Letter to Asahel Hart Woodruff, 25 July 1837
New Rowley, Essex County Mass.
Asahel H. Woodruff,
Dear Brother
perhaps you will think strange
that I should call your attention to the perusal of another page
so soon from me. I remarked in my last that I should
write again if I had any thing of interest to communicate. & so I
have finished my visit with my friends in Conn" for the present at least.
I thought it might not be amiss to inform you about matters and things
July 8th I visited our relatives in west street uncle Thadeus Thompson
family & all the friends who appeared glad to see me. I spent the night with
Uncle Titus Woodruff. I found them all well. Sunday 9th I visited Uncle
Ozem Woodruff & was truly rejoiced to once more take him by the hand
I preached at early candele light at the Lovly Street School house by
Uncle Ozem's to a full congregation of relatives, neighbours, & old acquaint-
ance they gave good attention & treated me with the best of friendship[s] I
spent the night with Uncle Alson Thompson. 10th I visited Collins
ville & found the place had altered much since I lift [left] it, it was dull times
with them no business going on excepting pulling down their shops
& building greater they were making about $100,000 dollars of
repairs. I spent the day in visiting the place Uncle Ozem was at work on
the stone dam across the river cousin Samuel Barber was treading &
doing well. I preached in the city hall at 5 oclock PM. to the inhabitants of
Collinsville as I commenced speaking the drums commenced beating
at the door's which continued for half an hour, their was some tumult
in the house, however I preached them the word. Some few gave good
attention such as Samuel Barber, Uncle Ozem, & (Jerry Humiston) ^xx^
who were present. I again preached on the 11th in the Lovly Street
School house upon the Authenticity of the Book of mormon their
prejudice was broaken down they gave good attention & found no fault
quite a number were quite believeing & three offered themselves
for Babtism I suppose I must tell you who they were viz
Ozem Woodruff. Hannah Woodruff & John Woodruff their Son
I repaired to the water & baptized them with great joy & consolation
to my soul (thus ends that dream or vision which I had in Avon
when about ten years of age). On the 12th I went to Simsbury to
visit Aunt Cossetts family I had a very plesant visit with them
