August 1858

Sabbath , August 1. I felt much refreshed this morning and after a hearty breakfast at Anderson's he and I went to judge Gilman's where we spent the most of the day in very agreeable conversation with the old judge principally upon his adventures in the Mexican war.

He is really interesting and a very clever man I think. He furnished us horses to ride out this evening and I feel much refreshed--thanks to judge Gilmore.

Monday, August 2. Today is election day, and the most of the students are gone to the election so that my school numbers only 13 student; it seems almost like a blank; but I suppose it is all for the best, for I am still feeble and too much labor might exhaust me too much. I feel tolerably well this evening and hope I shall soon be stout again.

Tuesday, August 3. My school is fuller today than yesterday, though it is not so full as usual. The day is cool enough to be more pleasant than it has been for some time past. The election seems to result in the success of York--Sherriff. Tucker District C. Clerk. Nance C. C. Clerk. Quail--Chief justice. Lively, Surveyor and Ferguson, Cty Treasurer.

Wednesday, August 4. My school is about the same that it was yesterday. The day is somewhat cool, enough to be pleasant. My apetite [sic] is almost voracious and I begin to feel pretty well. I dismissed my school this evening for the purpose of attending the examination at Birdville.

Thursday, August 5. Tolerably early this morning I set out and walked 5 miles to Birdville to witness the examination of the students of the high school at that place. About 9 A.M. the students formed a procession at the West end of town and marched down through Broad way to the Academy, and after some preliminary remarks by the Professor the opening oration was delivered by R. B. Sigler Esqr. The rules for the government of the students of the academy were then read by the Prof. which are lengthy, comprehensive, and well calculated to elevate the character of the students if acted out to the letter. The examination then commenced in orthodoxy on the correct pronunciation of many of the most common words in the English language.

The examination was continued upon different branches till 12 o'clock, when a premium was awarded to the most proficient student in the drawing class. It was awarded to Miss Fanny Clark. During afternoon the examination was continued in various branches, the students showing that they had made proficiency in their studies.

This examination continued till the orb of day disappeared in the West.A recess of an hour was given, during which time supper was masticated by a hungry multitude. At about

half past 8 P.M. the audience collected at the house of Mr. Hughs for the purpose of witnessing a baloon assension. They did not have to wait long till it was presented to the crowd, the cotton places in the center of the diameter of the posterior extremity, it was well saturated with alcohol which being set on fire expanded the air within the balloon. But on the first trial the gass [sic] was not sufficient to raise it, so an increased quantity was applied--but in doing this the balloon caught on fire, and a hole of about 6 inches in diameter was burned, but a man of a ready mind caught it and extinguished the fire, and [repaired] the breach with his handkerchief--After a few oscillations it began gradually to rise and soon went up in splendor amidst the shout of the multitude; it soon looked like a star and was very soon out of sight. The audience then repaired to the hall and heard several recitations in elocution in the form of dialogues. The audience was then dismissed.

Friday, August 6. I took a walk this morning for recreation out onto a prairie about 1 mile east of Birdville and felt considerably refreshed on my return to BV--on my return I found breakfast on hand which I relished very well. After breakfast I went to the academy for the purpose of consulting "Webster's Unabridged" on certain words not found in his school dictionary. Here I met with the noble hearted youths attending the school: they appeared to me like my old school mates and indeed I felt a warm affection for them as their society brought vividly to my mind the associations of the past, and for a time remembered the pleasures of the same.

But soon the bell rang, the Prof. came down, and the crowd assembled, so I was compelled to take my seat in another part of the hall and witness the recitation of the classes. Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, Rhetoric, and the Arithmatical [sic] tables were the principle studies examined upon today; and the students showed that they were familiar with these studies.

The audience was not quite so large today as yesterday; but a considerable interest was expressed by those in attendance.

At about 7 A.M. a recess of 1 1/2 hours was announced, after which all came together to witness the closing scene. Some of the small classes were examined on some of the primary branches. Some elocutionary pieces were recited, in the form of dialogues; and some original essays were read by different students--some very good and others not so good--This closed the exercises of the students. Now the Rev. Binkley--the vice president of the community--proceeded to deliver the closing oration--He is the circuit preacher of the M.E.C.S. not the Birdville circuit. He is a little above the mediocrity in stature tolerably fair complected, for a Texian, with rather light hair. He has a well developed cranium, the intellectual parts stand out full and square, while the perceptive organs show that nature has not left him wanting for this development, and then the searching glance of his large hazel eyes penetrates almost to the thoughts of his audience. The oration was delivered with that energy and ability that might have been expected from such a organization. One new idea that he advanced. "That a person never forgets anything that they once thoroughly know"; it may pass their memory fofr a time, but well be recalled again--Upon his close he was greatly applauded.

Now came the distribution of the prizes. The first one (Byron's complete works) was awarded to Mr. John Satterwhite. The second to Mr. Thos. Cross. The third to Mr. Daugherty. The first prize among the ladies was awarded to Miss Fanny Clark, a beautiful book. The second to Miss Satterwhite. Thid third to a Miss Cross. There were then a quantity of small prizes distributed to the small classes, who were with some difficulty awakened from the soundness of the slumbers into which they had fallen. The exercises of the examination were now fairly gone through with, and no unpredjudiced [sic] could say that there is not a high literacy talent connected with the faculty of this school and that the students have not made creditable advances in the acquisition of real knowledge. Although the Prof. is excentric [sic] and indulges in many unnecessary antics, yet all are bound to acknowledge that he is a man of superior learning, and intelligence, specially so as for the management and government of a school is concerned and consequently is worthy of patronage.

Saturday, August 7. As soon as I was up this morning I called for Mr. Hughs, my landlord, and enquired [sic] my bill.

He charged me nothing and was very generous to me, supplying all my wants during the examination. I came to Mr. Robert's for breakfast: after resting some two hours here I walked from here to Ft. Worth, and found several letters in the office for me: one was from Wes--it relieved my mind from uneasiness about him; as I feared he was sick. The others were from Va. one from home the first I have read since I left there. It was a treat indeed to hear from my relations after being absent from them more than 5 months. My heart truly swelled with emotions of pleasure and gratitude! I returned home and after a scanty dinner, being much fatigued, I spent the most of the time on my pallet, from which I was aroused by McCarty—he having quit the business of stage driving was on his way home—a homesick greening . I wrote Wes a letter this evening. The day has been very warm.

Sabbath, August 8. After my morning lesson in the Bible, I walked to the Ft. for the purpose of attending Sabbath school, which was opened a short time after my arrival by Mr. Jewell. I was then invited to read with the Bible class by the superintendent, Mr. Dade--he is a young lawyer from Va. [T]hough he is not a church member yet he is a man of such strict morals and amiable quality that he was made superintendent of the school; and a very efficient one he appears to be. During the reading of the Bible class there was a question of controversey arose as to whether a person could identify himself in a future state of existence--two of the class assumed the negative and adheared to it with an unyielding tenacity, although the opinions of the Superintendent and the remainder of the class were emphatic and against them.

There seems to be considerable interest manifested in the school by the citizens of the place, for the school was well attended today by both the sexes. After the reading of the classes the school was addressed by Mr. Quelle [earlier JHB mentioned a Quail] designed to impress upon all the duty of constancy in their attendance at the proper hour. Sabbathly.

About one hour after school was closed the bell rang for preaching, and after a respectible [sic] audience gathered at the hall, it was addressed by the Rev. South, P. C. of the Ft. Worth circuit. He is a man of rather low in stature but heavily built. He has a prominent forehead, indicating originality. His countenance has a firm, decided, and penetrating expression, yet he is mild and gentle--indeed one fault in his enunciation is want of energy--though he puts on the appearance of a very pious man. His subject was--"Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." In the elucidation of this subject he referred to two races of being that had been disobedient to the commands of God and in consequence of disobedience had fallen from the state of happiness in which they were placed in creation, to a state of misery, suffering and depravity. We belong to one of those races and hence our

suffering and calamities. But we have not been left to utter destruction for means have been provided by which we may regain our happiness--Christ atoned for our transgressions and no man will be lost for Adam's sin, but for his own--consequently all infants are saved who die in infancy.

Monday, August 9. I resumed my school again this morning and have not very many students today.About 11 o'clock I had what the people of this country call "a chill." I did not shake any, but a rather chilly

sensation came over me for about two minutes; and then it was not long till the fever began to rise; it was high for some time and I felt very bad indeed. But I did not stop my school in consequence of it, though it was with much infirmity that I kept up this evening.

Tuesday, August 10. My fever is gone this morning and now I am taking the bitter bitter [sic] quinine in order to break the fever. About 8 o'clock P.M. the chilly sensation came on again but much lighter than it was yesterday. I took quinine today commencing very early in the morning and repeating the dose every two hours till ten or eleven o'clock. My school was full today and not very well attentive.

Wednesday, August 11. My school was tolerably full today and I have concluded to adopt a new plan in order to learn my students the sounds of the letters, the pauses in reading, accent, emphasis, cadence, &c viz: by lecture. It seems that this mode of instruction is more interesting to them demands better attention; for want of attention is as an eating kanker in my school--knawing at the very vitals of the intellect--but I am resolved to expunge it if possible from my school.

My fever did not return today and I feel tolerably well this evening.

Thursday, August 12. School about as yesterday. My plan of instruction by lecture seems [to] operate very well, for I have had better attention today than usual, and more advancement I think. I received a promise from all of the students to be more attentive for the future than they have been.

No fever today, and feel tolerably well this evening. The weather continues very warm and but little air.

Friday, August 13. School and school operations today about as yesterday, only more success seems to attend my new adopted plan of instruction.

Health seems to be improving and the air a little cooler than usual.

Saturday, August 14. Owing to the time I lost going to the examination last week it becomes necessary for me to teach today to make up for part of the time. School not full today but stil they improve. A heavy wind was from the North a few minutes and a little rain, very little; though the air is cool and pleasant this evening.

Sabbath, August 15. After my morning lesson, I went to the Ft. to be present at Sabbath school; and was really pleased with the interest manifested by the Superintendent and the ability with which he conducted the school. He explained the attributes of God--Infinite Wisdom, Mercy, and Power--plainer to my understanding than they had been before. After school was closed I met with Cos [cousin] Wm. Baker from Palo Pinto. I was truly pleased to meet with a friend; and he brought me intelligence of a highly important character.

At 11 o'clock the bell rang for preaching, and after repairing to the hall we were addressed by Parson Scruggs--a Campbellite--from the Gospel of John, the commission of the apostles.

The Christian plan of salvation was not perfected until Christ was crucified, buried, and resurected [sic] from the dead. Thereby fulfilling all the law and opening wide the gates of Salvation to all mankind that would accept of redemption on the terms of the gospel.

He contended that what was not contained in the "commission," or implied therein, was forbidden of the same.

As Christ did for sin, so we must die to sin--As Christ was buried in the grave so we must be buried with him by baptism unto death so that we may live a newness of life--And as he was raised up from the dead so we must be raised up to live a newness of life &c. I formed the acquaintance of Col. Long and family, went home with them, got my dinner, and spent the evening with them. They are high minded people and very social. I learned an idea that was new to me viz: that untold evils would arise from picked people living to the ages of 500 or 1000 years.

Monday, August 16. My school was not very well attended today, and lessons were not overly well memorised [sic]; though there still seems to be improvement in learning the sounds of letters. I was interrupted in my lecture this evening by the presence of Cos. Wm. C. Baker and Nat Terry who came to see me on business. I

loaned Cos. Wm. $40 this evening. My health is still improving. The atmosphere is a little cooler and much more pleasant than it has been for some time past.

Tuesday, August 17. School a little larger than it was yesterday. Some lessons were better; but still there is not that attention that I would like to see.

The air was a little cool today, enough so to be pleasant. My health is still improving.

Wednesday, August 18. Had 25 students today--one new one, son of Nance Esqr. I wrote an article for a school at this place again, and from the indications I think it a doubtful case in consequence of my raising the tuition from $1.50 to $2.00 though a trial is to be made yet among the patrons of the school.

Thursday, August 19. School tolerably full today, order not very good. My mode of lecturing seems to keep up more interest than anything else. The day was warm and I feel fatigued and relaxed this evening.

I am told that I cannot get another school at this place, unless I lower my terms.

Friday, August 20. School smaller than common today and lessons badly studied.The day was warmer than usual. I have been very unwell today; a fever came on me about 11 o'clock and

has lasted me all day, attended with a severe headache.

Saturday, August 21. I feel some better this morning than I did yesterday, though I yet feel feeble and worthless. In consequence of loseing [sic] two days from my school during the examination at Birdville I have to teach today.

School small but lessons tolerably well recited. O! how dry and hot the weather is.

Sabbath, August 22. Weak and feeble as I was, I mounted a young and foolish mule to go to a camp meeting about 6 miles West of this--held by the Presbyterians--I started very early and did very well in getting there.

The camping arrangment and arbor presented rather an uncouth appearance. There are a few cabin tents and the remainder cloth: the covering of the arbor is heavy brush that is not thick enough at all places to prevent the rays of the sun from passing through.

But it does not matter about such arrangements, when people are in earnest in the cause they profess, which seemed to be the case with those people. About 10 o'clock or probably later the people were called together by the sounds of the horn. An address was delivered by rather a young looking man (I did not learn his name) from the words: "What is man that thou art mindful of him? and the Son of man that thou visited him?" (8th Psalm & 4 v) Man, he said, was a compound being--and compound in a two fold sense--First he has a physical frame, and a mental intellect--Secondly his mind on mental part is composed of a natural and a spiritual nature. The natural part of his intellect begins to extend just as soon as the child begins to talk and observe the things that surround it.

And a knowledge of one thing creates a desire to know something else, hence the many questions propounded by children.

As they advance in years this natural intellect continues to expand, and the greater the expansion the greater the desire or thirst for more natural food, or knowledge of natural things. So the child first learns Orthography and Orthoepy [sic]; and as the mind becomes more capacious it takes hold of the principles of language, and from this to mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Chemestry [sic] so that it can comprehend the nature of a body, the mutual action of bodies upon each other, and the component parts of different bodies all of which is pleasing and gratifying to the natural mind. But still it is not satisfied, it ascends up into the celestial regions and learns the movements of the planets, their number, distance from each other, and all the fenomina [sic--phenomena] connected with them. He still goes on till he comprehends all science, understands all natural things, and grasps in all the laws by which the Natural creation is regulated. But still he is not satisfied; his nature is progressive; and he still pines for the gratification of his natural powers. There is still another principle in man, that seeks to be satiated. In consequence of his connexion [sic] with spirituality and that the Soul is to live forever in a state of happiness or misery: as soon as he passes the line of minority or accountibility [sic] a constant desire for spiritual happiness arises in the mind.

This desire continues to increase if he will allow it too [sic]--till the greater this desire is, the more miserable the natural man feels, because he cannot find in all nature a gratification for this spiritual desire of happiness.

But let him look to the Cross of Calvery [sic] and behold the explaining of the Savior! and there he will find just the antidote necessary to quench all his spiritual thirst, elevate him to that dignity for which spiritual nature pines; and finally to make him happy in this world and secure him a home in Heaven.

After the first sermon a public collection was taken up, and then an intermission of 10 minutes was given.At the ringing of the bell the people came together again and were addressed by the Rev King; an elderly

looking and dignified appearing man (with one arm off)--from the words "Believe in God: believe also in me: in my father's house is many mansion &c" His discourse was very pathetic, showing that God had made ample preparation for the eternal happiness of all who would do his will on earth. That it was necessary to believe in God and Christ, he also beautifully illustrated the full atonement made by Christ, and the ignominious death that he suffered--while all nature was convulsed and turned into confusion and blackness, Christ alone stood calm, composed and innocent amid all this confusion and expired for our sins!! After the sermon the Sacriment [sic] was administered to several communcants [sic] of different denominations. As unworthy as I felt I dared to join in this solemn commemoration.

The heat today was almost insupportable, indeed I have never suffered with heat in my life to the extent that I suffered today.

After meeting was closed I walked out to water my mule, and became so much overheated that it was with some difficulty that I got back to the arbor. As soon as I arrived at the arbor I lay down on my blanket in the shade and after resting in this position for some time felt somewhat refreshed.

I met with judge G--who finding out my exausted [sic] condition kindly proffered me his umbrella, which was gratefully accepted.

And after my rest, with aid of the umbrella I concluded to try and see if I could get home; and after getting out on the prairies the wind blew and I did tolerably well for a while, but was overtaken and passed by some of the town people in buggies who passed me in a considerable hurry--this put a spirit of "go" in my mule, and I was so weak that I could not hold him, consequently when the wind would make my umbrella wave, he would start off in full speed, greatly to my chagrin, and I could only stop him by turning him to one side. So, in this way I at length got home, most awfully fatigued.

Monday, August 23. My weekness [sic] was so great that it was with great difficulty that I walked to the school house and attended to my duties while there. The school was quite small today. The day was very hot.

Tuesday, August 24. O! how feeble I am! I have not enough energy to do anything if I were not compelled to do it. How I long for my school to close so that I can recruit my health! School very small again.

The day extremely hot. I do not think I will regain my strength till cooler weather.

Wednesday, August 25. I feel a little better this morning than I did yesterday--though I am yet almost worthless. School tolerably full today. The day was tolerably warm. I felt pretty well tonight, but eat too much supper and spoiled it all!!

Thursday, August 26. Spent today in a precursory examination. It did not exhibit a great degree of application and I look for almost an entire failure on tommorrow. I have been in a surly mood all day and could not help it.

Friday, August 27. Today was the closing day of my school so I repaired tolerably early to the school house. The school also met tolerably early and brought in their tickets. After examining them and the records I found that Wm. Anderson was entitled to the first prize, Emmett Roberts to the second, Ann T. Tucker to the third. There were a few of the patrons in to see the close. I think the matter passed off creditably to myself.

In the evening I went to Mrs. Thomas's and settled with her. I then went to W. B. Tucker and stayed all night. He has an estimable lady, and I like him very well.

Saturday, August 28. Spent the most of the day making out my school return to the county count, though I did not complete it, for I became so unwell in the evening that I could not work at it.

I made some pills of Blue mass and rolled them in quinine as long as the pills would absorb any of the quinine, and will take one of these pills at night for three nights. The air was very cool this morning and continues so all day, how much more pleasant it is!

Sabbath, August 29. Went to W. B. Tucker's this morning, having promised to bring my letters from the office, but there were none for me. I started home, came to Anderson's and stopped a while; and while [I] was there a chill came on me, and I shook for so 30 minutes I suppose; and then the fever came on and kept me confined till evening at Anderson's. I then came home, but really I feel very weak and worthless.

Monday, August 30. Spent the morning in completing my school return. The sun comes out, this morning, like it would be very hot today. Did but little in the afternoon of the day.

Tuesday, August 31. Went to town this morning and presented my school return to the C. Clerk--spent the most of the day in town listening at a foolish trial, contesting the election for constable in the 5th District. Started home in the evening and before getting home was overtaken by a rain, though did not get very wet. I feel better this evening than I have for some time. I hope I may now get well.

September 1858

Wednesday, September 1. Clouds look dense and heavy this morning, thunders rolled, and the vivid lightenings play across the heavens, giving several indications of rain. All the indications passed away without any rain. I spent the day in doing but little: I got 6 students subscribed to my article for a school, wrote some letters, and made some bitters of Whiskey and Tonckaway root. I feel that my health is improving a little.

Thursday, September 2. Went to town early this morning and renewed my order to the county treasurer for the public school money which amounted to only $21.25 cts. The annual apportionment being only 1 7/10 cts per day tuition. I then repaired to the place of preaching, and heard the introductory sermon of the Cumberland Presbyterian Presbytery, now in session at Ft. Worth, preached by Rev. King. [F]rom the words, "Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same things." Philipians 3.16.

He urged the importance of their adhering to their former rules and regulations.Notice was now given that the Presbytery would meet in the evening and that the spectators would be

admitted; so at the meeting of the Presbytery, I attended, but the proceedings were dry and uninteresting to me in the main; but two of the young preachers related their Religious experience and their call to the ministry which interested me more than any thing else I heard in the Presbytery. I spent the remainder of the evening in town. At candle lighting I repaired again to the Hall and heard another Rev. King hold forth from the words: "For the kingdom of God is not in words but in power." I Cor. 4.20

He first showed that for there to be a kingdom, there must be a king, laws, and subjects. God is the king here referred to, the Bible the laws, and the world of mankind the subjects. The king is all powerful, the laws just, and the subjects stubborn and rebellious, but if they comply with the laws, peace, joy, and happiness will attend them in this world and endless bliss hereafter.

Friday, September 3. Spent the fore part of the day in writing letters and making school calculations, so that I did not attend preaching this morning.

Afternoon went to the Presbytery a short time, but they soon had a recess, and so I did not go back any more.

In the evening there came up a heavy wind and blew all the dust out of town and blew the top off a carryall, the wind was very severe. At candle lighting went [to] the hall again and heard a Rev. Malony hold forth, or I ought to have heard him, but I was so overcome in some way that I could not keep awake but slept and sweated all the time he was preaching.

The clouds came up heavy, the winds blew, the lightening played, and the thunder rolled.I went to the tavern and went to bed before the meeting closed. The elements still continued in motion and

a fine shower of rain fell.

Saturday, September 4. Came home from town early this morning and spent the day in reading, writing and preparing for the Sabbath.

Sabbath, September 5. Went to town early this morning and repaired to the church at the ringing of the bell. The audience was large and was addressed by the Rev. Robert King, on the subject of the Sacriment [sic] and those who were qualified to partake of it: his position was that all who had the witness of their acceptance with God in their heart were fit subjects for the communion table. The Sacriment was administered after the sermon.

In the afternoon the audience was addressed by the Rev. Fitzpatrick on the restoration of Israel, showing the necessit of a restoration, the means of that restoration, and that the Lord would surely bring about that restoration. He concluded with an exhortation of encouragement to the believers, and an exhortation of warning to the Sinners.

Monday, September 6. Attended prayer meeting before breakfast, this morning, after breakfast attended the Presbytery till an interlocutory was called so I was then under the necessity of leaving, because I was not a member of the Presbytery.

At 11 o'clock I repaired to the church for preaching; the congregation was addressed by one of the Rev. Kings, I did not learn his Christian name, from the words, "Be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary, the Devil walketh about as a roving lion seeking whom he may devour."

He urged the necessity of being sober and vigilant in order to avoid the snares and temptations of the devil. He pointed many ways by which the devil seduces, deceives, and ruins thousands of the human family. The misfortune with me was that I could not hear him finish for I found a chill was coming on me so I was compelled to retire and lie down, and did not feel able to get up until the middle of the afternoon. I then came down and called for my dinner, which, I think, was one hour coming and a very scanty affair when it did come. I came home in the evening, and was considerably fatigued.

Tuesday, September 7. Went to B. F. Anderson's this morning, he subscribed two schollars [sic] to my article and give me [sic] his note for what was due me for the tuition of the last school.

I then went to town for the purpose of being at meeting, but I felt so bad when I arrived there that I had to take my bed instead of going to preaching. I remained there until time to come home and it was with some difficulty that I walked out to my mule and put the saddle on him, but just as I was about to mount him and start for home I threw up a tremendous quantity of bile, which relieved me very much.

Wednesday, September 8. The air is cool this morning and the clouds look dense and heavy as though it may rain. About 10 o'clock I mounted [my] mule and went to Mr. P. Moore's, where I got my dinner. After getting over the chill and fever, I went to Mr. Dosier's, collected my school money, then came to Kerbey's and stayed the night.

Thursday, September 9. Came home early and did but little of anything. In the afternoon caught my mule and was going to ride out but I felt so unwell that I put away my mule. I came to the house and went to bed and had a chill immediately.

Friday, September 10. I sweated to such an extent last night that my bed, beneath and covering, was perfectly wet.

Settled with Robinson this morning for board. He charged me two dollars per week, making my bill twenty eight dollars. I had effects against it which brought it down to fifteen dollars. About 10 o'clock I mounted my mule and went to H. Roberts', had not been there long till a chill came on me, so I had to lie up almost all day, but returned home in the evening.

Saturday, September 11. Rested better last night than usual. In the afternoon I went to Daggett's to a meeting of the patrons of the school, but was taken with a chill not long after getting there, heard none of the meeting and stayed all night.

Sabbath, September 12. H. Roberts sent a horse to Daggett's for me this morning, and I went to his house, commenced taking quinine, in small doses, almost as soon as I went; but the chill came on me in the evening.

Monday, September 13. Commenced taking quinine this morning before breakfast and continued on till after dinner; but the chill came on very lightly in the evening.

Tuesday, September 14. Went to town, this morning, to get some medicine from the Dr. to break the chills and keep them off. He gave me 8 tremendous doses of quinine. Took 4 today and had a light chill in the evening. He also gave me pills he said would keep off the chills.

Wednesday, September 15. Felt awfully weak all day today; took the other 4 doses of quinine; and escaped a chill. I kept my bed all day and was feeling very feeble.

Thursday, September 16. Took my 2 pills before each meal today, kept my bed, listened at the clock strike, and fought flies without a chill.

Friday, September 17. Did the same today, in almost every respect, that I did yesterday, and took a blue pill extra.

Saturday, September 18. Felt a little better this morning than common and after breakfast I mounted a nag and started home. [C]ame by Daggett's and settled with him and came on home. But found that Robinson expected company for several days, so I returned to Roberts's in the evening.

Sabbath, September 19. Spent today in reading the Bible, writing letters, and lying on the bed.

Monday, September 20. Spent the fore part of the day in reading and writing letters. In the evening I rode out to Ft. Worth.

I am improving very fast, and am getting a most excellent appetite.

Tuesday, September 21. Went to Birdville this morning and formed the acquaintance of the Messrs. White of that place.

After returning, spent the remainder of the day in reading, writing, talking, and lying on the bed.

Wednesday, September 22. Started early from Roberts' this morning, and came to Robinsons. After doing some writing I expect to start to Palo Pinto County this evening if I get the horse I expect to.

Started to P.P.C. about 2 o'clock P.M. traveled about 12 miles and stayed all night with a Mr. Hall.

Thursday, September 23. Started from Hall's a little before day and rode to Cottonwood grove [sic] for breakfast. Bill 25 cts. Rode from here to R. P. Baker's by 11 A.M. and spent the remainder of the day with him. Traveled 16 miles.

Friday, September 24. Started early from Baker's and went to W. Wilson's for dinner. Here the people and hogs all live together and it is difficult to tell which is the filthiest. Went to W. C. Baker's today. Distance 25 miles.

Saturday, September 25. After eating a hearty breakfast of venison I felt very well and went up to Uncle Frank's, where I found Wes and uncle in good health and fine spirits. I spent the day with them; and in the evening Wes and I went hunting saw plenty of turkeys but did not kill anything but a rattle snake.

We looked at a piece of land Wes talks of buying, it is excellent land with some improvements, and the price is $5 per acre.

Sabbath, September 26. Spent the day at Uncle's in reading and conversation. Had a fine mess of sweet potatoes and venison for dinner.

Monday, September 27. Spent the fore part of the day hunting but did not kill anything. Saw plenty of turkeys and a tremendous quantity of Mustang grapes.

Tuesday, September 28. I concluded this morning to get Mr. Pollard to go with me to Palo Pinto and assist me in getting a school at that place; but in applying to him I found that he could not go today but promised to go tommorrow so I returned home and spent the day in doing but little except to read the Bible.

Wednesday, September 29. Went to Pollard's tolerably early and found him engaged, so that he could not go with me today; but he wrote a letter of introduction to the citizens of that place. So I went and formed the acquaintance of several of the patrons of the school there, and received some encouragement to stay and try for the school. So I put up with Hullum and stayed all night.

Thursday, September 30. I wrote an article of agreements, and presented it to some of the patrons, before 12 o'clock, and obtained 14 subscribed students.

I then concluded to leave the article with Hullum to make the school and write me to Ft. Worth, and I returned to Uncle Frank's.

October 1858

Friday, October 1. Spent the fore part of the day at uncle F's; went to Wm. C. Baker's in the evening and stayed all night.

Saturday, October 2. Started this morning to a Baptist association, in Parker Co. on Grindstone. As I was on my way I met with Mr. Dillahunty, one of the patrons of the school, who told me it was necessary for me to go back in order to get the school. We arrived at the campground about 12 o'clock, just in time to get our dinners.

In the afternoon a Rev. Robinson from Erath Co., addressed the people, he advanced some good ideas in a very rough and uncouth style, but he was so exclusive in his sentiments that I did not feel that interest in his sermon that I might otherwise have done. The Convention, appointed to organize a new association, met after the sermon and proceeded to organize the Brazos River Association and elected Parson Biers Moderator, Parson Roarch Corresponding secretary, Mr. Ikard Clerk and Mr. Pollard treasurer. Turner preached at night to a large and attentive audience. He is a hard speaker.

I went to Ikards, about 2 1/2 miles, and stayed all night.

Sabbath, October 3. We returned to the campground tolerably early this morning, and were addressed by Rev. Roarch from Patrick from the commission of Christ to his Apostles. He handled it ably showing the nature of the Gospels [and] those to whom it should be preached and by what means it should be carried to every creature. He also showed the Scripture authority for ministers to be supported by the gospel, and the duty of the Church to send the gospel to heathen lands. At the close of the sermon there was a missionary collection taken up which amounted to $25. The people were addressed in the afternoon by parson Biers, but I was called off on business and did not hear much of the sermon.

At night Robinson held forth in his accustomed style. There was considerable revival and one conversion in the congregation tonight.

After meeting closed, I went to Parson Turner's and stayed.

Monday, October 4. Immediately after breakfast I mounted my horse and started back to Palo Pinto, in order to attend to my school, and arrived at uncle F's about 1 o'clock P.M. I remained here all day and night and almost gorged myself eating watermelons; for they had some fine ones.

Tuesday, October 5. Went to town today and was examined before the school committee and obtained a certificate of recommendation in order to refute a report that was circulating to my injury, viz: that I refused to be examined by the committee. Stayed all night with Hullum's.

Wednesday, October 6. Saw some of the patrons of the school and obtained 8 subscribers making 20 in all and returned to uncle F's in the evening.

Thursday, October 7. Went to Pollard's and Wm. C. Baker's but returned to unlce F's and stayed all night.

Friday, October 8. Went to Palo Pinto this morning to attend a Camp meeting at that place. Arrived there about 11 o'clock and heard a Rev. M. Tackett preach a tolerably good sermon. The audience in the evening was addressed by the Rev. Mullins, and at night by Dr. Taylor. It rained some tonight and I stayed with Mr. Williams.

Saturday, October 9. It rained some last night and continued to rain, at intervals, all day. Rev. Tackett addressed the people again this morning with some good effect though the weather was inclement. Afternoon parson Keidd delivered and excellent discourse upon the subject of giving God the glory in all things, clearly showing that no person could be a Christian without glorifying his Creator, and that Christianity consisted not in a name nor in ceremonies, but in the genuine working of the Spirit of God in the heart renewing it to His spiritual image and likeness.

The rain was so incessant that I did not go out tonight. I stayed at Hullum's.

Sabbath, October 10. It rained almost all night and was very unpleasant indeed, for the buildings of the place are very uncomfortable. Parson Wright held forth at 8 A.M. and Keidd at 11 A.M.

Kiedd preached on the subject of Baptism in a very clear, plain, and forceable manner. After the sermon the sacriment [sic] of Baptism was administered to several persons, children and adults, by sprinkling, pouring and commission by Rev. Tackett. In the evening Tackett addressed the audience and at night the sacriment of the Lord's

Supper was administered. The Spirit of the Lord seemed to operate among the people, the church seemed to be revived, sinners convicted, mourners converted and added to the church.

Monday, October 11. Made an effort to finish my school, which I did, and after the middle of the day, at which time there were two ladies baptised by immersion. I left my article with Hullum, and came to uncle F's, in company with Rees Hale and stayed all night.

Tuesday, October 12. Went to Wm. C. Baker's for breakfast, on my way to Tarrant Co. Traveled about 30 miles today to R. P. Baker's and stayed all night with him. Stole some watermelons on the road today and eat them.

Wednesday, October 13. Came from RP's to Ft. Worth today, distance about 30 miles and found several letters in the office from my friends. Saw quite a number of wild geese passing towards the South--some people say that their passing in that direction is an indication that cold weather is approaching. I came down to Col. Nat Terrie's and stayed all night.

Thursday, October 14. Went to Ft. Worth this morning to deposit a letter in the office after which I came by Col. Terrie's melon patch and eat heartily of the melons. I then went around through the neighborhood to see the patrons of my old school and try to collect my money, but failed to collect any, obtaining the promise of it in a few days.

Friday, October 15. Went to the Ft. and collected a little money this morning, and then came to Hugh Roberts' to return a borrowed horse. I then went [to] Birdville and made arrangements to go to school there next week and study Penmanship under Prof. Hudson. I borrowed his rules of decorum, for the government of his school, with permission to copy them, and after returning to Roberts' spent the remainder of the day copying them.

Saturday, October 16. Finished copying Hudson's Rules, and wrote some letters to my friends. In the evening went to B. F. Anderson's and stayed all night.

Professor Hudson's Rules as copied by Jonathan Hamilton Baker:

Advice and general rules of decorum and order &c.

1st Propriety of deportment is the valuable result of a knowledge of one's self and of respect to the rights of others; it is a feeling of the sacrifices which are imposed upon self esteem, on our social relations, being a sacred requirement of that harmony and affection which exists among all philanthropic individuals; therefore, as praiseworthy students, let your propriety of deportment be based upon modesty, sincerity, and courtesy.

2d However disheartening may be your circumstances; however friendless and forlorn your lot may be, never cease to persevere in acquiring knowledge.

Be very active and vigilant in its pursuit. Be determined that no trial shall overcome your patience, and no impediment conquer your perseverance. Always try repeatedly and perseveringly to attain any good object.

Take then good care of your education, and see that your principles and attainments are equal to your advantages. The instruction which you may receive from teacher is not enough; the admonitions of your kind and affectionate parents are not enough; books are not enough; you must, besides all these, teach yourselves: you must inquire, reflect, compare, and understand for yourself or all will be in vain: for you can only be really knowing and wise by personal application and unwearied effort.

Read then good books, seek good companions, attend to good counsels, and imitate good examples.3d Thoughtful pupils will not waste their time in laughing, in light or nonsensical talk, or in trying to

be vulgarly witty to obtain the praise of those more inclined to be loose in their manners than particularly desirous of leading a blameless life; but thoughtful and really smart pupils will be studiously and closely attentive to the various duties that may be assigned them by their teachers or parents.

4th Avoid playing off any feelings of ridicule against the excellencies or defects of others. Forget the faults of others and remember your own. Constantly cherish a love of moral goodness and strive to enable your judgment to gain an entire ascendancy over all inclinations to indulge in frivolity, excessive gayety, extravigant joy, great depression of mind, jealousy, envy, malice, and illiberality. Strive to excell in purity of morals and to obtain the most illumination of mind from the possession of scientific truth.

5th In order that you may inspire in others a kind regard and love for you, always, when you have an occasion to speak to them, address them with a mild tone, graceful affibility, mild dignity, and elegant simplicity; and occasionally accomodate them in that which is reasonable.

6th You will be expected to attend this school from ½ past 8 to 12 o'clock in the morning, and from 1 till 5 in the afternoon.

7th No student, through an unwise highmindedness, a silly conceit or pride, a want of laudable ambition, mental indolence, or lack of strength of capacity, shall refuse to take tickets of merit as justly and truly awarded by the Preceptor; because the number of tickets of merit which each student in this school obtains shall be considered and full estimated as an honest and true indication of his mental industry, good behavior, and intellectual smartness.

8th You are requested to learn to govern your tempers so as not soon to be angry or willing to take or give offense. If occasions of provocations arise, you will be expected, as good and noble students, to manifest a praiseworthy magnanimity by avoiding speaking crossly and harshly, and endeavoring either to be as silent as possible or to speak mildly and charitably.

9th You are forbidden to converse with any other student upon any other subject than that which directly concerns the study or lesson to which you are devoting your attention by the requirements of the teacher.

10th Every student is this school. All have the privilege of enquiring of the teacher at every opportunity.

When you find anything that you cannot understand, you are requested to ask the teacher in a very respectful manner for an explanation, and not only once, twice, or thrice, but till you fully understand it.

You shall not be censured for repeatedly interogating the teacher respecting any scholastic difficulty with which you may be perplexed; but you shall be reproved if you do not make inquiry when it is necessary for you to know and be enlightened. But for any other cause or purpose you shall not leave your seat without express permission.

11th By honoring the teacher with an implicit obedience, due to the situation of his high office, you shall, in return receive his best attention and kindest regard, and cheerful attention to the best of his abilities.

No pupil in this school will be allowed to use a bad word of any kind. You must not curse nor sware, nor take the name of God in vain. You must avoid making use of all vulgar contractions of profane language, or any expression implying profanity; such as, "By Golly," "Dog-gone it," "By jehu" ! and all similar silly and unmeaning phrases. No schollar in this school shall neither use either profane or filthy language, nor waste his or her time in idleness during school hours without being severely censured or receiving a punishment adequate to the transgression; because any bad or lazy habits acquired in youth will tend to degrade and make you miserable when you arrive at riper years, and because all the ignorance degredation, or misery in the world is the result of indolence or vice.

12th Any student male or female detected in lying, pilfering, or slandering another schollar, shall, unless he or she very humbly ask pardon be expelled in disgrace.

13th No schollar shall be allowed to tell tales about another to the teacher, because the teacher deems it the wisest plan to see and hear for himself.

14th No pupil will be permitted to go out or vacate the room longer than 8 minutes in the morning and 8 minutes in the afternoon, except in cases of sickness. Two ladies, but not a greater number, shall be allowed to accompany each other; but the gentlemen must go out singly, and not either shall be allowed this privilege if any other schollar happen to be out at the time the request is made.

15th Each student in this school who wishes to be a true lady or gentleman will be expected to accost every person whom he or she meets with "Good morning sir or madam," "good afternoon, evening, or night," according to the time, making at the same time a very polite bow; to knock at the door of any office or dwelling house, and [wait] patiently for an invitation to enter before walking in, and not to rush into any person's domicil like a savage or a self conceited fop destitute of common respect to others; likewise to take off the hat while in the house, as a sign of respect to the honorable inmates; to refrain from seating himself till a chair is offered: to cheerfully adopt all polite means to honor and accomodate all honest, civil, and virtuous persons, by offering him your seat, standing, and politely bowing, and courteously accosting them when they enter the house, and observing the same good manners when they depart.

16th That student who shall correctly recite a lesson, worthily execute, answer, or accomplish any thing in scholastic pursuits, shall receive a number of tickets of merit adequate to his or her proficiency, accomplishment, or recitation toward the procuration of a prize, and a high testimonial at the expiration of this session.

17th Every student, both male and female, is particularly requested to read the Bible and pray to our Heavenly Father in secret, once during each day; that He may give us success and reward us openly.

By Laws1st Any student under 14 years of age detected the 3d time in violating a law, rule, or regulation for

the good government of this school shall be severely whipped.2d Any student over 14 detected the 3d time in transgressing the rules and regulations of this school

shall be expelled in disgrace.3d Any male or female student detected in forwarding or receiving a love letter from each other shall

be either severely whipped or immediately expelled.4th Any student, male or female, detected in speaking ill or disrespectfully to any person publicly or

privately of the teacher of this school shall be either whipped or expelled for the 2d offense, unless they humbly ask pardon.

5th Any student leaving his place in the school-house without permission of the teacher shall be fined 20 tickets of merit for each offense.

6th Any student refusing to treat the teacher with becoming respect, due to the situation of his high office, or obstinately refusing to obey him in any particular, shall be fined 50 tickets for the 1st offense and for the 2d be whipped or expelled.

7th Any student detected in lying, swaring, slandering another student, or stealing shall be either severely whipped or expelled.

8th Any male or female student detected in insulting a lady in any way, or by any means, shall be either whipped or expelled.

9th No student shall leave the schoolhouse at recess, at noon, farther than 200 yards except for the purpose of going to dinner.

10th The boys and girls must have separate play grounds and not intrude upon each other.11th All are required to make a polite bow on entering the house of a morning.12th If all will observe the rules and obey the teacher, all shall be treated alike by the teacher and there

shall be respect of persons in this school.

Sunday, October 17. Went [to] Roberts' this morning and shaved, blacked my boots, changed my clothes, read some in the Bible, than came to H. Roberts' and stayed all night.

Monday, October 18. Went to Birdville this morning and entered the High school at that place. Prof. Hudson is a man of great excentricity [sic], well educated, and an excellent teacher. He made me change the position of my hand and manner of holding my pen. I think from the start he gave me today he will improve me considerably this week.

Tuesday, October 19. Still continued at school today and made some improvement in penmanship. It rained last night, was cloudy today, and the roads are in an unpleasant condition for traveling.

Wednesday, October 20. Spent the day at Birdville, and still continue to make proficiency in my study.

Thursday, October 21. My desires and unworied [sic] efforts are to improve my penmanship, but my old innaccurate habit sticks to me with an almost invincible tenacity. Habits should be right.

Friday, October 22. Had the pleasure of Mr. Rees Hale's company and the comfort of a conveyance upon his wagon to Birdville this morning.

Had 100 cards printed noticeing [sic] my school; cost $2.50. My tuition with Prof. Hudson expires today, lasting 5 days for which I paid 75 cts.

The Profsr. acted very benificently with me for which he has my sincerest thanks and heartfelt gratitude. I think I have made considerable advancement in penmanship and acquired rules by which I can continue to improve.

Saturday, October 23. It is cloudy this morning, and a damp mist making it very unpleasant. I concluded to go around and see the patrons of my school and try to get some money. I succeeded in collecting about $45 and have about the same amount to collect yet.

I was at Ft. Worth in the evening and a tremendous rain came up covering the whole face of the earth in a flote [sic] of water. I had a very unpleasant time coming home.

Sabbath, October 24. The rain and the clouds had disappeared this morning and the winds were blowing tolerably cool from the West. Many prairie chickens could be heard chattering on the prairies before it was light this morning.

Immediately after breakfast I went to search for a book I dropped in the rain last evening and was fortunate enough to find it though badly injured. Went on [to] Robinson's, shaved, and returned to Roberts' before dinner, and spent the remainder of the day in reading and conversation.

Monday, October 25. Learned Mrs. Roberts the art of garmet cutting today. [I]n the evening engaged some wagoners [sic] to convey my trunk to Palo Pinto and went to Robinson's after night.

Tuesday, October 26. Very early this morning I conveyed my trunk and baggage to the wagon that was to convey it to the west, but [to] my discomfiture one of their horses died and they turned back. So I was compelled to get a buggy and convey my trunk &c to Ft. Worth and wait till Thursday evening for the stage for conveyance west.

Wednesday, October 27. Attended the school of Mr. Lewis in the hall today, and was pleased to see the order and subordination of the students. Mr. Lewis is certainly an excellent teacher and a cleaver [sic] man.

After school this evening I went to Col. Terrie's watermelon patch and ate very hearty of them.

Thursday, October 28. Spent the forenoon in preparing some blanks for school records. In the evening the stage came on and about 4 P.M. I took passage for Weatherford fare $3. Distance 30 miles. Traveled 10 miles this evening and stayed all night with a Mr. Bersey. Bill .40 cts.

Friday, October 29. Started about 7 o'clock this morning and arrived at Weatherford about 12. Finding no wagons at the place going west I concluded to wait here till morning, during which stay I saw a

difficulty between Norton and Beckworth, merchants of this place, in which they used pistols, exchanged 3 shots each and did no injury. Brave men indeed!!

Saturday, October 30. After prospecting around this morning I found a man who agreed to convey my trunk part of the way to Palo Pinto. So I left it with him and came on to P.P. in company with Mr. Barber--he and I riding alternately upon his horse.

I came to unlce F's and stayed all night. Blake Ballow came in here tonight from N.C. and brought the news that uncle's family was on the road to Texas and would soon be here.

Sabbath, October 31. After shaving and fixing up this morning I started for the town of P.P. in company with Mr. Barber and family and arrived here about 12. Heard some preaching this evening and tonight and found that the house was not ready for me to commence my school.