COMMUNICATIONS by Joseph Bates

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 24, 1856

COMMUNICATIONS.

By Joseph Bates

From Bro. Bates.

BRO. SMITH.—On my way from Battle Creek to Chicago, Ill. Dec. 31st, after running about 70 miles, all of a sudden we were rushing from our seats in confusion and dismay by the cars being thrown from the track. My first business after recovering my balance was to assist in extinguishing the fire which had been thrown from the stove by the justling of the cars. This done, we ascertained that no one was seriously injured, and also, that the cause of our disaster was owing to one of the rails breaking away from the track under us. On further inquiry we learned that the engine with her tender by some unaccountable means broke loose from her load of cars and baggage without losing her position on the track, and passed on some distance ahead of us, leaving the baggage and forward cars plunged into the bank “justled one against another in the broad way.” In this cheerless position in the woods we continued from about 7 P. M. until after mid-night when we were exchanged for another load of passengers bound east, and by the good hand of the Lord arrived safely in Chicago, Ill. in time for breakfast. If the locomotive had not broken from the passenger train at the instant it did, the consequence would undoubtedly have been sad indeed. I feel that I am under renewed obligations to the Lord for his preserving mercies.

On the 3d Inst. I reached this place, and have held several meetings in different districts, and spent two Sabbaths in meeting with Bro. Phelps and the church in this vicinity. I am now on my way to Lake Mills to hold meetings in that vicinity. JOSEPH BATES. Hebron, Jefferson, Co., Wis.