Report from Bro. Waggoner.
By J. H. Waggoner
We left Memphis the 13th, and arrived in St. Charles the 14th. As the roads north were very bad, and it was raining almost daily, we concluded to remain there over the Sabbath, as we could hardly expect to get the tent pitched that week. It being the time of their Monthly Meeting, we had the pleasure of seeing the brethren and sisters from Fremont and Chesaning. We commenced meetings Thursday evening, continuing them till Sunday evening. Sabbath, A. M., we devoted to the subject of Health, followed by a tolerably good social meeting. Sunday morning being the time of the Methodist appointment, we convened at 9 o'clock, at Bro. Griggs', and resumed our examination of the Health question. Some had not realized its importance, and I trust the interest is augmented on this subject.109 Monday morning, the 20th, was fair, and we started for Midland in fine spirits; but after stopping three times on account of rain, we had to stop ten miles from Midland. Next morning we started early, and going there were much disappointed at the prospect. First, the Sabbath-keepers had removed to a new settlement twenty miles up the Tittabawassa river, and it was on their account the minds of the brethren were directed to the place. Second, the village was unfavorably located for pitching a tent. Main street is on a sand ridge near the river, and back of that every sandy knoll or spot large enough to set a house was occupied. Part of the village, and back of it to an extent to us unknown, is low, wet marsh. Third, the dysentery was prevalent and very fatal. This we learned by the papers before we went there, but hoped the reports might be exaggerated, but found they were not. We judge it would not be prudent for any one to go there to spend the next six weeks, even though other circumstances were favorable. Consulting together, we decided that it was advisable, from what we could learn, for one to go up the river and hold some meetings in "Sixteen," as the settlement referred to is called, and the other go to Holly and see if the way opened as favorably as the friends seemed to suppose it would. Bro. Cornell preferred going up there, as he did not wish to take the burden of the tent on his mind; and I was willing to make this arrangement for the additional reason that circumstances might demand more labor there than I should feel free to bestow and leave him with the tent alone; so I told him to do his duty there and I would take care of the tent till he came. And so we parted about one o'clock, when I started for Saginaw City, where I arrived about eight last evening. To-day I shipped the tent for Holly, and came on, much to the gratification of the friends here. The privilege of the ground and lumber have been obtained, and we have decided to pitch this week. The weather is very cold for the season, but we hope it may be more favorable. I am anxious to commence as soon as possible, on account of the lateness of the season. As we were sent out especially to hold a tent meeting the brethren may think our position discouraging; but we do not feel so. Our meetings have been profitable we trust, and had the place been selected and all ready, we could not have pitched the tent on account of the weather. Bro. H. S. Guilford, of St. Charles, is with me here, to remain as may be duty. Brethren, pray for us. P. S.— Thursday morning. It is so very cold that we have decided not to pitch the tent till the first of next week. We dare not commence under such unfavorable circumstances.