Pleasant Corners, March 30, 1866

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Dear Brother Whit:

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Mary asked me to add a few lines to her letter and I thought I would; not that I can add any thing very interesting but as a token of remembrance. You have been many years on the Pacific Coast and if you have not yet found a fortune, one would think you must have found a home there judging from the time you stay. But it seems to us you might come out make us all a visit at least. For myself I have been engaged for two or three years in farming summers and teaching winters. I have preached some during that time and some of my friends think I ought not to have left the regular work of the ministry but the war had such an effect on the little Church in Elizabeth that I found it necessary to leave it for another field and not relishing the candidative business much I concluded to move on to my little farm on Plum River till after the war. I have 80 acres of land and about 30 under the plough. I expect to rent most of it this summer to my neighbors and preach most of the time, for though I do not expect to make much by this course, yet I am in hopes of doing something in the good cause. We ought to do what we can while we live. we are all growing old, and what we do must be done quickly. God grand that we may be all faithful to our own souls as well as to the spiritual interests of our fellow beings.

A strong effort is being put forth in the States at present in the temperance cause, of which there is great news, for during the war Intemperance has been on the increase to a frightful extent. In our own state good Templais lodges are being formed in almost every town and village and they exert a good influence. Many drunkards have been reformed and the power of the grog shops lessens. I suppose I can’t tell you any news that will be very interesting to you as our neighbors here are strangers to you. Our Methodist Brethren had a protracted meeting in the school house where I taught this winter and claim a no. of new converts. These meetings are common during winter evenings all over the country. I hope they may be productive of good, though I never labored in them a great deal. I certainly rejoice to see the cause of virtue, morality and religion on the advance. 

An event occurred lately in the village of Elizabeth where we lived so long, that had an exciting effect on the minds of many of the inhabitants. A young man of respectable connections, who has been in the Army, seduced a young girl and then deserted her, leaving as he said for Idaho or some of the western mines. The girl when she found she was deserted took Arsenic and poisoned herself of which she died. Some of her friends threatened the death of the young man if he ever showed himself. Her death caused much talk and excitement. But it will not interest you much I know. No doubt you see enough of human depravity without reading about it. I would speak of political affairs but know not much about them. President Johnson is accused by some of leaning very much toward the Southern side on the quest of reconstruction of the states. A bill for protecting the Freedom of the south has been vetoed by him but he will probably sign it in a modified form. But I will conclude this chit-chat, by inviting you to come when you visit the states, and see us in our humble abode. I would be glad to write oftener if I thought I would write anything interesting, for though not much acquainted I feel that you are a friend and Brother.

J.R. Smith