asked many questions about Salt Lake City and he promised me that he would be baptized when the weather would get warmer. He also said that he would accompany me to Salt Lake City when I would return from my mission. I partook of food with him. He had no house keeper no wife but he lived alone, and cooked his own food. I slept the night in the same place.

20^th. After Breakfast this morning I went to see John Tucker and tried my best to persuade him to return unto the Church. But all my efforts were fruitless. He said that he was cut off the Church without a cause and said he if men have cut him off the Lord has not. I told him to beware of that spirit for it was not of God that the same power that gave could take away. He treated me very kindly and gave me food to eat. I slept the night at the same place.

21^st. After prayers this morning I partook of food as usual. According to previous appointment we held a meeting this evening at 7 p.m. owing to the cold weather very few came together. I addressed the meeting and told them that the Gospel was restored unto the earth in its purity and that the servants of God were ready and willing to administer the ordinances of the same unto all inhabitants of the earth if they would believe in it Slept the night at the same place.

22^nd. I wrote 2 letters today and took them to the Post Office which is about 2 miles distance from East Down. This evening I told Brother Larwell if he did not intent to go to Salt Lake City himself that he should let his children go. I slept the night in the same place.

23^rd. This is a very fine frosty morning. The sky is as clear as bells. I remained at home all day. Partook of food and slept the night at the same place.

24^th. After breakfast I went to see Josiah Irwin. The same man as I call William Irwin a former page. E is a great man for his beer and tobacco. He is very good to the Elders and has been for years. I slept the night at the same place.

25^th. I met with the saints at 2 p.m. and partook of the sacrament at 3 p.m. A good many of the ward came to the meeting. I addressed them upon the traditions of the Christian world. Also told them about the great gift that the Lord gave unto the human family this day 1971 [1871] years ago. Jesus Christ his only begotten son. We had another meeting in the evening when there was a Goodly Number present. I addressed them upon the first principles of the Gospel. I proved unto them that the earth had been without the Gospel and that it was restored again by an Angel unto Joseph Smith who was a great prophet. Slept the night at the same place.

26^th. After breakfast this morning I left Brother Larwell's house at 9 a.m. and started for South Moltan on the turnpike road. It leads through hills and defiles through the mountains and at last comes out to a comparitively level country. Reached south Malton at 3 p.m. and called at William Chappel, the distance from east Dawn to South Malton is 16 miles. Partook of food with Sister Chappel, her daughter Elizabeth who is a very intelligent young lady. I conversed with her about two hours upon the principles of polygamy however, she didn't say much against it. When shaking hands with me she left one shilling in mine. After supper I went unto my lodging which is in a public house.

27^th. Breakfasted at William Chappel after which, I started for Tiverton on the turnpike Road, distance 18 miles. From South Molton the road is a very hilly one. Reached there at 3 p.m. and took train at 3:37 for Taunton. Arrived there at 5 p.m. and continued on my journey from thence on foot by the side of a canal. Arrive at Cruch at 6 p.m. and called upon Abraham Foster, the distance from Taunton Station to Creech is 4 miles. Partook of food and went to bed.

28^th. This morning I received a letter from home which brought news that my wife was sick and had been for 6 weeks but was little better when the letter was written. I answered 2 correspondence and read a letter that came from Philip John Stone who emmigrated from this conference last fall unto Salt Lake City. He gives a very unfavorable account of said place and tries his best to poison the minds of those that calculate to go there next season. I slept the night at Foster's House.

29^th. After breakfast this morning in company with A. Foster we visited Mr. Knight and family they were all well. We took dinner with them and returned back to Creech. At home a paper from Utah was waiting which brought new of the arrest of several of our boys for training by the order of the governor of Utah Territory a precedent unheard of before. I slept the night at Foster's House.

30^th. After breakfast this morning in company with A. Foster we went to North Newton and called at Sister Whitehead. I took dinner with her, we also called at Sister Haines we had some cider and bread and butter with her. After which, we returned home to Creech. I slept the night at the Foster's.

31^st. I remained at home all day and partook of food and went to bed being the last night of the old year. I feel greatful unto my God for his protecting case which he has exercised over me through the last year hoping that I shall merit his aprobation through the new year. Also and my wife and children that he will protect them from harm seen and unseen and preserve their lives until I shall go unto them.

January 1^st, 1871. After breakfast in company with a. Foster, we went around the neighborhood and invited the people to come to a meeting at 6 p.m. The people came together and I addressed the meeting upon the signs of the times and warned them of the calamities that will soon befall this country and the people thereof. I had very good attention from all that were present. I slept the night at A. Foster's house.

2^nd. I got up very early this morning and took breakfast after which, I started for Bristol (it was snowing very hard). Walked from Foster's to Duraton's station, distance 4 miles, and took train at 8:05 a.m. Arrived at Bristol 10:30 a.m. and went to my old home at 7 Tower Hill. Immediately went to the bath house and took a bath after which, I came home and took dinner and commenced to write a letter home to Salt Lake City. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

4^th. I went to the Taylor shop this morning for m pantaloons. In the evening I met with the saints in prayer meeting at the usual place of worship by the Latter day Saints. A very few came together, I told them that the branch was going to sleep and if they had their eyes open they would be more faithful unto their God and his religion. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

5^th. After breakfast this morning I went to see Sister Rawles who is making my garments. But they were not ready. Returned to 7 Tower Hill and answered some of my correspondence. Also sent the particulars of James B. Berry's death to Liverpool to be published in the ML Star. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

6^th. After breakfast this morning I went to work with the books to prepare the quarterly report to send to Liverpool. Also sent the book money to the last named place. I slept the night at the same place as usual.

7^th. Busy with the accounts all day. In the evening I sent the quarterly report to Liverpool. Also sent a letter to Steeple Ashton. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

8^th. All is well this morning. I took dinner at William Nibles, after which I met with the saints at 7 Tower Hill. After partaking of the sacrament I addressed the meeting upon the first principles of the Gospel. The meeting was dismissed until 6 p.m. Met again persuant to adjournment. I addressed the meeting upon Nebuchadnozzor's dream and about the kingdom that the Lord would establish in the days of the tares of the immage or the ten Kings and told them that Joseph Smith was the man chosen of God to commence that great kingdom. After the meeting was over I met in council with the priesthood of Bristol Branch and instructed them in their visits around the people to urge upon them the necessity of keeping the word of wisdom. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

9^th. All is well this morning. Answered some of my correspondence and posted my journal. The weather is very unsettled one hour raining and one after snowing. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

10^th. I have been busy all day answering correspondence. I am very anxious to get an answer from Liverpool whether the remittance went safe or not. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

11^th. No answer from Liverpool yet. I have come to the conclustion to teligraph. I went to the office and did so and in about an hour and half I received an answer that the remittance went safe. I went to see Sister Long and partook of tea with her. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

12^th. I took train this morning at 10:25 for Cardiff, arrived there at 12:04 p.m. and called at Brother Garnner's. I took tea with his wife and continued on my way. I took train at 3:25, arrived at Merthyr in due time and called at the Conference House, 41 Mary Street. President E. Edwards was at home who is now the president of Glamorganshire Conference. In company with him we went to the meeting. I was called to address the Saints upon the necessity of preserving themselves pure and inviolet from the sins of this generation. I also told them to pray ferverently for their deliverance from this Babylon of confusion. I slept the night at 41 Mary Street.

13^th. In company with E. Edwards we took a walk through Merthyr Tower we called at Brother Baker's shaving Saloon and at Jane Davies. She gave me an orange. I slept the night the same place as I did last night.

14^th After breakfast in company with E. Edwards we took a walk as far as Pendarran near Dowlais and called upon John Jones. We had a long conversation with him and his wife treated me very kindly and she gave us food and administered unto our wants. On our way home we called at Jane Davies. I slept the night at 41 Mary Street.

15^th. In company with William Jones we went to meeting. I was called to address the assembly upon the necessity of keeping the commandments of God. After the meeting in company with the aforesaid man we went to see Ruth Garret, and took tea with her. We also called at Sister Evans and administered the ordinance of laying on of hands for her health. After which, we went unto meeting and I was called upon to address it upon the atonement of Jesus Christ. There was a good many present not of our belief. I had the assistance of the spirit of God and spoke very fluently. I slept the night at the Conference House.

16^th After breakfast this morning I left Merthyr for Aberdare. I arrived there in due time and called at my brother Jenkins and took dinner with him and from thence unto my sister Margarets and took tea with her. In the evening I met with the saints in a prayer meeting. The spirit of the Lord was present with us and we had very good times. I took supper at my brothers. Also slept the night with him.

17^th. After breakfast this morning I started for Tylarmorgrig. On the way I called at John Owen, who was formerly in the church. I took dinner with him and continued on my way. Arrived at the aforesaid place at 4 p.m. and was hailed with great joy by my sister in law. I slept the night there.

18^th. All is right this morning. My brother is going to Aberhanthy to pay the rent. I remained at home all day. Slept the night in the same place.

19^th. All is well this morning. I left Tylarmorgrig. On the way I called at Thomas Rees Red Lion Penderyn, who gave me permission to preach in his house on the 29^th. I proceeded on my way and reached Gellifynnonau at 1 p.m. and was kindly received by my uncle and sister. I slept the night at their home.

20^th. Remained home all day, nothing of any moment transpired. Slept the night at the same place with my uncle.

21^st. After breakfast this morning I left for Merthyr. On the way I called at my Uncle Howells. Also called at John Owen, who is very sick in bed. There I was furiously attacked by a lady upon the principles of pologamy. I told her that she did not love her neighbour as her self or else she would be willing to devide in case of necessity. John Owen's wife said that she would try to persuade the deacon Pontbrenllwyd to announce my appointment to preach on the 29^th. I continued on my journey took train at Shrivarn and arrived at Merthyr in due time. Called at the conference house and went immediately to the bath house and took a bath and came home and went to bed.

22^nd. After breakfast I took the train for Aberdare. Arrived there in due time and called at my brother Jenkins and went with him to Penpound to hear Dr. T. Rice who said that the Lord did not want the body only the spirit and the mind. I took dinner at William A. Thomas after which in company with my sister in law we went down to Abraham. I was called to address the meeting. I did so in Welsh and took a tent. As the days of Noah so also shall the coming of the Son of Man be. After meeting I accompanied my sister in law unto tea and returned again for the evening meeting in which I was called to address in English upon the first principles of the Gospel. I slept the night with my Brother.

23^rd. All is right this morning. I took breakfast with my brother and dinner at Sister Jeffrey's and tea at my sister Margaret's. After which I met with the Saints in prayer meeting and was called upon to address the meeting upon the power and ability of God. After meeting Eliezer and myself took supper with Jeffrey's. I slept the night with my brother Jenkin.

24^th. After breakfast this morning E. Edwards came to see me unto my brother Jenkins House, and gave me half a sovereign.