Howells, Thomas 06 - Journal

continued

29^th. After breakfast this morning I left for Tlfrecombe with the expectation of getting a steamer for Bristol, but to my astonishment one company had bought the others out and stopped the one that should go today from Ilfracombe. I had to travel back again unto East Down. This evening we had some good singing by brother Larwell's daughters. I slept the night in the same place as I did last night.

30^th. After breakfast this morning I visited Joshus Irwin and spent all the day with him. He believes the Gospel, but can not leave of sinning. I believe his besetting sin is adultery which is the curse of all this land. He treated me very kindly and gave me food to eat. I slept the night at William Larwell's house.

31^st. After breakfast I went to the post office to see if there was any letters, but there were not any. After dinner I left brother Larwell's for Bristol. I walked into Ilfrecombe and there took a packet at 5:30 p.m. and after a fine smooth voyage we arrived at the above named place at 2 a.m. and called at 7 Tower Hill and there slept the night.

April 1^st. After breakfast I took a walk through town. In the afternoon I took a bath, after which I answered a few correspondence and wrote a letter home to Salt Lake City. In the evening I visited brother Simon Irwin, and posted a letter and a paper for the above named place. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

Aril 2^nd. I met with the saints at 2:30 p.m. in 7 Tower Hill and partook of the emblems of the broken body of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Saints felt well and bore their testimonies to the truth of heaven, revealed unto Joseph Smith the prophet. "We also held a meeting at 6 p.m. I spoke and said that he kingdom of God would be built upon the earth temporally in this generation. After meeting was dismissed there was 3 baptized and confirmed the same night. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

3^rd. I took my coat this morning to get edging put around its border to sister Rawle. I also partook of food with her and her husband, after which, I came home and posted my journal. In the evening I visited Wm. Nibles and took tea with him. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

4^th. I visited John Aborne and took dinner with him after which, I layed hand upon one of his sons who is subject to fits. I returned to 7 Tower Hill and wrote a letter to Liverpool to be published in the Mellernial Star. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

5^th. I have been busy all day making the quarterly report. In the evening I went and bought a pair of trowers and went home and put them on. And found that they were too small in the legs. I took them back to be changed, but there was not any in the shop that would fit me, consequently I had to be measured to get a pair made and the man promised to make them immediately. But he did not make them according to promise. A mans word in this country is not to be depended upon. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

6^th. I sent the quarterly reports to Liverpool. In the evening I visited Mr. Hodges and family and spent very agreeable time with them. Bother and his wife are ready for baptism, but one of their daughters is a little obstinate. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

7^th. I received an acknowledgement for the remittance sent to Liverpool. I answered some correspondence. In the afternoon I visited Mr. Hodges and answered many questions that he put unto me considering many passages of scripture. I partook of food with them and was well treated. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

8^th. I took train this morning at 7:30 for Cardiff. I arrived there in due time and continued from thence to Merthyr. Arrived there in due time, and called at 41 Mary Street and partook of some refreshments. After which I took a walk with E. Edwards to see some of my friends. I slept the night at 41 Mary Street.

9^th. After breakfast this morning, we met with the Saints in the Temparence Hall Merthyr. At 10:00 a.m. the meeting was addressed by J. Parry, C. Parry and Thomas Howells. I never had so much of the spirit of the Lord in my life. As I had on that acation. At 2 p.m. the meeting was addressed by C. Parry and Thomas Howells when there were present a good attentive audience at 6 p.m. The meeting was addressed by William Jones and Eliazes Edwards we had very good times during the day and the spirit of the Lord was present with us. I slept the night at 41 Mary Street.

10^th. I am not very well this morning. I suppose I caught a violent cold while crossing the channel unto Whales. In company with C. Parry and J. Parry and Elizes Edwards we visited many private homes. After dinner we attended the funeral of a child who was burried in the Unitarian Church Grave Yard Cefncoedycomer. And from thence we went to the Saints tea party which was held in the Garth Arms Merthyr. We also attended a concert which was held in the White Lion Arms Long Room where we heard some very good singing and recitations, but the room was ill provided with seats for the audience and the concert was badly managed. I slept the night at 41 Mary Street.

11^th. We enjoyed ourselves this morning in the company of many of the local Elders. In the after noon the company with E. Edwards, we visited Gwenllian Roberts and her son Morgan who is not married. We spent a very agreeable afternoon with them. They are related to me by kindred. The son is investigation the principles of our Holy religion. When parting with them they told me to call again whenever I would come to Whales. I slept the night at 41 Mary Street.

12^th. In company with E. Edwards, C. Parry and J. Parry we went unto Saint Davids New Church, and witnessed a marriage ceremony performed by the parson of said church unto a couple of the High class of Merthyr. In company with C. Parry and J. Parry we took train for mountain ash and there we met with the Saints of said place in a meeting. The said meeting was addressed by the Barries and myself. They spoke in English and myself in Welsh and the Saints felt well and we had a good time together. I slept the night at William Thomas' house.

13^th. I took breakfast this morning at the said named Thomas' house. After which in company with C. Parry and J. Parry we took train to Aberdare and there called at t. Werret's house where we were welcomed to a good dinner. And from thence we went to see Br. Jeffrey and Smith's families where we took tea. After which we met with the saints at the Abraman Room where we were called to address the meeting, I and the J. Parry in English and C. Parry in Welsh. We had a good meeting but very few present. I slept the night at my brother Jenkin's house.

14^th. After breakfast this morning I went unto brother Werret's house where I was told that E. Edwards had brought news that J. Parry was released to go home. And Edwards was counciled to take charge of the Swansea Conference. I visited my sister Margaret in the afternoon and spent a very agreeable time with her. She promised to come to hear me preach next Sunday. I slept the night at my brother Jenkin's house.

15^th. After breakfast this morning in company with T. Werret we took a walk through town and called at William Dan and there took dinner. I spent the afternoon with my sister Margaret. In the evening in company with the aforesaid man we took a walk through the Market house of Aberdare. I slept the night at my brother Jenkin's house.

16^th. After breakfast this morning I visited bro. Werret and from thence I went into my sisters and brother in laws house and there partook of dinner with them. After which my sister accompanied me to meeting which was held in Griffin Arms Long Room Abrahaman. I was called to address the meeting upon the first principles of the Gospel. I accompanied my sister to tea. In the evening in company with my brother in law we went to the same place as I was in the morning to a meeting that convened at 6 p.m. I was called to address the meeting. I did so upon the necessity of every man to embrace the true religion. I also showed them plainly that the earth had been once without the true religion and that it has again been revealed unto the earth by an Holy angel from heaven unto Joseph Smith the prophet. I preached about an hour and a half in Welsh. There were a good many present who felt very well. I slept the night at my brother Jenkin's.

17^th. The Aberdare fair was held today. I took a walk through the streets that it was held in and there I met with my brother Rees who pretended not to see he, but I made myself known unto him. He did not as much as to ask me to come home with him. In company with T. Werrett we took another walk through the fair in the evening. I slept the night with my brother Jenkin.

18^th. After breakfast I went to see my sister Margaret and had a long conversation with her about the principles of truth. She was very much imbittered and full of prejudices against the principles of the Gospel. I took train at Aberdare for Trehurbert. I arrived there in due time and called at my sister Amelia who received me very kindly. I there slept the night.

19^th. I remained home until the evening. When I took a walk as far as the Tylacoch and called at Timothy Wisley and had a little chat with him and his family. After which I returned back unto Trehurbert and there slept the night, my brother in laws.

20^th. I searched the scripture for a few passages barring upon certain subjects. In the evening I went to Tylacoch and there I met with the Saints in the capacity of a testimony meeting and I was called upon to address the meeting which I did upon the necessity of living to all the requirements of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I slept the night at my brother in laws house.

21^st. I committed a few passages of scripture unto my memory. In the evening I conversed a little with my brother in law and Phillip Rees upon the principles of Mormonism. They are very dark and benighted. I slept the night at the same place as I did last night.

22^nd. I remained at home all day. My sister is not as well as usual. Nothing of any moment transpired during the day. I slept the night in the same place as I did last night.

23^rd. At 2 p.m. I met with the Saints in Tylacoch and I was called upon to address the meeting upon the threats we would have to pass through in order to make us perfect. We also had a meeting in the said place in the evening at 6 p.m. in which I spoke in Welsh and English upon the inconsistencies of the world and their belief. I slept the night at my brother in laws house.

24^th. After breakfast this morning I took farwell of my sister and her family. She gave me 10 shillings to assist me on the way. I took train at Trehurbert for Cardiff arrived there in due time. While traveling from the tafehale station to the South Whales Station I met with brother Shepton. He put his hand in his pocket and gave me 2 shillings to assist me on my way. I took train at the last named station for Bristol. I arrived there in due time and called at brother Rawle's and there at his house partook of a good supper. After which I accompanied brother Rawle's and a candidate for baptism to a bathing place in the city where he was baptized by Richard Rawles and confirmed the same night by T. Howells. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

25^th. I have been busy until noon answering correspondence. I took dinner at John Long's house. In the evening we audited the emmigration account of the conference. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

26^th. I wrote 2 letters home and investigated the book account of the conference and found that it and the Liverpool office account did not agree. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

27^th. I answered a good many correspondents, and busied myself with the books. In the evening I visited Simon Irwin and took some bills for any creditors to be sent off with the Stars. I also took supper with him. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

28^th. I spent the day very agreeable with Mr. Hodges and his family. He put a good many questions to me which I answered with the greatest of pleasure. I also preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ unto them. I believe ere long they will embrace the truth. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

29^th. This morning concecrated some oil for William Niblet and took it unto the house where he lodges and there partook of breakfast with him. In the afternoon I took a walk as far as Brandon Hill. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

30^th. I went out for a walk this morning, and met with Mr. Hodges, who insisted on me to accompany him to hear a sectarian priest. So I went. The man spoke very well on what he had on hand. After meeting was through I accompanied said Mr. Hodges to dinner and in the afternoon I met with the Saints at 7 Tower Hill. And was called upon the address the meeting upon the necessity of saving money to take them to Zion. We also had a meeting in the evening. When brother Fawler and myself were called upon to address it. He spoke upon the first principles of the Gospel and I spoke upon the gathering and substantiate it from the scripture of divine truth. We had a very good meeting. The people felt well and the spirit of the Lord was present. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

May 1^st. I took breakfast this morning at Richard Rawle's in the afternoon he accompanied me through the Clifton portion of town. I saw the orphan asylum which is sustained by contributions. I took supper at said Rawle's house and slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

2^nd. I have been studying grammar in the forenoon. In the evening I visited William Niblet and took supper with him. And from thence I went to see brother Irwin and partook of supper with him and received the monthly sheet of Bristol Branch from him. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

3^rd. I have been studying grammar all day. I slept he night at 7 Tower Hill.

4^th. I have been answering correspondence all day. In the evening I took a walk through town. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

5^th. I have been busy all day making up my monthly accounts, and remitting the monthly money to Liverpool. I also answered some correspondence and took supper at Sister Hamer. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

6^th. I took train this morning for Chippenham. I arrived there in the due time and called at Jesse Stacy. I partook of some refreshments and continued on my journey to Chalent Hill. I reached there in the evening and called at John Hott. After I had rested myself sufficiently I went out for a walk into the fields near by and there in a secluded place I poured my soul in secret prayer before the Lord, that is the source that I depend on for strength and ability to perform my duties. I slept the night at John Hatts house.

7^th. After breakfast this morning I visited Mark Selman who lives about a mile and half frm brother Hatts. There I took dinner with him, after which I accompanied him to meeting which was held in John Hatts house. We went by a monument that was erected with stone with a figure of a woman in a sitting posture top of upon it and a basket by her side. It was errected in memory of her being that she left money enough after her death to pave 4 miles of path with stone. The path leads up to the monument from a town by the name of Chippenham. Her name was Mede Heath. At 2 p.m. the Saints came together. I addressed them and told them the necessity of trusting in God and not to have any Idol that they loved better than him. We had good times together and the spirit of God was present. I slept the night at John Hatts house.

8^th. After breakfast I started for Steeple Ashton on the toe path of the cannal that leads to Milksam and there I took the road to lower hill and called at John Maslen after taken some refreshments. In company with him we went to Devizes to see Thomas Davies who was once in the Church. We found him in a very poor condition. Not able to give us a meal of vituals nor a nights lodging. Consequently we had to return back to lower hill. Being that brother Mastn had no spare bed, I had to sleep on the chairs the best way I could. I hailed the down of day with great delight.

9^th. After breakfast in company with John Maslin we started for Ashton. When within a mile of said place he turned back and I went on and reached there and called at John Smiths where I was welcomed to a good meal of vituals, after which, I visited Thomas Bishop and John Berret and conversed a long time with him. I slept the night at Thomas Bishops house.

10^th. I answered some correspondence and visited John Daniels and spent a very agreeable afternoon with him and his family. I slept the night at Thomas Bishop's house.

11^th. After breakfast I took a walk through the fields and there in a secluded place I prayed to the Lord for strength and committed some passages of scripture unto my mind. In the evening I visited John Shrotts and man of the brethern and sisters. Also came there we had very good times together singing hymns and the songs of Zion. I slept the night at Thomas Bishops.

12^th. I spent this day very agreeable amongst the Saints. In the evening a few of them came together to the Bishop's house where we spent very agreeable times together in conversation and singing. I slept the night at the said Thomas Bishop's house.

13^th. I also spent very agreeable time amongst the brethern and sisters this day. I gave council to a young woman by the name of Daniels, not to keep company with the Gentiles. She has been in the habit of so doing, but she told me that she would desist from such conduct in the future. I slept the night at Thomas Bishops house.

14^th. At 2 p.m. the saints met at John Berret's house and we had a very good time there together. I spoke to them upon the necessity of contending for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints. We also met at 6 p.m. when I addressed the meeting and took a text, surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. I slept the night at Thomas Bishops house.

15^th. I bid farewell to Steeple Ashton this morning and started for Bristol. While traveling on the road a lady came by with a cart and a donkey drawing it. She asked me if I would accept a ride. I thanked her and jumped up unto the cart and rode with her unto Trowbidge. And there took the train, and arrived in Bristol in due time and called at 7 Tower Hill there took dinner. In the evening I visited brother Rawle's family and took supper with them. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

16^th. I have been all day answering correspondence. In the evening I visited William Niblet and took supper with him. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

17^th. I have been busy all day making bills for my creditors of the Millennial Star. I also answered some of my correspondence. I took dinner at John Longs. And slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

18^th. This morning I received a letter from home, which brought the good tidings that they were all well. I have been busy posting my journal in the forenoon. In the evening I visited Richard Rawle and Simon Irwin and took supper with the latter. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

19^th. I spent the day very agreeable with Mr. Hodges and his family. I had a long conversation with his oldest daughter Miss Mary, upon different topics especially purality of wives which annoyes her very much. In the evening in company with Mr. Hodges we visited a cheap John. I bought backleds and he bought a tea pot. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

20^th. This morning I took a walk as far as Brandon Hill to get a little air, for the lace that I stop at is quite a preson to me. In the evening I visited William Niblet's and took supper with him. I slept the night 7 Tower Hill. Old market street.

21^st. In company with Mr. Hodges we went unto a William Chapper this morning to hear Westran minister preach. And from thence I went home with said Mr. Hodges and there took dinner with him. After which, I met with the saints at 7 Tower Hill in a testimony meeting. I gave them instructions concerning the things that pertain unto their welfare. They also met in the evening when I spoke upon the kingdom of God and said that all the enemies of the Lord would eventually be destroyed and that Christ would reign a kind of kings upon the earth. After meeting I visited Mr. Hodges family and had a long conversation upon the principles of the Gospel. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

22^nd I answered some correspondence. In the evening I visited Mr. Hodges and had a long conversation with his daughter whom I believe will embrace the Gospel. I took supper with the family and slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

23^rd. I took train this morning for Chreech. I arrived at Durston in due time and walked from there unto Creech which place I reached about noon and called at Br. Foster. After partaking of some refreshments in company with him, we went unto Taunton and there called at a photographer where he had his likeness taken which did not suit him. From there we went to a family that had once been in the Church. Where we stoped a little while with them. It seems that drink is one of the curses of this land. I slept the night at A. Foster's house.

24^th. After breakfast this morning I went to see the Newton Saints. It is rather a warm day to travel. It is rather a warm day to travel. I called at John Whiteheads and took dinner with his family after which, A. Foster came in to the house in company with him we went unto sister Haines and there took tea with her after which, we left for Creech and reached there in the evening. Immediately after our arrival we went and cocked some hay that was cut. I slept the night at A. Fosters house.

25^th. After breakfast this morning to my astonishment Wm. M. Bromley from the valley came to the house who is to be my successor in the presidency of Bristol Conference. I was glad to see him and felt joy at the idea of returning home unto Salt Lake City and to my family. In company with said man, we took a walk round the country. We slept the night at Br. Fosters house.

26^th. After breakfast this morning we assisted Br. Foster to have a batch of potatoes. Also visited him to cock some hay. In the evening in company with him and my predecessor we went to invite the people to come to meeting. At one house a man came out and apposed us and called us everything but gentlemen and told us if we would come near his house again he would have us taken up. When the devil begins to rage there is a good sign that there is a nest men somewhere near. I slept the night at Br. Fosters house.

27^th. After breakfast in Company with A. Foster and Wm. M. Bromley we visited Taunton. It was the market day of that place. We saw some very good specimens of animals such as sheep and cattle. In the evening we went round the neighborhood from house to house and invited the people to come to meeting that we are going to hold in Br. Foster's house next Sunday. We slept the night at Br. Fosters house.

28^th. All is well this morning after breakfast in company with Bromley and A. Foster we went round inviting some more people to come to meeting. In the evening at 6 p.m. the people came together and Br. Bromley and myself addressed the meeting. He preached upon the first principles of the Gospel and I preached upon the necessity of having a prophet in these days as well as former days. We had a good meeting. One have her name to be baptized and several more are ready. We had good times and spirit of the Lord was present with us. We slept the night at Br. Fosters home.

29^th. In company with Wm. M. Bromley we took our departure for Bristol. We arrived there in due time and called at 7 Tower Hill, and from thence in company with Richard Rawle we went to see the academy of fine arts where we saw some beautiful pictures and sceneries of wrecks on sea and mountains and lakes of different countries. After partaken of some refreshment at Br. Rawles house. In company with Br. Harries we went to see the Zoological gardens and there saw specimens of wild animals and fowls. Being a holiday there were present upwards to 30 thousands people. We were greatly ammused by their songs, recitations, music and many other feats of gymnastics. We took supper at Wm. Niblets and slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

30^th. After breakfast this morning we took a walk through town and met with Calep Parry, president of Manmouth conference in company with him we visited Brandon hill the suspention bridge and other prominent places in town. In the evening I received a communication from Liverpool which announced the time for me to return home. We slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

31^st. Busy in the forenoon answering correspondence. In the afternoon we visited Mr. Hodges and took dinner with him and supper and there spent a very agreeable afternoon. We also visited Br. Irwin and received the balance sheet and the remittance from him. We slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

June 1^st. In the morning we examined the books of the conference. After which, we visited John Obourne and took dinner with his wife. We also visited Mr. Hodges and had quite a talk with him. All his family is willing to be baptized. His sister was present, we preached unto her and she listened very attentively. We took dinner at John Long and supper at Sister Hamer. We slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

2^nd. Busy all day with the books. I remitted the monthly money unto Liverpool. We took dinner at John Long and supper at Sister Hamer. We slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

3^rd. In company with Br. Bromley we took a steamer for Ilfrecombe. After a pleasant voyage we landed in said place at 1:30 p.m. and walked from thence into East Down and called at William Larwell's house. After taking of some refreshments we sent round the neighborhood and invited the neighbors to come to meeting on the following day. In the evening we were entertained by singing with Larwell's daughters. We slept the night at the above named man's house.

4^th. We met with the people in a meeting at 3 p.m. in Br. Larwel's house. Br. Bromley and myself spoke unto them upon the first principles of the Gospel. We also had another meeting at 7 p.m. when there were a goodly number present. They were addressed by the same men as addressed them in the former meeting. We had good times. The spirit of God was with us and we bore very strong testimonies unto them which if they will not comply with the commandment of God will be damned them. We slept the night at Br. Larwell's house.

6^th. We took a walk as far as the post office but there were no letters. In the evening we spent a very agreeable time in singing and so forth. Before going to bed I asked Br. Larwell's whether he was going to let his daughters have money to emmigrate and he said no. I pitty the maidens, being that they are all marriagable and have known company in this land. Br. Larwell is dead to the things of God. We slept the night in his house.

7^th. We took our departure from Larwell's this morning for Bristol. He accompanied us a little ways and told us that his intentions was to emmigrate next year with all his family. We walked to Ilfrecombe and there took a steamer for Bristol. After a fine passage of 8 hours we landed in the cumberland basin Bristol and called at the old stand 7 Tower Hill and there slept the night.

8^th. We have been busy with books this morning. I transferred accounts to Elder William M. Bromley. In the afternoon we visited Mr. Hodges and spent very agreeable times with his family. There was a stranger in the house. We preached the gospel unto them. They felt well rejoiced in what we said. We slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

9^th. I took train for Wales this morning. On my way there I called at Henry Gardner and took tea with his wife. After which I continued on my journey and reached Merthyr in the evening and called at 41 Mary Street and found David John who treated me very kindly and talked a while concerning matters and things and we enjoyed each others society very much. We slept the night at 41 Mary Street.

10^th. After breakfast this morning in company with David John we took a walk through town and visited John Davis the bookkeeper of the conference and we examined the books. In the evening we met Br. E. Edwards at the Taffale station. He had been in England. In the evening we visited several places in the city and slept the night at 41 Mary Street.

11^th. In company with E. Edwards and David John we took train for Aberdare and there met with Abrahaman and Mountain Ash Branches in council at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The people met and were addressed by T. Howells and D. John. At 6 p.m. the people convened again and were addressed by the same man as in the previous meeting. The spirit of God was present and the people felt well. I slept the night at my brother Jenkins house.

12^th. In company with D. John we visited several of the Saints houses and took dinner at Sister Smiths. D. John took train to Merthyr I remained at Aberdare over the night. I met with the saints in the evening in a prayer meeting at sister Smiths house where I was called to address the meeting. I told them the necessity of having a good store of patience on hand for the journey that is before them especially those that are going to emmigrate, this season. I slept the night at my Brother Jenkins house.

13^th. After breakfast this morning I started for Penderyn with [?] on the way I called at John Evans and there took dinner. After which I continued on my way on the road I encountered a rain storm and got wet. I reached Gellyfynonan. My uncle and sister felt very dry towards me.