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Life and Letters of Rev. Aratus KentBy Rodney B. Nelson, III, M.D., F.A.C.P.IntroductionThe Reverend Aratus Kent was just one of a tide of Connecticut Yankees who went west in the early decades of the 19th century. Today, Kent’s name is recognized only among a small circle. His enduring influence is difficult to measure precisely, but it is surely considerable. His personal ethic of selflessness, so often espoused from his pulpit, was for him a way of life. His good works were performed in anonymity whenever possible. And, out of humility, he burned most of his letters and journals shortly before his death. This act of destruction was one that his conscience approved, but was a deed to be profoundly lamented by students of the social and religious history of pioneer Northern Illinois. “I have an invincible dread of such notoriety,” is how Kent himself once expressed his passion for obscurity.The material artifacts of Kent’s memory include a little stone church, a weathered tombstone, a small assortment of brief recollections of those who knew him, some letters preserved by the American Home Missionary Society XE "American Home Missionary Society" , and a few other scattered documents. A little hamlet in Stephenson County, Illinois, is named for Kent — a fifty year resident of Kent was recently queried as to the origin of the name of the town. “Named for an old preacher boy from the horse and buggy days,” was the pithy reply.If the presence of a man’s spirit can be sensed in the places where he labored, then Aratus Kent remains among all of us in Northern Illinois. Kent long served the American Home Missionary Society; first as its charter Northern Illinois missionary; and then as its first agent for that state’s northern three tiers of counties. Before there were stage roads, he traveled the Indian traces and along the rivers on horseback and on foot. When the stage roads came into existence, he traveled them all in his buggy, wearing out many beasts and machines in the process, but never exhausting his own ecclesiastical energy. He rode “the cars” of the rail roads from their inception, stopping at the little depots to “prospect” for spirituality among the new populations. If he missed the “cars,” he “jumped” the freights (charming the stern train superintendents into looking the other way at his “bending” of the rules). When an image of the weary traveling frontier preacher is conjured, Methodism is the stamp that comes immediately to mind. Aratus Kent was Presbyterian to his marrow. He frequently chided the missionaries in his charge to live amongst their flocks, not at a distance. Yet he himself was prone to itinerate, sometimes to the consternation of his superiors in New York. He always kept Galena as his home, but his letters were post-marked from Lodi, Haldane, Nora, Garden Prairie, Orangeville, Wayne, Little Fort, Crete, and Chicago, to name just a few of the hundreds of places where he preached and proselytized for the American Home Missionary Society. Doubtless there is not a single spot in Northern Illinois where Aratus Kent did not pass within a few miles.His forty years of vigorous life in Northern Illinois encompassed two wars, many draughts and blizzards, and several economic cycles. Yet, human nature was his greatest adversary. He agonized over the indiscretions of his fellow ministers, and he was tormented by “sectarian strife,” even though he himself contributed some to it. He never really understood the power that the anti-slavery issue exerted amongst many of his fellow Christians. Yet, he was certainly not pro-slavery, as some of his contemporaries accused him. His contributions to education, from Sunday schools to colleges, were manifold and lasting in their influence. How many roads must a man walk down before they call him a man? Perhaps, just as the popular ballad proclaims, the exact answer is blowing in the wind. Whatever the precise quantity, Reverend Aratus Kent’s travel in quest of salvation for his fellow man far exceeds the minimum requirement. Even at the age of 65 he often trudged alone 10 or 15 miles at a time across the treeless prairie in mid-February, so that some destitute congregation would not miss a sermon on the Sabbath. The “Apostle of Northern Illinois” deserves a prominent place in the annals of the Prairie State.Ancestry and Early LifeAratus Kent sprang from the cradle of American academics & clerics: Connecticut. In Illinois, the phrase “Connecticut man” was one of grudging respect given to the generally shrewd and learned sons of the Nutmeg State. One of Kent’s Galena, Illinois, townsmen, U.S. Grant, once remarked that “it would not take a Connecticut man” to discern that Grant had been bested in his first horse trade. Many, perhaps even most, of the first doctors, lawyers, teachers, and clergy of the old Northwest were Connecticut’s expatriates. Captain John Kent (1855-1827), Aratus’ father,, was a well-to-do merchant-farmer of Suffield XE "Suffield" , Connecticut, a town 16 miles north of Hartford, and 10 miles south of Springfield, Massachusetts, on the west side of the Connecticut River. Aratus was born there on the 17th day of January, 1794. He was joined to the same branch of the family from whence XE "Kent: Kent, Chancellor James" Chancellor James Kent of New York came. And he was a distant relation of Connecticut’s most notable figure of the age: Timothy Dwight. Aratus’ mother, XE "Smith, Sarah" Sarah Smith, died in 1813 at the age of 49. Aratus had an older brother, XE "Kent:Germanicus" Germanicus, who became another important figure in Northern Illinois history by founding the City of Rockford. He also had an older sister Sally, and a younger sister Cecelia. Aratus' great grandfather, XE "Kent:Samuel" Samuel, was a representative to the Great and General Court or Assembly of Massachusetts from Suffield from 1742 to 1747. Samuel had married one of the twin daughters of XE "Dwight: Nathanial" Nathanial Dwight of Northampton. Nathaniel Dwight was also the grandfather of XE "Dwight" Timothy;Timothy Dwight, President of Yale XE "Yale" . Of course, Timothy Dwight's other grandfather was the great, if controversial, Calvinist XE "Edwards, Jonathan" Jonathan Edwards. Jeddidiah Morse’s Gazetteer of 1821 put Suffield’s population at 2680. Aratus Kent was not the town’s only peripatetic son: in 1853 the population was only 2962. Suffields’ best known son of the 19th century was probably Dr. Sylvester Graham. He introduced the Graham system of dietetics based on unbolted flour, and thus the “Graham Cracker”.Suffield had three churches in Aratus' time there— two Congregational and one Baptist. This, coupled with the strong Calvinistic environment that had always surrounded the Kent family, molded his early years, but did little to foster any ecumenical ideas in Aratus' young mind. Suffield was one of the northern border towns of Connecticut that was originally included in the grant made by the Massachusetts Bay Colony to the Springfield patentees. This was long a source of complaint from Connecticut, because the original survey that created the boundary was grossly in error. In 1700 Connecticut attempted to obtain an amicable settlement of the difficulties, and two years later appointed commissioners, who by actual surveys ascertained that the line should be a considerable distance north of the former limits. The Bay Colony dissented from this report, and in 1708 Connecticut appointed commissioners with full powers to establish the boundaries, and if Massachusetts would not unite to complete the transaction, an appeal to the Crown was threatened. The dispute was settled, but not finally until 1826, about the same time that the border between Wisconsin and Illinois was fixed.When Aratus Kent arrived in Galena XE "Galena" , Illinois, in 1829 a similar border dispute was in progress. Some felt that Galena was within the territorial boundaries of Wisconsin, XE "Wisconsin," and not within the State of Illinois. The Galena miners became suddenly and particularly knowledgeable about geography when the Illinois tax authorities came calling. When their geographical argument failed, with typical frontier brashness, some 120 residents of Galena and surrounding territory petitioned Congress on November 29, 1828, to form a new territory called XE "Huron, proposed Territory of" “Huron”. This territory would encompass all of northern Illinois and most of the present states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Naturally, in their memorial the petitioners humbly suggested that Galena be named the capital of their new territory. The memorial was “Read, and laid upon the table...” of Congress XE "Congress" on December 29, 1828. Apparently its repose upon that table was never disturbed.Aratus was fitted for college at the academy at nearby Westfield, Massachusetts, (where the only church was Congregational) At Westfield Aratus studied under the Rev. Ralph Emerson, a member of a family of ministers with whom Kent would have many associations. Ralph was only seven years older than Aratus Kent, but young men frequently taught school to support themselves while they pursued higher education. Ralph Emerson also became a Yale Graduate (1811), and he ended his days in Rockford, Illinois. Education at Yale At the age of nineteen Aratus entered the Sophomore Class at Yale College. College life at Yale in Kent’s years had improved considerably under XE "Dwight:Timothy" President Theodore Dwight's “parental” system of discipline. However, some of the old pranks and frolics were beyond the control even of Dwight. One such custom Dwight never quite quelled was the traditional freshman-sophomore "push." This had been going on since time immemorial. ''Much as when a new cow is put along with a herd of others," each year, after the freshmen came, the sophomores put the strangers to the test. Emerging from Chapel after evening prayers, the second-year men stopped on the porch and tried their strength at keeping the freshmen back. If they conducted the ceremony with the proper verve, individuals caught in the center found themselves raised high from the floor and had visions of being squeezed to death. The Faculty, convinced that the experience offered nothing beneficial, strove as strenuously to eliminate the rite. Sometimes by suspending two or three who had been "forward" in it, they broke it up for a year. But the effect was only temporary. The same mystic compulsion impelled successive classes to repeat the ritual, so strong is ancient custom. Aratus Kent, by entering Yale as a sophomore, avoided being the victim of the traditional "fagging" of freshmen. But Aratus did not totally avoid discomfiture at the hands of his classmates. The boys, true to all ages, gave him a nick name, and called him “Ratty.” The name so displeased him that he would never allow any of the twelve children whom he and Mrs. Kent took into their home to call each other by any nick names.The Freshman, Sophomore and Junior classes were split into two divisions, each being assigned to its own tutor, who instructed them in all subjects. The tutor was often himself a student studying for an advanced degree in law or theology. One of Kent’s own tutors, Dr. Emerson, influenced Kent’s choice of the ministry for a career, and provided a son himself for the frontier ministry. Kent recalled the encounter: “I remember with ineffaceable impressions some things in relation to Tutor Emerson, one of which is my visit to his room near the close of my college life to consult with him in relation to my future course.This question rested with tremendous pressure upon my mind at that time whether I should become a minister and whether I did right or wrong, you must bear the responsibility of having encouraged me to go forward.”The tutor commonly carried the same group through their second and third years. There was little variation in the fields covered, and the demand for pedagogical specialization was only beginning to be felt. Another of Kent’s tutors was Chauncey Allen Goodrich. The son-in-law of Noah Webster, Goodrich became an accomplished lexicographer himself, working on many editions of the famous Dictionary. “His labours with me in the revival of 1815 were among the links which composed the change of influence which led me to consecrate myself to God and to the ministry,” is how Kent recalled his tutor’s influence.Usually to the same tutor, sophomores like Aratus Kent recited:HoraceCollectanea Graeca Majora, Volume IMorse's Geography, Volume IIWebber's Mathematics, Volume IIEuclid's ElementsEnglish Grammar (Lindley Murray's was the text)Tytler's Elements of HistoryThis took care of the requirement in the college laws that second year students be taught Geography, the "Elements of Chronology and History," Algebra, and Plane Geometry. From this, they advanced, in their junior year, to:Tacitus (History)Collectanea Graeca Majora, Volume IlWilliam Enfield's Natural PhilosophyEnfield's AstronomyChemistryVince's FluxionsAnd, if the faculty lived up to the laws, English Grammar, Trigonometry, Navigation, Surveying, and "other branches of the Mathematics" were not neglected.All students, regardless of class, were required, in daily rotation, to "exhibit" compositions of various kinds, and submit them to the instructor's criticism. About four at a time, they declaimed, publicly and privately, on Tuesdays and Fridays, in English, Latin, Greek, or Hebrew, as directed; and, whenever required, each had to hand in a copy of his declamation "fairly written." Seniors and juniors also disputed forensically before the class, twice a week, on a question approved by the instructor; when the disputants had fired their bolts, the instructor discussed the matter "at length," giving his own views of the problem and of the arguments used by both sides. Dwight considered it "an exercise, not inferior in its advantages to any other;" and one student assured his parents that all these disputes and compositions required "a great deal of hard thinking and close application."With tutors performing the more mundane tasks, not unlike today’s graduate assistants, the professors could concentrate on a more detailed instruction in their specialties. Students were required to attend lectures with a notebook to record the principal points. At every tests were given on the preceding lecture. Dwight thus introduced the “daily quiz” into American education, and held the method as superior to the Old World methods. "This responsibility, so far as I am informed, is rarely a part of an European system of Education." In addition to these daily quizzes, all the students in the seminary were "publicly" examined twice a year in their several studies. Those discovered to be deficient were liable to "degradation" to a lower class or dismissal. A very laborious fortnight was devoted to this gruesome business of “semester finals”.The seniors attended seminars given by the learned President himself, where Dwight encouraged open discussions. The topics covered are as germane today as they were in Kent’s time:Ought capital punishments ever to be inflicted? Ought Foreign Immigration to be encouraged? Does the Mind always Think?Which have the greatest influence in forming a National Character: Moral or Physical Causes? Is a Lie ever justifiable? Ought Anonymous Publications to be suppressed? Ought Religious Tests to be required of Civil Officers? Are all mankind descended from one pair?Ought Representatives to be bound by the will of their Constituents? Is a Savage State preferable to a Civilized?Do Spectres appear?Does Temptation diminish the turpitude of a Crime? Is Privateering justifiable?Is man advancing to a state of Perfectibility? When the subject before them was peculiarly provocative the students entered the classroom after prolonged preparation. Young Benjamin Silliman became so stirred over the question, "Whether the mental abilities of the females are equal to those of the males," that he worked one evening until ten-thirty (which was late when you had to leave your bed at five in the morning), and all the next forenoon, on an affirmative answer. He believed that the apparent difference between the feminine and masculine mind “is owing entirely to neglect of the education of females, which is a shame to man, and ought to be remedied.” The problem “was warmly contested at the eleven o'clock recitation, and decided in favor of the females, after a debate of more than two hours.” Such discussions as these must have influenced Aratus Kent. Certainly Kent's pivotal role in the establishment of the Rockford Female Seminary indicates that he and the great chemist Silliman were of one mind when it came to equal educational opportunities for females. Indeed, the charter of Rockford College, largely crafted by Kent, insisted that the Rockford school be of the same caliber as its brother institution for men at nearby Beloit, Wisconsin.During debate Dwight sometimes interjected pertinent remarks, and after the students had finished their arguments, he gave his own. This might take thirty minutes or several recitations, according to the importance of the topic. The majority of the class brought notebooks to record even his most casual comments. Regrettably, none of Kent’s survive. Whatever the question, Dwight examined it from all angles, and, by close reasoning, found an unhesitating answer. Aratus Kent united with the church under President Dwight August 15, 1815, and was graduated in 1816. The Providence that Kent always relied upon had been especially benevolent to him in permitting him to enjoy the tutelage of the greatest theologian and pedagogue of his era. Timothy Dwight was dying of a painful bladder cancer during Kent’s senior year, and he passed to his reward in the fall of 1816. Kent never left the watchful eye of Timothy Dwight, for he kept Dwight’s portrait hanging on the wall of his Galena study.Calvinism, Presbyterianism, and Congregationalism in Aratus Kent’s TimeIf Timothy Dwight was instrumental in shaping the attitudes of Aratus Kent, he was equally instrumental in shaping Kent's theology, and in creating the institutions that permitted Kent to embark upon his life's work. The grandson of Jonathan Edwards has not been classed with the first group of Calvinistic interpreters of the Scriptures. Yet more than that of any contemporary, his common sense “New Divinity” theology was accepted and promulgated. Dwight, unlike his famous grandfather, took no great delight in controversy. Being a practical man, he sought to narrow differences between sects. His recognition of the necessity to compromise was emulated by Aratus Kent. And, except when it came to the issue of slavery, this conciliatory theological attitude served Kent well.Timothy Dwight’s Calvinism was of a kinder and gentler cast than that of his grandfather. His enormously popular and widely read treatise, Theology, Explained and Defended, (Kent distributed many copies to ministers on the frontier) focused as much on the duties of a Christian life as on Calvinistic doctrine. Indeed, Dwight as much as any man directed the Second Great Awakening that swept the country during the first half of the 19th century to a much less strident course than the first. No burning of witches was required, or even desired by Dwight. Infidels were to be debated with Christian zeal, not burned at the stake. In this regard, Dwight himself was perhaps un-Calvinistic.Dwight let his close friend and associate Jeddidiah Morse carry much of the burden in the debate with the unorthodox. Morse bitterly opposed the elevation of the Unitarian Henry Ware to the Hollis Professorship of Divinity at Harvard (a battle Morse ultimately lost). The issue of slavery was also a powerful wedge that drove apart the orthodox Presbyterians and Congregationalists of New York and Connecticut from the Boston and Cambridge Unitarians and unorthodox Congregationalists. Aratus Kent fought that battle on the frontier, where he devoted more energy to opposing Unitarians, “Ultra-abolitionists” Congregationalists, and “Old School” Presbyterians than to competing with the Methodists, Baptists, and Catholics.Before the Revolution, Edwardian Congregationalists in Connecticut and western Massachusetts, and Presbyterians in the middle colonies had been drawing together. The New England clergy were then eager to secure united opposition to the threatened establishment of an Anglican episcopate in America. They differed from Presbyterians mainly in organization structure. Presbyterians organized their church government by an orderly system. The presbytery, consisting of the ministers and one lay elder from each church in a certain area, exercised local authority. Over the presbytery stood the synod, and over the synod stood the national body, the General Assembly. In Connecticut the Congregationalists had a similar, if looser, organization of "consociations" and associations. Aratus Kent, like his mentor Dwight, always considered this “Connecticut Congregationalism” to be so close to Presbyterianism as to warrant no distinction. However, the unorthodox, Boston influenced “Western Congregationalism” that Kent watched evolve in Illinois was another matter altogether. This movement he considered “unscriptural” and far too independent in its polity. Where the Presbyterians dominated, the consociations and associations exercised a much more powerful and binding influence, somewhat in the manner of the Presbyterian ruling councils. In Northern Connecticut near New York, where the Presbyterians were strong, Congregationalism was particularly akin to Presbyterianism.. Dwight himself leaned decidedly in that direction. When, in his Statistical Account of the City of New Haven, he listed the churches to be found in that town, he made no distinction between "Congregational" and "Presbyterian" but seems regularly to have used the terms more or less interchangeably. The three nominally Congregational Churches in Aratus Kent’s native Suffield probably fit this mold also.Presbyterianism also was strengthened by the fact that the last great wave of immigration to the Colonies before the War for Independence was from Northern Ireland. Most of these Ulster Irishmen were Scotch by bloodline and religious tradition, and thus were Presbyterians. The Scotch-Irish element, however, introduced an element into American Presbyterianism that would prove difficult to alloy.Following the war several motives favored a closer connection between the Presbyterians and Congregationalists. Congregational leaders in Connecticut, for the most part, sided with the Federalist view in favor of a strong national government. For them Jeffersonian democracy meant mob rule, and the excesses of the French Revolution strengthened their fears. Jeffersonian Deism and even atheism were growing threats. These two movements were easily seen as enemies, but a more subtle but equally powerful shift was occurring within the church itself in the form of a rising, if vague, "liberalism," that gradually evolved into Unitarianism. Here was a heresy that threatened the very foundations of the faith. The orthodox saw that a successful defense against Unitarianism required setting aside “minor” sectarian differences.With a Presbyterian government it would be possible to erect creeds and enforce strict adherence to them. They could supervise more efficiently the training and licensing of candidates for the ministry, and make certain that only reliable pastors were ordained over the churches. The line between orthodox and unorthodox must be drawn sharply so that friend and foe might be unmistakably identified. All this would be difficult, if not impossible, under a purely congregational organization which permitted each church to be independent. The cause was impelling. Hence it was that Dwight and his confreres looked favorably upon Presbyterianism.As more and more immigrants moved west to the frontier the need for churches there became more pressing. To theologically conservative Congregationalists, Presbyterianism seemed a more effective method of protecting these infant institutions against the perils confronting them. In the newer thinly settled regions like northern Illinois it took time for recently arrived inhabitants to become acquainted and accustomed to working together. Meanwhile, ministers of doubtful character might easily impose dangerous doctrines upon the unsuspecting. To churchmen of the older settlements in the East the evangelization of the West was a matter of supreme importance. Many believed that the Presbyterian organizational structure would best serve to preserve orthodoxy.The friendly relations which Dwight helped establish led to the "Plan of Union," an agreement made in l80l between the Presbyterians and Congregationalists in order to avoid conflict in their missionary activity. A problem arose from the fact that among the new settlers who were continually pouring into the West, some were Presbyterian and some were Congregational. Division seemed undesirable in the small, frontier settlements, and so the Connecticut General Association and the Presbyterian General Assembly agreed upon the Plan of Union as a modus vivendi to promote harmony and a more uniform system of church government among Christians in the struggling young communities on the frontier. It was a compromise intended to be fair to all, but in actual practice it operated, at least initially ,in favor of the Presbyterians. Friction developed, and later doctrinal controversies widened the split until the “Old School” Presbyterians finally repudiated the agreement in 1837.If Dwight had grave concern for the souls of the pioneers, he seemed to care little for their persons. He said of them: “They are impatient of the restraints of law, religion and morality; grumble about taxes by which school masters are supported, and complain incessantly ...of the extortions of mechanics, merchants, and physicians, to whom they are always indebted. At the same time they are usually possessed, in their own view, of uncommon wisdom, and understand medical science, politics and religion better than those who have studied them through life. In mercy, therefore, to the sober, industrious, and well disposed inhabitants, Providence has opened in the vast western wilderness a retreat, sufficiently alluring to draw them away from the land of their nativity. We have many troubles even now; but we should have many more if this body of foresters had remained at home.”Out of this cauldron of theological ferment, Aratus Kent emerged with a strong, yet pragmatic, faith. Like most men, he had his share of difficulties reconciling the values of his formative years with fast evolving frontier conditions. His destiny was to minister to the “foresters” of the “vast western wilderness.” But first there was need for more preparation.Kent’s Preparation for the Frontier MinistryKent spent the years from 1816 to 1820 in theological studies in the city of New York under the experienced pastors Romeyn and Mason. John Brodhead Romeyn was one of the most popular preachers of his day, and an able theologian. He was originally licensed to preach in the Dutch Reformed Church, but he ultimately accepted charge of the Cedar Street Presbyterian Church in New York City. Romeyn was one of the founders of Princeton Theological Seminary and was a trustee of Princeton College. He was also Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1820. Romeyn’s interest in education and church polity undoubtedly served to inspire Aratus Kent’s similar life long interests. Romeyn also cemented Kent’s identity as a Presbyterian.Kent’s other mentor, John Mitchell Mason, had few equals as a pulpit orator. Mason believed in frequent communion, and had issued a pamphlet on the subject as early as 1789. Aratus Kent’s Eucharistic enthusiasm can be traced to Mason. Although educated in Edinburgh himself, Mason came to believe that foreign dependence in the education of the clergy was undesirable. He thus began a movement that resulted in the formation of the Union Theological Seminary. Mason only became officially a Presbyterian late in life, but his theology was thoroughly Calvinistic.Kent was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New York on the 20th day of April, 1820. After being licensed, he spent one year, 1821, as a missionary in what was the then wilds of Ohio, possibly near Greenville in central Ohio. Kent’s next pulpit was in Blanford, Massachusetts, a rural township fifteen miles northwest of Springfield with a population of about 1000 souls. An extensive revival is said to have been taken place there during his year long tenure. From November 21, 1822, until April 11, l823, he was a regular student of the Theological Seminary at Princeton. Again the influence of Romeyn is discernible.Next Kent was called to the Presbyterian Church in Lockport, New York, and was there ordained on January 26, 1825. The three years spent there in the mid 1820’s must have given Kent a sense of the power of the magnet that was drawing the populace ever west. For Lockport is that point on the Erie Canal where the water descends from the level of Lake Erie to that of the Genesee, by ten double combined locks of massive masonry. Of course, the Erie Canal was under construction until 1824, but even before completion it became the main artery of commerce that opened up the Northwest Territory to old New England. Kent was present in Lockport to witness the ever rising tide of immigrants heading west to places like the wilds of Northern Illinois.He then spent a year with his aged and dying father back in Suffield. After John Kent died, Aratus attended to placing “suitable monuments” on his parents graves, and looked for new opportunities to serve. He took up home missionary work, first going to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In a letter to the A.H.M.S., Kent displayed the zeal that was to characterize his later career. In addition to teaching, preaching, and making pastoral visits in New Hampshire, Kent expected to itinerate into Canada. After leaving New Hampshire Kent took temporary charge of a church in Bradford, Mass., a town 32 miles north of Boston and home to two celebrated academies, One for boys and one for girls. This separate but equal educational model was later adopted by Kent for the Beloit College and the Rockford Female Seminary.Fate then called Kent to the Allen Street Presbyterian Church in New York, probably as a temporary supply. While in New York he became acquainted with Rev. Absalom Peters, Secretary of the American Home Missionary Society. Peters convinced Kent that he could be the most useful as a missionary on the frontier. Kent liked the idea, partly because his already weak and failing vision made the more traditional role of a well read scholar-preacher impossible. Legand holds that he said to the officers of the Society: “Send me to a place so hard that no one else will take it.”The American Home Missionary Society and Its RivalsIf religion was to gain a foot hold on the vast frontier, a coordinated effort was required. The American Home Missionary Society was formed on May 12, 1826, at a meeting in the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York through a union of several Congregational and Presbyterian societies. The A.H.M.S. became the first such society organized on a national scale, and by the end of its first year it had 169 missionaries in the field, most of whom were inherited from the pre-existing societies.Some 5000 letters of application or missionary reports per year were received by the Society’s secretaries, and these letter provide a window on the moral, social, and economic conditions of every frontier region. Many of these letters, including several from Aratus Kent, were published in The Home Missionary and American Pastor’s Journal, which Kent always called the Home Miss.The A.H.M.S. was the center of controversy from its inception. Its original benefactors were primarily affluent Presbyterian Churches. A parallel society, The American Board of Missions, was also primarily Presbyterian. Efforts to merge these two home missionary agencies repeatedly failed, and partisan supporters of one board quickly and publicly began attacking the other. One Cincinnati Presbyterian preacher went so far as to accuse the A.H.M.S. of “attempting to overthrow the Presbyterian Church.” The A.H.M.S. great need for man power made it seem lax as to qualifications of its missionaries, at least in the eyes of some. Indeed, the Society freely assigned Congregationalist ministers to nominally Presbyterian churches.Strife and criticism notwithstanding, the Society had 463 missionaries in the field by 1831. But the Society also became identified as more theologically liberal than some Presbyterians liked, and Society supporters began to become known as “New School Presbyterians.” Aratus Kent was certainly no liberal, but he loyally defended the A.H.M.S. through his entire career against attacks from the theological right and left.What alarmed the “Old School” Presbyterian ministry was that heretical New England Congregationalists were beginning to infiltrate the A.H.M.S.During the years in which the great Congregational stream was flowing westward into Presbyterianism, New England Calvinism was undergoing what seemed to the stiff-backed Presbyterian, a radical and dangerous modification. Indeed this modification had been in process for many years and what was known as Hopkinsianism, the school of thought farthest removed from strict Calvinism, was widely accepted. Timothy Dwight, the President of Yale College from 1795 to 1817, and Aratus Kent’s mentor, was a New Divinity man, and the numerous other young Yale graduates coming into the West during those years were thoroughly imbued with Dwight’s system of Divinity.The bitter controversy with Unitarianism in the early part of the nineteenth century had served to emphasize New England orthodoxy, and gave country-wide distinction to such defenders as Lyman Beecher, more or less obscuring the fact that many of the so-called defenders of orthodoxy were themselves far from traditional Calvinism. The new revivalism that swept through New England and New York in the early years of the nineteenth century was the result of the New Divinity teaching, with its larger emphasis upon human responsibility. There was also much opposition to the "New Measures" fathered by Charles Gradison Finney and his associates, in the New York revivals. Thus there came to be a feeling among the full-fledged Presbyterians that the New England stream was tainted with heresy.In Illinois, this conflict surfaced early when, in 1833, Edward Beecher and two Illinois College professors were brought before the Illinois Presbytery of charges of preaching the New Haven doctrine. They were acquitted, but the battle lines were formed that resulted in the eventual division of the Presbyterian church after 1837 into “New School” and “Old School”.The A.H.M.S. survived, though in a weakened condition, the split of the Presbyterian church over what were basically theological issues. And the split resulted in rival Old School missionaries entering into Kent’s Northern Illinois field as competition. But another powerful force was threatening the tear the Society to pieces: abolitionism.Lewis and Arthur Tappan, brothers and wealthy New York mechants, were major contributors to Presbyterian church causes. In concert with William Lloyd Garrison, they founded the American Anti-slavery Society in 1822 (though they soon broke with the more radical Garrison). The Tappans’ philanthropy caused the Lane Theological Seminary to be created in Cincinnati in 1832. Quickly, the student body, led by Theodore Dwight Weld, formed an anti-slavery society. Small at first, it soon swelled to include a sizable minority of the student body. While President Lyman Beecher was away, the anti-slavery students revolted against the trustees’ prohibition of anti-slavery activity. Those students and faculty members who could not countenance the Lane policies moved almost en mass to Oberlin College, where Charles Gradison Finney became Professor of Theology in 1835, and which quickly received the largess of Arthur Tappan. Ironically for Aratus Kent, “New Schoolers” were the supporters of the new college. Kent clearly agreed with Lyman Beecher’s assessment of the “Oberlinites”: “He goat men who think they do God a service by butting everything in the line of their march which does not fall or get out of their way.”Never having remotely approached a pro-slavery position, the A.H.M. Society’s failure to openly adopt a strong anti-slavery stance (at least until 1856), enabled several new missionary agencies to arise. The Society also sent missionaries to the Choctaw Indians, though the tribe held slaves. And it failed to prohibit slave holders from being members of churches it supported. As a result, The Amistad Committee, The Union Missionary Society, The Western Evangelical Missionary Society, and others formed.Chief among the new anti-slavery societies was the American Missionary Society. Founded in 1846, its treasurer was one of the ubiquitous Tappans (Lewis). Soon many other societies merged with the A.M.A.. Northern Illinois churches that leaned toward abolitionism had an alternative source for funds after 1846, and many weak and fledgling churches were divided. To further complicate matters, the Congregationalists tended to be more prominent in the A.M.A.Flanked by the Old School on the right over theological differences, and by the A.M.A. on the left over slavery, Aratus Kent had a narrow path to follow while seeking to establish churches and raise funds for the A.H.M.S to support them. To further complicate matters, the Free Presbyterian Synod of Cincinnati was formed in 1846 which lured Presbyterian pastors and congregations away from both the Old and the New School Presbyteries. And such Free Presbyterians found the ample purse of the A.M.A. opened to them. All these developments, of course, lay in Aratus Kent’s future.A Place So Hard No One Else Will Take It“They would come with a tolerable education, and a smattering knowledge of the old Calvinistic system of theology. They were generally tolerably well furnished with old manuscript sermons, that had been preached, or written, perhaps a hundred years before. Some of these sermons they had memorized, but in general they read them to the people. This way of reading sermons was out of fashion altogether in this Western world, and of course they produced no good effect among the people. The great mass of our Western people wanted a preacher that could mount a stump, a block, or old log, or stand in the bed of a wagon, and without note or manuscript, quote, expound, and apply the work of God to the hearts and consciences of the people. The result of the efforts of these Eastern preachers was not very flattering.” So wrote the legendary pioneer Methodist circuit rider, Peter Cartwright. If Timothy Dwight had been pleased to see disgruntled New Englanders depart for the frontier, the predominantly Upland South bred residents of Illinois in the 1820’s were not necessary pleased by the arrival of these displaced Yankees. Aratus Kent, one of Cartwright’s scorned “Eastern Preachers,” found his impressive academic and theological credentials, initially at least, almost superfluous. Peter Cartwright and Aratus Kent personify the cultural collision that occurred when Connecticut met Virginia in Northern Illinois. Cartwright came to Illinois from Virginia via Kentucky. Only nine years Kent’s senior, Cartwright knew no formal education. Cartwright’s fame exceeds Kent’s not because he was a more tireless worker, but because he ran for Congress against Abraham Lincoln, and because he left an autobiography, two activities completely foreign to Aratus Kent’s character.Ten years before Kent arrived in Galena, Timothy Flint, another frontier missionary commented on what he perceived to be the reasons behind the frontiersman’s half hearted plea for religion: “Why did they invite me here? A minister—a church—a school—are words to flourish in an advertisement to sell lots.”The following brief statement summarizes the noble motivations and religious pragmatism that united to create the American Home Missionary Society: “The strength of the nation lies beyond the Allegheny. The center of dominion is fast moving in that direction. The ruler of this country is growing up in the great valley: leave him without the gospel and he will be a ruffian giant who will regard neither the decencies of civilization nor the charities of religion.... When we place ourselves on the top of the Alleghenies, survey the immense valley beyond it and consider that the character of its eighty or one hundred million inhabitants a century hence will depend upon the direction and impulse given it now in its forming state; must not every Christian feel disposed to forgo every party consideration, and cordially unite with his fellow Christians to furnish them those means of intellectual and moral cultivation of which they now stand in need; and for which they are constantly sending us their importunate petitions.... And what we do, we must do quickly. The tide of emigration will not wait until we have settled every metaphysical point of theology and every canon of church government. While we are deliberating the mighty swell is rising higher and higher on the side of the mountains.” What was the population of Northwestern Illinois like when Kent arrived? The first settlers into Northern Illinois were Southerners from Kentucky and Tennessee. Charles Latrobe described their circumstances: “From Peoria to Galena the road leads over vast prairies, as yet very rarely broken by cultivation.... The farm houses generally lay on the edge of some rich piece of forested land, on the margin of one of the numerous creeks or rivers, and were usually built in the southern style . . . namely, two square log-apartments divided by a covered passage, while the kitchen premises lay without. The upper loft was almost always unfinished; and the floors covered with rough planks hewn by the axe. The furniture was necessarily scanty, comprising besides the beds in the corners, a table, a few tools or a bench, a chest or two containing the family clothing, and a shelf with a few papers and books. A few bottles of powerful medicine hung on one nail, and on another the trusty skin-pouch and powder horn, and a charger made of an alligator's tooth. One or two rifles were always to be seen in a dry corner. In these crowded apartments we were frequently obliged to stow ourselves away at night pell-mell with the family.... You may imagine a crowded area of twelve or fourteen feet square, furnishing the bed-chamber of as many people. In the corners the travelers were allowed to stow themselves away enveloped in their clothes and blanket-coats on the low plank erections which might pass for bedsteads. The floor at one end would be occupied by the driver, the squatter, and another, side by side under the same rug before the fire, and at the other extremity a huge flock sack, laid upon the planks, served as the family bed. The mother and eldest daughter would lie down on it at opposite ends, so that each other's feet and head would be in contact, were it not for the little children, whom, to the number of three or four, we have seen stowed in... ‘like mortar between the stones,’ to keep all tight.”Governor Thomas Ford described the pioneers from Kentucky and other upland southern states as being the “poor white man” of the South who had fled to avoid slavery. This class of people were said to be “a very good, honest, kind, hospitable people, unambitious of wealth, and great lovers of ease and social enjoyment” although Ford noted that many Northerners regarded this type of emigrant as “a long, lank, lean, lazy, and ignorant animal, but little in advance of the savage state; one who was content to squat in a log-cabin, with a large family of ill-fed and ill-clothed, idle, ignorant children.” This latter point of view was held by Eliza W. Farhnam, that aristocratic New Englander with the “great lady” complex:“His [the Sucker’s] aspirations are equally stationary in the more important particular of educating his children. He ''reckons'' they should know how to write their names, and "allows it's a right smart thing to be able to read when you want to." He ''expects" his sons may make stump speeches if they live; but he don't "calculate that books and the sciences will do as much good for a man in these matters as a handy use of the rifle." . . . As for teaching ''that's one thing he allows the Yankees are just fit for;'' he does not hesitate to confess, that they are a ''power smarter" at that than the western boys. But they can't hold a rifle nor ride at wolf hunt with 'em; and he reckons, after all, these are the great tests of merit.With all these peculiarities, and this ignorance of what is esteemed essential in a cultivated society, these people have strong intellects, bold and vigorous ideas, and possess a vast fund of knowledge, drawn from sources with which a more artificial society is too little acquainted. They have an order of eloquence peculiar to themselves, rough, bold, and strong, and glowing with illustrations drawn from nature as they know her, and from other sources familiar to their minds.”Mrs. Farnham, who lived near Peoria and made an extended visit to the Rock River Country of Northwest Illinois in the late thirties, in writing of the morals of these Southerners stated:“They are too magnanimous to be often mean, too free from avarice to be often dishonest. A little fraud or shrewd trick played upon a Yankee they consider a commendable evidence of superior sagacity; a thing to be exulted in rather than repented of. Their passion in trade is for the never-sufficiently-to-be-prized horse, and a considerable part of their petty litigation grows out of this class of transactions. Indolence is one of their worse vices; for it leads to many others. This, however, I am bound to say is confined to the male sex.... The male population may be pronounced unequivocally indolent. On a bright day they mount their horses and throng the little towns in the vicinity of their homes, drinking and trading horses until late in the evening. It is not extraordinary to see two or more come to blows before these festival days end.”Reverend Cartwright, himself a product of the frontier, was much more sympathetic in his description of the early pioneers of northwestern Illinois. After picturing a great district north of Quincy where new settlements were formed and forming, hard long rides, cabin parlors, straw beds, and bedsteads made out of barked saplings and puncheon bedcords, he described the settlers as follows:“The people were kind and clever, proverbially so; showing the real pioneer or frontier hospitality. The men were a hardy, industrious, enterprising, game catching, and Indian driving set of men.The women were also hardy; they would think no hardship of turning out and helping their husbands raise their cabins, if need be; they would mount a horse and trot ten or fifteen miles to meeting, or to see the sick and minister to them, and home again the same day.”From the very first some Yankees had come to the Rock River Country to settle alongside the more numerous emigrants from the South. The news accounts of the Black Hawk War and Black Hawk's later triumphal tour of the East, after his short confinement in Fort Monroe, made him and the Rock River Country a topic of conversation throughout the East.Levi Warner, writing to his nephew in the East on June 25,1833, described the Rock River Country in this way:“The country is good and healthy. I should be highly gratified if some of you Green Mountain boys who have to toil, dig and sweat among the rocks and hills to gain sustenance in life . . . would take it in your heads to abandon those doleful sterile places of servitude calculated to wear out or destroy the youthful or most vigorous part of your lives allotted you to no other purpose but to keep you in poverty and want, depriving you of the means of accumulating property for your future benefit and enjoyment.... Penetrate between the vast region that lies between you and this place until you arrive at the desired haven, the flower of the World, the Garden of Eden, a land flowing with milk and honey.Already I anticipate the time when Myriads of Green Mountain boys shall make their way to the land of Promise in order to locate themselves a residence where they may enjoy the pleasing satisfaction of reaping the benefits of their labor.But to the point - this country far excels yours and happy are they who make the exchange.”This land of milk and honey was sure to fill up fast. To counter the heathen influence of the first wave of rustics, religion was needed. At least the eastern religious establishment prayed that such a need would be recognized.Religion Arrives at the minesThe first public religious services known to be held in the Galena mines occurred in 1827, conducted by Rev. Revis Cormac. It is said, however, that an Episcopal Clergyman, a chaplain of the Hudson Bay Co. at York Factory, was weather bound in Galena in 1826, and preached on Sunday in a log tavern then just built opposite the present site of DeSoto House. “In 1828, the Catholic Reverend Vincent Badin... visited the Catholics of Galena and the surrounding country; but the Mission was only of a few days' duration, and left not the slightest trace of the formation of a parish.” This is how Father Mazzuchelli described the advent of Catholic services in Galena.The first regularly appointed preacher in Galena is a matter of some dispute. The History of Jo Daviess County states that “Mr. Kent arrived on the First of April, 1829, and Mr. Dew [a Methodist] one week later.” Actually, Kent put the date of his own arrival at April 19. Mr. Dew had visited the year before, but the letter of 1869 in the Galena Gazette that is the source for this earlier visit is also the source for the claim that Dew returned permanently one week later than Kent in the spring of 1829. “Reverend” Rivers Cormack is listed as one of the charter members of Dew’s first Methodist “class,” thus Cormac was probably not an ordained minister.What was Galena itself like when Aratus Kent accepted his assignment there? C.R. Robert who was sent to survey the ground being offered to Kent described it this way:Galena is situated on the west bank of Fever River (proper name River au Fevre) three miles east of the Mississippi between 42 30' and 43 latitude. It has not yet be determined whether it is just without the northern border of Illinois or not. It is not however far from the line. The number of inhabitants is estimated to be from 1200 to 1500 — the former is probably the most accurate, It is supposed two thirds of which have emigrated hither from various parts of the U.S. and the remainder from Ireland. The last are mostly Catholic. The rest who profess to anything are various but it is thought that a majority of them would prefer a clergyman of the Presbyterian denomination. The place derives its importance entirely from the extensive & rich mines of lead ore in the vicinity. The U.S. agent, I am informed, reported the quantity of lead made at the different smelting establishments situated within 20 miles of this village at 5,000,000 lbs, most, if not all of which was shipped from here & the value of which was not less than $200000. It is estimated that the quantity this year will be nearly doubled. The diggings or mines are scattered over the whole country & from 1 to 40 miles distant from this & in which are employed from 6 to 7000 persons. Every steam boat brings larger numbers and it is thought by the month of July the number will increased to near, if not quite, 10000. There are none of the external or public means of grace here either in town or country. There was at one period a catholic priest here, and last summer a Methodist clergyman [Rev. Dew] for a short time. I have been much occupied since my arrival and have not yet been out in the country and but little about the town. But you can readily imagine what the situation of the people is in a moral & religious point of view from what I have said. The Sabbath is not much regarded in the village. The miners do not generally work on that day, I fear not out of regard to it. The number of families in the village is estimated at 100 to 150, the number of children is smaller in proportion — I am told not exceeding 50. There is no school here apparently. There was one last summer of about 30 scholars. I am informed there are a number of professors in the village who are desirous of having a clergyman settle here. There is not any place of public worship erected. The subject, I am informed, of erecting one has been in agitation for some time. No measures have yet been taken to accomplish it. There are some few pious persons in the place and a number of others friendly to religion who I have no doubt if they had a sensible judicious clergyman to advise & instruct them could be disposed to cooperate in any measures calculated to improve the condition of the people. A short time since a person showed me a Sub[scription] for the purpose of raising funds for the support of a clergyman— when I saw it there were $125 sub. by the names as far as I am able to judge there will be enough since to support a man for a year at least. There would be a difficulty in obtaining a proper place in which to hold worship as the houses are most of them built of logs and very small. But some persons with whom I have conversed on this subject think this difficulty could be overcome by erecting a temporary structure— which could be done in a short time.... I presume I need say nothing to impress upon your mind the importance of the field offered here to preach the Gospel & the present population is very small to what it will be in a few years. The whole country east of the Miss from the mouth of the Rock River to the Ouisconsin is full of lead ore & from what I learn the incarnation here has scarcely begun. You can form some idea of the rapid growth of this country from one fact— two years since the population of this place did not exceed 50 souls.... The climate in the country is healthy, the village cannot be called as far as I am informed unhealthy — but like most newly settled places subject to fever and ague and bilious fever in the fall.If at least some residents of Galena wanted preaching, what qualities did they seek in their preacher? Again, C.R. Robert had an opinion:In the sub[scription] above named nothing is said as to the denomination, but it is supposed that the Presbyterian is to be preferred. I am young in Christian life and have but little experience & I am diffident in expressing an opinion as to the requisite qualifications of the person whom it would be best to send here but from what I have already said regarding the population it would not be good picking to send hither a young & inexperienced man. A parson in residing here would undergo much frustration for a few years or until the country becomes more settled. His fare would be plain, much of the time salt provisions & few or none of the leisures of life.Several years earlier Dr. Horatio Newhall, Kent’s longtime parishioner, friend, physician, and associate in many endeavors, writing back home to Massachusetts had this opinion on what was required in an Illinois preacher:In order to be useful among us we think a minister should be eminently pious and philanthropic; should be decidedly evangelical in his sentiments, and of a mild & conciliating disposition. He should be sociable & unostentatious, willing to visit & converse with his flock. He should possess a good share of confidence or assurance as modesty is unfashionable in this [western] country. He should be eloquent or at least fluent in extemporaneous discourses, and he must come prepared to live and fare like a missionary in an uncivilized country .... You will probably infer that we are prepared to offer him a handsome salary. But ... this is far from being the case.The man Newhall sought was preparing for Galena.. On June 4th, 1828, Kent wrote: “Having closed up my accounts and seen some suitable monuments erected over the graves of my parents, I bade adieu to the place of my fathers’ sepulchers and immediately after dinner, mounted my horse and turned my face to the north. But my heart was heavy and my countenance sad, for I was like unto Abraham who went forth not knowing whither he went.” In 1828 the “whither” was Bradford, but the missionary labors there “were not congenial to him,” and he soon was back in New York City. Galena Pastoral Duties: The Early Years“Going to New York City, 1829, under great depression and sore trial of mind which had continued long to oppress me, while in Bradford, in reference to a field of labor at the West, by which I thought only of Niagara County, New York, I must needs [sic] call on Dr. A. Peters, Secretary of the A.H.M.S., and inquire after a field of missionary labor. He proposed the lead mines of the upper Mississippi, of which I knew nothing before, but where there were several thousand souls with no preaching. I go, Sir, was my prompt reply.”Kent’s commission was dated March 21st, 1829. Kent did not wait. He gave his horse to the American Tract Society, and on April 3rd, he wrote: “I am as one that dreams, with my paper on a trunk and my pen trembling with the jarring of the steam boat contending with the strong current of the Mississippi, I am urging my way up the great valley to the lead mines, not knowing the thing that shall befall me there.”The trip to Galena from New York was not an easy one, and it was punctuated by frequent stops. Kent even visited Hannibal, the eventual home of Sam Clemons. Several years later Mark Twain could not help poking fun at the “tract scattering preachers” like Kent, as an illustration from his Life on the Mississippi depicts. Kent felt an obligation to make the trip a working missionary expedition, and described his activities for Dr. Peters:By the Kind Providence of God I was kept in safety amidst the dangers incident to a journey of 2000 miles, and after a quick passage of 18 1/2 days, exclusive of 8 days during which I lingered in Missouri, I arrived in this place on the 19th of April and felt that I had more than ordinary occasion for devout thanksgiving to the Preserver of men.I sent you a line from St. Louis [not located] and after leaving that place I considered myself as having entered into my own broad Diocese and felt it my duty there to get all the information possible and form acquaintance with all the various people within my reach; since there is not any clergyman of any denomination, to my knowledge, on the Mississippi above that city.I should think that Pike County, Missouri, is an important location for a Missionary. At Clarksville, a little village 110 miles above St. Louis, I called upon Mr. Warren Swain. They are intelligent eastern people and seem anxious to have preaching. They gave a flattering report of the Sab. School which they established last summer. I thought proper to promise them the Home Missionary for one year on condition that he would pay the postage and circulate it.At Louisiana, a larger village 10 miles above, I called and left some tracts. Pike county is said to be very good land, to be settling fast, and to contain 2 or 3000 inhabitants.I cannot however give you definite information for I felt it my duty to proceed as fast as possible to the place of my destination.Twenty or 30 miles above are 2 other villages: Hannibal and Palmyra. The latter is two miles off the River, to which I forwarded some tracts by a citizen. From information I thought it might be well to forward the Home Missionary to Henry Snow or William Porter who live at Quincy, Adams County, Illinois, and who were represented to me as intelligent Presbyterian professors.At Rock Island, 100 miles below this place (at the foot of the upper Rapids), are stationed two companies of soldiers. I was informed that Dr. Sprague, the surgeon, and his family are Presbyterian professors.Were it not for the tax on my time and purse I have thought it might be well to attend the Indiana Synod which meets at Shoal Creek, Greenville 50 miles east of St. Louis in Oct., visiting these and other places in my route.During my journey I did not lose sight of the object of my mission, and, though the people of these Western Waters are generally disinclined to reading or religious conversation, yet I kept some little volumes in my berth which were read to some extent. I also circulated 3000 pages of tracts among the passengers, including those that I left at the various stopping places or sent ashore by persons proper.The vices of Sabbath breaking, Profane swearing, the free use of strong drink, and the practice of Gambling everywhere prevalent at least beyond anything I ever saw. But I have not thought it my duty to make a direct attack upon them from a persuasion that if they were not restrained from respect to the Ministerial presence, nothing would be gained by incurring their displeasure, which by wearing an affable demeanor and impressing their minds with the conviction that I feel the importance of religion, and am tenderly alive to their spiritual welfare, I should take a sure method of securing their esteem and of recommending the Religion I profess to love. And having a passage of 4 or 5 days I found opportunities to converse with many individuals on the subject of personal piety, the result of which eternity discloses. Kent abhorred the breaking of the Sabbath, and he campaigned vigorously on the issue of “keeping the Sabbath.” A certain irony exists in the fact that he himself traveled on a “Sabbath breaking” steamboat to get to Galena. This small hypocrisy was probably not lost on Kent. One biographer of Kent made a careful point of claiming (erroneously) that Kent had actually arrived in Galena on Saturday the 18th. Kent’s arrival and initial impressions are recorded in his own words: On Sabbath morning I stepped ashore at this place, presented the letters kindly furnished me at St. Louis, procured a place and preached at 3 o’clock PM to about 50 persons. And I ought to say that I have received many tokens of kindness and approbation from the people both of St. Louis and this place. This village of 200 houses, very compactly built on two streets or benches, one about 20 or 30 feet above the other, closely copying the circular direction of Fever River in front and a high bluff of 100 feet immediately in the rear. The hum of business is heard on the margins of the River while abundant scope is afforded for the display of taste in the little yards and gardens which seem already to be creeping up the steep ascent of the surrounding hills.Here are thrown together like the tenants of the grave yard without any order, people of every country and every race, and you may see in one day Indians, French, Irish, English, Germans, Swiss and Americans, and such a variety of national customs and costumes as are rarely to be met within any other place. I have been out in the country as far as Dodgeville which is 50 miles distant and 12 miles from the Ouisconsin. I preached in 5 different nights to assemblies ranging from 2 to 150 of whom 3/4 were males.Out of 24 Prof. of Dif. Denom. that I have discovered in this village one half are in the not known at all, or known only as Backsliders, thus they remind one of the 10 virgins. They are of different denominations and may be adverted as a beacon to warn the churches to examine whether their Religion is such as will live only in the mansions they now occupy, or whether they could still flourish if transplanted to some lonely distant and deprived of all moral culture.A combination of unpropitious circumstances have already produced & sustain still greater embarrassments in this place and the adjoining country. The present regulations of Government are oppressive. I shall not take it upon me to say that they require too great a proportion of the lead, but the requisition that those who live 50 miles out should deliver their tithes here, and the restrictions by which people are prevented from cultivating the soil and are thus made to depend on markets 1000 miles distant are oppressive beyond endurance. The merchants and smelters have sold their goods on credit to such an unwarrantable extent that the country is becoming bankrupt. The price of lead is so low that under present disadvantages it will scarcely pay for digging, smelting, & conveying to market. The waters of the Mississippi are so low as to threaten a famine both because of the difficulty with which provisions are brought to us and because the lead with which they are purchased cannot be transported at least without great additional expense. In addition to this, the Capitalists who sustain him at a distance are taking the alarm and using oppressive measures to call in their funds. The consequence of all this is that the people are already fast retreating and the present prospect is that but few comparatively will remain here though the winter.The state of things is untimely & is regretted for this is a good country, a land of hills and valleys and brooks of water, a land promising great fertility of soil & salubrity of air and a land of immeasurable beauty of appearance, and multitudes would gladly live and die here, if dire necessity did not drive them away. If encouragement were afforded them to open farms and raise their own provisions, this land would then supply them with cash while at the same time permanent residence in the country would greatly check the prevalence of the fires and thus promote the growth of timbers.Kent was cordially received and made a good initial impression, as Mr. Robert reported to New York:On my arrival I was much gratified to find that he was very popular and I think he still continues to be so — as far as I am competent to judge, he possesses that kind of manner and tact which will enable him to do his duty as a faithful servant of his Lord & master without giving offense. He will tell them their duty in such a way that they cannot help but see it — very probably they may like the admonition or reproof — yet they cannot take exception to the germ of it — I think him an excellent judge of character and of human nature generally. These with the qualifications I have not mentioned are frequently necessary for a man to possess who comes to preach the gospel to this people. Mr. K informed me that he likes the place and inhabitants full as well as he expected from the account I gave him. I am pleased that he does so, as I was unwilling to have him get a more favorable impression from me than he would realize. He does not let these people know that I was in the least instrumental (if I was) in getting him here. If they thought I had anything to do with it would in a measure destroy his popularity and impair his usefulness. You must not think me uncharitable when I say that there are some here who from their conduct appear to think that a man who makes a profession of Religion must never ask for what justly is his own. I therefore advise and consult with Mr. K when he wishes to the best of my ability but take no active part in these measures for erecting a church, for I feel sensible that my doing should be an injury as I fear there are some who would throw obstacles in the way of an object which they thought I was desirous of attaining. Just where Kent preached his first Galena sermon is a bit uncertain. Dr. Newhall gave the following account: “Mr. William Watson was building a frame house on Bench Street two lots south of the present Young Ladies' school house. The house was enclosed but no floors laid. A few enterprising young men laid some boards upon the sleepers at one end of the building on which was placed a borrowed pine table and after considerable search a Bible and Watts' Hymn Book were found. Notice was given in the Miner's Journal of the 9th of May that Mr. Kent would preach the next day, Sunday 10. The congregation was composed wholly of young people; there were no old ones here, occupying the sleepers for seats, very conveniently resting their feet upon the ground, there being no cellar under the house. The whole congregation sung the good old tunes of St. Martin's, Mear, and Old Hundred. Here was preached Mr. Kent's first sermon.” But Kent himself reported that he had preached “to about 50 persons” on April 19th. He may have utilized a log building just opposite the DeSoto Hotel, for that long extinct structure was often given in early accounts as the site for sporadic religious activities. Chapin wrote “the largest dining hall in the place” was the site of Kent’s inaugural sermon. Unfortunately, although the pious Dr. Newhall recalled the songs, the text of Kent’s sermon escaped his recollection. Kent wrote his impression: “Here is opened a great and effectual door to preach the gospel. I have long desired to know what was the will of God, and if I have found my place, I hope now that amid all discouragement’s, I may remember that I said I was willing to go to the world’s end, if I could but be in the place that God designed I should occupy.” By mid summer Kent gave some evidence of loneliness and isolation when he reported to Dr. Peters: “I have felt at times as inclination to accompany [C.R. Roberts back to St. Louis], but then the question had occurred ‘With whom will thou have those few sheep in the wilderness’.” Kent had identified about 40 persons of varying denominations who exhibited “a spark of grace.” To minister to this scattered flock required a hundred miles of travel and fifteen preaching sites. He told Peters he intended to make this circuit once in four weeks and hoped that Peters would approve of the scheme “...as long as Galena is supplied on the Sabbath.” Kent also had a confession for Dr. Peters: “I reproach myself for having so little regard for these sheep. Oh what feelings must it occasion a minister of Christ to hear him saying, ‘the diseased ye have not strengthened neither have you healed that which was sick, neither have you bound up that which is broken, neither have you brought back that which was driven away.’ A passage this which needs to be often considered by one that occupies such a post as I now do.”Although Kent was a thirty-five year old veteran preacher, he may have been naively optimistic about his Galena prospects. Three months after his arrival he reported: “My hopes of forming a church and of erecting a house for divine worship have been disappointed.”The problem of monetary support was ever present for frontier missionaries, and Kent was no exception: “I shall be under the necessity of drawing on you for money and, indeed, I think if I get through the year on the sum allowed I shall deserve some credit for economy.”Although he had been only resident in Galena for about four months, Kent felt compelled to attend the Synod meeting held at Greenville, Bond County, Illinois, about fifty miles east of St. Louis. Initially he reported: “I shall not feel much inclination to go by water to attend Synod if the river continues so low as to make the passage of 20 or 30 days.” A restless spirit compelled him to change his mind and he convinced himself that it was his duty to attend. Kent’s travel report, lifted from his diary, is a scarce contemporaneous description of early Illinois. He made the trip on horseback due to the low state of the Mississippi.Being provided with money and tracts and letters and with blankets where the former could be of no use, I left Galena Sept 29. I rode to Apple River, 15 miles, where I have often preached, then to Plumb River, 12 miles, where are 3 families.Sept 30 — In company with two guides whom Providence furnished me when I had lost my way, I rode 40 miles to the first house, 2 miles above the first of the upper Rapids of the Mississippi.Oct 1st— Rode to Farnamsburgh (18 miles) opposite Rock Island Fort and 2 miles from the juncture of Rock & Mississippi Rivers. Fifty families have settled along the river here within 15 months. Visited 6 families and distributed tracts.Oct 2nd— Preached a funeral Sermon and made appointments for the Sabbath.4th— Preached on Rock Island to a very attentive congregation of about 75 including officers and soldiers & at 3 pm on the Illinois shore to about 40. This is a post that merits attention from the Home Miss. So. for several reasons: 1) There are about 150 souls connected with the fort and including 6 families quite respectable and anxious to have preaching. 2) The Island and the Illinois shore present most beautiful, healthy, and commanding situations which in a few years will grow in importance. 3) This point of land between Mississippi and Rock Rivers has now come into market and will settle rapidly. It is very healthy and has an excellent soil and an unusual supply of timber. The settlers will find markets for their produce from this proximity & the fort and the lead mines. Coal is found on both these rivers near this spot and in case timbers for smelting runs out the mineral might be floated down and smelted with coal. Dr. Sprague, a Presbyterian & Surgeon of the Fort remarked; “There will be a large population here in five years.” 4) They say they would build a church if they had a preacher, and I think they would give him near half his support immediately, for they offered 5 dol a Sabbath to a Methodist preacher to supply them and could not obtain him as he was engaged in piloting boats over the rapids. They would as soon have a Presbyterian.Oct 5th— Rode 40 miles to Henderson River, no house on the way...having seen neither quadruped nor biped during the day.6th— Followed up the forks of the River 5 miles, gave notice, and preached to about twenty five, though the day was very wet.7th— Went down the river about 18 miles collected about 20 persons...and preached apparently with great acceptance. Proceeded to the mouth of the River to preach again but my appointment did not reach and I could not tarry without losing company that I could have next day. Between 60 & 80 families have moved in to this River, all within 18 months. No Presbyterian Preacher has visited them before. They were ready for a tract society.8th—Rode 35 miles and preached in the evening to about 15 souls.9th— Proceeded to the head of the lower rapids (Hancock Co.) 10 miles and preached to about 20 souls. It was a very rainy day. They urged to stay and spend the Sabbath — about 20 families destitute of preaching.10th— Rode 32 miles and passed Fort Edwards at the foot of the lower Rapids. South of which houses are to be found every few miles to St. Louis.11th— Crossed Bear Creek at the peril of my life and rode 10 miles to the settlement, called and preached at the house of the Methodist preacher... Congregation about 40— this settlement is increasing rapidly.12th— Proceeded to Quincy (Adams Co.) 8 miles, preached in the evening to 60 persons, this is destined soon to be a very important place. They were circulating a paper to raise 100 dollars to encourage a Presbyterian by the name of Porter to preach to them.13— Rode in the company of Mr. Porter to Mill Creek 10 miles and preached to about 4014- Rode to Atlas (Pike County) 30 miles and preached to about 50 souls. This is a post that deserves attention.15— Preceded to Coles Grove (Calhoun County) 35 miles & collected a congregation of 40.16— Crossed over to St. Charles and lodged with Mr. Lindsey. On my arrival at St. Louis on the 17th and found I had been misinformed concerning the time of the meeting of Synod, but could not regret my tour which was one of more than ordinary interest to me.21— Arrived at Carrolton (Green Co.) and spent Sab. Religion very destitute in this region.26— Went on my way to Jacksonville.27— Walked out to the elegant site of Illinois College. Called on Mrs. Ellis and rode to Springfield spent the night with Mr. Bergen, and having got necessary information I kept on the east side of the Ill. River until I arrived, Sabbath, Nov. 1 at Union Grove 10 miles below the foot of the Rapids, where is a Presbyterian settlement. They seem quite spirited to have preaching and I preached the first sermon in the first meeting house north of the Sangamon River which they have just built. This settlement will await immediate attention. About 70 families have moved into this region in a little time and being near the route of the canal it will settle rapidly. I think I may say that the population between Sangamon River and the Miss. will double every year for some time. I am gratified to hear that seven young men are coming out but shall soon need seventy times seven, or a great many more. Illinois is indeed in its infancy but this infant will soon become a giant, and if the infant has imbibed the spirit of infidelity — the giant will defend it with the strength of manhood and the deep depravity which “Pride and fullness of brass and abundance of idleness” will generate. We should be behind, if we should tell the eastern people how easy it is to raise provisions here, but I fear this will prove them injury. What eastern Christians do for us then must be done quickly.While on this journey on one of the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi and the prairies on either side, Kent alighted from his horse and proclaimed aloud: “I take possession of this land for Christ.” No matter that he was jumping the claim of Father Marquette. Even as he claimed for his King a vast nation, he failed miserably in nurturing himself with the company of his fellow missionaries. As he noted, he had been “misinformed” as to the dates of the Synod and arrived a week after it was over. He had written Dr. Peters that he had intended to return “through the interior,” but he did not. On his return trip he visited Saukenuk, and the wigwam of Black Hawk. As his first Galena winter approached he wrote to Dr. Peters: “I have nothing of special interest to relate concerning this place, except that I have been chased until I have purchased a house for Sab. school and Public worship on my own responsibility and drawn on J.W. & B. Levitt for funds. My limits will not allow of further particulars at present...I am more than ever impressed with the importance of this post notwithstanding the embarrassments under which I labor, and only wish to stay here until you can send a better man and give me a humbler home in the same state.”Not everyone was pleased with their station in Galena. Newspaper man Hooper Warren, destined to be an important Illinois abolitionist, wrote of his impressions of Galena that winter.: “Thank God, the winter is almost over; and I hope it is the last I shall ever spend in Galena, unless I am better prepared. Since the commencement of cold weather there has been nothing here but balls, parties, gambling, and frolicking. Men who can not pay a cent of their just debts, find no difficulty in spending $20 or $30 a week in these amusements. These parties are general in this place, the exceptions but very few. I am sorry to say that my partners come in for a large share of this description.” One of those newspaper partners was Aratus Kent’s pious friend, Dr. Horatio Newhall.The winter of 29-30 was one of discontent for Aratus Kent. He suffered “rebuke” from the civil authorities of Galena over a beating suffered at the hand of an associate in the secular “day” school Kent had founded (more on this later), and his pastoral success was limited. He reported to Dr. Peters:When I returned from my late tour to St. Louis I found the weather extremely cold. I had no room, no place for public worship and the Sabbath school. And I seemed to have little or no prospects for doing good and secretly wished to be a part of the time at some other place, but I found your “instructions” were to persevere and to confine myself to Galena. Thus I was exceedingly strengthened and thrown upon my own resources. I formed a plan which I have strictly pursued apparently with success.I purchased the house in which we had worshipped and issued a subscription paper to solicit aid to repair it (being determined to try whether they felt interest in me or my work, as I had heretofore been unable to ascertain what their feelings were toward me). In four weeks time $200 were raised and paid out for completing the repairs on my house (as they understood it to be) Public worship and Sabbath school were resumed under circumstances of increasing interest and much greater promise. A singing society having much the aspect of a moral society of 25 male members started in to being of itself; and a day school of 60 scholars was commenced and has been conducted with great prosperity until the recent occurrence.I have a bible class 5 days in the week and following the lesson in order I did them (23 in number) away to Mount Sinai and then there expounded the law of the Lord. It is also my frequent practice to make the whole school repeat after me the ten commandments with an occasional short and familiar exposition of one.Sabbath morning will average about 60 of the most respectable people. The merchants are disposed to shut their shops and come to meeting and teamsters come in and find it difficult to do business as usual on the Sabbath. In the evening, i.e. at 6 pm, I have about as many of another descript who will not attend the day. So that there are at the 2 services and the Sabbath School about 150 under religious influence every Sabbath. I have also a weekly prayer meeting and Sunday School concert. And though we mourn that we have none inquiring after Salvation yet impressions are made as you will discover by the spirit of the proceedings with which I commenced. But all this labor is too much for my two eyes and they are failing me so that I tremble but I shall be desist [sic] and again have recourse to travelling. If i can hold out 4 weeks I think of attending Presbytery at Springfield which I deem very important and which will permit me the necessary traveling and enable me again to visit Rock I[sland] and U[nion] Grove...You will appreciate this when I tell you that about 1/3 of the Catholics, most of those that have any influence attend service occasionally. Many of their children are in the day school and several are in the Sabbath school — confidential.We have an average of 2 balls a week this winter — card parties abound and other vices.I had liked to have forgotten that I have no money to pay my board, and must ask you to send me one hundred dollars.Believing as I do that the soil, the minerals, the salubrity and the waters afford a combination of inducements to setters unequalled in the U.S. as will soon render it a prosperous district. I am extremely anxious that laborers should take the field in time and not linger until the weeds or error and vice shall (like those in the bottoms) get over our heads....I consider that among all this population there are not materials enough to organize one Protestant Church. My feelings would prompt me to raise my voice till it should reverberate among the hill-tops of my much loved New England, saying “Brethren come over to Mississippi and help us.” And so Reverend Kent spent his first industrious, if stressful, winter in Galena. Kent’s failing eyesight was a source of constant worry. His restless spirit, and his need to “itinerate” seemed to be a merger precipitated by his vision trouble. He could ride into the face of a blizzard, and his blurred vision served him adequately. But to study scriptures or to correspond was too taxing for his weak eyes. By Spring, 1830, Kent, like Hooper Warren, was having financial trouble due to the lack of promised financial support of his sponsors: "Poverty and insolvency constitute a serious difficulty. I requested 100 dollars 3 month since but have not received it (as I hoped accompanied by some words of advice) and I fear it has miscarried." To make matters worse, Kent was in trouble with the authorities again, this time for failing to serve on a jury: "I was yesterday fined $5 Dol. for not serving on the petty jury. But the judge spoke kindly to me and said: 'We make it up the money ourselves.' He is a worthy man and attends church regularly...You will conclude that my spirits are depraved but I hope I shall feel better next time I write."The summer brought Kent an unusual invitation: "I started July 5th for Prairie du Chien by request of Genl. Street, Indian Agent, fulfilled several appointments in my circuitous route, and after great fatigue arrived in time to meet my engagement to Preach there on the 11th at the meeting of the Council with the Indians of whom 800 of different tribes were present. My congregation of 200 presented as great a variety of the human family as was perhaps ever assembled at the same time by an ambassador of Christ."At Prairie du Chien Kent rubbed elbows with some celebrated men, but the mosquitoes had a larger and more lasting effect on him. The post surgeon was a fellow son of Connecticut, William Beaumont, and with him was his famous fistulous patient, Alexis St. Martin. Indeed, Beaumont was in the midst of performing the experiments on gastric physiology that would immortalize him and his subject. William Clark was there from St. Louis in his role as Indian Agent, along with several young army officers who would later rise to prominence, including Zachary Taylor, Robert Anderson, and James Kearny. Just as Kent was constantly bothered by his "weak eyes," Beaumont was afflicted with near deafness, and also a tendency towards Jeffersonian Deism. If the Doctor did not attend (and perhaps he did) Kent's sermon, the more orthodox Deborah Beaumont did. The summer was a particularly unhealthy one in Prairie du Chien, for the mosquitoes breeding conditions were ideal. Beaumont wrote a paper on the resulting malaria epidemic: The History of the Intermittent Fever as it Prevailed at Prairie du Chien in the Summer and Fall of 1830. The prevalent fever that Beaumont described was not confined to Prairie du Chien. Kent's layman’s description from Galena was similar: "God has scourged this sinful place with a distressing sickness and every family and about every person has been brought low with it. I have visited 30 or 40 in a day before I was taken down myself. But the affliction has been mingled with mercy for amidst the general prevalence of disease there have been but two deaths that can be traced to the vicinity of the Mississippi and the bottom lands which are inundated when this Jordan overflows its banks.I was attacked by a bilious fever on the 6th of Sept since which I have been unable to preach nor yet now am I able, though it is more than 9 weeks that I have been laid aside. I attempted it once about three weeks since but my strength entirely failed and I was compelled to sit down before I was half through my discourse and the congregation was a fever and ague of which I had been forewarned that it would most likely follow that with which I was first attacked. It seems very difficult and a very hard process to recover one’s strength after being sick in this country.I thought to promote the restoration of my health by going into the country and at the same time to do good by riding extensively and visiting those scattered inhabitants who are so disposed that they cannot be collected for preaching, but I soon got quite down again and returned to Galena miserable enough., but I am now recovering and hope to be able to preach in a few days."The winter of 1830-1 was not much better than the preceding one for spiritual efforts, and the blizzards were the stuff of legends. Kent complained: "The people of this country are mainly a floating population and vast numbers left us last season on account of the pressure of the times, and the congregation is small, nor can we expect much good will be accomplished until the land is offered for sale and permanent improvements encouraged. During the winter the snow has been unusually abundant and the winter remarkably cold. Several men have been frozen to death though they were generally intemperate and it is at the peril of life to ride over these prairies without a tree or a house to break the force of the wind for many miles."Two of Kent's comments that winter were: "I have been prevented by the depth of snow from executing my purpose of visiting Prairie du Chien (90 miles)... The traveling this winter is such that nearly all communication with the civilized world is cut off..." But Kent's Yale colleagues to the south at Jacksonville were in even more dire straits. "The situation of the people," wrote Dr. Sturtevant, "was alarming. It was not at first apparent that sufficient food and fuel could be got to keep everybody from starving or freezing." The floods the following spring lead to many drownings in the swollen streams and rivers. Only the powerful arms of young Abe Lincoln saved two men from drowning in the Sangamon River in April.Dangerous streams notwithstanding, Kent spent the spring prospecting for souls. "I visited Rock Island (the seat of war at this moment) on the first of may and spent a Sabbath there. [While there Kent was one of 38 signers of a petition to Gov. Reynolds complaining about Black Hawk’s presence east of the Mississippi.] And I spent a Sabbath at Prairie du Chien in March where I was received with utmost cordiality. They are exceedingly anxious that I should spend a part of my time with them or that you should send another laborer and they gave me substantial proof of it by contributing $13.37/100. I have been desirous of visiting them & other military posts around here, vis that at Chicago and Fort Winnebago (at the portage between Wisconsin and Fox Rivers) and the Fort at St. Peters. but it has not been convenient. I have been several times to Mineral Point, 37 miles north, and the next Sabbath I am to preach on the Pekatonica (30 miles east), agreeably to my plans of itinerating for the present every third Sabbath. These as preaching posts are important, but it embarrasses the Galena Sabbath School to have the Superintendent absent so often."Local financial support continued to be wanting. A promise to circulate a subscription for the year had been made, but not accomplished by June. A bell for the meeting house had been ordered, and it consumed an alarming proportion of the available funds. Kent's letters made many references to the perplexing bell, and to the difficulties he had in getting the materials and labor to install it. By late summer Kent feared that his commission would not be renewed: "It does not appear (by the Home Miss.) that my request for reappointment has been granted, and perhaps your esteemed Committee have become discouraged by the prospect of this barren fruit, or are waiting for some evidence of good accomplishment."His commission was renewed in spite of the fact that he was the penman of a protest over a general salary reduction imposed on Illinois missionaries. He assured the Secretaries that "...such a measure would never have originated with me," and that he had merely been the recording clerk. He also assured his superiors that he would not need more than $200 for the coming year from them. Then he announced a milestone: "You will be pleased to learn that on Sabbath Oct. 29 a Presbyterian Church of 6 members was organized in this place and the Lords supper administered in this village."Kent's moral presence was beginning to affect the town's character: "In brackets I would mention some tokens of improvement. Such a little increase of seriousness: a total silence about those winter amusements which have usually prevailed. The success of the Grand Jury in breaking up and banishing the house of ill-fame. And the circulation of a paper pledging abstinence from “brag-playing” which was commenced last week." Prostitutes and Presbyterians would henceforth not cohabitate Galena.Kent was always interested in Temperance, and he was making good progress on that front, too. “The Moral Association (Alias, Temperance So.) at a late meeting resolved to hold meetings in the country for the purpose of extending a knowledge and influence on the subject. They voted to recommend to their members to abstain from the use of wine and appointed a Committee of 5 (Sab. School Teachers) to invite the youth to enlist in this work of reform and to aid them in organizing a Juvenile Temperance Society, which will be formed next week.”Sabbath breaking was a constant source of irritation to Kent: “It is due to the citizens of this village to say that the more intelligent and influential part of the people manifest a disposition to observe the Sabbath. But the embarrassments that they constantly meet with from extraneous causes are too great to be encountered by men who are not yet brought under the influence of an inflexible religious principle. These embarrassments are the arrival and departure of the mail, of steam boats, and of teams with lead which must be weighed...The multitudes of strangers who visit us and leave on the Sabbath and the practice of miners and smelters of coming in to do business on that day. All these causes combined operate to prevent a due observance of the Sabbath and constitute an annoyance which is greatly to be deprecated.”The ever vigilant Rev. Kent found an opportunity to strike a blow to the evil of wagering, and he moved on several fronts.“Perhaps it will amuse and perhaps inform you of the character of this country to note some things in relation to gambling. The two Methodist ministers and myself are enrolled on the list of Grand Jurors for the avowed purpose of putting a check upon this vice which has rapidly become flagrant. But another method has been adopted. It was taken up among themselves and agreeably to public notion a “Benevolent Society” was formed and 24 subscribers obtained upon the spot to pledge of entire abstinence from gambling. I would state further (enter not) one man refused to sign the paper because the pledge was not restricted to Galena and its vicinity, another because it was contrary to his profession, asserting he could see but 2 or 3 in the room which whom he had not played.”Kent gave examples of how advanced the crisis had become:“A laboring man as he laid down his dollar said that was the last of 183 which he had spent through this winter. Another sold his “lead”, i.e. his mineral grant for 150 dollars to have a “spree” — came to Galena, returned penniless and had well-nigh died from the excruciating disease brought on by his excesses. He now promises to be temperate. The vice had become so public that the boys were enlisting extensively, and perhaps the credit of the reformation should be awarded to a Negro who established a Faro Bank. This created alarm among the gentlemen for they saw their craft was in danger of falling into disrepute.”Illinois had outlawed most forms of gambling as early as its third session of the legislature, when it was decreed: "If any person shall hereafter bring in the State...or shall sell or offer for sale any pack of playing cards, or any dice, billiard balls, or any other device of thing intended, or made for the purpose of being used at any game; shall on conviction shall be fined in the sum not exceeding $25." But even Kent's Presbyterian zeal coupled with the law of the land were insufficient forces to put a total end to gaming.Kent had been a lonely bachelor in Galena for three years. Now he planned a trip back to the east, and its purpose was matrimony. He must have known Caroline Corning of Hartford, Conn., from some association, but details of their courtship are lacking. Kent’s weak eyes hampered his missive campaign, but he must have had assurances that his trip east would be productive. Kent's stated purpose for making the trip was truthful, if a trifle too broad: "...to persuade good people to come west."Charles Fenno Hoffman, a New York journalist who visited Galena about then, explained the real reason for Kent's trip. “...There is another defect in the place [Galena], and, indeed, in almost all western towns where you get so far beyond the mountains, that is not so easily got over, and that is, the want of female society. The number of males in proportion to females on the frontiers is as least five to one; and girls of fifteen (I might say twelve), or widows of fifty, are alike snapped up with avidity by the disconsolate bachelors...I was told by an old borderer, he had traveled twenty miles only to get a look at a petticoat, where it was rumored that there was actually one in the neighborhood... Even now they talk seriously in Galena of getting up an importation of ladies, for the especial amelioration and adornment of the place.” Kent brought three specimens of the rare creature back with him.By June Kent was in New York City, and he wrote to the Secretaries that he needed more missionaries. He incorrectly assured them that the threat of serious Indian hostilities was exaggerated, though he accurately predicted a swift resolution of any disturbance.“Allow me again to direct your attention to the Northwestern territory as an important field for a missionary from your Society. And here I may be met by the arguing are not the Indians over running the country. They are at this moment creating great alarm and confusion, but from my knowledge of their movements for 2 years past I am well satisfied that they are instigated by one restless spirit (Black Hawk) and that the result of their disturbance will be the adoption of a train of measures which will secure the inhabitants from apprehensions in future. So that these various alarms some of which are greatly exaggerated should have no influence on any plans of operation which are to take effect 6 or 9 months hence.”Kent took great pains to paint the picture of the frontier life of the missionary, for he wanted only “good soldiers.”“But we want a man who can endure hardship as a good soldier, — A man who can face prairie winds in winter and swim the swollen creeks in spring, and eat what is set before him asking no questions and making no invidious allusions to other days; — A man who can sleep sweetly on the “soft side” of an oak plank or on the green sod of Mother earth with no covering but his blanket and no company but his horse, or perchance a passing wolf or a benighted whip-poor-will, and in the mean time can preach with apostolic zeal whenever he can collect a dozen precious souls to listen. Oh and he must have patience withal, to delay his journey an hour or two while they are collecting, though it should subject him to inconvenience of riding in the night and the danger of loosing his trail which conducts him to the next cabin. You will be surprised if I say at the next breath that we want a man of easy manner, but this is always important, especially in one who would expect any considerable influence on the officers of those Forts [Crawford, Snelling, Armstrong, Winnebago] of which mention was made. Perhaps you would inquire what “school” he should belong to. By all means let us have one that has been taught in the school of Christ and one who had made such proficiency in the lesson of self-denial that he can be cheerful under the regimen prescribed above and account himself honored in being permitted to serve the Lord Christ in a post of so much distinction.”On September 4th, 1832, Aratus Kent and thirty year old Caroline Corning were married in Hartford. Of Caroline's life before her marriage nothing is known. That she was possessed of a good education cannot be doubted. She immediately served as a teacher in the Sabbath school, and often acted as scribe for her husband during periods when his chronic ocular affliction flared.Aratus Kent's career was frequently a contradiction to the conventional wisdom. His marriage was no exception. One of Kent's colleagues wrote to Reverend Peters: “...if an eastern minister comes here with a wife she will be discontented, and casue him to return. If he comes here without a wife he will probably go to the east for one and we shall see no more of him before there is no chance of keeping him, unless he marry in this country.” If Caroline Kent had any qualms about her life in the west, she kept them to herself.An account of the return trip of Kent's party was recorded years after the fact by Caroline Thompson, who later married Rev. Phelps, the long time Home Missionary at Lee Center, Lee County, Illinois.AN EARLY DAY JOURNEYThe Story of a Trip from New York City to Galena Takenby Caroline Thompson afterwards Caroline Phelps,when a Girl, as Told by HerselfEarly in September 1832 I left New York for Galena with Uncle and Aunt Kent, my parents expecting me to return by the first safe opportunity after a year had passed. We left by boat for Hartford where we spent a few days with Corning relatives. Next we went to Suffield, Conn., Uncle Kent's birthplace and home, a typical New England home. Then we went by stage to Enfield to take up Miss Clarissa Pierce who wanted to go west to teach and help in mission work Then next to Blanford, Mass., by stage to pick up Eli Edwin Hall, a young man of 19, who was to finish fitting for college with Uncle Kent and later enter Illinois College at Jacksonville, Ill., in preparation for Home Mission work. Then by stage, our party of five came to the Hudson River, took boat for Albany, then across New York State via Erie Canal to Buffalo. From Buffalo to Niagara Falls where we spent two days with a friend of Uncle Kent. From Buffalo again we took stage for Wheeling, Va., where we took steamboat for Cincinnati to "spend the Sabbath" as Uncle Kent would not travel on Sunday. Sickness of some of our party delayed us in Cincinnati for four weeks. We then took boat for Maysville, Kentucky, where we waited several days for the boat for St. Louis in which place we finally arrived about the middle of October, the time set for our arrival in Galena. We were delayed in St. Louis by trouble with Uncle's eyes and it was nearly the end of November before we could go on. We then took the night and day stage for Springfield, Ill., and learning to our dismay on arriving that the stage was then laid off for the winter and only a horseback mail once a week sent to Galena. But it was decided to push on at all risks. The whole country from points not far north of Springfield has been devastated in the summer and autumn by the Black Hawk war and was still unsettled, Indians roaming about, and but few of the white settlers who had fled had returned. man and beast were most uncertain and we were assured that after the first night north house or cabin would not be seen more than once in forty miles.However, Uncle bought a span of stout horses, blankets robes, feed and other supplies, with a large sack of crackers and a ham of smoked beef for provisions. With five people and three trunks that wagon was filled to capacity. The weather was mild for December but the ground was frozen and traveling rough. First night out was spent in Hennepin. We set out next morning on a forty mile stretch of prairie for Daddy Chambers' cabin. We dined on crackers and dried beef and drank water from the streams we crossed, reaching Chambers' mansion at night fall. Daddy and Ma'am Chambers gave us a warm welcome. The cabin was log with mud floor and a "stick and daub chimney" and a swing window, a mere board shutter on leather hinges. Daddy and Ma'am had formerly kept a tavern for the stage route but the Indians had burned the house. They had in this cabin, formerly the kitchen, a few chairs, a home made bedstead, trundle bed, a small table and a few dishes, coffee pot and an iron three legged bake oven with iron cover, the only cooking utensils they had. After a supper of biscuit and bacon I slept with Miss Pierce in the root house made of sod while the others were stowed in the cabin, Mr. Hall sleeping in the wagon.After a breakfast of soggy biscuit and bacon we started at daylight for a forty mile stretch to Dixon's ferry. Late in the afternoon we reached Daddy Joe's cabin, some ten miles from Dixon's Ferry; but a peril lay before us in the Winnebago Swamp, three miles from Dixon's Ferry which must be crossed.After the "howdye" and preliminary greeting Uncle Kent asked him for directions to the swamp and the safe crossing but Daddy Joe advised waiting until the next day as night might overtake us before we got through and that it was dangerous except in the light. Uncle Kent being very desirous of completing the journey, decided to risk the crossing and with careful directions given by Daddy Joe we pushed on. The horses made the best progress possible but it was dark by the time we reached the swamp. After a time the trail seemed to fade out and the crossing hard to find. Finally following what seemed to be the crossing the horses were turned down a bank only to land in a mire at the bottom so deep it reached the bed of the wagon. In vain the horses tried to pull the wagon out and after working for two hours one of them got down and only with difficulty were they unhitched so they could reach the bank. We were taken from the wagon by means of some sapling poles placed so as to make a kind of a bridge.After rubbing most of the thick mud from the horses with the coarse prairie grass, robes were put on the horses and the two women placed thereon and we walked the three miles to the Ferry. On reaching the Dixon home we found between two and three thousand Indian warriors encamped prepared to sign a treaty of peace with the U. S. Government whose interests were represented by U. S. troops. We were given the comforts of home in the Dixon house and we were given a glad welcome by Mrs. Dixon and her daughter. It was long past midnight before we got to bed. Early the next morning Uncle Kent and Mr. Hall assisted by the Dixon men took horses with them and went back to where the wagon was still mired and after a time succeeded in pulling it out. In the meantime I had opportunity to go out among the Indians. I had not a particular of fear of them, I hardly know why. The chiefs were in a large tent and I went about among them to see their gay feathers, blankets and moccasins. Their leggings and earrings looked so queer to me. Some of them took me on their knees and touched my cheeks and called me brave squaw because I did not turn pale as they laughed and chatted together.After an early and very good dinner we were again on our way. Mr. Dixon and his sons went with us to the ferry which consisted of a flat bottomed boat with pulleys to haul us across the Rock River. The horses objected to going on the boat and with difficulty were finally persuaded to go aboard. Mr. Dixon had given us minute directions as to finding our lodging place for the night, a lone house on the stage road. Snow had fallen and as dusk approached and made it impossible to follow the grass-overgrown stage road. The night shut down upon us lost upon the trackless prairie without even a star for guidance. There was nothing to do but halt, unhitch, make the best camp we could and wait for morning. No fire could be kindled for fear of attracting some wandering Indians. We did the best we could to keep warm but little sleep was had that night. The next morning we discovered a column of smoke about half a mile away and no time as lost in breaking camp and getting to the house where we were most hospitably welcomed, warmed and fed and started on the last stage of the journey. It was Saturday and we must reach Galena by the night of December 13th our jaded horses pulled us into Galena. Our trip from New York ended in the deep clay mire of Main St., Galena, before one of the warehouses near the levee. Uncle Kent left us there, the wagon wheels nearly up to the hubs in mud, while he hastened to the home of Reuben Brush on Bench St. He soon returned with Mr. Brush and we were given a warm welcome by his good wife and most hospitably entertained, giving us a good supper which we ate like wolves for we had eaten nothing but a noonday lunch of crackers and dried beef. We stayed with the Brush family until a house could be procured and furnished. The only shelter that could be found was a little frame house on Bench street, next door to the corner of Hill street, which Uncle Kent purchased of John Delany later, that was the family home for so many years. The John Delany corner, he lived in a house with a big stone chimney, had been used for the block house, a palisade fort of hewn logs set upright, close together, and banked with earth. It had a rough roof and many portholes for firing guns in case of attack by Indians. Hither the people hastened from all parts of the region round about in times of alarm. The only stove that could be procured for heating and cooking was a tiny Franklin. It had a tin reflector to set upon its hearth, wherein to bake. An old log hut stood in the rear of the house, called a kitchen, with a roofed space between called a porch. This little hut had a small swing window of four panes, a mud and stick chimney for a fireplace. It had a puncheon floor and here a ' bunk" was put for Miss Pierce and me.When we landed in Galena, Mr. Delaney had begun to turn the fort into a dwelling and Uncle Kent bought the corner and the side hill back of it, employing Mr. Delaney to finish it as soon as possible; meanwhile Mr. Hall had his bed in a corner of the old court house (with jail under it) partitioned for a study for uncle. The court house he had bought a year or two before and had it for a church and school room, first occupied by Deacon Wood.Caroline T. PhelpsThe Kent party was detained in Cincinnati at “...great expense of time and money” due to an exacerbation of Kent's chronic ocular inflammation. By the time they reached St. Louis all the steamboats had ceased running for the season, and they were obliged to travel overland “...along a road but ill provided with accommodations, and embarrassed with unbridged water courses. Our family being not yet inured to the hardships incident to a new country and my own eyes so weak that we were in constant apprehension of snow which would have prevented our traveling across the prairies. This last consideration forbade the employment of any conveyance which we could not control. We therefore purchased horses and a covered waggon which served us for parlor, dining hall and sanctuary not to say ferry boat and lodging place which lastly was true in one instance.” In 1858, Kent recalled the 1832 trip to Galena this way: There is an Old School Ch. at Union Grove, whose large and overgrown house of worship has been a bone of contention for many years. I recall some pleasing reminiscences in reference to my first visit there in 29 or 30. Several pious families has some in from Bond Co. (or there abouts) and I preached the first sermon in the little log church as yet had neither bottom door nor puncheon floor. But there was a sweet harmony and brotherly love such as the wide house with strife cannot contain. But my third visit there in Dec. 32 affords more pleasure in the review than we found in the bitter experience of our journey. On my return from a tour to the East to persuade good people to come West, I was accompanied by Mrs. Kent, Miss Pierce, a truly missionary spirit, E.E. Hall a youth of 17, now preaching at Rome or Paris, and a child of 9, now Rev. Mrs. Phelps of Lee Center. We were detained by sickness on the rivers until they were frozen and we were obliged to travel from St. Louis by land and from Springfield by means of a big waggon which providence furnished and I purchased. And as we proceeded our weary way we reached this grove at evening and finding no one to entertain us, we kindled a fire and made a kettle of mush with which we welcomed the return of the family. And if you will allow the interpolation of some “Prairie Missionary” adventures to these dry statistics you may follow the big waggon and listen to our songs and our prayers, for we had some good singing and some precious prayer meetings. While Rev. E.E. Hall acted alternatively as Postillion or officiated as chaplain. Having crossed the Ill. River and arrived late in the evening we found ourselves in a “muddy run” with 10 high banks that our high and powerful horses could not get out. But we left the vehicle and rode as best we could to Dixon, where we were kindly entertained by Mrs. Dixon amidst a group of Indians stretched out before the fire. There was but one house and that a log cabin. The next morning we went back 3 miles and “took up our carriages” and passed on to Chambers Grove, where a part of our company were lodged in the root house, the Indians having burned their cabin during the summer. Two days later we were overtaken by night and bewildered by a snow storm., but the big waggon served us for a lodging place and the next day (13th) we reached Galena and if ever we knew how to be thankful for domestic comforts it was in our own limed log house with one room and a shed and a small Franklin stove.Lest it be suspected that the danger of travel across Northern Illinois was exaggerated by Miss. Thompson and Rev. Kent, remember that the Black Hawk War was then over by only a couple of months. Two of Kent's ministerial colleagues were murdered during the hostilities. A newly married Methodist minister and his bride died a horrible death in Bureau County that summer, if the following lurid tale is to be believed.The Indians bound their victims with strong cords, put them on their own horses, and carried them back to camp. On arriving at camp, the warriors held a council over their prisoners, and it was decided, in order to avenge their dead comrade, they should be burned at the stake. Sample was well acquainted with one of his captors, Girty, a renegade half breed, having met him a number of times on Bureau, while on his ministerial excursions. Sample offered Girty all he possessed as a ransom for the life of himself and wife. But all to no purpose, nothing but revenge could satisfy this blood-thirsty savage. Divested of all their clothing, bound hand and foot to a tree, the Samples stood waiting their doom. A fire of dry limbs was kindled around them, while the Indians stripped themselves of their clothing, with their faces painted red, in preparation for a dance. Everything being now ready for the execution, Girty took his long knife and scalped the prisoners, saving the scalps as a trophy of war. Taking the scalp of Mrs. Sample, and tying the long hair around his neck, leaving the bloody scalp to hang on his breast. In this way, Girty, assisted by the other Indians, danced around their victims, jumping up and down, and yelling like demons. Mr. and Mrs. Sample were bound to the tree, surrounded by burning fagots, their scalps taken off, with the blood running down over their faces, and covering their naked bodies with gore. Soon the flames began to take effect on the victims, and in their agony they besought the Indians to shoot or tomahawk them, and thereby terminate their sufferings. But their appeals were in vain; with fiendish laugh the Indians flourished their tomahawks over their heads, dancing and yelling in mockery of their sufferings. Mrs. Sample, whose youth and innocence ought to have moved the hardest heart, appealed to Girty, for the sake of humanity, to save her from this terrible death. But her appeals were without effect; nothing could change the purpose, or soften the heart of this devil incarnate. Then there was the case of Rev. Adam Payne. Payne was ordained an Elder in the Christian church, then called “New Lights,” but who preached independently in Northern Illinois. Payne left Chicago in May of 1832, and reached Plainfield, where he stayed with the Methodist Minister, Rev. S.R. Beggs. Rev. Beggs cabin was surrounded with pickets, and was referred to as “Fort Beggs.” The Plainfield settlers were about to abandon their homes and flee to Fort Dearborn for safety. They urged Rev. Payne to accompany them. Payne had preached to the Indians, and he believed they would not harm him. He set out for his brother’s (Aaron, who also was wounded during the War and treated by Dr, Beaumont at Prairie du Chien) in Putnam County. Payne was attacked near Holderman’s Grove, and murdered. His head was placed on a pole and used in an ugly celebration by the Indians.By the spring of 1833 Kent's vision and spirits were clear enough for him to begin traveling again. This time he headed east to visit the shores of Lake Michigan. He visited Putnum County and followed up the Illinois River to explore. He was pleased to find fellow Presbyterian Rev. Jeremiah Porter at Chicago and, Kent had “... rarely addressed a more attractive and apparently pious congregation than that which I met on Sabbath morning in the Garrison [Fort Dearborn], and which combining the people of the village and gentlemen of the army constituted a large assembly for this country.” On Sunday, May 26th, 1833, Kent preached the second known Presbyterian Sermon in Chicago history (Porter had preached the first the Sunday before). Kent’s “excellent sermon” was from Hebrew, xi, 24-46. Kent hoped Porter would remain at Chicago, and predicted that “...if the pier now commencing should be permanent and the harbor a safe one, Chicago will undoubtedly grow as rapidly as any village in the western country.” Kent described the return trip to Galena:On my return I preached at Fountaindale, so called from the numerous springs of pure water which form the DuPage one of the head waters of the Illinois River. Here I found a large settlement of eastern emigrants but lately come in and about 20 professors of religion of our denomination. They will soon be able to support a preacher. Br. Porter will spend the next Sabbath with them. From this grove, 30 miles west of Chicago, I came home in 3 days following the trail of Gen Scott’s army, and was obliged to “camp out” but one night. The whole distance by that route could not be more than 175 miles. And my way lay through a tract of country possessing many advantages which will give it the preference over the lower parts of Illinois in the estimations of emigrants from New England.This “Army Trail” was the route taken by General Scott’s army the summer before to reach the front during the Black Hawk War. (Scott traveled the more conventional southern route through Dixon). The Army Trail was cut through the prairies by a train of fifty wagons and the remnants of Scott's army so recently decimated by cholera. They crossed the Des Plains River near its headwaters, and the Fox between Elgin and St. Charles, thence on to Genoa and Belvidere. The trail was originally an old Indian trace between Chicago and Beloit, the site of a large Winnebago village. The Army Trail became an artery for immigration and commerce immediately following the Black Hawk War. Kent's trip in May of 1833 would have been among the first, however.Aratus and Caroline toured to Fort Winnebago at the Portage between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers during the summer of 1833. Kent “...was persuaded to linger there 2 Sabbaths and was treated with such marked attention and politeness as in a good degree obliterated the impression of the perils attending such a journey. I received 32 1/2 dollars from individuals unsolicited but in as much as I have received nothing from the people for about 10 months and my tour to Chicago was at an expense of 13 dollars (not to mention $500 expense in getting here last fall) I concluded to with hold any acknowledgment of that very liberal contribution.” Julia Kinzie, the refined and literate wife of the Indian Agent, recalled the visit as “...being the first occasion on which the Gospel according to the Protestant faith, was preached at Fort Wiinebago.” In March of that year Jefferson Davis, stationed at Fort Winnebago, had been promoted to first lieutenant. He may have been one of the polite and generous acquaintances made by Kent.Cholera remained as a legacy of the Black Hawk War of the previous summer. Kent recounted: “It should be noted that during the prevalence of Cholera about 25 deaths occurred, among these was the Catholic priest [Rev. J. McMahon], a man of full habit (& said to be fond of strong drink).” With a touch of envy he also reported: “The Methodists have succeeded through the kindness of a merchant in completing a neat little chapel which was dedicated last Sabbath. But up to that time they have had the gratuitous occupancy of the house of worship belonging to the Presbyterians [i.e., the house that Kent purchased] every other Sabbath when their own minister was absent by harmonious arrangement.” Kent no sooner related the bad news about the cholera when he was laid low himself by a recrudescence of the malarial fever of the year before. This time he was stricken while traveling with Caroline to synod, and he was forced to spend 3 weeks “...under Brother Watson’s hospitable roof”at Jacksonville.By New Year, 1834, Kent could “...see but little evidence of good done, except I admit to the mischief resulting from 8 or 9 months absence. I can see that great evil attended that period of time in which the people were destitute of Gospel ordinances... It was remarked to me recently that the influx of vice during that period (which included the Indian war) had thrown us back 2 years in moral improvement. This is especially true of the vices of gaming, intemperance and Sabbath breaking. The temperance cause has not prospered and I attribute its want of success to the cholera during the prevalence of which the members thought it necessary to use brandy, but chiefly to the unfortunate defect in the pledge, for they are not required to abstain from the traffic, hence many merchants belong to the society and continue to sell spirits. But I hope we shall be able ere long to new model the constitution. We have just forwarded money to obtain 45 copies of the American Temp. Pledge, and I hope that this measure will give us a new impulse.” Kent’s pessimism about the prospects of religion were not unique. His fellow A.H.M.S. missionary, Lucien Farnam, wrote from Princeton, Illinois, in the same period: “Among us, it is now what I should call a time of stupidity, in respect to religion. Not that we have any neglect of the means of grace. Meetings are well attended—on the Sabbath out house is generally filled—people listen with attention—but no sinners are converted. The word is heard but not obeyed. To human view the prospect is dark.” And Princeton was primarily a settlement of “devout” New Englanders, not the rag tag mixture of humanity that comprised Galena’s more cosmopolitan population.Kent felt he must justify to New York the large “family” he was now supporting: “If my family is expensive, it is also useful, furnishing 4 teachers for the Sabbath School, an infant school teacher and is the main support of the female prayer meeting and a weekly benevolent society. Besides great assistance is realized in visiting the people and conversing on religious subjects.” Clearly Kent was anticipating becoming independent from the financial support of the A.H.M.S., but in March of 1835 he was forced to apply for renewed aid. He reported on conditions:But we have much to contend with in this village. There are at least 25 places where ardent spirits are sold. Our temperance society is reduced to about 30. We have found it necessary to alter the constitution so as to exclude wine and the traffic in spirits which furnished some hope that we shall succeed better than heretofore.... Sabbath breaking prevails woefully. There are several Faro banks or other gaming houses one of which has declared a net profit of $15,000 this winter. The fashionable amusements have prevailed more and religious meetings have been frequented less than during one or two winters previous. And the church, though increased in numbers and containing some very excellent persons both male and female has not been so zealous and so efficient as at some former times. There is appearance of seriousness in a few of late and some desire to prepare for a protracted visit from Dr. Nelson & Mr. Turner in May. We can boast of entire harmony among ourselves and great unanimity with those of other sects. My Methodist Brother (minister) and myself have commenced a new plan which is to visit together from house to house exhorting and praying and urging attendance or petition was formidable from the Methodists, and Rev. Alfred Brunson gave a somewhat partisan account of Methodist supremacy in Galena: “In the course of the day I viewed the place & found some acquaintances, one of which was with Rev. Mr. Kent of the Presbyterian church. He is the only preacher of his order in the mining country. He is very catholic & friendly in his views & feelings, & evinces a great warmth of piety. I preached for him at night, to a less congregation than we had, the night before, in our own church. Our respective churches are about of a size, say 30 members each, but his includes all the members of his church in the mines, while ours extends but little out of the town.” Methodists were not Kent’s only competitors: “A pamphlet has recently been published here that renounces the scriptures and the being of God and places Jesus Christ between Mahomat and Jo. Smith & Co. (leaders of the Mormons, I suppose).”During the middle years of the 1830’s Kent concentrated his efforts in Galena to build up his church. He organized several revival meetings with the help of members of the “Yale Band” from Jacksonville, including Dr. Nelson, Rev. Edward Beecher, Rev. Asa Turners and others. Moneys were being husbanded to raise $7500 to construct a church building of brick or stone. Some representative reports to New York in this time include:It gives me pain to think that I have been so long in the field without witnessing more cheering results because I believe that it is to be attributed to my own unfaithfulness. I do not doubt but that good is done by my instrumentality and that is well worth all the expense by which this mission has been sustained but I am perfectly certain that I have not accomplished what even I might have done if I possessed more of a self-denying spirit.In visiting the sick I meet with two very interesting cases last week — they are included in the 11 married women in the village and 5 in the vicinity who have died within six months — of these Mrs. Strother (the wife of a man who has purchased 7/8 of a steam boat and who will command it himself and observe the Sabbath strictly) was very satisfactory. She seemed as tranquil as if going to yield herself to the influence of an ordinary sleep.I think myself happy if I can assist in smoothing the dying pillow of a saint.But I cannot pass over the case of this excellent Brother of the Episcopal church. He is a Virginian of noble blood If I may judge of the blood from the disposition for uncompromising obedience which he evidences. I regard his purpose to run a Sabbath keeping boat on the Mississippi as one of the boldest and most important adventures that individual enterprise could attempt.We have no arrivals and no conversions of late but we have the promise of arrival in less than a year according to the fruits of one of our visits in the country. The church seems to possess more of the elements of efficiency, for they are disposed to work in the Lord’s vineyard. We have a monthly concert, and a good collection as you will see by the amount $45 of which was contributed by the Female Bible Society. We observe the Sabbath school concert. We have also commenced the monthly distribution of tracts in the village and vicinity and we have adopted a method which promises what I have long desired but have never been able to accomplish before a more familiar acquaintance of the members with each other which is ordinarily attended with difficulty is a village like this.At our Sat night prayer meeting of the church it is presumed that the absentees necessarily are detained and accordingly the role is called and those who are present volunteer to visit one and another of the absentees, until we have a promise that each one will be visited during the coming week. And we cannot doubt but that such a plan adopted by the churches in your city with some little variation would be attended with most beneficial results.Our Sabbath School continues to be very interesting and we hope in a few (5) years to have 10 young men preparing for the ministry. We think this a spiritual and very important movement. Please charge me one dollar and give credit to A.G. Hawthorne for the Home Miss.During the year our church has recruited by certificate 4 by conversion 4 and now numbers 45— 1 Sab Sc, 75 scholars... the new members of the Church have subscribed over 1000 dollars toward the church. This country will grow with rapidity. We shall need greatly a preacher for Cassville or whatever place is made the seat of territorial government, and one more south to visit the settlements on Rock River and its tributaries.Our population and my domestic cares are increasing and render it every year more difficult for me to be absent itinerating as formerly. Few ministers ever probably have more company than we and love to “use hospitality” but it is a tax upon the weak vessel.There is hardly a day passes but we have calls or visits from persons from New England who dislike the confused state and Sabbath breaking of the public houses and they are not infrequently persons who broke the Sabbath on their journey hither.The prospect of gaining ground by the conversion of sinners in Galena becomes only more dark but there are other ways in which good may be done.The wheels of the temperance car are clogged by the men of influence who are engaged in the traffic. We have had monthly meetings but these men will not attend or if they do attend it is only to return to their [evil?] course. Mr. A Turner has been with us, and after lecturing 3 evenings he obtained 72 names to his tee-total pledge, but this makes no perceptible impression on the drunkenness of Galena. I also accompanied this indefatigable agent in a visit to the principle places in the country. At Dubuque I preached in the day time and he lectured in the evening of the Sab. and obtained 30 names. We hope this minister will speedily return and have the pleasure of organizing a church there for the religious aspect of that village is brightening. Being disappointed by the Sab. keeping. Steamboat is going to Rock Island to spend the last Sabbath in June as I had proposed.I went to Belleview a little village scarcely six months old on the west bank of the Mississippi about 12 miles before Galena. The back country is settling rapidly by agriculturalists— I had a large congregation most of whom had been there but a few weeks. They were the first sermons ever preached in that place.I suggested a Sab. School; three apparently efficient teachers volunteered. I proposed if they would raise 5 dollars I would furnish $10 worth of books. They immediately collected $11.50 and paid over and I have forwarded a library. They urged me to come again. But there are 6 or 8 places on this side equally important that I have not visited for many months.There are 20 places around me where a Sab. School of 20 or 25 scholars might be secured if but one pious family would come and settle down in each neighborhood and take hold of this work but for the want of them these children are growing up in ignorance.Our Sabbath School is increasing in numbers and interest. Our celebration on the 4th was attended by 130 children. They were furnished by their teachers with an address and each a good piece of cake, a bunch of raisins and a flagon of water.The Captain of the Sabbath Keeping boat has succeeded so well that he has bought another and employed as captain and clerk 2 of the best men in our church, who are determined to keep holy the Sabbath. Would that the friends of Zion would pray over this experiment for it involves the last hope of the west and of the world.Kent kept up a grueling pace of itineration, He travelled with Rev. Hale into Wisconsin and Hale reported the results to Dr. Peters:My journey was principally in the lead mine district & east of the Mississippi River. Br. Kent & myself visited the principal villages & settlements. We found no ministers of our denomination & very few of any other. Indeed, we have no missionaries N. West of Rock River except Br. Kent, at Galena, & Br. Watson, who I suppose has returned to DuBuque. In the Wisconsin Terr. with a population 25,000 of there are not more than 4 Or 5 ministers of all denominations i.e. not more than that number that we could hear of- Br. Kent has long been calling for aid, & if men of the right sort can be had, his call ought to be immediately attended to. The population of the Terr. is somewhat peculiar. A far greater portion of them are foreigners, than of the people of Illinois. They are as a body more intelligent. There is more open wickedness, such as intemperance & gambling, &c., more infidelity, or rather it is more bold & open, & there is more money. We need immediately, two Missionaries to plant within 40 miles of Galena- but they must be men-men of sound minds & warm hearts -men who can meet opposition & bear insults, & are willing to labor hard & bear reproach for Christ, men who might do well in many parts of this state, I am persuaded could not succeed there. I hope you will be on the lookout & as soon as you can find the men send them to Br. Kent & he will go with them to their places of destination. It must not be forgotten that churches in Wisconsin are as scarce as ministers -all is new- a few professors of religion scattered over the field panting for the bread & water of life & a large number who once were enrolled among the people of God & are now twice dead & among the most formidable obstacles to the progress of religion.The year 1837 brought finacial collapse to the western frontier. The period of wild land speculation and soft money culminated when “The whole financial system of the country has fallen to the ground,” as The Cincinnati Daily Gazette put it in May of 1837. Certainly the mechantile and banking interests of Galena were not immune to the effects of the national calamity.None the less, by early 1837, Kent was ready to sever his financial ties with New York: I have been seven years a recipient if the bounty of your society and am deeply and painfully conscious of the Christian and ministerial unfaithfulness. But I have had difficulties to grapple with and burdens to bear which cannot be well be estimated by those who have occupied a more highly cultivated field. For more than two years I laboured alone, without Christians enough to form a church or to maintain a prayer meeting.Our church now numbers 63. We have morning and evening meetings for prayer, a formal Benevolent Soc., a Maternal Association, and prayer meeting. The monthly distribution of tracts has been in successful operation for a year. We have commenced a house for public worship and have $4000 subscribed. We have good schools taught by members of our church. We have had during the whole time an interesting Sabbath School and men are now scattered over the country who were once under our influence. Last fall I met in one day at a distance of 300 miles 3 of its earliest pupils, two were merchants, and one a mechanic, 2 hope they are Christians and all, so far as I can learn, sustain a good moral character amidst the crowds of vicious people with whom they are in daily and hourly mingling.In taking my leave of your society I must express my grateful acknowledgments for the promptness with which every wish has been met and my growing conviction that your society is performing a service for the West and for our country, and for the church which none can so well appreciate as those who witness its happy results.Secular Public EducationAratus Kent's contributions to education were numerous, and he made his mark on institutions at all instructional levels and in many geographic localities. Ironically, his first endeavor in education, shortly after his arrival in Galena, almost caused him to be run out of town. Winter in remote frontier out posts was often a contentious time. Certainly the records of the military at places like Mackinac, Green Bay and Prairie du Chien are replete with Court Martial proceedings over seemingly trivial disputes. Civilian populations also found that the familiarity forced by isolation bred contempt. He told the story to his mentor, Dr. Peters:"I had looked forward for some time to the last Sat. when I hoped to have leisure to write you somewhat that would be cheering, but alas! It was a day of sorrow and “rebuke”. And furnished occasion to those who have been seeking occasion against me. An although this event, as well as the report that I have been caught at card playing, may be construed as a token for good and as evidence that the adversary is alarmed, yet the immediate effect will be to fix odium on me that will not soon be forgotten.My associate in the day school and I were summoned by warrant before the magistrate for “assault and battery” on the body of a child, and tho we were acquitted yet it appeared in evidence that the chastisement was too severe and some marks were left on the child. The crime was telling a lie, and the occasion was whispering in time of prayer. And the severity resulted from the passiveness of the child, which led my companion to strike harder than he ought from the impression that the force of the blows were broken by a jacket or corset intervening. And although we were perfectly dispassionate, and entirely innocent, yet you can easily imagine what will be made of it by such men as would draw up a caricature and send off for the clergyman to come in great haste to the man in his dying moments. True the messenger was arrested before he reached me, but he set out on that errand and the circumstance was quite recent.In relation to this last affray the parents are very sorry, hence sent their children to school again, and state that the child is remarkable for insensibility under the rod and that they should not have taken such a course but they were urged on by others.The people of intelligence and influence manifest a great deal of sympathy for me. And I can forgive and pity and forget for those that have injured me, but I cannot help feeling keenly when I think that ever after my name must be associated with the ideas of barbarity and tyranny.From the testimony given in, I supposed there were some 10 or 15 marks 12 inches long, but my companion called 30 hours after the punishment was inflicted and found 3 marks 1 1/2 inches long. And by the time such a story has traveled 100 miles the child’s back will be all skinned." In spite of his fears, Kent's reputation survived his brush with the authorities over his role in the punishment of the young girl. Many years later Henry Boss reported in his History of Ogle County: "As evidence that the former animosities have died away, Mr. K. says that he was recently called upon to perform the marriage ceremony for the same girl and her lover." The irony of this affair is that Aratus Kent contributed more to female education that any other man of his generation in Northern Illinois, as will be seen later. Kent's sense of personal guilt stemming from this episode could not have detracted from his later zeal in the pursuit of female education.Kent continued to be a strict disciplinarian, even after the experience of being indicted for child abuse. His Puritan heritage thoroughly embraced the traditional Presbyterian antipathy for foolishness, such as card playing, and proudly he reported to New York: "...playing cards are a contraband article in our day and Sabbath schools!"Kent explained his reasons for engaging in the school business to his superiors in New York:"My reasons for engaging in this school were: 1) the great need for such a school; 2) there seemed to be little encouragement to itinerate during the winter months; 3) I wished to gain access to a mass of people that were inaccessible at all other points; 4) I thought by this measure I should eventually promote the Sabbath school; 5) I wished to establish a precedent for introducing the scriptures and prayer into the school. "He also explained something of his pedagogical technique, and offered an explanation for his association with a Baptist in the enterprise:"I found that the school were miserable spellers and had no ambition to excel. I offered as premium to those who were at the head at night an apple or tract (an apple costs 2 cents here). They all prefer the tract and then I send out 2 tracts a day under most favorable circumstances (besides a tract to each scholar once in 4 weeks). My companion is a Baptist but a young man of great worth and coincides with me in everything. Are not my reasons for the day school satisfactory? It was a popular measure to offer to teach gratuitously."While contributing “gratuitously” his own time to the day school, just a few months later he was complaining about the lack of promised support for his associate, Samuel Smith: "I am owing about 130 dol. for board and horse keeping which are cash accounts, but the school keeper can get no cash for his winter's work... I assist in opening the school daily and hear the class in Testament and preach little sermons to them frequently. There is but little to encourage one here except this interesting group of youth." Yet keeping company with this Samuel Smith and his brother Orrin was an early source of moral sustenance for Kent, as when his weekly prayer meeting was "...attended by the teacher, his brother and 2 little boys of 5 and 8 years. It was a pleasant evening and we a good meeting."By July, 1830, Kent came to realize that he could not continue to devote so much time to the actual running of the day school, and still accomplish his holy mission, even though such a course might provide for his living. He wrote to Dr. Peters: "I could get through the coming year by devoting myself 5 days out of 7 to a school with comparatively little expense but I presume that if you were here to judge of the case in all its bearings you would not advise that course."Kent’s faith in education and its connection to his evangelical mission were summarized in a letter to Dr. Badger in 1845: “If we look only at the salvation of the present generation the preaching of the gospel is the great means on which, under God, we should rely. But when we look to ultimate and far reaching results the great desideratum toward which we should bend our utmost efforts is to establish and sustain a system of thorough Christian Education, and render it acceptable to all. And to effect this, we must have local agents stationed at all points in the great field. But all history shows that there are no agents so efficient in promoting Christian educations as Evangelical Ministers. Hence, we are conducted obviously to the conclusion that Home Missionaries should be multiplied to meet the demand. And perhaps in the Western country where so little interest is felt in the cause, they should be especially instructed to carry this point but using every means within their reach — such as lecturing in education, visiting schools, procuring competent teachers, and using their influence to establish primary schools and academies.”Kent participated, if indirectly, in the establishment of several “academies,” such as the one at Henry, Illinois, by defending the role of the missionaries who devoted time and energy to secular education. Again, Kent supported female education:“Br. Pendleton's achievements astonish me. I spent 3 days with him and looked carefully into his operations. How one little man & poor and withal a missionary preaching every Sabbath and providing for a family could within 2 years have projected, gathered on a naked prairie all the materials and all the labourers and finished a tasteful & commodious building 40 feet square and containing 21 rooms all well arranged and could have more over filled it in every nook and corner with the sons & daughters and serve at an expense of $3000 is to me a mystery."Kent assured the Secretaries in New York that he was ensuring that Pendleton did not shirk his pastoral responsibilities:"I had much pleasant conversation and endeavored to be faithful in guarding him against worldly mindedness. The church at Milo is small and poor and can raise bit $25 and he hopes to receive the same amount from individuals at Henry. And he asks 250 (i.e. 125 for Milo and 125 for preaching at the Academy.) His school of 60 together with those that come from the village make a congregation of 75. He has a very pleasant chapel and recitation room in the attic and a more interesting congregation than usually falls to the lot of Home Miss. to address. Nor is his preaching without effect for he reckons 10 as the converts of last winter, several of whom incidentally came in my way.” Rev. H.G. Pendleton was a graduate of the Lane Theological Seminary who became the preacher of the Granville Presbyterian Church at its inception in 1839. In August, 1844, a resolution of the Church was as follows: “Resolved, That Br. H.G. Pendleton having served four years as stated supply, and at the end of the fourth year it was decided by a large majority that he was not satisfactory to the Church on account of his pro-slavery sentiments, a portion of the church deeply sympathize with him, and he had proved himself a laborious and faithful minister.” Pendleton served other churches in the same central Illinois region, for example he was at Henry and Providence in 1848. The Henry Female Seminary was founded on the efforts of Rev. Pendleton, and Kent was very impressed with Pendleton’s energy. Teachers for the Seminary were brought west from the Holyoke (Mass.) Female Seminary. The Henry school flourished until the financial collapse of 1857, after which the rise of public education supplanted the need for such schools.Kent played at least a permissive role in the rapid establishment of sound schools in DuPage County, Illinois, where the A.H.M.S. missionary Rev. Hope Brown was for many years (1849-1856) superintendent of schools. Kent encouraged Brown’s work, and supported his applications for continued missionary aid. Kent proudly reported in 1858: ”It [Dupage County] has been a small territory. In it there are 66 school districts, of 60 have builded [sic] good houses of brick or stone and employ good teachers. This result has been reached in part at least by means of earnest efforts of Br. H. Brown, who was for several years the County Superintendent.”Sabbath SchoolsIn 1828 Rev. Lyman Beecher asked, through a series of articles, whether the salvation of children should not be the concern of all good Calvinists. Yale's Nathaniel Taylor, an influential Calvinist revisionist of the 1820s and 1830s, modified the doctrine of sin in general to accommodate a more benevolent view of unregenerate children's sinfulness. Taylor, who served as President of the Connecticut Sunday School Union during the 1820s, believed that individuals sinned only when they voluntarily committed sinful acts. Orthodox Calvinism held that whenever they did anything while they remained unregenerate, they sinned. Taylor's theology assumed that as long as children remained without a sense of right or wrong, God did not hold them accountable for their acts. Once in possession of a moral sense, however, children were inclined by nature to sin (because they possessed the depraved nature common to all descendants of Adam) and needed regeneration.Taylor's revisionist ideas, like Beecher's liberal views, generated controversy within the Presbyterian church, and played a role in its split into Old and New School factions. In 1833 the Old School Presbyterian minister Gardiner Spring attacked Taylor for his "novel speculations" and "errors" regarding the doctrine of human depravity. Defending the view that sin was an "inclination of the mind" as well as a characteristic of individual acts, Spring stated that the child was a sinner from birth, "the perfect miniature of fallen, sinning man," and "a moral and accountable being." Distinguishing between the intellectual and moral faculties of the soul, Spring argued that original sin tainted children's moral dispositions (their "hearts") just as it did adults'; one needed only look for evidence of children's "moral depravity" in their "impatience, obstinacy, pride, self will." He went on to ask: "Where do you discover that supreme selfishness, which is the essence and substance of all sin, if not in a little child?" Despite their disagreements, Taylor's and Spring's arguments led in the same direction: toward early religious education. Without early training, in Spring's view, children would grow up “slave[s] of ignorance and passion," unaware of their alienation from God. If Taylor saw religious education as a means of shortening the period during which children were alienated from God, Spring saw it as a way of making them aware how deep that alienation was. Either way, children needed early and regular training.Just where Kent stood in this ideological controversy, he did not record. But he wasted no time. A scant four months after his arrival, Kent reported: "The most interesting fact is the present appearance of our embryo Sabbath School..." Pragmatist that he was, he often collaborated with his Baptist and Methodist brethren in the formation of Sabbath schools. But the responsibility was taxing for a young minister working in isolation. He reported: "The Sabbath School is very laborious under our embarrassing circumstances. And I have been sick these 2 weeks past." A few months later, the situation had not improved: "The Sabbath school maintains its onward way and numbers 67 but it is burdensome for want of help in teaching which prevents all efforts to enlarge it, for those who attend sometimes go away without being taught. Last Sabbath was our first public examination when we gave out 52 books (bibles, testaments, tracts & hymn books) and took up a collection of $5 from scholars & teachers & $6 from spectators. Our library of 130 vol. and tracts doing their work." A year later, progress in establishing Christian education could be reported: "We have two Sabbath Schools with libraries in the country and the school in Galena is still prosperous and exacting a healthful influence on society."Kent's pedagogical technique was simple, but he reported that it was successful: "Allow me to remark on the plan of rewarding children for Committing scriptures. In my next tour I expect to hear from 40 or 50 repeating the 23 psalm. And I must be permitted to express the opinion that it is one of the happiest methods of doing good in such fields of labor. Every child who commits the 10 commandments becomes a preacher to the whole family, for they are brought under a necessity to hear the law of God daily rehearsed in their ears. This exercise brings the child to maturity...."Kent must have felt the part of a one armed paper hanger. As he scurried about the country side giving birth to churches and nurturing fledgling flocks, some of his earlier hard won gains began to unravel. In 1834 he noted: "Since I have spent every third Sabbath in the country I have been obliged to give up the superintendency of the Sabbath school, and it has declined until it was almost broken up. I felt it my duty to resume the place I had occupied, and judged myself to be here every Sabbath this Winter, and now our Sabbath School is a very pleasant one and numbers 50 besides 25 drawn off to the Methodist School... If my family is expensive, it is also useful, furnishing 4 teachers for the Sabbath School, an infant school teacher, and is the main support of the female prayer meeting, and a weekly benevolent society. Besides great assistance is realized in visiting the people and conversing on religious subjects." He thus personally addressed the manpower shortage by marrying Caroline Corning, who became a legendary Galena Sunday School teacher, and bringing other young people from the east to live in what he always called his "family." "He has also taken a deep interest in the Children, and has established Sabbath Schools in different parts of the district. The school at Galena consists of twelve teachers & eighty scholars," is how Dr. Horatio Newhall described Brother Kent's ministerial efforts in 1836. "Our Sabbath School is increasing in numbers and interest. Our celebration on the 4th was attended by 130 children. They were furnished by their teachers with an address and each a good piece of cake, a bunch of raisins and a flagon of water," is how Kent described the July 4th festivities that year.Chicagoan Edwin O. Gale recalled his brief tenure at a Northern Illinois evangelical Calvinist Sabbath School during the 1830s. His jaundiced adult eye visualized "those small religious books of early days, with water paper covers of somber hue," [as he remembered their contents"most melancholy biographies of inconceivably goody goody boys" who invariably died young. Gale could not connect "those sickly examples" with the "robust, rollicking, roguish little rascal full of animal spirits" that he had been. However he felt in later life, it was clear that the books and the lessons they represented had had their effect on him in childhood. The Sunday school, he remembered, "made a painful impression upon my sensitive nature. My frightened, rather than guilty, conscience left no doubt in my mind that I was in danger of . . . terrible doom." Sundays "became days of torture" to him as he returned home with "red, swollen eyes and [a] dejected countenance." Eventually his father, a Unitarian, forbade his further attendance, and young Edwin returned to Sunday school only when a Unitarian school was established. Like Gale's father, evangelical parents also objected on occasion to the methods employed in Sunday schools. By early 1837 Kent summarized his 7 year career as a Home Missionary (his support would thereafter come wholly from the First Presbyterian Church of Galena), and he found the Sabbath School a highlight: "We have had during the whole time an interesting Sabbath School and men are now scattered over the country who were once under our influence. Last fall I met in one day at a distance of 300 miles 3 of its earliest pupils, two were merchants, and one a mechanic, 2 hope they are Christians and all, so far as I can learn, sustain a good moral character amidst the crowds of vicious people with whom they are in daily and hourly mingling." He never ceased to emphasize the importance of Sabbath schools when he later became the agent of the A.H.M.S. In 1854 alone, Kent visited 110 Sabbath Schools in his role as agent.Higher EducationHigher education actually preceded the establishment of a system of lower schools in Illinois. The early stream of settlement into southern and central Illinois came mainly from the southeast and south by way of the Ohio, Mississippi, and Illinois rivers. These pioneers, bred in the tidewater tradition that education was a personal and not a public affair, evidenced little interest in the establishment of a common school system, or even in the creation of institutions of higher education. Not until long after Illinois had attained statehood was a system of public schools formed, and then the impetus came from the influx of New Englanders who arrived via the lakes and the Erie Canal which opened in 1825.In Illinois, schools and colleges were established on a hit or miss basis according to the wishes of local groups, sometimes in opposition to the opinion of most of the inhabitants of the state, but more often with the majority indifferent to things educational. Such was not the case in the lake states whose early settlers came directly from New England. There an educational system was set up at once. In Michigan the territorial legislature had provided for an institution of higher learning. Upon attaining statehood, the legislature provided in its first session for a unified public school system with a state university as its capstone, and all private colleges were prohibited. Similar action was taken in Wisconsin and Minnesota.The impulse leading to the founding of colleges in Illinois came from organized religion. Ministers and laymen were concerned over the future of their respective denominations, and to each group it seemed that part of the answer was to set up a center of learning. So it was that the Methodists established a seminary at Lebanon in 1828. In March, 1830, the name was changed from Lebanon Seminary to McKendree College, though instruction of a collegiate grade was not offered until 1835, and no degrees were granted before 1841. Even before the seminary was established at Lebanon, the Baptists had started a school at Rock Spring in 1827. Discontinued in 1832, a successor was founded at Upper Alton. Instruction there on the college level began in 1833. The first students were graduated in 1837. The Reverend John Millot Ellis proposed that the Presbyterians establish a college, and succeeded in interesting a group of seven Congregational theological students at Yale in the project. This alliance resulted in the foundation of Illinois College in 1829. Actual instruction began in January, 1830. Since none of the students were sufficiently prepared for college level study, instruction on a collegiate level did not begin until 1831, and the first class graduated in 1835. Aratus Kent was an early visitor to Jacksonville, and he became acquainted with the founders of Illinois College, since they were fellow graduates of Yale. On October 26, 1829, Kent, while on his way back from Synod..."Walked out to the elegant site of Illinois College. Called on Mrs. Ellis and rode to Springfield [and] spent the night."A few years later Kent again visited Jacksonville and sought the advice of the faculty on educational issues—"My visit to Jacksonville was very pleasant and I obtained a promise of a visit this fall from Prof. [Edward] Beecher [Lyman Beecher’s brother] and also from Mr. Baldwin to attend a protracted meeting and to inquire into the prospects of education."The early colleges faced an up hill battle in securing charters from the state legislature. The legislature was suspicious of the college movement. One legislator proudly proclaimed he was "born in a briar thicket, rocked in a hog trough and had never had his genius cramped by the pestilential air of a college." As a result, it was only after considerable effort and difficulty that the first college charters were secured on February 19, 1835. By this act, McKendree, Shurtleff, and Illinois Colleges were granted legal recognition simultaneously. Three stringent restrictions in the charters showed the fears of the legislature. The establishment of theological departments was prohibited, no college was to be permitted to hold more than 640 acres of land, and the profession of any particular religious faith could not be required for admission. The first two named provisions were repealed on February 26, 1841.McDonough College, located at Macomb, (the town was named for the army commander of the victorious War of 1812 American forces at Plattsburgh, and the college named for the spectacularly successful naval commander on adjacent Lake Champlain) was incorporated by interested citizens in 1836. Instruction began on a preparatory level in 1837, but a full college course was not given until 1851. The Presbyterians were solicited to take the sponsorship of the college, but when this did not materialize, the local Masonic lodge purchased it in conformity with a plan to establish an Illinois Masonic College. The Grand Lodge of Illinois declined the offer, and it then became a high school under direction of the Schuyler Presbytery. A new charter was secured, and collegiate instruction began in 1851, but the college was closed in 1855 due to a lack of the expected support from the Presbyterian church.Most interesting of the non surviving institutions was Jubilee College, located near Peoria. Here Bishop Philander Chase had been planning for the college through the late Thirties. The first class was graduated in 1847, and the charter was secured in January of the same year. The colleges that survived and grew were not only related to some religious organization, but also had associated with them one or more strong personalities to carry them through the trying formative years. Aratus Kent was one of those strong personalities, and he carried Beloit College and Rockford Female Seminary (ultimately Rockford College) to stable maturity. He could not know that his casual acquaintance, John Addams, of nearby Cedarville, would send a promising daughter, Jane (who wanted to go east to Smith), to Rockford Female Seminary, and that she would become a world renowned humanitarian and sociologist.Not surprisingly, the most important of the questions that were faced by the founders of these early lllinois colleges was that of finance. In the case of each of the surviving institutions, the first step was to circulate a local subscription list. As a rule very little cash was pledged; land, labor, and materials formed the bulk of the donations. Funds for the actual operation were expected from the East until the West could become self-supporting. A common procedure was to elect a president who then journeyed to Illinois to look over the scene of his future labors, and returned to the seaboard to seek funds from friends and religious philanthropists. This is illustrated by a letter from John Mason Peck, financial agent of Shurtleff, written to Dr. Haskell, treasurer of the college in Alton, in the fall of 1835, announcing that he had succeeded in raising more money in Boston than Edward Beecher, president of Illinois College, who was in the city at the same time on the same mission. By 1843 the pleas for funds from the East became so numerous that the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theological Education at the West was organized to co-ordinate the fund drives of those institutions having a Presbyterian or Congregational background. Aratus Kent, like Beecher and Peck, did his share of Eastern fund raising. He reported to the Secretaries, in apology for a short trip away from his post: "I accomplished something for the time I was out of my field being but 2 Sabbaths out of the State, having obtained subscriptions to Rockford Female Sem. to a considerable amount."The men (and women, in the case of Rockford) who comprised the faculties of those early colleges were devoted to the cause of education. They survived on small salaries, and even those were usually in arrears. At Illinois College in 1837, President Edward Beecher received $1,100 and quarters, Julian M. Sturtevant, first instructor, $750 and quarters, while two others were paid $900, but had to supply their own houses. One professor received $1,000 without housing, but in 1840 all but one were raised to $1,100. At McKendree College the president's salary in 1834 was $600, although in that year it was raised to $700. With all the difficulties which they faced, they had need of the strong religious convictions which sustained them through the painful and poverty-stricken years. In each of the early institutions the majority of the faculty was composed of ordained ministers, or men who were using teaching as a stopping point on the way toward ordination. As might have been expected, most of these came from New England. The faculties were small, and their personalities had a deep influence on the students entrusted to their care. William H. Herndon (Lincoln's law partner), for example, infected by the virus of antislavery at Illinois College, was withdrawn by his father for this mencement was the high point of the college year for both students and faculty. Originally this was held late in the summer, but by the early Forties all these colleges had changed to June. The exercises were all-day affairs. Each member of the graduating class delivered an oration and suitable musical numbers were rendered. Prizes and honors were conferred. As though there had not been enough speaking, members of the lower classes were often placed on the program for additional orations and essays. Not only was this a gala day for the graduates but also for the community. People came from miles around to spend the entire day, or, if from a distance, to spend the nights before and after, in the college town. Kent enjoyed attending these affairs, as he reported in 1855.“But we have much also to be thankful for. God has prospered the feeble efforts put forth to plant and sustain literary and religious institutions. Last evening I listened with interest to a solemn and searching address to the Society of Inquiry on Missions in Rockford Female Sem. by Rev. Mr. Colis 1st graduate of Beloit College, preaching the duty of entire consecration to Christ. Tomorrow is commencement here.”Slavery must be mentioned when the early Illinois colleges are discussed, for it was a pressing issue. Going from southern to northern Illinois, abolitionist sentiment increased. McKendree, at Lebanon, was less antislavery than the others. Two years after the death of the A.H.M.S. missionary Elijah Lovejoy, her board took formal action demanding that persons expressing abolition sentiments sever their connection with the college. Shurtleff, at Alton (where Lovejoy was martyred), was also anti abolitionist in order to keep her connections with possible students from Missouri. Illinois College, at Jacksonville near Springfield, never took a formal stand as a college but the faculty, including President Edward Beecher, who had unsuccessfully helped to guard Lovejoy's press, were outstanding abolitionists, and were so known throughout the state. Knox, at Galesburg, and its President Blanchard, were out-and-out abolitionist. With the characters of the founders, and their previous connections, none of the colleges could have stood otherwise than they did. Founded, nurtured, and molded as they were by men of strong character and public spirit, the question remained one of the engrossing subjects of discussion, as well as action, until it was settled by the tragedy of war.In June 1844, the lake steamer Chesapeake, churned westward through the waters of Lake Erie from Cleveland, Ohio, carrying seven men home from the Western Convention of Presbyterian and Congregational Ministers. There three hundred delegates from eleven states had met to discuss the religious needs of the Mississippi Valley. They had heard an appeal for church unity, and they made resolutions against the evils of dancing and slavery. But what had seized their imaginations was the announcement of a voluntary agency called the Western Educational Society. According to its secretary, the Reverend Theron Baldwin, the newly-established society had been formed so that struggling collegiate institutions on the frontier would not have to compete in their bids for financial aid from the East. The society would endorse and even raise money for a limited number of fledgling western colleges. In a narrow stateroom seven delegates discussed the possibility of establishing colleges in Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Among them was Theron Baldwin. His friend, the Reverend Stephen Peet, was the Wisconsin agent for the American Home Missionary Society. Lying ill on a berth, Peet was nevertheless full of enthusiasm. For years he had been dreaming of founding a Christian college.In 1839 Peet had toured nearly 575 miles of territory south of the Wisconsin River. He found rapidly growing settlements but only one minister within 150 miles. To the secretary of the Society he wrote, "Send us ministers-send us good ministers- send them now." The problem was that most ministers were trained in the East, and the ones who volunteered for frontier missionary service often were restless, inefficient, or unable to endure hardships. As agent, Peet, Like Arartus Kent, was responsible for organizing churches, helping them secure pastors, advising missionaries arriving in the field, raising money and keeping alive interest in missions. Repeatedly he urged (again like Kent) the Society secretaries not to make Wisconsin a dumping ground for inept ministers (in return, Peet was undeservedly dumped by the Society.) He was sure that a college planted in southern Wisconsin would solve the problem. Young men who studied there would be accustomed to frontier conditions and would understand the people.A college would bring other benefits as well. An educational institution established early would draw "the kind of population most desirable who are intelligent and willing to patronise [sic] and support such institutions." Religion would be promoted as a collateral benefit. "I have never seen good order and well-regulated society to exist," he wrote, "without the influence of religion." A college would also provide many needed teachers for the common schools, a goal dear to the hearts of both Peet and Arartus Kent.Doubtless, Peet expressed these cherished ideas to the men crowded together on the Chesapeake. Theron Baldwin repeated the promise given at the convention, that "a hand from the East" would "be stretched out to help on the establishment of genuine Christian colleges, judiciously located here and there in the West." Standing nearby was the Reverend A. L. Chapin a Yale and Union Theological Seminary graduate returning to his Milwaukee pastorate. More than twenty-five years later he recalled,"Peet seizes on the gleam of encouragement, his uttered thoughts kindle enthusiasm and hope in the rest. There is an earnest consultation- there is a fervent prayer- there is a settled purpose and Beloit College is a living conception."From this shipboard meeting emerged three collegiate institutions in three midwestern states. Yet the man who would lead the group toward a broader, more liberal educational plan was not on board the Chesapeake. He was the Reverend Aratus Kent, often called the "Father of Rockford Female Seminary." On 6th, August 1844, a little more than a decade after Rockford had been founded by Aratus Kent's brother Germanicus, among others, fifty-four church leaders from three states traveled to a convention in Beloit, a tiny village on the southern edge of Wisconsin. Their meeting place was an imposing Congregational church, one of the first three Protestant church buildings in the territory. From its tower hung the first bell in the Rock River Valley, and in its basement the Beloit Seminary met for instruction.The group called themselves "friends of Christian education in Northern Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa." They asked Aratus Kent to preside. For two days they prayed, argued and planned. A.L. Chapin, long time President of Beloit College, recalled Aratus Kent's contribution."Beloit College like every good enterprise, owes its birth and nurture to a few men of foresight, broad views and earnest self sacrificing devotion. Among these few men, a prominent place must be assigned to the Rev. Aratus Kent. He was a member of each and was made chairman of the first, of the four conventions of the friends of Christian education, whose deliberations determined the time and place and character of the College. The last convention appointed him one of its original trustees. He continued a member of the board to the time of his death, being very rarely absent from its meetings till the infirmities of old age began to lay some check upon his activity. He was elected the first president of the Board of trustees and by successive elections was kept in that position for nearly three years, till on the appointment of a President of the College, the two offices were merged. Thenceforward, he was, each year, regularly and unanimously elected vice president. of the board. His interests, and counsels, and prayers have thus been from the outset, identified with the institution, and he has from time to time made liberal contributions to its resources. It is appropriate therefore, that the pages of the Monthly should present some fit memorial of what this man, so near and dear to us, did in this and other relations of life, and of what he really was."Chapin and Kent shared a long association. When Chapin was inducted into the Presidency of the newly formed Beloit College on July 24, 1850, it was Kent who gave the discourse.When Lord Nelson would electrify his soldiers [sic], in the hour of battle, he exclaimed, "England expects every man to do his duty." Sir, Yale, expects every man to do his duty. You and I, brother, as sons of Yale, have enjoyed singular advantages, and it behooves us to do what we can to transmit these blessings to succeeding generations...The College, the Female Seminary, and the rail car—the progress of science and society will not wait for the plodding course of older institutions.You and I are sons of Yale, and I know not how better to magnetize you to a high standard of excellence than to point to the portraiture of your old President and mine. As I sat musing in my study, anticipating the exercises of this say, my eye met the searching glance of the venerable ex-president Day and the sainted Dwight. They seemed to be looking down from the wall where they hung and came to my aid, just in time to administer the oath of office..."The convention passed two proposals: to establish a "Collegiate Institution for Iowa"; and to establish a "Collegiate and Female Seminary of highest order, one in northern Illinois near Wisconsin and the other in Wisconsin close to Illinois." To clarify their educational priorities to the churches represented, they also resolved:1. that fundamental to the evangelization of the West is the establishment of collegiate and theological institutions where "orthodox" and "pious" ministers might be trained;2. that parents should consecrate their sons to the ministry;3. that churches should help promising young men educate themselves for the ministry;4. that the churchmen of the West should cooperate with the Western Education Society; and5. that "permanent Female Seminaries of the highest order for the education of American women should have a prominent place in our educational system."The fifth proposal was novel. Women's education had not, until then, been even a low priority — it had no priority at all. Aratus Kent was became its champion. A charter for the Female Seminary was granted by the State of Illinois on Feb. 25, 1847, but that was the easiest part. Twenty-five years later, a Rockford Female Seminary board member, and Kent's long time friend, Rev. Joseph Emerson recalled:"He [Kent] was there to plead for the education of women.... As he went up and down sowing the word of life upon the prairies, the conviction deepened more and more in his soul that this great inland had no greater need than that of educated and sanctified womanhood in the school and in the house."Kent’s practical nature is exemplified by his plan of action for founding the Female Seminary. He indicated his willingness to sell the “prize” to this highest bidding community."It sees to me that in view of the present posture of affairs and indeed in view of our own past action, we are compelled to throw our Female Seminary into the market and to give it to the highest bidder.There are, it is true, some restrictions. Its location must be in Ill., and it must be contiguous to the state line, and it should be in a healthy atmosphere both physical and moral. We ought (other things being equal) to prefer a location where we have reason to believe that it would be not only patronized by the community, but where there is that high tone of moral and religious influence which would satisfy the most scrupulous parent.Considerations of this kind should not be lost sight of nor should we disregard the anticipations cherished by Rockford people, nor the noble efforts of those at Rockton. But after all, I think there is no way for us to get out of the labyrinth of difficulties which beset is on every hand but to make the whole thing turn upon the largest and best subscription. We are more completely tied up to this now at this second effort then we were at first."Despite the promises of the “Western Society,“ funding from the east was not forthcoming. Yet Aratus Kent was determined to pursue the project. He wrote: “....the committee ought to act and act promptly if there no prospect of light from the east, as we had anticipated....In fact, we cannot foresee what and how many and how great rivals may appear on the field of honorable competition for the tempting prize.”Kent drafted a request for proposals and caused it to be circulated:Comm. of Trustees of Beloit CollegeFeb. 7, 1850The undersigned as a committee of the Board of Trustees of Beloit College are instructed to receive propositions for the location of a Female Seminary in Northern Illinois according to the original understanding upon which the college was founded.They accordingly invite proposals upon the following basis:I. That the Board of Trustees of the Seminary will be legally & perhaps in part personally distinct from that of Beloit College.II. That the seminary shall be under the immediate charge of an Executive Committee residing principally in the vicinity of the institution.III. That this committee do not feel authorized to determine details as to permanent plan of management, precise site, or any other matters which can remain open for consideration of the trustees of the Seminary though the establishment of the school upon a temporary basis is contemplated as soon as practical after determining the location.IV. That subscriptions to be applied to the erection of buildings & other expenses necessarily incidental to the commencement of the undertaking be made in the form of promissory notes, made payable in such installments that the necessary buildings shall be ready for use by the first of Sept. , 1852.The committee deem it proper for them to state that after taking into account religious, moral & social influences their recommendation to the board will depend principally upon the position of places which may compete as being central, healthful, accessible & pleasant.-And especially- upon the amount of subscriptions. This is regarded as important not only as furnishing means for the commencement of the enterprise but ever more so, as indicating the interest of the people in the plan and in order to meet the just expectations and claim the support of other places of the object in other quarters.The committee understand that the desire and to the extent of their ability the purpose of the originators of this two fold enterprise is that the contemplated institution shall not be inferior in grade, importance or usefulness to the college.Propositions addressed to Rev. A.L. Chapin, President of Beloit College will be received until the first of June next.A. KentWait TalcottR.M. PearsonJoseph EmersonAlmost from the beginning, Kent was pressured to assume personal direction of the Female Seminary and move his family to Rockford: At Rockford I spent a day on business pertaining to the Female Sem. located there, and was urged by the other members of the Ex. Comm. to remove my family to Rockford. I have been so officious from the first in gathering up that Institution that they seem determined to put me on all the business committees. The gentlemen composing that Comm. stated distinctly they did not intend to throw the labour on me, but they wished me nearer for consultation. It would be vastly better to be at R. as a center of Home Miss. operations, provided that I should be continued in that service. But then on the other hand, I feel no little reluctance at leaving “my old stamping ground”, and I have no idea at present what decision will be arrived at on the subject. But I allude to it that my counselors at 150 Nassau St. may express their wishes, if they choose. There is a good deal of variety (which is “the spice of life”) in my present employment and I often think of Paul’s experience and moral elevation. Phil. 4:11-13. But amidst the storms and sloughs, the diurnal and nocturnal annoyances incident to constant traveling, my heavenly father affords me many soft Indian Summer days, many smooth roads and enchanting passages and in his Providence gives me an introduction to many excellent families, where I have every substantial comfort that the most princely hospitality could furnish and what is more than all, I am daily thrown into circumstances the very best I could have to exert a personal influence in favor of the Religion I profess to love.Clearly, Kent was a bit tempted to assume the superintendency. But he was interested only if he could do the job on the side, while continuing as agent for the A.H.M.S. He probably correctly sensed that if he moved to Rockford he would be consumed by the needs of the Seminary. Fortunately for Kent, fate (through the offices of his colleague Rev. Loss) brought Kent just the person he needed to save himself from a job he knew he was not equipped to perform. That person, Anna Peck Sill, was perfectly suited to the task, if she had some one like the practical and tolerant Kent to lean upon.Anna Peck Sill arrived in Rockford in the spring of 1849 to teach school. She began in an abandoned court house and finished her Rockford career by pushing the Rockford Female Seminary into the ranks of the nations colleges. Few such frontier female seminaries survived even a few decades, and almost none provided the nidus for the formation of a college. Anna’s grandfather, Jedidiah Peck was a farmer, preacher, carpenter, mill builder, and judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Otsego Township on the frontier of Western New York. He served in the New York State house and senate, where he introduced bills to abolish slavery. Perhaps his greatest contributions came as a champion of public education. Anna received a public education, and was an avid reader.Following the dictums of Catherine Beecher, a champion of the concept that single women should take up the profession of teaching, Anna went in 1836 to live with her brother on his homestead in far western New York, and began to teach. During vacations she attended Albion Female Seminary, where she ultimately became a teacher for several years. She remained single, and her views of marriage are perhaps best revealed during a conversation with a student’s mother:[The student’s mother], as happily married women often are, was concerned about Miss Sill’s spinster state, and said to her with some feeling, “Anna Sill, you should marry. Your should accept one of these good chances.”Quickly as a flash came the answer, “Emily Robinson, I’m not looking for a chance, I’m looking for an opportunity.”But Anna did not wait for opportunity, she seized it. To a family friend who was an A.H.M.S. minister in Racine, Wisconsin, [Hiram Foote] she wrote:I have thought perhaps I might be useful as a teacher and if possibly establish a female seminary in some of the western states. Pecuniary considerations would have but little influence on such an undertaking. My principal object is to do good.From Rev. L.H. Loss Anna learned that Aratus Kent and others were interested in establishing a college at Beloit and a female seminary in northern Illinois. Loss offered no promises, no salary, and only could hold forth the rent free use of an abandoned court house as a inducement for Anna to head west. It was enough. Sill had a long battle to become principal. Twice the Executive Committee of the trustees, with Kent as chairman, recommended Sill’s appointment, but the board was slow to act. They still hoped to recruit a prominent male educator from the east.But Anna Sill built the Rockford Female Seminary into a successful institution. Once Aratus Kent became satisfied of Ms. Sill’s piety and evangelistic zeal, he gave her great freedom in running the school. He attended board meetings regularly, and most of the important ceremonial occasions, but he remained a strong back ground support for Ms. Sill. Others might criticize her for her blunt assertiveness, but he always referred to her as “the excellent principal.” To Kent, Sill was principal almost immediately. For example, as early as 1851 he wrote to the Secretaries: "In a recent conversation with our excellent and devoted Principal of the “Rockford Female Seminary” Miss Anna P. Sill, she expressed a wish that she might have the “Home Missionary” to use in her monthly missionary meeting. I said certainly you shall have it. A bit latter he acknowledged Ms. Sill's Presidency, when he wrote: “Miss Anna P. Sill, President of the Rockford Female Sem., expressed a wish that a set of Dwight Theology might be given to their library to stand by the side of Channings works. I though that if you would give men the name of the donors I would write them on the subject.” Kent’s philanthropy was not confined to raising funds from others. In one year alone he donated 1/4 of his total salary to the cause when he turned “...$150 over to Rockford Female Sem to meet a larger subscription which I made to provoke others to good worksFor years after Ms. Sill’s arrival, pressure was kept on Kent to assume a more direct role in overseeing the Rockford Female Seminary. Anna Sill even went herself to Galena to urge Kent to come to Rockford. In 1856, he wrote:Accompanying this you will see the action of a Com. consisting of Br. A.L. Chapin of Beloit, Wm. H. Brown of Chicago and T.D. Robertson of Rockford, appointed to inquire into the expediency of creating a new office and to define the duties of the incumbent.The committee are to report at an adjourned meeting to be held on the 14th of Oct. or immediately after the meeting of Synod.Having been repeatedly solicited before I have some reason to presume the Board of Trustees will adopt this report, if they have any reason to expect that it will open a way for relief from their pecuniary embarrassments which are very serious, and yet the institution has acquired a high character and is doing great good. The principal reports 25 hopeful conversions this year.I have never given them any encouragement for a consciousness of my utter incompetency has led me to shrink from it. But the matter is pressed upon me now in a way that I cannot dismiss it without consideration.It is true that I am in one corner of my field and obliged to be absent from home much longer at a time than if I resided in some more central position.And such are now the facilities for rapid traveling that an agent of your society could occupy the whole state as his field without being absent more than 2 or 3 weeks at a time. And there are parts of the state which (unless another agent is employed) will suffer unless you have an efficient agent who possesses a sort of ubiquity which at my age I do not feel willing to assume.The field I occupy is now better supplied than it was 10 years ago and to a considerable extent, things have assumed their type and an exploring agent for this district is not as much needed as formerly. But on the other hand, I have a great repugnance to undertake that difficult work of Superintendent of Rockford Female Sem., and am not adapted to any part of it, while I am familiar with Home Miss. Agency. Old men do not easily adapt themselves to new business. We do not feel disposed to exchange Galena for a new home and we think that our extensive acquaintance affords us some facilities for usefulness that we should forfeit by a removal. I have thus spread out this matter before you, for I did not feel at liberty to move on it without your knowledge. Please return this paper soon.Please return the enclosed document soon, as it is the property of Miss Sill who has been spending some days with us, according to the request of Br. Chapin.Kent never had any major differences with Ms. Sill (though she had her share of strife with J. Emerson and others), but he had major concerns over the direction that Beloit College was headed. He worried that Beloit was going over too far in the direction of Congregationalism, and that the result would be the necessity for the Presbyterians to form their own institutionIt was stated at the meeting of the directors (of which I am one, because I did not feel at liberty to decline) that all the colleges in this vicinity are under Cong. influence. With regard to Beloit it is maintained that while half the directors are nominally Presb. yet the Ex. Com. all sympathize with Cong. The resident professors are all Congregationals. The (and the students with few exceptions) attend the Cong. Ch., i.e., that the Home Influence are all on one side and that there is more danger in College than in the Seminary of their being biased because in the latter they have more maturity and are prepared to examine for themselves. Hence the conclusion was reached that we must have a College too or lose our students in these says of sectarian strife.President Chapin penned a very long and detailed response to Kent’s concerns. Chapin reassured Kent that he personally was committed to preventing any sectarian strife within the Beloit faculty or trustees, and defended past actions. I can sympathize with you fully in the feeling you express respecting your position between Presbyterianism & Congregationalism, those forces once accordant & cooperative now bristling with a show at least of antagonism towards each other...The feeling is a real one with me personally & stronger still in my identification with the College. My chief anxiety respecting this institution come from the fact that the partisan leaders seem to mining off with Congregationalists & Presbyterians & leaving us who cannot follow such lead either way to feel deserted.Kent was almost apologetic in his inquiries of Chapin, but his concern was rising, as was his frustration over his position with the A.H.M.S., as that organization steadily fell from favor in northern Illinois.I have ever been treated by you and your coadjutors with great kindness and consideration and you may well suppose that after our long and very pleasant intercourse it was exceedingly painful to give you pain by seeming to take a position adverse to Beloit. I have not taken that position. But I am in the predicament of Orphan & Ruth — a position in which I shall be obliged to take sides or be left alone. I have ever maintained the doctrine of cooperation and I take to myself none of the guilt of “causing divisions”. But such is the excitement now that I see not what can be done by N.S. Presb. but quietly to go by ourselves or cease to be. I have looked on for many months (and even for a year or two) and altogether held my peace while the O.S. Presb. and the Cong. are absorbing us, and we have been trying to cooperate and I have an array of facts on my own to field to confirm this statement.I am greatly troubled and have been for a long time. I cannot be a Cong. of the type it is assuming at the West (as I understand it), I could get along well with Connecticut Cong., but absolute independency is unscriptural and intolerable (to my mind.) Give me your views on that subject and in addition to the questions asked in my former letter, I will ask one other, Is it desirable that the N[ew].S[chool]. Presb. Ch. should be obliterated or have they a distinct mission to fulfill?I write with great freedom to you as to an old friend but I do not want this correspondence to be published to the world, for I have an invincible dread of such notoriety.By 1857, the Rockford Female Seminary had 330 young ladies enrolled. They came mostly from northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and eastern Iowa, but some came from as far away as New York and Vermont. Tuition was $6 per quarter of 10 weeks, but there was a $7 fee for oil painting and $8 for “music on the piano, melodian or guitar.” Board was $70 per school year of 40 weeks. Kent’s adopted daughter, Mary King, was in the preparatory class that year.The Galena Theological Seminary The occasion of the controversy with Chapin was the movement by the New School Presbyterian Church (which referred to itself as the “Constitutional Presbyterian Church”) to establish its own Theological Seminary in the Northwest. Kent called the proposition “no child of mine.” Probably because so many of his closest friends and old time associates were supporters of the plan, he did not feel willing to divorce himself entirely from it. Local pride may also have played a role, for Kent allowed that “Perhaps Galena is as good a point all things considered as any other” for the new seminary’s location. He did decline to be named the financial agent. The stipulation that the Seminary would not commence until it had $30,000 in capital reflects Kent’s fiscal conservatism, but may also have been Kent’s subtle way of decreasing the probability of success. He displayed less conservatism when the Rockford enterprise was begun on a shoestring. Kent also believed that the seminary should not be part of a college, probably to protect the fledgling institutions at Beloit and Rockford from damaging competition. The following letter to the Secretaries of the A.H.M.S. was perhaps not the child of Kent, but it was in his hand.The subject upon which we address you, is that of a Theological Seminary proposed to be located in this city, under the auspices of the Constitutional Presbyterian Church. The subject is not altogether a new one. It has for some time past been under serious and prayerful consideration by some of the friends of Christ's kingdom, both at the West and at the East. Fully persuaded as we are in our own minds, of the expediency, necessity, and feasibility, of establishing such an Institution we are unwilling to put forth any positive efforts for the accomplishment of the object, until we shall have asked counsel of those at a distance, in whose wisdom and judgment we can confide, and whose paramount regard for the Church of Christ we cannot question. With a map of our country before you; you will at once observe that this vast region of the Northwest is, to some extent, an isolated district, separated from the East by distance and our inland seas, and from the more central Southern portions of our country, by distance also, and non-commercial intercourse. This region embraces Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and what is soon to be the Territory of Nebraska. Scattered over this vast territory, is already a population amounting to about two millions of souls. This number is rapidly increasing. Especially is there an increasing tide of population pouring into the fertile and healthy region of the Upper Mississippi. Missouri, Minnesota and Iowa will soon number their Millions of people. Illinois has already a million. Now, that this wide-spread territory of the Northwest, and its teeming population, should be supplied with an adequate ministry from the East, is, in our opinion, out of the question. Indeed, Such a supply cannot even now be had. Many of our most thriving villages and most populous agricultural districts, are without a Presbyterian or Congregational ministry, nor can our young men go to the East for theological instruction. The distance and the expense are alike too great. Had we a Theological Seminary here at the present time, it is believed that young men would be found in it, many of whom must relinquish the hope of entering the sacred office, by reason of the want of such an Institution. We are furthermore persuaded, that other things being equal, it is far better that the men who are to labor in this Western field, should be trained upon Western ground. The reasons for this are obvious.As has been intimated already, it is proposed that this Seminary shall be founded and conducted under the auspices of the Constitutional Presbyterian Church. We are fully persuaded that while this branch of the Church is unimpeachable in the soundness of its faith, its polity is most happily adapted to the prevailing qualities of Western mind and Western society, and that under its energetic and plastic influence, the most salutary and desirable type will be given the ecclesiastical character of this region. By the foregoing observations, we do not mean that the Seminary shall be purely and exclusively of a denominational character. We mean simply this, that while in matters of Church polity, the largest freedom of opinion shall be allowed, the Institution shall be under the immediate supervision of the Presbyteries of the Northwest, its Board of Trustees being chosen from those Presbyteries, and that its Professors shall be connected with the Constitutional General Assembly.The location proposed for this Institution is the city of Galena. The advantages of this location are numerous and obvious. Galena, including its suburbs, already numbers more than six thousand inhabitants. It is destined unquestionably to be the largest city of the Northwest, Chicago excepted. It is to be the great depot of the Upper Mississippi. It is a healthy city. It is central to the region proposed to be supplied with a ministry by the Seminary in question. It is central also to a vast and fertile agricultural region, to whose sons we are to look for the future ministers of the Northwest, and for missionaries to the territories lying still farther West. It is very soon to be connected by rail-road with Chicago, and eventually with the head-waters of the Missouri. It is the principal port of the Upper Mississippi, and at every point of the compass is connected with thousands of miles of water communication. The expense of living here, is as cheap as in any other city of the Union. This city is already possessed of great wealth, and that wealth is on the increase. It is central to the mining region, where thousands arc to be employed in the production of lead, and among whom the students of the Seminary might be usefully employed as transient missionaries. Indeed, with a map of the Northwest before you, you cannot fail to see at once the advantages of this location for such an Institution as that proposed.The plan contemplated for the establishment of the Seminary is this: To raise ten thousand dollars on the field designed more immediately to be benefited by it, for the purchase of the necessary grounds, and for the erection of suitable buildings. We have encouragement to believe this can be done. The grounds and buildings being thus provided for, it is proposed to raise twenty thousand dollars elsewhere, for the endowment of two professorships. It is further proposed that the Seminary shall not go into operation until the thirty thousand dollars shall have been actually realized and appropriated as above. In this way, all embarrassment from debt will be forestalled.Such is a brief outline of the plan proposed for the establishment of a School of the Prophets for the North. west. To us it appears not only exceedingly desirable, but a matter of inevitable necessity, that such an Institution should be founded either at this city or at some other point, for the region of the Upper Mississippi, and for the regions beyond. Our Seminary at Cincinnati, from its remoteness, and its geographic location, cannot meet the wants of this field. It is less accessible to us than New York or Andover. Moreover, the students going from that Seminary, are wanted for Ohio, Indiana, and the Southern States. The Northwest alone is not provided for. Aside from Lane Seminary, we have no theological school West of the Alleghenies.Now, sir, with the map of this country before you, we ask you to give the subject of this communication your prayerful and candid consideration. In proposing it, we assure you we are not actuated by motives of mere local benefit. We look simply to the future welfare of this vast region, so soon to be the dwelling place of millions of men. Do you, all things considered, think it advisable to make an effort for the establishment of such an Institution as that above contemplated, and at this city? Do you think the plan a feasible one ? And shall it have your hearty co-operation? An answer at your earliest convenience is solicited.Yours in the bonds of the Gospel,S. G. SPEES,A. KENT,E. D. NEILL,W. C. BOSTWICK,C. S. HEMPSTEAD,H. NEWELL,GEO. W. CAMPBELL,JAMES SPARE,WM. H. BRADLEY.The Galena Theological Seminary never got from paper to reality. Nothing in Kent’s correspondence indicates that he was disappointed. Perhaps more important than all his organizational and philanthropic efforts, Kent served as a stellar role model. The son of one of Kent’s associates recorded the following observations in his diary: “Mr. Kent[was] here today. Mr. Kent is a good man. He seems to show a regard and feeling in every one. He is perfectly plain spoken and open hearted. He treats me with much respect and fatherly (it might be called) feeling. I like such a character. Nothing stuck up. Nothing impulsive, with true heartedness. All goodness. Such as draws the hearts of the young to one. Ask God may I be such a one.”In at least one way, Aratus Kent’s involvement in higher education was no different than any other parent’s: “My Lewis and Mary [two of his adopted children] were waiting my return for money to go back, the one to Beloit Col. and the other to Rockford. Sem.”Aratus Kent, The A.H.M.S., and the Slavery Issue in Northern IllinoisPersonally for Aratus Kent, slavery was a most vexing issue. His eulogizers, many years after his death, recalled Kent as an ardent anti-slavery man.“Father Kent was very much opposed to Slavery in the Northwest. There were slaves in Galena in the early days. Their shacks still stand. The records of the Presbyterian minutes abound with Father Kent’s deep and profound aversion to slavery. He preached against it wherever opportunity afforded. Any who practices it ‘should not be invited to our pulpits for the fellowship of our chgurches.’ He said in 1849 that ‘the holding and treating of human beings as chattels is a sin directly opposed to the gospel and to the Law and Prophets as interpreted by our Lord Jesus Christ.’” Sadly, none of Kent’s sermons demonstrating his “deep and profound aversion” survive.In point of fact, Kent was even viewed as a “pro-slavery” man by some, a reality that Kent acknowledged. Nothing in Kent’s correspondance suggests that he supported slavery, but he certainly could be counted among the main stream conservatives. Kent’s luke warm anti-slavery position was not shared by many of his Home Missionary Brethren. Of course, Rev. Elijah Lovejoy was martyred, and his brother, Rev. Owen Lovejoy, was elected to the U.S. Congress by virtue of their abolitionist views. Rev. Asa Turner was chairman at Alton in 1836 of the meeting that led to the formation of the first Anti-Slavery Society in Illinois. Edward Beecher also attended that meeting. Later when Turner crossed the Mississippi to Iowa, his church at Denmark was also a station on the underground railroad. All these men were Home Missionaries, just like Kent. Beecher and Turner had preached in the mining country, the former assisting Kent in protracted revivials in 1837, 40, 41, 41 and 44 when 226 new members were received ino the church. Ironically, one of Illinois’ leading abolitionist journalists, Hooper Warren, arrived in Galena almost the same time as Aratus Kent in 1829. Kent and Warren did not find in each other kindred spirits, though Warren was later a close associate of the great Baptist Missionary John Mason Peck.Galena was in many ways more akin to Cairo than Chicago during the decades that preceeded the Civil War. The settlement of Galena took place via the Mississippi, making its cultural connections decidedly southern, pointing toward St. Louis and Kentucky. There were 175 “colored people” out of a total population was 5600 living in Galena in the late 40’s. In 1840, Jo Daviess County had a white population of 6386 and 125 “colored” persons. In 1845 the numbers were 12,220 and 205. Chicago in 1844 had a total population of 7580, of whom only 65 were blacks.Negro slavery existed in the mines for some years. Many of the early miners were from slave-holding states, and brought their slaves with them. In 1823, when Captain Harris arrived, there were from 100 to 150 blacks there. Under the ordinance of 1787, slavery was forever prohibited in the Northwestern Territory, but Illinois sought to evade this organic law by the enactment of statutes by which these slaves could be held as “indentured” or “registered servants.” These statutes were known as the Black Laws. As late as March 10, 1829, the commissioners of Jo Daviess County ordered a tax of one half per cent to be levied and collected on “town lots, slaves, indentured or registered servants,.” etc. (Slavery existed in the mines until after this date, and was not abolished until about 1840.) There was in 1878 living in Galena a venerable old black man, Swanzy Adams, born a slave, in Virginia, in April, 1796, who moved to Kentucky, and thence, in April, 1827, to Fever River, as the slave of James A. Duncan, on the old steamer “Shamrock.” His master “hired him” to Captain Comstock, for whom he worked as a miner. He subsequently bought himself for $1,500 (although he quaintly claimed that he had paid too much for himself: “good boys like me could be bought in Kentuck for $350”). “Old Swanzy,” as he is familiarly called, was the last survivor in Galena of the slaves held under the Black Laws of Illinois.Aratus Kent’s own brother, Germanicus, another prominant Northern Illinois pioneer, was the founder of Rockford and a member of the Illinois legislature. He also brought a slave with him when he came to Northern Illinois via Virginia (where he returned a few years later).So Aratus Kent was surrounded by forces at least sympathetic to the “peculiar institution.” In addition, his affiliation with the nationally oriented A.H.M.S. required a certain tolerance, regardless of what his own personal convictions might have been.The Illinois Legislature, at its first session after the admission of the State, re-enacted, with all their severity the “Black Laws” which had been in force in the territory. Those laws were originally largely copied from the slave codes of the states of Kentucky and Virginia, and under these a black person, free or slave, was practically without protection. If free, unless he could present a certificate of freedom from a court of record, he was liable to arrest and imprisonment, and to be sold to service by the sheriff of the county for a period of one year. If he sought employment he was in constant danger of being kidnapped by the desperadoes who infested the country, and sold “down the river.”Blacks in Illinois did not enjoy the legal presumption of freedom until Abraham Lincoln successfully appealed the case of Cromwell vs. Bailey to the Illinois Supreme Court in 1839. This decision held, contrary to the established rule in many southern states, that the presumption in Illinois was that a black was free and not subject to sale. Not until 1845 in Jarrot vs. Jarrot did the Illinois Supreme Court finally recognize the tenets of Article VI of the Ordinance of 1787. This decison effectively “repealed” Illinois’ infamous “Black Laws”.The statute referred to is the one under which American Home Missionary Owen Lovejoy was indicted at the May term, 1843, of the circuit court of Bureau county, and tried before a jury. Lovejoy was acquitted on the seventh day of October of the same year. Owen Lovejoy was the Congregational minister at Princeton, Illinois. Like many Home Missionaries, he was a “conductor” on the underground railroad. The indictment contained two counts. The first count charged him with harboring a Negro slave named Agnes; the second with harboring a Negro slave named Nancy. Owing to the prominence of the defendant, the trial excited great interest throughout the State and the nation, and, as Mr. Lovejoy was viewed as a abolitionist. The acquittal of Mr. Lovejoy was considered a great triumph by the anti-slavery forces . Prior to the trial a pro-slavery man approached Prosecutor Fridley and offered him a handsome fee if he would “send that abolition preacher to the penitentiary.” Mr. Fridley declined the fee, as it was his official duty to prosecute the case, and remarked to the zealous pro-slavery men that “the prosecution of Lovejoy was a good deal more likely to result in sending him to Congress than to the penitentiary,” a remark that proved prophetic. Aratus Kent was not the only person credited with more anti-salvery zeal than he actually possessed. With the rapid growth of abolitionist sentiment during the pre-Civil War decade, a record of association with the antislavery movement in its earlier and less popular phases came to be considered a mark of distinction by many Northerners. Much of the bitterness and hostility toward Abolitionists which characterized the 1830’s had by that time disappeared, and in their place the popular mind had granted a somewhat heroic character to the early antislavery crusaders. As sectional tensions heightened yearly after 1850 and as the antislavery movement attained political expression through the Republican Party, the once-hated Abolitionists began to achieve a measure of respect as spokesmen of the future. No individual personifies this historical rationalization than another Illinois missionary, John Mason Peck. With the help of journalist Hooper Warren, Peck tried to paint himself as a life long ardent abolitionist. In reality, Peck, like Kent, was a moderate on the slavery issue until such a moderate stance became unfashionable. Peck had stood with the conservatives in opposition to Elijah P. Lovejoy and other Abolitionists during the height of the controversy in the mid 1830's. Unlike Peck, Kent was never so hypocritical as to claim for himself something that he had not been. Abraham Lincoln, speaking in Galena in 1852, appreciated the work of Fathjer Kent. Charles Thomas, then a boy at his father’s house in Galena, heard Lincoln say to Rev. Aratus Kent, “We owe our recent victory to you, sir. The influence of you missionaries has been of great political value in our state.” Later, when Mr. Lincoln was President, Mr. Thomas called on him at Wahington and in the course of the conversation President Lincoln said to Mr. Thomas, “Do you remember a statement I once made to Mr. Kent at your father’s house?” “Yes,” said Mr. Thomas. “Well, I say now,” said Mr. Lincoln, “that to the labors of Home Missionaries like Mr. Kent, and other men like him, who started and fostered church and college in the Northwest, we owe the saving of the Northwest to the Union and the saving of the Union itself.”Perhaps Lincoln included Rev. Elijah Lovejoy in his “other men like him” phrase, but he did not mention him by name. Curiously, few of the Home Missionaries mentioned the November 7, 1837 murder of their brother minister. Kent was no exception. Rev. Theron Baldwin, the Principle of the Montecello Female Academy in Upper Alton, wrote that the “mobites...had done more injury than Br. Lovejoy could have done by the publication of his paper for centuries.” This hardly constituted a resounding endorsement of Lovejoy’s position on slavery.Kent’s sometime partners in revivals, Rev. Asa Turner of Quincy and Rev. David Nelson were out spoken anti-slavery men, and as a result, Rev. Nelson’s college just east of Quincy was torched by a Missouri mob in 1843. Two other A.H.M.S. missionaries, Samuel Wright and John Cross, were arrested for their alleged participation in the Underground Railroad, but their cases were nol prossed. The A.H.M.Society’s work in the South and among the slave holding Cherokess Indians quickly became a liability to the Society in Illinois. One of the Missionaries who resigned his commission was Oliver Emerson, of Iowa Territory. Kent thought he had run accross this man, and did not hold a high opinion of him. However, others thought Rev. Emerson a “lame but tireless...Apostle Paul.” Taken in the context of the lameness, Emerson’s request for horse and carriage does not seem as self indulgent as Kent painted it. It is almost a year since I received a line from you respecting Mr. Emerson (whether it is the same as that man whose letter is published in the Home Miss. for Jan., I have no means of knowing but I suppose it is. He told me of another man of the same name who came out to Iowa, but he was then an open Baptist, who, I was informed, has since become Presbyterian.) I feel quite dissatisfied with him. And I will relate what has given me the dissatisfaction. He borrowed 10 dollars of me when he first came on, he has never come nigh me again, though he has been near Galena and I believe in town. I mentioned the circumstance to recently to Brother Dixon of Platteville. He had borrowed 10 dollars of him. He is but ill able to spare money to such men. He called on Brother Neill upon my introduction (about 12 miles out) and told such a pitiful tale that he promised and afterwards gave him a valuable horse, then Emerson had the meanness to say that he wished he had money to buy a carriage also for he did not know how much riding he might have to do and he wanted to be very choice of that horse! Putting these things together, and comparing them with what Brother Wright said who was in Lane Seminary with him, I have no expectation of any good report and I am afraid to have him enjoying your patronage ... I do not wish to burden you but I thought you ought to have the light you can get That Brother Wright is a Missionary near Knoxville, Ill. He could give you information about him while at Lane.Out of this growing dissatisfaction sprung the American Missionary Association in 1846. Treasurer of this new organization was one of the ubiquitous Tappan brothers, who happened to be a close friend of the Rev. Charles Grandison Finney, noted evangelist and a Professor at the new Oberlin College (an institution that also enjoyed Tappan largess.) Oberlin was created from an abolitionist splinter group broken off from the more conservative Lane Theological Smeinary in Cincinnatti. The “Oberlinites” were another group Kent instinctively distrusted, probably more over theological issues than on the slavery issue. None the less the wedge was being driven deeper between Kent and a growing number of his missionaries. Kent wrote to Dr. Badger:I have written to Mr. Bowen at Savanna the following this evening.“Dear Sir I have just heard a rumor that your minister Calvin Gray is an open and strong advocate of the Oberlin Theology. If this is so I think that Christian candor should have constrained him to avow it as his as his letters recommendatory gave no hint of it and I thought it necessary to give you notice of the fact that such a rumor was afloat lest you should be induced in my recommendation to commit yourself further than you would...”Kent went on to have a long and stormy relationship with “Brother Gray,” but he relented on his early opposition to Gray after a meeting with him:I wrote you as I thought I ought in regard to Br. Gray. Since that I have conversed with him and with Br. Eddy whose installation at Mineral Point I attended last week.Br Gray satisfied me that though he dissented from the course professed by ministers and presbyters, yet he did not wish to advocate the peculiarities of Oberlin Theol. And he left the impression on my mind that he had now no inclination to agitate that subject. And it appears to me wrong to drive him from us by refusing him the aid he seeks.Finding a congruancy of views between congregations and pastors on the slavery issue was not easy. In 1848 Kent reported that Bother Norton at Sycamore had “left...their church which stands with only a roof to cover the timbers and yet it is the only church of our denomination in a county [DeKalb] of 6 or 7000 inhabitants...because he would not say Shibboleth to their antislavery creed.” By 1851 Kent was convinced that a formal declaration of opposition to Slavery was required if the A.H.M.S. was to retain any influence in Northern Illinois, but the political need, not the moral requirement, seemed to be his motivation..Rockford, July 12, 1851Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,At my request when met at the parsonage under the shadow of the old Oak Tree in Beloit at 5 am on Thursday last. 4 of the devoted friends of the A.H.M.S. solicited Brs. Clary (mine host) Pearson, Savage and Kent to review the actions of the Missionary Convention at Chicago on the 20th ult.These Brethren (all present at that meeting except Br. Pearson) expressed their regret that one of the secretaries was not at Chicago (though your explanation was satisfactory) and they all saving myself were disappointed in the action or the body as having come short of that progress which they had hoped it would reach.The remark of Dr. E. Beecher was quoted that the question before them was one of time. The time will come when the A. H. M. S. must take the stand that they will not commission men to labour in slaveholding churches. These brethren (or 2 of them Brs. Clary and Savage) thought the resolution adopted did not meet the views of the Convention and that if another had been thrown in desiring the Society to announce that they would not here after commission men to churches that tolerate salve holders (excepting those who are already on the list of beneficiaries) that such a resolution would have been adopted by the Convention and approved by the great body of our western churches.It seemed to me therefore that these views should be communicated to your Committee and we agreed each in his own way to express his views to our Brothers in New York.Much as I may be stigmatised as a Proslavery man, I still am constrained to say that whenever your Committee feel prepared to take that stand, they may count on me as one who would welcome the announcement. And if the distant echo of so feeble a voice should contribute anything to hasten such a result, I am quite ready to give utterance to it either in the closet or on the house top.I have however more confidence in the judgement of your committee than in my own, and I consider that if the opinion I have expressed be an embodiment of western sentiment it may not be so of the churches at the east, and that constitutes another reason why I should rest satisfied with your course, whatever it may be.Affectionately yours,A. Kent_________________________Aratus Kent died in Galena on November 7th, 1869, some eighteen years after he declared himself an anti-slavery man. It gives me pain to think that I have been so long in the field without witnessing more cheering results because I believe that it is to be attributed to my own unfaithfulness. I do not doubt but that good is done by my instrumentality and that is well worth all the expense by which this mission has been sustained but I am perfectly certain that I have not accomplished what even I might have done if I possessed more of a self-denying spirit.In visiting the sick I meet with two very interesting cases last week — they are included in the 11 married women in the village and 5 in the vicinity who have died within six months — of these Mrs. Strother (the wife of a man who has purchased 7/8 of a steam boat and who will command it himself and observe the Sabbath strictly) was very satisfactory. She seemed as tranquil as if going to yield herself to the influence of an ordinary sleep.I think myself happy if I can assist in smoothing the dying pillow of a saint.But I cannot pass over the case of this excellent Brother of the Episcopal church. He is a Virginian of noble blood If I may judge of the blood from the disposition for uncompromising obedience which he evidences. I regard his purpose to run a Sabbath keeping boat on the Mississippi as one of the boldest and most important adventures that individual enterprise could attempt.We have no arrivals and no conversions of late but we have the promise of arrival in less than a year according to the fruits of one of our visits in the country. The church seems to possess more of the elements of efficiency, for they are disposed to work in the Lord’s vineyard. We have a monthly concert, and a good collection as you will see by the amount $45 of which was contributed by the Female Bible Society. We observe the Sabbath school concert. We have also commenced the monthly distribution of tracts in the village and vicinity and we have adopted a method which promises what I have long desired but have never been able to accomplish before a more familiar acquaintance of the members with each other which is ordinarily attended with difficulty is a village like this.At our Sat night prayer meeting of the church it is presumed that the absentees necessarily are detained and accordingly the role is called and those who are present volunteer to visit one and another of the absentees, until we have a promise that each one will be visited during the coming week. And we cannot doubt but that such a plan adopted by the churches in your city with some little variation would be attended with most beneficial results.Our Sabbath School continues to be very interesting and we hope in a few (5) years to have 10 young men preparing for the ministry. We think this a spiritual and very important movement. Please charge me one dollar and give credit to A.G. Hawthorne for the Home Miss.During the year our church has recruited by certificate 4 by conversion 4 and now numbers 45— 1 Sab Sc, 75 scholars... the new members of the Church have subscribed over 1000 dollars toward the church. This country will grow with rapidity. We shall need greatly a preacher for Cassville or whatever place is made the seat of territorial government, and one more south to visit the settlements on Rock River and its tributaries.With much esteem I am yours in the bonds of the gospelAratus Kent________Galena, Ill., July 6, 1836Rev & Dear Sir,The time is past when I am required to give an account of my stewardship to your committee and the time may be very near when I shall be required to give an account to God, in view of which I contemplate my labours here with very little self complacency.Our population and my domestic cares are increasing and render it every year more difficult for me to be absent itinerating as formerly. Few ministers ever probably have more company than we and love to “use hospitality” but it is a tax upon the weak vessel.There is hardly a day passes but we have calls or visits from persons from New England who dislike the confused state and Sabbath breaking of the public houses and they are not infrequently persons who broke the Sabbath on their journey hither.The prospect of gaining ground by the conversion of sinners in Galena becomes only more dark but there are other ways in which good may be done.The wheels of the temperance car are clogged by the men of influence who are engaged in the traffic. We have had monthly meetings but these men will not attend or if they do attend it is only to return to their ???? course. Mr. A Turner has been with us, and after lecturing 3 evenings he obtained 72 names to his tee-total pledge, but this makes no perceptible impression on the drunkenness of Galena. I also accompanied this indefatigable agent in a visit to the principle places in the country. At Dubuque I preached in the day time and he lectured in the evening of the Sab. and obtained 30 names. We hope this minister will speedily return and have the pleasure of organizing a church there for the religious aspect of that village is brightening. Being disappointed by the Sab. keeping. Steamboat is going to Rock Island to spend the last Sabbath in June as I had proposed.I went to Belleview a little village scarcely six months old on the west bank of the Mississippi about 12 miles before Galena. The back country is settling rapidly by agriculturalists— I had a large congregation most of whom had been there but a few weeks. They were the first sermons ever preached in that place.I suggested a Sab. School; three apparently efficient teachers volunteered. I proposed if they would raise 5 dollars I would furnish $10 worth of books. They immediately collected $11.50 and paid over and I have forwarded a library. They urged me to come again. But there are 6 or 8 places on this side equally important that I have not visited for many months.There are 20 places around me where a Sab. School of 20 or 25 scholars might be secured if but one pious family would come and settle down in each neighborhood and take hold of this work but for the want of them these children are growing up in ignorance.I have little charity for those professing Christians who profess to come to this country to do good, but who say “Be ye ...[last two lines illegible].Your brother in the bonds of Gospel,Aratus Kent[on the address leaf]Our Sabbath School is increasing in numbers and interest. Our celebration on the 4th was attended by 130 children. They were furnished by their teachers with an address and each a good piece of cake, a bunch of raisins and a flagon of water.The Captain of the Sabbath Keeping boat has succeeded so well that he has bought another and employed as captain and clerk 2 of the best men in our church, who are determined to keep holy the Sabbath. Would that the friends of Zion would pray over this experiment for it involves the last hope of the west and of the world.______Galena, Ill., Aug. 2, 1836Rev. & Dear Sir,As I know not who is the agent in New York, I request you sir to pay over to the agent for the A.B.C.F.M. one hundred and thirteen 50/100 Dollars being the amount of our collection at monthly concert for the last 14 months and charge the same to my account. To accommodate a fried I gave him an order on you a few days since for 5 1/2 dollars.Rev. Albert Hale is with us and tomorrow we go on an exploring tour in the Wisconsin Ter. of which he will give some account perhaps in due time.Yours with best bonds,Aratus Kent_________Dubuque, Aug. 9, 1836Rev. O. WatsonMy Dear Brother,I have sat myself down at Mr. Lockwood’s table (While Mrs. L and Rev. A. Hale are conversing) to tell you 2 or 3 things.Brother H and myself have just returned to Galena from a tour in Wisconsin as far as Helena and finding our Sabbath Keeping Olive Branch in part, we have come over to your parish and have had the happiness to see a Presbyterian Church laid up of rock as far as the middle of the basement story windows. And the contractor said that the walls would be finished up by the first week in September. These facts will doubtless gratify you as they did us and you will also be pleased to learn that there is a prospect of having materials to organize a small church. I have no doubt but it is the duty of some body at the East to give you a 1000 dollars for building the church. And you are authorized to receive collections.Brother Hall will spend 4 weeks in exploring and visit Galena again in Dec.Mr. Lockwood's family are well and indeed the whole village seems to be enjoying health except some cases of measles and a few of scarlet fever.My own family and people are blessed in like manner and we hope that the effort at Dubuque will provoke us to emulation in building a house for the Lord.Dear Brother hasten back. Brother Hale preaches there on the next Sabbath.Yours affectionately,A. KentRev. A. PetersDear Sir,Fearing that this would not overtake Brother W in Connecticut I thought good to forward it to you. And I wish also to state that 3 days ago I visited a German Mr. John Messersmith Iowa Co. Wisconsin Ter who in conversation concerning Der Raush insisted that a German could not write so well in English but I assured him it was his own language and promised to ascertain by writing if he would pay the postage.I could wish Der ???? would write to him in German giving a brief history of himself, inquiring about the Germans....In Haste Yours, A. Kent_______Galena, Ill., Oct. 4, 1836Rev. & Dear Sir,The flight of time admonishes me that another report is due, but I seem to myself to have little else to communicate except it be the echo of the former statements, presenting nothing to animate or encourage.I have been long in the field and still it seems the aspect of the vineyard of the slothful for it is all grown over with thorns and nettles have covered the face thereof. We have an increase of people but there is no apparent increase of worshippers on the Sabbath and we have more professors of religion but no evidence of increasing spirituality and the preacher apprehends that he is becoming every year more faithless and discouraged. The Spirit of worship overpowers every good influence and as a community we are hurrying fast to distraction without the least prospect of escape unless we receive special aid from above.The Sabbath School presents a brightening prospect and affords a ground of hope in future years.After 6 months of apathy we have waked up again to the effort of building a house for God. We expect to obtain in Galena 4,500 and our house 20 by 40 with a basement of stone and a superstructure of brick will not cost less than $7500 but we think we have now a reasonable prospect of making up the deficiency. There is a great opening for good by men of Academics in Galena and the Territory north, and some intent awakened in their behalf. There is a considerable Catholic influence and we wish to preoccupy the ground. There is great room for labour in the Territory but I cannot bestow that labour without neglecting my work at home. Brother Hale has spent several weeks in exploring and he concurs with me in opinion that a preacher or two are greatly needed in the Mining country. As one illustration we visited one neighborhood 50 miles from Galena where we had a congregation of 50 including 8 or 10 Presbyterians who had not heard a sermon since I visited them about a year before_______Springfield, Ill., Oct. 29 [1836]For the purpose of attending Synod I left Galena in the Sabbath Keeping—anti-gambling temperance boat for St. Louis. We had a quiet and pleasant passage with the privilege of family worship daily and daily in the Ladies cabin. The Captain said he enjoyed it much and I am sure it was refreshing to my own soul. On Sabbath I heard the Senior and Junior ??? preached myself and visited 3 Sabbath Schools including a German school of 75-150 learning English in which I was greatly interested.The meeting of Synod was — one of which I shall not now speak particularly— My visit to Jacksonville was very pleasant and I obtained a promise of a visit this fall from Prof. Beecher and also from Mr. Baldwin to attend a protracted meeting and to inquire into the prospects of education.I have forwarded a draft for monies due on the missionary year now closed. I have increased my expenses this year by building a small house of 2 rooms for female schools. The schools in our village are now encouraging.Yours,Aratus Kent________[January (?)] 17, 1837[first page missing from microfilm]...A plan has been formed to have protracted meeting this spring at Buffalo Grove and Rockford on Rock River (in Ill.) and at Elk Grove (Wisconsin) and Brother Gridley has been invited to come with the Big Tent and labour at these meetings and we expect at that time that 2 or 3 churches will be formed. But alas what avail the labours of 1 or 2 missionaries among so many. We want at least 2 on this side and as many on the west side of the Mississippi. Brother P. will go home soon and he thinks of returning in the fall. His eye is fixed on Mineral Point 40 miles north wither he has gone exploring and in the neighborhood lives Mrs. Rey whose exercises have excited attention in this region. It is more than 2 1/2 years since she said to me there would be a great revival in all this country to begin at Galena in the winter of 1837.There have been during this year 17 added by letter and 6 by profession and we calculate on about 10 more at the next communion by profession — 15 converts 100 Sabbath scholars — 7 converts among S Scholars of whom 3 united with the church.We have raised for foreign mission $112 at monthly con. — for the bible society 42 and for the tract soc 40 for supplying the Boats with bound vols.My people think they can support me in future and a committee is appointed to write a letter of thanks to your society and it seems due from me also to review the past.I have been seven years a recipient if the bounty of your society and am deeply and painfully conscious of the Christian and ministerial unfaithfulness. But I have had difficulties to grapple with and burdens to bear which cannot be well be estimated by those who have occupied a more highly cultivated field. For more than two years I laboured alone, without Christians enough to form a church or to maintain a prayer meeting.Our church now numbers 63. We have morning and evening meetings for prayer, a formal Benevolent Soc., a Maternal Association, and prayer meeting. The monthly distribution of tracts has been in successful operation for a year. We have commenced a house for public worship and have $4000 subscribed. We have good schools taught by members of our church. We have had during the whole time an interesting Sabbath School and man are now scattered over the country who were once under our influence. Last fall I met in one day at a distance of 300 miles 3 of its earliest pupils, two were merchants, and one a mechanic, 2 hope they are Christians and all, so far as I can learn, sustain a good moral character amidst the crowds of vicious people with whom they are in daily and hourly mingling.In taking my leave of your society I must express my grateful acknowledgments for the promptness with which every wish has been met and my growing conviction that your society is performing a service for the West and for our country, and for the church which none can so well appreciate as those who witness its happy results.Yours in the fellowship of the Gospel,A. Kent______[Extract from a letter by A. Hale to Absalom Peters. Jacksonville, Illinois, September 27, 1836.]My journey was principally in the lead mine district & east of the Mississippi River. Br. Kent & myself visited the principal villages & settlements. We found no ministers of our denomination & very few of any other. Indeed, we have no missionaries N. West of Rock River except Br. Kent, at Galena, & Br. Watson, who I suppose has returned to DuBuque. In the Wisconsin Terr. with a population 25,000 of there are not more than 4 Or 5 ministers of all denominations i.e. not more than that number that we could hear of- Br. Kent has long been calling for aid, & if men of the right sort can be had his call ought to be immediately attended to. The population of the Terr. is somewhat peculiar. A far greater portion of them are foreigners, than of the people of Illinois. They are as a body more intelligent. There is more open wickedness, such as intemperance & gambling, &c., more infidelity, or rather it is more bold & open, & there is more money. We need immediately, two Missionaries to plant within 40 miles of Galena- but they must be men-men of sound minds & warm hearts -men who can meet opposition & bear insults, & are willing to labor hard & bear reproach for Christ, men who might do well in many parts of this state, I am persuaded could not succeed there. I hope you will be on the lookout & as soon as you can find the men send them to Br. Kent & he will go with them to their places of destination. It must not be forgotten that churches in Wisconsin are as scarce as ministers -all is new- a few professors of religion scattered over the field panting for the bread & water of life & a large number who once were enrolled among the people of God & are now twice dead & among the most formidable obstacles to the progress of religion._______Office of the A. H. M. S. 150 Nassau StNew York Jun 20th 1837Rev. J. G. SimrallCarlinville, Ill. Dear Sir, . . . You speak of a renewal of your commission for the current yr. It is in accordance with our rules, that there should be an application from the people in order to have the request come regularly before us. If your people are really needy, I doubt not our committee would readily comply with their request in extending to them continued aid. But we cannot forbear to express the hope that they will find their own resources, the current year, adequate to their necessities- We cherish this hope from the very liberal collections they have made the last year to benevolent Societies the amount they have raised for their house of worship, and the amount they have pledged for the Theological Seminary.Those nearer by can judge of the circumstances in the case better than we can & our committee have referred the matter to our agency at Jacksonville, Ill. If your people will forward their application to Rev. Albert Hale at that place it will receive the action of that Board & we shall then be prepared to act intelligently & rightly, I trust, in regard to it....MILTON BADGERAsso. Sec. A. H. M.S.-----------Carlinville, Ill.July 7th I837Rev. Dr PetersDear Sir,I received on yesterday the letter of your Assistant Secretary in relation to my commission for this year. I am glad you have not sent it as I should have had the trouble to return it. I determined after seeing the proceedings of the Convention and Assembly to have nothing more to do with your Society, and informed my church here to that account. I have received a commission from the Assembly board. You need not therefore consider me in any way connected with your Institution, although I believe it has done much good - yet under all the Circumstances - and in view of the Sate of our Church at large - I am satisfied with my present views I cannot again sustain it.Yours respectfully,Jn. G. Simrall _______Galena, Feb. 11, 1842Dear Sir,It is almost a year since I received a line from you respecting Mr. Emerson (whether it is the same as that man whose letter is published in the Home Miss. for Jan., I have no means of knowing but I suppose it is. He told me of another man of the same name who came out to Iowa, but he was then an open Baptist, who, I was informed, has since become Presbyterian.) I feel quite dissatisfied with him. And I will relate what has given me the dissatisfaction. He borrowed 10 dollars of me when he first came on, he has never come nigh me again, though he has been near Galena and I believe in town. I mentioned the circumstance to recently to Brother Dixon of Platteville. He had borrowed 10 dollars of him. He is but ill able to spare money to such men. He called on Brother K?? upon my introduction (about 12 miles out) and told such a pitiful tale that he promised and afterwards gave him a valuable horse, then Emerson had the meanness to say that he wished he had money to buy a carriage also for he did not know how much riding he might have to do and he wanted to be very choice of that horse! Putting these things together, and comparing them with what Brother Wright said who was in Lane Seminary with him, I have no expectation of any good report and I am afraid to have him enjoying your patronage ... I do not wish to burden you but I thought you ought to have the light you can get That Brother Wright is a Missionary near Knoxville, Ill. He could give you information about him while at Lane.We, Bros. Farnam, Bascom, & myself tried to get Brother Wright to come up as a Missionary between Rock & Miss. River. we offered him 500, he seemed inclined to come and I found a Brother Graham in our Church about 20 miles south east (a central point, a bachelor who was to furnish his family a good house and abundant provisions if he should only burse his board. But alas we found the people cling to him and he could not get away. I have communicated to Dr. Hawes appealing to the ministers of my native state for help and to Andover stating to them that I am alone in a distant country of 20,000 inhabitants.I have written to Brother Peet in relation to Fair Play and Potosi 30 miles north and he has written back that he came 10 miles this side of Rock River (half way I should think) and turned back for fear that the snow would [envelop him] in the mean time. I left my people to visit each of those places twice this winter, next week I have to go 20 miles south to preach a formal sermon. It is hard to see a harvest lost for want of labourors and I sometimes want...[to travel] trough this whole country and preach on the duty of the churches to raise ministers in despair of getting any from the East.Yours Truly,Aratus Kent________Galena, Jan. 24, 1843Rev & Dear Sir,You have doubtless been apprised by Mr. Ripley that we have taken up a collection for the A.H.M.S. to the amount of $40. To this you may add $50 which is deposited with Dr. H. Newhall subject to your order, contributed by A. Kent.If an angel should be deputed to write the history of our country, some 20 tears hence, I have no doubt that he would place your society in the foreground among the agencies Providence employed to elevate the moral character of the Western States.Among the missionaries you are helping sustain in this vicinity there are some choice spirits who count not their lives dear unto them that they may finish their lives does not undo them, that they may finish the course with joy and the ministry of the Lord Jesus. Two of whom have recently called on me and refreshed my bonds with the Lord, and one of them so awakened the sympathies of our brethren that unsolicited they furnished him with an overcoat, pantaloons and buffalo overshoes. But his dress was not the only thing that reminded us of John Baptist for he too is preaching in the Wilderness and preparing the way of the Lord. I have had such accounts of a third (Holbeck) to think that perhaps God was preparing him for an Evangelist. He was to be installed to day but the weather and the state of the River is such that I presume there will be no meeting of Convention.Concerning a fourth, (Dipow) I have had such representation from his physician of his arduous labours and enfeebled health as to induce me to write recommending him to desist for a time from preaching.You will rejoice with me that Dr. Waterbury has planted himself at that very point where we sat down together to mourn over the desolations of Zion and devise ways & means for her relief.I am impatient to find a suitable man for the region south of us in this country — It is a hand full. And it is hard because it has been so long neglected.I have been appointed commissioner to Gen Assembly. It will be 11 years since we were at the East. But it seems very desirable that this people should have a supply and I see not how it shall be affected. I have though that if some good brother near New York would exchange with me for 2 or 3 months in would be a great accommodation and I have thought of Brother Hat field because he has been here before.It may seem presumptuous in me to make such a proposition but I think the reasons are plausible.1) Our Synod have requested that our ministry brethren at the East should visit us. 2) They need such a tour for their information and health. 3) They are in the habit of leaving the city in summer and such an exchange would afford them more leisure. 4) If they wish to find an important point where they may labour with great good effect, this city affords ample scope. 5) no man can appreciate this country til he sees it, and a trip by Cincinnati, St. Louis, Galena, Chicago, and Buffalo may now be made in 20 days time and with 100 dol. expense. And, if not as fashionable, it be as useful as the tour of Europe. 6) We need the counsel of the fathers. I think I could urge reasons why either of the following clergymen would do well to take that tour and be made welcome Dr. McAnly, Dr. Spring, Dr. Patton, or Dr. Peters.It would greatly facilitate my plans if they could secure a supply and allow me to plead there for the west. I have but little hope that any one will volunteer, but I thought it a duty to make the suggestion to you and hope you will have the goodness to drop me a line as soon as convenient.I remain yours affectionately,A. Kent_______Galena, Ill., Aug. 30, 1843Dear Brethren,I hope to see Mr. Lewis next month prepared for a campaign on Apple River, and I have written by advice of Brother Dixon to persuade Brother Hicks (now supplying Br. Bascom) to come to Fair Play & New Diggings and require answer soon. And I thought I should write to a young Licentiate Calvin Terry of Enfield visiting a little for Br. Peet & see what he is doing to supply the little churches north. Now I have concluded with your approbation to write to Br. A. Pomeroy once a labouror on the Ill. River. He is said to be very useful and efficient in Con. as an Evangelist, tho Br. Hale said he was not quite the thing in Ill. Having been for the time rather worldly minded. He took me aside at the Con, Association and said he was ready to go [to] Ill. if duty called (his wife is very feeble). I thought from all that I could learn that he would be an asset— could adapt to this region particularly to the mining region. And if he was commissioned to come to labour in different places at his and our discretion he might be very useful in promoting revivals organizing churches and doing that preparatory work necessary to our calling and settling of ministers. But I distrust my own judgement and hope that you have means of knowing him better than I do.I commit the accompanying letter to you to forward or not at your discretion.Brother, I remain your affectionately,A. KentBrother Norton is about to leave Rockford, I know no good reason.Galena, Aug. 30, 1843Br. A. Pomeroy,Dear Brother, I have reached home in safety after an absence of near 4 months in which I have experienced many miseries, found my family well except the death of a child of 14, given to us — a pious child of great promise. I have been pressed with cares and calls and greetings and have had no time to survey the field, but am well persuaded there is an opening around me for you to labour with great prospects of success in gathering congregations, organizing churches and promoting revivals and preparing the way for introducing young ministers...According to your own suggestion I now invite you to come on and “occupy”.— Come this fall as soon as you can— by the northern route, from Albany to Buffalo 25 hours & 10 dollars— from B. to Detroit, 30 hours and 7 dollars, from D. to Chicago 39 hours $8.50, from Chicago to Galena 48 hours & 8 dollars.If you will come and labour for 2 years, I think I may venture to say that we can raise you 200 a year on the ground and the Home Miss. will do the rest. And I think that in 2 years time you may do great good and be ready to stay permanently. There [are] many things of interest in this region and I have come to the conclusion that you are ??? to this country.Please to give me a definite answer as soon as convenient.Yours etc. A. Kent________Galena, Ill., May 14, 1844Rev. M. BadgerDear Brother,Brother Holbrook requests me to write to you and state the situation and wants of this region the probability of his usefulness in the field which he contemplates the views of our church and what they will do etc., and ask you whether you will become responsible for $400 per an. on condition that he raises what he can where he labours (say $100 perhaps less) his commission being to act as your agent in Western Wiskonsan, Northwestern Ill. and Northern Iowa and labouring as an Evangelist and supplying destitute places at his discretion, it being understood that he preach in Galena 1/4 of the time while I labour among the destitute as far as possible. He wishes you to reply as soon as maybe that it may reach here by the 2nd Tuesday of June when this convention meets at Platteville.This plan falls in with what I have contemplated as far as giving me a little breathing time. My weekly preparation which is now burdensome in connection with its pressure of other duties. My work is increasing amazingly aside from pastoral duties, my correspondence is becoming formidable. I can also occasionally preach about the country where I have extensive acquaintance. One of us will be always on the ground to supply the calls in Galena. He will need as a young preacher time for rest and for study but will feel it no burden to preach on the Sabbath.Our people have become greatly attached to him and he certainly possesses some peculiar talents for an evangelist and when I proposed that he should ask in that capacity and in that of an H.M. agent and locate in Galena and supply them 1/4 of his time they voted unanimously to invite him and to be responsible for 200 dollars - which together with what you will give will make him 600 and in my opinion that is not too much but perhaps you will think me extravagant and I shall submit my opinion to yours.I hoped to have seen Br Waterbury this week but shall be disappointed (not going to Rockford until next week) I believe he fully approves of our plan. We think that Tom Peet’s field is too large and he neglects western W[isconsin] and I think that Br. Holbrook has marked out too much ground. I should have preferred that he be restricted to the east side of the Mississippi, i.e., unless Br. Peet should prefer to continue to take charge of Wisconsin. My opinion has been that your agents should be multiplied so as to make them less riding and to do more work. I am obliged to write in great haste— if you should commission him he wished that two laymen together with Br. Holbrook and myself might be a committee through whom all applications for aid shall come. And I would suggest Dr. Horatio Newhall and Edwin Ripley as suitable men.All which is respectfully submitted.Yours, A Kent_________Galena, Ill., Aug. 14, 1844Dear Brother,It is not an urgent case the settlement on Apple River is 10 years in advance of the other settlements in Northern Il. It is within the mining district and for 15 years I have preached there occasionally. About 6 years ago 100 dollars was raised and appropriated for the support of a Missionary there but it has never been used.More recently the flourishing village of Elizabeth has sprung up around which there is a settlement of farmers & I have been told that 600 miners are now digging within 4 miles and the amount of lead raised there this year 2,000,000.The returns from the late election in the village gives 598 votes in that precinct and it is safe to reckon the population within a Sabbath days journey as exceeding 2000.There is a little church in the village and they need a minister — a minister of some moral power and some moral courage for it is a hard field and no suitable man has yet been found willing to engage. Such men seem to shun the place. I took a journey of 80 miles last week to obtain a missionary for them but he preferred locating in a new village of New England people in the midst of a sparse settlement (the whole number perhaps 400.) I came home to sympathize with a lay brother on the ground who has sustained a larger Sabbath School single-handed & alone for 5 or 6 years and who told me some weeks since that he was quite distressed.I have spread the case before our church and they will meet tomorrow morning at the rising of the sun to pray that God will send a minister to Elizabeth and I propose to carry in this letter and like Hezekiah spread it before the Lord—There are 2 ways of showing the power of the Gospel and the influence of your society.One is to look at the prevalence of infidelity & vice where no effort is made and the other is to mark the progress of truth the march of improvement & the triumph of benevolence where a judicious expenditure of your funds is made.Br Lewis entered a field as hard as this one year since...already he has secured the confidence of the people, the Sabbath is recognized, a nice house of worship is being built, a church is organized and some young men have been hopefully converted & have joined ...to the lord.I doubt not that if an efficient man had been sent to Apple River 5 years ago and 500 dollars expended in his support he would now be well sustained, a large church gathered and they propose to send back 100 dollars a year in aid of the destitute — such is the economy of your system.This church was for several years dependent on your bounty, and yesterday we sent off 180 dollars to your society and 24 dollars in aid of an academy being built to prepare ministers & teachers for the west by another church dependent on your funds & this in appendix to considerable contribution the same day for the suffered on the American Bottom.Now if you will find the suitable man we will find within the country 400 dollars for his support for one year....Yours affectionately, A. KentWe do not want a lame duck for that field nor a broken winded animal that has been 1/2 dos times run off the track.________Galena, Nov. 21, 1844Dear Brother,I received your letter Monday and went the same day to fill an appointment I had made on the waters of Apple R. because Mr. Littlefield’s labours were not acceptable in that neighborhood. There is was confirmed in my opinion that he is very unacceptable as a preacher and several Presbyterian families were mentioned who did not desire the continuance of his labours among them. Mr. John Strong who was his main support and with whom he boarded has fallen out with him and is making efforts in connection with some others to get an old school man I understand. I have ever felt that it was most unfortunate for this country that he returned to it. But I have wounded the good mans feelings by expressing my opinion. I think I cannot do the cause of A better service than to recommend that further aid be with held for other men are prevented from taking the ground while he occupies it. I have no doubt of his superiority to me in personal piety but he is doing no good as far as I can judge. I think if he would return to Indiana or engage in other employment it would be well. You will understand that the region about Elizabeth and I used to designate as Apple River is 10 miles from Mr. Littlefield’s location, which he now calls Apple River Church. Mr. Graham of Elizabeth a judicious young Irish man and Christian has told him that he cannot do any thing there.I was disappointed that our project of building a 2nd church had not made so much impression upon your minds as it does upon ours who see it in all its bearings. We think that there is a great opening for a new effort and we apprehend that if we do not move soon an Old School Br will and we do not wish that issue to be introduced into Galena. Mr. Seely of Bristol, Con., who preached here one Sab. has been sounded a little and the response was rather favorable and another letter will probably be sent soon. I have never seen him and it seems like a marriage on a short acquaintance. My back aches literally and if it did not my cares and responsibilities are enough to make it ache.I should not be ashamed of this letter if you could know the circumstances under which it is written.Our excellent friends the Ripleys have been greatly afflicted in the death of Lucy, aged 15—Yours, etc., A. KentWrite immediately if you can give us any light in regard to a man to build a 2nd church here. Nov. 23 Our movement as yet are in conclave (session) but that they are in concert you judge when they talked of raising 500 for the first year beside 200 from A.H.M.S.__________Galena, Ill., Oct. 2, 1844Dear Brother,With no ordinary anxiety and I trust sincere prayer we have ventured to agitate the question of communing a new congregation in this city. It is agitated by the session in conclave, It involved a responsibility we fear to assume and which we dare not longer postpone. Three questions have come up: Whence shall we find a house? Whence find the man to undertake it? And, whence find the “vara avis” to lead the enterprise? The first we can secure by renting a public room in the heart of the city. The second— we have marked off the names of about 15 whom we shall recommend and invite others to volunteer. And now comes the third. Where is the man suitable for the most inviting but very arduous field of ministerial labour?Who is there like yourself that has the whole country before him and is accustomed to judge of the mental and moral power of clergymen and who better than yourself knows whether the suitable man would consent to enter upon this new and deeply responsible achievement.Brother Badger will you come. I know your answer. I would gladly undertake it, if other duties would permit. Will you look about and send an answer as soon as convenient. We think that this operation ought not be delayed. All this by way of preface.Yours, A. KentAnd here I introduce you to my excellent Brother CampbellRev. Mr. BadgerDear Sir,I write by direction of the session of Mr. Kent’s church to urge upon your attention our want of a minister to supply a second Pres. Church now in contemplation. Our new stone church is full — The revival last winter brought into our church a great many young men whose spirit and good requires that they should be set upon some new effort for the extension of the Redeemers Kingdom. There is a large class in this community who do not attend church at all. Clearly all of the legal profession — many of the physicians & more of the merchants are of this class. Now sir if you can inform us how & where we can find the man of some experience who can interest such a class & with the help of the old church & a few working men & women can build up a second church you will materially aid the cause.A Mr. Eaton, a graduate of the Union Theo Sem & now if we are rightly informed labouring in some church in N. York city has been mentioned to us. Do you know him? Is he the Man? Can he be obtained? About a year last summer a young man by the name of Seely or Ceilly, a native of Ridgefield Conn also a graduate of Union Theo Sem (if I recollect right) spent a Sabbath here with whom we were much pleased. Do you know him? Is he such a man as we want? Can he be had?I am also directed to inquire if the new congregation can obtain aid from the Home Missionary Soc for a time. The persons who will compose the new church will be mostly young men — mechanics and journeymen of limited means who will hardly be able to sustain the effort without aid. We hope to hear from you as soon as you can give us the requisite information. we have delayed this effort too long I fear. To delay longer seems to us after prayerful deliberation on the subject to be only giving the ground of which we may now take easy possession up to the Universalists— The Campbellites— or somebody worse.Respectfully yours on behalf of the session,A.B. Campbell___________Dear Brother,I have written to Mr. Bowen at Savanna the following this evening.“Dear Sir I have just heard a rumor that your minister Calvin Gray is and open and strong advocate of the Oberlin Theology. If this is so I think that Christian candor should have constrained him to avow it as his as his letters recommendatory gave no hint of it and I thought it necessary to give you notice of the fact that such a rumor was afloat lest you should be induced in my recommendation to commit yourself further than you would.I am sure our Presbytery would not receive such a member. You will please to show him this and assure him of my high esteem of him as a man and my great grief at this rumor and my earnest desire that he may feel entirely free to contradict it.” Yours etc. A. Kent”The information I received from Br. Eddy of Mineral Point who has a commission from you. He says his (Buffalo) presbytery would not give such a man a letter as Geneva Presb has done. I thought it right to inform you immediately as it may influence your action if you have not acted already.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_________Galena, Ill., Feb. 17, 1845Dear Brother,I wrote you as I thought I ought in regard to Br. Gray.Since that I have conversed with him and with Br. Eddy whose installation at Mineral Point I attended last week.Br Gray satisfied me that though he dissented from the course professed by ministers and presbyters, yet he did not wish to advocate the peculiarities of Oberlin Theol. And he left the impression on my mind that he had now no inclination to agitate that subject. And it appears to me wrong to drive him from us by refusing him the aid he seeks.Br. Eddy after conversation with me thinks he ought to be commissioned and Mr. Bowen in his answer received this morning says Mr. Gray has made a very favorable impression on the whole community and to a much greater extent with some of our hard-hearted tight-fisted anti-religious people than I supposed and good Christian could.I do therefore renew my recommendation that he be commissioned.I have signified to Br. Lewis that if he is about to draw on you for money I can furnish him $100.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_________Galena, March 7, 1845Rev. & Dear Brother,Your letter is before me and was long in coming. But I hasten to answer it as soon as I have my instructions. Our Session met last evening and I laid it before them.We are well pleased with Mr. D. on paper and should like to see him on the ground. But we are embarrassed and hardly know how to act. The Session are unanimous but we have not yet breached the subject to the church. And we anticipate some difference of opinion about the propriety of the movement but think that they will come into our views when fully explained. We have corresponded with Mr. Seely of Bristol, Conn., (who spent a Sabbath here once) he has declined coming. I received a letter this day from Rev. T. Castleton of Syracuse offering to come, having succeeded in gathering a Church in that village within the last year, but I showed it to some of my brethren who thought he was rather “green”. We expect very soon to lay this object before the church. We have been rather private about it lest agitation should arouse other elements by which we might be circumvented.There are Brethren in and out of the church who would prefer an Old School minister, which we fear would make disturbances in our harmonious community. We want greatly to see Mr. Downes, but how is it to be done? After long consultation we have concluded to request that he be appointed missionary within the bounds and under direction of the Galena Presbytery, with a view to his labouring at Elizabeth which would bring him under the observation of this church and enable them to act understandably. There seemed to be entire unanimity on the part of those 4 who were present.Let me then show reasons why he should come to Elizabeth. It is becoming the most densely populated spot in the missionary district except our city and 2 or 3 villages. I judge there are 2000 souls within 2 or 3 miles of that village (perhaps 3000). It is an old settlement I have preached there occasionally for 15 years. I have tried in vain to get some man that is willing to go and labour there. Mr. Lewis you will recollect was destined for that field but was prevented by another having stepped in before him. Mr. Langdown from Hartford came this winter, but a letter from him today states that he prefers to remain where he now is near Chicago It is an exceedingly hard and wicked field and therefore just what Mr. D has been seeking for. “I choose to go where help is needed most and obtained with most difficulty” — It is an “Old Waste” and “a settled region which has hitherto been without spiritual cultivation.”. It is however no worse than New Diggings was 1 1/2 years ago but under Br Lewis’s transforming influence it has become greatly changed. Indeed no where have I seen faithful labour so uniformly and largely blessed as in this sinner Mining Country. I would not exchange it as a field of ministerial labour for any other spot under the sun.It would be exceedingly interesting to read a history of some 20 men I could name as disciples of Christ who were once among the hardest cases. Several are now members of our church and 4 or 5 have been just received at Mineral Point. I have conversed today with 2 excellent brethren who are talking about removing to Elizabeth I am very sanguine in the belief that within 2 years Br. Downes would build a good church — gather a large congregation, and witness a revival that bring in great numbers who are now wretchedly depraved, and obtain his entire support from the people and it seems to me it ought not be neglected any longer. It is a healthy place beyond doubt.There is no question but that our Presbytery would most earnestly request this appointment if it were suggested to them, but it will be impracticable to have any Presbyterial action until they meet in May.I hope you will understand our views from what I have now put down. We want to bring Mr. D. before this community without seeming to be officious. We think it immeasurably important to commence another church and know not how to effect our object. The city is steadily growing and is destined to grow and if we do not multiply ourselves other sects will as certainly as like causes will produce similar effects. It is impossible for one man to do the work that is accumulating here.Yours Affectionately, A. KentP.S. It is the wish of the session that Mr. D. be commissioned and sent out as soon as he can come and we shall strive to make him welcome.Mr. L. Eddy who has just settled at Mineral Point and has a powerful revival. Said he had written a Brother to come visit here who is equal to any. Do you know him? Br. Lindsay also has written and thinks he should like to come west. Confidential. [marginal note]________Galena, Ill., April 8, 1845Dear Brother,Br. Lewis to whom I sent word that I had money he might have has made no reply and I have spent most of the money appropriated to his use 50 of which I paid to Mr. Gray which will be put to the credit of your society if he is commissioned. Perhaps I shall be able to furnish Br. Lewis 50 in the course of the summer.It will not be thought strange that we should attach importance to what is going on around us when intelligent Christians at the East and in Europe are watching our movements with intense interest.If we look only at the salvation of the present generation the preaching of the gospel is the great means on which, under God, we should rely. But when we look to ultimate and far reaching results the great desideratum toward which we should bend our utmost efforts is to establish and sustain a system of thorough Christian Education, and render it acceptable to all. And to effect this, and to effect this we must have local agents stationed at all points in the great field. But all history shows that there are no agents so efficient in promoting Christian educations as Evangelical Ministers. Hence, we are conducted obviously to the conclusion that Home Missionaries should be multiplied to meet the demand. And perhaps in the Western country where so little interest is felt in the cause, they should be especially instructed to carry this point but using every means within their reach— such as lecturing in education, visiting schools, procuring competent teachers, and using their influence to establish primary schools and academies.We want also a few general agents like your late superintendent at the East who shall who shall travel from county to county delivering lectures on education and diffusing information on the subject. Have you not a few educated, accomplished, eloquent, splendid men who have enough if Howard’s spirit to devote 10 years or a life to an untiring effort to raise to a pitch of educational enthusiasm that they would be honored throughout the state in all time as highly as St. Patrick is in Ireland. Could not something be done also toward furnishing libraries like those in N.Y. State schools on specific conditions.Your anniversary is approaching, It is a fit occasion to inquire, Is anything accomplished? It might be said in reply that we cannot count up the results of moral as we can those of Military achievement. When the soldier kills his man, he is there until he is counted, but the soldier of the cross cannot tell how many under his preaching have been slain by the law and made alive by Christ. Especially is this true among the roaming population of a newly settled country.But it would be ungrateful to God not to acknowledge what he has permitted us to witness with our own eyes.Without any forecast on mine I was sent to this place 16 years ago. I remember the Sab. morning I walked over the ground and for the want of a better plan for retirement and there pleaded with my master his own promise Lo I am with you always & before I went into the bar room to magnify his office and asset his claims to this service. I remember too that on one of my preaching tours I ascended a high ridge over looking the Mississippi for many miles. It was a magnificent sight. And I made my reflections audible: Lord Jesus I take possession of this while land for thee and if Father Hennipin had previously claimed it for the Virgin Mary, it was a usurpation which had long ??? given up for there was no one in all the region to defend his claim.Now if we take the log cabin which served me 10 years for a church as the center of a circle whose radius measures 200 miles, that circle 16 years ago would enclose not another clergyman either Catholic or Protestant devoted exclusively to the cure of souls as far as I can recollect.Now if we should reckon up only the Presbyterian & Congregational Ministers we should doubtless find on that area from 1 to 200 and these intelligent self denying me 9/10 of whom have been or are now sustained by your society and that to at less expense than the Florida War I trust moreover in the eternal result that more souls will be saved than there were Seminoles killed. It is the more economical investment!In this mining country we have had a reinforcement of Missionaries within a few months which has made our hearts glad (though we need more) and a work of grace has followed this labour in 4 or 5 places. At Mineral Point God has wrought wondered for his name sake and in looking over the country I cannot but admire the triumphs of divine grace in the recovery of some who were among the most hopeless cases in our early history. From this meagre outline of what God has done in our little corner of your great field, should not the friends of the missions thank God and take courage.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_________Galena, Ill., Aug. 8, 1845Dear Br.,I have just had an interview with another student of the Mission Institute whose judgement I respect. I inquired respecting Mr. W. Nichols. He said the Big Platte church where he belongs were about to employ him, but he made inquiries concerning his success where he had laboured (at Columbus) and found that he was very unacceptable. He was consulted by Mr. Nichols about coming up here and he did not encourage it. Mr. Marks observed that his own report would exhibit him as the most useful man in Presbytery. c.c. He has too high an idea of his own usefulness. He does not doubt but that he is a good man.I thought that this information might be seasonable is he should apply. But I shall expect that he will come up here first — perhaps —Mr. Parks babe is dead & we are well as usual—Yours, etc.,A. KentI think there is a disposition in our session to move toward colonizing - and that Mr. Marks has made a favorable impression. Have you or Br. Badger a better man in your view for this post{?}_________Galena, Ill., Sept. 15, 45Dear Br.,According to your request I give my opinion in the negative (see 873 case of Mr Warner.)I have not heard much said about his labours at Mount Carroll. But I understand that he was doing nothing and from all who know of his past efforts I have heard but one opinion that is entirely inefficient. He said to me last time I saw him that he thought of quitting the ministry on account of his health and I encouraged the idea as far as he gave me the opportunity. Br Peet wrote me & expressed the wish that he would resign the ministry or take admission to some other body.Yours etc., A. KentN.B. I have heard that Br. Gray has preached at Mt Carroll but a letter from his wife recently states that she was recovering and that he was quite sick with fever._________Galena, Oct. 17, 45Dear Br.,Having returned in safety after a fortnight absence in company with Br. Downes to attend Presbytery & Synod I will make a record of matters & things.Presbytery met at Shannon we spent the Sabbath & Saturday previous there by request of Br. Bliss but he was sick and his wife very sick and the whole settlement sick so that we could gather scarcely a score to preach to. Br. B. brought a letter signed in due form by Elders & Trustees requesting that he might be commissioned again. But a request came soon after by one of the signers that we would not act until further instructions. We then (cc Br. Downs has been added to the Com.) made some inquiries and ascertained that he was not acceptable as a preacher. And the testimony was uniform both there and at Moline.We had very small meetings both at P. & Synod at Galesburg. Sickness has prevailed to an unusual extent in this region particularly about the water courses. It has been excessively hot and dry i.e., the showers have been sufficient to keep the surface moist but the little streams are low and many entirely dry.. I saw in my journey several old settlers sick who never had been sick before.On our return we came to Rock Island and there followed up the River. Dined with C. Spring who was sick called on Mr. Hickcock at Moline who is well and from all that appears was doing well. Called on Br. Jessup who with his family are well though every family in town is sick.Spent a night in Savannah — All sick there — Br. Gray and wife & child are sick and have been for 2 or 3 months. A child to be buried was brought to the house for religious services, he spoke for 5 minutes and was exhausted. He has begun to build a house and had moved into it, but they were obliged to be removed to the neighbors, for they could not take care of themselves and others could not leave home to take care of them. So now they stay a few days in a place. He had tried to work at his house until the Doctor has forbidden it., He cannot finish it and the neighbors cannot help him. I believe that if some of our good people at the East knew his situation, they would sent him 50 Dollars extra to finish his house for he cannot finish it himself and he cannot do without it. The people there and at Mt. Carroll are anxiously waiting to have him resume his preaching. He seems to have made a good impression where ever he has gone. I have felt it my duty to make this representation.But I have another statement to make as one of a Com. on Home Missions.The subject was brought up in Synod and we are unanimous in the opinion that Agencies for Home Missions are too large, and that if 4 or 5 were sustained in Ill., it would be a measure of economy. We have therefore resolved to petition that the territory which is covered by our Synod be divided from North to South and that Br. S.G. Wright be our Missionary agent and his labours be confined to that district, and that another man be sent into his present field of labour. We think that he will prepare the way of the Lord for introducing other labourers and that our church will contribute towards his support.The other members of the Com will report officially as soon as they have corresponded with the Congre[ga]-tional bodies.A remark was made in my hearing that Br. Badger sympathized strongly with Congregationalists and in conformation it was said that he is endeavoring to give circulation to the Puritan. I replied that I had never seen nor heard any thing of the kind. But I may observe here that I do not think the Puritan is calculated to promote harmony, unless is changed from what my limited reading has conceived.Next week I propose Deo Volente to go in company with Br. Powell to Beloit to attend another Col. Convention. Br. P. has preached here 2 Sabbaths during my absence with great acceptance.I was asked if he could not be had for the winter to supply our new Church until they can have Mr. Marks of Quincy in the spring. I should regret having his mind diverted from his other field and I regret that they should think of drawing Br. M. away.Yours truly, A. Kent__________[Galena] Oct 12, 1846At a meeting of Synod held at Belvidere, Boone Co., a committee consisting of Brethren Kent, Bascom, Kellog, and Pendleton were instructed to renew the application made at their last meeting to H. Miss. Society to appoint 3 agents in place of one for our state.We think that our State is large enough and sufficiently populated to afford work for 3 efficient men and that one man labours to a great disadvantage in travelling over so large a field without affording time to labour in any one place long enough to secure the object.We think that each of the districts contemplated contains a multitude of churches and settlements just in that condition as to need attention and that the labours of a judicious agent would develop resources which would ultimately refund all that is now required for their support.All of our experience proves that delays are prejudicial on account of the growing influence of error and sectarianism and that it would be a saving of labour to furnish those agents while these young communities are in the forming state.A. Kent, Chairman of Comm.The Brethren have left without aiding me much in preparing this communication. But Br. Kellog expresses his opinion decidedly that Br. Crane is needed here more than in his present field of labour.__________Galena, Ill., Oct. 19, 1846Dear Brother,I have been appointed a committee to request your committee that your agent Rev. S. Peet be allowed to devote 2 months this winter in aid of “The Beloit College”. The facts stated in Br. Hale’s letter have induced us to think that we ought to move with accelerated velocity towards the commencement of a regular College course. And the trustees with much anxiety and trembling have resolved by the blessing of God that they will commence next year. We hope therefore you will see the propriety of granting our request. Br. Eaton preached once for me yesterday and is gone this morning to visit his Brethren Downes, Powell and Lewis.Yours in bonds of the gospel, A. Kent_____[Chapin papers- Beloit College]Galena, Ill., Ap. 14, 1847Dear Brother,The Ex. Com. of Beloit College have requested me to call a special meeting of the Board of Trustees at Beloit on the 8th of June at 7 p.m. to be present at the laying the corner stone and to attend to such other business as may come before them.They also request me to suggest that the meeting on the 4 Monday will not be necessary and I shall dispense with it so far at least as to stay away myself.The reasons assigned are that they will not be ready sooner and they look for better attendance.They have appointed Mr. Hinman financial agent and Superintendent of building.Yours affectionately,A. Kent___________Freeport, April 23, 1847Dear Brother,There is no little suffering endured by some of our Brethren in consequence of not receiving the aid which they have anticipated from your society. Brethren Gray and Powell are among the sufferers the latter you will hear from in 2 or 3 weeks, the former must be heard now. He made application in due manner and time to receive an appropriation of 200 dollars from you commencing with the 3rd of November, and has come to the conclusion that you did not intend to grant his request for he thinks from a clause in some letter he has received that he has evidence that you have received his application but we presume that his letter has never reached you.We think therefore that we should urge you to grant his request and forward the money immediately as he has been compelled to leave his appropriate work and labour with his hands 6 days in the week. We have entire confidence in this Brother’s ability and acceptableness and should be grieved if his wants were not relieved without further delay. We have experienced much difficulty in consequence of applications for aid being sent to individual members of the Com. without their having opportunity to consider with their coadjutators or to get additional light by seeing some person resident in the neighborhood.To remedy that evil we have requested their applications to be handed into us at the stated meeting of Presb.A. KentJohn DownerC. Waterbury______[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]Galena, May 5/47Dear Br.,It is my official duty at the request of the Ex. Com. to inform the Trustees of the Beloit College that the meeting of the board will be postponed again from the 8th to the 22nd of June.They seem to have some to that decision reluctantly for reasons which they deem sufficient. Great questions in their estimation will come up.Yours in the best bonds,A. Kent_____[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]Galena 29 June 47Dear Br.,After spending the Sabbath at Winslow to supply Br. Hazzard’s lack of service, I reached home and had a long conversation with Br. Spees, which I though worthy of reporting.He manifested a lively interest in the west and the College effort. And in answer to his enquiries I stated to him confidentially of whom we had spoken for president and professors that I might avail myself of his knowledge and judgement.He rather gave preference to Dr. Riddle and at my particular request he expressed his opinion that Dr. William Adams of the Brown St. Church New York would be the best man in the U.S. for that office. He named Brainard of Philadelphia.In the course of conversation he indicated that he was disposed to some to the west as the field of greater usefulness. That he had looked forward to a professorship of Languages (and had been shaping his studies for it) if he could be situated as to go out and preaching on the Sabbath and that he would be willing to take that office in our college with the understanding that he should first spend a year in obtaining funds while his services might not be needed in the institution. For this I should think him particularly fitted on several accounts.I thought it important that this should be known to my coadjutors and that it might influence their movements in another direction.For qualifications he referred me to Dr. Nott and Professor Yates of Union Col., Dr. White and Dr. Adams of New York,, Hon. Willard Hall of Delaware.Dr. White might be consulted as to the expediency of appointing Dr. Adams and the probability of his accepting.Brother Chapin, what think you of these suggestions? I thought I would whisper them to you and if it should meet your views you may name it to our secretary.Br. Spees is going to St. Louis - his address is Cincinnati. Yours in haste for I have piles of letters to answer.A. Kent____[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]Galena July 28, 1847Dear Br.,I send this to you as one of the Committee of Correspondence and you can bring it up at our next meeting.I received your letter in reply to my former letter and am not disposed to dissent from the views you expressed, but we must endeavor to get all the light we can obtain and we shall have enough of darkness to wade through even then.It is very likely that after our utmost care a few years will reveal many mistakes that will admit of no cure and will only tax our patience.Yours truly, A. Kent __________Galena, Ill., Sept. 10, 1847Dear Brother,Your letter is before me, and it must be answered. I have revolved the subject over and over and regard it a very responsible agency.I have not felt at liberty to answer in the affirmative but I should mistake the favorable opinion of men whom I respect for the will of Him who placed me here and who only is authorized to remove me. I am afraid to answer in the negative lest I should seem to be more concerned for my personal comfort than for Zion’s prosperity.There are difficulties that weigh with me and I will state them and wait for further light.I am settled down comfortably in one extreme corner of the field and cannot transfer my family to a central frontier. My wife is reluctant to remove and is feeble and not likely to enjoy good health soon. My position therefore will render it necessary that my expenses should be greater and my periods of absence longer than if Galena were more central.I do not covet notoriety but on the contrary shrink from those sever strictures which such men are obliged to endure.I am not adapted to the work. It requires a man of great fenestrations and I am not quick in any pleasing human character. It is the business of your agent to find the man and adapt them to the field, for to go over the ground and report the distributions will avail nothing. You have already more vacancies than you can supply. Am I not right in saying that the apportionment of ministers at the West is so unequal to that in the Eastern States that we should be justified in taking almost any man from his post at the East because they can easily obtain another to fill his place. An agent then should explore his field and having ascertained its wants, should go to the East and not only visit the Seminaries to obtain young men but should be justified in persuading the best pastors to leave their work where they are restricted to township limits and come West where they can mould the character of whole counties whose population is doubling every 5 years- justified in saying to such men the “Lord hath need of thee” But I am not eloquent in that line. It demands the soul of Peter and the energies of Cornelius or Evarts to plead for the west and persuade them to the self-denial of such a removal.You have misjudged in respect to my acquaintance and influence. I am known is 2 counties in Wisconsin and 3 or 4 in Ill. You think I should be acceptable to the people generally. The Congregationalists will suspect me of favoring the Presbyterians and the strong abolitionists would turn cold shoulder, I have read over what is said of the duties of an agent but yet on a closer inspection of the office I am at a loss to know how to act without more specific instructions and if my own mind was satisfied it would still be a problem whether I could satisfy the people.My theory has ever been to go where Providence shall direct but it is not easy to distinguish between the leadings of Providence and the bias of my own mind.I shall hope to hear further from you and myself to be guided aright.Yours as ever,A. KentThere are many beautiful localities in this Prairie-land but there is one spot that I have always admired. It is a ridge of prairie which puts into Elk Grove from the north and from which you look off upon the 3 Platte mounds that lift their bald fronts to a southern exposure. The landscape exceeds in beauty any I ever saw, At that point, when a missionary of your society, I once alighted from the fatigues of my journey to spend the night on the log tavern. I was annoyed with the practices which prevailed and I succeeded in persuading the proprietor to abandon the traffic in ardent spirit and afterwards as I occasionally preached in the Grove I regretted that so delightful a spot should be wholly devoid of any good moral influence and that its leading men stand aloof.Years rolled away and 2 days since I again visited Elk Grove, and entered that log-house. The tavern has become a sanctuary and its whitened walls and temporary accommodations presented an aid and comfort.It was an Ecclesiastic meeting, Six of your missionaries were there and 4 of them have the prospect of being soon installed as pastors. Twelve or fourteen churches represented there were organized by their instrumentality and all within the district which once constituted my missionary field. It was then a moral waste, for we could gather at that time from the whole area but six individuals to organize The First Presbyterian Church. It was a Communion season. They had come together to break bread. The company of disciples were enlivened by the return from his journey of the Pastor of this church and 2 of those leading men who once stood aloof were office bearers in the church and brought in the sacramental elements.My eyes affect my heart and when called to administer at the Lord’s table I could not but exclaim, What hath God Wrought. The labours of your missionaries have, with God’s blessing, produced these results; and that it is a genuine work of God’s spirit I will cite another incident to prove. At the house where I spent the night found one of those converts in alot of pain and distress. She had suffered long, but she was cheerful. I saw her sometime since when she was full of apprehension that she might be deceived. But now her doubts were all removed and she had no choice whether to live or to die. Her feelings were similar to those of a coloured woman who said to me last week on her sick bed: “If my Lord would but come for me, I would hardly look back to see whether earth’s iron gate were shut after me.”If there be one of your patrons who doubts whether his contributions to Home Missionary Society are well appropriated I would that he could have been at that communion table. For myself I can say that the most splendid Gothic structure with it marble and cushioned seats and curtained pulpit and silver toned organ could never yield me the exquisite please I enjoyed in one hour spent in that sanctified tavern.A. Kent_________Galena, Ill., Oct. 23, 1847Dear Br.,I have just returned from another tour (to Beloit & to Stephenson Co. where our Presbytery met) and was disappointed at getting no answer to my letter of enquiry which I perceive you have had published (and in which there is a typographical error- “If my Lord would come for me”- makes the sentiment beautiful- “comfort me” spoil the sentence.) I think if your mind laboured as mine has done with the question which you have sprung upon me you would not long delay an answer.We have dismissed from our Presbytery Brs. Norton and Waterbury. And we have need that God should strengthen the things that remain and are ready to die.Br Henry[?] was with me 2 weeks since. He has been very ill for 2 months, and I suppose from fear of giving others trouble - I have urged him to stay with me but he declines. One night he went went, after preaching, to find a lodging with his brother and at the lights went out he laid him down on a pile of manure (supposing it hay) and from the dampness he caught cold which brought on the sickness and has prostrated for the time his iron frame. I have urged him to come over and explore this region where I suspect he could accomplish more than at Dubuque, but he fears to do so without your direction. Please advise him if you judge best to spend some weeks exploring Northern Ill. and perhaps some in Wisconsin.Yours affectionately,A. Kent[Margin] I regret that I cannot copy and remodel this whole communication.____________Galena, Nov. 17, 1847Rev. & Dear Brother,The subject of our correspondence has been long now before my mind to demand of me a definite reply. After vacillating from one side to the other according as various reasons and influences have operated I have gradually inclined to one side until the conclusion has been reached that the providence of God seems to me to foresee my acceptance of this agency, which in flattering terms you have repeatedly pushed upon me.At the same time I regard it in light of an experiment and consent to spend 3/4 of the time for one year, reserving 1/4 to serve my own people, because they utterly refuse an immediate divorce, in the present internal posture of our affairs. Our church having been greatly reduced by the diversion of members not only to the 2 churches in town but also by great numbers having gone to churches which have started into being within 2 or 3 years in this vicinity.The project they have hit upon is to employ a young man as an assistant for the present and Mr. Neil has already been informally invited to serve them and he has taken it into consideration, which will [put] Elizabeth in a state of destitution, which must be supplied to quiet Br Downer.I have come to this decision under the full view of responses to which I shall be subjected.......[a long passage is illegible due to faded ink][On verso] I break the seal to say that Br. Neil has refused to preach for us and I know not how long I may struggle to supply our people.A. Kent__________Galena, Feb. 14, 1848Dear Br.A considerable time has elapsed since I wrote signifying my decision to engage in the work which you suggested and I have also declared the decision to my people, and this situation is one of no little embarrassment in the struggle it will involve to sustain 3 Presb. Churches. They depend in me for present supply and I cannot break away from them without some previous notice. It seems to me therefore important that I should understand the views of your Committee more in detail that I may have time to make arrangements without unnecessarily prejudice to other interests.I should not however have written you but I thought possibly my letter has not been received or had been overlooked amidst the many letters you receive, for I believe that it is some three months since I wrote.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_________Galena, March 16/48Dear Brother,I have received your letter requesting me to give some account of Northern Ill. with a view to publication. But I cannot think that I ought to attempt any such thing short of a year from this time. It would certainly be out of place for me to appear in your report again until I have something to say.I feel greatly embarrassed also from the position in which I have been left for some months.I was requested by Br. Badger to accept an agency for your society and assumed that when I has consented to serve, the further preliminaries would be settled. I examined the question of duty and decided to engage in your service and was obliged of course to notify my people of the fact and since that time hence waited for a commission, until my friends here as well as myself are wondering but what is the cause of the delay. I anticipate a good many unpleasant things in such an agency and not the least that some will be willing enough to say ye take too much upon you ye sons of Levi, especially if I begin to move before I have a formal commission. I have had one such rebuff already which is quite enough to serve me for some time.I wrote on the 14 of Feb. to remind Br. Badger of my embarrassment but as yet have heard no response, and began to think that perhaps objections has come in from some of the Br. on the field, which led your committee to hesitate about the expediency of the measure. And I travelled over the ground last fall in order to give the Brethren the fullest opportunity to object of they should see cause. And if such objections exist I have a little field, formerly occupied by Br. Littlefield which I have been cultivatng this winter and to which I can retreat with the hope of being both useful and happy.But a decision I must be allowed to insist on as soon as shall comport with the convenience of your respected Committee.The people here will depend on me as long as they can and that without the prospect of pay or usefulness or at least the prospect is but dim.I have written in great haste but hope that amidst the press of business you will not over look their considerations.Yours affectionately, A. KentP.S. I thank you for naming Mr. Atterbury. I hope you will continue to think of us. Dr. Newhall’s wife was buried today and I have not communicated with him. ___________Galena, Ill., April 8/48Dear Br.We seem not to understand one and oother and I will explain. In the first letter of Br. B. I was told that if I would consent to asct as your agent, the details would be made satisfactory afterwards and in his second letter the same thing was repeated. I offered my consent to the society in reply to which I heard nothing more until I received your last inviting me to provide something for your annual report, and in that you gave me no details except some suggestions about the limits of my field to the south.I then wrote espressing my surprise and embarrassment that I had waited 3 or 4 months and had received no details and no commission, expressing my unwillingness to act until I received a formal commission, and giving (hastily indeed) some reasons for this unwillingness.In your last of March 22 you supposed I have received all the necessary details and then add, “Please to make then (i.e., other details) the subject of special inquiry and we will do our best to answer them.” Now I begin to see where the misunderstanding is you have taken for granted that I understand fully the very thing and the only thing on which my mind laboured. I have no trouble about raising collections for your society, for I feel willing to preach on that subject whenever it seems to me to be a duty, and I think I can raise enough or nearly so to pay the agent.I have no trouble about the salary for if you give me too much I can refund it and if you give me too little for the support of my family (which you will not be apt to do being yourselves dependent on the same means of support) I can fall back upon the income of my patrimony which is devoted to purposes of general benevolence and which you will not feel at liberty to draw upon, and here I might throw in a few words to show that our accustomed economy will not sustain us when I am away from home more of the time.I have a sick wife and 5 children to provide for at an expensive age, one 22, one 18, one 14, one 13, one 10 and one 8 years old, and within 24 hours this week I had 5 of your missionaries together with 3 of their wives, along with 3 horses. I have to practice hospitalityand make no complaint, and only glance at other things to show that my expenses will not be lessened by the agency. But I am entitled to a living while I labour for H[ome Missionary Society] and if it is not furnished by H. Society, it will still be within my reach.I have but little trouble about the limits of the field, though I still think that I can do more good by confining my labours to the 14 northern counties. But I do not intend to be obstinate. But the one thing that bothers me is that you do not define my position further. The details I expect were in your report on the duties of an agent. I supposed that in my commission you would instruct your agent to do certain things, so that when he was thought to be taking too much upon himself he might produce his credentials. I have read over the duties of an agent in your last report, but I imagined that the details to which you refer would be a more particular enumeration of an agent’s duties.I would gladly be excused from giving an opinion of Br. Gilbert's probable usefulness. He is a good Br., so dar as I know, and I know nothing to his prejudice, but a lamentable destitution of energy. He can preach well and I should think that if he were to fall in with a substantial working church who would stand by and encourage him, he might yet do well. But he is not fitted to guide a ship in a storm, and hence is nothing else at Buffalo Grove. You may smile at my illustration, but if we could place him under an exhausted excercise and supply him with pure oxigen [sic] or let him breathe ether, he would become efficient.Agents duties: Let me explain my embarrassment by an illustration. In approving a missionary's application I suggested that he should visit some out-posts more and rewrite his report and give you a more detailed account. He was quite displeased and intimated that I was wanting in sympathy for poor missionaries. The only thing I dread is this treading on the toes of good men, and I thought it would aid me to have instructions as much in detail as might be.A reason (which you perhaps do not appreciate but which has greatly influenced my judgement) for confining my labours to the 14 northtern counties is that the rail road and canal going through them will occasion a rush to northern Ill. for the next five years. This will require attention of an agent to take advantage of circumstances and act promptly. Dear Br., I hope I have given you a clear view of my difficulties and embarrassments.Yours affectionately, A. Kent__________Galena, May 29, 1848Rev. & Dear Sir:I have just reached home after an absence of 19 days and while I regret having taxed your patience with writing so long a communication I am happy to say that it is quite satisfactory, for it gives me the authority to which I can appeal and upon which I can fall back when I have occasion to say things to missionaries and churches which they will not like to hear. Indeed the suggestions will be of great use in guiding my agency.In respect to salary, $500 will be sufficient to cover our annual expenditures (for we mean to practice economy as a virtue), and I do not wish anything more than a support. My eyes are very weak and I cannot write or read much at present. I am apprehensive that I shall not be able to cover much during the long hot days of summer, for several days past I have rode from 5 to 9 and laid by during the middle of the day.I have made you some trouble in removing my embarrassments, but I will give you a brief summary from my journal as a specimen of my way [of] operating.I have travelled during the last 19 days 300 miles (98 of which was along the banks of Rock River), visited 32 families and 8 ministers, preached 10 times to 7 different congregations destitute of the regular administration of Presbyterian preaching, distributed a respectable quantity of tracts and bound volumes, and engaged 4 or 5 persons to undertake the work of systematic monthly tract distribution in the country which will serve 100 families. I have also visited the 2 departments of the high school at Geneseo and addressed the pupils and prayed with them. I have moreover spent 2 days at Beloit, during which time we appointed 2 professors for the College and took measures to move forward boldly in the great and responsive effort of establishing that infant institution on a permanent basis.You will not expect so minute a report ordinarily, but I thought you would be interested in what has greatly interested me.I obtained one subscription for the “Home Missionary”. His address is Dea. J. Powers, Gap Grove, Ill., and the dollar which he paid I expended in paying my expenses at the tavern in Dixon, Lee. Co., whence I spent Sabbath (May 21), and I accomplished something for I not only preached twice in the Methodist Church, but I shamed some of the people and obtained a standing invitation to partake of the hospitality of God — and that may be of use to me as I pass the river at that point in future journeys. That 120 cents, together with 20 cents for toll there, was all that I expended during the trip including 4 times crossing Rock River. If you will therefore send the Dea. your paper for one year without charge to me, I will charge nothing for expenses on my first trip as your agent.Yours, etc.,A. Kent__________[Freeport, Ill., July 26, 1848][Salutation missing]There is a beautiful spot in the prairie on the side of a grove, where a discreet and devoted missionary of good abilities may find a home and a hearty welcome. It is in the immediate vicinity of 2 intelligent families who know the heart of a stranger and who will not suffer him to want any good thing. It is an eminently healthy situation and one to be desired for its prospective natural advantages. It is presumed from present appearances that the population on that prairie will increase 50 per cent annually, and the assurance is boldly given that such a preacher will secure a congregation of 150 at his regular Sabbath appointment. Where is the hardship of Home Miss. life when such a fields lie neglected for want of labourers?There is another center of 5 or 6 miles distance where a Presb. Church is organized, and where such a minister might gather another congregation equally large in the afternoon of the same Sabbath, and where he might obtain 50 or 100 Dollars for his services. Such a minister might reasonably expect, with God’s blessing, in 5 or 10 years to build two strong churches where is chaos, (or at least at one of those points).Should the missionary be a single man, one family offers to furnish board and a study without charge.I dare not mention the locality lest it should induce men to throw churches in there who cannot find a support at the East, and who come out to this country without commission as encouragement from your committee.We wish all who come to fall in with existing ecclesiastical organizations, whether Congregational or Presbyterian, and not disturb the peace of the churches and wound the feelings of the old settlers by requiring us to conform to their views.The field I have described is Waddam’s Grove 15 miles west of Freeport and 35 miles east of Galena, and, next to Freeport, is the most populous precinct in this populous and wealthy county. Its county (not Freeport) is building 100 brick houses this year.If Mr. Geo. Clark is still in the city, Mr. Hallock will be pleased to show this to him. If not, I shall have relieved my own mind by making this statement.Yours truly, A.K.________[Not in Kent's hand]Galena, Aug. 14, 1848To the Secretaries of the Am. Home Miss. Soc., New YorkDear Brethren,The Rev. Charles A. Behrends, an ordained minister of the German Reformed Church, having lately come among us to labor at Galena & other places on the vicinity among our German population & there being a necessity of obtaining some missionary aid in order that he may be sustained in his work. We wish to make a few statements in respect to his mission here to the Executive Comm. of the A. H. Miss. Soc. through you.There must be in this city between five & six hundred Germans. It is proposed that Bro. Behrends also labor at “Small Pox” - a precinct eight miles east & at Tete de Mort in Iowa, six miles west, where Bro. Henry has heretofore preached, coming a distance of sixteen miles. At Small Pox there are two hundred Germans & at Tete de Mort about a hundred more. This excludes the Catholic Germans. Altogether about a thousand Germans can be reached, more or less, directly by this Mission. The prospect is, too, that Tete De Mort will be exclusively settled by Germans ere long.Many of these Germans at all these points have been connected hitherto with the “Reformed” & “Lutheran” Churches. They will probably unite as in other places in an “Evangelical” Church — to induce those who give satisfactory evidence of piety — to unite in a church organization & there is a disposition to do so.The congregations at all these points are very encouraging. Sixty attended on the first Sabb. Bro. B. preached here — and eighty the next. Bro. Henry has had here in the winter season — as many as a hundred & forty & a hundred & fifty. At Small Pox Bro. B. had sixty yesterday — and at Tete de Mort — Bro. Henry had a congregation of seventy or eighty before the Bishop forbade the Catholics to attend & now has forty or fifty. Many more will attend these places when the appointments become settled & regular.Yesterday Bro. Behrends requested a subscription to be taken up by those willing to sustain Evangelical preaching — $43 was subscribed in the city congregation & $24 at Small Pox. At Tete de Mort nearly $50 was subscribed for Br. Henry. Altogether something on $100 will be raised in the three places. In a year or two they will do a great deal better. The last year & present are difficult years in respect to raising subscriptions among an emigrant population owing to lands coming into market, etc. etc.Bro. Behrends comes to us from Pennsylvania having been ordained by Lebanon Classes of the Ger. Ref. Church at Palmyra 13th of May. His theological studies during the past year have been persued at Mercersburg, but previously at Arnhem in Holland in a theological school which grew out of the ejection of certain ministers by the National Synod in 1834. We have confidence in him as an Evangelical, pious, & devoted minister of Christ. He has commenced his work energetically in this city & his prospects of usefulness are promising. The Germans have hitherto been almost entirely neglected, and as their number and importance increases, it is very important that they be supplied with suitable ministers. We think Bro. B. such a one & calculated to do a work exceedingly needed among them. In additon to his Sabbath labors here in the forenoon & at Small Pox in the aft, he has commenced a Wednesday evening prayer meeting & a friday evening lecture. At the latter service some infidels attend.Now — Brethren— can you not pledge to this Misision $300 for the coming year? You know something of the importance of this point as a commercial city rapidly increasing in population, wealth, etc., etc. The Germans form a doubly interesting & exceedingly important portion of our population. They are in the main industrious, prudent, orderly artisans & offer peculiar opportunities of usefulness to a faithful minister of Christ. We are persuaded that upon no field in this vicinity occupied either by American or foreign emigrants could your liberality be more wisely bestowed & we hope that this earnest appeal may not be in vain,Geo. Magoun (2nd chh.)F. Henry (Dubuque)Monday afternoon. I concur fully with the views expressed and had previously arrived at the same conclusions with respect to the man and the field so far as opportunity had been afforded me but I thought better to defer action for 2 or 3 weeks that we might know more of the man and he more of the public and their ability and had made provision to supply him in certain necessities (He has a wife and 4 little boys). I know no reason however to defer action. Yours, A. Kentp.s.: I has a long conversation upon his religious views and regard him truly pious.[not in Kent’s hand]As Bro. Henry happened to be present coincidentally we have requested him to join us in this testimony & recommendation. He will write further on the subject in his next report.Bro. Behrends commenced his labor July 30th, a commission had better last from that time or the first Sabbath in August.I think it proper to say further that Bro. Behrends does not share at all in the speculative High Churchism which as is very well known prevails at Mercersburg to some degree. He was advised by Don Schass not to apply for aid to the A. H. M. Soc. — but he choose to do so from a liberal evangelical sympathy with the denominations who sustain the Soc. He is in the New England sense an evangelical man.G. M._____________Napiersville, Aug. 29, 1848Dear Br.On my return from Chicago I wish to say things which I shall be in danger of forgetting if they are not passed on.I spent a Sabbath at Byron in exchange with Br. Gemmel who had engaged to explore for me, Como, a village springing up below Dixon on Rock River. The people ar Byron say in exculpation of their continuing to ask aid —they are poor— they have been building a church and they intend to reduce their draft 50 dollars a year.Being obliged to return by that route to get a lame horse, I made an opportunity to spend a Sabbath at Sycamore 30 miles east where Br. Norton preached. He has left because he could not say Shibboleth to their antislavery creed. A minority are greatly grieved and all are quite discouraged about finishing their church which stands with only a roof to cover the timbers, and yet that is the only church of our denomination in a county (Dekalb) of 6 or 700 inhabitants.I thought it would be opportune to spend a Sabbath there and attend their church meeting the day before.I called on Br. Savage and spent a night with Br. Sikes and reached Chicago next day and preached on Home Missions to the 1st and 2nd Churches.I had several interviews with the Brethren Walker, Peterson and Bascom and obtained information. I urged Br. Wilcox to resume his ministerial duties and visited him to return to our part of the state. Br. Walker stated that the application from B?? grove had been rejected. This I regret as the report has reached us that Br. Gilbert is acceptable and useful there and Br. Gillam of the church in Bristol, Kane Co., states that he has labored there 2 years and boarded with him and that he was an acceptable and useful preacher though not energetic. Br. Brown with whom I lodge has not received an answer to his application for aid.We rode out together to call on Br. Porter of DuPage, but we was out visiting his people. They are agitating the question of building a church.In distributing your reports I gave one to Br. H. Brown, who expressed surprise that Br. Coleman had reported a revival at Big Woods as he lived within 5 or 6 miles and has heard nothing of it.I spent a day or two with Br. Bergen at Big Rock and engaged to visit him in October and assist in a protracted meeting if it should be thought best, and I hope at that time to get further north on the canal and below, but in the Providence of God “I have been let hitherto.”Galena, Sept. 6: I filled my appointments and reached home Sept. 6 in time to attend Presbytery for the installation of Br. Magoun — Br. Geo. Clark was waiting for me. He has visited St. Louis and Rock Island and Shullsburg and inclines to locate at R. Island, to which I have earnestly urged him as things are at a crisis there which makes it exceedingly important that they should be supplied instantly. In my judgement (and I have spent a Sabbath there) there is a great door of usefulness opened and Br. Osborne (backed by Bro. Purventon, firm of Purventon & King, formerly of Warren, O.) writes that he is the very man for them and he thinks they can raise 500 or more for him. But I think he should be commissioned and helped by your society because they may be obliged to make an immediate and very great effort to build a meeting house.Sept. 14: Br. Clark leaves tomorrow for Boston to bring out a help-mate.Sept. 10: Spent Sabbath with the little Church on Apple River where I have engaged to administer the Communion of the 24th. The next Sabbath I am to preach at Waddam’s Grove of which I wrote to you recently, We want men adapted to go into new fields and willing to labour in such fields.I have engaged to visit the Pinery on the St. Croix and assist Br. Boutwell the first of October. Perhaps a church may be organized.Yours affectionately,A. Kent_______________Galena, Sept. 7, 1848Rev. Chas. Hall, D.D.,Dear Sir, Brother Jessup is embarrassed with the conditions of his last commission, and he has applied to us for advice in the case.We do not consider the church at Elk Horn Grove blamable for the delay of the application. One was forwarded to one of us in due season, but it could not be acted on properly till our meeting of presbytery at the last of April. It was then found defective and another was presented with suitable promptness.We have considered the circumstances of this case and do advise that the appropriation amounting to seventy five dollars for the first six months of the year be paid Br. Jessup without regard to the action of the church with respect to the salary, but that the condition of the commission shall hold good for the last six months; viz that he receive $75 for that term on the condition that the church pay him Fifty Dollars for that period.Yours truly,A.J. DownesA. Kent_____________Upper Mississippi, Oct. 1848“Men of Israel help.” Send us a pioneer missionary for “there remaineth very much land to be possessed.”After repeated solicitations, I have made an exploring tour into the borders of the new territory of Minnesota. It is pronounced Mena-sota and its meaning is given me by an intelligent traveller is “water slightly turbid”. It is a name which the Indians have given to the stream canonized by the Romanists as a Saint (St. Peters River). I question if St. Peter or St. Paul or St. Anthony feel themselves complemented by such associations with the vices of the Indians and frontier whites and more than Washington does by having his name painted over a grog-shop.This territory is beginning to attract attention and affords inducements which will ensure the rush of adventurers in that direction for years or until the railway continues from Galena on and on towards the Pacific shall invite immigrants again in the accustomed western course . Since the land was opened in July $9000 has been paid in.It is eminently a healthy region, the southern border being in latitude 43 30'. The winters are severe but the air is dry and bracing and a residence there is on the whole as comfortable and pleasant as at the South where the humidity of the atmosphere and the frequent alterations of weather render exposure more dangerous. The summers are short but vegetation comes on with great rapidity, and the productions of the earth arrive sooner at maturity. The extensive lumber business offers great inducements to farmers who in supplying so many consumers will find an excellent market for many years.In going up, our boat, 175 feet long, discharged its emigrant passengers at every important point together with their “plunder”, provisions & implements of husbandry “according as every man had need.” At one place mill irons, at another flour and materials for a house, and at several places oxen for the Pineries. In one instance their was just equal to those driven by Elisha, when elisha cast his mantle upon him, and when I think how difficult it is to secure a minister adapted to these distant out posts, I am ready to cry out, Would God that some of those teamsters might become prophets, that would as rapidly leave their occupation and go forth to reach the Gospel, and mould the character of these infant communities. And, methinks, the change in some of them would be as surprising as in that notable instance when it became a Proverb.On the St. Croix River there are 4 settlements, one of which Stillwater at the head of the lake (or expansion in the River) 25 miles long contains some 200 inhabitants and promises soon to be a considerable village where a church of 15 members may be gathered and where a ministry permanent residence is greatly desired. On the Mississippi 18 miles west of Stillwater is St. Paul, a french village which is beginning to excite notice. From its relative position being equi-distant from Fort Snelling and St. Anthony Falls, it promises to be an Albany when St. Anthony becomes a Lowell. It is the landing place for the government stores that go up to the new fort which is being built at the mouth of Crow Wing River 120 miles above Fort Snelling on the Mississippi to convey which 60 wagons are now employed.It is expected also that St. Paul will be made the seat of territorial government and already within a year the American families here increased from 3 to 20. It seems desirable that a missionary should be sent speedily and there are some 8 or 10 little settlements which he might visit occasionally until others could be sent to his aid. The great water power at the falls of St. Anthony is already used for making lumber. I should have mentioned that a Methodist minister has established a circuit and Red Rock some miles below St. Paul is the place of his mission.My trip up this river has been delightful. The scenery is grand and beautiful i the summer season, But there is a finish of autumnal beauty at this moment that no description can equal. I have tried to describe it to my friends but will not occupy you with my fancies, Do but send us the missionary and I will leave it to others to paint the landscape.__________________Galena Oct 11, 1848Dear Brethren:I have just had a long conversation with Mr. Behrends and the German colporteurs and they state that a minister is greatly needed at Davenport as Br. Adams has written in the Aug. No. The Col. refers you to his letter. He says there are 50 protestant German families in Davenport and 50 or more in the vicinity and 12 at Rock Island and about as many at Moline and 20 families up Rock River 20 miles. He says that the Methodists and Allbright preachers have been there repeatedly but they will not hear them. Rev. Mr. Behrends says there is a minister by the name of Madoulet at Lawrenceburg Indiana who is an Evangelical man and who would come west. And that a German Minister at Cincinnati by the name of Kroh who said he would supply his lack of service at Lawrenceburgh. You have the facts and can judge. I should think that it was an important opening for a minister.Yours & etc.,A. Kent______________Galena, Nov. 15, 1848Dear Br.I yesterday returned from a tour of some 400 miles and perhaps you would like to go over the ground with me and notice some things which may be pointed out as we pass along. After being detained some time by my trip to the north and by waiting a week or more for answers from Br. Spees and Br. Clark that I might know what advice to give Mr. Dwinell, I determined to take him on an exploring tour. We spent the first Sabbath at Rock Island and I left him to tarry there another Sabbath. We have heard at last that Mr. Spees has accepted the call to this church and Mr. Clark goes to St. Louis so the way is open for him to go to R.I. and he left with his wife yesterday an hour after I arrived. He and Mrs. D. have made an exceedingly favorable impression here. In the mean time I thought of sending him to Peoria but learned from Rev. Blanchard that the Peoria Ch. was remodelled with Congregationalism and had called Mr. Spooner of Bloomington.I obtained such information about Mercer County that I saw no occasion to visit that county, and in passing over to the east I took Galesburg, Knoxville, Toulon and Henry in my way. Br. L.K. Hawley has been invited to the Church at Knoxville. Br. J.G. Wright is apparently doing good work (he preaches at 4 points) in Stark Co.Br. Fowler gave me information that Br. Perry of Bloomington was dissatisfied and I thought he has some reason to be. He complained to his Presbytery last June and they appointed a Committee of 2 Presb. & 2 Cong. ministers to go out to the ground and investigate the case. Br. Wright refused to act and the matter has slept until now. It is likely that he and his church will go over to the Old School Church but still he ought to have a hearing and I urged the Committee to move, for I thought he has been injured 1st because I was told Mr. Spencer stepped in and made a division of the church after he had been invited there as a stated supply; 2nd and I saw letters from Mr. Perry an Mr. Spencer on the subject in answer to Mr. Fowlers inquiries. It is out of my district and I intend not to interfere except to urge his own Presbytery to do their duty and I thought it quite probable that the Ex. Com. and the agent might both have been misled by not having access to all the sources of information. It may be too late to unite the two churches and it may not be best to grant aid to that Presb. residuum but I am satisfied that misrepresentations have been made.I visited Br. Pendleton at the flourishing little village of Henry and failed in my attempt to arrange for him to preach half the time at Henry. I spent the Sabbath at Providence that Br.. Pendleton might supply the vacant church at Hennepin and in passing through Hennipin I called on a German member of the church who assured me that there were 20 families of Germans about H. and 40 families 12 miles west, and if they had a good Presbyterian minister who could preach both in Eng. & German they could raise 200 dollars for him and if a single man he would board him gratuitously. Some one had suggested that Rev. Roland Galloway of Springfield Clark Co., could inform whether such a man could be obtained from a seminary in the vicinity, of which you probably have knowledge. I spent 2 hours at Greenville with Br. Clark and spent the night with Br. Classon at Lowell. Visited Ottowa and heard what is the position that Br. Basset and his Presbyterian secession occupy. I think Br. Whittling is labouring faithfully. I attended an interesting prayer meeting there.And while here winter came on with such a frown that I reluctantly gave up my intended expedition up the River and into Will Co., and set my path homeward. I passed by Peru and saw Br. Dubinson. He is somewhat discouraged with his hard field. He represented the district about Troy Grove as affording an important opening for a missionary. And gave me a little history of the movements; Mr. Cady during the last year who is now preaching at Geneseo, which led me to think that he was unstable as water and would not prevail. I visited the Church at Palestine Grove or Lee Center intending to spend the Sabbath there but learned that Br. Pearson had yielded to their solicitations to still give them half his time and I passed on to Elk Horn.They are greatly afflicted in the recent death of one of their best members, Elder Woodruff and they think it impossible to raise the 100 required by your comm. I encouraged them to make the effort and promised if they sent for me to spend some time with them about New Years. I suppose that assisting my Brethren at Communion seasons may be quite in the line of my duty this winter. Called on Br. Gray at Mt. Carrol and Br. Neill both of whom and especially the latter seem quite encouraged.I do not attach much importance to the report to you of the details yet I thought they might not be devoid of interest. Yours affectionately, A. KentP.S.: A Mr. Loso has engaged to preach at Sharon, Henry Co. Success in missionary efforts depends very much on little things. I rode 16 miles against a severe prairie wind from the N.W. to preach to a little church aided by your society (Providence). In the morning I urged upon 2 male members of the church the importance of having the house warmed in good season. At an hour after the appointed time some little boys came and after shivering a while they made a fire and when service began which was not until 12 the room was so heated that the stove pipe which was within 2 feet of my head was well nigh red hot. And they were still crowding in wood until I begged them to desist. Such a course is admirably calculated to ensure dull preaching and small assemblies. Editorial comments upon such little things as fire & notices — punctuality — and if one quarter part of the time spent by the missionary in reaching the place of meeting had been spent by the people in circulating the notice we might have had 4 times as many hearers._____________Galena, Ill., Dec. 12, 1848Dear Br.,I perceive by the last Home Miss. that I have trespassed upon your rules by giving draft in favor Br. Dwinell and Br. Atherton. I now wish to pay to Charles Gould of Hanover twenty two dollars, and to the Tract Society (W.A. Halleck) twenty five 75/100 dollars and it is not convenient to get drafts here now without loss. If it suits your views please pay these bills and charge me, if not, send me word and I will arrange it. I have not made out any regular reports and supposed it would not be expected of me except as you would expect to hear from me before the annual meeting. If you prefer to have a quarterly report I shall cheerfully comply with your wishes.Please to hand over the enclosed to the Editor and pay the additional1.50 25.7522in all 47.25 and Oblige yours affectionately, A. Kent__________Galena, March 9, 1849Dear Br., Reporting missionary service of 9 months I propose hereafter to begin my year with March. I have received Home Missionary Money equal to $312.35 and my expenses, not before settled up, amount to 17.25deduct 295.00From Salary 450.00 155.00 100.00 55.00In view of the pressure upon your treasury I wish to make a donation of 100 which will leave me a draft of 55. Please forward this when you are in funds. Regretting that I have not succeeded in raising money for our cause, I hope that the next year will be more successful, I collected but about 125 most of which will reach you through the ministers of the place. I have preached the subject at Freeport, Chicago, Rockford, New Diggings, Napiersville Ottawa, & Hazel Green & expect to do so soon at Galena, Elgin, St. Charles & Belvidere.As to expenses I mean always to pay my bill whenever there is a disposition to receive it. And besides that, I generally have publications of the A. T. So.— so I have in this way scattered to the amount of 30 or 40 dollars and there no part of my agency from which I anticipate better results. Certainly none afforded me more pleasure. I have assisted my brethren in healing dissensions in visiting from house to house and at Sacramental occasions. I have assisted in 4 instances this winter at continuous meetings where the spirit of the lord was to work.I intend to come more in contact with Home Missionaries in future at Ecclesiastical meetings.According to my diary I have travelled 3145 miles since last may and of this I have rode in a sleigh 1259 miles within 3 months.The Home Miss. field committed to my supervision is limited to the 23 northern counties of Ill. The population of which approximates to 300,000. Facts are sometimes stranger than fiction.Sixteen years ago this field was a desolate wilderness. Now it is a Garden of Eden. Sixteen years ago our friends were 3 weeks in transition from the Atlantic to the Mississippi. Soon we shall make the journey in 3 days. The, our thoughts were 20 days in passing by letter with manifold perils of bad roads and swollen creeks, Now a thought may outstrip the sun and stretch across the continent. When, in 1833, I first travelled on an exploring tour from Galena going Eastward, there was no settlement after leaving the mining district until I reached DuPage 20 miles from Chicago. There was no road but an Indian trail, no lodging place but such as California affords to the rush of adventurers there. There was no food for my horse but the wild grass and none for myself but the delicious strawberry in June.Now the surplus of provisions is oppressive. It is estimated that 100,00 bushels of wheat was furnished for market last season from one small area, whose radius us not but 5 miles long. So abundant indeed is the produce of this Prairie State, that it is impossible to carry off the annual crop before it is overtaken by the growth of another year. To describe the laborious process we may accommodate the language of Isaiah in reference to the idols of Babylon: “Their carriages are heavy laden, they are a burden to the weary beast. They stoop down, they bow down together (in the mud). They cannot deliver their burden” — at Chicago. But a rail-way will soon remove their difficulties and then this prairie 160 miles across, once regarded as forever unhabitable, will show a succession of thriving villages within cannon shot of each other, How important then is that agency which shall seize the opportunity to plant churches and introduce an evangelical ministry along that line or light and influence.In describing the attractions of this district, therefore I do not magnify my office and yet I can barely glance at the progress of improvement. Farms are multiplying every year and the people are wearing more comfortable garments. The school-house is everywhere making its appearance and every year an improved appearance. Many of them are now being made large and convenient for public worship. There are already some 40 or 50 churches either finished or in progress and there are in this field 30 or 40 villages whose population ranges from 300 to as many thousand. A commendable zeal for the higher branches of learning begins to develop itself in the founding of 10 or 15 Academies. The missionaries are about 46 or 2 to a county. Some of whom I have never seen and some of the counties I have not yet visited.A few of the churches have enjoyed seasons of special refreshing during the year and some of our Brethren who report no revivals are yet striving manfully to maintain their found in spite of that confederation of hostile influences which are sure to cluster around our new villages. These villages have more than their share of that class of persons who flee from restraints of Christian society. It ought to be known by our patrons at the East that there are periods in the history of our feeble churches when utmost that can be achieved is to sustain life amidst the fluctuations of western society and the powerful opposition they are obliged to encounter - periods when to maintain existence demands more faith, costs more labour and puts in requisition more true moral heroism than is needed to urge forward the case of salvation with great celerity when public sentiment and every collateral influence are combined to multiply the triumphs of the Immoral. Several of your missionaries in the midst of discouragements enough to beat back a tired spirit are urging their way onward with undauntable energy. Others are not equally zealous and self denying and it is comparatively easy for them to find an excuse for some apparent delinquencies in missionary service. They are not so ready to rebuke sin, to explore and cultivate their own appropriate field by family visitations nor to decry a new opening for preaching and to rush into it before the ground is occupied by errorists.There are some whose usefulness is abridged by the presence of worldly cares. In would seem that pensioners upon the charity of the Church should be wholly ingrained with the duties of their sacred calling and yet when we sit down and listen to the tale of their trials, they are poor or sick or in debt or their families are inefficient and expensive and their people wanting in attention to them. It is not easy to say, you must withdraw your mind from every secular care.Aside from our prospective want along the lines of the canal and railroad, we are in immediate want of 10 efficient men of self sacrificing spirit to enter into the field already ripe with the harvest— men that work up the raw material and gather a congregation. Men who like Paul are ambitious to build on a new foundation, I pray god that Christian Parents and Churches may consecrate their young men to the ministry and send them out into the harvest fields.Yours in the bonds of the Gospel,A. KentThe Items of Receipt & ExpensesJ. Keeler 1.50 forage1.20Mrs. Keeler5.00 lodging at Chicago3.25Rent of Mission expenses to house10.00 St. Croix5.00Collection atFreeport5.60 lodging0.75of Br. Dwinell32.00 toll gate0.20of Br. Atherton116.00 new Hills,other exp.3.00of Geo. Campbell40.00 exp at tavern0.75Annual list22.00 exp at Union Grove.025Tract So. money27.25 other2.35D. Pinney, Kane Co.1.00 17.55Rockford Coll.52.00 312.35 _________Platteville, Wi., March 13, 1849Dear Br.,I have had some misgivings this morning about what I did last night, and if it was wrong please tell me so explicitly and then I shall hope not to do so again. I gave a draft on you to Br. Atherton contrary to your instructions, but I excused myself on the score of obliging a good Brother and of giving you unlimited time to pay it. Still, on reflection, I have thought it might embarrass you in some way that I do not understand and if you shall have already relied to my letter by a draft for that amount I will not use it.Yesterday just as I was stepping into the stage to come an help Br. Lewis, I received a line from Br. Dwinnell which looks very much as though we should lose him from the center of moral influence, and that he was in danger of being drawn away into a little corner called Salem. (Prospectively this is so for the star of Empire is moving W.)I do not wish to turn that dear Br. aside from duty but to aid him in discovering it. And if duty calls him to Salem I will do all I can to help him off and if duty requires it I will pay the expenses of his journey there. My only object in writing to you is that you may not be under misapprehension (and give wrong counsel) from his despondent representations. I say to you what I would not to him, that I regard him as one of the best men you have ever sent over the Allegheny Mountains and most happily adapted while he thinks he is not adapted at all to this new field of ministerial labour.And in regard to Rock Island I presume he has totally misapprehended his prospects. It is my misfortune that I am not particularly informed except from himself for though I was near there 3 weeks since I denied myself the pleasure of visiting them to avoid the “remarks of certain Old School Gossip” who have ventured to charge me with being officious. But I hear from there what lead me to predict that the present rival in that place will not continue long and that if Br. D. will persevere 5 or 10 years he will mould that community and make his influence felt from Burlington to Galena — a district certainly more considerable in its moral bearings that a single congregation in Salem, Mass.It is a mysterious providence that he did not reach Galena a few weeks sooner. I do not know that this communication will be of any use, but I thought I ought to show mine opinion. And if I was acquainted with the church in Salem I should be tempted to write and point out their sin and the mischief to which they are accessory in having their own large flock and carrying off our lone lamb. Will it not prove to the Eastern churches that we cannot appreciate ministerial talent and show that no effort is wanted to raise up ministers for there is no call for them at the West.Please to burn this letter and then it will do no harm.Yours affectionately,A. Kent___________Galena, March 27, 1849Dear Brother,I have received a letter from Rev. Mr. Pendleton informing me that he has arranged with the people at Henry to preach for them one half his time as formerly, and as I thought I ought to be done when I was with him last fall. And he states also that what is raised for his support at Henry will be deducted from the amount subscribed at Providence. This arrangement seems to me to be quite desirable and I presume will meet your approbation. And I notify you of it as he requested.April 16I have just returned from the meeting of the Galena Presbytery which met at Elizabeth. We had a pleasant meeting, but the abundant rains prevented many from attending when we expected. Our German Br. Behrents (who has grieved us by marrying again 3 weeks after his wife died) attended and brought a request from the United German Evangelical Church to be received under the care of the Presbytery, and brought a young man who was taken under the care of Presb. and examined through an interpreter on Evg. religion with a view to the ministry. Br. Neill asked the advice of Presb. whether he should remain at E. or go to Minnesota. It proved a very serious question. On the one hand he has stolen the hearts of all the people there and has done nobly amidst discouragement. On the other, he thinks the place is running down and becoming a very limited field. He cannot bear to be dependent from you and your A.H.M.S. for 300 dollars, and there is little prospect of much better support from this floating population for a good while to come. There is an impression on his mind that he must go to Minnesota which has rested there for six months and I have frequently tried to persuade him it is best to remain at Elizabeth for the present for his own ultimate usefulness. We think he wants some, but he possesses other and rare qualifications for that frontier position, especially at St. Paul, the seat of Gov. on account of his social qualities. And after much thought I am decidedly of the opinion that is the position to which Providence is directing him. He is going to Gen. Ass. when you will see more of him no doubt. It is thought but that I should accompany him up the Miss. next week which will occupy two weeks and prevent a joining I had contemplated across the state to attend to several applications about which we feel embarrassed — thought it best that he should go up and spend a Sabbath before he goes to Gen. Assemb. to take possession of the ground before it is preoccupied by other sects. We have now a Sabbath keeping boat that will materially aid us.Your attention may have been directed to it by a communication I sent to the Evangelist recently.That which I have received from Batavia I think you can decide upon as well as if I went there. If, however, you wish me to visit Batavia before you act on the case, drop me a line and I will go there on my way to Gen. Asso. of Ill at Ottawa May 17.I ask if Br. Walkers allusion to Benolds case and others does not call for explanation. I should be sorry to have him refuse to aid in this service. It suggests itself to me that the Batavia application might be granted for 6 months, c.c. from the date of their application. Does not such disregard of your instructions deserve that rebuke? The case of Momence and Rev. E.G. Birge. I have written to Br. Porter who has gone to Wilmington to inform me in regard to the efficiency of that Br., but have received no answer and I have concluded to forward the documents, presuming you already are acquainted with him. I have tried repeatedly to go to Will Co., but “have been ley hitherto.” I intend to go there within 2 months. I have still another application in hand from Big Rock Creek Church asking aid for Rev. Spencer Baker, “of whom I have no certain thing to write,” except I have received an impression that he managed to get himself into the field over Br. Burgess’ head. But as you may know nothing of the man I withhold it until I know more of the case. Br. Porter’s reply has just reached me and I enclose it.I hope you will get through the approaching anniversary with comfort to yourselves. I do not want the position when there 100 or 200 great letters every month to dispose of. But it is said that the back is fitted to the burden.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent (1885); “Virginia Carolorum”(1886); and “Concise History of Minnesota” (Minneapolis, 1887). He has written many articles for historical magazines, and has been a frequent contributor to the publications of the Minnesota historical society.]____________[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]May 9, 1849This circular is no child of mine but in its present shape I could not withhold my name.A Theological Sem. will be begun ere long. I am not in favor of connecting it with a college.Perhaps Galena is as good a point all things considered as any other.Yours affectionately,A. Kent______GALENA, ILLINOIS, MAY 5th, 1849. REVEREND & DEAR Sir: .The subject upon which we address you, is that of a Theological Seminary proposed to be located in this city, under the auspices of the Constitutional Presbyterian Church. The subject is not altogether a new one. It has for some time past been under serious and prayerful consideration by some of the friends of Christ's kingdom, both at the West and at the East. Fully persuaded as we are in our own minds, of the expediency, necessity, and feasibility, of establishing such an Institution we are unwilling to put forth any positive efforts for the accomplishment of the object, until we shall have asked counsel of those at a distance, in whose wisdom and judgment we can confide, and whose paramount regard for the Church of Christ we cannot question. With a map of our country before you; you will at once observe that this vast region of the Northwest is, to some extent, an isolated district, separated from the East by distance and our inland seas, and from the more central Southern portions of our country, by distance also, and non-commercial intercourse. This region embraces Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and what is soon to be the Territory of Nebraska. Scattered over this vast territory, is already a population amounting to about two millions of souls. This number is rapidly increasing. Especially is there an increasing tide of population pouring into the fertile and healthy region of the Upper Mississippi. Missouri, Minnesota and Iowa will soon number their Millions of people. Illinois has already a million. -Now, that this wide-spread territory of the Northwest, and its teeming population, should be supplied with an adequate ministry from the East, is, in our opinion, out of the question. Indeed, Such a supply cannot even now be had. Many of our most thriving villages and most populous agricultural districts, are without a Presbyterian or Congregational ministry, nor can our young men go to the East for theological instruction. The distance and the expense are alike too great. Had we a Theological Seminary here at the present time, it is believed that young men would be found in it, many of whom must relinquish the hope of entering the sacred office, by reason of the want of such an Institution. We are furthermore persuaded, that other things being equal, it is far better that the men who are to labor in this Western field, should be trained upon Western ground. The reasons for this are obvious.As has been intimated already, it is proposed that this Seminary shall be founded and conducted under the auspices of the Constitutional Presbyterian Church. We are fully persuaded that while this branch of the Church is unimpeachable in the soundness of its faith, its polity is most happily adapted to the prevailing qualities of Western mind and Western society, and that under its energetic and plastic influence, the most salutary and desirable type will be given the the ecclesiastical character of this region. By the foregoing observations, we do not mean that the Seminary shall be purely and exclusively of a denominational character. We mean simply this, that while in matters of Church polity, the largest freedom of opinion shall be allowed, the Institution shall be under the immediate supervision of the Presbyteries of the Northwest, its Board of Trustees being chosen from those Presbyteries, and that its Professors shall be connected with the Constitutional General Assembly.The location proposed for this Institution is the city of Galena. The advantages of this location are numerous and obvious. Galena, including its suburbs, already numbers more than six thousand inhabitants. It is destined unquestionably to be the largest city of the Northwest, Chicago excepted. It is to be the great depot of the Upper Mississippi. It is a healthy city. It is central to the region proposed to be supplied with a ministry by the Seminary in question. It is central also to a vast and fertile agricultural region, to whose sons we are to look for the future ministers of the Northwest, and for missionaries to the territories lying still farther West. It is very soon to be connected by rail-road with Chicago, and eventually with the head-waters of the Missouri. It is the principal port of the Upper Mississippi, and at every point of the compass is connected with thousands of miles of water communication. The expense of living here, is as cheap as in any other city of the Union. This city is already possessed of great wealth, and that wealth is on the increase. It is central to the mining region, where thousands arc to be employed in the production of lead, and among whom the students of the Seminary might be usefully employed as transient missionaries. Indeed, with a map of the Northwest before you, you cannot fail to see at once the advantages of this location for such an Institution as that proposed.The plan contemplated for the establishment of the Seminary is this: To raise ten thousand dollars on the field designed more immediately to be benefited by it, for the purchase of the necessary grounds, and for the erection of suitable buildings. We have encouragement to believe this can be done. The grounds and buildings being thus provided for, it is proposed to raise twenty thousand dollars elsewhere, for the endowment of two professorships. It is further proposed that the Seminary shall not go into operation until the thirty thousand dollars shall have been actually realized and appropriated as above. In this way, all embarrassment from debt will be forestalled.Such is a brief outline of the plan proposed for the establishment of a School of the Prophets for the North. west. To us it appears not only exceedingly desirable, but a matter of inevitable necessity, that such an Institution should be founded either at this city or at some other point, for the region of the Upper Mississippi, and for the regions beyond. Our Seminary at Cincinnati, from its remoteness, and its geographic location, cannot meet the wants of this field. It is less accessible to us than New York or Andover. Moreover, the students going from that Seminary, are wanted for Ohio, Indiana, and the Southern States. The Northwest alone is not provided for. Aside from Lane Seminary, we have no theological school West of the Alleghenies.Now, sir, with the map of this country before you, we ask you to give the subject of this communication your prayerful and candid consideration. In proposing it, we assure you we are not actuated by motives of mere local benefit. We look simply to the future welfare of this vast region, so soon to be the dwelling place of millions of men. Do you, all things considered, think it advisable to make an effort for the establishment of such an Institution as that above contemplated, and at this city? Do you think the plan a feasible one ? And shall it have your hearty co-operation? An answer at your earliest convenience is solicited.Yours in the bonds of the Gospel,S. G. SPEES,A. KENT,E. D. NEILL,W. C. BOSTWICK,C. S. HEMPSTEAD,H. NEWHALL,GEO. W. CAMPBELL,JAMES SPARE,WM. H. BRADLEY. _______Ottawa, May 17, 1849Dear Br.,I have come here to attend the Gen. Association of Ill. and to see the Brethren and to be somewhat filled with their company. And also to after certain cases that the Com. of Fox R. U[nion]. have referred to me.And I will report journal-wise.Having started on Thursday I returned with my lame horse and started with another on Friday morning for Belvidere, 93 miles & in despite of mud and rain and swollen streams I reached there Sat. Evening and preached & administered Com. to Br. Wright’s church. It was a good day to me and I see what the Lord has done for them since I was there last winter, paid me well for the effort.Monday I called on Br. Reynolds and though his Brethren think there is no evidence to convict him of licentiousness, yet he is in bad repute, i.e., he commands no respect and possesses no qualifications for usefulness and does many things that evince an utter want of common sense. I agree with the Br. who said to me?yesterday he had better go on to one of his farms.I went next to Virginia Settlement and spent some hours with Rev. J.H. Baldwin. I received a very favorable impression. Hence to Crystal Lake at the request of Br. H. Brown to form a judgement concerning the application of behalf of Br. Beech. Br. Brown wrote that he was not a member of Fox R. U. and that his course last year was not satisfactory. He has explained satisfactorily why he did not get his letter before and he is now ready to join the Union. He was employed last year in building at Dundee— has now let out his place and moved his family to Crystal Lake and I hope he will now give himself wholly to his work. The enclosed letter to you was forwarded to the Com. and they sent it to me and requested me and requested me to open it and as your agent I did so, thinking perhaps it might throw light in my path. I see no cause to object to any thing it contains except the reflection upon others. I could not attend to that without knowing that I had opened your letter (which I should have told him if there had been any sufficient occasion). But I heard the same thing from many of my people, and I asked who they were that were receiving aid who could do without it and he mentioned Elgin & Belvidere, neither of which are now aided by you.I suppose the church there is very poor and I inquired diligently if he could not get aid from other neighborhoods. There are 2 or 3 openings for preaching but no one of them that affords any prospect of contributing to his support at present.Hoping therefore that he will give himself wholly to his work I recommend that they receive 150 or 200 dollars.The application for aid to sustain Rev. Spencer Baker I cannot recommend until some things are explained which now lie against him. Such as neglecting to account for money of the Bible Soc. in his hands after being repeatedly solicited. Engaging to preach at McHenry without consulting the church, saying at one time that the Presbyterians had nothing to support their views and 3 days after applying for admission to Presbytery and affirming that he was Presbyterian from principle & such like. 18th Conferred last evening with Br. Brown & Clark. They agree to recommend that the Church at Crystal Lake receive 150. We did not feel at liberty to so less, and so not like to name a greater sum than the people themselves raise.I conversed some time with them in relation to Br. Farnum’s case. We think he is truly a godly man but somewhat “set in his way” and in as much as Esq. Farn. talks of removing from Batavia, we think it would be better that Br. F. should be commissioned for his removal will probably put an end to the existing opposition. Br. Farnham wishes to have the Home Missionary sent him & says it has ceased to come for some months.The Gen. Association of Ill. has just closed its annual meeting. There are in this ecclesiastical body many excellent Brethren and this narrative of the state of Religion furnished us with abundance evidence of the prosperity of their churches. A number of which have been favored with times of special refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The meeting was very pleasant throughout and I trust we shall all look back to it as a season of Christian fellowship long to be remembered. They kindly requested the 2 agents of A.H.M.S. to occupy the Sabbath Evening and the occasion was improved to urge the motives for increasing our Home Miss. efforts.Yours in the bonds of the Gospel,A. KentI trust you will commission Br. Mill for St. Pauls and Br. Whitney for Stillwater if they apply (and they will range up and down their respective rivers).. I think that the wisdom of the measures will appear. I am satisfied there is a wide field opening for both. They soon gather churches and raise a good share of their support.Application will be made by Br. Basset, I understand. I have no judgement formed in the case. Father Cook is associated with him. He says the Old Church is prospering and this they divined in public meeting. He says it was that which created the difficulty. ____________May 28, 1849Facts and Incidents in the experience of Individuals will best illustrate the trials of faith to which Home Missionaries are subjected.There is a large settlement about 14 miles from me where I have spent some 15 or 20 Sabbaths within 2 years striving to resuscitate a declining church. They have never offered to make me any compensation. And I cannot ask a passing clergyman to visit there because there are but 3 families and these on the outskirts of the settlement who ever think of inviting me to lodge with them and the best of those has now mover away. At the close of an evening meeting I might have spent the night out in the rain except as an old country man had invited me home to his cabin of logs about 12 feet square. At another time I slept very sweetly among heaps of swine slaughtered for market, not without some annoyance however from the cast going out and in at the broken windows.There was a precious revival years ago in which many were hopefully converted & towards which my labours had with God’s blessing materially contributed, but other sects, by intermarriages and various other maneuvers drew these off while I could be with them but a part of my time and but one convert united with our church.Still I have believed that God would yet turn their captivity if I persevered. Accordingly I set out on Thursday last to ride from a meeting of the Association (100 miles) to meet my appointment there. My route lay over an infrequented road, familiarly known as “The Old Sucker Trail,” and on Friday I found myself in a slough, my waggon buried almost over the fore wheels and my horse, poor fellow, struggling till having broken a shaft and thrown himself broadside into the mud. He was utterly unable to move further. But by the good Providence of God, in answer to prayer, and putting my own shoulder to the wheel Hercules came to my assistance by proxy (i.e., 3 men and a yoke of oxen) and helped the poor waggoner out, for I had sunk in the mire until my own clothes abhorred me, and I emerged from the place in a plight that would furnish a sketch for a painter. Having gathered up my “beggar plunder” and tied up the shaft I went on my way like Bunyon, singing and admiring the incident for it rendered me more thankful to God than before.On Saturday I rode through the rain and the mud towards my appointments until I reached the nearest family in which I thought I should be welcome and comfortable for the night and on a bright Sabbath morning I set out in season to ride the remaining six miles, but when I had come almost within sight of the log school house I was stopped by a swollen stream and was obliged after all to give over the attempt.I turned the horse towards the place of my afternoon appointment, thinking that I could at least assist in the Sab. school. There I met with a preacher whom I regarded as essentially heretical. But I could not well avoid hearing him, for it rained again, so that could not return to the thicket and there was no house near. I assumed he would call me Brother and ask me to make the concluding prayer, and so he did. I could not refute without making a wrong impression on minds unused to discriminate and I prayer thinking that I would take him in my buggy and converse with him alone, but he did not give me the opportunity. After he had finished there was yet 1 1/2 hours to the time of our meeting. Most of the audience went home, and though hungry and fatigued, I must nicely make myself agreeable during the intermission. And I sat down and read a tract and attempted to administer appropriate counsel to the father of 7 children who had buried his wife 2 days before, and a wife whom he has often treated as a Brute. I then went out, and having “shut the door” I knelt down on the fold of my umbrella and sought aid from on high, after which I preached with some freedom to 17 persons, including 2 infants and one church member, and endeavored to supply what was lacking in the heretical preacher’s account of faith.The meeting dismissed, I waded through several sloughs till I reached the house of Gaines, mine host, and at 5 p.m. I sat down to meat which I ate with good relish and a thankful heart. I ought perhaps to add— this Gaines is the old white-headed man whom I Baptized a year ago. His daughter the 8th of April last united with the Church and received the Lord’s Supper on her dying bed. She had delayed making a profession on her husband's account. And her father gave noble testimony when he leaned over her and whispered, “I thank God that you have been spared to see your father a sober man.”You may say that the prospects of this church are dark, and yet I have strange confidence that God will yet build up his church there and my object in this statement is not to complain of hardships, for I have no feeling of the kind, but it is to show what are the embarrassments connected with preaching in the new settlements and if the missionary happens to be tossed about from one field to another before he has time to witness & report the good results of his labours, your committee may honestly draw the conclusion that he is either unfaithful or unskillful and should no longer be sustained by the charities of the church.Pilgrim in Progress_________Galena, June 4th [1849]Dear Brethren,Br. Gould’s case has prompted me to make this communication. I spent 3 days with him and preached 3 times in his fields last week, and he made out as strong a case as the above and I really felt at the time that he was hardly dealt with. Communication with some of his former hearers has somewhat modified his statement, and yet I am not sure he should be utterly be precluded from aid. He now proposes to leave Troy Grove and confine himself to the eastern field. Br. Gould has been through thick and thin in meeting his appointments on the frontier. I throw out these things for your consideration though I am not yet prepared to recommend him to receive aid.I spent last Sabbath at Hazel Green to supply Br. Phillips. He having recently bled at the lungs. I preached morning & evening for him and in the afternoon at Fair Play (6 miles off). Br. Chaffee has preached there in the morning and wishes to be employed there and at Menominee, as I am informed. Perhaps it is best he should.I had a long conversation with the trustees at Hazel Green Sat. evening, and Sab. morning preached my ox sermon (Doth God take of Oxen). It was a powerful sermon in defense of supporting ministers, for many members went home caught up again of new milk and carried it over to Br. P. saying, If Jesus alone must feed oxen I will not be behind the rest.Br. Rood said he signed 35 on condition they should not ask but 100 of your society. But the burdens are heavy on a few. They have a large congregation but many are English who think that one dollar to such an object is a great amount. On the whole I advise that they receive 100 dollars.Yours affectionately,A. Kent_________Rock Island, June 10, 1849Dear Br.,I came down last week to spend Sabbath here and to attend the Gen. Association of Iowa at Davenport.It was my desire to see the Brethren, and to be some what filled with their company, and I was not disappointed for we has a very pleasant and I trust profitable interview. I rejoice greatly to find gathered together so large a body of excellent men whose great object seemed to be to honor the Lord and extend the Savior of his Name over the state of their adoption. I am no longer on the Frontiers by my position from being a far distant outpost so soon to become an important center commercial and ecclesiastical, irrespective of the Theo, Sem. of Galena, which is no hobby of mine. And I have only to regret that my name is not where I put it, c.c., after all the rest except that of Br. Neill. Br. Dwinell has left and I am quite sure that if he had stayed another 6 months he never would have left. I am confirmed in the opinion that a New School P. Church should be sustained here. But it will be a handfull and embarrassing for a time. I wish we had a suitable man for it is prospectively a very important position to be occupied by your society. There seems to be a determination to put up a temporary house of worship. But they greatly need the man. Perhaps you know where he is to be found.Yours truly, A. KentMr. Hildreth preacher here in the morning and I in the afternoon. Right glad was I that you consent to commission 2 men for Minnesota. I think it wise._________Ottawa, La Salle Co., June 19, 1849Dear Br., An expensive week.I must be allowed to report from day to day in order to preserve information before it is gone from me.I left Rock Island on Monday last and having made about 10 miles, my horse died. It is one very serious trouble that I am obliged to entrust any horse to the mistaken kindness of the warm friends of your society, who show their good feelings by feeding any horse to satiety and often contrary to explicit instructions. Had I taken care of my own horse he would have been alive now but I left him at R.I. to go over to Davenport. I offered to put him into the care of the Livery Stable but was forbidden. It has cost me more than 80 dollars to make his place good.I state this not to awaken your sympathy, but because you ask to know the lights and shadows of your missionaries. The cholera is abroad and a traveller here and there falls a victim (I think travellers are particularly exposed). I have had symptoms 2 or 3 times of late that made me feel that I might be carried off suddenly and it chided a feeling of reluctance to have the missionary field.Having promised Br. Loughead that I would visit his field (at his request) before or after Synod, I crowded sail to ride across the state and visit Morris and spend the Sabbath so that I might be at Buffalo Grove the Sab. after Synod.The church has informed him that his services were not acceptable (rather hastily I think). He felt aggrieved. I listened to the tale of labors and trials there and the interference of Mr. Comons to unsettle him. I called on some of the Church. They complain that he does not study— does not visit the people and strangers. I called on some of the Old Settlers, not professors, who have offered to sustain him and heard their statements. They say he has been useful and if removed it should have been done more deliberately and with more regard to his feelings.Finally, I approved the decision to which he had come that he had better not preach there any more but still remain in Grundy County and in the house he has built and occupy the destitute places. There are 4 or 5 points north of the Ill. River where preaching ought to be furnished and the south side the largest and most populous part has never been explored. In all that county I was told there was no preaching of any kind except as there is one feeble Methodist class 10 miles south. I should have spent more time in exploring but the vertigo in my head yesterday morning admonished me not to make any such new efforts and I must be at Synod at Lacon on Thursday. I had planned to visit Wilmington and Momence but the loss of my horse threw me back 3 days.Br. L. spoke of Marsailles or Grafton Ch. where he & Br. Basset have laboured. I availed myself of the opportunity and called on Giles Jackson and proposed that Br. L. should preach there and at his Brothers neighborhood 8 miles apart every other Sabbath and the alternate Sabbath at one or two other points from all which I hope he will get 1 or 200 dollars. Mr. Jackson seemed pleased with the suggestions, spoke well of Br. Loughead, alluded to the trials he has gone through in years past, and promised to write him immediately and invite him to come. Br. L. has felt quite discouraged of late and thought of going to farming. I encouraged him but urged the importance of more study and visiting form house to house as essential to the success of a Home Miss. And I may ass that on Sab. I preached to the people of Morris on the importance and permanency of the pastoral relation, a discourse prepared for Synod by appointment. And the Baptist Br. struck off 1/4 of his bill for shoeing my horse “for the good I had done the day before.” This same little village of Morris should be occupied— its prospective importance demands it. Do send us men. I have 15 fields in my district that call loudly for ministers. And how can one sleep when his children are crying to him for bread. “Send us a minister or dissolve the church” says one.Grand Detour, June 27, 1849On my way home I rest a few moments amidst the heat & dust and fatigue of “journeying it” to finish this letter.Recent alarm about the cholera made attendance at Synod small, but we went trough our business and the sessions were very pleasant.The Church at Lacon will you dedicate a fine church. We met in the basement. We have tried the experiment and return to fall meetings of Synod.Br. Gould — I did not intend to allude to him again so soon but I can conversed with several of his nearest neighbors within the ministry and they agree with me in opinion that he ought to have missionary aid. I talked with him (without at all committing my self to him) urged the duty of a H. Miss. being wholly devoted to his work, He said it was his purpose to be. And, on the whole, if I should get encouragement from you, I should encourage the church to renew this application, This in no reflection upon the Ex. Comm. They can only act upon the light they receive. He has a family of 7 children, one is now the wife of Br. Lord of Sharon and Br. Clark of Granville spoke very highly of him. He has lived in his family. He will not apply again except he is encouraged to do so. Should you still hesitate and demand more full evidence of his usefulness, I will undertake in all of the next 6 months to examine the matter and give you reasons more in detail.Yours very sincerely,A. Kent_________Galena, Aug. 2 , 1849Dear Br.,I have just received a line from Br. Neill in which he represents his necessities to demand a salary equal to 700. I am sorry the necessity exists but I should not be willing to refuse the appropriation, for I am anticipating that with the divine blessing he will be useful there.I trust that provision will be made at Stillwater so that Br. Whiting will not now need so much. He will be here soon I presume, as his goods have arrived— a small box, 270 c charged $7, which the merchant said should cost but 2 if it had been sent in company with others.Not having much to write, I will entertain you with the account of my Sabbath Services for some months past and the distance of the paces from each other.[March] 25. Preached for Br. Phillips[miles between] 9 milesApril 1. Preached on Home Miss. at home and in the country in the p.m.9 miles8. preached to Apple River Church & administered communion18 miles15. Attended Presbytery and held a Communion 15 miles22. Preached to the Apple River Church and In Lafayette Co., Wisconsin18 miles29 Preached in Minnesota at Stillwater408 milesMay 6. Preached at the Apple River Ch. and in Wisconsin again.408 miles13. Preached at Belvidere on Home Miss. and administered the Lord’s Supper23 miles20. Attended Cong. Gen. Ass. and Preached at South Ottowa123 miles27. Preached to Apple River Church121 milesJune 3, Preached twice for Br. Phillips (sick) and once at Fair Play100 miles10. Preached at Rock Island150 miles17. Preached at Morris, Grundy Co.71 miles24. Attended Synod at Lacon — preached on the pastoral relation on Friday145 milesJuly 1. Preached at home and administered the Lord’s Supper in exchange with Br. Spees who preached at Buf. Grove15 miles8. preached at Elizabeth91 miles15. Preached at New Diggings, having assisted at Br. Downes’ installation during the week70 miles22. Preached at Waddam’s Grove and Mr. Consell’s[?] school house115 miles29. Preached at the same places on my return from Meeting of Trustees of Beloit College55 milesAug. 5 I am to preach at ElizabethI have given you these statistics as showing a greater distance travelled between Sabbath Appointments and that without failing to meet my engagements (except in case of swollen stream) than I expect to do very often. In going to Minnesota I used a public conveyance. You may ask, how much I have studied. It is but little that I can do in that way.I presume that there are other correspondents of yours that are glad of the opportunity to letting off some of their egotism, but amidst the dry details of your office work you ought to have some entertainment occasionally,So farewell until I have occasion to write again. A. KentI have received Br. Hale’s letter in relation to Br. Gould. I do not wonder at all at your decision, and yet I may bring up his case again.I have received applications for aid in support of Rev. Mr. Hodges for another year but shall detain it for 2 or 3 weeks until I pass through his place or residence & inquire._________[Letter from Rev. George Gemmel in reference to the Hodges case]To Secy. of A.H.M.SocietyByron, Dec. 24th, 1849Dear Brethren,It is made our duty to address you on the case of Br. James Hodges. By a vote of the Winnebago & Ogle Association. Therefore without apology we will perform that duty assigned us.In July last the church of Otter Creek & the church of Westfield made out a joint application for aid in sustaining Br. Hodges in preaching to them (which application is herein enclosed) & the same was endorsed by the Missionary Committee of this Association. As you will see by reference to the enclosed, it was then forwarded to your agent Rev. A. Kent, who having heard some reports concerning Mr. Hodges refused to endorse the application & it was ultimately returned to Mr. H. The matter at the request of Mr. Hodges was taken up by the Association & investigated & the following minutes placed on our records.Certain reports having been circulated affecting the ministerial & Christian character of Br. Hodges in relation to a certain horse trade made by his son who is under age & the matter having been brought before the Association for investigation & the Association having duly considered & investigated the reports in question declare that in opinion of the Association the charges brought against Br. Hodges are destitute of the least foundation in truth & are fully persuaded that he has done nothing in relation to the matter brought against him derogatory to his Christian or ministerial character.Also a resolution was passed instructing the Missionary Committee to forward the application of said churches directly to your Society with the recommendation of the association to grant the aid solicited in the application of said churches (this resolution is not now in my hands). But the above is the amount of it. We therefore in behalf of and in the name of the Association would ernestly recommend & request that the application of said churches should be granted & Br. Hodges commissioned according thereto which we believe will advance the cause of Christ in the region. Praying the Lord to bless & guide you in all your relations & duties, we remain as ever your Brethren in Christ.George GemmelIn behalf of the Committee on MissionsBr. L. H. Loss having removed his connection from us I was appointed in his place on this Committee & this was left in my hands by Br. Pearson for me to make out & forward to you.Geo. GemmelI wrote to you last week & made out my quarterly report in that alluded to this. The above is the action of Association. I may hereafter give you a history of this whole matter & detail the course of Br. Kent with reference to this & some other matters. We are Congregationalists & some of us also Antislavery Men which make some jar in some matters. But I hope Br. Kent means well.Geo. Gemmel_______Granville, Putnam Co., Sept 8/49Dear Brother,In the present state of my wife’s health our physician recommends constant riding and if she can ride over Northern Ill. it will enable me to serve her and serve the church at the same time. Thus far we have succeeded as well as I expected and she is rather improving, notwithstanding the heat and fatigue and notwithstanding we are pursuing a track where the Cholera has but lately spread consternation and death.The application is renewed for aid to support Br. Hodges, but a hint was given me to inquire at Rockford and providentially I fell in with the very man who had cognizance of the facts- from information thus received and backed up be a man from his own vicinity, I saw my way clear as I thought to write him that I was ready to sanction the applications which were endorsed by Br. Loss & Pearson until I heard a rumor of a trade in horse-flesh which came to me in such a manner that I could not forward it until there was some explanation or acknowledgment.I preached last Sab. at Elgin and took up a collection of 20 dollars for Home Missions, which please charge to me also at Dundee on the same subject in the afternoon. But Br. Wills deferred the collection for a month or more. Br. Clark said that another application had been prepared for aid for Rev. S. Baker. But he refused to recommend him. I invited Br. Bergen who is much interested in the field which employs his alternative Sabbath (Little Rock & Sommonouk) but he is not satisfied with the prospect of usefulness where he has spent the other Sabbath and I made it my business to go through Shabbony and PawPaw Grove to inquire if he could be employed there. The prospect is unfavorable. He seems to have no other object before him, but to labor a missionary.I spent the night with Br. Baldwin of McHenry Co. who is now with his brother a few miles south of Paw Paw. He thinks a field presents itself there which is suited to his health where he can occupy new ground and preach without much study on 3 or 4 different places including the 2 little churches Br. Gould has left. I could not dissent though I had gone out of my way to persuade him to visit Buffalo & Gap Grove, where a prudent & judicious man is needed.Sept. 10. I preached yesterday on Home Miss. at Granville and took up a collection which Br. Clark will obtain. In the afternoon on the permanency of the pastoral office, there being a disposition on the part of some churches to turn away their excellent minister. In the evening... spent the night a Lowell. You are aware that our dear Br. Gleason has been suddenly taken by Cholera. I visited his house that is left desolate and in which I saw them healthy & happy a few weeks since. I looked into his study where I lodged last autumn, I looked over his library and selected some of the books which were present to him from Dr. Nettleton of precious memory, and obtained the loan of his last sermon which we read while riding across a broad prairie (Ion. 10.23). It is rich in thought and written in a neat & Christian style. Indeed with a few closing remarks from another hand it would have been an appropriate discourse for the funeral of a most excellent minister such as he was regarding his bereaved church. After 4 years of ministerial service among them he had won their confidence as a zealous preacher and a faithful pastor. The day appointed for his installation was observed by the church as a day of fasting & prayer on account of his untimely removal and while their “tears are on their cheeks” they have applied to you again to know where they shall find a successor who may prevent the divisiveness which his removal gives them reason to apprehend.But their loss to him was gain and his last sermon revealed the power of his faith. During the closing service he was uniformly calm and cheerful except as he pulled through a period of depression when the powers of darkness assailed him and he said the adversary had got the advantage of my soul. I don’t feel the sweet presence of Jesus and I have done. Many pertinent passages of scripture were repeated throughout effect. After some time he broke silence. “Well I know that God is upon the Eternal Throne and there I must put my track. I have no where else that I can go. Though he slay me yet will I trust him.” After a few hours his distress passed away and his countenance assumed again the expression of tranquillity when he remarked “The cloud is gone and I enjoy the sweet presence of Christ.” ...Once he fixed his eyes of his wife and with an effort said farewell. Then he commenced moving his lips as if in prayer but the voice was gone. He kissed her repeatedly and held her hand tightly until the muscles relaxed in death.Sept. 18/49. Having passed through Ottawa, Morris, Lockport, Jolliet, Napiersville, visited Chicago (via the rail cars) and called upon Br. Farnham at Batavia who is again unsettled. I spent Sabbath at St. Charles and preached on Home Missions. I intended to go to Wilmington & Momence but the time was too short.Shall I give you the names of some of the principle points where preachers are wanted in my field for which we have no supply. Waddam's Grove, Buffalo Grove, Gap Grove, Como, Lower Rock Island, Providence, Lamoille, Marengo, Batavia, Oswego, Marsailles, Morris, Hennipin, Magnolia, Lowell and Lockport or Wilmington according as Br. J. Porter shall remain at W. or go to Lockport.Since I discovered that the price of the Home Missionary was reduced to 50 cents I have promised several copies to be subscribed for, which you will forward and charge to me paid (for one year). 1) Gen Geo, McIlvive and 2) Daviess Hewitt, Elgin, Kane Co., 3) P. Hatch, Kane Co., 4) Reuben Pritchard Dekalb Co., Shabbona Grove.I have written to Rock Island that they may expect Br. Holt there.Yours as ever, A. Kent_________Galena, Sept. 21, 1849Dear Brother,I respect to Rev. S. Baker, I have heard that he had renewed his application to your society. I have not changed my opinion but have said to me of his Presbytery that his conduct ought to be inquired into. And my references are not to Mr. Bergen but to Br. Clark of Elgin, Br. Baldwin, Isiah Walkup, Allen Baldwin, and others, in McHenry County.Br. Chaffe’s case I will inquire into next week, if God permits.The Guernsey Frocks, I have received and shown a sample to one man who thinks that has as saleable though not as good an article which he purchased 7 /1/4 per dozen. And it is too large a lot to sell soon. Another man thinks he can put them off but will not buy them and I engaged to let him have one box, and he will report progress. He will dispose of them if any can, I think.I am obliged to pay 265 dollars in New York on or before the first of November and I shall authorize Mr. J.W. Phelps to call and inquire if you can furnish it, if not, he will write me and I shall provide for it here.I have received letters from Br. Hall that Messers. Holt and Munroe are on their way. And a letter from Br. Whiting stating that he shall leave Brownsville for Cincinnati as soon as the Cholera and expenses will permit. Price of steamboat fare to Cin. 15 Dol. each.Yours affectionately, A. KentIn a recent letter mentioning vacancies I omitted Elizabeth which I supply whenever I have a leisure Sabbath.________Galena, Ill., Oct. 30, 1849Dear Brother,I reached home in safety Monday morning (having spent the Sabbath at Elizabeth) after a fatiguing journey of 626 miles and an absence of 4 weeks. My own health good and that of my dear wife essentially improved, for which I continue to be grateful to our sleepless Supervisor.Your encourage me to report freely my observations in passing over my field and beyond its limits. I wrote from Iowa — and I continue my report. I spent a Sabbath with Br. Gaylord, his congregation numbered 90 and the same in the afternoon. He enjoys the confidence of the people. But as they reported their agent in feeble health and had not visited them in 2 years. I used some freedom in conversing with Br. G. and raised the inquiry which is applicable to other churches, whether a people unable to contribute no more than they do and who have been aided so long should not allow their missionary to give part of his time to other destitute fields. He felt the propriety of the suggestion and said he was surrounded by missionaries etc. But a prominent member afterward said to me that there were neighborhoods where he had formerly preached.I spent a night at Williamsburg, Mercer Co., where Br. Crittendon (O.[ld] S.[chool]) is preaching and where I spent a Sabbath 2 years ago. I could get no more light in regard to openings for preaching in that county except it should be at New Boston and Keithsburg a very young village on the Miss. midway between Oquaka and M. and a rival in its claim to county seat.I failed to reach Edgerton to spend the Sabbath as I had planned all along, but was happy find Br. Strong on the ground and building a house. I am obliged to Br. Reid for introducing him, though I had corresponded with him and I think it better that the ministers of Presbyterian Churches in Ill. should belong to Ill. Presbyterys rather than Iowa Associations. I found him quite sensitive in relation to the letter of the Chocktaw Miss. to the Am. Board and quite disposed to give his views to the public. I tried to dissuade him from garnering up and igniting the [anti-slavery] fire brands which when tied to the long rails of little foxes may spoil the view & burn it both “the shocks and the standing corn.”At Rock Island I was surprised and pleased to meet with Br. Holt. He had not yet preached there. There I heard over again how the people grieved that Br. Dwinell left them. I regard him equal to any station and as he had expressed a doubt in a letter to Br. Osborn about remaining at Salem, I wrote inviting him to return and named to him Rockford and the first church at Chicago and also wrote to Br. Bascom and Loss who goes to the 3rd church in Chicago. They are finishing a neat little chapel at R.I. and I am invited to assist in dedicating it 3 weeks hence. I spent a night at Port Byron 16 miles up the River - found Br. Bullen there- just in from the east and gave him a hearty welcome. Br. Reid has located him to preach half his time on each side of the Miss. There was no church in either village, but Br. Reid has formed a small Congregational church at Port B. I attended a prayer meeting. They were encouraged by the increased attendance— there were present 4 men, 2 Presbyterians & 2 Methodists besides women & children. In reflecting upon the circumstances I concluded that the restrictions to Agents not to organize churches did not hold when they are out of his appointed bounds. One of the Methodist Brethren recognized me as an old friend and I had spent a night at his new cabin a mile above on my way to Synod at St. Louis 20 years ago and when I described the first prayer meeting in Galena he said he was present at that time. I called upon Br. Copeland who is about to leave Albany. I told him he could go to Minnesota whither his inclinations led but I thought there were more urgent calls in Ill. and I have pointed out several promising and appropriate fields. It occurs to me that Minnesota is as well supplied for this year as any part of the land.I called on Br. Gray. He is in doubt whether he should make a new application for aid to labour at Mt. Carrol and asked me to visit & counsel with him which I intend to do on my was to R. Island. He was going to preach at Savanna next Sabbath— said the church was in disorder as he foretold would be the case when Br. Emerson organized it after lecturing on Congregationalism. We both thought that things were not ready for Ch. organization. From what I saw and heard at Elizabeth, I suppose the people are dancing for joy at the arrival of Br. Childs. He spent 2 Sabbaths here waiting for me, and made a very favorable impression. One of the best judges reckoned him far before Br. Dwinell!I am getting my head under water and hot water too. Br. Behrends wrote to Br. Spees reflecting on me for silencing him. But now he has written to me enclosing your letter and ascribing to it his reputation & confession which is indeed most humiliating — says he is an adulterer— begs me to forgive and try him again that he may undo the mischief which he has done to the cause of Christ. We shall forward the documents to his judges who have ordered their session to take the testimony.Br. Hodges has written me letters of complaint that I am unfeeling to condemn him without a hearing. I have been to see him, he was not a t home. I could not stay at his house all night with my sick wife but told his wife that I should stay at Deacon Brewsters 2 miles distant. He did not some to see me. Br. Gemmel and Mr. Reed of Byron take sides with him and their testimony is quite contradictory to that of Esquire Robertson of Rockford. Deacon Brewster & several of his neighbors living between Westfield & Byron and I have written him again that in view of the facts he ought to demand an investigation from his Association. I cannot do it for I have no jurisdiction. But I am compelled to withhold my commendation until he is acquitted.I have called on Mr. Blanchard who was sanguine that he could sell the Guernsey Frocks. He has not sold any, and this is in accordance with what Mr. Corwith said at first. He has been here longer and better knows the market. The article finds no favor among our minds.We are very thankful for the name you have just sent but we want a great many more. Br. Humphrey is lodged at Milwaukee and Br. Monroe is gone to Wisconsin and I have not seen him yet.Yours, Etc., A. Kent_________Union Grove, Whiteside Co., Nov. 20, [1849]Dear Br.,Enclosed I send you a letter from Sharon and improve the opportunity to mention several other matters.I spent the Sabbath (18) at Mount Carrol by request of Br. Gray preached twice and twice in the country and the 2 previous evenings and gave my advice as he has solicited it in consequence of the revival made by the Methodists, Swendenborgians, etc. After inquiries made (as he suggested) I told him if he would give up his school and other secular employments and give his whole time to the ministry — If he would direct the people and make himself familiar that he would gain ground in despite all existing opposition— that he was respected in the country and village and that his preaching was uniformly very acceptable. That is so doing I should feel justified in urging him to stay and that he need feel no solicitude about his adequate support. He has dismissed his school as I recommended and proposes hereafter to have a small school of misses to be taught by his wife.Monday I made my way a cross to Beloit and while there I had a conversation with Br. Chapin President Elect of Beloit College concerning a change of my field so as to confine me to the west side of Northern Ill. and Wisconsin. I have no objection though it may easily be seen that such changes should not be made often because when one has become acquainted he can operate to better purpose and with less expense than in a new field.If such an arrangement is made we have thought (Br. C and myself) that Br. Clary would be the suitable man for the other field. And the Providence of God has seemed to point him out and we each fixed upon him without a knowledge of the others voice. I wish not to continue that appointment but I thought a suggestion from us could not be improper.On my way home I called on Br. Howell, He has closed his labors at 12 Mile Grove and proposes to himself to attend for a time to his secular affairs that afterwards he may visit his place and give himself wholly to his work, He says he loves his work and has no disposition to leave the ministry. His people seem quite willing to have a change and say that he is uninteresting as a preacher and that his family cares have been such as prevents him from pastoral labours. I conversed with Deacons Weld and Woodruff they are determined on an effort to build a sanctuary this winter. I spent the next Sabbath at Elk Horn Grove in aid of Br. Jessup who is disabled from preaching now 4 weeks by the state of his throat and lungs. They are trying to build a church. I had intended to spend that Sabbath at Como, a thriving village on Rock River. ..Wednesday evening I preached at the dedication of the little neat chapel (25x40) at Rock Island. It was a deeply interesting occasion and the house was well filled. Br. Holt seems to be well satisfied to labour there, and I regard it prospectively as a vastly important place.My pen, as you will perceive, makes it difficult to write. I remain as ever your servant in the Gospel.A. Kent____Kent to Chapin, 29 Nov. 1849[When calling Chapin to Beloit:]“We repeatedly united in prayer for we felt that the future growth and symmetry and usefulness (not to say the very life) of the infant we were nursing would depend very much upon the man to whom we should entrust its early education and subsequent discipline.____Aurora, Kane Co, Jan. 9, 1850“In committee of the whole” we voted after talking with Br. Drake of Elk Grove and questioning him about devoting all his energies to the work, that we should recommend the application be granted. A. KentBr. Whitney of Oswego Co. N.Y. who brought a commission from you (as he affirms) wished me to say that he thought that 400 would not support him and his family of 8, and I replied that if your committee allowed him more they would probably do it in the form of “out fit” to enable him to bring them to this country.The sum asked from you by Lockport us large, but the circumstances seemed to require it. we did not dare to cut it down. Br. Bergen has consulted long with me and I have been at loss to know what advice to give him.Br. Loughhead has presented his case before the Com. and we recommended that he receive 200 dollars for a year commencing Jan. 1, 1850, and that he close his school as soon as his engagement permits.__________Galena, Dec. 18/49Dear Br.,I have just returned from a broken trip having gone no further than Mt. Carrol where I spent a week with Br. Gray partly waiting for snow, and intending to go across Ill. River — broken by a wild horse who kicked my sleigh all to pieces and allowed me to return safe and sound to get another horse which is the fourth I have been obliged to exchange this year.A letter from Br. Pearson states that their association have investigated the charges against Br. Hodges and decided unanimously that he had done nothing in relation to the matter derogatory to his Christian character. My object therefore is fully answered for as the association have addressed the responsibility of vindicating him I am now prepared to recommend him to aid and to meet his accusers with a voucher which will sever me from responsibility.You made me not any trouble by your letter to Mr. Behrends but it has led to a confession which superseded the necessity of a painful examination. I have had the same reflections respecting foreign clergymen and it seems to me that special efforts should be entered on systematically to find out & bring forward young men from the families of foreigners to be educated and trained for the ministry. Cannot some one (of those who can) be induced to write articles for the religious papers that shall hold up this subject in all its length and breadth.I did not intend to object to the location of Br. Bullen and Strany, but I fully approve it and when a missionary is in sight of his field on the opposite side of the river they can easily understand one another when the river is impassible. In what I said of Br. Gaylord’s field, I said no more that I would have others say of my field. It is not to be expected that we can be every where— but you seek light from any quarter.If there was any implied reflection on Br. Reid, it was not intended.Br. Copeland called and I told him there were no openings for more missionaries in Minnesota but I pointed out several here. He has returned but I was not at home when he called. I consider we have a doz. openings in Northern Ill. more urgent than Minnesota can furnish in a year or two. But there is less of Romance about entering these.The people of Rock Island could do no more for preaching while making the effort for a church edifice and my impression is that if the Exec. Com. withholds aid entirely that it will be assumed in part by Br. Osborne who has become responsible for the house. He has done nobly and I felt for him and have aided him 25— They said all along that they should depend on the Society to furnish them a pastor but under their trying circumstances they thought it indispensable to secure a present supply.Yours, etc.,A. Kent___________[Chapin Papers-Beloit College— letter to Professor Joseph Emerson]Galena, Jan. 29, 1850Dear Br.,Your letter of inquiries is before me. And it seemed at first to be a complete puzzle. But the more I have reflected upon it the more I have become confirmed in the conclusion that we as a Com. (and through them as a Board of Trustees) are shut up to one course.It sees to me that in view of the present posture of affairs and indeed in view of our own past action, we are compelled to throw our Female Seminary into the market and to give it to the highest bidder.There it is true some restrictions. Its location must be in Ill. and it must be contiguous to the state line and it should be in a healthy atmosphere both physical and moral. We ought (other things being equal) to prefer a location where we have reason to believe that it would be not only patronized by the community but where there is that high tone of moral and religious influence which would satisfy the most scrupulous parent.Considerations of this kind should not be lost sight of nor should we disregard the anticipations cherished by Rockford people nor the noble efforts of those at Rockton. But after all, I think there is no way for us to get out of the labyrinth of difficulties which beset is on every hand but to make the whole thing turn upon the largest and best subscription. We are more completely tied up to this now at this second effort then we were at first.Certainly you ought to attend that examination and encourage that school but you cannot locate the seminary we have in charge. But the committee ought to act and act promptly if there no prospect of light from the east as we had anticipated.It strikes me that the reasons you suggest are forcible for postponing any effort at Rockford to raise funds just now, but there is of course a matter over which we have no control, and divine to have none. In fact, we cannot foresee what and how many and how great rivals may appear on the field of honorable competition for the tempting prize.I must confess while waiting for an answer from the east the whole matter has been so quietly and so completely laid on the shelf that I cannot even recollect all the committee. I think that Br. Person and yourself were associated with me and and further than this I do not recollect.I have declined attending the examination because Br. Peet has requested me to be at home of the 5th. I wish I has some copies of your annual catalogue, etc.I expect to be over that way again in a week or two, Deo Volente.Yours very Truly,A. KentAn after thought - I think Br. Chapin was on that com.---------[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]Comm. of Trustees of Beloit CollegeFeb. 7, 1850The undersigned as a committee of the Board of Trustees of Beloit College are instructed to receive propositions for the location of a Female Seminary in Northern Illinois according to the original understanding upon which the college was founded.They accordingly invite proposals upon the following basis:I. That the Board of Trustees of the Seminary will be legally & perhaps in part personally distinct from that of Beloit College.II. That the seminary shall be under the immediate charge of an Executive Committee residing principally in the vicinity of the institution.III. That this committee do not feel authorized to determine details as to permanent plan of management, precise site, or any other matters which can remain open for consideration of the trustees of the Seminary though the establishment of the school upon a temporary basis is contemplated as soon as practical after determining the location.IV. That subscriptions to be applied to the erection of buildings & other expenses necessarily incidental to the commencement of the undertaking be made in the form of promissory notes, made payable in such installments that the necessary buildings shall be ready for use by the first of Sept. , 1852.The committee deem it proper for them to state that after taking into account religious, moral & social influences their recommendation to the board will depend principally upon the position of places which may compete as being central, healthful, accessible & pleasant.-And especially- upon the amount of subscriptions. This is regarded as important not only as furnishing means for the commencement of the enterprise but ever more so, as indicating the interest of the people in the plan and in order to meet the just expectations and claim the support of other places of the object in other quarters.The committee understand that the desire and to the extent of their ability the purpose of the originators of this two fold enterprise is that the contemplated institution shall not be inferior in grade, importance or usefulness to the college.Propositions addresses to Rev. A.L. Chapin, President of Beloit College will be received until the first of June next.A. KentWait TalcottR.M. PearsonJoseph Emerson______Winnebago Co., Feb. 5, 1850Dear Br.,It appears from the letter of Br. Hildreth that your Com. refused entirely the application of the Church in his behalf. I am surprised at this, as I believed he acted in good faith upon the invitation given him by Br. Osborne (I did not know or did not recollect that Br. Reed was consulted). I did not “solicit” for I knew nothing of it so far as I recollect till after he began to preach there, but I did “sanction” or approve it for I thought the church could not be held together except they could have preaching. And I should always fell he that he was wronged if he was entirely refused aid. I have never been absent from Galena more than 4 weeks at a time. My only question was whether he ought to have the full amount asked. On one side he is living in a village where 400 would be but a poor support for such a family as his, and on the other I was under the impression that he did not give much more of his time to go over on Sat. & preach on the Sabbath. But according to the representations of the letter he did more. And I intend to write to Br. Osborne and if his views correspond — [lined out] On reflection I think I need say no more to Br. Osborne on the subject. But I never engaged “to pay him as Mr. Dwinell was paid.”If I had been living at Davenport and had merely performed Sabbath services, I should not have felt at liberty to receive more than 150 dollars for six months. I have drawn on you for ninety eight dollars because I should soon want the money and the colfporteur was anxious to pay its owes to the society. If I have done wrong I wish you to let me know, but I put in a month distant that it might not embarrass you.Br. Whitney writes that he wants more money, a new church and ordination.Br. Childs has found trouble enough from a Millerite who has now run off with a widow. He will no doubt give you the history of the thing. He is going over to Br. Savage for sympathy and refused to labour among the miners.I am on my way to McHenry County and perhaps Kane and Cook. Feb. 12. I passed through Belvidere on Sat. They are sadly bereaved, and their loss is ours. Br. Wright was growing rapidly in public esteem.I reached Br. Smalley in the twilight and found my letter has not reached him. And the Free Will Baptist occupied the house in the morning with a sermon on Baptism, a class meeting, and the Lord’s Supper and the Seceders in the afternoon. But I was invited to preach in the evening. I compelled my text to bring out the necessity and duty of finishing their neat little church (24x30) (which is enclosed and painted and stands there a mere shell) notwithstanding their wheat crop is cut off and they feel they gave done their utmost, I inquired and they said they needed 50 dollars to finish it, I header the subscription and we raised 27 1/2 on the spot and they think it will be made up. And that is better than so much to Home Missions for your missionary will accomplish double when he can have a house.I called yesterday on Br. Wilson and on Br. Milhouse (one of his elders at Virginia Settlement) and endeavored to prepare the way for Br. Wilson to preach once every Sabbath to that church also to that at Crystal Lake with the hope that they might together do more to sustain him. But did not meet with anyone who belonged to Crystal Lake Ch. and did not find time to call on Br. Beech. I apprehend that he will not easily find employment in the vicinity.Elgin, Feb. 15. Br. Clark has organized a church at Algonquin or Oceola, 5 miles from Crystal Lake and proposed to have a man take charge of the 2. Perhaps Br. Langdon will go there.Last Saturday Br. Beech explained to Br. Clark the reason of his ceasing to preach at Crystal Lake to be the fact that the house was not warmed. But the people refused to warm the house because they did not wish him to occupy it. He explained the reason of his saying that he should “have no support from his farm” — that he probably has in his mind at the time the idea he should get nothing from it because the crops had been cut off in previous years. Br. Clark stated these things to me and I thought it would help you. Br. C. also said “According to my best recollection of the minutes of the Crystal Lake Church it was previous to the close of his third quarter that they voted unanimously that would not hear Mr. Beech. On Tuesday I took the cars and went to Chicago where I heard Br. Savage in Br. Peterson’s Church and spent 2 nights with Br. Loss and saw Br. Childs who came there to find Br. Savage. I think him justifiable in having come. There are meetings every evening in most of the churches in Chicago and quite a number attend the evening meetings in the 1st and 2nd churches.Big Rock Creek, Tuesday Feb. 19. I reached Aurora on Friday and found I has outrun my appointment as I did also on the previous Sabbath. It is of little use to send letters by cross mails through small post offices, For example when I called on Br. Miller Sat 16 he was crying over news of a brother in law having died in Rockton more than 2 weeks before. This is a sore evil to an agent. Br. Miller has been holding meetings in Aurora with most flattering prospects, as I learned from several. But the Methodists brought into their Church Elder Puffer, and he by his puffs and anecdotes drew off the ??? and Br. M. began a meeting 4 miles west and spent the Sabbath there among Universalists and reported a very profane man as having begun to pray that day. While I preached 3 times & on Home Miss. once but took no collection. It was not expedient. But if I had not supplied in town that country congregation would not have had preaching. Br. Miller labours with all his might, I judge. Dea. Strong of Aurora in reply to my enquiry concerning Br. Bergen said that I might inquire of Dea. Johnson & Mr. Pierce who belong to the Jerico Church to which Spencer Baker now ministers, for reports unfavorable to Br. Bergen’s character. So In have been over to Jerico to hunt up the story of his appropriating to himself a pig, which when traced back to its origin was not only wicked but contemptible, but other stories related to his refusing to lend his horse which we could not trace out because the man was gone to LaSalle Co. Another was more grave and contains an insinuation of forgery. The statement is that the application for aid to which you responded as dated Dec. 1 1847 was subscribed by Issac S. Fitch whereas Dea. Issac Fitch avers that he did not put his name there. Please examine by whom that application is signed — whether Fitch is one and is so whether it is Clark Fitch or Issac Fitch and if the latter, I see no way but to send us the document.Please send the Home Missionary to H.F. Kingsbury & Deacon Strong, Aurora,. Kane Co., for one year and charge me one dollar._________Buffalo Grove, Feb. 25, 1850Dear Br.I intended to rewrite the enclosed journal but the prospect now is that I may be detained here so long that this is not expedient. You are aware perhaps that the cause of Christ in this place is in chaos and I am urged to stay a while and see If I can do any thing to reconcile the jarring elements.There is some little indication of seriousness which led a prominent individual to encourage me to tarry a while without knowing any thing of the very interesting case of hopeful conversion which is reported this morning. I have just left his wife in trouble and in tears. I could not see him but he is praying and confessing and exhorting others as I have heard from his father in law Dea. Perkins.To resume my journal, I preached there week-day evenings for Br. Bergen to good congregations at Little Rock, at Somonauk and at the Sc. house near his present residence. One object was to explore the field and give him the advice he asks. He has a good library and appears to think of nothing else but to give himself to his work and though perhaps not very energetic, He seems to be respected and his labours valued, particularly at Somonauk. I passed on (Friday evening) to Four Mile Grove where I spent an hour or two with Br. I.H. Baldwin. I trust Providence has placed him in a position where he will be very useful. There is an extensive distribution around him. I am confirmed in the judgement I gave Br. Bergen, that for the next six months at Somonauk and Little Rock and for the alternative Sabbath he should visit the expiring church between Paw Paw and Ross’s Grove and labour to resuscitate it. But if the door should be closed against him (as is quite probable) that he should explore the neighboring groves such as Johnson’s, Shabbony, Knox and Meligin and report prospects and progress.I spent the night (22nd) at Lee Center with a view to ascertain whether Br. Pearson was likely to remain on his field and after spending 2 hours with him at Grand Detour on my way to this place (23) I regret the conclusion to which I have arrived that he will probably********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************pts them to a removal; for a transient Christian is incapable of exerting any considerable influence for good, and the rage for gold threatens to cut off our means for supporting ministers and even to destroy the weaker churches.It is a great evil in this new country that ecclesiastical instruction no longer is made a part of Sabbath duties in the domestic circle.It is a sad thing that the churches evince so little concern about the increase of ministers and that pious parents would sooner have their sons go into a lucrative business than into the ministry.We have dome but little on this field towards raising funds. The failure of the wheat crop for 2 years is complained of extensively. I do not discover that I have received any except $64 from the first church of Galena and $4.55 from Mount Carrol and 1.50 donations from 2 individuals besides what I have taken for the Home Missionary. Perhaps I have not urged as often and as zealously as I ought. Many prefer to return their collections in their own hands, some take up collections monthly, and some ministers themselves preach on the subject of Home Missions.My expenses for losses, repairs, and contingencies the past year will approximate to $150. But I have kept no accounts and shall render none. I shall, however, need the balance due me after deducting what stands charged against me for which please sent a draft.If the multiplication of roads is an indication of improvement, the field of my supervision is assuming an important position for we have rail roads and plank roads in abundance in agitation. On this field there are now located fifty missionaries of your society located. And among them there are some excellent men whose devotion to their work sustains them in the performance of great labour and under the pressure of having trials. I know them for I have shared in their straitened accommodations and witnessed their self-sacrificing spirit and the courage they evince in urging forward moral reforms in advance of a timid public sentiment, I have admired too the fortitude of their companions in sympathizing with them and even cheering them on.Take a single illustration. It was the last missionary with whom I have spent the Lord’s day. Many with the exhausting labours of preaching daily for 2 weeks. He would not relax even for a Sabbath when Providence had sent him help, but tore himself away and preached 3 times in a distant place and came back on Monday rejoicing that he has won for his divine master a notable trophy of redeeming grace and established one more family alter, while I was left to conduct the public services for him without so much as a study or place or retirement for there were but 2 finished rooms in his house and the principal one of those was occupied by a stranger whom in her sickness they had taken in.Eleven new laborers have been introduced and thirteen have changed their fields and 2 brethren of precious memory have fallen asleep. Five churches have been organized and none houses of worship have been built or are in progress. It gives me pleasure also to observe as I pass along that school houses are multiplying and edifices of brick and stone are fast succeeding to the rude shanties of the pioneers - so fast indeed that ‘the stone school house” no longer serves as a term of discrimination.Three academies have also gone into successful operation numbering the first year of their existence near 200 pupils in the more advanced stages of education. Each of these occupies a site of surprising beauty on which 17 years ago the tawny Indian fixed his filthy lodge and by the side of a stream where he sought his food an trapped his furs. Last spring I witnessed in Minnesota a scene of revolting heathenism. It was a company of Souix at their stupid and idolatrous dance. Last month I witnessed the examination at one of these academies of 100 or more Messers and young ladies answering questions on history, philosophy and botany or performing with accuracy on the blackboard the problems given them in astronomy, physiology and the various branches of mathematics. These, thought I, afford no developments of a tendency to barbarism, but they are the legitimate results of an enlightened Christian ministry such as your society aims to establish and sustain and indeed almost every church in Northern Ill. shows the foot prints of the Home Missionary in its early history.It grieves me that I can report so few tokens of God’s special presence with the churches but there are some Sac. worshippers enjoyed during the year extraordinary manifestations of divine grace. We hail with joy these gracious visitations, but to narrow down the estimated fruits of an Evangelical Ministry to what is achieved during these brief periods of refreshing would be like measuring the usefulness of the Solar Orb by reckoning the value of a single shower produced by the overpowering heat of a mid summers day but forgetting all the time the dews of every night and the countless benefits which in other ways be communicated, but the precise value of which we are unable to gage.We need in this limited field 17 more to occupy the points of importance which claim attention. There for the most part are scattered settlements which require much preparatory work, i.e., preaching to small congregations gathered in log cabins, exploring the ground to find the central point where the largest number can be accommodated and visiting from door to door to compel attendance by winning their confidence and esteem until a love for the truth shall become a motive superseded to the personal influence of the missionary and are there no men at the east who can be spared for this department of service. It is an important work for before the missionary shall have reduced to order the heterogeneous families located there, others will come in faster than he can win them to advantage.I have laboured to impress upon my younger Brethren the importance of preaching from house to house and in some instances have accompanied them in the detail of this service.During the year I have travelled according to my log book 4977 miles in the stage, steamer, waggon and the last 913 on horse back. I have preached 97 times and in most instances to the destitute, and I have been looking after young men for the ministry and turning the hearts of their fathers to his children with special reference to that subject.Yours in the Gospel,A. Kent Br. B & Br. H, ConfidentialFrom your silence and from hints of his earlier history I suspect you do not appreciate as I so the present value of Br. Clary as a discreet and holy man. If you deem it worth your while, make inquiries of his Brethren in Wisconsin.[marginal notes]Charge me with $2.50 just handed me by Col. Loomis of the Army.I have distributed about half your reports and of Barris sermon._________Galena, March 16, 1850How to cure a cold.Under the conviction that abstinence and exercise are the best inducements to carry off a cold, I left home last Saturday only half sick and minus my dinner; rode 25 miles in the face of a strong east wind.There I met a joyous welcome and having secured my horse in a “sucker stable,”* and “careful & sparing ate my bread.” I followed my guide for a distance of 2 miles to the place of my evening’s appointment on foot and in the dark over morasses and bogs where a single misstep would have plunged me in the slough of Despond.Our synagogue was void of a ceiling except as a few boards were thrown across the joists and these but partially covered with shingles and the heavens. A fire already burnt down was still flickering upon the large hearth which extended well nigh across the end of the building, while the rough wind was coursing joyously between the logs and through the broken windows.A congregation of 24 sitting in darkness quietly waited our arrival and while my guide was gone in quest of a light we spent the half hour in remarks about the California excitement which son ran into a discussion upon the merits of those Reverend gentlemen who are gone to the land of gold. With a great unanimity we arrived at the conclusion that ministers were men of like passions as others, and the preacher himself pushed the matter yet further and affirmed that God had of purpose employed those earthen vessels that he might have all the glory of what ever good was done by their instrumentality, which is in fact the leading thoughts in the text (2 cor) which he that day been studying as the basis of his sermon on the morrow and which they were invited to hear.Two candles were at length procured but they proved to be of little service, for their was neither table nor chair in the house and the frolic wind forbade their resting on the writing shelves which were attached to the logs. In attempting to preach, therefore, I held my bible in one hand and my candle in the other which prevented me from displaying any of the graces of oratory, except as I now and then set down my candle upon the floor. One of the kind neighbors made an effort to relieve my embarrassment and to construct a chandelier by thrusting a bit of a rail into a crevice but failing in this as - as frontier life is inventive of experiments- he then thought himself to reach up and set the light upon a board over our heads. This seemed at first a lucky hit, but soon failed of its object for the wick was too large for the candle and the light became so dim as to be of no service. And I was obliged to lay aside my meager skeleton and trust entirely to such ready thoughts and brilliant scintillations as the excitement of the occasion would elicit.Having dismissed the congregation we retraced our steps over the same bogs and marshes but not with the same light, for the crescent moon had gone down. Thick clouds muffled the stars and we only the faint and inky glimmering of the prairie fires in the distance.Fatigued as I was with the ride and the walk and with my exertions to interest and instruct a company of pioneer worshippers, I was soon snugly recumbent in the loft of the cabin and protected from the wind by quilts neatly pinned around my bed. I was presently locked in the embrace of a delicious repose — thus verifying the passage of holy writ. The sleep of the labouring man is sweet whether he eat little or much. (But instead of the Proverb, the north wind driveth away rain exciting circumstances suggested another, the east wind is sure to bring rain. True this is apocryphal but it is the result of my own observation. I awoke in the night, and heard the drops pattering upon the roof just above my head, and this would have been soothing as music but as I looked forward to public services, and as I reflected that my saddle was perched for safe keeping upon the poles which should have supported the roof of hay, had it not been eaten away by the animals which it was designed to protect.The Sabbath came and the clouds hung heavily over us. The place of meeting was 1 1/2 miles distant and there was no conveyance for that Christian sister whose hospitality I had shared. The ground was full of water and she could not walk thither as she had done when I preached there before, and it was one of the coldest days of winter. As I took leave I cheered her disappointment by saying that it was better to be denied the privilege of public worship than to despise it as so many do.We had another open house and another strong east wind but in lieu of the large fire place we had a box stove capable of containing about six gallons of smoke besides what escaped from its broken sides and which would have rendered the place a Bochim but for the wider breaches in the sides of the house.I enjoyed some comfort and experienced some enlargement for the time being on setting forth the glory of the gospel-treasure, and the wisdom of God in employing human agency to reveal it to mankind.But when the heavens gathered blackness, I remembered the message of Elijah to Ahab: “get three down that the rain stop thee not.” And having dismissed my congregation abruptly that they might escape the shower, I mounted my horse there being 10 miles distance between me and my second appointment. And I was apprehensive that by a little delay I might be arrested in by course by the streams, which were being rapidly swollen.In the event it proved to be a heavy storm of rain & hail accompanied with the frequent peals of thunder immediately over and around me.Drenched by the shower, I reached the church in time. But they did not expect that I should encounter the storm, and we spent a little time in reading the scriptures and prayer with the few that were assembled when opportunity was afforded me to dry my clothes. In the evening I had a small congregation and after public service I retired to rest early; and this morning I awoke refreshed by sleep and rode home on the frozen ground against a cold west wind evidently humidified by the medicine I had taken albeit the doses were unpalatable and heavier than I had thought necessary. I had the satisfaction also to reflect that I had preached the gospel message to more than 60 souls who are destitute of the state of religion. Pardon this egotism.* An enclosure of logs with leaves and branches thrown over some poles intended for a shelter from the storm but which by its drippings keeps the animals as wet longer than if they stood out in the open air.[Kent’s footnote]____________Galena, April 13, 1850Dear Br.,Your letter asking permission to have a deed of Mr. & Mrs. Hopkins executed to me is received and I give my permission. But if that is all that I have to do in the matter you might have presumed this far as a friend and much more as your agent.Br. Holt is to be installed Ap. 24.The Guernsey frocks are still in hand. I deposited 6 with Mr. Blanchard [Galena’s Methodist minister] who was sanguine he could sell them, but he has sold but 3 and thinks they will not go off here at all.Mr. Whitney declines being ordained at Stillwater and prefers coming down — does not give his reasons. I do not know therefore as I shall go up there except you think it best. I can form no better judgement than you, at this distance, of his necessities. I have enough to do nearer home but will cheerfully go if it is thought best.I expect to go across the state in 2 or 3 weeks and shall make it in my way to call on Br. Loughead. I think his application has been prepared and has failed to reach Br. Badger.At the meeting of Galena Pres. just closed I saw Br. Lord & Powell. They both expect to leave their present positions. I pointed out to Br. Powell 7 vacancies continuous, Sharon, Prophets Town, Union Grove, Garden Plains, Como, Lynden and Gap Grove, exclusive of Buffalo Grove, Dixon, (and Grand Detour if Br. Pearson leaves). “Men of Israel help” send us some men that are willing to occupy these new fields.We want more than any others some men like Br. Wright of Stark County. We want a missionary under direction of Presbytery. We want a Bushnell or Williston, a man of experience and some tact for that species of labour.Yours enclosing a draft for $81.48 is received.Your Brother, A. Kent_____[Chapin Papers- Beloit CollegeLetter from Kent to Professor Emerson]Galena, April 17, 1850Rev. & Dear Sir:Your son has given and I accept the challenge to write you a few lines. This is undertaken on my part, in consequence of his confession that he brought not a line from you which he never delivered.I remember with ineffaceable impressions some things in relation to Tutor Emerson, one of which is my visit to his room near the close of my college life to consult with him in relation to my future course.This question rested with tremendous pressure upon my mind at that time whether I should become a minister and whether I did right or wrong, you must bear the responsibility of having encouraged me to go forward.I have a 1000 times been distrustful of myself, but I do not recollect that I was seriously repentant of having entered upon the duties of the sacred office but I do repent daily and sorely of delinquencies. I did not intend to write about myself but egotism most naturally comes up when one is at a loss for a subject. I will only add that we should be very happy to see you in Galena and “to bring you on your way” to Minnesota if you have courage to venture so fay into the American forests.With sentiments of great respect and affection, I remain your brother in the Lord,A. KentI must be allowed to enter my protest against men being employed to make ministers for the West who never come to the west. Come and stand on some ??? top and look over the land._________Barber’s Grove, Alias Crete, May 8, 1850Rev. Mr. Badger D.D.Dear Br.,In accordance with your request for information concerning Brs. Loughead & Birge and agreeably to my own preconceived plan I have made investigation of the circumstances of both so far as I have been able.I called on Br. Loughead on Thursday - rode with him about 20 miles on Friday in the south east part of Grundy County in the rain. On Saturday I rode to Nettle Creek whence John Loughead resides and where he expects to organize a church. I preached there on Sabbath and rode over to the Unitarian Church near Marsailles (alias Grafton Church) where Br. Basset preached a while and preached there in the afternoon to a large congregation (i.e., 75). That church is offered him to preach in and I have advised that he supply those 2 churches each alternate Sabbath. We sent Br. Phillips (my travelling companion from Hazel Green who was not well and needed a journey) to the south west part of the county — to Vienna where a church is soon to be organized. Br. Phillips returned and preached for Br. Henderson in the evening (10 miles). Br. Langhead preached at Dresden & Au Sable.After the best judgement I could form, I have advised that Br. L. preach on the alternate Sabbath at Vienna one part of the day , on the other to the Brookfield Church where a Br. Marsch, a licentiate, lives if they should desire his services. It is some 6 or 8 milees from Vienna. If not wanted there, he will preach at some point more to the east where there is a heavy settlement. We have concluded that Dresden does not offer inducement to occupy a whole Sabbath & perhaps Br. henderson will preach on week days to them.Br. Loughead seems encouraged and I hope that he will now give himself wholly to his work as he promised to do. The 4 churches (2 not yet organized) are Marsailles & Nettle Creek, Vienna, and Brookfield. If it should be judged best to have him occupy the latter field.Monday I went by a straight course to Wilmington, and had much conversation with Br. J. Porter, Col. Stewart (Scotch) and Br. Cowan (colporture) respecting Br. Birge. He labours in W. and they know his capabilities & indulge no sanguine hopes of his success and yet seemed unwilling to advise that he be dropped at once. Br. P. thinks him penurious.I reached Momence (50 miles due south of Chicago on the Kankakee and near the south line of Will co.) about 10 am and made full proof of the doctrine of the saints perseverance in my efforts to get information untrammeled. I ran about on foot all the rest of the day, probably 8 or 10 miles, to see the men whose names were appended to the paper and others. And the views of those men whom I saw may be summed up in a few words that though Br. Birge is inefficient and too much taken up with his family cares, yet they admit that society has been improved since he came and that “it was as well as they could do for the moment.” Momence is a thriving little village that is expected to become the depot for a larger district south and east.Br. Birge came home in the evening was very glad to see me, had forgot to send his application to the committee. He gave me a long account of his labours & prospects and to my inquiries about his spirituality, his studies, & his pastoral visits his answers were general and indefinite.The next day I visited Br. Gilbert at Barber’s Grove and preached in the evening. They are threatening to build a church worth $1500 at Crete or Woods Corners where village pride and cupidity wish to figure. I advised him to persuade them to be content with a smaller house or to sell the pews before commencing which he thought might be done. I did not get all the information I wished but think Br. G. is doing pretty well, I urged them to be more prompt in their applications. There is a great disposition to put off these applications. I think a short article on the subject would be appropriate.I attended the convention at Chicago, having some misgivings about it. They were overcome by the indications of Providence, that I should come near them about that time and I was invited to preach the installation sermon for Br. Loss.We had a pleasant and interesting meeting the results of which were more satisfactory than I anticipated. They will appear soon in the Herald.We spent a night with Br. Drake and conversed with him and his deacon about their prospects and I administered a gentle rebuke to them (as I did Br. Gilbert) for their lack of prayer meetings. They are building a church but in the mean time hold meetings in 2 places 2 1/2 miles apart preaching twice in one school house the same day. I recommended once every Sabbath at each school house and a prayer meeting & S.S. to fill up the day.I passed through Dundee and spent an hour or two with Br. Wells, passed through Marengo or Pleasant Hill where Br. Reynolds officiated and spent the night with Br. White 4 miles this side. He said the last 4 ministers who had laboured there would not equal one of ordinary talents or words to that effect.There is a great & rich settlement about there and the fragments of an Old School and of a Cong. Church which might by a judicious and efficient N.S. minister be gathered into a strong church. Cannot you send us such a man?Rockford May 10th: Having been one day with the Gen. Association and seem Br. Kirby a moment I [am] ready to ride westward. Yours & etc.A. KentAfter inquiry of Brs. Clark & Brown, I presume it was my fault that you did not receive an application in behalf of Br. Longhead.______[Enclosed with a letter from the Batavia Congregational Church applying for support for Rev. George Hubbard.]Rockford, May 18, 1850Dear Brethren,The Com. Brs. Clarke, Brown, and Wells all agree to recommend the sum of $200. They think they could not cut down this application and that notwithstanding I laboured some time to show that our churches were asking too much, i.e., too large appropriations, and too many of them insisting on having the whole of a ministers time. There are several churches near this at Batavia where I thought the missionary might preach there a day and go to another church and have them there to fill up the Sabbath with S. Schools, Bible Class & prayer meetings.But they are afraid of the methodist influence etc.It is Saturday an I must go to Freeport without staying to hear the discussion whether they will any longer patronize Missionary Societies that tolerate Slavery.Your servant in Christ, A. Kent____[Chapin Papers - Beloit College]Galena, June 24, 1850Dear Br.,Br. C.R. Clark of Granville, Putnam Co., in a letter of business, enquires rlative to Mr. Squire’s appointment to the Professorship of Int. and Mor. Philosophy & says “I suppose you will be thoroughly satisfied as to his being the man for that department before you install him. Allow me to enquire how it would be to induce him to endow the professorship and divide the department of Intellectual from the Moral - I have a friend in Bellvue, Huron Co., Ohio by the name of S.H. Waldo who is emminently qualified for an instructor in Int. Philosophy. He is also a thorough linguist & I would take the liberty to introduce him to your notice and if you think proper to correspond with him.” This from Br. Clark. I should be happy to converse further about the Theo Sem but am too tired to write it. I think you would not have taken umbrage at any thing said or done at the Chicago Convention.Yours very truly,A. KentP.S. I intend to be at Beloit on Monday before Commencement on Sem. business, I regret I had no opportunity with Mr. Gridley. Some thought him rather terse— Some and good judges of preaching thought he was superlatively excellent.________Galena, Ill., June 24, 1850Dear Br.,I have signified to Br. Clark of Granville that I approve the action of his Presbytery recommending him as a Missionary labouring within their bounds to have his whole support assured for one year provided that you approve of his remaining at Granville at present for six months or a year in view of the relative position of the fields and his wants of a better knowledge of their relative importance.Br. Clark seems to enter cheerfully upon that itinerary which I regard as very important for the region which he is serving, but says it will involve some wear and time.In reply I stated to him that I strive to preach to the destitute when not on the duties of my agency — that I am now staying at home for some time being somewhat enfeebled by reason of the hot weather, but yet I go out, 18, 20, 25, 30, & 12 miles on the two last and the 3 following Saturdays and return on Mondays. Last Sabbath I preached in 2 vast places and had congregations of near 100 in each besides visiting and talking a half-hour with the Sabbath Schools and travelling in all near 12 miles - a pretty good Sabbath day’s work for a sick man.And I may add in “a parenthesis to be read in a quicker and weaker tome of voice” and not any wise to be published that Mrs. K. and myself called on Saturday night at 9 o’clock (having rode late on account of the extreme heat of the day) at the house of a family recently from Victorias dominions, and were deposited in the hottest and filthiest place I ever encountered. Having our buffalo robe along we used it as a partition wall between us and the residuum. I rose early went and went out [and] took a long breath of some of the sweetest fresh air I ever inhaled. My horse complained a little that he had but a short supper (grain being exceedingly scarce in all these parts) but I told him to hush for he fared vastly better than we did. And we rejoiced afterwards for it enables us now to appreciate our own mattress and other fixings which is one vast improvement upon the feather bed which must have been picked off Noah’s geese and the cotton comfortable an inch thick, our only cover and which might have served Methuselah for a considerable portion of his protracted life. I write this for your amusement and because you want the lights and shadows.I ought to have mentioned before what is now is a measure slipped from my mind. Br. Whitney said that it was a condition of his going to Minnesota that he should have something to pay off old debts, or words to that effect. I believe with this addition I have said all I need to day in reference to Br. Whitney’s case in a previous letter. I thought it not necessary to visit Minnesota this spring. But I would go very cheerfully in August or September should you deem it necessary.In as much as I thought myself more poetical than fanciful in this letter I read it to Mrs. K. who said I ought to have added that my afternoon congregation was crammed into a little school house 18x20 — there she counted 77 inside including 11 babies and were told by some who had a body outside that there were more than 35 standing by the windows and that one woman who came 20 miles to the meeting having previously lived in the neighborhood said “it was good to be there.” I may add this was encouraging for I have [been] holding on at that point amidst more discouragement than I ever met with at any other place. And now every time I preach there I feel compelled to make another appointment.And here I wish to raise the question which you may answer if you have any advice to give.If matters continue as interesting here and on Plum River as they now are, ought I not go & dispose of my agency as to devote some weeks or months of continuous labours to those very destitute and neglected fields next fall or winter — fields too so badly provisioned (with straw & providence) that I dare not ask one of our city ministers to go and stay all night. (I enclose a bill of 7 dollars I paid...)Yours, Etc. A. KentI have just been writing a letter of rebuke and affectionate entreaty to one of my old church members now a rowdy in California but once a remarkably firm and as I deemed faithful and worthy servant of Jesus.It appears to me that there is one thing remarkable in relation to the California Emigration. I doubt whether a new country was ever settled by a people possessing so large an admixture of the two elements of enterprise and evangelical piety, as is embodied in the rush of adventurers who hence this year have gone across the plains in pursuit of gold.You may conceive of their enterprise a indomitable perseverance from the fact that poor and inefficient men cannot go and lazy men will not go.And as to the piety of the emigration you may judge of that from the pledges most of them have entered with that they will not travel on Sabbath and from the complaints of the churches in all this region that they are greatly weakened in moral influence and pecuniary ability by the loss of their best men who have gone to California.This of course constitutes a powerful argument in favor of sending out missionaries to watch, rebuke and strengthen these erring disciples until they shall have come to themselves and become convinced of the delusion that now bewilders them.I have counted up 13 once members of this Presbyterian Church are now in California or on the way thereto. A.K.P.S.: I remind you of the Guernsy Frocks lest they be forgotten. They are deposited safely in my cellar. They won’t sell here.________Galena, Ill., July 8, 1850Dear Br.,Having an appointment for the Sabbath at Fair Play and Menominee I deferred answering your inquiries concerning the Wisconsin Agency until this morning that in the circumstance I might consult Brethren Phillips, Warren and Lewis which I did on Friday & Saturday.I am slow in forming a judgement of men but my judgement of Br. Clary (as also of Br. Chapin) was matured by the frequent and protracted discussions we have had (in committee of the whole as Trustees of Beloit Col.There I learned to regard Br. Clary as a careful, discreet but sometimes independent thinker who acting as secretary usually said but little, yet whenever called out by some knotty question was ready to give his own views and seemed to appreciate and approve all that had been said but would throw out new thoughts and thus “in conference add something to me.”But I have admired most that spirit of deep toned piety which attempered with a vein of delicate pleasantry, renders him an exceedingly agreeable companion.In conversation with the three brothers above named, I propounded the question distinct, Do you need an agent. They were unanimous in the opinion that such an agent was needed and equally so in relation to the qualifications of Br. C. They thought him a suitable man and knew of no one in the state more generally acceptable. I think $600 and travelling expenses a sufficient salary for me and I think it would be satisfactory to him.Yours,A. KentI have hesitated whether to copy off the speculations that follow but I have concluded to send them to be used at your discretion.I still think that an agent having a small field which he can supervise with and still leave him time to throw himself for a few weeks of missionary [work] in an important opening and occupy until other arrangements can be made is true economy. Since March I find by my log book that I have preached 20 times to the destitute besides 3 Sabbaths spent in presenting Home Missions, one Sabbath occupied with Mr. Loss’ installation and I have found great encouragement to continue these labours. My congregations yesterday would range from 75 to 100.An agent is needed to have a general oversight for various reasons. I will specify on that I picked up in my trip to Platteville.Various motives prompt men to organize churches and they often act hastily. Br. Chaffee is doubtless a good man — “a better man than I” said one Br. and it was hard to tell him he can’t preach. But the conviction is gaining ground that he had better go into other business. He spent a good deal of time some 5 weeks since attempting to show that Br. Peets prejudices had injured him with the Committee in New York. Since that time it is reported that he has gone over the Wisconsin R. and organized 2 churches. And, if so, they well be likely to be reported to you. But the newness of the field and the rapidity with which Wisconsin is filling up and the importance of occupying at the earliest practicable moment every centre of influence constitutes a special plea for sending them an agent. But I will not enlarge for it is very hot and I am very faint and I am only saying things which you have become familiar with.Br. Raymond is here and is going into Wisconsin. Br. Neill has gone up to Minnesota.________Galena, Aug. 14, 1850Dear Br.,I have received a letter from Rev. W.J. Murphy who has located himself in a farm in Grundy Co. as a sick man but is so far recovered that he is anxious to preach in the vicinity on trial of his health, sends me a copy of testimonials very satisfactory from W. A. McDowell and adds that he has no preference between Old & New School issues but would be employed in missionary work where it would not be necessary for him to study much on account of health. I wrote back encouraging him to find a field and labour in it.I have now received a line form Br. Loughead requesting that he should give up his plan the south side of Ill. River and he will occupy in addition to Marsailles & Nettle Creek Churches, Dresden, Kankakee & Au Sable destitutions. I was pleased with the suggestion for I anticipate from the recommendation that Br. Murphy will make a valuable Pioneer Miss. There is work enough in the county for both and appointments on 2 sides of a River as large as the Ill. should be avoided in winter. I replied to Br. Loughead cautiously but advised him to try the experiment for a few weeks or months of exploration and then we cam better judge of the case.In such a case what could I do but encourage an experiment with the implied recommendation that a commission would date back.Sept. 7th Elgin, Kane Co. I left Galena 2 weeks since in the midst of the cholera and have been quite sick myself. The tendency is with those who have not the cholera to diarrhea & dysentery.Under the circumstances and in despite of the floods consequent upon the unprecedented rains of late by which the swamps are filled and the bridges carried off, I have been over the flat country along the Lake and into Lake Co. which I have never visited before. I brought my wife along because I feared to have her at home alone amidst the Cholera (feeble and extremely nervous) and we have forded streams and waded trough morasses that might have deterred is had we known what was before us. And the result is that we have returned here (where I am to preach on Home Miss.) much improved in health & spirits.I spent a night with Br. Drake, He has been quite sick but is better. He is rather discouraged and does not know but he should leave his field. But I see no better way than that he should continue there. I called on Br. Mills, a good man in the Half-Day Cong Church to whom Mr. Cook preached. He is the brother to Father Cook who is the ultra abolitionist associated with Belfast at Ottawa and is playing the same game in trying to draw off the churches from all connection with Missionary Societies except American Miss So.Dr. Mills is anxious I should preach on Home Miss. and I expect to visit them again in Nov.I called on Br. Payne of Libertyville and finding my time too short, I turned west without visiting Father Dodge, Br. Downs, and Mr. Parson of Little Fort (until Nov.) and called on Br. Hart at Greenwood a little village just being started (on account of water power improvements) 7 miles north of Woodstock, County seat of McHenry.The next day I came to Virginia Settlement and Crystal Lake and called on Br. Wilson & Langdon, and was rather confirmed in the opinion previously formed that the organization of the Cong. Church at Algonquin was premature,, and that they should have remained connected with the Crystal Lake Ch. which in that case have been associated with the Virginia Ch. under one minister. As it is, Br. Wilson and Langdon will draw largely upon Miss, funds.The Brethren what I have seen most of them complain of the great difficulty of sustaining prayer meetings by reason of the distance of the Brethren from each other. But on the other hand I expect but little will be achieved where no prayer meeting is sustained.I spent the Sabbath before last at Buffalo Grove and found Br. Gray had engaged to spend half his time with them. They were anxious to retain his services. There is a feeble hope that he may unite them and he is not accomplishing much at Mount Carrol. Perhaps providence will point out that a change of field is expedient on Br. Gray’s part.Br. Bergen at my suggestion has visited Paw Paw & Shabbony Groves and it has resulted in organizing one Presbyterian Church in the vicinity.Sept 14. Having preached last Sabbath at Elgin & Union and taken up collections, I went on Monday to Napiersville, spent an hour with Br. Brown and spent the night at Downers Grove where Br. Atwood is preaching, also talks of getting up a school of high order — doubt of his success in either effort. Spent 2 nights at Chicago and inquired about what was doing for Home Missions. The first Ch. is likely to be vexed as other such like churches in all this region by the labours of Mr. Cable a new agent for “free missions”. Thursday night I spend in their bounds of the ??? Church where Br. Henderson preaches. It is weakened by removals and is destitute.I reached Br. Langdon Crystal lake Friday — and thought to spend a day there in trying to raise a prayer meeting Br. Langdon consulted me about buying old building; but I advised him not to move in that direction until they should show more disposition to sustain him.I found on inquiry that he was discouraged about preaching at Algonquin and had resolved to give up that part of his field and after six months spent at Crystal Lake they have not yet filled his subscription above 48 dollars. They all profess to like Br. Langdon but they plead the misconduct of Br. Beech as an excuse for giving nothing.Sept. 15. I preached yesterday for Br. Wilson and Hart on Home Missions and took up collection at Greenwood 22 dollars, at Virginia Settlement...Br. hart showed me an application they had made out asking $150 for his support which I shall approve if the committee do.Rockford, Sept. 20: I shall be obliged to send these notes “by the way” without copying because I cannot do it now and I want to say a word or two about an application for Br. Lawson which I heard was being made. He has been received into the Winnebago & Ogle Association in the absence of Brs. B. & Pearson and his application will (I suppose) be endorsed by Br. L. Porter one of the ministers of this place. If you need further light you may write to those brethren just named...Yours, etc.A. Kent______Galena, Sept. 25, 1850Dear Br.,I have received a letter from Daviess Grove asking me to as agent to sanction the application of the Ch. at Weathersfield, Henry Co. and giving reasons which appear to me quite satisfactory. I intended to go to Mercer Co. and through those parts to the villages of Henry, Ottawa, Newark, Lisbon and Lockport but I must first attend Synod & Presbytery and shall not reach them short of 5 or 6 weeks. I therefore enclose a letter from Br. Farnam. He expresses a wish to have Lockport and I have thought perhaps he has better and Br. Smith of Princeton (who has a commission from you) take his place. If you have any suggestion on that subject please write me at Chicago care of Rev. Mr. Curtis. And also I would ask for instructions concerning the Geurnsey Frocks. Shall they remain in my cellar. There seems to be no call for them. I have room enough for them if you choose they should remain for the present. Br. Smith has preached once in my hearing at Buffalo Grove (but Br. Gray occupies that ground). He has expressed a wish to become permanent in some growing village. Lockport is a hard spot but important as I suppose. Br. Farnum has not succeeded in his ministry as I think a man of his power ought to do.26th. In reading Dr. Todd’s dream narrated before the Board, I was reminded of a dream I had some nights ago and of the reflections consequent. It was to the effect that I might go east next year & after General Assembly visit the churches I am acquainted with and raise some what for Home Miss. The plan was suggested by the dream and the dream was recollected by Dr. Todd.I should detain this letter longer but it might be too late for your action on Br. Gore’s case.I am ready to depart on the morrow for a trip of 5 weeks and I propose to report myself.Yours, etc.A. KentThe request of Br. Hatch will explain itself.Oct. 3I regard it as quite important that our missionaries should have the 5 thousand pages of tracts voted them by A.T.S. but they do not get them on account of the want of communication, but if some 10, packages were deposited with the Editor of Prairie Herald, they would post a suitable notice in their paper and the missionaries would obtain them.A. Kent________Freeport, Oct. 21, 1850Dear Brother,The Presbytery of Galena at out late meeting at Elk Horn Grove resolved to employ the Rev. W.F. Wheeler of Wabash Congregational Association a missionary to labour within our bounds in the direction of the committee of Home Missions and to request the Ex. Committee to give him a commission dated Oct. 16 accordingly with a salary of $400 hoping however that the half of more of this sum will be raised among the people where he labours.The place immediately in view are Como, Union Grove, and Garden Plain constituting parts of a wide field of destitution in Whitesides County on Rock River. He will be subject to a change if Como should not present the opening for his labours which we anticipate. From our limited knowledge of Br. W. we have high hopes of his usefulness in that region.His Post Office address will be Freeport, Stephenson Co. until otherwise informed to the care of Rev. J.G. Downes.A. KentEld. F. WagonerJ.S. DownesHaving disposed of this item of business, I take occasion to say that we have had a very precious meeting of Synod. Our own Presbytery at least came home praying that as God has gone before in this bustling village so we might promote and not hinder it and we have adopted one new measure which was received with favor and was attended with a blessing. It was the adoption of a rule to devote an hour between 10 & 11 to devotional exercises. The reasons given were that it would secure a more general attendance of the members. It would facilitate the transaction of synodical business and be more likely to reach and bless the community. Those reasons have very greatly refreshed our hearts and when the Sabbath comes it fount the Synod in a frame of mind to appreciate and enjoy the preaching the Lords Supper and the Prayer meeting, which filled up the day. I heard several corresponding members express high gratification and I do not hesitate to say that yesterday was the best day I have had for many years, and I anticipate great results to the members of our body from the holy convocation.Perhaps it might instruct you to follow my track for the last week or two and I have scarcely found a moment’s leisure for a week past.I spent Sabbath at Como (a village starting up around an extensive flouring mill) with a view to determine whether it was best to send a missionary there. “The chief man and one of the proprietors of the island” belongs to the German Reformed Church and would prefer a minister of that denomination, but perhaps he will welcome our missionary. from Como I went by a straight course to Paw Paw and Shabbony Groves.It is a very new field and if I could have sketched the incidents that occurred while they were fresh in mind I might have given an amusing description of the “rough and tumble” of missionary life in a new field.Suffice it to say that one dark night after meeting I was obliged to drop into the nearest tavern and “wish for the day”. Another night we has a regular fight before the school house and the preacher was interrupted in his discourse by a rowdy and when on Sabbath morning he went out into the grove to find a place for prayer he was disturbed by two young men who were out hunting. He reproved them so kindly that they could not be rude but they had gone a few rods form him they called out to inquire if he was hunting timber.Nevertheless we had a very good sacramental season. A lad of 15 was received who I hope will study for the ministry and Br. Bergen has great reason from present appearances to be encouraged. when I arrived here to explore that field I did not suppose that he would find so many professors as he has there gathered up.Yours very truly,A. KentMy health which was very feeble during a very hot summer has greatly improved.P.S. Charge me with $8.86 collection after preaching on Home Missions at Virginia Settlement and acknowledge it in Home Miss. Also charge Br. Hart with 22 dollars collection at Greenwood.______Chicago, October 30, 1850Dear Br.,In conversation with Br. Clary a few days since he inquired if I made out quarterly reports. I told him I did not, but communicated very frequently and very freely my thought and observations.I have supposed that a “running fire” and a record of my observations as made at the time would possess a freshness that might best comport with my habit of mind and your information.After leaving Synod where I was “combined with much serving” in matters pertaining to Presbytery, Synod and Home Missionaries I reached Monday evening Twelve Mile Grove and the next day went out of my way to call on George Bibb of Ohio (he spoke well of Br. Hodges who is 5 miles off) who has purchased a large tract 5 miles south of that Grove and expects to settle around him many families from Ohio. This brought it in my way to call on Br. Hodges who lives about 10 miles from Rockford and for whom I had a bundle of clothes sent out from Mass. and which I divided between him & 3 others. Br. B [sic?] lives in a log house about 15 feet square (I judge). He has a family of 6 children between 10 & 20 besides a laborer and 2 sons who were gone away from home. He is attempting to build him a house at this late season, the frame of which is not yet raised, and he has injured his breast lifting so as to be confined to the house. (He said that the barrel of clothing formerly sent him had been a great & essential service in his growing family.) It seemed strange to me that a man should be caught in such a plight but then I remembers that “the destruction of the poor is their poverty.”At Rockford I spent a day on business pertaining to the Female Sem. located there, and was urged by the other members to the Ex. Comm. to remove my family to Rockford. I have been so officious from the first in gathering up that Institution that they seem determined to put me on all the business committees. The gentlemen composing that Comm. stated distinctly they did not intend to throw the labour on me but they wished me nearer for consultation It would be vastly better to be at R. as a center of Home Miss. operations provided that I should be continued in that service. But then on the other hand I feel no little reluctance at leaving “my old stamping ground”, and I have no idea at present what decision will be arrived at on the subject. But I allude to it that my counsellors at 150 Nassau St. may express their wishes, it they choose. There is a good deal of variety (which is “the spice of life”) in my present employment and I often think of Paul’s experience and moral elevation. Phil. 4:11-13. But amidst the storms and sloughs, the diurnal and nocturnal annoyances incident to constant travelling, my heavenly father affords me many soft Indian Summer days, many smooth roads and enchanting passages and in his Providence gives me an introduction to many excellent families where I have every substantial comfort that the most princely hospitality could furnish and what is more than all, I am daily thrown into circumstances the very best I could have to exert a personal influence in favor of the Religion I profess to love.If poets have license allowed them to make out their meaning, I suppose that letter writer must have license too to develop their innate egotism, but to return from this digression.From. R. I went to Belvidere which I reached a few hours after the installation services of Rev. Mr. Fanning were over. They seem greatly pleased with their new pastor.On Friday I called on Rev. J.C. Downs at Richmond, a neat and thriving village 1 1/2 miles from the State Line and 30 from Little Fort. I spent an hour or two very pleasantly with that Br. He too seems to be compelled to build a house, but has managed it well (I opine) and will soon have it ready for occupancy. We walked out to see it, He was just then laying the underpinning. We knelt down among the shavings and consecrated it to the Lord. I was much leased with the account he gave of the condition of things at R. and at Ringwood between which he divides his time.I passed through McHenry Village and reached Waukegan where I spent the night with Br. Parsons, I was surprised at the amount of wheat going into market, the number of inhabitants (3000) and the prospect if that sea port. It is becoming an important center of influence and I regretted that I could not yield to his request to spend the Sabbath there and preach the cause of Home Missions. On Saturday I made my way northwest to Father Dodge whom I failed to find the day previous. I spent 3 hours with him. And taking his own account (for I had no opportunity to see any of his people) I would exhibit him as a model Home Missionary. Having been 40 years a teacher in Salem Mass, he is 67 years of age, has been now 6 years preaching to a missionary church which from 20 has grown to 60 members. He would not stay with them except they build a sanctuary. He preaches twice and superintends the Sabbath school. They have also Bible Classes for the adult males & females. He lectures some on the Sabbath on the new Testament in course and in answer to my inquires, I learned that he has weekly prayer meetings, has 3 classes in the shorter catechism and preaches on weekday evenings in the adjoining settlement. He showed me a circular signed by Brs. Bascom, Los, Farnam & Miller of Aurora & several laymen proposing a Convention to unite Presbyterian & Cong. for sundry reasons and especially to throw off the responsibilities of Gen. Assembly for action or inaction on slavery & asked my opinion. I expressed the opinion that it would not meet the views of the body fully and therefore would only make another division in place of union. And I have no doubt that if we should go into it unanimously it would not satisfy the agitators for one half year before they would next demand of us to cut loose from the Home & Foreign Board.At the setting of the sun I reached Br. Payne’s and found that my appointment to preach for him had not been received and he had gone to exchange with Br. Drake.Sabbath morning I started with the earliest dawn and rode to Half Day (25 miles from Chicago) 11 miles and preached on Home Miss & took up a collection of $3.50 which please acknowledge as coming from Cong. Ch. at Half Day and charge to me. The preacher Br. Cook of Ottawa Presbytery informed me of his preference for A. Miss., but was willing his people should contribute to A.H.M.S. From what was told me afterwards I think a favorable impression was made and that some of them as least will not be prepared to abandon a society that has made the moral condition of Northern Ill. what it is. While I have been detained here under the Dentist’s hands I have seen several of our Home Missions and counselled them and am now ready to depart for Lockport.A great effort is being made to prejudice the common mind against the A.H.M. & the A.B.C.F.M. under the pleas that they are lending their mighty influence to sanction slavery.Yours very truly,A. KentI wish this communication was handsomely copied but should I do that it would be detained or applications with held.______Morris, Nov. 5, 1850Dear Br.,I have had an interview with Br. Henderson and also with a leading member Br. Parmeder and though their application is not as full in its statements as required yet I have gained the requisite information by inquiries. Their strength has been weakened by removals and they had a hard struggle to make out the sum pledged but they have paid all but 1 1/2 dollars and they have had some good men added lately from whom they expect to receive aid.They think it is the utmost they can do this year to raise 200.They express intense satisfaction with their minister and earnestly desire to retain him. I would therefore recommend the appropriation asked. Brother Henderson has just entered a small neat house which he thought himself competent to build.A. KentThis village grows and is likely to be the commercial center of a comparatively new but growing county.______Galena, Nov. 20, 1850Dear Br.I have reached home in safety after 6 weeks absence and having made a long journey over almost my whole field. I have just read your letter which from circumstances was particularly timely at least to my own feelings and was gratified that you thought of me when you were too sick to be at the office. I am oppressed with the work that crowds upon me as I return home and what must your correspondence be!I am almost afraid to open my budget to you at this time for I have assumed and presumed more that I ever had occasion to before.It is in a word to commission to men for exploring services in Grundy Co. and the region south of it.I think I wrote you concerning Br. W.J. Murphy who had been connected with the Old Sch. Body and has a certificate greatly commendatory of his zeal and success in missionary labors. His health failing he settled down on a farm in Grundy Co, but he has so far recovered that he has commenced preaching and would labour in our service if it is divined as he has no preference for issues. I encouraged him and engaged to meet him at Morris Nov. 5 but he did not arrive until just at night and 1/2 hour after I left.In the mean time he misapprehended some remarks made to him by Br. Henderson and thought he was not wanted. But now expresses a desire to join us because he can labour near home and near his feeble wife. And on my part I am anxious to retain him in our service and send Br. Day to the field where the Old School brethren would send Murphy if he should enter their service, c.c., up and down the Vermillion River presenting a vast destitution in the counties south of Will & Grundy. It is represented to me that the harvest is white there and has been neglected. Br. Pendleton whom I have seen since states that he visited Middleport and found materials there 3 years ago for a Presb. church which has not yet been organized.Br. Alva Day is a man in middle life, his sons are grown up and he has left Lisbon because of the Slavery agitation there had divided them.. He has engaged in this exploring work for which I think he has some qualification (though I may have misjudged) and I believe that we need that kind of labour more than any other. And another consideration that has had great influence with me is that the Central Road from Chicago to Mobile will probably pass along that route which will give importance to a district now comparatively valueless.I ask that Br. Murphy and Day should be commissioned to labour, the one in the south part of Grundy Co., and Br. Day to labour on the Vermillion River and its vicinity while Br. Loughead will occupy the north half of the county perhaps go into the edge of Kendall Co. I have had no conversation about the amount they will receive but suppose the Society will assume their whole support for the first year.I have another application, it is for the support of Br. Pendleton who occupies a position at once unique and interesting. I have spent a Sabbath there and have looked carefully into his movements and am well satisfied that he is going a great good work. Two years since I visited him and he showed me a beautiful spot where he proposed to build a Female Seminary to educate teachers. I visited him 2 weeks since. He has finished his edifice 40x40 with 21 rooms and it is occupied by a family of 40 and at an expense of some 300 dollars. He has preached in the Sabbath at Milo at the Seminary also where he has a congregation of 75 including some from the Village of Henry where he would preach but they have not even a school house but he hopes to be accommodated there by & by/ He has two other points for preaching and having now secured 3 teachers he hopes to give himself to his appropriate work. I had much conversation on that point and warned him against worldly mindedness. He told me that there was a good deal of interest in the school last winter and 8 or 10 hopeful conversions and the whole management of the school was calculated to promote a high tone of moral feeling.I shall propose an account of his movements there and send you, which will excite admiration.He asks for $100 for the Milo Church and $150 to sustain him in his labours at Henry and vicinity which with 50 which he expects to receive from the people there will male in all $300 dollars and I would certainly hope it may be granted.I spent the last Sabbath at Lockport by appointment and assisted at communion but did not present the cause of Home Miss for they has an agent of the ??? Union to preach in the evening and take a collection and that took precedence, besides there are in a broken and divided condition by reason of the Codding influence. The great antislavery lecturer Codding has become a disorganizer and is out against every body & any thing that does not fall in with his views and is doing incalculable mischief at Lockport and Joliet, where I called yesterday to confer with Br. Reed and Br. Woodruff, a leading man in the church. It is said that he pleases the infidels and Universalists and worldly men and a large number, say 1/3 of the members at Lockport leave their own church to follow him. Under these circumstances Br. Farnum decided to leave and I have been authorized to recommend another man to visit them. They have lost several of their best men by death and removals (to California) and are greatly discouraged.But Lockport is an important point and with its Home Church and good bell it ought not be given up.I written suggesting to Br. Pearson to go there. I have this day had an interview by appointment and a precious session of praying with Brs. Henderson, Loughead and Day and was disappointed in not having Br. Murphy also present of whom I wrote you that he was Old School but wishes to join in with us. After a long discussion we formed the plan to experiment. Henderson to confine himself to missions he wishes to do, Loughead take the north side of the River which ought to afford him ample field, especially if he extends it to a destitution in Kendall Co. Murphy to occupy the south part of the County and Brookfield in LaSalle and Br. Day to go on an exploring mission on the Vermillion from Lowell up to Pontiac and its head waters. This plan will involve a heavy expense...But I think the field is white and ready for the harvest & I have great hopes that those two men will be efficient as explorers and that is a kind of service that few are willing to engage in, and, of those, very few have the required qualifications. Br. Alva Day is man of some years and experience and I think it an acquisition to get him to engage in such a service. Br. Murphy misunderstood what was said to him by Br. Henderson thinking he was not wanted, has partly engaged himself to the Old. Sc. Presbytery. But from what has transpired we think he may yet be secured to our service — quite an acquisition I judge from the certificate of Dr. McDowell. The Vermillion Country is growth as yet unbroken and being along where I suppose the Central R.R. from Cairo will run it is important to occupy it because the Old School brethren have already got their eyes upon it.Should you prefer to have him commissioned to labour within the bounds of his Presbytery it be so arranged if you so direct in the matter and in that case I should wish to hear soon. I was obliged to leave without seeing Br. Murphy and have requested that Br. Day & Henderson see him and ascertain whether he will concur with the arrangements and then shall make a more formal application for one or both.Having ridden 12 miles in the rain and mud this afternoon I am lodged with Br. G. Jackson of the Grafton Church who represents Br. Loughead as very acceptable to the people both in the pulpit and in private conversation.I should have stated that Br. Day was one of the Ottawa Presbytery who seceded but he is now heartily sick of the movement and will return to his Presbytery.I intend to give some further particulars of my tour when I get time but these applications could not wait. Br. Murphy’s commission should date back to Oct. 7 as he has been some time preaching in his field. Br. Day should commence about the 9th of November.All which is respectfully submitted by your unworthy Brother in Christ, A. KentP.S. Br. Pendleton is in Br. Kirby’s district but as I was acquainted with the man and the facts and Br. Kirby has never visited him, I thought I should be pardoned in the thing. On reflection I conclude to enclose also Br. Murphy’s last letter.______Galena, Il., Nov. 26, 1850Dear Br.,I will add some things from the journal of my late tour in which I visited every county in my district.Leaving Ottawa where I mailed a letter, I visited Lowell to which I believe I have made reference. And I should have then gone to Peru & Lasalle & to be at the ordination at Dover of Br. E.G. Smith, but I have promised to carry a little girl to Henry to school and I intend to give you some account of that school hereafter. Having spent a Sabbath with Br. Pendleton I made my way Monday to Wethersfield and spent a night with Br. D. Gore. I attended a meeting of their Library Association and made an Address in their neat new church on the progress of improvements in Ill. since I came to the state. Things look well, very ell here.Tuesday I passed through Cambridge (County seat of Henry) and while waiting to see Br. Osborne I attended a meeting of the R.I. & Peru Rail Road Directors. This road will soon give life & breath to the great desolate prairies I have passed over coming the last 2 days and have the necessity of occupying the important points here as well as on the great Central R.R. and the G[alena] & Chicago R.R.. But where are the men to perform the work of exploration?I spent the night at Andover and in the morning called on your Swedish Missionary Rev. Esbjorn, but he was not at home. That day I passed through Preemption in Mercer Co, and reached in the evening Edgington where Br. Strong preached. Elder Parmeter is dead and they are discouraged and threaten to disband. But I tried to rally them because the Old School Organization is not likely to accomplish any good. I have no man for them and none for Mercer Co, which is but poorly supplied by one Old School Br. I persuaded Br. Hold (Br. Ripley will supply for him) to go down and spend a Sabbath at Keithsberg (County seat) where there is now no preaching.If we had an efficient man for the field I would send him to preach half his time at Edgington and to occupy the other half in exploring the west half of Mercer which is entirely neglected by Old & New School Presbyterians.Worldliness threatens to destroy the church at Edgington. I saw an affecting exhibition of it in the family where I was directed to make inquiries, They evidently at first shrink form a visit by the agent of H.M. so intent were they on securing the crop of 100 acres of corn estimated to yield 50 to 60 bushels tot he acre. I called on several of the members. Br. Cady left a bad impression by disappointing them after they twice came up to his own terms, Such was the representation. The next day I rode to R. Island and conversed with Brs. Osborne, Holt and Porter, and having heard that the Ch. at Port Byron had secured the services of Br. Thompson of Iowa, I passed directly up Rock R. to Shannon & spent the night with Br. Martin. He is disappointed in not having his commission date back to July when he commenced his labours. And in view of this fact as well as from personal observation of their straits which they bore without complaining, I volunteered to request him to make out a list of such things as he would by if he was in Galena and the money. He did so, after stating the case in two prayer meetings, I collected what was given with great cheerfulness enough to fill a large box of things both old & new and almost everything he put down, and sent it off yesterday. I did this the more readily because from my own observation and reports from Indiana I hope much from him. I think he will be an exploring labourer.I reached Lyndon the place of my Sabbath appointment Saturday P.M. They are quite anxious to obtain a minister & a part of them think they did wrong to permit Br. Blanchard to leave them. His labours were blessed. They have a fair church building which will soon be finished. It is a gravel house. Rock River furnished the finest gravel for that purpose. There are some ultra men there which will make it more difficult to unite on a good man. I preached on the Home Miss. but did not think it expedient to “lift” a collection. On my way home I passed through Union Grove and met Br. Wheeler, who inquired after his commission, He is by instructions preaching at Garden Plains, U. Grove and Como at which he is to make his principle effort. I spent the night at Savannah. Things are all “at loose ends” there. And as Br. Emerson has signified his wish to withdraw from the field I am very anxious to occupy the ground, for though now a small village (say 500) yet at the point where the central RR is to unite the upper Miss with Iowa it has a prospective importance and in the meantime Br. Hildreth came along and expressed great sorrow for past events, great anxiety to resume pastoral duties and a readiness to go where ever I would send him. I felt embarrassed, named over various point and finally recommended him to go to Savannah and after surveying the ground & spending a Sabbath to write me.I enclose an application from R. Island which I overlooked when I closed my last letter. I have received a box of bibles and will write to the donor Mr. Ed. Taylor. I paid 250 cents freight on the box. I will let Br. Day report progress in his own words.Yours as ever,A. Kent______Peru, Lasalle Co., Dec. 10, 1850Dear Br.It is winter “and no mistake” to use a phrase in common use. I left Galena about 12 days since under a conviction that I ought to visit this place and Lasalle having been requested by br. Dickinson to visit and advise him concerning these two rival villages. And thinking it probable that my journey would be more pleasant...I have had a rough and stormy trip thus far but with good health and the back of a good horse I got along very well where is would be impossible to travel as fast on wheels.I made my way past Ottawa because I hoped there to find (at Presbytery) Brs. Dickenson, Williams, Day, Henderson, Murphy & Gould, each of whom I wished to see. I found only Williams and Day there. And anxious to take Lowell and Granville on my hither I went across the Ill. River. I spent a night at Lowell with Br. Williams in that part of his present field. He thinks it his duty to confine his labours to South Ottawa and vicinity and at his request the Lowell Ch. has written Br. Bristol to visit and preach to them (they have heard him once.)Having called on Br. Ware and inquired about affairs at Granville and dined with Br. Clark and inquired about the fine points of his field, I started Friday P.M. for this place and having rode 5 miles was told that the ice on the River was running so that I could not cross. I returned over the same road, the roughest I ever travelled to Granville and spent the Sabbath, sorry to fail of meeting my appointments at Peru and Lasalle. I wondered why Providence had hedged up my way. The discussions that detained me Monday morning may yet show why.The condition of things on this wise, Lowell is feeble and Granville and Hennipin are very feeble. The latter us ground occupied by Methodists and Universalists giving but little promise of success to our efforts. The former weakened by the secession recently of a majority of the Church on account of their abhorrence of the Home Miss. So. Describing the reason on their dislike to Br. Clark who has embraced Cedar Point as one of his posts of missionary service. Br. Swan of Cedar Point being present the question of the propriety of organizing a church which would weaken still more the Lowell & Granville Ch. This brought up a survey of the whole field. And the Brethren at G. said they were agitating the question of giving up the ground to the majority and uniting with Father Dickeys Ch. at Union Grove. Brs. Clark and Swan and myself opposed that plan for the following reasons. Granville is central, they have a flourishing academy having 60 scholars and a pious excellent teacher. His valuable auxiliary is now in the sails of the ministry and would go down or go under another influence. The minority has bid off the meeting house at $1000 which is less than its value. And the united judgement of the caucus was that if they could get under way and show the aspect of strength the other party would break in pieces from its own inherent evils..Hence the conclusion was reached unanimously (whether Br. Clark should be employed again or not in that field) that Granville church must be sustained (at present at least).After this discussion I came to the River (9 miles) and crossed in safety. Called on Br. Lathrop and Baldwin of Lasalle and spent the night with Rev. McMillan by whose comfortable fire I am writing, and to whom I will give a letter of introduction to be delivered in Feb.I has a long and anxious conversation with Br. McMillan respecting the state of Religion in Peru and in their church. Here is a population of 1500 or 1800 and no other centers of moral influence but a feeble Methodist and a very feeble Presbyterian Church which last exhibits but little vitality and exerts but little influence. There is a doubt on the minds of ministers in this vicinity on the mind of McMillan and my own and on that of Br. D. also (evidently from his letters to me) whether he ought to occupy this field. He is greatly respected but seems to fail in the energy, tact and boldness and directness and pungency necessary for such a station as this. He has laboured under a great depression of spirit since the death of his wife and he is apprehending another similar trial which has taken him away to South Port and prevented me from meeting him here and I have left a line for him suggesting that in view of his trials and the embarrassments of his field, he ought to feel at liberty to change his position if he thinks it promotes his usefulness and comfort and to presume that another man may occupy his place at Peru, or at least if his mind inclines him to but he can ask advice of his Presbytery, I have conversed considerably with Brs. Baldwin and Lathrop who tell me that ..they want a Cong. minister of some force and experience to come and organize and build them up. They have written to Br. Clark of Elgin. he has consulted me about leaving his people and I advised him first to them and state his embarrassment which I understand he has done. The question of relative importance of these rival villages is an open question. You have doubtless heard one side from Br. Baldwin. You can if you choose, hear Mr. McMillan’s views. I feel anxious for Peru. They want a man there who can move a heavy load and carry it along.We have at this moment several vacant churches where Congregational Ministers of great promise may find fields of usefulness worthy of their attention and other vacancies where ministers of other denomination would be alike acceptable. But what shall we do? we cannot get men from the East and we are opposed in our project to establish a Theo. Seminary among ourselves. What means the apathy of pious parents that there should be such a decrease of candidates for the ministry. Have they forgotten the prayer the Redeemer has put into their mouths. Hence they lost sight of the territory stretching off northward and southward and westward to the Pacific.What means the sad tidings which are wafted to us from California. why are the intervening barrens strewed with deserted waggons, and the...I feel for our increasing destitutions and I am painfully reminded of a remark in a letter of our lamented Br. Dr. White: “Young men must be brought into the ministry in greater numbers of Salvation must wait.”My dear wife has forwarded here several letters. I forward Br. Hildreths letter. He came to Galena to see me. he appears heartily tired of his present situation and very anxious to be employed. I could think of no field adapted to him but told him of Savanna, its present destitute and unpromising condition and its prospective importance as the point on the Central R.Road where it touches the Mississippi. Br. Pearson’s letter I enclose as it contains information but which you need not presume.Having done all I can here in the absence of Br. D. I am ready to go and call at Dover and Lamoille.Yours affectionately,A. Kent______Peru, Lasalle Co., Ill., Dec. 11/50Dr. Badger, Dear Br.,I take pleasure in making you acquainted with Mr. John H. McMillan an excellent Brother who goes to New York to purchase goods in Feb. and will give you an opportunity to make further enquiries respecting the moral condition of this village of one who is able to answer them.Yours very affectionately,A. Kent[1851]For the [Prairie] HeraldTO THE HOME MISSIONARIES OF NORTHERN ILLINOISThe Agent of the American Home Missionary Society after expressing his unfeigned regard and tender sympathy would remind them that much is expected of them. The community expects they will be upright and exemplary men, that they will be honest, benevolent, diligent and self denying, meek and forbearing.The churches expect much. They look to them as leaders in every good work, and will be disappointed if they do not speed the progress of benevolent enterprise by every practicable means. They expect them to be spiritually minded themselves, and to be foremost in every effort to promote the higher tome of piety in others.The Society expects that Home Missionaries will expend all their energies in the service of the Church, while they draw as little as possible from the Lord’s treasury. True, they must provide for their families and must be allowed seasons of relaxation. But yet it is expected of them that they will practice a rigid economy, that they and their families will be examples of frugality, neatness and thrift— that they will submit cheerfully to such privations or positive self-denial as Providence assigns them, and that they will both in public and in private urge upon the feeble churches the duty of making such strenuous efforts to support the Gospel without foreign aid, as will foreshow and foster their future growth and efficiency.The Society expect[s] they will be so devoted to their appropriate work that their minds and their hands, their professional studies and their general reading, their public services and parochial visits, their cogitations by day and their dreams by night will all lead of in that direction.They will be expected to preach with plainness and pungency, in season and out of season, on Sabbath and on week days, by daylight and by moonlight, and by private visits and exhortations to train their people to active service. By promoting Temperance and every species of moral reform, by establishing Sunday Schools, Prayer meetings and Bible classes, and by laboring unremittingly in the neglected work of catechising the children and youths, and thus furnishing them with a knowledge of the doctrines and duties of our holy religion, and for their encouragement they may be cited to Baxter’s R. Pastor, a volume which may be had of the American Tract Society by application. They will be expected to advocate revivals and to foster and direct them. In a word they will be expected to lay themselves out to advance the cause of Christ by every practicable method and for these several reasons,1) They are entirely consecrated to the work. They have not only chosen this service to the exclusion of all else that may interfere, but they have been spart [sic] to it by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, and we look for high achievements from one who devotes the entire energies of body and mind, and that for a whole life, to a single object.2) We have a right to expect that such men will be devoted and successful because they are employed and paid to do that very work.3) Much is expected of Home Missionaries because they have many facilities. It is then if ever we look for zeal and efficiency when a man serves a good master and loves his work.— He carries with him credentials which ensure respect and constitute his passport to a favorable regard even though he presses unwelcome truths upon their attention, and indeed the church (not to say the community at large) will complain of him if he does not visit them and converse upon personal religion.4) His efficiency is facilitated by the auxiliaries furnished to is hands. The publications of the Bible, Tract, Sunday School, Temperance and Peace Societies are all coadjutators with him— The officers and private members of the church are pledged to help him. He has moreover the influence of the Divine Spirit and the public sentiment of a Christian nation and the conscience of each individual transgressor on his side. And then he too is an agent of Government. That government is an absolute monarchy whose empire is the universe and the whole power of the throne is eternally pledged to sustain him.He may therefore and ought to call often and loudly for help, and while he is thankful for single drops he should expect and pray for bountiful showers. Such an one may well endure hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Christ in the execution of his high trust.The Agent of the American Home Missionary Society feels justified in addressing a word of exhortation to the churches aided by its funds.The men whose services you enjoy are either chosen by yourselves or sent you by that benevolence which seeketh not her own. As messengers of God make them fell that they are welcome. They have a burden of duty to discharge, and the churches owe reciprocal duties to their missionaries.Allow me then while I sympathize with you in the embarrassments which press upon feeble churches of the West (for I know both how to be abased and how to abound,) allow me to suggest some of these reciprocal duties which grow out of your mutual relations.You ought to esteem them very highly in love for their work. As accredited Ambassadors of your Sovereign they are entitled to respect, and if you love the Commissioner, you will love those whore are commissioned by him. You may perhaps detect in them some foibles but throw your mantle over them at once, for love covereth a multitude of sins, Let your conviction of their worth and your high estimation of the value of their services induce you to obey their instructions, to sympathize in their trials, and to exercise forbearance when they seem to you to have committed errors and even when the time they are tenacious in adhering to them.It will also be your duty to contribute to their support. If they are true men they will lay themselves out to promote by all the energies they possess your spiritual advancement, and you in turn will do what you may to facilitate their temporal comforts. You cannot indeed support them alone. But you can do something—enough at least to show a willing mind, enough to lessen the burden which the Society has assumed.Be assured your missionaries will meet with many trials and some privations, but they will seem much lighter if he perceives in you a desire to do all you can for his comfort. Make them feel that it is a pleasure to minister to their necessities. When you give do it with cheerfulness and when you curry provisions in payment of subscriptions be sure you give him a good article and in good measure, pressed down and shaken together, and if you err in any way let it be as the servant of Boaz was required to do, “let fall some handfuls of purpose.” A donation of a little present from an individual will cheer his spirits like the clear shining of the sun after rain. One thing more. Let me especially enjoin that you steadily cooperate in his plans of doing good. United action is powerful and id a church would be efficient they must act in concert with their pastor, and with one another. It may cost you some self denial especially when the service required relates to the revival of spiritual religion or when it pertains to those nominal services, such as preparing the house and the lights, which any one may do, and which are already enough to neglect, and remember if your zeal falters here it will be as when a standard bearer fainteth.A Word to Missionaries and Churches conjointly.It is to urge the importance of meetings for prayer. Vain are our expectations that religion will flourish while these are neglected; and I question the propriety of sustaining a missionary in places where there is no prayer meeting or even where it seems to be a forced measure.I am not unapprised of the difficulties which must be encountered where the population is sparse, the members widely dispersed, the roads bad, their means of conveyance very illy adapted to speed or comfort, and the purpose of secular duties very great. And there is but one answer to all of these.The prayer meeting must be sustained. It is essential to Christian fellowship and personal sanctification, and all the sacrifices it involves should be cheerfully undergone. The want of such a meeting is evidence of feebleness that should awaken apprehension. There is a leak in the ship which must be stopped, or all will be lost. To maintain a prayer meeting no turn nor effort nor sacrifice should be spared. If the roads and attendance forbid their approach in the evening they should go by day, and if they cannot ride, they should go on foot. If they are so fatigued during harvest that they cannot enjoy the meeting in the afternoon, let them assemble in the morning and devote the best hours of the day to the best work. They will lose nothing by it, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Oh what a refreshment to the tired nature of the harvest man to leave his fields and go on Wednesday morning to the prayer meeting. What a rebuke to that worldly minded professor whose zeal for money making hath eaten him up, and what an impression of the excellence of our religion would those singular acts of sanctified Christians make upon the ungodly around them. Will it be too much then to ask you brethren to review this whole matter and enquire what are the means that operate to keep you from such a meeting.Is it the distance, the pressure of duty, or are there not other reasons underlying these, such as indifference, a positive dislike or perhaps an apprehension that if you attend you will be obliged to take part and thus condemn the inconsistency of your ordinary conduct?Agent__________________Galena, Jan. 29, 1851Rev. Mr. BadgerDear Br.I returned yesterday (40 miles) in despite of a severe snow storm in my face from Stephenson Co., where I have spent 2 weeks during which I preached 8 times and made 40 pastoral visits in what has been known as Richland Settlement. The blessed work of grace at Freeport which added 49 (31 by prof. and 18 by letter) to the Church Sabbath before the last and 120 & the Methodists, and a number to the Baptists, Etc. has extended somewhat over the County. Learning that the Methodists at Cedarville (a village springing up in that vicinity) were great;y excited, I went hastily to look after that part of the Presbyterian Ch. of Freeport who resided there and my visit has resulted in organizing a Presb. Church of 16 members, all but 3 divided from Freeport. And it was well I did for an Old School minister would have gathered them into his fold (especially the Irish Presb.) He had been about informing them of our heterodoxy. I met him at one of the houses and challenged him to prove his assertions as I claimed to have been orthodox 30 years ago (he is a young man of 30), and he ought not to slander his brother. He cited me to Mr. O. Parker and Finney. I informed him that neither of them belong to our denom. The county is peopled almost entirely by Pennsylvanians & foreigners. There are no Yankees there except at the county seat.Br. Wheeler’s report will accompany the other applications, and I have written advising him to make a vigorous effort to raise a subscription for his support and write us.Yours affectionately,A. Kent_________Galena, Feb. 4, 1851Dear Br.,Yours of Jan. 21 has been received and I have forwarded the Commissions of Brs. Murphy & Day. Perhaps I erred in judgement when I encouraged then both to expect commissions especially without first referring it to your committee. I approve the views your com. takes of the subject and rather wonder why I should have taken so long a step and reflecting the matter over in connection with your remark that the amount of expenditure is disproportionate to what you are able to do for other destitutes. It has thrown me back upon the habit of my own mind. I have been in the habit of cherishing the idea that the great want is that of more men and that whenever I could lay hold of a good man I must not fail to secure him. I am inclining still to think that Br. Day will make his influence felt and that we shall trace results that will be permanent. With respect to Br. Murphy I know nothing but what is contained in the certificate I sent you. I have tried 3 times to see him and have been “let hitherto.” And I was influenced too by a desire to have him in our connection rather than to have an Old School Organization thrust into our field as they seem determined to be at all hazards. And in every place in this and the contiguous states I am willing they should do all the good they can but I feel somewhat indignant when they come to our members (as one of their ministers did 2 weeks since when he was about organizing a church in Stephenson Co,) and tell that we are not orthodox. And with respect to the field they occupy, It is entirely new ground which has been neglected and I has not there seen so fully as I now do the propriety and economy of restricting missionaries to half pay and thus making it necessary for them to lean harder upon the people to whom they minister.In relation to Port Byron, I think the field is limited for so large an appropriation but as Br. Reed had introduced a man there I did not feel at liberty to question the propriety of the course. Br. Wheeler occupies a very larger field if we count up the destitute lairs that open around him.I have been quite concerned but I should not do the right thing in relation to Br. Hildreth. On the one hand I perceive there is a strong distrust of his adaptiveness to be useful in New York and where he is best known, on the other such evidence of repentance and a desire to be at his proper work that I could not refuse to point him to Savanna where the Com, have refused to sustain him on the alleged ground that the appropriation asked is too much. They have made a vigorous effort to raise a larger sum and are about to apply for 200 only. And unless his demerits are more serious that I have supposed I shall hope he may be commissioned both on his own account and the of the people there for it he is at all successful he will root out the influence of the Unitarian whose persevering efforts threaten to lay foundations that cannot by and by be overturned. And the fact that the very men who have sustained Woodward are so largely committed to Br. Hildreth seems to indicate that it is not yet too late to redeem Savanna form the blight of Unitarianism.Br. Pendleton's achievements astonish me. I spent 3 days with him and looked carefully into his operations. How one little man & poor and withal a missionary preaching every Sabbath and providing for a family could within 2 years have projected, gathered on a naked prairie all the materials and all the labourers and finished a tasteful & commodious building 40 feet square and containing 21 rooms all well arranged and could have more over filled it in every nook and corner with the sons & daughters of serve at an expense of $3000 is to me a mystery.At my request he has furnished a plain and unvarnished history of the enterprise which I enclose. I do not perceive a high exaggeration. He consented to furnish this statement because he wants by means of it to procure some aid from the East in obtaining beds and other furniture for the pupils rooms without the trouble of bringing their own furniture from a distance.I had much pleasant conversation and endeavored to be faithful in guarding him against worldly mindedness. The church at Milo is small and poor and can raise bit $25 and he hopes to receive the same amount from individuals at Henry. And he asks 250 (i.e. 125 for Milo and 125 for preaching at the Academy.) His school of 60 together with those that come from the village make a congregation of 75. He has a very pleasant chapel and recitation room in the attic and a more interesting congregation than usually falls to the lot of Home Miss. to address. Nor is his preaching without effect for he reckons 10 as the converts of last winter, several of whom incidentally came in my way. The family arise at 5 and the young ladies assembly with Mrs. P. and spend 1/2 an hour in silent reading of scripture and prayer (for want of room to be alone) 10 minutes being allowed at the close for their questions on what they have read. After which 40 crowd around the breakfast table, repeat each a verse and there family prayer is had before they leave/ It appears to me therefore that novel and visionary as his project seemed at first that he is evidently doing great work and he ought to have more rather than less than his modesty had solicited. And this token of our confidence will stimulate him to increase his zeal in pastoral duties. And I do not feel wiling to lose such a man from the ministry. I encouraged him to expect 250 on condition that he devote himself to his professional duties. He replied that he had now got through building and secured good teachers so that he could now give himself to his appropriate work. I do not say that your committee should sustain such enterprises ordinarily but I do say that if there is one of their members that can go and survey attentively the whole establishment and not say that he has accomplished as much as ordinary ministers, I shall be disappointed.Things are in a very embarrassing state at Henry. The church is exceedingly weak and they have disposed of the school house so that they have not now any place for preaching except at the Seminary which is a mile distant.Yours in the best bonds, A. Kent__________Galena, Feb. 5, 1851Dear Br.,I have just had a visit from an Elder in the church at Buffalo Grove saying that Br. Gray had not received his commission and I told him that I had my doubts whether the people has done what they could for his support and it was probably delayed because the Committee too had doubts.He seemed to think that they had done what they could and he seemed to be more than ever encouraged in the prospect of Br. Gray’s usefulness. He says he has visited about and secured the confidence of the community more than any one they have ever had. He further says, moreover, that he draws so large congregations that they cannot get into the house and they will be obliged to build greater. I hope therefore if they are aided this year they will soon be able to support him without foreign assistance. Since writing the above I have received yours of the 31 ult. from which I perceive you jogged the wrong people. The Mount Carrol people are really feeble and unable to do much but it was the congregation at Buffalo Grove that I suspected of being too willing too lean upon the H. M. Society. I have however no objection to a jog from your committee now and then to most of our churches that have had aid for 2 years or more years.On my return yesterday from Babel (near Babel Diggings) and 4 miles from Chelsea, where I preached last Sabbath and am engaged to preach again Friday, Sat. & Sabbath next hoping to prepare the way to organize a church. I called at Shullsburg to say that they must do something for Mr. r. of he must be removed. I found that Br. Esty considered himself pledged to pay all the rent and some 30 dollars besides and he promised me immediately to circulate a subscription for the year ending in Ap. He moreover seems resolved when the time comes to take hold of the effort to build a church.Your affectionately,A. Kent_______Galena, Ill. Feb. 20, 1851Rev. Mr. BadgerDear Br., Br. Gray has sent me his commission and has declined acting under it — says 150 is 50 less than the least sum that will suffice and 100 is no more than he ought to have and add “Do place some man on this field whose integrity will not be doubted.”In reply I have assured him that the reduction was no reflection on him but probably grew out of my suggestion that the Buffalo Grove people ought to de more and I have expressed the opinion that that larger congregation of people with farms (and not new settlers) can raise the amount. And if the effort is made and they fall short I will pledge the Society to make up the 100 but not until they have subscribed at least 50. In saying these things I have been governed by my knowledge of facts. I am informed that Br. Gray is labouring with unwonted faithfulness on that field and is very useful there (Br. Magoun concurrs in these views).I enclose Br. Days quarterly report. To me it is exceedingly interesting, especially in view of the prospect that the Chicago Branch of the R.R. (Central) will go near that settlement. And this render all those desolate prairies valuable. Br. Day is some what advanced in years (say 45), has been moderator of our synod, and I think it an acquisition to get such a man for an explorer. And I shall feel it my duty to retain him on that field this year even if he must have 300— for I regard the 200 pla as an ex post facto law!Perhaps my patron Saints in N.Y. will think that I have presumed a little but this is the best decision I can make without further consultation and I cannot consistently visit Br. Day in his field and I should be glad to do so this winter.Br. Powell’s application covers but half his time. I suppose he is yet undecided whether he shall preach at Cedarville and cannot moe in these matters until some time has been consumed. Br. Balwin in a private letter to me speaks of a revival and 20 converts. He has extended out Br. Gould’s labours and I think that Br. G. has prepared the way for great goof to be done in that vicinity.God is blessing Galena but of that anon.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent_____Galena, Feb. 26, 1851Rev. Mr. BadgerDear Br.,You ask your agent to give notices of changes which have taken place within given periods. The first thought was that I have nothing new on that subject, but I began to reconsider ... [illegible]...Annual ReportYou inquire how many churches have passed to a state of Independence. There are several (Rockton, Providence, Princeton, Belvidere, Freeport & Galena and St. Charles, I suppose.)...I have travelled 3905 miles & ...I have preached 126 sermons, have administered the Lord’s Supper to distant churches 7 times, baptized 5 persons. I have visited every county (23) and spent one or two Sabbaths (preaching to the destitute on our Home Miss.) in each of the following counties: Jo Davies, 7 Sabbaths; Stephenson, 3; Winnebago, McHenry, Cook, Will, Grundy, Kane, 2; Putnam,1; Lasalle, 2, DeKalb, 16; Marshall, 1; Whiteside, 2; Ogle.Our “Condition”is that of dependance and we in Northern Ill are drawing necessity upon your Society and you think we are receiving more that our proportion, you must admonish those beneficiary churches who have too willing to stint their pastors or to lean upon Eastern Benevolence.Our Wantsare many. We need more men and better men. There are 12 or 15 churches that are languishing for want of ministers. We who are on the ground need a new ??? from on high, and we ourselves need a larger measure of Divine influence.Our Merciesare infinite and wile we moved over our destitutions and on account of the stupidity that yet prevails, we cannot withhold our grateful acknowledgement for what God has done this last year on this field. Especially in our Presbytery. The brethren.,,went up to Synod at Freeport praying. We had a blessed meeting and it has been followed bu a precious work of grace...a revival of influence in other places until within our bounds 12 churches of the Presbyterian & Congregational denomination have been refreshed and 5 of them have received large accessions to their memberships and ...Galena where a display of Divine mercy is being made at the present moment in all evangelical churches. Among those who signified their purpose to be on the Lord’s side and requested the prayers of the church, one was a lad of 12 who had been emphatically a child left to himself—left to wander at will about the streets. It was not so much that he reminded me of his brother of same age whom the cholera in 33 snatched away from our Sab. School—but rather as a token that God is faithful to his covenent—a token that has a bottle for the tears and register for the prayers of his saints. The mother of that lad, already 9 years in Heaven, was one of 6 who were gathered up form an area 40 miles square to constitute the first church that was organized in the territory north of Sangamon River and west of Michigan Lake.Our ProspectsAre flattering. The prospect is that the district which my agency covers will in 3 or 4 years be so threaded with R. Roads that every area of our immense & fertile prairies will be within 6 hours of as good a market as New York, and every person within 50 hours of the Atlantic and less than that amount travelling time from the Gulf of Mexico. How rapidly will this section of country be prospered, what number of villages & cities will start up as if by magic, and as suddenly almost as the landscape now brown will presently be transformed into an ocean of wild flowers and I allude to it only to show the responsibility of the church to lay broad and deep and quick the foundations of civil literacy and religious institutions. Surely here if any where we may hope that the seed sown by your society will produce an 100 fold.Your Br.,A, Kent_________Rock Island, March 14, 1851Br. BadgerDear. Br.,My annual report has been delayed because I could not catch time to complete it. I was called off unexpectedly to this vicinity and now I have persisted and forwarded it.Enclosed I send credentials of Rev. M. Robinson who says his brothers address is Rev. N.G. Robinson, South Wales, Erie Co., N.Y. and he will furnish like papers. They wish to occupy new ground and operate together. I described Lee Co. (pop some 6 or 7000) as affording such a field. They are pleased with it and are ready to come on, one in May and the other moves in June, or N.C, will wait 6 months if thought best.It was my plan to locate one at Lee Center where they will raise probably 150 or 200, to labour also at Mecgms Grove which is new ground but where a Presbyterian Church will be organized in due time., also at Lamoille which is in Bureau Co. The other my plan locates at Dixon to cover also the church at Grand Detour (6 miles) where 100 would be raised and Gap Grove Church 5 miles from Dixon in the other direction. But having recently been through those fields, I found some doubt expressed whether the Gap Grove Church should be disbanded and part going to Dixon and part to Sterling to meeting.And at Dixon I could find but little encouragement. A leading merchant (Brooks) said he was anxious to have Congregational preaching, but the time had not come quite yet. The prospect of Dixon from its water power (they have a dam) and from its being on the line of the Central R.R. is such as warrants early and vigorous efforts, and so far as I can learn the Baptists & Meth. are not raising its moral Char. very much. Should those 2 men be encouraged to come on this spring to locate both in Lee C., where we cannot expect they will raise more than 350 for both on the whole field in first year, or shall one be sent to Lyndon where a Congregational minister is needed or should one of them be told to wait 6 months. Please send me a prompt reply that I may somewhat to answer.My voice for the first time is hoarse from too much speaking last Sabbath.Yours in haste,A. Kent______Savanna, March 17/51Dear Br.,I sit down to furnish a little record of my movements the last 8 days. Having received letters at Freeport on the 8th which were forwarded to me from Galena, and which seemed to require that I should go to Rock Island, I engaged a layman to meet my appointment at Babel for yesterday. I made my was across the prairie to Byron (Ogle Co.) and spent the night with Br. Pearson to get all the information O could about Lee Co in which he has laboured. He favored the plan of sending the Robinsons into that County. He thinks the prospects are flattering in this new field. His prayer meeting is well attended and he was agitating the question of commencing a series of meetings which I warmly advocated on the ground of a general seriousness in all this region.I called at Grand Detour. They are anxious to get a preacher but have no one secured. At Dixon I called and could find but little encouragement. I spent a night at Gap Grove. Their spiritual states exhibits the necessary results of a long destitution. The O. School church edifice at Sterling, build I believe with funds from the east, still stands without windows & doors. At Como I saw Br. Wheeler a few moments as he was commencing the Exercise of a funeral occasion. He will just raise the greater part of 200 on his field, but has made no effort at Como but leaves that for the action of the church he hopes to organize there in April. He was about to commence a series of meetings at Round Grove where 2 have recently been converted. And at Lyndon they are still destitute and will not be easily accommodated as there are 2 sorts of people there. Spent the night at Sharon. Br. Martin is gaining ground rapidly. He is just such a man as we want to explore Mercer & Lower R. Island Co., and I have written to persuade him to spend 3 or 4 weeks there this spring while his brother who is coming out in May shall supply him.After fording Green River and wading an abundance of mud holes I reached Rock Island and spent a day in anxious deliberation about Br. Holts duty, concerning which he wrote requesting me to visit & advise him. The Church esteems him and appreciates his worth, but many of them think that he cannot be useful there on account of the coldness of his demeanor in private and natural abruptness and apparent hardness in public. The best description I can give. They have had some interest in religion there and some valuable additions. But they say that the congregation is decreasing and families will not join if he is to remain, The church appears to love and stand by him but they are disturbed and know not what to do. I have talked freely with him but it is as hard for him to see his own “errors” as for me to see mine which receive the same directions as I told him. I left without giving any opinion.I called on Br. Hitchcock who is assisting Br. Hill at Albany. He has had a valuable accession this winter. I called on Br. Thompson at Port Byron.. He has had a precious season of refreshing assisted by Br. Cobb and there are some 50 converts, many of whom may join other churches. I reached Albany Saturday evening intending after morning service to go over to Garden Plain and preach in the evening to one of Br. Wheelers congregations but it prove a rainy day and I spent the day assisting Br. Hickcock at Albany. There is good work going on there. Several come forward to be prayed for and one young man at the Hickcock Monday morning prayer meeting stammers aloud “I am happy— I have a new mind and a new heart.” I saw the tears in Br. Gilbert’s eyes and he rose and thanked God for this and another conversion in his family. This young man is an orphan and illiterate. This man Gilbert is a Methodist Br. who made one of that meeting at Prairie du Chien who were gathered at Br. Lockwoods to pray that God would send them a minister. One who lead in prayer and exhortation this morning was a young man of 17 who said that 9 years since he lived next door to me in Galena. He is a growing Christian and wants to study for the ministry. I encouraged him after he had mentioned the indications of Providence pro & con.I forgot to suggest it at the time and after riding 2 miles I called on a member and left “Norman Smith” to be given to the young man’s prayer meeting, hoping it might originate such an exercises. Stopped at the end of 6 miles and called on the widow of O.S. Elder Mitchel and had a very tended and melting time with her and her 3 sons 15, 17, & 19 and little daughter. The eldest said he still had the book I gave him some 10 years ago after prayer. I took my leave and called him out and exhorted him to remember his responsibility to his mother and Br. He was greatly moved — he prays—With such a variety of incidents you may imagine I had a precious season in crossing the lone sand prairie between Albany and Savanna.Spent the night at Bowen’s at Savanna. They seemed pleased with Br. Hildreth and he had bot [sic] a lot and is to move there as soon as he can procure a house. I judge that the movement will serve to break up the Unitarian effort.25th The good work is still going on in the first and second Pres. Churches in this place.Please to answer mt letter speedily concerning the Robinsons that I may reply to them.Yours, etc.,A. Kent________Galena, April 18, 1851Rec. Chas Hall, D.D.Dear Br.,I have just returned from Boone Co. and from Presbytery at Buffalo Grove and I have first of disposed of your letter and Br. Robinson’s 3 saying to him that I do not feel at liberty to invite him to Lee Co. for the reasons that his ....I feel myself embarrassed with your “ex post facto” law in relation to assuming the whole support of a missionary (though I approve fully of the general remarks you make in support of it). But I feel straightened in relation to my own past conduct for I have encouraged Brother Wheeler, Day & Murphy in the fact that they would be sustained.Br. Wheeler is doing well...I would however suspend my judgement on these 2 cases until I have been over the field which I intend to explore in May. Hereafter I intend not to encourage men to expect over 200 dollars unless your Soc. sanction it.We have had many stormy Sabbaths and your missionaries and their agent have had to endure hardness. We had a snow storm of 2 days. The snow blew so violently and fell so fast that was impossible to face it but I went with the wind, rode 40 miles and preached twice next day at Rockford on Home Miss. according to appointment but injured my weak eye...and it is not quite well yet. It was allowed to be the severest storm we have had this whole winter past, many cattle and sheep died.I have been to Shullsburg attended the ordination of Br. Reynard and conversed with Br. Esty who pledges as I understand $100 besides the rent of Br. R’s house but did not think best to circulate a subscription quite yet. He is a man of noble soul and I did not think it best to insist further at present. He also seems determined to make an effort to build a church at Shullsburg this summer. Br. Raynard is very acceptable and laborious and in that part of his field which embraces the Apple River Church (which I remember labouring to keep alive for 2 or 3 years) he has made a favorable impression. It will however be impossible to raise anything there for a while. We spent last Sabbath there and ..was quite astonished to find so large a congregation. ..After surveying the ground and hearing all that they have to say at Buffalo Grove the Comm. on Home Mis are unanimous in recommending Br. Gray should have 50 dollars more. I think they will do more another year.I have received application for aid to sustain Br. Sipes at Lamoille but think it my duty to detain it until I pass that way and make enquiries.I will give you Br. H. Brown’s remark accompanying the application. “I suppose that Br. Sipes is a thorough-going Oberlinite and I am apprehensive is not fitted to be useful in any place. Men who feel that they are perfect are sometimes very perverse.”I have considered what you wrote respecting affairs in Minnesota, and I am very sorry that such alienations should have arisen. I suppose you have seen Br. Neill now and I need say no more except that I shall do and indeed have done already what I could to soften the temper of the parties. I am persuaded that those..do not always discriminate between a zeal for God and a desire to promote an ism.One thing I marked, Br. Neill said he had offered to refer the whole matter to the decision of the Secretaries but that method of arbitration was declined.Last year I found that Brethren were not supplied with your reports on the Eastern part of my field. Please inform me how large is the district which I am expected to supply and I will attend to it. If any are to be distributed from Chicago a notice might be put in the Herald of the Prairies.A. Kent______Elk Horn GroveMay 23, 1851Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,According to promise I hasten to inform you in respect to the application from the Church at Lamoille.We have most abundant rains hither the past week do that the country is flooded, the bridges carried off and the sloughs in the flat country beyond the Ill filled to satiety and a history of my exposures and escapes would be “a caution” to those who propose to be Home Missionaries. But I will only say that I reached Lamoille Wednesday eve. after riding all the afternoon in a powerful rain, and could not call on any but Mr. Bangs whose house was on my way. He represented all the Ch. to be united in Mr. Sikes as I understood him. In the morning when I left the Bureau River which ran between me and Dea. Bakers (on whom I would call) was impassible. And I was about to leave the vicinity without getting any more light. I however by inquiry found one member of the Ch. of whom I learned that Dea. Baker (brother to a Miss. in Bloomington) was dissatisfied and 4 others whose names I have. And before I left the settlement I wrote a line back to Br. Sikes to this effect, that I left his house under the impression favorable to his being commissioned, but that I had since been informed that as many as ten of the male members would prefer another preacher, though they all esteem him highly as a man. And they did not wish to wound his feelings not disappointed expectations they had created - that I was in duty bound to report this fact to the So. and I thought it would be both kind & Christian to state this action of mine to him.He has built a very comfortable house but if obliged to sell it, he need not sacrifice anything on it. I judge that they are determined not to keep him longer than the present year and under all circumstances, I cannot recommend that his commission be renewed and I suspect that a majority of the church will be secretly pleased though they had not courage to express their feelings by a vote.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_________[Ottawa] June [13th], 1851Dr. BadgerDear Br., I have just left Ottawa where I went to attend the meeting of Fox River U. I had had experiences of perils in the mud. It is worse travelling that I ever saw before. On my way down my horse fell over and I was obliged to release him from the wagon before he could get upon his pedestals. I am now returning and I have that same 6 miles to go over tomorrow morning. There is also swimming water between me and my Sabbath appointment at Lee Center where I go also to attend the Winnebago & Ogle Association. But I am hoping I can follow down the stream until I find a bridge. But in spite of perils I have accomplished some thing. I have seen Brs. Leonard, Sikes, E.G. Smith, Dodge, Wells, Loughead and others I wanted to see, also I called on Br. Ira Smith and engaged him to preach at Mechgms Grove hoping to supersede a Mr. Gardner who has gone there but who does not give promise of being suited to the field.My visit has also resulted in getting Br. Hubbard (of Batavia) to succeed Br. Sikes and thus I hope to prevent a difficulty that was likely to grow out of the disclosures of my letter to Mr. Sikes.The meeting of the Fox R. U. has been harmonious and pleasant. I have had opportunity to plead the cause of Home Miss., and to unite with these excellent Brethren in commemorating the tragical exit of their leader and contemplating together his second advent in triumph. But who may advise the day of his coming?I have alluded several times to the Guernsey Frocks. I have recently taken them out and aired them and unless I am otherwise instructed, I shall make another effort to put them off next winter.If you should sent me your reports please to say how far I shall supply/ Last year I did not hear that any were sent to Chicago.I am hoping to see one of the secretaries at Chicago.Yours, etc., A. KentThe above was written hastily (I am obliged to write often) two days ago. I am now safely across the swollen stream ready to preach on the morrow (June 15) to a feeble church fast asleep and without a minister or prayer meeting. I have visited 5 families this morning and prayed with them and intend to visit others.I enclose an application from Chemung with my recommendation and that of the Com. of his Presbytery (Brs. Hart & Eddy) who say however that they are not informed on the subject. I have felt that Br. Smalley like many others has had “too many irons in the fire”, but he promises to give ....to his work. It is my purpose of my experiment to go through there on my way to Waukegan in July and press that point. I injured my weak eye riding in that dreadful snow storm in Apr. to meet my appointments in Rockford and they have been when yesterdays ride injured them again and I am afraid I shall be laid by during the hot weather and unable to go to Chicago but I hope not.Br. Bentley, the writer, is represented to be a very good man living 5 or 6 miles off and both my visits there have been in such bad travelling that I could not see him. I am not yet satisfied that he ought not to give so much of his time to Poplar Grove etc. But I know too is is important to concentrate our efforts in these new fields._______Aurora, June 24/51Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,Please pay the Bearer John E. Vassar eighty seven dollars and charge the same to my account.$87-Aratus KentI should not draw such an order but as this Br. is a colporteur about to return to the east. I could get a good horse and then I should be able to accommodate a missionary many of whom are unable to supply themselves._____Galena, July 3, 1851Rev. dr. BadgerDear Br.,Yours of the 14 ult directed to Chicago overtook me here yesterday. Like every thing else behind the time its season of usefulness ....We were greatly disappointed that the convention was deprived of a representative from 150 Nassau St. You would have been questioned as closely as Dr. Pomeroy was on the subject of slavery. But your explanation was satisfactory. Had I dreamed that you had not been consulted long before about holding such a convention I should have alluded to the matter in a very different manner. One great object in going to Chicago was to see and consult the secretary about various matters and things for which I had made little mention, one of which and the most serious is the difficulty at Minnesota and allude to it again merely to say that I have just parted with Br. Wheeler whose testimony is essential to a correct understanding of the case.I have drawn on you for money to pay for a horse and in this way have supplied Br. Wheeler who was obliged to travel on foot and his field is 20 miles in extent. I have engaged to furnish him a horse for some years and by this means I have ...for my horse is obliged to keep up with his driver and he finds that a pretty hard service.At the convention I met with Br. Whitney whom I engaged to carry and introduce at Lee Center & Grand Detour but while I was detained to hunt a stray horse and get another he engaged himself at Batavia and As I passed trough Lee Center I told them they must blame the horse (who was fastened in disgrace to the back of the waggon) for my failure to bring them a minister. Indeed he has hardly dared to hold up his head since. But he is to have three months penance upon green grass and that upon his bane forage and I hope he will not do so again.Br Wheeler id making his influence felt at all his stations and there will be soon an effort to secure more of his time in different parts of his field. He promised to be one of our most effective men.This letter will hardly deserve to be filed away but I will not assume the responsibility of directing you to dispose of it. I think it will be my duty to make shorter journeys for the present as travelling is so bad, but I have still 5 destitute fields within a days ride.Yours very affectionately,A. KentP.S. Perhaps I ought to add that if Br. Wheeler’s field should be divided one man could extend his labours to resuscitate the Ch. at Gap Grove and make 5 o’clock appointment at Dixon which seems to be difficult to reach in any other way without assuring the whole of his support, at least. Existing denominations will not encourage aid nor abet. I spent Sab. June 8 and could only get one elbow in.______Rockford, July 12, 1851Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,At my request when met at the parsonage under the shadow of the old Oak Tree in Beloit at 5 am on Thursday last 4 of the devoted friends of the A.H.M.S. solicited Brs. Clary (mine host) Pearson, Savage and Kent to review the actions of the Missionary Convention at Chicago on the 20th ult.These Brethren (all present at that meeting except Br. Pearson) expressed their regret that one of the secretaries was not at Chicago (though your explanation was satisfactory) and they all saving myself were disappointed in the action or the body as having come short of that progress which they had hoped it would reach.The remark of Dr. E. Beecher was quoted that the question before them was one of time. The time will come when the A. H. M. S. must take the stand that they will not commission men to labour in slaveholding churches. These brethren (or 2 of them Brs. Clary and Savage) thought the resolution adopted did not meet the views of the Convention and that if another had been thrown in desiring the Society to announce that they would not here after commission men to churches that tolerate salve holders (excepting those who are already on the list of beneficiaries) that such a resolution would have been adopted by the Convention and approved by the great body of our western churches.It seemed to me therefore that these views should be communicated to your Committee and we agreed each in his own way to express his views to our Brothers in New York.Much as I may be stigmatised as a Proslavery man, I still am constrained to say that whenever your Committee feel prepared to take that stand, they may count on me as one who would welcome the announcement. And if the distant echo of so feeble a voice should contribute anything to hasten such a result, I am quite ready to give utterance to it either in the closet or on the house top.I have however more confidence in the judgement of your committee than in my own, and I consider that if the opinion I have expressed be an embodiment of western sentiment it may not be so of the churches at the east, and that constitutes another reason why I should rest satisfied with your course, whatever it may be.Affectionately yours,A. Kent______Galena, Aug. 6/51Rev. Chas. Hall, D.D.Dear Br. I have been led to enquire in view of the letter you wrote ,e sometime since and in view of the doings of the Minnesota Presbytery the report of which had just reached me and in view of my having been repeatedly urged by Br. Neill to visit there whether I had done right in not going up there. I had excused myself on the ground of the pressure of duty and my desire to clear clear of their difficulties as well as because on the secretaries was confidently expected out here this summer and the offices of a subagent would not be accepted.But after hearing and censuring some of the acts of the Presbytery as reported by Br. Spees I blamed myself for not having gone up before and resolved to go directly to Br. Lecombe and get a statement of his own views in order that I might form a judgement for myself.Recalling an appointment 25 miles east of there, I went directly to St. Anthony, passing by Brs. Hall & Neill and Whitney.In his own quiet way Br. Lecombe stated his grievances very freely and yet I have regretted since that I did not ask to see copies of his letter to the secretaries which Br. Holt told me as I passed Dubuque he had seen and without which I am not qualified to judge in the case (and certainly Br. Holbrook is not qualified for he went up and heard Lecombe’s statement but gave Br. Neill no opportunity to explain.)I then called on Mr. & Mrs. Crowell members of the first church in Galena and converts under my ministry. They seemed to be very uneasy under the existing state of things and enquired what would be done. I could give them no satisfaction as Mr. Mr. Lecomb;s movements are shaped with a view to establish a Cong. Ch.I returned next day to St. Paul prepared to point out what I thought had been harsh and discourteous in Br. Neill, which I did and which he admitted as also the haste with which the Presbytery was organized which he had repeatedly regretted in conversation with Br. Lecombe.He then took down his reports and letters and traced the history of the movements and I was silenced and can only say that I should be glad to see the two brothers together in a frank interchange of their views, or what would be vastly better that one of the Sec. should come up and adjudicate for Br. Neill feels that he has not been fully heard. He says he has offered to submit the matter for arbitration but that Br. Lec. refused - has offered to discuss it but he refuses and yet makes representations to the secretaries which are not correct.Br. Lec. said to me that Br. Neill required that he should teach Presbyterianism as a condition of membership in the Presbytery. I said at once that is a misapprehension as you will readily account for in the heat of debate. His position is this. We (the presb) will install any man as pastor over a Presb. Ch. who will be calculated to promote the plan of the church. we will not install Br. Lecombe (if he is called which he is not) because he has imbibed deep prejudices against Pres. etc. Br. Lecombe complains of improper interference in the hasty organization of the church. Br. Neill says that during the year that he preached at St. Anthony he did not do any more than ascertain and report to you the fact that there were 7 Presbyterians and one Cong. at St. An. Br. Whitney states that he organized a Ch. (calling in Br. Neill to assist) because the interests of truth were suffering by delay (other denominations were moving in to build and organize) and he organized a Presb. Ch. because there were there materials for no other.Br. Neill complains that the Church has been languishing for a year while other influences are in full play which are tending to a change in church polity. br. Lecombe states that there are enough Cong. to organize a church. I also visited Br. Williamson and Hall and preceded to Red Rock on Sab. It has been a most painful and self-denying exercise and the only results I have reached is that something decisive ought to be done to promote the interests of our H.M. Society and prevent a division which would not stop at St. Anthony, I fear.As matters now stand, either there must be 2 churches and 2 ministers at St. A. or the Presbyterian Church must be advised to change its organization or Br. Lecombe must be advised to leave and another man occupy the ground.I have had long conversations with Br. Williamson and President Chapin (just returned) and they do not wish to give advice, but I believe they would think a great object gained if Br. Wheeler could be replaced as the Missionary of St. Anthony. ..You have doubtless heard of the death of Br. Hildreth and two ...by cholera. I had begun to hope much from his efforts at Savanna. Br. N.C. Clark will probably leave Elgin and leave an important opening for a successor.May God Almighty lead the Committee to such a course in Minnesota as shall honor God and save souls.Perhaps I should add that Dr. Potts of St. Louis came down in the boat with me and it has been repeatedly predicted that if there is a congregational church at St. Anthony there will be also an Old School Ch.Yours, A. Kent_________Sharon, Nov. 5/51I have heretofore given my views of Br. Pendletons course. I am still of the opinion that he is doing a great good work. he is not only nursing that little church at Milo but he preaches every Sabbath (once) to a very interesting congregation in his house made up of 60 odd scholars and a goodly number of others who have no preaching but his. I spent several days trying to introduce Br. C.R. Clark and to get up a meeting house but failed. I wish however to leave it to you to decide whether you can consistently aid him.I enclose his letter which you may read and destroy I have no doubt but he will get along without our aid, but it seems to me to be right that they should receive what they ask.A. Kent________Cook CountyElk Grove, Sept. 25, 1851Rev. Dr. Badger,The enclosed application was forwarded to me with a request (which I enclose) that I would visit Br. R[aymond] and enquire into the matter.I went to Hampshire Settlement and understood that the Deacon had informed him (Father Raymond) that his daughters had been guilty of “card playing and other improprieties” which hurt his influence.I called on him and spent an hour or two, but did not touch that subject presuming that if he has influence with his daughters he will do his utmost to prevent anything of the kind in the future. But I said to Dea. Ticknor that if any such impropriety occurred in that neighborhood I wished him to inform me. And I hope he may do good there. I have come to the conclusion in concert with the Committee to recommend the application, but Br. Clark who best knows the history of the case thinks it doubtful whether he will do much good. Father Raymond is “allowed”* (*Kentucky term) to be a very good man but he is not acceptable and efficient as a preacher, still the is supplying a little church in a spot where there will be no preaching except he labours there.I am well aware that the secretaries have abundance of letters to answer and I do not suppose that I shall have a reply to the 199 suggestions or inquiries that I make, but there are some matters that I did hope would call forth a response.The Guernsey Frocks I have kept two years and having received no answer to my inquiries I have put 1/2 of them into the Auction book and mean to pass them all off this winter.I have received the reports and am distributing them.I have not heard whether you have sent them to other points or whether I am to supply the whole country.We feel great anxiety in relation to the present agitation of slavery matters. The excitement is very great and a desperate effort is making to prejudice the people against A.H.M.S. & A.B.C.F.M. and with very considerable success in all these parts but it does not reach our presbytery. It seems to be very unfortunate that the secretaries did not come out this summer particularly to the convention. And our best friends are anxious for the result. I have done my best to promote peace in Minnesota, but it seems to me that nothing will be accomplished til come change is made. And there is already so much jealousy on the part of the Presbyterians in this region that if that little church is run over the prejudice will be greatly augmented. I have been anxious about Peru for a long time and now that there is an understanding that Br. D. will leave this fall, it seems to me that if there is a strong man to be had he should be sent to Peru.I have just seen Br. Whiting who leaves Lockport Jan 1. And it is of little use — no use— to send a 2nd of 3rd rate man to such a place.We want then a Presbyterian for Peru and a Congregationalist for Lockport who can grapple with the difficulties there and strong churches may be built up. And I am sure that so long as the Theo. Sem, are so far east of us and we have only the refuse, it is no more than right that we should claim some few superior men to be coaxed away from their limited fields at the East to fill these important posts.It has been suggested that the friends of A.H.M.S. should have a meeting perhaps next spring to enquire what should be done in view of the excitement on the slavery question. Out friends are desirous that the Society should take a step in advance, perhaps say that no church shall be aided that continues to remain slave holders— then the evil will come to an end in time. How would such a step be regarded? This but enquiry is a sort of echo of the state of feeling here.Waukegan. Sept 27. I came here on Friday to preach on Home Miss but Br. R having waited long for me had preached himself and taken up,a coll. a part of which $6 he has paid over to me. We had an interesting Sabbath. Here is a wide field for ministerial service.I am now ready to leave for the meeting of the Belvidere Presbytery at Ring wood and thence to Galena Presb. the development of which I dread but dare not anticipate. Synod meets also at Galena the same week.On review of the last page, I think the word “refuse” describes rather the tendency of things there the facts as they stand connected with the efforts of our friends at the Home Missionary rooms.I enclose the confidential note of Br. Brown to be destroyed as soon as it has communicated a hint or two on which I have nothing to add.I believe I never reported Coll in First Cong. Ch in Rockford $23.00and same day (Ap 6) Coll in 2nd Cong Ch Rockford $25.66and Sab School Coll in 2nd Cong Ch do 3.20And Coll at Fair Play Nov 1850 1.00Donation from David Wild 1.00to this add Coll at Freeport First Presbyterian Ch Sept 21 17.21 and coll in port at Waukegan 6.00Subscriptions to Home Missionary John RiceJohn Bukley J.K. Brewster Freeport 3.00O.W. BrewsterE.H. HydeEster A. Hyde Rockford 80.07Charge me then with $80.07The freight on boxes I do not recollect and probably I shall not make any charge.Yours very sincerely,A. Kent___________Galena, Oct. 11, 1851Br. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,Br. Neill has just stated to me that his application made 15 of July has not been noticed. Please to attend to his case without delay.An Elder of the 2nd Presbyterian Church Mr. Charles S. Hempstead requests men to say that if a promising young man who is destined for the North west could be sent here as an immediate supply and while they are looking about to secure a pastor, they would regard it as a great favour and if the church in the meantime should not be already supplied they would be glad to avail themselves of his services.We have just passed through a severe trial. The presbytery having passed sentence opposing the pastor of that ch on the charge by his own confession of lascivious conduct so flagrant as to require this at their hands. The presbytery and synod both meeting here this week I have passed through such a week as I never saw before. I hope you will reply in a line to Br. Hempstead.The applications from Downers Grove and from Sharon I shall retain until I visit there which I propose to do at once.I had quite a variety of documents and among others my episcopal charge.In a recent conversation with our excellent and devoted Principal of the “Rockford Female Seminary” Miss Anna P. Sill she expressed a wish that she might have the “Home Missionary” to use in her monthly missionary meeting. I said certainly you shall have it. Rev. Harry Curtis of Chicago said I used to have the H.M. Please send your paper to each of them.Yours affectionately,A. Kent__________Chicago, Oct. 24, 1851Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,While waiting on the Dentist I cannot make calls and I will give you some of my observations in coming across the country.I left home Sat. noon, rode to Plum River, preached in the morning and preached at 4 at a new point 10 miles distant— had a congregation of about 60. An old school Br. preached in the neighborhood in the morning. I left appointments on my return at those two places and Elizabeth in the evening, making 3 sermons and 20 miles Sabbath day journey. In urging our missionaries to work hard I do not mean they shall have occasion to say that I do not walk by the same rules I urge on them.At Melgems Grove where Br. Ira Smith preaches once in 3 weeks I found a good deal of awakening and a great anxiety that their missionary would hasten to their aid. I spent the night with Br. Gould but failed to see the men in his parish of whom I hoped to get information. But my impression is that Br. Gould is doing good and might be sustained. He has been bereft of his wife and is left with a family of six besides a married daughter in the neighborhood (Mrs. Long). I spent a night with Br. Bascom and had a long conversation about the missionaries in that region. It seems to be generally understood that Br. Wells is going to send the A. Miss So. when his time is out with you! I have thought a good deal of the “curious conscience” in the New York Observer.Some of us western men are very conscientious but we have curious consciences. We are building in troubled times but still the wall is being carried up and I try to thank God and take courage. I am well persuaded that I lack many qualifications for the post I occupy but yet I am persuaded that there is a great work to be done here and that I am better furnished for it than when I began the agency. My experience and increasing knowledge of the field and of the men ass greatly to my means of usefulness.But my destiny is accomplished and I am ready to depart.Yours affectionately,A. Kent__________Peru, Nov. 1, 1851Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,I have been so favoured this trip that I have fairly outrun my own plans, and your letter forwarded to Chicago did not overtake me till I arrived here last evening, and now I notice it. I will give a few of my observations by the way.I spent a night with Br. Leonard at Flag Creek who informed me that he has returned his commission, but still was very desirous to obtain Dwight’s Theo. I promised to state the case and leave it for you to decide.I spent the Sabbath at Lockport as urgently requested by Br. H. Brown and found everything in a state of dilapidation. Rev. Mr. Whiting has been away 2 Sabbaths to find another place, is discouraged — cannot find a place to board short of his own family at Oswego (14 miles) cannot get the members together to sustain a prayer meeting, and the people say that he is hard to please and is there only on the Sabbath. They have a debt of 1200 Dol on their stone church. It occupied the time (Saturday p.m. of two agents, Br. Montgomery & myself to put up one of the stoves and then the house was very cold) and about 25 only were out in the morning. The Home Miss. So. must employ a sexton or they cannot have a congregation. And I told them more over that in my judgement it was not right to send a missionary to a church who would not maintain a weekly prayer meeting and if they could not meet in the morning they should devote an afternoon to it. I am not without hopes that an efficient ,man among the people might succeed. I told Br. Whiting that a prayer meeting must be maintained— I preached on the Home Miss at his request in the p.m. and took up a collection.I called on Br. Loss and Br. R. Reed at Joliet. Br. Loss has made a good impression. But the trouble is that they have the basement of a church but it is thought to be on the wrong side of the river. Br. Reed will go to Lee Center if the man they have invited from Vermont fails there.I am disappointed in not getting down into Iroquois Co. taking Br. Gilbert and Birge in my way. Br. Birge us making a good impression and his labours in the vicinity of Momence are in demand.At Morris I turned off my way and accompanied Br. Henderson . I rode in the rain to visit some persons in the Nettle Creek & Grafton Churches to enquire how far Br. Longhead labours were acceptable. After which I wrote him back, Kindly admonishing him of the importance of increased spirituality and more active devotion to his work especially in his pastoral duties. And after that letter was put off, I called on one leading man who thought that though nothing was contributed to Br. L. yet an acceptable preacher and pastor might get a good part of his support from the people in the region of those two churches.I called on Br. Whittling of Ottawa and preached. Evangelical influence is very feeble along the Ill. River. I think Br. O.A. Williams of South Ottawa is one of the best pastors we have.Another letter overtook me here which has filled my heart with sorrow. “Union Grove, Oct. 17, Dear Sir, Our brother Wheeler has gone to his rest. He died this afternoon at 3 o’clock quiet and happy. You will be surprised. We are overwhelmed with the greatness of our affliction. It is a mysterious Providence—...Here are now 4 churches including the one he formed left without the ministrations of the word. I hope as agent of the A.H.M.S. you will not forget us. Yours truly, A. Abbott” a beloved physician.I am sad—sad because I not (could not well) go to see him when he sent for me. But I hoped he would be better soon & wrote him to the effect— sad when I think of those 4 little churches he was fostering as man cherished his children— and they all lover him as a father. And sad to think how rapidly our members in Northern Ill are being reduced. In about 4 months we have lost Hildreth and Bliss and Wilcox and Wheeler, 4 by death, and one is defamed. You have doubtless heard ere this of that bitter disputation of Providence which imposed on us the necessity of withdrawing our Ministerial fellowship from our Brother and fellow labourer George F. Magoun. Br. Hildreth you knew. Br. Bliss (died of cholera) we thought did right to keep a public house. Br. Wilcox I had visited once and again exhorting him to resume his pastoral duties, and he was ill at ease in Chicago and looking out for a place for him to preach. It was only 8 days since I called and heard from his widow the brief history of his sudden removal by cholera. If you complain that I have but direly written the name of the reposed brother, I plead a high precedent. The master himself could not bear to name the man that betrayed him but he gave a sign by which he might be recognized. But this last event leaves a whole cluster of churches to mourn. As I passed through Garden Prairie I learned recently that they wanted to secure more of his time. And at Union Grove they were making arrangements to secure his installation. According to my promise is a letter which never reached him, I am going to these bereaved churches next week. Br. W told me that he was too poor to buy a horse and to meet his appointments 20 miles apart. He was obliged to travel on foot sometimes and wade through sloughs that were very full of water during this very wet season. By his death I shall be put in possession of the horse which I had loaned him for a year & if he has found a seat in Elijah’s chariot I conclude he will no longer need such poor facilities for travelling as I could furnish.Now for your letter. I had not the least idea of the pressure that has been laid upon you and now that you have let me into the consideration of it so much in detail, I shall certainly sympathize with you more. And If in any thing I have been unreasonable in my demands, I hope you will attribute it to an honest zeal for the little section of the great field assigned to me. I am sorry to hear of Br. Halls’ feebleness and if he will come and see us I will leave him the Old Horse that Br. Wheeler has left and perhaps a journey to Council Bluff or to Minnesota on horse back would have a recuperative effect.We should have welcomed you at our executive meeting and with the exception of the painful trial to which I have referred, they were very pleasant meetings. I do not know what I should do with a hundred lives. But I am well content to wear out this one in a good cause as that of Home Missions and you will allow me to say that shut up as I am in a rowdy tavern right over the bar room and within hearing of the “song of the drunkard” I have been “some what filled with your company” as reported by letter and when I tell you that I can find no better accommodations in a population of 2500 where I am to spend my Sabbath you will see the need of doing something for Peru*. And I am happy to hear that there is a prospect of getting them to invite John Eastman of Hawley Mass to come and labour here — & of his coming.The Guernsey frocks are in a way to be disposed of— I should not dare to warrant them thru another summer against moths.I have diligently circulated the reports..over all my field. Scarcely any missions but have been supplied and the rest I shall give laymen.I feel very forcefully the necessity for making my communications more distinct and the several items of business should be kept separate — I had not thought of it in the same light before.Nov. 5th Sick with ague which I have not had before in 20 years. I shall make out quite a package for you.Your letter to Br. Neill is entirely satisfactory to me and I trust it will be to him.Yours affectionately,A. Kent*After spending the Sabbath and 2 days more I got off with a tavern bill of $3.___________Galena, Nov. 15, 1851Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,I have just received a letter from Rev. A. Day, from which I quote.“I have just returned from Livingston Co. having been absent from home 3 Sabbaths in succession. On arriving at Morris learned that you had been there — was so sorry I could not have seen you — In relation to staying on that field another year. I know not what to say — from what I hear Br. Clark of S. Ottawa (a farming minister) is not the man for it. I am not clear at present that it would be right to leave them destitute. I am some inclined to stay — And yet to do so involves some self-denial. There is much wear & tear of both body & mind involved. My year is now out. I have just forwarded my 4th report and I wish soon to decide about my future course. If I continue there it will of course devolve on Br. Kent to apply for a commission for me and the same appropriation will be necessary as last year. I should receive from the people there between 70 & 100 Dollars. I have just closed evangelizing the Co in the bible cause. Have visited most of the families there and raised on subscription $111.00 and some will yet be given. I wish to determine soon on my field of labours for the ensuing year.”To which I have written the following reply.“Your letter has been rec’d. with great interest and pleasure and I hope you will continue to labour in that wide field of destitution for I am extremely reluctant that the information you have gained and the influence you possess should be lost. If (as I understand) you have received 70 or 100 dollars for the last year I shall hope you may raise $150 next year. It is the wish and expectation of the society that the people where the missionary labours should make the application after the first year, but as there is no church as yet organized, I suppose you have no one on whom to rely. I should be ready to aid you in starting a subscription among the people for next year if I was there but cannot see my duty to go down there at present as I have not been well for some days.How would it be for you to try their feelings of attachment to you by inviting them to circulate subscriptions in each neighborhood where you preach as condition of your remaining with them. I throw out this suggestion but leave it to your better knowledge of the people to judge of the best method of reaching the object. I shall recommend to the society that you be commissioned as before, hoping that there will be one or more churches organized during the year who may here after become applicants. I should like to hear more definitely what the prospect at present is of having churches organized on that field.My dear Br. I regard you as the Bishop of that young country which if I do not misapprehend will from the influence of the Central R.R. passing through (or nearby) it soon become 4 times as populous as it now is and it is a noble sphere of usefulness to be permitted to mould that mass of mind as it come within the range of your influence, for these persons come in single handed and alone and will readily yield to any extraneous influence which is brought to bear upon them by the older settlers especially. Try it brother and if at the end of 5 years you do not rejoice in having persevered in your labours there, then you may regard me as a false prophet or at least a bad advisor.”I regard Br. Day as quite competent to the work of exploration in which he is engaged and his sons are married and capable of taking care of themselves. If you prefer to have an application from the people that can still be accomplished. He has a whole county to himself and I am anxious to retain him as one who will make his influence felt for good.Monday morning Br. Raymond has just called and says he has not received his draft due Oct. 1. I told him of your pressure. He brought in a lovely boy of 16 a son of members of my church. He has been lately converted under his ministry, wants to study for the ministry. We have agreed to send him to Beloit and Br. Esty is out with a paper to see what we can raise.I hear Br. Marsh and Br. Phelps both preach yesterday in the 2nd church.Yours,A. KentBusiness mattersRobert Jameson Lockport Ill has paid 50 cents for the Home Missionary. Please forward and charge to me. Also, collection in the Cong. Ch. at Waukegan, $3.00; in the Cong. Ch. at Lockport, $.75.Rev. C. Gray, Br. R. Whiting, Rev. Hope Brown and Br. Francis Leonard ask a set of Dwights Theology. Br. Brown is no longer a pensioner upon foreign aid and Br. Leonard has refused to receive aid on the ground of conscientious scruples, but seems to have so scruples about receiving Dwight from the same polluted source. I promised to state his case and that of Br. Brown.Rev. E G. Smith of Dover said he had applied but has not received Dwight.Should you sent 5 or 6 more copies of Dwight to the Herald office Chicago, it would accommodate 3 at least better than to have them sent to me.I thank you for information relative to Mr. Eutler. Br. Wheeler’s last words were “sweet Jesus it is not deep” alluding to the Jordan of death.Br. Phelps has arrived. Br. J.T. Marsh is to supply the 2nd church 4 months I understand.Yours, Etc.A. Kent____________Galena, dec. 23, 1851Rev. Dr. BadgerDear sir:I have just returned from a tour of 4 weeks and that replete with incidents of travel.To turn to good account my residence in a distant corner of my field, I have some 6 points on the different roads where I am cultivating new ground and distances varying from 8 to 40 miles from Galena and by starting on Saturday I supply 2 destitute settlements and also lessen the amount of travel on the next week.I preached on Sabbath at 2 points to goof missionary congregations (say 50 each) and they are points where the Central R.R. will establish depots and I regard it quite important to get foot hold at all such prospective villages at an early day. I left appointments at the same places On Sabbath (12 miles apart) on my return.I had planned a trip to Lake Co to labour a while with Father Dodge by his request, but my horse was taken sick at Belvidere and my plans were broken off.I hired a horse and preached at Poplar Grove a thanksgiving sermon (on the 27th) on my war to visit Br. Smally about whose labours I have felt solicitous for some time. I spent the night with him and he was not a little annoyed by mu enquiries concerning his labours and successes. He said he was amenable to his Presbytery. I assured him I had written instructions and I had not travelled beyond them. I think he saw his error and became very kind and conciliatory before I left. I suppose you would like to hear the light and shadows of Agents sometimes.Returning to Belvidere I took the cars and spent several days in Chicago — preached on Home Miss. for Br. Peterson. But it was stormy and he gave notice that he would take up collection with the next Sabbath.Br. Curtis said he would preach on that subject himself, for if he asked me, he might be expected to ask the free missionary agent to preach also. I preached for Br. Anderson and was greatly interested and pleased with what I saw there.On my return I called on Br. French by his request. he expects to seek a new field in the spring. I also called on Br. Whitney of Batavia (he is labouring with youthful ardor. I preached for him in the evening) and Br. Savage of St. Charles.The next Sabbath I preached for Br. Fanning at Belvidere and took up a collection and lingered there almost a week waiting for my horse to get well and visiting Br. G.S. Johnson who has had a series of trials and up to the present time has been unable to find a field for his labours. This winter his goods here have been well neigh wrecked and he could not get them until he had given security to the amount of $65 as an average for the loss of others thrown overboard, in case the insurance failed. He has been sick and his wife and child and in the mean time he has been obliged to pay 5 dollars a week for his family and I have advanced $15 and felt that under all these trials and extra expenses I ought to recommend that he have a donation for $50 in the shape of an outfit or in any other way you can best furnish him.I do not know that it will meet the views of the Ex. Com. but I cannot see how it would be right to refuse it. Dr. Badgers letter was so commendatory of him that I thought he could not be denied that aid. He will probably go to Twelve Mile Grove at least to winter.I am sorry that you should have been troubled by the application for more of Dwights Theo. than you has to give. There was some remark in one of your letters (now mislaid) which led me to suppose that you had a quantity on hand which you wanted to dispose of and hence I was induced to write as I did. I will correct the error by writing them that the supply is out.My disappointment from the sickness of my horse was over ruled to give a better direction to my labours than my plan contemplated and Father Dodge writes that God has passed out his spirit there and 12 more already have been added.Collection of the Presbyterian Church at Belvidere for Home Missions to constitute Rev. Charles Fanning a life member, $31.18.Charge the same to me. Should you vote an outfit to Rev. G.S. Johnson, please forward to me as I cannot give you his address.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent___________Galena, Jan. 29, 1852Rev. M. Badger D.D.Sear Br.,I returned yesterday from a fatiguing and severe trip of near 500 miles, encountering all the exposure incident to travelling in an open waggon through snow drifts and unbridged creeks and patches of prairie 11 & 14 & 18 miles over without a house or tree when the thermometer was at one time 22 degrees below zero in an effort to explore Iroquois Co.Having failed in 3 several efforts to get the work done by others, I left Granville, Putnam Co. (where I had dropped Phillips as a supply) I made my way across Livingston to the state line more than 100 miles. I was prompted too by the death of Br. Kirby whose lack of service I wished thus to supply. I feel myself admonished to be diligent when younger and better men are taken away and I am still spared.I returned by way of Momence & Wilmington, Morris, Ottawa & Peru. During the trip I spent a Sabbath in Jo Daviess, A Sabbath in Livingston, one in Iroquois, and one in Peru.I found evidence that Br. Day has a very hard and discouraging field especially at Pontiac, the county seat. I found the Presbyterians in Iroquois had been so long neglected that they had gone over in part to the Methodists and they were not prepared to go into CH. organ. But Brother Kingsbury has visited them and engaged to spend one fourth of his time there. A good deal of interest exists at Momence among the Methodists and one precious trophy of grace has united with the Church under Br. Brigat. We had a good prayer meeting at his house.I spent a night with Br. Henderson and it appears that while the missionary is acceptable and useful, their ability to support him is less than it was the last year. And this is true of the churches at Albany, Byron, Elk Grove and others, or if they are not weaker they seem not to be gaining. This looks discouraging and I was discouraged about Mt. Carrol and urged Br. Gray to leave but when I called there yesterday he told me that there was a new interest awakened there and he could not leave even to fill his appointment at Buffalo Grove.But I ma tired —?too tired this evening to do justice to these various applications claiming attention. Yours in the Lord,A. KentRev. Fisk Harmon on Troy Presbytery offers his services and sends along certificated from J.H. Noble, Boardman Lambert of that Pres & J.J. Abbott of Cambridge Mass recommending him as good for missionary labour & I shall recommend him to apply to you for a commission.__________[Feb.? 1852] I shall write to Mr. Randall to come to Como and to Gap Grove. Both had just written calling for a Minister. Dixon, Como, Gap Grove, Buffalo Grove, Rome constitute quite a cluster of churches destitute. Perhaps I have not mentioned that a good work of Grace is going on at Mount Carrol and Br. Gray cannot get away from there and probably his commission for Buffalo Grove and vicinity will need to be changed.A. Kent__________St. Charles, Feb. 14, 1852The Committee have thrown the responsibility upon the agent who thinks that their subscription might have been 200 instead of 160 if he has visited as extensively as he ought the people in the vicinity of his preaching points.The agent therefore cannot conscientiously recommend this large appropriation only on condition that he removes his family on the field and bu visitng Bible class and catehctual instruction and all other appropriate ways give himself wholly to the work according to his printed instructions.A. Kent[The Cong. Ch Nettle Creek & Grafton Ill apply for $240 renewed aid in support of Rev. James Longhead 12 m from Jan 1 1852. Remarks by Rev. ... A. Kent.]_______Galena, Feb. 23, 1852Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,Your letter respecting the two churches at Savanna overtook me at Beloit and I was so careful to lay it away where it would not be forgotten that I cannot now find it.It is only necessary however to day that it surprised me for there never was any Presbyterian Church organized there and no attempt to organize one. Br. Gray and myself often spoke of organizing a church but did not think there was materials for it. But Br. Emerson after lecturing upon Congregationalism as he stated to me organized a Cong. Ch. prematurely as we thought at the time as as the events proved for he left it in difficulty. And when Br. Hildreth began his labours there, he was advised (and he cheerfully agreed to it) to go on labouring to build up that church and not to attempt any change of organization. I presume this statement will be entirely satisfactory. But if any one calls it in question I will give all necessary information.Miss Anna P. Sills, President of the Rockford Female Sem., expressed a wish that a set of Dwight Theology might be given to their library to stand by the side of Channings works. I though that if you would give men the name of the donors I would write them on the subject.Br. John Raymond has called to see me and says that he has received nothing and heard nothing from his last two reports on which $150 is due. His circumstances are straitened and your speedy action is demanded.I ought to have added in its place that the prospects of growth of Savanna are not as flattering as they were a year ago, and in as much as they treated Br. Phillips rather coldly when I sent him there, and seemed to prefer the Unitarian Minister, I thought I had done all my duty to them for the present.Yours as ever,A. Kent_______Rev. A. Kent in a/c with the association [Debit] Cr.1852 March 1by commission6.00Oct 22Fr. Coll Freeport, Il.16.00““ “ Morris Con ch10.68Dec 1Home Miss Gaz 50, J.L. Moore 501.00“Coll Lacon Ill Pr. Ch.73.65“Peru12.501853Jan. 13HomeMiss,A.C. Chetlain0.50March 12[not legible]65.17“ 16Coll West Rockford97.42Peru Mres keller, 2.45; Mrs. Long .232.70Coll. East Rockford18.00Bal.302.866.006.00By Dol302.36Rev. A. KentDear Dir,The following items are not included in your accountDec 1 Home miss 4.00March 12 PC Am M Soc65.19_______Galena, March 6, 1852Rev. M. Badger, D.D.Dear Sir,In making my annual report it is an occasion of thanksgiving that my life and health have been continued, so that I have travelled 5795 miles and preached 95 sermons, besides visiting families and conversing upon personal religion with very many individuals. I have also distributed a great many tracts and bound volumes of the Tract Society. It has afforded pleasure to converse with children and to engage them in learning the Starter Catechism and Watts divine songs. I have been somewhat successful in getting the youth interested in securing an education in the College and Female Seminary on Rock River, which are now in active operation and promise much good for “Christ & His church.” My preaching has been almost entirely to those that are destitute of gospel ordinances except when I have preached on Home Missions. And with arrangements I now have for statedly supplying several new settlements on my way to more distant parts of my field, I can hardly regret that I am located in a distant corner. Especially as God has blessed my labours so that at one point whence I have been supplying as I could for a year or two there is now quite an awakening and some 10 or 15 persons are hoping they have recently embraced Christ. And four of the men have set up the family altar.I mention these things as matters of devout thanksgiving that am permitted to labour in the service of Christ while others are now. And it is a solemn reflection that during the year five of my personal friends and fellow labourers in the cause of Home Miss. have been called home to their Father’s house. Of these all were younger than myself. But that which comes nearest and speaks the loudest to chide my dullness is the untimely removal of Br. Kirby associated with me in the agency of Home Missions in this State.But it is a consolation to recollect that these under shepherds are but transferred to another circuit while the Chief Shepherd ever lives to manage the affairs of his church.The past year has been one of trials to the feeble churches, which are dependent for their being and their well-being on the H. Miss. Soc. While some are too willing to be recipients of your bounty, others grieve that they should be compelled from year to year to ask aid in place of assuming the active support of the Gospel to go alone. And in several instances they require more assistance that during the previous year.There are 3 or 4 causes which conspire to work this result. In addition to the strong tendency to frequent removals which always characterizes the inhabitants of the frontier settlements, the rush to California has weakened the churches and reduced their pecuniary ability.I think it would surprise the more stable communities at the East tp know how many Elders and Deacons and leading men have deserted the post of duty and left their families to go on a pilgrimage to the Pacific. They left indeed with a promise to return soon, but some have died on their way, some while they sojourned in the dark land and not as few on their way back. While other men have a ??? and Demas-like have made shipwreck of faith and good conscience.The failure of the wheat crop for 3 years is the most common ground of complaint. But the incessant excitement of the Ultra abolitionists is exerting a pernicious influence to cripple the churches. If it had no other effect but to transfer their contributions to some other benevolent association, we should not complain but there is reason to believe that very many take occasion from it to withhold their pecuniary aid from the church in whatever way it is solicited.It should not be omitted in the enumeration of causes of the weakness of churches that we greatly need men who are qualified for the exploring service. We have men enough but they cannot adapt themselves to the work.They are goliahs encased in burnished armour and perfectly irresistible if you will allow them to choose their field and have their own way of fighting. But they have their vulnerable points and some tripping without learning but with a good share of the shrewdness and versatility of western life by a short and a bold stroke will in the estimation of his fellows disarm and defeat them.We need then for the exploring service men possessing the power of adaptation, which can never be learned in the schools and can only be secured by much experience in mingling with western society. And I am becoming more impressed with the necessity of training men at the west for western service. We must not only have Theological Seminaries here but they must be conducted after a new model.But while I speak of trails and discouragements, I am happy to be able to report progress. The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation and the parable of the heaven hidden in 3 measures of meal illustrates but sure progress of the mission churches. When we compare the present with the past we perceive the cause advances.Our churches are increasing in numbers & strength and a good spirit is prevalent among very many of them and in quite a goodly number there is gratifying evidence that God is pouring out his spirit for the conversion of sinners.Two of your missionaries have been installed as pastors and 6 houses of worship have been erected during the year. The Sunday School cause is advancing. Increased intent is felt in building good school houses and obtaining well qualified teachers. A new zeal is awakened on the subject of temperance by the excitement in Maine and the circulation of Bibles and tracts being diligently promoted and all their collateral influence are receiving the steady cooperation of your ministers.May God grant us that during the ensuing year we may see greater things than these.Yours in the bonds of the Gospel,A. Kent_______[The Cong. Church Crystal Lake, Ill apply for $200 renewed in support of Rev. George Langden 12 mo. From April 1, 1852.]I have written to the Committee that I shall recommend theat they receive 200 when they shall raise the smae amount and also enclose my letters that you may see my views and their response.Port Byron, April 15.A. Kent_______Elizabeth, April 19/52Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,To exculpate myself from the charge of neglecting Dr. Hall’s 2 letters concerning Mrs. Hopkins’ land, I must be allowed to say that I cannot think I received the first letter and as to the second, I supposed I had given my consent to having the deed made out in my name and then instead of filing it away with others. I put it up in my room where I should see it, and there is remained for many months, waiting further correspondence. I have conversed with Mr. Osborn on the subject and understand the matter is disposed of.I am on my way home from a tour of 3 weeks which had proved one of the severest I have experienced in consequence of storms of snow and rain which have rendered this month and the previous one famous, and have rendered the roads almost impassible. Indeed, it is not a whit behind the difficulties of last year. I shall not trouble you with the particular adventures, but the history of each day would be little less than a volume of “incidents of travel.”I have spent 2 Sabbaths with 2 destitute churches, Como & Gap Grove, and 2 Sabbaths in settlements where churches might be organized and if we had a supply for them.I called on Brs. Hill and Thompson on my way up the Miss. but they were both absent.There are some 9 little churches and 3 other missionary fields west of R. River that are destitute of preaching, viz 3 in Jo Daviess, 3 in Carrol, 1 in Stephenson, 1 in Ogle, 2 in Lee, 2 in Whiteside and 1 in Rock Island and 2 or 3 in Mercer. Most of these are of considerable importance and calling constantly for help and several blaming me for not sending it.Then there are Dixon and Peru and Lockport and Henry in Marshall Co. which are suffering for want of ministers and to this may be added Dundee on Fox River (which is able to raise a full support) and Momence in Will Co. Besides these 20 (and I am surprised to find the number) there are many smaller and less important fields. But this northern section of the state is fast increasing and the probability is that at least 1/2 dozen more villages will spring up and call for aid along our numerous railways within a few years. We may calculate with confidence that 3 or 4 of these projected roads will be completed with 2 years, and, it seems to me but a moderate estimate that we shall greatly need 20 efficient men to be introduced into that field of my supervision before the close of 1853. Can nothing be done for us? What shall I reply to their entreaties?Yours Affectionately,A. KentThere is a program to Br. Wheelers memory which led me to preach at Como in the evening from Feb. 13-17.Please send the Home Missionary to Dr. Donaldson, Como, Ill. and to Joel H. Morse, Elizabeth, Ill. and charge the same to me.Mr. Morse ordered the paper 6 weeks since and it has not come. It is possible that I have not forwarded his name—please inquire.Galena April 20, 1852I called on Br. Gray on my way back from Presbytery at Rock Island and found him feeble but able to supply his people.Providence has changed the aspect of things very materially at Mt. Carrol and glorious work of Grace has been enjoyed there in which I think Br. G. had laboured faithfully and managed judiciously in trying circumstances.I was quite discouraged about his labours there but he seems to have pulled off his coat and thrown off secular business and has done well at Carrol, I have no hesitation in recommending that he have 200 for this year to be commissioned for Carrol County. In the mean time I have urged him to supply Buffalo Grove for the present as he has great influence there. Our Presbytery has recommended to Br. Holt to go to Buffalo Grove and Dixon, but it is quite doubtful whether he would be acceptable and besides he is expecting a call from Montrose.Yours affectionately,A. Kent________Galena, June 18, 1852In reference to Br. Reynolds, I am surprised at the statement of Br. Brown “That he has been commissioned for Wisconsin” or else where for I have long regarded him as unfitted for usefulness in the ministry. He has nothing about him to command respect and it was doubtless owing to that fact that an evil report was gotten up against him at Marengo and although acquitted by the Fox River Union, yet I presume none of those brethren would wish him to come again into their bounds to preach. But in addition to that there was a general impression on my mind perhaps as well expressed in the letter as I could do it by the phrase “not only dishonorable but dishonest.”Before he is commissioned again then I would recommend an investigation.A. KentI understood from Br. Downer as I passed along that Br. Jessup had consented to labour again at Elk Horn Grove and that a commission has been asked for him by that church. They are embarrassed by a debt for their church which has cost them a great strugged and on that account I am constrained to recommend the larger appropriation they have asked. Br. Jessup is a good Br. but rather inefficient but with great want of ministers It seems to be their only choice. A. KentSince MAy I have spent 2 Sabbaths in Plum River & Waukegan, Ill, 2 in Washington, one In New York and one in Connecticut where I preached on Home Missions and I should add one at Dunkirk._______[The Presb. Ch. Little Rock, Ill apply for $200 aid in support of Rev. Charles R. Fisk 12 mo. from June 1 1852 to preach also in the vicinity.]Little Rock, Aug. 4I have made inquiries and after balancing conflicting views, I have concluded to recommend the appropriation of $200 for one year beginning with June 1. And I think if you were on the ground that your judgement would coincide.I have recommended him to visit and distribute tracts extensively and preach once a Sabbath in some settlement near by and 3 months before his year closes if they conclude to make a change to have a definite understanding to that effect. The reasons in detail would be too long.A. KentP.S. Mr Morris is preaching at Jerico and they have applied to the Free missionary Society.________[Church Otter Creek, Il. apply for $100 aid in support of Rev. James Hodges 12 mo. from July 1, 1852 to preach 1/2 the time. P.O. Howard, Winnebago Co.]This application has been delayed to obtain information. I recommend that the church receive 100 dollars with the understanding that he spend half his Sabbaths on their side of the Pecatonica and hold meetings at 2 other points.There is a wild field for missionary effort in that region.A. KentI regard it as a quite important arrangement that Br. Johnson should take charge of Lysander Church._______The Pres. Ch. Chemung, Ill. apply for $200 renewed aid in support of Rev. Seth Smalley 12 mo. from April 1, 1852. rec’d. by Rev. A Esty & S.A. Hart. remarks of Rev. A. Kent. P.O. Chemung, McHenry Co., Ill.]My mind has been burdened with this case a good while and when this application came I enclosed it to Br. hart and told him it was his duty by exchange or otherwise to ascertain what are the facts in the case. You have his reply.I recommend the aid be granted accompanied with a somewhat a somewhat pathetic exhortation to the diligent performance of pastoral duties, prefaced if you choose with the agent’s apprehension that he fails there and suggesting that he would gratify you to have him report the number of pastoral visits quarterly until he has explored that destitute region.The endorsement of Brs. Eddy & Hart each shows pretty clearly that you need other information than that of co-presbyters.A. Kent________Rockford, August 2, 1852Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,I feel greatly relieved this morning by getting this communication which informs me that 2 little churches are supplied.Yesterday I preached twice for Br. Porter and took up a collection and rode over to Westfield and preached at 6 for Br. Hodges and has there a congregation of (say 90) and retired before 9.Please charge me as collectionsAt the Cong. Ch. of East Rockford $10.00at the Cong. Ch of West Rockford $97.42$115.42Yours truly,A. KentBr. Esbjorn has lost 2 horses and wrote me such a moving letter that the 2nd Ch of Galena raised $15 and invited him to ask for more if necessary and in another letter just received and thanking them and asking more he said his wife had just died leaving an infant and 4 others. Truly he is afflicted.________Crete, Will Co. Aug. 9, 1852Rev. Dr. BadgerIt gave me pleasure when I called today on Rev. Mr. R. to learn that when he preaches at H. Creek he usually spends Monday in visiting— more pleasure than to have enjoyed his company at home. My observation since I have been here acting as agent leads me to apprehend that some of my Brethren do not employ that amount of time, and to their remissness in pastoral visits I attribute their want of success, rather than to any defect in their pulpit efforts.While on this subject, I would say that Br. Walter’s remark that he has visited 40 families suggests an important improvement in the missionary reports, which is that they state the number of families visited during the quarter accompanied with familiar conversation on religion and prayer.I am persuaded that our Missionaries would derive material benefit from the habit of keeping a journal of such pastoral visits and I could wish that their reports should not be considered satisfactory where this statement is wanting.I attach more importance to this because to some of them it is an ??? service, and it is on that account more neglected than they themselves are aware, but let them see more themselves to a quarterly report of the number of such visits and they would be surprises to find how much it would assist in the more faithful discharge of that self-denying duty. I know that people are often quite unreasonable in their demands upon a ministers time. But I an constrained to believe that many good men are criminally remiss in this work, and all my experience convinces me that missionaries in new settlements will succeed about in proportion as they are faithful in this department of labour. A man must have the eloquence of Whitfield and the fascinations of Abraham’s visitors if he would hope to secure the attendance of some of our frontier men upon public worship except he first gain their confidence and steal his heart by his personal attentions. Please to take up your pen and write your very best article on this subject.A. Kent________Morris, Grundy Co., Aug. 14/52 Sat. morn.Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Sir,I sent you a line and accompanying documents from Joliet, and wrote to Br. J. Porter of Wilmington that I would supply his pulpit next Sabbath and requesting him to go to Momence next Sabbath. I came here by appointment yesterday at 10 and met Br. Henderson, Longhead, Murphy & Day. We spent the morning in prayer interspersed with accounts from each one of his personal experience and the prospects of his field of labour, beginning with myself followed by a dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Henderson. It was a very pleasant and some said they hoped it would prove a profitable interview. And this morning I have “packed off” Br. Henderson to Wilmington with my horse and buggy while I remain to supply him and preach on Home Missions at his request. Br. C.R. Clark met me here yesterday afternoon with chance I had a conversation about his field.Here are 5 missionaries with each a family and a home to which they cling. Br. Henderson has in two years made him a very pleasant home with the aid of his tactful wife he has gathered around him comforts and flowers, etc. which render [his] house attractive. And his home is where it should be— in the midst of his field. Br. Longhead has made his home equally attractive to him and his wife but unfortunately it is 10 or 15 miles from his field of labour and he is unwilling to see it & leave it though offered a great price for it ($1500 I am informed).Br. Murphy has made him a home and is in the midst of his field. Br. Clark has a pleasant home in Granville but it is 12 to 15 miles form his work and he thinks it is his duty to educate his children and wants to be near a good school, but is unwilling to abandon his post (until some one else can be secured) which is prospectively important as being along the Galena Branch of the Central R.R.And Br. Day has a pleasant home in Lisbon and is extremely anxious to get some one to take his place that he may find a field nearer home. His work is some 25 to 40 miles distant from Lisbon. But I regard him as a judicious and efficient man and faithful and his field is assuming new importance from the prospect of a R. Road from St. Louis to Chicago going through Livingston Co. and its county seat, Pontiac.I have mentioned these cases in detail that you may have before your minds eye the position of a group which represents the feelings and trials of a great part of our Home Missionaries. And shall we say to them. It is right that they should have their families. It is right that every family should desire to have a home and desire to make that home as desirable as possible for the good of their own children and as a model to adjacent families and indeed some of them are pretty enough to be worthy of imitation and pretty enough for a secretary of even for an agent to occupy. And yet there is nothing faulty except where the owner is far away from his field. And it is not strange that they should cling to them when we consider how migratory everything is in a new country and consequently how uncertain if they give up the present home whether they will ever be settled long enough to make another equally desirable.It is very desirable that ministers should live among their people and they can never fairly represent the pastoral office in its due proportions except they do. Nor can they reach and mould the community at large nor properly identify themselves with the people while they live at a distance.The men whom I have named, 2 or 3 of them, would probably sooner h=give up their commission s than remove their families into those fields and if they abandon their fields we have no man with whom to supply their places. And to human view it would be a loss to Zion if these important posts were to be abandoned. I have so many vacancies in my eye that I am becoming covetous of men, and cannot think of losing a labourer for the fields are white until the harvest. Such have been my reflections this morning.Aug 16. Br. Henderson has been to Wilmington to supply Br. Porter that he might go and give the people at Momence a Sabbath's preaching while I preached for Br. H. and took up a collection of $10.68. Br. H. at my suggestion preached at evening at Shannahan, a village 12 miles from the confluence of Dupage, Kankakee & D’Plain Rivers & found a cluster of Presbyterians there and at the request of Methodist Class leader had resolved to continue his appointment here once a fortnight. (He now preaches 11 miles out every alternate Sabbath) and intends if strength permits to return and preach in the evening a third sermon. That looks like “one cannot ministry” — 3 sermons & 22 miles.17th I am lodged in the house of Mr. Jackson, one of Mr. Longhead’s members from whom I learn that he has laboured more faithfully the last year and that there is no house where he could not live among the people better than to continue to reside at Morris.18th Passing through Ottawa I had a pleasant interview with Brs. Whittley and Williams. The latter has an irritation in the throat so serious that he has been advised to give up preaching for 2 or 3 months. Fully resolved to inquire after Br. Gould’s affairs, I called on the best man in the church and was gratified to learn that “he is doing good work.” Besides his large American Congregation he has a congregation of Dutch or French which from his account embodies considerable piety. His house is not large enough by half and they are seriously agitating the question of building a $1000 Ch on that newly cultivated prairie. My informant (Esq. Baker) pledged himself and another for $100 each. I called in passing on Br. Lord (Son in law of Br. G.) who had become a farmer and I visited Br. Bergen who is building him s house on the naked prairie 4 miles north of br. G and about 20 north of Ottawa. I was sorry to hear that he had become so secularized but he said he was sure it was not his duty to attempt to visit again in that shell he now occupied and he could get no other. And the house he is building is on his own land and but 4 or 5 miles aside from a range between 2 of his fields of labour. And there are several pious families settling directly about him which will probably create a center for preaching just about where he is. From Br. Gould’s house I could see Br. Bergen’s. I told them that there aspiring Bishops in the Presbyterian ch who loved the preeminence, I called on Br. Phelps at Lee Center and repeated what I had said before that so long as they could do no more for his support, they should be willing to have him go to the destitute around after preaching once at the Center.I called on Br. Todd returned missionary from Ceylon at Grand Detour and urged him to preach at p.m. at Dixon (5 miles distant). It is time that ground is occupied but it is extremely difficult to get access there.I called on Br. Jessup but he was absent in pursuit of a lost horse. I called on Br. Gray and found him labouring with his own hands in putting up the walls of a church. He thinks that is the thing they need to compete successfully with opposing influences.Yours Truly,A. Kent___________[The Presb. Ch. Winslow Ill. apply for $200 renewed aid in support of Rev. James N. Powell 12 mo. from Jan 1 1853 to labor 1/2 time at Waddams Grove & New Pennsylvania.]Dec. 28...I received this application and after consulting with the Com. of Presbytery I wrote advising him to get definite pledges and write again. I heard nothing and called on him 3 days ago and he told me that all that was subscribed at the two out-posts was but about 10 dollars and as I found him teaching the district school and his wife having a school in her house I inquired whether he hid not neglect visiting. He acknowledged it. And I urged him to engage in it exhaustively. And told him about Mr. Pemberton and how Home Miss. aid was withheld . He is I think somewhat discouraged from his unacceptableness. And yet the Winslow people from some motive are anxious to retain him. And I should be sorry to have them left destitute. Whether your comm. will vote the 200 or 100 or 200 commencing at the end of 3 months which closes his school with an exhortation to give himself wholly to his work is more than I can divine. His wife is bent on teaching and so far as I can judge is useful. He is a good Br. and I respect him as such.A. Kent.____________[$200 renewed aid in support of Rev. A. W. Henderson, 12 mo. from Oct. 1, 1852. P.O. Morris, Grundy Co., Ill.]Dec. 12, 1852Nothing is said about Br. Henderson’s preaching at other points a part of his time and it does not appear that the 200 is actually subscribed but only that they will endeavor to do it.I recommend that they be aided to the amount of 200 on condition that they pledge 200, for 400 is surely as little as his circumstances will admit. And if they cannot now make up one half his support, I should think he ought to go to a part of his time to some other place to preach.A. KentSt. Charles, Feb. 12, 1852I have carefully inquired concerning the ability of the church to do more but have become satisfied that either the men whose names are on this paper are not truthful or else they have done what they could. And much as I regret to mention so large an appropriation, I dare not assume the responsibility of curtailing it. The village is growing rapidly and yet the pecuniary ability of the church has decreased and at the same time they appear to be well ??? in their minister. A. KentP.S. I have recommended that Br. H. spend one quarter of his time at a point formerly occupied by Br. Longhead_______[The people of Momence, Rockville, & Bourbonais, Ill. apply for $245 aid in support of Rev. John Peck 12 mo. from Oct. 20, 1852, Rec’d. by Rev. A. Kent.]Having surveyed the field last summer and being acquainted with the Brethren Merrick & Kile and having seen Mr. Peck I am prepared to recommend this appropriation of 245 dollars to aid this effort. It is an outpost prospectively important.A. Kent______Galena, Oct. 27, 1852Rev. M. Badger, D.D.Dear Sir,I have just returned from a tour of several weeks and I wish to give you a brief notice of it.I spent an hour at Savanna where Br. Hildreth died, and inquired about their prospects. They seem to show very little zeal to procure a minister. Br. Phelps was sent there, but was treated coldly and there seems to be but poor encouragement to send a missionary there except some changes take place.Br. Holt’s removal has left 2 churches at R.I. vacant. They have 2 or 3 men in mind.I passed them to spend a Sabbath at Edginton. The church there has been neglected for 2 or 3 years since Br. Strong left there. He was formerly a missionary to the Indians.I went next week through Mercer Co. exploring and left an appointment to preach at Keithsburg (County seat) and near Boston and after spending 4 days in vicinity in Iowa returned and spent Sabbath at those villages. It was a rainy day and I could not do much. I passed along through the county and made all the enquiries I could, I found in a county of some 7000 no settled minister of our denomination. The old school Presb. have but a minister who has just left from ill health. And one of their ministers from another county supplies one of their 2 churches. It seems exceedingly important that something should be done there and I propose to send Br. J.R. Smith who holds a commission from you to labour in that field, that is, to be located at Edgington, Rock Island Co . and to preach half his time at Keithsburg and other points in Mercer Co.Leaving Mercer Co., I visited Henry Co., called on Mr. Esbjorn who has been afflicted in the loss of his horses and then his wife. I went to comfort him, but to my surprise found another wife there, the first having been dead but about 2 months. He was gone to the Lutheran Synod at Chicago and when I reached that City he had just left. I called on Br. Baker recently established at Cambridge and was much pleased with the prayer meeting and general appearance of things there.I called at Geneseo. They are vacant there. I spent a Sabbath and preached on Home Missions for Br. Martin. he is a laborious and skilful missionary.I attended our Presbytery at Buffalo Grove. They are destitute still of any stated supply since Br. Gray has confined his labours to Mt. Carrol. Br. Walker applied for ordination which is to be performed at Union Grove on Nov. 3.I called on Br. Fisk at Little Rock. He was gone to Chicago and I am inquiries and learned that he was unacceptable to some of his church. I informed him. He thought I had not been rightly informed, and I concluded to let the matter rest until he had reported another quarter. In the mean time I recommended him to defer house-building and give himself to visiting from house to house. It seemed to be quite necessary for him to build. I recommended him to see what could be raised by subscrition, which will show how they feel towards him.At Chicago I saw Br. Stoddard who has been sick for a few days and left Momence to return to the East! And Br. Peck has taken his field. He is from Indiana.From Br. H. Brown I learned that Lockport is still unsupplied. And Batavia — Br. Whitney having gone to Dundee. South Ottawa is vacant. I called on Br. Phelps at Lee Center. I think he is gaining ground.I spent a night with Br. Jessup and promised to spend some days with him in a protracted meeting in December.I called on Br. Gray who has been building a Church of cement 50 x 30 very much with his own hands. I went next to Plum River congregation and spent the Sabbath prepatory to organizing a church by appointment of Presbytery. Br. Waterman preached in Tuesday and we organized a little church in despite of the rain.Seven persons came 2, 3 & 4 miles, and as they convenented together and sat down to the Lord’s table, the officiating minister related as how he has passed along there 23 years ago following an Indian trail and leading his sick horse some 20 miles, and was overtaken by an Indian hunter who walked awhile by his side and then with rifle charged, went across the hills in pursuit of his game. Now behold the change. The pagan has passes away and the Christian had succeeded to his inheritance & here we a little band of saints are seated to commemorate the Lord’s death, to hold fellowship with our communion and to give pledges to each their of brotherly love and fidelity as fellow-helpers to serve the Kingdom of God.We reached home that evening at 10 after a ride of 26 miles in the mind thankful for the blessings manifold we had received during a journey of more than 5 weeks. My wife having accompanied me all the way (200 miles). It has been a tour replete with incident and affording many opportunities to do good.Affectionately,A. KentP.S. I understand that Br. Stoddard charges me with an incorrect account of the healthfulness of Momence. I cannot remember what I wrote. But I recollect that when I was there in August I received the information that there was no serious sickness in the region, but here and there a slight case of ague.I did not want him to go there but yielded to the wishes of others and to my own convictions of the extent of the destitution.I am sorry to send so imperfect essays but I cannot copy them and meet other engagements. A.K.I thank you for the Independent which I have this moment opened._______Nov. 7/52 Lacon, Marshall Co.Rev. M. Badger, D.D.Dear Br.,Having been requested by their former minister Br. Fowler to visit this church and counsel with them. I ventured to forswear an appointment to preach and suggested Home Miss & a collection, if they thought best.They has taken up a collection a few months before. But sympathetically with the Agent in the formidable journey of last week in despite of the constant rain & increasing cold, they invited me to present the subject in the evening as it was their M. concert when they usually divide their collection between foreign & domestic Miss. And this morning they have paid over the amount collected $73.65.Nov. 14 After a stormy week in which I have travelled and explored somewhat in Tazewell Co. I reached Peru and preached there on Sabbath and took up a collection of $12 50/100, 4 dollars of which will not pass here (Galena) but I shall send it back and run the risk of losing it. My expenses (besides wear & tear) during three weeks of perilous travelling have been more than 5 dollars of which I make charge.Yours, etc.,A. Kentplease charge me with 73.65 paid by Presb. Ch. of Laconand 50 cents for Home Missionary address Gazette Laconand 50 cents for “ “ address J.L. Moore D.D.Nov 14 Pease charge me with 12 50/100 paid by Presb. Ch. of Peru $87.15________Tremont, Tazwell Co., Nov. 11, 52Doct. BadgerDear Br.,In default of the agency I came down from Lacon for the purpose of inquiry and exploration. And while lingering to wait for a termination of this long storm, I have had a conversation with Br. Andrews about the region and the condition of the feeble churches. And it has strengthened my opinion previously formed that many of them are entirely unreasonable not to say selfish in requiring their missionaries to give them their total time white other churches in their neighborhood are left destitute and while they are contributing but half and even less than half the amount necessary for an adequate support.Take for example Tremont, They raise about 100 perhaps a little more and receive 125 from the H. Miss Soc while the church at Moulton once a part of Grove Church about six miles distant is entirely destitute. And on the other side are openings to organize 2 churches within 12 and 20 miles. And yet the church at Tremont insists on having the whole of his time, whereas if they were to told a once that they must consent to a decision of his labours it might develop increasing ability rather than submit to this privation.. At the same time it has leaked out that Br. Gore left the Groveland Church (now Moulton) because he thought that with a church of near 100 members they might support their minister without aid from abroad. The same train of remarks substantially concerning other churches which I have lately might be made.And I wish to call your attention to it not so much because they are receiving more aid form abroad than they ought, as because in the present dearth of ministers there must be an “equality”. And we must as ministers spread ourselves more or some of our feeble churches must perish.I hope that the “Home Missionary” will give us such authoritative limits as will strengthen the hands of the agent and rebuke the selfishness of which I complain.Yours, etc.,A. Kent________[Nov. ?, 1852 Marginal note on application for Br. Gray of Mt. Carrol]I have repeatedly visited Mt. Carrol this summer. At one time I found your missionary putting up with his own hands the walls of the sanctuary (building of gravel as I have said) and yesterday I found him plastering the room overhead. It is to be finished at Christmas, 50 x 30. I recommend 250 for his year.A. Kent________Naperville, Dec. 11, 1852I recommend that the sum of $150 be granted to the church at Sycamore. Br. Hudson is a good brother but he has not...and the church do not appreciate his worth and his literary attainments and I supposed that they had finally dismissed him some months ago.I am under the impression that his commission should date back or he will be robbed of his pay for services for several months past and shall direct him to inform you when it ought to be dated.A. Kent______[Rev. W. J. Murphy Mezon, Grundy Co., Ill. applies for aid].[Dec. ?, 1852]I am well persuaded that we ought to hold on to this new ground although but has not yet yielded much fruit. And I think that a careful estimation of the statements herein will bring the committee to the same conclusion, The settlements are quite new as you will perceive from the fact that are only now building the first school houses whereas most of northern Ill have abandoned their log school houses and are rapidly supplying themselves with a new edifice of a more substantial kind - generally brick or stone.It is no easy matter to obtain good missionaries to occupy such a field as Br. Murphy cultivates and I am disposed to think that he ought to be sustained. It has been a very hard time with farming but this year their crops are tolerably good and everything brings a high price.Yours etc.,A. KentP.S. Mr. Longhead will probably leave his field.______The Swedish Evan, Luth Ch of Galesburg, Knoxville & Vic. apply for $200 in support of Rev. T.N. Hazelquist]Galena, Jan. 18, 1853I should be sorry indeeed to refuse this moving appeal. I know no reason why we should not respond to it most cheerfully. A. Kent_____Beloit, Jan. 6, 1853Rev. Milton Badger, D.D.Dear Br.,I have just visited Br. Dawson ay Freeport on my way to this place and there met with Br. Robert Colston, a licentiate of the Chicago Presb. and very recently from England where he was a sort of curator of the Episcopal Ch. He is apparently of 40 or more years, passed a god examination says Br. Patterson, has the reputation of a good man, preached good sermons as the people say and seems desirous of labouring in the Lord’s vineyard.But his ways are not agreeable and he is not likely to change easily or conform readily to our American notions. The Churches at Cedarville and Waddams Grove in Stephenson Co having been a good while destitute seem anxious to secure his services and offer between them to raise $100. And after consulting Br. Downs I have concluded to recommend that he be commissioned to preach for one year from Nov. 16 at Cedarville and Waddam’s Grove Churches, to receive $200 form your society on condition that they secure him $100 besides such aid in wood, provisions, and other necessities as they can conveniently furnish for the support of his family.I called on my way at Waddam’s Grove and there learned definitely how he was regarded in both churches.Should you judge differently and withhold aid, it will be desirable that I should be informed.Your Br. in the Bonds of the Gospel,A. Kent________Delavan, Tazewell Co., June 7, 1853Rev. M. Badger, D.D.Dear Br.,Jaded and careworn by a long journey, broiled by exposure to the sun and bespattered with mud I sit down in the public house to report progress.I left home some 3 weeks hence resolved to execute what I have had in mind some 6 months back, i.e., to explore the eastern half of the state below Ill. River. (Br. Kirby having been called to take an agency nearer the king, I would fain supply his lack of service.)I had selected May as the fittest season of the year for such a tour but was detained some weeks by a lame arm, by the abundance of rain, and by an installation.I spent a Sabbath and had a good congregation at Fulton City 50 miles below Galena and 8 above Albany. It is small now but promises to grow rapidly as the terminus of one of the 5 (or 6) Rail Roads which are stretching their arms across our beautiful prairie State not only to gather up the corn here grown but to draw into their embrace and conduct to an eastern market the immense productions which are just beginning to develop themselves in the far west and the far north and are already floating thicker and faster every year upon the broad busom of the Mississippi.Having called on Br. Hill & Apthor and met Br. Hitchcock, I spent a night at Rock Island and assisted at the installation of Rev. Dr. Hayes. I pushed out into the Prairies and called on Rev. Mr. Esbjorn and Bro. Mr. Baker of Cambridge where I lodged.I passed through Henry and made inquiries concerning it. The village is growing rapidly & numbers 1100, a promising church might be gathered there if a man of some strength could be thrown in. But as things are all will go to isolation for they have no man that will lead off in that work.I called on Br. Pendleton who was absent. I called on Br. Fowler of Lacon who thinks of labouring in the field of Br. C.R. Clark, Magnolia & the “Head of Sandy Creek” ( a depot of the Cent. R.R.) which I encouraged. Lacon, therefore a Presb. Ch. is vacant and able and willing to give a good support but can get no suitable man. “Father Brown” is a present supply. These churches being provided for when I intended to spend a Sabbath I preached on Sat. Morning to find if possible a vacant church but by too full feeding and to hard driving I found my horse in distress with colic when I reached Washington (Tazewell Co.) and as Br. A. Johnson and myself had spent most of the day in administering to the horse, which was relieved before night, I understood that Providence would have us preach for Br. J. on Sabbath.My great object being to explore the route of the Cent. R.R. and its Chicago Branch, I made my way across to Bloomington thence to Clinton, Dewitte County and thence to Decateur, a thriving village that promised to become an important inland town where there is an Old. Sc. Church and a minister just arrived.At Clinton I found an old acquaintance (Sackett), an excellent Br. of the Methodist Ch. who received and lodged me courteously. He gathered a congregation to whom I preached in the evening and expressed the opinion that a Presb. Ch. of some 12 members might be gathered there.I next turned my face to Springfield to call on Br. Hale who was gone to the east and contrary to my expectations I supplied his supply on the Sabbath. It is a Mr. Thayer & son of an elder in Br. Hale’s church. He belongs to the Old School but is liberal and has been very useful (I judge) at Paris (near Terra Haute) and in that vicinity. But his health has failed. He gave me information about all the churches in that vicinity east of Springfield. He said to me significantly that whoever (Old or New) sent an efficient itinerate missionary into that region would get the churches.Monday morning forced upon me a decision. Should I follow the directions of Br. Thayer, pas through Shelbyville, Paris, Urbana & Danville or visit the Church at Taylorville, one near Paris and one near Monticello and pass along the state line through Iroqouis to Momence or turn my face homeward.It was very hot and very muddy. It threatened to rain again as it had done from day to day. I must encounter swollen streams (if I took this trip towards the east) I had already been twice in waters over the sides of my buggy and once been obliged to jump into the slough & help my horse to rise out of the mire into which he had sunk. My health is enfeebled by the summer heat, my vigor of body and elasticity of mind are exhausted which rendered the prospect of being encountered by the prairie flies by day and smothered in feathers and annoyed by too much company in small tenements by night trebly formidable. Thus I was forced into the conclusion that though now at the margin of the district I must give up the long cherished object of explorations and move towards Home. Perhaps, however, I have made this trip to prepare the way for a single suggestion.Could not Br. Hales be secured to act as our itinerate in that neglected region into which I anticipate an immense rush of people of another sort who will naturally go down into Egypt during the next five years along those opening thoroughfares and who better than Br. Albert Hale with all the wisdom of former experience could build the foundations of many generations.The thought came bolting through my head as I heard one of his elders remark incidentally that he often wished to leave his pastorate and return to missionary work. Would not his church raise half his support on such a mission. Would they not at least let him go a year or more.I appreciate the objections you have raised to random itinerancies, but when we can secure the services of such a man as N.C. Clark and A. Hale may I not plead for this in partial supply for some vacant churches in this state which are crying for bread and for large districts of many contiguous counties where an awful silence reigns because they have none to cry for help.June 9. Thinking that I could reach Pontiac and spend a Sabbath where Br. Day laboured a while, I yesterday turned my face that way but soon met another amusing incident, c.c., amusing I mean to those who contemplate it at a distance. In passing a slough my harness broke from the severity of the struggle. And I has the prospect of being left alone but succeeded in quieting my horse until I could strip off my coat and boots when I jumped into the soft black mus. But before I could unloose him he made a violent effort which threw me down and he came very near treading me into the mire (I had sunk so deep that I could not get out of his way). But though quite over me he did not strike me with his feet and I crept out and released him. I then travelled back 1/2 a mile and procured 2 men and 2 chairs. The buggy came out unharmed after which I went to the pond and having taken off the outer coat of mud with my knife I performed strong additions and what with riding in the sun and rubbing dry I made myself tolerably decent before night. It is not indeed essential to a western mission to dress in black, But I can boast of one black suit and that too with gloss on it, In view of this hair breadth adventure and another of recent occurrence I said to myself in the language of harmony & to a desponding clergyman “Courage Brother, you are immortal till your work is done.”Having called on Br. Miles at Metamora, I closed the day by taking lodging with a hospitable Old Sch. Elder (Dodds) where I lingered over one day and then made another move for Br. Day’s field and after a fatiguing ride under a broiling sin across an open prairie during which I passed a new depot building of the Cent. RR. the only object (except grass and sky) which I could see for some 10 miles, I reached one of those stations and inquired for a lodging place of their former missionary thinking that would be the best place for me to pass the night. It is not expedient for missionaries to repeat all their trials yet they may some times give the lights and shadows confidentially, Especially as our brethren at the missionary books have so little of the spice of life.I was greeted with a welcome and entertained with the various excellences of Br. D. We had supper and the children (some of them) washed their feet. It was an exceedingly hot night and we were all safely packed away (10) in the same room. The windows were closed to exclude the mosquitoes and the fresh air and the doors to prevent the egress of the young dogs. But as a special favor I had a window open 6 inches directly over my head. I had plenty of feathers under me and no covering but a bed quilt over me which seemed quite indispensable under the circumstances to me and my full grown bed fellow. There was powerful snoring there which might have lulled me to sleep if there had been any sympathy between my soul and theirs. There was a good house near by in which the widowed grandfather and 4 big boys might have lodged comfortably. But it would not have been as sociable nor so warm as all to roost in the same nest. The next morning I crawled out into the fresh air, crowded down some breakfast and too leave of our affectionate family who showed me no little kindness, but such as if long continued would kill me. But I felt full paid for the trial in the hope of having made some good impressions especially on the lad of 14.I reached Pontiac at noon after a warm ride hoping to get some rest in preparation for the Sabbath. But I found there was another appointment which claimed precedence to mine and I pushed on to spend the Sabbath with Br. Murphy in Grundy Co. and ay 8 1/2 p.m. I found lodging 1 1/2 miles from his home. I called in the morning and preached for him which was the more acceptable as he was unable to preach. Thus two Sabbaths in succession I supplied pulpits rendered vacant by diseased throats.Mrs. Murphy, who was bedridden when I was there is able to attend to her household concerns...June 14. The Fox River U met at Morris. I was welcomed with apparent cordiality and preach the Communion sermon and was permitted to state without restraint in their animated discussions. I was thankful for the opportunity of meeting there dear Brethren and learning the condition of their respective fields. Several revivals were reported. It was interesting to attend the 5 o’clock prayer meeting. It was a rainy morning. I had conceived a little speech for my two grey headed companions but when the third deacon with red head came in it spoiled my speech. He however made some remarks upon entire consideration which pleased me so well that I thought is was not a whit behind his brethren... After 3 prayers and conversation it was proposed that one prayer should be offered for more spirituality, one for the minister of the place & his people and one for more ministers. We had there representatives of piety from Connecticut River bottom and a specimen from Green Mountains...Passing through Lasalle Co. I lodged with Rev. Ira Smith and listened to his brightening prospects. I being now Friday I resolved to spent the Sabbath at Paw Paw & Mahgeams Grove. At Paw Paw a minister is greatly needed.June 20. I rode to Lee Center and though exceedingly hot it seemed to be my duty to take charge of Mrs. Phelps and her babe and convey them to Galena that he might go for his widowed mother. We called on Mr. Jessup but he was not returned from the East. I spent 2 hours with Br. Gray and on the morning of June 22 reached home fatigued.During the last tour I have seen some 16 of our missionaries and am quite grateful for a house in which to rest.Yours, etc.,A. KentRev. A. Bushnell, an old man, is grieved that your paper does not come to him. His address in Lisbon, Kendall Co._________[The 1st Cong. Ch. of Albany, Ill apply for $136 renewed aid in support of Rev. James. J. Hill 6 mo. from Dec. 1852]It is desirable that this application be acted upon as speedily as may be convenient for I have detained it to get information and Br. Hill will doubtless be anxious to arrange his affairs before he goes east. With the facts before them your committee will form their own judgement. It is one of many cases in which the small sum raised after much previous aid afforded naturally suggests the inquiry. Have the Committee of the Church informed themselves of it merits. It may be best to continue aid for a long period in special cases.The Committee hence overlooked one little church. It is the residuum of the Original N.S. Church out of which the O.S. Church and the Congregational Church was formed. They feel themselves aggrieved and the Presbytery after refusing their request for a considerable time has at length felt constrained to organize them into a district church and this was the result of some investigation into the evil reports that were propagated concerning them.I have avoided meddling with the matter lest I should seem to be proselytizing but I thought it but fair that the Ex. Committee should have access to the facts in the case after which they will be able to judge better. A. KentP.S. I hope the request will be ranted though I cannot justify their want of promptness in making application as I could in case of a people who apply for the first time or in behalf of a new missionary with whom they are not acquainted.________The Swedish Evan. Luth. Ch. of Andover, Ill. apply for $200 renewed aid in support of Rev. L.P. Esbjorn, 12 mo. from Dec. 10, 1852]Although some prejudices have been awakened against Br. Esbjorn at Rock Island, yet I have seen nothing except his too hasty second marriage to lessen my confidence in the man and his story is certainly quite well calculated to move the feeling. I saw the unfinished church last fall. I recommend the appropriation of 200 to his support.A. Kent_______Udina, Near Elgin, Feb. 10, 53Rev. M. Badger, D.D.Dear Br.,Having a little leisure I sit down to note some things in passing, for facts like fish are best when they are fresh.I have been greatly rejoiced to preach for Br. Clark 2 evenings in their new church just dedicated and witness the displays of good grace in the conversion of sinners. There are some 40 indulging a very trembling hope of reconciliation to God but greatly fearful of self deception from his cautions to them not to be deceived. In this I rejoice the more as I see so much of erroneous practice among the Methodists, who seem to me never to put in a caution but on the contrary to do what they can to persuade persons to come forward to be prayed for, which is all right but no sooner do they come there than they inquire if they feel happy and then set them down for converts so soon as any expression of that tendency falls from their lips.Indeed I feel well paid for my rough and uncomfortable journey in what I have witnessed here. I rejoice too that God should have afforded these cordials to cheer the heart of this good brother under the depression which had afflicted him.Galena Feb.22. By the grace of God I have reached home again in safety and have during the 2 weeks preached 11 times and attended 4 prayer meetings and visited some 20 families and conversed with many on personal religion. I have just received your letter calling for an annual report to which I shall give my immediate attention.Yours, etc.,A. Kent__________[Rev. H.H. Hayes to Rev. David B. Coe]Rock Isl., Ill. 2nd Feb. 1853Rev. David B. CoeDear Sir:In answer to your inquiries of the 3rd inst. I feel unable to state what influence slavery may have on Missionary labours in some parts of Mo. In our presbytery I know there was not a single proslavery minister & I am confident that no minister of the Presbytery of Northern Mo. preaches a proslavery gospel. On the contrary, I believe that they have done much to change public sentiment & to weaken its hold on the affections of the people. I came to Mo. before the mobs assoc. to drive Dr. Nelson & others out of the state because they were abolitionists. Then they were sustained but now such freaks would not meet with favour. We have not felt that it was our business to be forever assailing an evil that the constitution of the state & U.S. make a right & that we could preach about nothing else, like one Bro. at Shelbyville, but give it occasional hits as inconsistent with the spirit of the gospel & our natural rights. I never felt restrained in preaching the gospel by it or in the freest manner to express my views in social intercourse & never felt the slightest danger. I never thought it best to load it with harsh & opprobrious names but rather to infuse a spirit of love to all men & to respect the rights of all.I have preached at 2 or 3 places in Mo. a discourse from the text “If the Son make you free” & in which I have endeavored to show that the tendency of the gospel was to give liberty & freedom & that in its triumphs it would break the chains that enslaved men & that if its spirit should become universal it would liberate all now in its bondage & given universal freedom.I have preached on the fugitive law & on mob law just as I would in N. England & on the slave trade as regarded now in comparison with a 100 years ago & that a similar change was now going on with respect to domestic slavery & that the hands that were now laid upon it that would never be taken off till it was annihilated. I head no murmurs about it.At. N. Providence there were 3 slave owners. Dr. Thompkins had 5, but has moved away. Joseph McAfee has a girl & Reuben Bohon has a girl. This is all remaining there I believe.At Mt. Pleasant Mrs. Randolph owned a women & some children & Mr. M. Culla a man & woman & child. This I think is all in that Ch. At Newark Mr. Porter owns a girl, Col. Bradshaw 2 or 3 which I believe is all in these churches.There is now no obstacle in the way of giving instructions to blacks in Northern Mo. so far as I am acquainted. In Palmyra the blacks meet every Sab. P.M. in the Methodist C. by themselves for worship & in Hannibal they have a church of their own. They have also an order of the Sons of Temperance in Palmyra of about a 100 members. Some live in the country.We have never had any cases of discipline & I have never known any in all that region growing out of slavery.From these representations you perceive that slavery is a weak affair where I have preached & my observations are not a fair expose of all the state. Those who know least of slavery are loudest in its excoriations. The images before their minds are charicatures. Northern men are the worst of masters when they come into slave territory. They do not feel the same sympathy for slaves as those raised among them & set them farther beneath them & they do not actually know how to use them. they seem to act on the notion commonly held at the north of what a master is.I did preach my 4th of July sermon in 2 of my congregations & I think with good effect. The 4 pints which I discussed as having a tendency to undermine & destroy our liberties were- 1st foreign immigration-2nd slavery-3rd Intemperance & 4th avarice.If you want more write.Your Uncle,H.H. Hayes_______Copy of my remarks on slavery“Slavery is a still more dangerous feature in our body politic. It is forever raising clouds & storms in our political atmosphere. Recently all things looked dark, portentous, & threatening. Ultra abolitionists of the North & ultra pro-slavery men of the South stand in an attitude of open war & are ready for the most desperate conflicts and safety has hitherto been & must be in time to come in the conservative spirit that holds these fierce spirits in check. The fires of angry passion that have been kindled by this evil have been spreading wider & more intense from year to year till is it hopeless to think of our putting them out. They are to burn on like deep volcanoes, from time to time sending up their frightful eruptions till the nation is wearied down, - till ultimately and that not a distant period, a crisis will come that will remove the bone of contention or sunder the nation. We have reason to fear that all this rumbling thunder will not pass away without an awful storm bursting upon our heads. The lord deliver us from what we have reason to fear.” I wrote this verbatim as I delivered it to show you what the people will hear. It may be called pro-slavery preaching—but missionaries to the heathens may be called pro-heathen & preach a pro-heathen gospel— to the jews pro-jewish & preach a pro-anti-christ gospel.H.H. Hayes________ XE "" Galena, March 2, 1853Rev. Milton Badger, D.D.Dear Br.,The past year has been to me a period of unremitted toil and I desire to recognize the special favour of God in that while others have been removed by death or enfeebled by disease or afflicted in their domestic relations I have been able to travel and preach as much* as in almost any year of my life.A due regard should also be had & the agency of our fellow man, and I may with propriety allude to the wise and considerate Christian benevolence which not only deals out a liberal pecuniary aid to western missionaries but anticipates their wants by furnishing the publications of the Tract, Bible & Sunday School Societies. Nor would I forget the princely generosity of individuals in bestowing unsolicited the works of Dr. Dwight & Dr. Woods as also Barnes Notes on the New Testament, Nettletons Visions and Spencer’s Pastoral Sketches.Our sisters in Christ have continued to show their affectionate recollections of us by sending out boxes of clothing without ever subjecting us to the expense of freight.We are all thankful for these diversified tokens of sympathy especially because they assure us of a remembrance in their prayers.It has been for 2 or 3 years past a period of depression in this community by reason of the failure of their crops, the low prices of their staples, their distance from market and the number of persons who have gone from our churches to find a better country to the north or west of us.But times are changed and everything the farmed can produce brings him a good price at his own door. And when I remember with what disheartening prospects I laboured 3 years in Galena because I had not one Christian brother to hold up my hands I am content that what we lose of strength from the churches in Illinois will be great gain to the missionaries toiling on the shores of the Pacific. I am more reconciled. I rejoice that the lead miners of the Upper Miss. should contribute somewhat of moral power to the gold mines of California.It may be well for us when so much effort is made to find occasion of censure against the A.H.M.S. to gather up some of the evidence of its usefulness in a particular locality.There are on the field of my agency 57 missionaries and 89 congregations supplied with the word of life from their lips and on the assumption that each missionary is enabled to reach 75 persons by his Sabbath services and 25 persons by his pastoral visits during the week (a moderate estimate surely) the soul-stirring truths of the gospel are brought in immediate contact with 8900 souls. And if we could take the exact measurement if its influence upon each individual in restraining his corruptions in elevating his moral feelings and stimulating him to the discharge of duty we should doubtless perceive an amount of good achieved which no arithmetic could reckon.Consider too that these 57 missionaries and these 8900 hearers are distributed among 250,000 (the population of the last census of the 23 counties which my supervision covers) imparting their own views of truth and silently moulding the character of the communities among whom they dwell. Let it be observed also that your missionaries occupy positions and have already organized churches at most of the county seats or other centers of business and that they have been thrown in so early in the history of settlements, not yet 20 years old, as to have exerted an extensive control over the moral character and public sentiment.Thus your benevolent association has, in Northern Ill and under my personal observation contributed vastly to improve society. It has arrested and turned back the tide of error, infidelity and vice. It has cooperated with other kindred agencies. It has promoted the rapid increase in Evangelical literature. It has reached forth and gathered up the youth and brought them under the sanctifying power of Sab. Sc. and has been foremost in every judicious measure of moral reform. It has every where rallied up strenuous advocates for Sabbath conservation by Rail Roads & Steamboats, by public offices and private citizens and last but not least it has laid hold of the strong frontier mind. It has checked their roving habits, has subdued their iron wills - has sanctified their depraved affections and led then in sweet submission to the Prince of Peace, so that as members and officers of the Church they have abandoned the chase and are now “following hard after God.” If more were necessary as evidence of the countless benefits of Home Missions upon this field, let the question be raised “What would have been our condition had this aid been withheld?”Imagine [what] would have been the state of morals in our village if no missionaries had been sent out here, if no Sabbath serves had been held, if no churches had been organized, no bibles scattered, no pastoral visits made, no funeral sermons preached and no prayer meetings appointed - if no Sunday schools had been collected, no temperance lectures given by your missionaries, no efforts made by them to promote and improve the cause of education in our colleges, academies, and female seminaries and district schools.Wipe out all they have done and how would Northern Illinois find its moral condition sink in comparison with what we now behold.We must go to the prophet to find language sufficiently strong to mark the contrast.“The land is as the garden of Eden before them.” But without them it would have been “A desolate wilderness.”A. KentP.S. I had well nigh omitted to mention that there have been 6 house of worship erected and 4 churches organized during the year.* [marginal note] My journal reads 6616 miles of travel, 95 sermons preached, 92 pastoral visits. This of course does not include all that has been done in the way of visits, journals, S. Schools visited, etc.A.H.M. Society in account with A. Kent Dr[aw]. $6001852July 10 by collection at East Rockford$18.0025 “ “ at Freeport16.00Aug 1 “ “West Rockford97.42 15 “ “ Morris10.68 Nov 7 “ “ Presb. Ch. at Lacon73.65 14 “ “ “ “ at Peru12.00 Mrs. Keller 2.45 & Mrs. Long .252.70Jan 53 Home Miss to Mr. Chetlain1.00231.45I do not recall it any acknowledgement of 73.65 (in the Home Miss.) from Lacon & if not,please make it now.Please send me a draft for the balance due after deducting other items which you have charged which I have forgotten.I make no account of travelling expenses and besides these my expenses are very heavy with the most rigid economy. I have 3 boys and 3 girls in my family at an expensive age and one of them ar College in Beloit, and hence I do not feel at liberty to contribute $100 as I have sometimes done. I want only to live.________Galena, March 2, 1853I have made myself somewhat acquainted with parts of the field [Plainfield] described by Br. [Alvah] Day and his description corresponds with my previous estimate of it. I think him better fitted than we can ordinarily expect to obtain for such service. He is now in the immediate neighborhood of his wife and children which was the only reason of his leaving Livingston County and I suppose his wife would not consent to remove them.I would recommend that he be commissioned with aid to the amount of $250, but if you think it better, write him to circulate a subscription first and report the amount to you and base your decision on his report.A. Kent_______Galena, March1853 A. Kent in Account with the A.H.M.S. Dr.To Money paid by Rush Peabody of Grand Detour for Home Miss. $1.50“ “ “ by T. Robertson for 2nd Cong. Ch. of Rockford39.85“ “ “ John Buckley Freeport for Home Miss..50May 8 “ Freeport Presb. Church31.06June 17 John Bush for John Addams5.00July 17 Collection at East Rockford42.00 do at West Rockford42.41 Reported July 18, 53162.32Aug. 21 Jun. C. Kellog5.00 25 Collection at Udina (Cong. Ch.)8.75“at Elgin (Cong. Ch.)8.70Oct 30“in 2nd Presb. Ch in Galena84.00 reported Dec. 9:268.77Dec 19Mrs. Keller1.50 28 H.A. Thayer Springfield to pay for Home Miss 2 years1.001854 Feb.26 Col. at East Rockford (Cong. Ch.)30.00 Col. at West Rockford (Cong. Ch.)147.88 March 5 Col. at Belvidere (Presb. Ch.)55.40 Not before reported504.55March 5Collected in 2nd Prsb. Ch. in Galena and pledged to be paid within 3 months100.00604.55I shall need the whole of my salary this year as I must procure a new waggon and harness which will cost over $100. And I make no charge for freight on boxes which altogether amounted to $25 during the year.Should you have other charges against me, please carry it over to the next year and oblige,Yours, etc..A. KentIt is the wish of the Donor that the 30 dollars contributed by the Cong. Ch. of East Rockford should be put down as making Rev. H.M. Goodwin their stated supply as a life member.It is wished that F.D. Robertson Esq. be reported as making himself a life member; that Mary A. Emerson be reported a life member by an individual that Deacon James H. Roegrs, Nora, Ill & Mrs. Harvey S. Sage Rockford Ill be reported as life members by this collection at the 2nd Cong. Ch. of Rockford.It is wished that the Home Miss. be sent to Mrs. M.C. Emerson, Beloit Wisc. & to Deacon Rogers, Nora, Ill. & to Mrs. Sage and to A. Emerson, Rockford and to Rec. H.M. Goodwin, Rockford.Also it is wished that the 100 paid by the 2nd church in Galena should make Charles S. Hempstead a life director._______Rockford, July 18, 1853.Dr. BadgerDear Sir,I have received of Rush Peabody of Grand Detour for Home Miss. for the years 51, 52, 52 1.50from John Buckley of Freeport.50for Home Miss which you will add to your subscribersMay 8 from the Presbyterian Ch. at Freeport31.00June 16 from the 1st Congregational Ch. at Rockford42.00From the 2nd“““82.26All which please charge to me$162.32________[The Presb. Ch. of Little Rock and vicinity, Ill. June 14, 1853 apply for $200 renewed aid in support of Rec. Charles R. Fisk, 12 mo. from June 1, 1853]This is a case I wish you to bring up before the committee when they are fresh, for there is a bone to pick.I have been much tried to know what I ought to do. At the meeting of the Synod last October I felt it my duty to tell Br. Fisk that there was so much dissatisfaction that he had better leave. But he was just then building a house and I thought I ought to let him receive his quarterly draft before he should be reported. In the mean time his letter was published stating that a physician & wife had untied with the church, from which I perceived that the difficulties with Dr. Sedwick & his mother and others were healed, hence I rested easy until the disturbance became so great that I had complaints from both sides.It proved to be a Dr. Long some miles off who had joined the Church and Dr. Sedwick had become greatly incensed and they had made arrangements to form a Cong. Free Mission Ch. Mr. Fisk & his elder had cut off one member dissatisfied, ostensibly because he did not attend church while the Elder's son equally delinquent and allowed to remain. And the Doctor's mother, a very worthy spiritualist, was formally cited to appear before Session for absences from church for 4 or 5 Sabbath's while she justified herself on the ground that she had always attended until the church voted they would not employ him longer.Under the circumstances I felt constrained to tell the dissatisfied party that I disapproved of Br. Fisk's course and that I presumed that he would not apply for aid another year . Hoping still to prevent a division but that church has been formed and was received into the Fox River Union when I was present. In the mean time I understand that he has secured the sympathy of some worthy men who care for none of these things and intent, as it seems to me to take that little church "vi ot armis," over to the Old School if your society refuses them aid.I enclose Br. Bergen's confidential letter who knows more about that church than Br. Gould. I am suspicious that no other name could be easily procured from the Committee of Presbytery.Whether you will grant of refuse the application or write back to know why the other members of the committee have not signed it is more than I can divine.A. KentP.S. Would [it?] not be well to request that the committee as a body carefully investigate the case? A.K.[ed. note: The application was marked "Information"{lined out}, "Inexpedient".__________[June 11, 1853; The Cong. Ch. of Savanna, Ill. apply for $250 aid in support of Rec. James G. Hill, 12 mo. from 1853]Galena, June 23, 53I recommend the appropriation asked and also a strong paper Delegation to enforce the appeal they raise money for Br. Hildreth and it is hoped that another year they will raise at least half his support. A. Kent________Galena, Ill. July 23/53Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,Your letter respecting Br. Clark (also the one addressed to each agent) is received. Perhaps I ought not the have made you so much trouble as to write me 2 long letters. But I cannot now do less than to say that I am well satisfied of the correctness of your position and I trust I shall be able to satisfy Brs. Clark & Savage.My own observation confirms the views you have given and yet when we see little churches suffering we feel constrained to give them an occasional meal. This however ought to be dome by pastors at the expense of leaving their own flocks destitute occasionally. Each ecclesiastical body ought systematically to supply their own vacant churches and I am trying to push that thing. Our Presbytery appointed supplies for all their churches last meeting from their own men here, but I have not yet urged it as much as I ought. Would not an article in the Home Miss. in connection with this subject be timely.Our larger churches ought to consent to have their pastors absent when it is necessary to look after the destitute within their Ec. bounds. I think C[hris]t would so teach.I enclose letters relating to Br. Fisk. I thought possibly you has not acted on the case. My estimate of their value may be judged of when I say Dr. Long lives 3 or 4 miles off and probably knows nothing of the case but what he hears from Br. Fisk. I have replied in a brief but kind letter avoiding all insinuations.Yours, etc.A. Kent____[Chapin Papers - Beloit College]Aug. 27, 1853Dear Br. Chapin,I have written after some sort, such thoughts as occurred to me in relation to obtaining aid from the Col. Soc. I enclose them to you with the enquiry if you and your Brethren will not join me in urging the claims of R. on them I do not recollect when their meeting is, but I send them to you to make such use as you think best.We are in a great strait, have appointed Br. Willis agent, are 2,000 in debt. We shall need the Wings immediately.Elgin Aug. 27. I have just received your letter and it puzzles me to answer it. I saw Theodore[?] on Tuesday last, and he enquired what decision was reached. I told him that he could not go to college again unless there was evidence of a decided and complete reformation, which he has failed to evince during the vacation, thus far. I said this because I expect to be in N. York next week (my address until Sept 10 will be car of Dr. Badger, Bible House, Astor Place.)Should you think best, you may write and invite him to come to Beloit as you suggest. His trunk of books, etc., left with Mr. Hooker, I wish to put in care of Wm. Works to account for and use & I request Prof. Lathrope to pay to Wm. Works $2 which I left with him for Hatch if it is still in his hands.I do not think it desirable that Theodore should remain in Beloit any longer than is necessary. While he submits to my direction I expect him to labor with Mr. Charles Works Rockford.I shall write Mr. Works in relation to his going to Beloit at your request.Yours with great respect,A. Kent_______Freeport, Aug. 15, 1853Rev. Milton Badger, D.D.Dear Br.It is excessively hot about these days and having rode 12 miles this morning after spending the Sabbath with Br. Colston and assisting him at the communion table in the management of which as an old man, an Englishman and a Espiscopalian he is quite awkward. I have obtained a dark stable to screen my horse from the flies and a very comfortable place for myself while I sit down to make out an application for aid to the Apple River Church and to the church which is to be soon formed at Nora in the support of Rev. A.D. Laughlin who has left Wisconsin. Or rather has located himself on the line between the two states. The application is for $200 to date back to the 15 of May. And the facts are these. He came by request of Br. Raymond to Monticello and Nora which are some 12 miles apart and the former of which was one of Br. Raymond's out posts and about 6 miles from Shulsburg. And after preaching there some 2 months he thought proper to withdraw from Monticello and five up the ground to Br. R. There is a misunderstanding but involving no blame as I see. In the mean time he had brought on his family and in want of a more convenient place he made a temporary location at White Oak Spring where there is no church and but little prospect of any permanent good being accomplished. The people of that village however rallied around him and insisted on his giving them half his time. This was thought not judicious and yet we did not feel at liberty to withdraw him entirely from that point lest a wrong impression should be made. A compromise was recommended which was that he should preach 1/4 of his time at White O. Sp. and at Apple River Ch. 6 miles apart and 1/4 at Plum River and Elizabeth 10 miles apart with the hope that he would ultimately locate at the place last mentioned. But after I have spent 2 Sabbaths and rode a 100 miles to effect the arrangement, it has failed at last, and now have given my consent that he should give half his time to Nora and its vicinity whence they engage to raise him $75 Dollars and the other half at White Oak Spring whence they are pledged to give him $80, and to the Apple River Ch. whence they engage to give him $45.I have taken upon myself to make this arrangement because I have been supplying this field and know more about it than anybody else. And in view of these facts I recommend that he have $200, and that it date back to the 15 of May. And accordingly I have encouraged him to make out his quarterly report immediately with the expectation of his obtaining a draft at once if the Society is in funds.Perhaps I should say that the affliction of Mrs. Laughlin in being confined in the dark on account of protracted weal eyes and which are grown worse of late was a principle reason why I could not insist on his extending his labours to Plum River & Elizabeth. Those points together with Rush Creek Settlement would furnish abundant work for another man. But we can find no man to supply the various distributions which are multiplying on every side.I received a letter recently from Mr. Masson of South Ottawa giving information which I directed him to send to you as a condition of receiving aid. It is entirely satisfactory but I did not think it necessary to forward the document because I presumed he forwarded the same to you as I requested him.I just received a letter (which I shall forward to Br. Clancy) from John Allen Petersbury, Menard Co. requesting a missionary to be sent to the falls of Chippewa River in Wisconsin and holding himself responsible for 60 dollars towards his support.I am on my way to visit Br. N.C. Clark and the destitutions about which he complains and may possibly make a flying visit to N. York in the course of the next 4 weeks.Yours truly as a humble associate in a glorious cause,A. KentHe may he commissioned for Nora and vicinity or the other points could also be designated.________Galena, Sept. 27/53Rev. D.B. CoeDear Sir:In reply to your inquiries I would name Br. Ira Smith, Lasalle Co. who would be thankful for a box of clothing. There [is] 5 in the family, head of family of a middle size, one son 18, one 14 and one daughter 16 years old. His box would go to Peru.Mr. John Raymond of Shullsburg was unfortunate. His box (or barrel) was opened and a good part of the things were extracted. He would like to have another. Mr. Clark (N.C.) of Elgin would like some woolen clothes. His box contained nothing of the kind. He is of middle size. His wife is tall, his daughters 14 and 12.I shall find others as needy as they but I send them because they have come in my way. I accomplished something for the time I was out of my field being but 2 Sabbaths out of the State, having obtained subscriptions to Rockford Female Sem. to a considerable amount.Yours very truly,A. KentI had forgotten to mention Br. Ebenson Raymond Campton, an old man, has two sons 17 & 14. I suppose his circumstances would justify a contribution of clothing and it might be sent to the care of N.C. Clark, Elgin.________Beloit, Oct. 1 [1853]Dr. BadgerDear Sir:I drop a line in haste to enclose this letter from Br. Willcock and have written him that he will hear from you soon.I see his name among those commissioned in July and hence I conclude there is some mistake or miscarriage.Yours in haste,A. Kent_______Galena, Ill., Oct. 19/53Rev. Dr. Badger,W.W. Sedgwick, M.D. is the man who has figured considerably in the excitement relative to Br. Fisk and it is quite possible that his judgement may be warped by his feelings, but I never heard anyone question his credibility or his integrity.He has joined the Free Mission Church but would, as I understand the case, have joined the Presbyterian Church to which his mother belongs if Br. Fisk had been acceptable and had dealt prudently and discretely. But the manner in which the Elder cited her to appear before session because she has been absent 4 Sabbaths from his preaching and many other things which I presume will reach you through Mr. Bergen was calculated to alienate him I felt myself obliged to express to them and to Mr. Fisk my disapprobriation.I attended the meeting of the Board of F. Missions at Cincinnati (preaching the Sabbath before in Boone Co. and the Sabbath after in Chicago.) The agent of A.H.M.S. met together a few moments regretting exceedingly that one of the Sec. was not there. I suppose they would have come if they had been invited, but none of us thought of it or supposed ourselves clothed with any authority.I was sorry that we could not have some time together. I think it would have been very profitable.Yours, etc.,A. KentYour will soon receive a report from Brs. Gould & C.A. Williams. I am at a loss to determine what ought to be done.__________Oct. 28, 1853Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir:I have an invitation to change my work and to receive a liberal compensation but I do not wish to change and I only mention it that if my services are less acceptable than I have supposed, the Committee can improve the occasion to appoint another in my place.A. Kent________Rockford, Nov. 7, 1853Rev. M. Badger, D.D.I have just heard the announcement that Dr. Hall had been called away from his post to engage in a higher and holier service. I have been revolving in my mind how the secretaries looked on their work-shop and on each other the morning after his death.How often are we admonished to do quickly what we propose to do for Christ.I say down to say that after spending the Sabbath in Br. Hodges field and making enquiries, I have concluded to recommend that (in consideration of the great struggle they are making to build a church worth $2000 out on a bleak prairie) they receive aid to the amount asked without insisting on the condition before appended of raising 50 more themselves.I trust that by another year they will have ability to do more for their minister.Yours truly,A. Kent________Dec. 1, 1853Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,You wil please charge me and report in the Home Miss.Jesse C. Kellof$5.00Collection at Udina Cong. Ch.8.00Collection at Elgin Cong. Ch.8.70Collection at 2nd Presb. Ch. Galena84.00$106.45A. KentChicago, Dec. 9. Please sent the "Home Missionary" to Edward M. Williams (a dear little Christian Brother sitting by me and studying latin) a life member of your society. To save writing, address it to his father, John C. Williams, Chicago._______[The Swedish Luth. Ch. of Andover, Ill. apply for $100 renewed aid in support of Rev. L.P. Esbjorn 12 mo. from Dec. 10, 1853.]I cheerfully recommend that their request be granted, for I know no reason why we should with hold it. There is some prejudice against the preaching in the vicinity but I suspect it grows out of the fact that Swedes are likely to root out the Americans in that region. If you do not give him more that $100, would it be out of place to suggest to them that $300 is too small a salary when they are able to sustain him alone.A. Kent____[?Dec. 1853]Dear Br. Badger,I must be brief for I have a very lame arm & cannot write without pain.I have visited Br. Phelps and showed them your letter. They feel some what keenly the rebuke which is implied in the donations sent them of late and he disavows any special claim upon public sympathy.I have seen another letter and correction in the Evangelist and the first of a series in the N.Y. Observer.Mr. Powells "family" of Winslow....creating a similar...and the agent. And there is trouble in Little Rock which had made me feel a necessity for....but I cannot recommend any further appropriation to aid in support of Br. Fisk after the current year.Yours, etc.,A. KentP.S. In reference to "exaggeration" and fancy sketches", that is not the first that has been written by insinuation to elicit public sympathy at the expense of those whose by-gone assiduities deserves a better recompense. I add this by request.[ed. note: a hole exists in the text of this letter.] __________[The Presb. Ch. of Shabbony and Somonauk, Ill. apply for $200 renewed aid in support of Rev. Henry Bergen, 12 mo. from June 1, 1854]Galena, March 16, 1854I recommend that $130 be granted in aid of this feeble Church and have informed them that they must be more prompt here after in their application.A. Kent_________Galena, March 28, 1854I recommend the appropriation of $200 to the Cong. Ch. at Albany because I do not know how to refuse and yet they have been helped a good while and are so divided up into sects that the prospect is not very flattering for a small village which is in danger of being clipped by Fulton City 8 miles above on the Miss which is to be the terminus of a R.R. I spent a Sabbath there last winter.A. Kent________Freeport, Jan. 6, 1854Dear Sir,I have just had a conversation with Rev. Mr. Wilson, editor of the Chicago Evangelist respecting Kankakee and he will give you a history of the case which will put it before you in a much stronger light than I have done. It is perfectly clear to me from what Mr. Holbrook stated that he has been very greatly misinformed.Br. Loss is of all others but acquainted with the facts from the beginning and Br. Wilson refers you to him. A. Kent_________Galena, Jan. 11, 1854Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,I have just received and read your letter and it has cheered me not a little. You may wonder at the remark, but I will explain.The spirit of sectarianism runs high in these parts (not particularly just now) and an agent is obliged to do things sometimes about which he must keep himself dark, for explanation will only make matters worse. I felt that having always been known as a Presbyterian and being associated too necessarily with those that are such I should probably be reported as being partial by those who can not see but through a glass darkly and hence I was not disappointed to find an article in the Cong. Herald reflecting on an agent in reference to an individual case which I could explain to your satisfaction in 2 minutes.Now though I have lived in all good conscience towards my Congregational brethren, yet I thought probably that misapprehensions might exist and be reported and when I read on till I came to your reference to my continuation in your service, it dost cross my mind that perhaps compliments have come from the Prairie State so thick that the Com. may think it expedient to take the matter into consideration. So I just laid down the letter, saying I will stick a pin there and think how I should feel if such a decision has been reached. Well after 3 hours I read the rest and it met those uncomfortable suspicions so happily that I was enough relieved to compensate for your trouble in writing.You will doubtless smile across the table, I mean over to Br. David when you read this perambulatory preamble but indeed the preamble will constitute the whole epistle for I have not much to say.However, I will start off tomorrow with renewed zeal. I meet my appointments for 3 more light nights on Plum River at the log school house, prepatory to Communion next Sabbath to the little church I am nursing there amidst winbrenarians, 2nd Advents and a sect which are familiarly known as the no soul sect. I preached there last Sabbath to a Cong. of 60 at Rush Creek 5 miles at 2 p.m. to a Cong. of 40 and at Elizabeth 5 miles to a cong. of 50 at evening. I have the same appointments for next Sabbath in addition to a session meeting in the morning and Communion. I never envy myself when I preach and I cannot reasonably expect that other people will, but I saw one mother of a large family bathed in tears last Sabbath.Monday Jan 16. On thursday I moved off to fill my 6 appointments, called on the woman just mentions. She wept freely and by her conversation led me to think she had given her heart to God. That is interesting, say you, but much more to me. She in the mother of 10 children and cannot read. Twenty one years ago, we, i.e., my wife and 3 others of my then family called on her in the morning and took breakfast after camping out in our covered waggon in December having lost our way in a snow storm at evening about a mile from her house. When we were strangers she took us in.In the evening I preached with some liberty in a log school house to about 40 whence they are not accustomed to hear preaching. I returned from this by-place by moon light and most of the way on foot to the elder's house of logs. The weather became excessively cold and blustering. I slept very sweetly in the loft after the fatigue of the day & except as the snow sifted through the crevices and melted on my face, my pillow in the morning had a coating of snow.The Elder & myself attempted to visit but it was so severe that we returned after calling on 3 families. He to his house and I to a more comfortable frame house.The next day I visited 9 families, had personal conversations on the state of their souls with some 12 persons including a leader of the No Soul sect, and preached at the log house of the other elder and had a good meeting.Sab. morning we reached the log sch. house before anyone else. The Elder borrowed an ax & chopped the wood. I made a fire & swept the house, held a session meeting, received a woman by profession. I preached a sermon and administered the Lord's Supper. I was a precious service and there was weeping there for we spoke of him who wept over sinners,I rode 5 miles, called by invitation on a man who received me courteously to dinner at 2 p.m. and seemed to evince the spirit of a disciple as also his wife and daughter, I rejoiced the more because I knew he had been accounted a very bad man and I have since learned that it was supposed that he once had connection with horse thieves. What a triumph of grace. As in a 1000 other cases God only knows to what extent this triumph of Christ over satan is attributable to Home Miss. agency. He has joined the Methodist class.After dinner we repaired to the log school house and I preached to about 30, one of whom I heard swearing at a horse. My text, Prov. 13-15, led me to speak of the obstacles that grape vines are obliged to encounter.In the evening I reached Elizabeth (5 miles) just in time to get my tea and preach in the Methodist church to 100 or more on the Maine liquor law by request. The preacher in charge having just been handling the subject.I slept pretty well though somewhat nervous and reached home at 12.I was so much cheered by your letter that I have spread out this little jaunt somewhat in detail in the hope that you might be entertained for a few moments with a letter which does not claim any answer.To complete the picture I ought to say that Sab. morning found me occupying a corner of the cabin in which was a family of 10 and having formed a closet beside a hay stack before light I was routed by the approach of the herds man but I retreated to a bunch of willows by the water course to break the wind and in the multitude of my thoughts I said I would gladly train all my sons for the ministry had I any.Yours, etc.A. KentThe death of Dr. Hall must be a great bereavement at the Miss. rooms._______[The Presb. Ch. of Winslow, Ill. Jan. 26, 1854 apply for $260 renewed support of Rev. J.N. Powell half the time, 12 mo. from Jan 1, 1854 to labor also at Waddam's Grove & New Pennsylvania.]Galena, March 8, 1854This letter was received and I immediately wrote to Mr. Judson urging the necessity of doing more and have just received for answer that they have made up $18 more and which is the uttermost farthing. Their pledge then is 108 at Winslow and the faint hope of 50 from Waddam's Grove will not be half realized, I fear. And I recommend that 260 be given by the society to "the Prairie Missionary" or his church for the reason (if any is wanted) that their past travails have awakened the sympathies of Mr. Waterman and his church.A. Kent________Galena, Ill. March 10, 1854Rev. Milton Badger, D.D.Dear Br.,In making out my annual report I shall confine myself to the district originally assigned me though I have occasionally over stepped those bounds and it seems quite important I should do so unless an agent is commissioned for Central Ill. There are points along the Central and other R. Roads which demand attention or advantages will be irretrievably lost.I am happy to acknowledge that by the good hand of God upon me I have been enabled to travel as much and labor as constantly as in former years and I am now 60 years of age. I have preached 110 sermons chiefly to the destitute and I believe I have visited as many Sabbath schools, assisted at as many communions, conducted as many prayer meetings, and as many pastoral visits, distributed as many tracts, and conversed with as many individuals on personal religion as the average amount performed by my Brethren in the ministry.According to the best estimate I can make, there are in the 23 northern counties 48 missionaries of your society supplying 79 churches and missionary districts. There have been 6 churches organized, 1 pastor installed, 9 houses of worship built and some $8100 of missionary money expended in this field during the past year.Revivals are in progress under the labours of 2 of your missionaries (Gray & Laughlin) whom I have visited recently and additions have been made to both churches already particulars of which you will doubtless receive in due time.Sabbath Schools are flourishing and the Temperance Cause is receiving a powerful impulse from our missionaries. It was pleasing to observe the interest manifested by them at the Convention held some time since at Chicago.The following persons were formerly labouring in your service and are not now employed here, though their names are enrolled in the last annual report as included among the missionaries of Ill: Alvor, Attross, Birge, Cooly, W.R. Davis, Fisk, French, Hudson, Shapley, Smalley, Taylor, Thompson, Whitney, Williams, J.W. Wilson.It may be interesting to note that of these 23 county seats, 16 are supplied by ministers of our denominations most of whom either are or have been pensioners of the A.H.M.S.. These county seats are generally the centers of influence moral and political and our churches placed there possess considerable strength as may be inferred from the fact that 15 out of 16 already have substantial houses of worship. Could our Brother Hall of precious memory have foreseen when he travelled over these prairies what is now a matter of history, he would have wondered with great admiration.In years past we have complained of blighted crops and far distant markets and prices miserably low, while the new settler was burdened with their necessary outlays for fences, houses, roads and bridges which he could not command. Now our condition is one of great prosperity. Facilities for travel and for transportation from the interior are rapidly increasing. The crops last autumn were abundant and the young orchards were loaded with the finest fruit & the farmed in place of crossing the state to sell his produce finds a market at his own door and not infrequently finds a man at his door offering to give two prices both for his farm and for what ever he may have grown during the year. Our danger is that prosperity will ruin us. It may be regarded as the greatest trial which the infant churches of Ill. have ever met. The prospect is that the European war and other circumstances will protract this great temporal prosperity to the agriculturalist and our wants are more spirituality in the churches and a large accession to the numbers of cross bearing ministers to supply these 20 feeble churches and wide fields of destitution which will only bear thorns and briars until they are cultivated.But the great want, as I apprehend , in our missionaries is that they should devote more time and labour to pastoral visitation as the only effectual method to enlighten the understanding and awaken the conscience or even to gather a congregation from the "mixed multitude" that compose our new settlements. Christ spent much of his strength in personal efforts. Paul taught from house to house warning every man and teaching every man. Where is the mantle of Baxter, Where is the spirit of Harlan Page. Could our brethren be persuaded to adopt this old 'measure" for one year and devote 5 afternoons in a week from 2 to 5 in dealing with the consciences of the people, the work of public preaching would be easy and their success 4 fold.I have urged upon the secretaries and I urge it again that they should request every missionary to specify in his quarterly report the number of visits and of conversations upon experimental piety. From observation and inquiry I am convinced this is the grand debut and if they should once resolve to keep a record of their fidelity in this department of labour they would be surprised at their past neglect. And if they should persevere in it, their Sabbath congregations would be twice as large as they are now.Much of "the shady side" of pastoral life has been spread out before the public of late, and it is quite opportune as a rebuke to the churches for the shister salaries which ministers receive in these days of general prosperity. But it should be regarded as an occasional and side-glance rather than a front view and a full length portrait of clerical expression.I have myself visited "the prairie missionary" and when I gazed upon their ample cottage with tasteful finish and decorated with vines and ??? and when I heard her say that she was overwhelmed with God's goodness, me thought she should at least give a little more the "sunny side" for the benefit of those who are looking forward to the missionary work.We must view this whole matter in the light of an overseeking Providence, Good men and missionaries need frequent & sharp ??? and I doubt that they a=have as few as is consistent with their sanctification. And what trials would be less disastrous to their character and usefulness than poverty and want unless they are induced by a criminal prodigality. A man may suffer keenly in his ??? and yet not lose his ability to labour nor forfeit respect of the community. Worldly men have their trials, and we too have our joys Let them glory in their anticipations and achievements - their well filled granaries the rise of stocks and their prospects of wealth. We too have sources of enjoyment- when a burdened soul is relieved- when an idle and quarrelsome family is converted into the abode of peace and mental love by God's blessing on our feeble agency. We have our share of toil. But we love our work. A long and fatiguing ride prepares us for a cheerful meal and a sound sleep, We experience some privations but that only makes our little comforts sweeter. We have a good conscience and bright anticipations " we point for eternity." The work we are executing will live when we are dead. We toil alone but we sometimes meet and rejoice together and I challenge the world to show happier men than missionaries or happier families or more useful than theirs.A. Kent_________Galena, March 28/54I recommend the appropriation of $200 on condition they make up 150. Br. Gilbert is a very modest man and I wish you would suggest to them that 400 is a very meagre support for a man who gives his whole time to his people. I hope to visit that region soon if the traveling continues good as at present but if not feel at liberty to detain the application.A. Kent__________Joliet, Ap. 11, 1854Rev. D.B. CoeDear Br.You wrote me some time since in relation to missionaries desiring boxes of clothing.I now report that I have supplied Br. Hitchcock of Moline with a box and Br. Raymond of Shullsburg with a barrel for which they expressed much gratitude for the very timely supply. I have recommended to the good ladies of Utica to prepare a box for br. I.R. Smith of Edgington, R.I. County and to those of Lockport, N.Y. to prepare one for Br. J.H. Baldwin of Waltham Ridge and to those of Canandaigua, N.Y. to prepare one for Br. Gould of Northville, Lasalle Co., Ill in response to inquiries made by them. Br. Jessup and Loss do not ask aid in that way.Br. C. Gray of Mount Carrol has received none for 7 or 8 years, had one sent but was stolen before it reached him, would be glad to receive a box (clothing would be preferred to bedding). Himself and his wife rather slender, one 5 feet 8 inches, the other 5..2. 3 boys, one 10 years, one 3 and one 6 months (send in care of John Brewster, Freeport, Ill.).Br. H. Bergen would be thankful for clothing. They are also quite slender, one 6 feet the other 5 feet in height. They have one boy 6 years and a girl 3.Rev. J.G. Porter of Wilmington (via Chicago and Miss, R.R.) desires a box of such things as may be sent. They are straitened to clothe 1 boy of 22 at Knox College, 1 of 18 learning a trade and 1 of 16 at home, 1 girl of 17 and one girl of 10. The man is of ordinary size his wife quite portly, indeed, large. While chatting this morning (Apr 12) he was called to attend 2 funerals tomorrow— says he has attended a great many the last years.Br. Peck of Rockville Co. had a barrel not long since.Br. Gilbert of Crete received a box a year ago.Br. Rounce of Hadley had corresponded directly with the secretaries on the subject.Br. C.S. Bartlett Barber's Grove, Will Co, had a box 18 months since. She is very feeble- has 6 children 1 boy grown, 1 boy 12, 1 girl 13, 1 girl 10, 1 girl 6, 1 girl 4, sewing is worth more to her than the materials, needs clothing but not bedding. Husband, wife both slender and of ordinary height - perhaps the most pressing case.I have just met with a life member of the A.H.M.S. Edward M. Williams who complains that the Home Miss. does not come to him. He is a lad of 12 years and I presume he would get it if directed to his father, John C, Williams, Chicago, Ill.)Br. Graset of Lockport, Will Co., would like a box if none needs more. His people engage to raise his whole support this year. He is 5 feet 9 thick set, wife 5..5 large- 1 boy 6, 1 boy 3.I have had an interesting tour across the state, have called on 16 missionaries, and have been to the S. eastern extreme of my field.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent.I had forgotten to reportBr. Hope Brown of Napiersville would be glad of a box. She has a lame hand, her 6 children, 1 boy and 2 girls almost grown and 1 girl,of 12 , 1 girl of 10 & one of 6.I left home Ap. 1, spent the Sab. with a little church at Elizabeth very much depleted by emigration to California, both elders removed, have had no preaching for some time but occasionally I can serve them. I administered the Lord's supper and they voted that at my next visit they would choose two elders. Monday spent an hour with Br. Gray who is building the wall in troublous times. Lodged with Br. Jessup who reports a congregational Ch. organized in one district of his field.Tuesday - I passed through Buffalo Grove. They have half a minister's time and no house of worship. They are abundantly able to build and sustain and sustain a minister but can be united in nothing unless they can have Br. Gray for the bond of union. I called at Dixon. The place is growing. There is a faint prospect of an effort to introduce a Home Miss. at this important point. Lodged with Br. Phelps at Lee Centre. They are making a move to ordain and install him. His church is divided to form a Cong. Ch. at the Depot 3 miles S.W. We will preach at both churches probably.Wednesday. Called on the deacon of the Church at Lamoille who represented that many were dissatisfied, some with the doctrines and more with the inefficiency of the incumbent. Dined with Br. Hubbard. Rode over to Mendota, the junction of Aurora Extension and the Ill. Central R.R. where it to be a centre of influence. Lodged with Br. Baldwin who is being annoyed by Old Sch. people coming from Ohio, and by their minister obtruding themselves and threatening to interrupt his operations after all his great struggle to build two meeting houses one at Homer and the other at Waltham Ridge. The Old Sch. men there on the ground pledging themselves to stand bu him in that effort to build that one at Homer.Thursday. Called on Br. Ira Smith. He and his church will probably go to the Congregationalists soon. He will not seek aid of the A.H.M.S. again.Called and dined with Br. Whittany of Ottawa. Called on Br. C.R. Clark of South Ottawa. A work of grace has been enjoyed at Ottawa as also at Lowell on Vermillion River and Granville and Aurora the past winter. Lodged with Br. Day of Lisbon. he told me of his correspondence with the secretaries in relation to his school keeping and advised with him in relation to occupying himself half his time on the field vacated by the sickness of Br. Loughead on condition that Br. Ruggles cannot be obtained for that post.Friday. Called on Br. Baldwin who has left Peru and succeeded Br. Henderson at Morris. They have assured his whole support, $500. There I met with Br. Murphy which superseded a long ride over the prairies to his residence.He stated that he has transferred his church at Mazon to Br. Marsh of the Ottawa Presb. (I think) and that the Old. Sch. brethren from Ohio had some in so numerously about Dwight and Pontiac whence he is now supplying that he should be completely overpowered, and thus was constrained though very reluctantly to apply to their board for aid. He represented it as being to him a most painful necessity. This process is going on where ever they can get a few old country men to form a nucleus.Lodged with Br. Loss and rested on Saturday prepatory to preaching on Home Miss. He has succeeded in getting up a good house of worship and they are about assuming his support and installing him. Tuesday- Lodged with Br. Porter of Wilmington— Wednesday called of Br. Wilk of Kankakee. Rode to Kankakee City, where was but one house last July- now there are about 100— Thursday rode to Crete, dined with Br. Gilbert and lodged with Br. Porter, visited with Br. Romine at Hadley. Sat. Ap. 15 I have reached Dupage, Will Co. where I preach on Home Miss. tomorrow and where I preached 21 years ago to a few families just come in.A. Kent______Galena, 27 Ap.I spent Friday Ap. 14 with Dr. Porter and as it was a rainy day, I had a long talk with Mr. & Mrs. Romine.The people of Hadley make out a full half of his support promptly and the out stations are negligent.I recommend the appropriation of $200.A. Kent__________Galena, Ill.Apr. 27, 1854Rev. Milton Badger, D.D.Dear Br.,Enclosed I send you a line from Br. Graset of Lockport, and approve of the views therein expressed.In my recent visit to Hadley I made particular inquiries concerning those fields of labour and became fully satisfied that they were not doing what they ought for Br. RounceIn a subsequent interview with Br. Graset I opened the case to him and he was half inclined to the opinion that one missionary might serve both Lockport and Hadley. But this could not be, for Br. G. would not crowd upon Br. R. and he could not fill the place of Br. Graset at Lockport.But I urged him to exchange with Br. Romine and preach on the subject of ministerial support as he has done and the result is that he has begun a good work which I trust will go on til his support is wholly assured.I have just received an application in behalf of the Meacham Grove Church for aid in support of Rev. Spencer Baker of whom you may or may not have recollections. But I have concluded to retain it until after my trip to Chicago in May when I hope to get some light to make duty plain.Yours truly,A. Kent__________Chicago, May 20, 1854I have just visited Barrington and seen their holy and beautiful house and recommend $225 be granted them.A. Kent________[The Norwegian Evan. Luth. Ch. of Mission Point, Ill., May 24, 1854 apply for $200 aid in support for Rev. Ole Andrewson 12 mo. from March 12, 1854.]Galena June 9th, 1854My eyes being weak I write with a borrowed hand, and being a stranger to the practice, I can only say I know no reason to object to the above recommendation. A. Kent______[The Cong. Ch. of Lee Centre, Ill. apply for $200 renewed aid in support of Rev. G.W. Phelps, 12 mo. from May 20, 1854] [not in Kent's hand]Galena, June 9th/54I recommend that the aid asked be granted, they are still leaning heavily on the Society. They have provided a parsonage and are about to install their minister, but a part of their members are shearing off to form a Cong. Ch. at a depot in their vicinity. Saying that my eyes are so weak that I am compelled to use an amanuensis, I am yours,A. Kent ______[not in Kent's hand]Galena, June 22nd,/54Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Brother,I find it so burdensome to transport in my buggy across the state the reports and other books forwarded by your society that I would prefer that one half of them should be deposited for me at Chicago, if it will not be wreaking others too much trouble. I would inquire if one half of them could not be put up to my order with the A.T. Society's publications and sent to their depository in Chicago, all this on the supposition that they are not already forwarded.Your will be interested to hear that for a few days my affliction is a very little better owing I think to my systematic efforts to invigorate my system by taking exercise. I rise at 4, and ride on horse back each morning and evening, and the rest of the long bright days for 3 weeks I sleep, and listen to reading and dictate letters, and do other small jobs such as I can do by light diluted to my convenience, Your truly,A. Kent__________[The Cong. Ch. of Brookfield, Ill. June 26/54 apply for $200 aid in support of Rev. George Marsh 12 mo. form July 1, 1854]Galena, July 12, 1854I approve of the recommendation of 200 to be given the Church at Brookfield and of the suggestion he preach 1/2 his time at Mazon or Chatham.A. Kent__________Galena, July 12I desire to thank God that my eyes are sensibly relieved within a few days, so that I can use my pen a little, After being shut up in the dark during these long hot summer days and unable to preach or read for the last 6 weeks.A.K.__________Galena, Ill., July 13, 1854These are fields which I have been long occupying (Nora and Apple River) as other duties would permit and I am sorry to say that our Old Sch. Brethren manifest a disposition to crowd us out of the prominent points (2 depots) as is their present policy all over Northern Ill.Br. Laughlin is doing well I believe and I recommend the appropriation asked for here.A. Kent______Galena, July 15/54This troublesome case comes again [that of Rev. Fisk and the Little Rock Presbyterian Church]. The Presb. is divided in feeling- and I am accused of partiality - as you see from the accompanying note. But this will show the propriety of insisting on having the names of all the committee. Also, in the case of Spencer Baker which will probably reach you before long. My eyes will not permit me to to go into detail. But on the whole I shall acquiesce in the recommendation of the committee as the best thing we can do. A. KentP.S. The insinuation of Br. Fisk you may demand an explanation of if you wish.________Galena, July 21, 1854I have some acquaintance with the field and great confidence in Br. [J.D.] Baker and do not hesitate to approve of this application, He says they are making strenuous efforts to build a church this year.A. Kent_______The 1st Cong Ch. of Sheffield, Ill July 14/54 apply for $250 aid in support of Rev. S. Lyman, 12 mo. from May 1, 1854 to labor half the time at French Grove]Galena. July 27, 1854I have no knowledge of the localities referred to, having never visited French Grove and Sheffield has but just begun to be, but I am acquainted with Br. Lyman and judge that they have done well to raise 250 as a first effort.I recommend the appropriation asked though I should like better to have the application signed by a committee of missions then by those whose names are appended. It is not good precedent.A. Kent________Galena, Sept. 5/54Dear Doctor,I regard it as a part of my duty to keep you informed of the state of the Miss. Churches as far as may be. Br. Raymond and wife have been waiting (some six months) on me to Baptize two little boys. Last Sabbath I spent with them on condition he would go over to Scales Mound Depot (10 miles) and preach in the morning and meet me at the place of his second appointment (Monticello) 5 miles from Shullsburg. I preached at Shullsburg, took his family, and rode over in a broiling sun to M. and preached at 3. He was called to an afflicted family and did not arrive until sermon was nearly over. Peter and Stephen were Baptized and he left before service was out and rode to Shullsburg & nearly melted his horse to attend a funeral by appointment at 5. We attended prayer meeting at 6 1/2 and we talked until 10 and I left in the morning before breakfast lest I should fail to find Mr. Gratiot (one of his parishioners) at home. And that is but a specimen of the way he drives around.I think they are not doing right at Shullsburg and I have thought so a good while and strong think so. They have applied for aid to the amount of 240. They ought to raise another hundred and ask but for 140.They have now a good Ch. edifice finished and paid for and that mostly by men out of the Church. The pews rent for near or quite 300 and church members have rented but 2 or 3 slips. One of the Deacons does not rent any pew and is able to pay 50 but pays nothing to the preacher so far as I can learn. Last year the pews rented for 250 and they voted to pay 150 for the minister's support. Br. R. told them this would not do and they voted to raise 200 which looks as though they intended to get out of the A.H.M.S. all they can.The Cong. last Sabbath was small (say 50, Children and all) and it was said to me that one half of the members of the Ch. were not present.You ask what is the matter. The two leading men on the Ch., that Deacon for one, determined to have everything their own way. They have to have Mr. Raymond leave. The congregation thinks differently and some threaten to leave the cong. if he leaves.Now I can see no reason why they should not at least pay the amount of the pew rent to the minister. Mr. R. is very useful and very acceptable to his Monticello Cong., which is assuming great importance from its proximity to still another depot, and yet those 2 men complain because they cannot have all his time while they are paying less than 1/2 his salary.This is but part of a long story, which I am willing should be shown to the agent Br. Clancy. I advised Br. Raymond to regard it as evidence that he should not stay there if they do not do more.With these statements I refer the matter to your wisdom.Yours, A.KentP.S. The other Deacon and Mr. Gratiot (an outsider) confirm these views concerning the misconduct of the 2 men.______[Chapin papers, Beloit College]Galena Aug. 24/54Dear Br.It was indeed a trial to be shut up in the dark and it was a trial that I could not attend the commencements at Beloit & Rockford. My eyes are much improved of late and I have just returned from a tour of ten days tired and browned bu excessive heat.I have need of sympathy under the present posture of affairs.You ask a number of questions.Let me promise that I am an old man and it seems to me that while I stand at my post just where I was 25 years of the Congregationalists and Presb. are running off and I am likely to be left alone.It was stated at the meeting of the directors (of which I am one, because I did not feel at liberty to decline) that all the colleges in this vicinity are under Cong. influence. With regard to Beloit it is maintained that while half the directors are nominally Presb. yet the Ex. Com. all sympathize with Cong. The resident professors are all Congregationals. The (and the students with few exceptions) attend the Cong. Ch., i.e., that the Home Influence are all on one side and that there is more danger in College than in the Seminary of their being biased because in the latter they have more maturity and are prepared to examine for themselves. Hence the conclusion was reached that that we must have a College too or lose our students in these says of sectarian strife.But you enquire, could you suffer these views to pass without reply?I could not contradict them especially when I considered what have been the influences immediately around the institution, and recollect some things occurring to my own mind which were not mentioned in public, or private. I refer to the facts that Br. Loss and Br. Eddy are mot members of either board) that I have heard that one or two young presbyterians have imbibed Cong. preferences and thet two went from this church are now Cong. preachers.Nowe I in turn must ask.Was it not distinctly understood in the outset that the two denominations should be equally represented? Are they so represented? Is it true that the Ex. Com. constitute the soul of the institution and give direction to every movement.Is it true that Br. Chapin and Clary (not to say Peet) have taken the lead in that Com. and it true that their sympathies are with the Cong. rather than with the Presb. Which church do they attend, and whither tends the silent influence of their example. I do not complain of them and I do not think they would make any effort to proselyte, but how could I reply to considerations such as have been advented to how could I refute the statements made in the Board, which you may well suppose were contrary to all my cherished hopes of building up one prosperous union college. Can anything be done to satisfy Presb that an equal influence shall in future be exerted on that side?Br. Chapin I have written briefly in some sort and I am free to confess that am utterly unable to divine what is in the future. I have been pressed to take the financial agency of the board but have declined.I do not wish to be dragged before the public and make the butt of remark. But I promptly and straight out replied to your letter and wait for light.I have recently forwarded young Work to return to College and given him encouragement and aid.Yours truly,A. Kent________[Chapin papers, Beloit]Galena, Ill. Sept. 7/54Br. Chapin,It is now two weeks since I answered your your “hard questions” as well as I could and I write again to prompt you to answer Mine, lest I should not get them before I leave home which will probably be in some 10 or 15 days (to attend Ill & Peoria Synod).I have ever been treated by you and your coadjutors with great kindness and consideration and you may well suppose that after our long and very pleasant intercourse it was exceedingly painful to give you pain by seeming to take a position adverse to Beloit. I have not taken that position. But I am in the predicament of Orphan & Ruth — a position in which I shall be obliged to take sides or be left alone. I have ever maintained the doctrine of cooperation and I take to myself none of the guilt of “causing divisions”. But such is the excitment now that I see not what can be done by N.S. Presb. but quietly to go by ourselves or cease to be. I have looked on for many months (and even for a year or two) and altogether held my peace while the O.S. Presb. and the Cong. are absorbing is and we have been trying to cooperate and I have an array of facts on my own to field to confirm this statement.But I repeat. I have taken no position. I have simply answered two of your questions.Did the Board say that Beloit was Congregational? And did the members present allow the statement to go uncontradicted? With all frankness I stated the reasons why I could not contradict them. It is one thing to contradict another to endorse,You say if such statements came where you could fairly meet them you could nullify them, that is just what I want to see done.I am greatly troubled and have been for a long time. I cannot be a Cong. of the type it is assuming at the West (as I understand it), I could get along well with Connecticut Cong., but absolute independency is unscriptural and intolerable (to my mind.) Give me your views on that subject and in addition to the questions asked in my former letter, I will ask one other, Is it desirable that the N.S. Presb. Ch. should be obliterated or have they a distinct mission to fulfill?I write with great freedom to you as to an old friend but I do not want this correspondence to be published to the world, for I have an invincible dread of such notoriety.Did I mention that I had declined the agency for the Theo. Sem.Yours as ever,A. KentChas. Chetlain says he will not go back to Beloit.Waterman stays out for the present. Parker is hesitant and falters and it seem to me that all our young men are shunning an education & the ministry. What shall we do in the end? It will take care._______[Chaplin papers Beloit letter from Chapin to Kent]Beloit College, Sept. 15, 1854Rev. A. KentDear Br.,Your favor of the 24th Ult. came duly to hand. I thank you for the prompt “straight out” expression of your views. It is just like yourself to give me the opportunity I have long desired to make corrections on some points which I knew to be misapprehended by brethren whose entire confidence we want always to deserve & enjoy.I can sympathize with you fully in the feeling you express respecting your position between Presbyterianism & Congregationalism, those forces once accordant & cooperative now bristling with a show at least of antagonism towards each other. The feeling is a real one with me personally & stronger still in my identification with the College. My chief anxiety respecting this institution come from the fact that the partizan leaders seem to mining off with Congregationalists & Presbyterians & leaving us who cannot follow such lead either way to feel deserted & lonely, I believe there are hundreds & thousands of good men, ministers & laymen, on this field who have the same feeling. The question is whether we shall each cherish the feeling by himself & meantime let the busy work of dissolution go on, til we are dragged away against our will into a partisan attitude, or rather let our sympathies flow until we are drawn together & fell & show some strength & some determination to stand upon our common ground. On that ground Beloit College was planted, there it stands to day, unswerved by a hairsbreadth from its neutral, nay rather I should say its common position. On that ground do I believe it is destined to flourish & accomplish a good and precious work in the cause of our Lord & Head.This is my assertion & conviction, but facts to which you refer or rather misinterpretation of facts, seem to throw doubt on the truth of the statement. Let us then freely & particularly sum over the points.1st Point. “With regard to Beloit College it is maintained that while half the directors are nominally Presb. yet the executive comm. all sympathize with Cong.” I turn to our list of trustees & find four of the number to be connected with Presbyterys, five with Cong. Ass. & the remaining eight—all from Wisconsin—with conviction & these last so far as I know their views just equally divided in their silent preferences between sound Congregationalism & moderate Presbyterianism. The board does not contain a strong position on either side unless you & Br. Peet are to be so classed. For so large a body so gathered it seems to me wonderfully free from men fond of extremes in anything. In this respect it it not peculiar? Can you name another consulting board of the kind equally marked in this respect? Does not the college owe much of its prosperity to the fact that it has been under the direction of men who have really no minor ends to gain, but devote their energy & zeal to the one great work of laboring for Christ & his general cause? Has it not been a policy, wisely chosen, to keep our board filled with such men? & Ought we now to abandon that, to appease the clamors of suspicious & carping on either side? The Ex. Com. reads on the record book & has read for nearly two years now “Chapin, Clary, Fisher, Hinman, Talcott.” I know how the sympathies of the first named men & can speak pretty confidently of the rest. If you were to bring the first named to the dividing line between the two denominations & bid him pronounce shibboleths he would tell you he would pronounce it either of the two ways with equal ease, that he is ready for the sake of peace & tho privilege of fighting in a good cause to speak it as may please you best, but as a passport to any partisan band, he will not speak it at all, but hold his tongue & go by himself if need be seeking some sphere of action where he may shout the watch word “for Christ the Head” with all his might & follow the shout with action undivided with by any side issue. If you catch the sound as it comes from his lips in his unconscious utterances of the word, you will detect most generally the Presb. accent, as that which use & habit has made on the whole most agreeable. In other words he sympathizes with Presb. & Cong. in all their common interests & work with neither in their nice distinctions. His choice is for a combination & like bets elements of both, which would take Peet form. Clary and Hinman are of much the same mind. Fisher is not far removed from the same & Talcott I suppose a decided Cong. but with little influence beyond that of any one member of the board because he is so seldom present at Com. meetings. And just here to meet another question or two— whatever may be the influence of the executive comm in giving direction to the movement, that influence is not to put the college under the control of Congregationalists, nor to give that denomination an ascendency in its affairs. The study of the com ever since I have had a place in it has been to keep the institution above the control of either Presb. or Cong. whatever may be the position of Br. Clancy & Chapin in the com, their sympathies are not with Cong. against Presb. If forced to take sides I can not tell where they will be found. One of them I known is determined to postpone the consideration of that question as long as possible. Which ever of the two denominations is most zealous for carrying the little peculiarities of its own issues into everything will probably have least of their sympathies.2. “The President & Professors are all Congregationalists. They & the students with few exceptions attend the Cong. Ch.” This I suppose to be the statement from which all the others have been strained out by forced influence & is not at all true as laid down. So far as there is truth on it, a brief account of the actual history of these matters will show that for the conclusion drawn from it, it is a false premise. When the college was located & for a year after our first professors were appointed there was but one church in the village. Prof. Bushnell & Emerson, the one a licentiate of a Presbytery the other of a Cong. Ass. joined the Ch. which then was. By & by certain members of that church became weary, they did not like their minister & fretted at somebody or some thing that was not quite right. They withdrew & formed another Ch. The denominational question was not agitated in the movement. The greater part of those who withdrew were attached to the Cong. order & it was not until after tow or three years that the ch. took its place in connection with a Presbytery. Now what should our two Prof’s do? They were not dissatisfied with Br. Clary’s preaching, nor had they any thing to complain of in the management of the Ch. affairs. They could not countenance disaffection on such grounds. They quietly kept their places & allowed the movement to go on, when no influence of theirs could relieve the difficulty. Mean time the Board made an effort to get Mr. Baines to take the Presidency. Prof. Lathrope the one next appointed went into the new ch & continued in it a faithful & reliable member til he left. The next appointee was Prof. Squirer, a Presbyterian, tried and approved as such in former days. On accepting his post, he transferred his ecclesiastical relation to this region and joined the Presbytery. The Board next appointed their present President. The resources of the College gave no reliance for his support, an opportunity was presented for securing a considerable portion of his salary by supplying the pulpit of the Cong. Ch. For two years he earned in this way one half to two thirds of his salary. He would have been just as ready to enter the same arrangement with the other church had the way been opened. But with his family thus into relation to the Cong. Ch. ought he have abandoned it as soon as his term of service expired? I know that on his mind the denominational char. of the two churches has no might at all. The only consideration apart form that just named which could come into the account was the fact that those from whom nineteen twentieths of all that had been contributed in Beloit for the college came remained with the old church & they might perhaps expect the head of the institution to abide where its best friends were. This had no great might yet might perhaps turn the balance of even scales. For the next move the Cong. Ch. & the College united to secure the services of Dr. Spear, a good Presbyterian to act in the joint capacity of pastor & Prof. of Theology. How that was thwarted I need not tell you. The movement was made in good faith to carry out the policy of combining the two denominations in this great work, It was a sore trial, a disappointment to some of us, that the movement was so earnestly counteracted. The next permanent appointment was that of Prof. Fisk, no question was raised as to his denomination. It was the man one fitted to and willing to take the post whom we wanted. We knew of him only that he has a call on the one hand to a Pres. & one the other to a Cong Ch. & would find no difficulty from any denominational pressures in accepting either. He was ready for himself to waive any Cong. choice of his own & join our Presb. Ch. But on account of his mother in law who was home with him & whose preference is quite decided. He has taken a seat in the Cong. Ch. Prof. Porter just appointed is strongly attached to Dr. Binesmade personally as an old & much valued friend. That rather that any denominational feeling may hold him in the same connection. Of those appointed as tutors two have been Presb. & three Cong. In the pulpit & in the Sab. school of the Presb. Ch. the members of the faculty have ever been ready to sunder any assistance they could to help on the instructs of that Ch. gratuitously and cheerfully have they supplied that desk in the absence of the pastor to attend Gen assembly or by reason of sickness of for other cause. And as far as delicacy would permit have they been forward by prayer or otherwise to help on the interest of that ch. Now in view of these things I ask id it anything but a fallacy to say the least to argue from the base fact that a majority of the faculty attend upon the Cong. Ch, that the College is under Cong. control. (In respect to the students it is generally true that from ten to twenty regularly attend the Presb. Ch. & it would please the faculty if more would go but they do not wish to compel them. I think the example of the faculty has little if any influence in determining the choice of the students.) The fact is due not to denominational zeal, but to peculiar circumstances. Taking the two churches as they actually exist here, there is perhaps a power of attraction to the Cong. because their is apparent a heart of real warm sympathy in our work which does not reveal itself so happily in the other. We would have it otherwise & if our brethren would but cease to regard us only with suspicion give us their confidence without claiming exclusive privilege, I think it would be otherwise.These statement cover most of the points in your letter. The only thing remaining is the intimation that neither Br. Sons nor Br. Eddy are members of either board. On denominational grounds I know there is no objection to either of them. It was suggested at our last meeting at Rockford that Br. Sons he appointed & the only reason why action was not at once taken accordingly was that there too few members present. Mr. Emerson of Rockford was appointed a trustee, chiefly in order to have an efficient, wise working man on the com, Mr. Eddy’s name has never been mentioned, nor even suggested in our board. The question has been raised in the com. of recommending him. Personal feelings on the part of two or three of the com. growing out of local matters might perhaps mar the harmony & pleasantness of our meetings. The com. have not felt therefore like leading in the move. Yet there would be no objection raised if his appointment were deemed necessary to the interests of the institution. I have no such feelings at the same time Br. E. does not seem to me such a kind of man as would be most desirable as a wise counsellor in such an enterprise. I know of no facts to warrant the statement that any Presb. young man have imbibed Cong. preferences & am at a loss to understand whom you refer to as having passed from the Presb. Ch. through our hands to become Cong. preachers. I know of two or three instances in which the sons of Presb. members have attended our cong ch but attraction was something else than the ??? of the denomination or the influence of the faculty & I am not aware that any change of principles has followed. In all such cases when known to us we invariably ask if the parent or guardian approves the choice of the student.I have written at length because I have not time to be short & I wished to make “straight out” work on these points. I did not think that most of the circumstances of which I have spoken were known to you & that they furnish sufficient ground for you to real the grave charge of denominational bias brought against us. I cannot believe that your confidence in our course is really influenced or that you regard our condition & prospects with any sorrow, as a failure of long cherished hopes. My conviction is strong that there are some of our Presb. brethren who would force all things educational, missionary, etc. into exclusively denominational channels& that there is with them a secret wish which is real father to the charge which is urged against us that we are under Cong. control. Their strong coloring out to say misrepresentation of the few facts to which you refer might perhaps raise a doubt or fear in your mind sufficient to keep you silent, To relieve that doubt and fear I am sure you need only to get as near as possible to our secret thoughts and aims. You will find the pulses of our sympathy to be as even & true to the policy in which this college originated as is possible amid the tumult of denominational strife which is raging around us. The movement could not now be stated on the principles which ruled the conventions from which it preceded. It has ever seemed to me to be a wonderful and happy arrangement of divine providence which brought Beloit College into being & gave it some strength before the waters of strife & contention were let out. Amid the darkening waves between the opposing currents it stands unmoved from its first foundation, giving strength steadily and surely. The fury of the conflict will out always last. when the noise & tumult subside as they will in due time I believe that you & I dear brothren shall rejoice & thank gos that we have been permitted to have some past in putting it just when it is & building it up on the common ground of our precious gospel faith, Now we are tired. Perhaps under the pressure of peculiar relations we are unconsciously binding, each his own way, so that we may seem to be a little drawn apart, but our feet are plan ted on the same ground too firmly to be really separated. We shall right up when the wind lulls & find ourselves as close together as ever. Praying that we all may be kept by divine spirit & guided by divine wisdom.I am sincerely yours,A. L. Chapin_______Galena, Sept. 9/54This application makes a heavy draft upon your treasury. It is in midst of wide spaced desolation, there being no minister of your order within 15 miles. Error and sectarianism have held sway and my occasional labours there in old delapidated log school house have made but little impression. They think they have done their utmost and this is the first time they have done anything. Mr. Peffers went there at my earnest request and with an expectation that he would preach 1/2 the time at Elizabeth. But the last reliable man is about to leave that field of Downers' and Neil's first labours. He has been encouraged by Br. Spees to ask more than as a single man I should have advised, but not more than faithful ministers ought to have. His going there is likely to result in getting up two good school houses which is not a small matter. Altogether he will get 450 or 500 besides his outfit is more than I can divine.A. Kent ______[The 1st Cong. Ch. of Shabbona & Presb. Ch. of Melugin's Grove Ill., Oct. 9/54 apply for $200 aid in support of Rev. S. Baker, 12 mo. from from....to labour also in the vicinity.]Brooklyn, Oct. 28/54I recommend that the A.H.M.S. grant $215 to these two feeble churches in support of Rev. S. Baker for one year on condition that their subscriptions for $185 be immediately made up and not neglected until near the close of the year as is too frequently the case and with the understanding that he cannot have this commission renewed unless he lives in the vicinity of these churches.A. Kent_______[The 1st Presb. Ch. of Rockville, Ill. Oct. 12/54 apply for $275 renewed aid in support of Rev. John Peck, 12 mo. from Oct. 20, 1854 to labor also at Manteno vicinity.]Brooklyn, Oct. 28/54I know no reason why the amount asked should not be granted. My impressions when I visited that neighborhood were all favourable.A. Kent_______Galena, Dec. 13/54Rev. Mr. Badger, D.D.Dear Sir,I loaned Br. Raymond $50 some 2 or 3 years ago and have never been able to get it. I spoke of it to a common friend of ours at Shullsburg, Mr. Esty, who told me that he owed him also. And he has $100 of Home Missionary money as the treasurer of 2nd Presbyterian Ch. in his hands, and he says Mr. Raymond informed him that there was $150 due him from your Society. I doubted the correctness of the statement and write to inquire. If it be true that these is 150 due him, I should think that it right to appropriate 50 to myself. Please inform me and if you please give him an order on me for $100 or 50 which will enable me to get what ought to have been paid long ago.Br. Raymond is not careful to meet his engagements in pecuniary matters as he should be.I have frequent occasion to lend to missionaries and do not find them always careful to pay promptly.Yours truly, A. KentI have just read a letter from John Rice (an excellent layman) who has gone to Nauvoo to do good. He says they have a S.S. of 100 and are about to organize a Church New School Presbyterian, want an energetic man. Have you the right man in view, they will raise 200 for him._____[ed. note: no date, no place, presumably refers to the preceding letter]Your letter of Dec. 18 is before me. I presume it was before your payment of 150 that the remark was made and now that it is paid, you need not care for it unless you hear from me again. I have spent the 2 last Sabbaths "in prospecting" on a new field, visiting and preaching and for a rarity I received a 1/2 Eagle from mine host.A. Kent____Galena, Dec. 26, 1854It is about a year since I visited Kankakee. There was then a large population gathered there and materials to organize a Presbyterian Church and a Presb. minister employed and the prospect of building a church speedily. But a series of wants have prevented them from securing a permanent supply and hence they have made no application to our society. And now if this Cong. Ch. should receive aid and this crowd out their application, it would probably result in dividing the community between Congregationalists and O.S. Presbyterians, as has been the case at Savanna and Albany and Union Grove. This would greatly increase the dissatisfaction already felt by Presbyterians who are still desirous to cooperate with Cong. and with our Society.I am not informed of the exact amount of preaching which has been secured there by Presbyterians but I know that a number of different clergymen have laboured there during the interval since I visited Kankakee. Further that this I have no opinion to express. A. KentPerhaps it would not be amiss to add that the hand of Joab is in this movement as it appears to me._____[The Cong. Ch. of Kankakee, Ill., Nov. 30/54 apply for $300 aid in support of Rev. Wm. Gay, 12 mo. from Oct. 29, 1854. Rec'd by Rev. J.C. Holbrook - remarks by Rev. A. Kent. Inexpedient]Galena, Dec. 26While engaged in expressing my views of Kankakee and the claims of the Cong. Ch. Br. Holbrook called and we talked the matter over and he says that I have not understood the the facts and yet acknowledges that he knew nothing of the matter until recently. So if you think best for me or any one else to go on the ground I shall be ready to do your bidding. He thought me sectarian. And I told him I had always been an avowed Presbyterian but challenged him to show that I had abused my office for sectarian purposes, and assured him I was ready to leave the agency when my services were not wanted.A. Kent_________[The Cong. Ch. of Savanna, Ill. Dec. 20/54 apply for $325 renewed aid in support of Rev. J.J. Hill 12 mo. from Oct. 1, 1854 to labor also at Fulton.]Galena, Dec. 26, 1854This is a pretty hard case (and I will state it as well as I can) both in relation to the Church and the minister.The Church was organized by Br. Emerson (whose certificate is enclosed) after lecturing on Congregationalism as he stated to me and the consequence is likely to be that it will be swallowed up by the Old School Body - a New School Presb. Ch. would have superseded the necessity.When Br. Hill came back across the Mississippi I knew not but that he was a successful labourer, but from all I can learn of him at Albany and Fulton and Savanna he is very inefficient. His field at Savanna is quite limited, but they expressed a wish to retain because if they are left destitute they fear they shall not be able to finish their meeting house. And Dr. Reed (a decided Cong.) expressed the opinion to me 4 weeks since in presence of Br. Hill that they must have a new minister at Fulton City.In view of all I heard in both places I expressed to Br. Hill some doubts about recommending an appropriation for another year which has led him to give so minute a description of his wants (for you will perceive the application is in his own hand) which I doubt not is entirely correct and led him also to fortify his position by the certificates of Brs. Pine and Emerson. The former of whom knows nothing probably but what he has heard from Br. Hill. I see no prospect of his being employed at any other point and of his requiring less than 300 for the next 5 years. It is at present doubtful about the R.R. reaching Savanna in some years.A. Kent_____[Refers to ? application]Freeport, Jan. 6/54I recommend that the appropriation [$275] asked should be granted because I cannot be willing that ground should be wrested from Br. Baldwin after all his efforts but I regret the necessity of so large a draft.A. Kent_______Lena, Jan. 23, 1855This communication is handed me while I am detained on my way home by the great snow storm of Sabbath last (21st) which has blocked up the iron road and we have no communication beyond Freeport since Saturday last. Could you have seen me Sab. morning in the north part of this county making my way 4 miles to a rickety school house on foot & preaching to about 20 souls, Pennsylvania Germans including the Albright preacher, all shivering with the cold and then footing it again towards my next appointment in defiance of the severest storm I have seen in many years, you would have said for once, "I prefer to remain in my office." Well I gave out at last under the conviction that I should have no hearers and turned in to eat a good roast turkey with a German of Methodist preferences, who set me to expounding the ninth chapter of Romans, and perhaps I accomplished as much as though I had reached the school house. And by the way I have made a pretty good week's work, for I preached 4 times, visited 5 schools (including the Rockford Female Seminary)., visited 35 families and walked 64 miles including 10 miles yesterday in a deep snow to reach the R.R.. But however you may be amused, this does not reach the merits of the application. Allow me then to say that I have preached here a good while occasionally and know the importance of this depot station. This little church has made a great effort to sustain Br. Willis and God is blessing his labours. Some 14 have obtained hope and 5 converts have united with the church at the last communion. This is their first application and I trust from appearances that they will be able to do more next year. It is right that the commission should date back to Dec. 1st, as his labours commenced on Nov. 19, 1854.A. Kent_____Galena, Jan. 1, 1855Br. M. Badger, D.D.Dear Sir:Please acknowledge in the Home Miss. receipt of ninety dollars from the 2nd Pres. Ch. of Galena to constitute Mr. Wm. H. Bradley, Mrs. Mary H. Long and Mrs. Elisa Hempstead Life Members of our Society and charge the same to me.This church resolved to give to 2/3 of their missionary money to our society and several letters have been received in answer to the members that betoken good in the way of increased effort.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent______[The Presb. Ch. of Garden Plains & Clyde, Ill. apply for $330 renewed aid in support of Rev. James Walker, 12 mo. from Dec. 1, 1854 to labor also at Cumberland.]Jan. 24, 1855I have just sent the Committee your circular and stated that I could not recommend so large an appropriation but have recommended that the Com. go round again to every subscriber and then write directly to you what is the least sum they must have in order to make up $500 to Br. W. They may satisfy you they have done all they can but I am in doubt of it.Yours, Etc.,A. KentI think there is still a wide field there and I regard Br. Walker as a very worthy man and faithful labourer.________[Chapin papers, Beloit]Galena, Jan. 2, 1855Rev. A.L. ChapinDear Sir,I judge from what P.F. Shirmer said that there might be some uncertainty about Works returning this term. I therefore entrust this money and letter to you that if he does not appear, you may communicate with him.It is possible that the want of this money may hold him back.I attended at Chicago and did as I believe I promised you, and a Committee was appointed to report of the paper I presented.There was a resolution that the Preparatory Dep. first and the Sem. proper should be pushed and that the college should be postponed a little, and I hope in the meantime that such a course will be pursued as to convince them of our sincerity, for I cannot beat it out of honest and unsectarian Presbyterians that Beloit College is leaning over and will ultimately fall into Congregationalism.My position is a trying one but I have done what I could.Yours sincerely,A. KentP.S. I have had a serious talk with Phillips this morning. He once thought he was a Christian. Please to follow up what I have begun. I mean to tell him that he may expect it of you.What I want to know of you dear sir is what you know of the family of Sabins and especially whether I ought to make an effort to get Sydney, I think, back to college with a view to the ministry. Does he afford the faculty evidence of talents that warrant the expense?Please answer this by 2/2 and oblige yours etc.,A. KentRockford, Jan. 12Failing to get this letter to you by Phillips I have brought it here.On my way I spent a day a Pecatonica Station & 12 Mile Grove. In conversation with Rev. Mr. Johnson about a young man Romine Weld, who is steady and promising but not pious. He said he had written (I think) to the professors about getting a place to do work for his aid but had received no answer. At Pecatonica I fell in with a family of Sabins and in conversation I said the Ch. would educate all the young men of promise that would apply. 2 Brothers spoke up and expressed their doubts and their wish to study for the ministry. One of them has left Beloit and engaged in secular business- a third is teaching- younger, and to appearances the most promising. I mentioned these facts to a man of wealth & benevolence here and he told me to communicate further with him when I had informed myself.I have no time to copy. Please say to W. Works that I shall leave 50 dollars with his father as Philip forgot to take it with him._________[Chapin Papers, Beloit]Galena, Jan. 25/55Rev. A.L. ChapinDear Br.,Your letter has just come to hand and I hasten to reply with particular reference to the book of which you speak. I expect to preach on Home Miss. and administer the Com. by appointment at Belvidere next Sabbath, and to be about there until Tuesday or Wed. Should you be able to send to Belvidere by that time, or to Rockford a week later a package, I would distribute them gladly. I prepared a sermon ad preached it in Galena last year and shall use it this year if I have opportunity. I shall probably go as far as Chicago next week but my course is not definitely marked beyond Belvidere.My protoge Atcheson whom we sent to Beloit is the Methodist circuit Preacher at Pecatonica where the Sabins live. He also has a ??? of self-esteem.A. KentFeb. 1, 1855Providence has put into my hands today the enclosed draft which I was not looking form and by means of it I can pay up I believe what is due on my subscription and that will leave $20 for Works which in addition to 50 which I sent to his father will make up 70 and I should not be able to furnish the 30 in march you must give him some indulgence on my account.I should rejoice to hear of a revival in your charge.There is a little shower of grace at Lena where Mr. Willis preaches also where Hyde’s sister teaches and where I spent a day (Monday and Tuesday) waiting for the cars which refused to travel through the snow drifts.Give my love to Mrs. Chapin and the family - “to Zion’s friends and mine.”Yours truly,A. Kent______[The Presb. Ch. of East Paw Paw, Ill. Dec. 1/54 apply for $250 in support of Rev. Silas Jessup, 12 mo. from Dec. 1, 1854.]March 17, 1855I do not feel at liberty to decline recommending this application though I regret that our congregations are making very large drafts upon you but this is a new church and they have done well to begin with 200 considering their small number. Br. Jessup has been sick and nigh unto death which is the reason of the delay in forwarding it.A. Kent_______Galena, February 8, 1855Rev. D.B. CoeDear Br.I regret that your letter had not reached me a little sooner. I have just returned from Chicago and am at this moment drowsy from the fatigue and excitement of my journey though diverse snow-drifts which I will report.At Belvidere I preached on Home Miss. (Jan 28) and took up a collection of 37 and being detained 3 days by the obstructions of snow I visited individuals and increased the collection to 77.92. I also administered communion in their destitution.I then went to Chicago, called on Br. Patterson who told me they had made out their annual subscription for benevolent purposes amounting I believe to 2000 of which if my memory serves me 500 was for Home Miss. I did not ask him to pay it over to me for I thought it might not be ready or might be forwarded more directly. I spoke to Mr. Curtis and he said they had made up their annual subscription. He did not say how much they had raised. I also spoke to Mr. Eggleston who said that they had made out their annual subscription.I made no direct offer to preach as I thought they might prefer to do that themselves. I did preach last year for Br. P. and Br. Curtis said that in view of the feelings that existed in the Church he thought it best to preach himself. I understand that there is more harmony and efficiency in that church that heretofore.I did preach in the 3rd Ch. which is vacant and took a col. of $40.00. I called at Elgin and offered to preach on Home Miss. having previously received $17.00 from them and engaged to preach next Ap. to the Presb. Ch., and Ch. of Udina.I thought I would enclose your letter to Br. Curtis and then I thought again that if you did not receive something soon it would be better for you to address them directly and about that I think you need not hesitate.As the annual report will be due in a few weeks I will give it now so far as it relates to funds collected.March 26. Coll. at the St. Charles Cong. Ch....................$26.00May 18 from Darrius Hewett for "Home Missionary"..1.0025 Rockford 2nd Cong. Ch......................................................27.78Aug 14 Freeport Presb. Ch.....................................................22.00 John Ruth........................................................................5.00Sept. 7 Galena 1st Presb.Ch.....................................................48.50Nov 14 Rockford 2nd Cong. Ch...............................................58.991855 Galena 2nd Presb. CH. (reported thus far)...........90.00Jan. 8 Freeport Presb. Ch..........................................................25.0015 Rockford 1st Cong. Ch. subscribed 193 to be paid in March23 Elgin Cong. Ch...........................................................................17.3531 Belvidere....................................................................................77.92Feb. 4 Chicago 3rd Presb. Ch.....................................................40.00 Charge me with...................................................467.29I had forgotten 100 which I received at the office (Nov 4)100.00567.29Yours truly, A. KentI send the enclosed letter because the strife of parties may yet make it necessary to set aside so decided a Presbyterian as I have shown myself. I know not where there is a pleasanter field of labor than that Church. I have no disposition to leave my post.A. Kent_______Galena, Feb. 27, 1855I have visited Winslow recently and conferred freely with Br. Powell. They are resolved on building a church and on that consideration I feel justified in recommending so large an appropriation from a belief that when that is built they will raise a much larger amount by the annual sale of pews.A. Kent _______Galena, March 1, 1855Dear Sir:In looking over the operations of the A.H.M.S. in Northern Ill. I reckon 44* missionaries labouring in 67 feeble churches and missionary districts. Of these labourers it might be said as was said by Paul of Silvanus they are faithful brethren as I suppose — men of courage to maintain moral principle in communities where expediency or worldly policy is the governing motive — modest men and unambitious of display, they are toiling to honour Christ and serve his church even though it subjects them to persecution or reproach.Nor do they labour and suffer alone, but are generally attended by families who in many instances are models for imitation in their respective spheres. All honour to those excellent women who are not only patterns of piety at home, but who perform vast amounts of missionary service in concert with their husbands. Eternity alone will reveal their faith and zeal. Their prayers and tears and their influence upon the Sabbath School and upon the community at large in the improvement of its social relations and in multiplying ingenious devices for winning souls to Christ or for carrying out a more rigid system of domestic economy. In estimating the value of the Home Miss. work, it should not be forgotten that the question of failure of success at a given point is sometimes made to turn on the influence of a single family.It is a pleasing token of progress that 5** new churches have been organized during the past year and that 2 which have been for some time pensioners upon your bounty are now able to support the Gospel and contribute in their turn for aid of more feeble societies.A goodly number of others may be quoted as having made manifest and commendable progress. Nor should it be inferred that no progress is made where none is visible. In laying foundations for a magnificent temple there is always a great amount of work that is quite out of sight and a missionaries work is often for a time so much of a preparatory kind that results do not appear and yet that very labour was indispensable to his subsequent achievements or those of his successor.It may encourage our patrons to specify an instance where years of toil have resulted in the erection of a sanctuary and the installation of the missionary in one of those young villages which is destined at no distant day to become as important commercial center. The friends of Christ there, few and feeble, struggled hard against an opposing undercurrent, but now they report themselves a self supporting church. Who can estimate the results of that patient effort by which the leading men of the place have been gathered in and commit together in an organization which promises in future years to mould the character of that community when it shall have become a city of 20 or 50,000 and where church after church as they lift their spires to heaven shall point to their common mother and say it is from that spiritual nursery that we have been transplanted to bear fruit to the praise of Jehovah's grace. Let others glory in the progress of sacking Sebastopol. But let me be reckoned as one of a 1000 and that the feeblest instrument is converting a city from the error of its ways and this hiding a multitude of sins.It is matter of regret that so little evidence of converting grace has been evolved. There are however 3 instances in which the power of God has been displayed in the revival of his work, in one of which 12 are as converts to faith of Christ. And there is good news quite recently of a revival at one of the prominent points which has until recently been a pensioner upon your bounty.There are at present 12 missionary churches vacant and languishing for lack of the bread of life and the ministers pass by and will not serve them because of the stinted salaries your society affords. Are clergymen justified in saying so much as they now do about the shady side? It seems to me that if we appreciated the privilege of preaching the gospel as highly as the non-conformists did, we should go silently to our work and trust God to care for us while we watch for souls. And it seems to me that this constant harping upon their hardships is calculated also to discourage our young men from assuming these responsibilities. I could wish that every minister would preach a sermon setting forth the work of a Bishop as "A good work."Yours truly, A. Kent* We must allow something for inaccuracies of statistics on account of changes which are not reported to me.** There are 4 if Waukegan and Wethersfield have become self supporting._______Galena, March 2nd 55Dr. Badger,Dear Sir:I strangely forgot the death of Br. Ruggles preaching to the Nettle Creek and Marsailles Churches, though I was instrumental in getting him there, was greatly interested in his success as a very modest but very substantial young man. And though I have been striving ever since to get another to occupy his place, I do not know when he died but it was very soon after his appointment which was about July 1.I suppose that the Church at Lowell to which Br. Bristol ministers in now a self-supporting church but whether it is this year for the first time is not known.A. Kent________[The Cong. Ch. of Dixon, Il. Mar. 5/55 apply for $300 aid in support of Rev. Daniel H. Temple, 12 mo. from Sep 20. 1855]Galena, March 18, 1855Presuming the secretaries are acquainted with the missionary I need say nothing and in fact I am a "know nothing". I have now met with him, but it seems to me that 55 is a small amount for so large a town and 200 is a large amount for a Home Miss. I do not much like the precedent and I think it unreasonable for them to date back 8 months as I suppose their wish. And it occurred to me that it might be well to vote 200 and say that reducing it was the only condition on which you could date it that far back. With this suggestion I submit it.A. KentP.S. Dixon is an important point and so is Mendota (and Amboy and many other R.R. Stations) and if Mr. Barret of Hudson should apply for aid for Mendota he will need as much I presume as Mr. Temple. He has written to know what the maximum the society gives to which I shall reply referring him to the printed instructions.A. K.________March 27. I returned yesterday from a trip of 40 miles on horse back in the face of the severest March winds I ever encountered. Perhaps you would enjoy in the perusal of the incidents of missionary life. I have taxed myself with a visit one in four weeks to a destitute region about 45 or 50 miles distant. And every trip this winter has been stormy or extremely cold weather.I had my election between the cars, the buggy the sleigh and the saddle. To take the cars would involve a walk of 15 miles and the difficulty of crossing swollen streams. The snow was from six inches to six feet deep but was likely to leave us unceremoniously. This was the fact on Friday except the drifts which fill all the lanes and render them impassable.I mounted my horse on Thursday at 1 o clock p.m. and rode sixteen miles, the thermometer being at zero. Friday morning found me do bruised and sore that it was painful to ride, I reached my place of preaching in good time, it was so warm that I perspired under my overcoat and the pain of riding. The snow melted more rapidly that I ever saw it before but though the ground was full of water, the people came out so well that I appointed a third service there on Sabbath evening. The next day brought a very cold march wind and rough roads. I visited 3 families. and in the evening twelve miles in a lumber waggon, preached to about 25 in a rickety school house, ran two miles to shake off the chill of that cold house, resumed my seat in the waggon, and slept well. Sabbath Morning rode 12 miles, preached, rode five miles, and preached to a large congregation (say 60) gathered in despite of the wind. Rode five miles to Winslow after the service. Encountered Honey Creek which had swollen to cover the causeway and I could not discern whether the bridge had floated off. I went back and hired a man to ferry me over, reached the tavern at 10 o'clock p.m. and lay awake from the excitement of the fay. But after a ride of 40 miles yesterday I slept well last night._______Galena, Ill, March 27Dear Br.,Your letter and its accompanyments are received and I hasten to reply. Mr. Dodds snatched a moment as I was passing in the cars to say that Mr. Willis was negotiating to get a house at Lena. And in relation to his preaching half the time, he has preached for 3 months and I am hoping he will be able to preach all the time when the weather gets warmed. There are two fields within reasonable distance. To wait until I can write to him would delay too long.I would suggest that he be commissioned for a year on condition that he remove to his field as soon as he can make the arrangements and be paid in proportion to the labour performed. A. KentMr. Willis will accomplish more in half his time than some men do with all their time._______Galena, Ap. 12, 1855I have been quite discouraged of late years respecting the Church at Elizabeth where Br. Downer and Neil once laboured. It has been depleted by removals mainly to California until there is no courage left to make an effort. One of these Californians, Francis Graham, once a member of our church & afterwards the pillar of that Church, in whose piety for 15 years I had the utmost confidence is now selling spirits, etc., and is said to be worth 50 to $150,000, visited us last season and I laboured with him in vain to recover him to Christ and to his duty. Another embarrassment to Br. Smith, the Methodist minister is very popular and our own people prefer him to any body else. But his two years will be out in about three months. On the whole with many misgivings I am compelled to recommend the appropriation of $325. It is the least sum that will sustain him.A. Kent_______Br. Smith went to Elizabeth on his own responsibility and I hope it is of the Lord. There are some good women there but there are but 3 men left in the church and they are not efficient.If you think the appropriation large I have only this more to add, that in the course of 26 years I have preached often enough to amount to $500 at $3 a Sabbath gratuitously.You have probably heard of the recent death of a missionary Rev. Ira Smith, an old man who has been very useful in his day as I am informed.A. KentIt has been out of my power to visit Ira Smith's people since his death._____Galena, Ap. 24, 1854Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Sir,Please send the Home Miss. to Elisha Barr Hampton, Rock Island, Ill., and charge me 50 cents.A. Kent_______Dr. BadgerDr Sir,As my husband's eyes are so inflamed as to render him unable to write, he requests me to say that he recommends that this request be granted altho he is not fully satisfied and will urge them to do better another year.Very Respectfully,Caroline Kent_______Naperville, May 18, 1855Rev. Dr. BadgerKnowing the interest you feel in the history of our missionaries, I devoted yesterday and rode 20 miles to visit the family of our deceased Br. Ira Smith.During the summer of last year Mr. Ruggles was suddenly removed, and now another has been called away from this district of the Home Missionary field, each from the care and nurture of two feeble Congregational Churches which are now languishing for want of some unambitious laborer who, like them, will be content to feed the Lord's flock for no other reward than the satisfaction than the satisfaction of copying the example of the chief shepherd, whose life was a model for all Home Missionaries.I spent an hour or two with the bereaved family and gathered many interesting facts concerning our departed brother. Like Elisha when the great Prophet beckoned him away, he left his former field and late in life entered the ministry and ever after for some forty years he continued faithful in his chosen calling. In the states of New York & Ohio he laboured long, a portion of the time as a settled pastor but mainly as an Evangelist, for which he possessed some good qualifications. The last four years he spent in this state .It seems to illustrate his devotion to the work of the Lord that as an old man as he was (60) he went on foot to one of his appointments on that stormy Sabbath in January when the wind and the snow were driven across the Prairies with such violence that many ministers did not go out, and many churches were not opened on that day. Indeed the movement of the rail cars were obstructed for several weeks.He died with the harness on. Who would not covet such a death! February came and found him at his work. He preached a funeral sermon on Monday and on Thursday he was taken sick. During his illness he was delirious, but even then, his mind was continuously running upon Home Missions and subjects appropriate to his work.In lucid intervals, anticipating the result, he arranged his temporal affairs and made his will and then relapsed into a stupor which deprived his family of the consolation of his dying counsel. March came and found him in his grave and his people mourning. On my way to make inquiries of a neighbor I passed the mound of fresh earth where this weary brother rests.I thought how little such labourers are appreciated in this world; and what far reaching results will be deduced from them in eternity.I thought what if those energies of forty years has been consumed in gathering gold, instead of polishing gems which shall adorn the redeemers crown.I thought how many on the field of his protracted ministry are now men of prayer and patterns of benevolence, and their families models of domestic virtue, who but for his influence might have been to this day enemies of God, slaves of vice, and a blight on their community. I thought if that man of God, old and gray-headed, could come back to earth and preach one more sermon he would choose the young men in our churches for his auditory, and the passage "let the dead bury their dead" for his text; and press the claims of Christ, and of the ...upon those who are so charmed by the hum of business that they hear not, or heed not the voice of the master, saying "Go preach the gospel to every emotion."I thought who among them all could offer a more plausible excuse for declining the service than the duty devolved upon him of providing for a wife and eleven children. Therefore, he being dead, yet speaketh. God make us faithful in his service.A. Kent_________Galena, May 30, 1855I have lately visited Lee Center and an satisfied of the correctness of the above statements and the propriety of their being aided another year to the amount of $200 in the hope that they will build a sanctuary. There is an Academy there which, if it should continue to be as well sustained as at present, will enable them to hold their own in despite of R.R. influences.A. Kent_________Galena, June 1, 1855Rev. Mr. Badger, D.D.Dear Sir,I have been thinking over the matter of distributing annual reports, and I know of no way but either I must send them by main at a cost of 11 cents or carry them myself to each missionary or person to be supplied. For I have reason to think that if I depend on others to distribute them it is not done or not done in any proper time.I find on inquiry that by sending from the office of publication the cost is but 6 cents. I do not wish to shirk any labour that properly devolves on me but I see no reason why they may not be sent directly to all the Home Missionaries from your office of publication. And if it will not make you any unnecessary trouble I can send a list of ministers and laymen to whom I should give them if they were forwarded to me. Or what will be thought perhaps a better plan: let all the Home Missionaries whose addresses you have be supplied by mail immediately and send a box to me for distribution at my leisure as I travel about, to contain also such other works as benevolent persons deposit with you for that purpose. Let me hear from you on this matter. Please say to Br. Coe that I have many applications for the names (and descriptions of families) of missionaries for whom boxes may be made up, which I am obliged to correspond with directly and that method seems preferable because they adapt their work more to the circumstances of the family and with many Miss. wives, the sewing is more useful than anything they can receive. If there are any objections to this method, make them known.The ladies in Chicago and Rockford are doing nobly in this line though it is not reported to you..This suggest two other items.Br. Coe's letter respecting the contributions in Chicago was mislaid and came to hand and received due attention yesterday.I took up a subscription in the winter in the 2nd Church in Rockford of $193 dollars to be paid in March. I went to get it last week and learned that they had voted to pay it over to Mr. Willis, and that he would not probably use your commission, I suppose that is brought about because he does not wish to remove to his field. I am sorry, but see no remedy.The warm weather enfeebles me and my eyes are hardly able to endure exposure to the summer sun but I hope not to be shut up in the dark as I was last year for 3 months.I have preached once in 4 weeks, spending several days visiting, without fail in a new field 50 miles east, in the language pf the miners, I am "prospecting" and have engaged to continue it for a year (unless I can get a missionary to fill my place,) and they have started a subscription for my support,Yours truly,A. Kent________Portland, Whiteside Co.June 9, 1855Rev. Mr. CoeDear Br.,You said I might inform you of those needing boxes of clothing. I have supplied a number of missionaries by giving a description of their families and this they were better served.But Br. E.R. Martin, Spring Hill, Whiteside Co., was burnt out recently and lost his library and everything as he will report in his next letter. He has received a box from Batavia, N.Y., and I have just written a description of his family (as I shall report to you) to the ladies of Rockford who will doubtless prepare a box. Should you also think best to send a box I should not regard it illy applied. He is one of our most laborious and devoted and useful missionaries who gives himself more exclusively to his work, than almost any one I know of.Mr. Martin & wife are of ordinary size, a plain couple among a plain people. he will need a warm winter overcoat, vest, pants, shirts, overshoes- under shorts & drawers. His wife and girls of 15, 13, 6 & 4 and his boy of nine will all need winter clothing.Please say to Br. Badger that I have been to Elizabeth and done what I could to get a subscription agoing. I think they will make up 50 or 55 dollars there. If ever there was one, that is a field that is properly called "burnt over" as a western phrase, descriptive of a people who have had a good deal too much preaching. I think his commission should date back at least 3 months earlier instead of the 9th of May as stated to Br. Noyes.A. Kent_______Galena, June 13/55Dr. BadgerDear Sir,Your letter in relation to Dr. Neal reached me this morning 5 minutes after Br. Noyes left us and I shall write to him at Marshall, Mich., and presuming that he will communicate with Br. Clark and others and will inform himself of matters there.I passed through Chemung 2 or 3 weeks since and had an interview with Dr. Neal- who says he used to practice in Phil. but has been a preacher for several years. He professed to me to be much interested in his field and was ready to preach abundantly in all that region where ever there was an opening. I urged the importance of his visiting and preaching at Poplar Grove 10 miles off and he seemed ready for any amount of labor and I left him with the thought that if he should prove to be all the first appearances indicated he would do a great good work, for the people were greatly interested and were anticipating much and I think that no evil report had reached them when I was there. Why the Presbyterian Comm. did not let the application pass through my hands I know not.After reflection I have concluded to recommend that he be commissioned as requested unless Br. Noyes should get such light as should darken your course and his prospects of usefulness. And I then will write to him (as though his application had come to me directly) and state to him that I have recommended that large appropriation with the understanding that whatever is raised at Poplar Grove (which I think will be from 25 to 100 dollars) should be deducted and with the understanding that he give himself wholly to the ministry with a recommendation that when he gets his horse and buggy he will spend as much time as he can in pastoral visits, which I fear he had not yet given as much prominence to as is desirable.He gave me a "special reason: for the large appropriation asked. It was that he must buy a horse & buggy and must bring on his family.May God guide your Comm. in this and a 100 other difficult cases.Yours truly,A. KentBr. Robert and family left yesterday for Minnesota.______[Barrington application]Galena, June 20, 1855I do not cordially endorse this application but shall rather do it by constraint, both because they ask so much and ask so late.It seems that after having his services a whole year, they persuaded him to come and settle among them and then when he had built a house and became a fixture, they attempted to beat him down in his price as you will see from from the accompanying letter.I visited him a few weeks ago, and talked the matter over. They are a settlement of wealthy farms as I understand getting rich, and I advised him to leave or not preach any more until they come to his terms.Should the application be granted, I hope it may be accompanied by an exhortation to do better next year and to be prompt.A. Kent_________Galena, June 26/55Dear Badger,Please charge me with ($10) ten dollars contributed by John Ruth of Freeport and send him the Home Miss. if not ordered last year when he sent in 5. I hope this unknown donor will continue to double annually. He sent 10 this year to ours and 10 to A.B. Com.A. Kent________Galena, June 27, 1855Enclosed I send a long letter, expository, and to me satisfactory."Sufficient is the punishment inflicted by many." I think your rebuke and mine have been wrought carefully and that now we may attempt to encourage and sustain him. It seems to me therefore that you would be justified in making up some 160 which he asks and then saying that you expect him to give himself wholly to his work.I have written encouraging him and urging that he report quarterly on his pastoral visits which I apprehend he has been deficient.I have received a long letter from Br. Grant respecting Br. Gilbert of Crete and Br. Rouncee and others. He expresses a fear that Br. Romans farm will cripple his usefulness.Yours, etc.,A. Kent________[Application of the Cong. Church of Winnebago]Beloit, July 10, 1855Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,I have detained this application until I should visit the church and preach to them on Home Missions according to previous arrangement which I did last Sabbath. I had 20 hearers and took up a collection of $30. It was a very rainy day and the church is built out on the naked prairie or rather the beautiful green sod which still extends 1 1/2 miles north without interruption (except by one house) until you strike the R.R. and yet that unbroken ground is held at 20, 25 and 30 dollars an acre. This explains why cong. was so very small. There will very soon be a great settlement about that new sanctuary in the desert. they like their minister and with God's blessing I think they will soon be out of debt and prepared to sustain their own burdens. While I recommend the appropriation asked I would take occasion to say look at those figures (20, 25, 30) and then contrast these with the common saying when I first came to the country. "Those great prairies never can be settled." Look also at the immense fields of wheat and corn waving with the high wind that follows the rain of yesterday and displaying a luxuriant verdure. Such as I never saw surpassed and then say of God is not trying us with prosperity which may well make trouble for the future.But we have much also to be thankful for. God has prospered the feeble efforts put forth to plant and sustain literary and religious institutions.Last evening I listened with interest to a solemn and searching address to the Society of Inquiry on Missions in Rockford Female Sem. by Rev. Mr. Colis 1st graduate of Beloit College, preaching the duty of entire consecration to Christ. Tomorrow is commencement here.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_______[Cong. Ch. Como, Whiteside Co., Ill. July 23, 1855 apply for $150 in support of Rev. Josiah W. North, 12 mo. from May 1, 1855 to labor half the time in the vicinity.]Galena, July 30/55I see no reason to with hold my recommendation of this application. It would seem better that one minister should supply both fields but Mr. Johnson is located at Gap Grove & Sterling from which we may expect an application soon (as the enclosed letter shows). I see no way but Br. North must be commissioned for Como alone unless he goes over to Union Grove which affords but little encouragement at present.A. Kent_______MiscellaneousFor Br. Coe. Rev. James Walker, Garden Plains, Whiteside Co., Ill., writes in reply to my inquiries. We have sufficient bedding for the coming winter. Our wardrobe will need replenishing from some source. You ask for my wife. 5 feet 9 inches in height, chest & waist 35 inches. Arm a little more that ordinary length.This is all he communicated on the subject of his family measurement.In relation to Rev. Mr. Neal. Br. Eddy is in transition between Beloit and Bloomington and I cannot correspond with him and presume he knows nothing of the man. I have written to Br. Clancy and Br. G.C. Curtis. But I know of no way to get information.A.K.______Galena, Aug. 13/55Mr. W.W. RipleyDear Sir,Your will please give credit toFirst Presbyterian Ch. of Elgin9.81First Presb. Ch. in Galena75.50Second Presb. Ch do100.00186.31And charge the same to me A. KentMay the Lord fill your treasury that the poor missionary may never be disappointed in his expectations.______[The Presb. Chs. of Somonauk and South Somonauk, Ill. Aug. 10/55 apply for $200 aid in support of Rev. Adam Johnston, 12 mo. from June 1, 1855.]Galena, Ill., Aug. 21, 1855I approve of this application and recommend that they receive $200. Things are in an unsettled state in consequence of a R.R. running through their territory which will break up old associations and create new contours of influence and perhaps for the present their arrangements are as good as could be made.A. Kent________Br. Badger,Please charge me with five dollars from John Ruth and 22 from Presb. Ch. at Freeport. John Ruth sends 5 a year and I think he ought to have our paper gratis.Please direct it to J.H. Adams, Cedarville, Ill., who will forward it to him living out in the country by himself.And acknowledge it from John Ruth Cedarville and 22 from Presb. Ch. Freeport.Yours, Etc.,A. KentI have rode home 110 miles these three days of terrible heat from Sycamore where I preached on Home Missions by request of Br. Gore, a pretty good proof of improved eyes.A.K.________Galena, Aug 22, [1855]Along with this copy of my letter to Br. Neal, I send his reply. I have written to Dr. Duffield or in his absence, Rev. E.R. Kellogg, enclosing the copy of Br. Clark's, which you furnished, and requesting them to furnish you the evidence necessary to enable you to act intelligently. And when I have written and informed Mr. Neal of the steps I have taken I think I shall be absolved from further service until I hear from you or from him again.In doing this, I thought you perhaps would be better satisfied to correspond with Dr. Duffield directly.Yours, etc.,A. Kent[Copy, reply not found]Galena, Aug. 1, 1855Rev. B.F. NealDear Sir,Evil reports implicating your moral character have reached me, which leave no alternative to an agent of the A.H.M.S. but to refuse his recommendation to the application. At the same time it is proper to state, these reports relate to occurrences which are alleged to have transpired 3 or 4 years ago, since which I have no means of knowing your subsequent places of residence or whether you may not have out lived these evil reports. I thought it my duty therefore while I decline recommending you, to say that I shall not do anything to prejudice your present prospect of usefulness while you shall continue to labour at Chemung.And hence a word of explanation is necessary in relation to Poplar Grove.I received your interesting report of labours at Poplar Grove the day after I had given a letter of introduction to Rev. James Donald to deliver to Mr. Dean. I did this because I thought the field peculiarly adapted to his circumstances, and I presumed that you would be quite happy to resign that pat of your field when it was spreading out so widely in other directions. You will easily perceive that if this letter gives you pain in the perusal, it is certainly painful to me to write. But I thought that you ought not to be kept in suspense and I thought also you might withal the explanation I have given be surprised that I should send Mr. Donald there as I did._______[Application in support of Rev. Morse, Cong. Church, Henry, Il.]Galena, Aug. 8, 1855I have written them that they must forward Mr. Morse's credentials as I am not acquainted and that as they have no conscious scruples in receiving I hope they will not have any when they become strong enough to contribute ...I recommend the appropriation.Yours, etc.,A. Kent______[Letter from Rev. Alfred Morse to A. Kent]Henry, Marshall Coun., Ill. August 7th '55Rev. A. KentDear Sir,You probably have received from the Con. CH. of this place an application to the A. H.M.S. for aid in support of the Gospel. In the letter of Bro. Heston, you are made acquainted with our position as to a previous application to another body. By today's mail, I received a communication from the Sec. of the Ill. H.M.S. giving encouragement that the necessary assistance would be ranted by them.Please delay presenting the application till you hear from me again.Yours fraternally,Alfred Morse[Annotation in Kent's Hand]Aug. 10What spasms of conscientiousness some people have and how readily do they yield to the "Almighty Dollar" as it has been called.I hope they will find out what their duty is and that the committee will have wisdom from above.A. K.As I had written them before I received this I see no cause to write again.________Mount Carrol, Sept. 15, 1855Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,Having reached here half-sick on my return from a tour during which I have sent off applications from the Churches at Kewanee and Cambridge and a letter from Dr. Duffield endorsing the good character of Mr. Neal of Chemung and all done in much haste, I improve my present leisure to gather up some observations I have made.Some of the good people of Ill., have determined by means of their Congregationalism or Independency, joined to their abolition ultra, to break down Presbyterianism and the Home Missionary So. at the same time.Having no appointment to prevent, I pushed on last Saturday to Mendota, a village springing up in the Prairie at the junction of the Ill. Central and Chicago & Miss R.R., 15 miles north of LaSalle. I had hear nothing of late concerning its prospects. But was told when I arrived that Br. Holbrook was expected to preach on Sab. and that they were to have a church meeting on Wednesday to consider whether they should change the organization of the Presb. Ch. to Cong. It is but a few months since it was formed. Mr. Holbrook did not make his appearance and Rev. Mr. Fisk of Little Rock notoriety, now a zealous O.S. man had formed a little ch. there. He found me in the Meth. S. School and invited me to preach for him, claiming that the house was his at that place.I called on Br. Lyman at Sheffield and on Br. Prescott at Ameswan and was favorably impressed by what I heard of their labours in those thriving villages on the R.I. R.R. and was astonished at the rapid growth of Geneseo where a large Ch. is building.I dined with old Father Vail at Wetherfield who still holds a commission under the Con. Miss. Soc. He expressed his surprise that I should have an application from Kewanee for he had been told that they would apply to the Free. Miss. So. and very probably after all our inquiries they will go over to Free Miss. The agent Rev. Mr. Wright is all about. I visited Sterling and Gap Grove at some inconvenience in consequence of a letter from Rev. Mr. Johnson an English man who is preaching there and who evidently wrote me to prepare the way for an application. But. Br. Wright had just been there and was coming again in a day or two. They received me with marked coldness and informed me that they were to apply to the other society.I called on Br. Martin, found him and all his family of 8 sick with ague in consequence of their temporary exposure on one of the most sickly localities I ever saw. The cabin he occupies is between Rock R. and a great swamp and they have been drinking sulphur water this summer and in appendix to all this he preaches and attends funerals 4 or 5 times a week, rides home in the evening and has been obliged to be up most of the nights with his sick children. No wonder he has the ague. I advised him to flee and get away from his labours. I visited Como and Mr. North. Found him sick and his wife remarked that he came home in a sweat from a walk of 11 miles to meet his Sabbath appointment.I remarked to them that was just the way Br. Wheeler was sacrificed. He was in the habit of walking to his appointments which extended round some 20 miles.When I heard of it I loaned him my horse and bot another but it was then too late for he [Br. Wheeler] died in a few weeks.Thus the Cong. Church at Union Grove (Whiteside Co,) lost a valuable missionary for the lack of a horse and with the loss of this lovely man (who hoped to build up a good Ch. & an Acad. there) an eclipse has come over that church which threatens to be total and perpetual.Yours, Etc.,A. KentRev. Mr. Coe,Dear Br.,Mrs. North said that she did not need other clothing so much but they would be glad of bedding in place of the 5 quilts they lost on their way out. Perhaps they might be sent in some other missionaries box.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent______Galena, Oct. 24th, 1855This is a clear case [Rev. E.R. Martin, Spring Hill, Whiteside Co.] about which I have no hesitation. The burnt parsonage is rebuilt and the missionary when last I saw him at Synod was improving his health. He and every one of his family have been sick (hard sick) from exposure this summer. He is one of our best missionaries. I recommend that $200 be appropriated.A. KentPlease say to Mr. Noyes that I propose next week to take Como in my route and see what I can do for Br. North. I have heard nothing form Babin.A. KentP.S. According to my register Br. North has 250 from his people and 150 from the A.H.M.S.______Lee Center, Nov. 2, 1855Brother Noyes,I have been to Como and done the best I could for Br. North. I found him feeble from renewed attack of the ague probably from overworking.I made an effort to get up a subscription for a horse by found the few brethren over-burdened with the church building in which they are engaged. It will cost at least $100 to get any tolerable horse. But I found a man who purchase one in partnership if he could raise the money. And I arranged with him in this manner.I am to furnish $100, one half of which he is to pay me in one year and the other 50 is to be a donation to Br. North. They have but little use for a horse and can both be accommodated and after one year he will be at liberty if he chooses to pay the other 50 and the sole owner and Br. North must make other provision for himself with the aid of his 50. This I hope to procure during this trip of give it myself. But I draw on you because I shall be absent some 4 weeks and he needs a horse as soon as may be. His physician thinks he is in danger of breaking down soon if he is not divorced from so severe study and I have urged him vehemently to devote some time daily to riding on horse back and exploring as o, Nov. 2, 1855Rev. Milton Badger, D.D.Dear Sir, Please pay to Rev. Josiah North one hundred dollars ($100) and charge the same to my account and oblige yours, etc.,Aratus KentIf you can send him a draft he will be able to secure a horse speedily. If I have presumed too much please write me at Galena, otherwise he will expect to hear from you soon.A. KentLee Center, Nov. 5, 1855On Saturday I reached here in passing, and inquired respecting the progress being made in the house of worship and found them discouraged and at a stand still and the missionary at loss to know whether to leave the field, all for the want of a leader to go forward; for the money to meet the conditions of the subscription has been put down. So I thought I ought in compliance with a suggestion from Br. Coe to stop and try what I could do, I visited some of the leading men and preached on the subject on Sunday and helped to modify their plans so that they have now resolved to go forward. It seems to be a crisis with them.Other influences are at work, and if they fail now there is a danger that this church and this society will go down. I heard their missionary preach a funeral service for a man of 81 and it was such a sermon as few of our missionaries could equal. It was well done.If they go through with the Ch. edifice enterprise it will be as I judge because they are afraid they will lose their minister if they do not.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_______Naperville, Nov. 14, 1855Rev. M. Badger, D.D.Dear Sir,I take the opportunity to say some things before they are forgotten. I called on Br. Bartlett of Dupage yesterday and had long conversation with him. He admitted that there were serious troubles in the church that besides the dissatisfied Elder there were two suspended members but regarded the rest of the Church as united in him. He admitted that they could not keep up a prayer meeting and that he had not been in his study much nor visited much during the summer because his son had married and left him to manage the farm alone and he had been obliged to labour hard to support his large and dependent family in addition to the salary (400), but he intended to give himself more to the work in the future. I reminded him that the Society would not be willing to sustain him if he was labouring on a farm and recommended that he adopt a systematic course of study and visiting and report every quarter the number of his pastoral visits.The impression on the minds of some others is that he is not doing much good, and Mr. Samuel Goodrich, whose life membership I shall herewith report, the disaffected Elder, expressed the opinion that there was but one man who would be opposed to his leaving.I have made these statements while they were fresh upon my mind that you might be in possession of data for judgement. I have often recommended to missionaries the reporting quarterly of their pastoral visits but as their reports do not pass through my hands I do not know whether they so report.I spent the last Sabbath at Wilmington, Will Co., having the day before accompanied Br. Porter (the pastor) down the R.R. as far as Pontiac where Br. Day laboured some time since. I found that Br. Murphy (who laboured awhile in Grundy Co. and then returned to the Old School Body) had located himself near that R.R. station with a view to make a farm. He had organized a New School Church and was preaching occasionally until they could get another supply, so that my efforts to supply those destitutions years ago may yet become productive. Br. Porter is worn out by too much study and labour and asks a dismission and I have expressed all my eloquence in endeavoring to persuade him to enter that missionary field for which he has rare qualifications and occupy Pontiac and one or two other stations along the R. Road which promise soon to grow up to become important centers in that now almost naked prairie.If we has 10 experienced and able qualified frontier missionaries to occupy as many such fields as that I surveyed along the G. Alton & ST. Louis R.R. last Saturday at a salary of 1000 each for a period of 5 years I believe that no better investment of $50,000 could be made.Galena, Nov. 19. After visiting St. Charles, The Hampshire Settlement, Sycamore, Belvidere, Rockford, and Twelve Mile Grove where I learned that Br. Johnson (who used to be a missionary) had raised 1000 bushels of wheat this year, I rode 29 miles in a snow storm (and caught cold) to Lena where I left my buggy and reached home at 8 p.m. with a lame back and the whole head oppressed with the effects of Saturday';s exposure.I succeeded in picking up $42 for Mr. North's horse and with 50 dollars more (which I expect) I shall get off pretty well when I shall have secured the 50 which I loaned.I came home to make a pause for 3 days when I shall return for my buggy and meet my appointment at Orangeville where I have attended once in 4 weeks for a year past. And I hope next Sabbath to administer the Lord's Supper and the ordinance of Baptism to one adult and several children.I have had an opportunity to contribute this morning to the building of a church at Cairo. Time was when Cairo was farther off than New York. But now it is but a days ride.I have thought seriously of taking a trip to Cairo this winter when I cannot travel in my own conveyance and to return by way of the Chicago Branch and there explore the Ill. Central R.R. stopping at various points in order to see more fully the wants and claims of that part of our state.With sentiments of great respect,Yours, etc.,A. KentPlease charge me 30 dollars to make Sam'l Goodrich, Naperville, a life member, A.H.M.S. on his own subscription and 30 to make Rev. J. G. Porter of Wilmington the same and send the Home Missionary to S. Goodrich, Naperville and Dr. P.B. McKay Wilmingtom.Galena, Nov. 19/55 A. Kent______Galena, Ill, Dec. 5, 1855Br. Coe seems to think that I am overdoing because I ventured to indulge the egotism which is so natural in man and attempted to amuse the Secretaries amidst the dry details of the office by giving some incidents of missionary life.I supposed they would have understood that "vanity is the spice of life". Indeed, I have had a number of very pleasant visits some months to that "remote and inaccessible region." And have met my 4 weeks appointments without fail for a year. And so far as I know without materially interfering with other duties, as I continued generally to take that village (Orangeville) in my way in going or returning from longer journeys. You have an itching perhaps to look in and see for yourself what are the results. Very well, you may have the privilege some Sabbath next summer of filling my appointment. You shall go into the neighborhood of wealthy Pennsylvania Germans (every family snugly located down by the spring with a large two story red house on the hill side) and in a neat and well finished church just built by Lutherans and German Reformed Churches, which for a consideration we Americans occupy once in 4 weeks. You shall preach to a congregation of Germans and Americans all from Pennsylvania and numbering from 80 to 120, and then you shall break bread to a little church just organized and some of whom have been deprived of that ordinance for years. You may estimate there the importance of gathering that church once in 4 weeks to prayer & conference meeting from a dispersion of several miles in each direction and thus provoking one another to love and good works under the observation of some if the wildest varieties calling themselves United Brethren.You may calculate the influence of this effort on the young people of that German population, who will inevitably fall in with Americans in despite of the wishes of the older people and you may estimate its influence on the preacher who needs as much as your self some thing tangible and visible in ministerial labours. Oh how it encouraged and cheered my spirits ;last Sabbath week when I Baptized 3 children and 1 prominent man and then administered the Lord's Supper and heard some mature saints ay that they were refreshed. One other result- they have subscribed some $50 the first of the year. But I have allowed my pen to run till I have but little room for the object of my letter which is to say that I try to preach on Home Missions where they wish my services but when they prefer to dispense with an agent, I leave them to their own course. Many ministers choose to manage benevolent contributions in their own way. I do not know that the Presbyterian Churches in this vicinity are doing any less than heretofore for our Society. I know of no ecclesiastical body cooperating less cordially or manifesting any disposition to act independently. If it be so it is not revealed to me. There is quite an interference with us on the part of the Cong. who have gone over to the Free Mission Society (as they call themselves) and whose agent Rev. S.G. Wright is doing what he can (good Br. as he is) to draw away the churches from a connection with us. I have thought of exploring further south this winter by the Ill. Cent. R.R. but it is quite uncertain.Yours truly,A. KentI have had a lame back for some weeks, but am now rapidly improving. I omitted one of the results of my 4 weeks appointments. I can say to those who complain of fatigue and exposure in excuse for not meeting their appointments. I have not failed in a year. This is so much capital in my trade._______Galena, Jan. 3, 1856I think this request ought to be granted and with a little explanation it will speak for itself. They have passed through sharp trials by reason of sectarian influence.Br. Baldwin made a great effort to get up a house of worship at Troy Grove and the O.S. Presb. are like to take the ground. Br. Smith alluded to by Br. Baldwin has gone that way. Almost discouraged there he went to Mendota and is due time organized a Presb. Ch. of which 8 were Presb. & 1 Cong. as he told me. Br. Moore alluded to was an Elder at Troy Grove. Now by some means Br. Baldwin is discountenanced and the church is turned over to Cong. And I wish that the complaint made in Iowa concerning the organization of a Presb. Ch. at Lyons as reported in the Cong. Herald a week or two since might be confronted by the facts in relation to the church in Mendota. Under all circumstances I think this request ought to be granted,A. Kent______[A.M. Dixon to Dr. Badger]Chatham, Ill., Jan. 5th, 1856Rev’d. M. Badger & Brethren,The time for my last report for this ministerial year has come.I am sorry that I have nothing of special interest to communicate.We have admitted three persons to the Communion of our church since my last report- some encouragement.My congregations increase in size and performance. Tho I have much strong opposition from Southerners because of my anti-slavery views and preaching- all is still at present.Our S.S. as usual-Temperance not spoke of-tho pretty much all temperance folks. Land, hogs & anti-Nebraska are the topics here that shut out Christ & the Gospel.I do not know how long I shall remain here. If you have a call for a missionary to go where no one else will go, send me.Yours, Alvin M. DixonUseless to say my draft very acceptable.____January 15, 1856Dr. BadgerDear Br.,I do not know what I have done to Br. Gray of Mt. Carrol. But I will state the case. During the time that he has been on your books, he has built a house in Savanna and a house in Mt. Carrol and a church and diverse other works with his own hands pretty much. and I have felt that he did not give that time to visiting which he ought and at times I have talked freely with the Elder in whom we both have the utmost confidence as he had requested me to do, respecting the propriety of his seeking another field.He lives 35 miles south and I made arrangements with him that he should spend a Sabbath at Garden Prairie and a Sabbath at Clyde some 20 miles further south and I engaged to supply him. I preached for him and his wife handed me an application which I handed back for him to forward by mail because he had not certified to their having fulfilled their pledge to him. And when I received his letter some of which I will copy, I immediately wrote and stated the reason, c.c. wherein the application was not complete, but have heard nothing more.“I think it my duty to tell you kindly yet decidedly that I consider the appointment at Clyde yours and not mine. I trust you will meet them for I shall not. On returning home and learning the manner which you treated the application of this church for aid, I find myself reduced to the resources of the church and meslef if I would retain due respect for either. Whatever else may seem necessary to be said, I think from your knowledge of the circumstances, you can easily supply. I will only ass that I suppose I will have to rely exclusively upon about $250 from the church and my own efforts to sustain my family and meet a debt of about $400. I doubt not the purity of your motives. But I suppose Dear. Br. that you and I view these things from two very different stand points, while then I feel determined to cherish the most kind feelings towards you. I also say with equal firmness that I now retract all my pledges to you and to the Home Miss. Soc. implied or otherwise which seem to place me at your direction.Yours affectionately,C. Gray”Now if I have treated this Brother (whose extreme sensitivity I have wounded years ago but which I thought was entirely healed) as badly as his insinuations imply, it may be your duty to open a correspondence and inquire after your agent for surely the Society in New York are no was implicated.Perhaps I should add that garden Prairie & Clyde are two feeble churches which Br. Walker served before he removed to Iowa and Br. Gray expressed the opinion that Br. Walker had not done his duty there, and the arrangement alluded to in his letter was a plan of mine into which Br. Gray entered cordially, to have them enjoy each a communion season which they had not enjoyed for a good many months before Br. Walker left them.A. Kent______ Rockford, Jan. 26, 1856Dear Brehtren,I was so happy as to meet Mr. Chapman whose name is appended to this application at Mr. Emerson’s and made such inquiries as satisfied me that this request ought to be granted.I remarked to Mr. C. that a minister in these days of prosperity and the high price of provisions ought to have more than 400. He replied that he had a farm which was worked by his boys but that it yielded him something toward his support, and I replied that the society were very jealous of ministers working on a farm.He expressed the opinion that he was devoting his time and energies to his appropriate work which afforded me the opportunity of saying that it could not be wrong for a minister to furnish a farm for the employment of his sons if he does not occupy his own mind and hands with it.Yours, etc.A. KentP.S. I am here to present the cause of Home Miss. in both Churches tomorrow._____Galena, Feb. 29, 1856I wrote some time since enclosing a letter from Mr. Gray in which he declines receiving further aid. I have called on him since and find that I had been somewhat misunderstood and after a full and free conversation I thought it my duty to encourage this renewal of their application..They have had very serious difficulties to encounter and I should be afraid of the consequences (to the missionary himself and the church) of refusing aid. And therefore I recommend that $200 be afforded them and I shall hope that my plain talk will yet procure good effects.I recommend that the commission date back to the beginning of the missionary year.A. Kent___Galena, Feb. 19, 1856Rev. Milton Badger D.D.Dear Sir,I left home last Wednesday p.m. and rose 34 miles part way to my field. Thursday I rode 15 miles, visited 6 families and preached in the evening and though it was exceedingly cold I had a congregation of 50.Friday. I visited 8 families and preacher at another school house and a congregation of about 50.Saturday was unwell and could not eat nor visit but I was enabled to attend and conduct the payer meeting at 2 p.m. and preach to about 25 in an open and delapidated schoolhouse on a very cold evening.Sabbath. Being recovered by severe abstinence I preached morning and at candle light at the Lutheran and German reformed “holy & Beautiful House” and has a congregation of 100 and nearly as many in the evening although it was so cold and blustering that but few women could attend. This included most of the leading men of those denominations.And on Monday quite well I started early and with good sleighing I reached home (50 miles) in 12 hours having called on and consulted Br. Loughlin of Nora and dined with Br. Blackstone of Br. Reynolds Monticello church ...to consult with him in relation to removing their centre to the Apple River Depot for if they remain mid way between 2 depots they always be weak and need Home Miss aid but if they can be persuaded to build at that little centre they will make a strong church and anticipate other denominations.I have given this explore of 5 1/2 days as a specimen of my practice one in 4 weeks at Orangeville in Stephenson County and vicinity (not the Orangeville where Br. Sipes formerly preached).I usually take the moon light week and visit and preach on 3 week days and this labour to kindle an interest which may draw them to the church at the centre on the Sabbath.Had I not been sick I might have made up in all 20 visits. I preached 5 times and put in circulation at a former visit some 30 or 40 religious papers.We have formed a little church of 7 members which I trust will soon be doubled and they have paid me on subscription for the first year ending in November last $50.50.And I have met every four week appointment hitherto though I hear very frequently from other missionaries that they have failed on account of the very cold and stormy Sabbaths of which we have has a succession this winter.It is now more than 8 weeks since we have had exceedingly cold weather without those softening intermissions which we always expect. There was no “January Thaw”. I never knew the like before. I have made no mention of the above 50.50 in the accounts rendered as it would not pay my expenses for freight and travelling.A. Kent_____[H.H. Hayes to Sec. A.H.M.S.]RemarksRock Island, March 4, 1856I have been in the service of the Soc. 7 years & poorly in the service of God during that time. My labours have been blessed to some extent. This church has more than doubled in strength and numbers during the last three years. My service under your wing closed the 15 of Oct. last. I feel a melancholy sensation pervading my heart in making this last report. It is parting with an old and tired friend & under God the dearest friendship bound by ties of Christian faith and animated by Christian love. My cordial affection to you will expire with my but kindle again on the shores of eternity.Nothing special has occurred during the last year. Your agent in Iowa has taken me to task with some severity for sending Presbyterian ministers to congregational churches & favoring Presbyterian organization where he does not desire it. I never have made any distinction in directing ministers but always made any distinction in directing ministers, but always sought the supply of destitute fields whether the minister or field was Presbyterian or Congregational.Yours affectionately,H.H. Hayes____[Application of Winslow, Il.]Galena, March 6, 1856Along with this application I hand you Mr. Powell's explanation. Things mover very moderately there “as with the people so with the priest.”They have been threatening for two years to build a church and I am apprehensive they may still fail.But I think $450 is too little in these times for a minister living in a village. And in view of all the circumstances as they lie before my own mind I should recommend that he receive the amount asked.Sincerely,A. Kent_____Galena, March 7, 1856Dear Sir,In reviewing the past year there is not much of a marked character to be rehearsed but a condition of general prosperity in the State of progress in the church which should call forth our devout acknowledgement.The number of our missions is less than in former years. Some churches are vacant. Four have become self-supporting churches, Some have chosen to transfer their relations to another society (which professes to preach the whole gospel.)One of our missionaries has died. Br. Copeland of Genesseo died about 6 months since, and several others have left the field or have been laid aside by ill-health. Efficient men and those best qualified for missionary service refuse to become missionaries on account of the stinted support which our society affords, for while the salary is raised but one fifth, the price of almost everything they need for support of their families has advanced 100 per cent within five years and it should be noted too that the farmer would give freely to the missionary of his surplus— produce which he could not obtain enough to pay him for conveying it to market 100 miles distant. But now where he has a ready market and 2 or 3 prices at the depot not 10 miles distant to which he can go and return without expense, he evinces less disposition to anticipate the missionary’s wants.Very many of our missionary fields now are in those little villages growing up on the R. Roads where everything is bought up before he can lay in his supplies, and where rents are enormously high.It must be remembered too that poor human nature (some grains of which still adhere to our missionaries) finds it harder to endure these privations when they hear of the large salaries of city ministers and when they see their neighbors growing rich around them, than if they were all called to suffer together from poverty and want.According to the estimate I have made we have 40 missionaries who are labouring in 71 missionary districts. There have been 10 churches organized and 5 have become self-supporting Churches, 6 houses of worship have been built and one repaired (and quite a number have been erected by churches which were once aided by our society) during the year on the field assigned to me. There are 2 churches who report revivals which resulted in some 18 or 20 converts and several others are enjoying a revival and vigorous piety which gives promise of future advancement. There are 15 or 20 feeble churches that are languishing for want of the bread of life and they have no prospect of a supply because they cannot hold out as great inducements as larger churches to those who are in search of fields of ministerial labour.But while we regret so great a destitution and regret that many young communities are growing into importance without any adequate moral influence we cannot but acknowledge the good hand of God upon us in that we can count up 32 strong and healthy churches of our denominations which have started into being since I came into this district and which are now able to sustain themselves and contribute liberally to send the gospel to the regions beyond.If the other parts of the state are as well supplied it will afford an average of more than one every county in the state.But who can measure the whole amount of good which will accrue to this great commonwealth from these perennial fountains of moral virtue distributed over these immense prairies, opened too during the first 20 of its settlement and destined to continue their full flow of blessing as long as that grace which first planted them shall continue to flow down from above.Of if He that converteth one sinner shall save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins what will be the sum total of all the sinners converted by the labors and sacrifices of all these churches in all future time and what a broad stream of salvation will be the result of so many rivulets where they are united in their progress and finally swallowed up in one great sea of celestial glory.A. Kent1855 Account of A. Kent with A.H.M.Society From March 1855 to March 1856Feb. Waukegan$23.00Ap. Coll at Hampton7.33June John Ruth10.00July First Presb Ch Galena75.50 Second do do101.00Miss Sarah Felt1.00Draft for Mr. North100.00Life members Goodrich & Porter60.00____________________________________1856Rockford 1 Cong. Ch.26.50T.D. Robertson of Rockford to contitute Elizabeth A. Robertson life member30.00March 2 Coll at Belvidere Presb. Ch 68.00these last three not reported_____ $502.85Please charge me with the balance as Donation to A.H.M.S. which will settle my account for the yearA. KentAnd I desire to recognize God’s hand in sustaining me so that while many piour pastors have been sick and others have frozen to death and many have frozen their feet, I have been exposed to all this cold which is regarded as without a parallel and have not sustained any injury nor even has a severe cold during the winter.____ Galena, March 11, 1856Rev. Mr. CoeDear Br.,Rev. Mr. Raymond of Shullsburg, Wisconsin wishes to obtain a box of clothing and I think he is fairly entitled to it in consideration of the high price of everything about Shullsburg. His family consists of himself, wife and 3 boys ages 8, 5, &3.They need most of all clothing for himself. An over coat stout and warm, also pants, coat and vest and any thing else that comes to hand to make a box. He is a man of ordinary size and wife corresponds to him in size.I hope you will be able to furnish him the things which he needs.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent_____March 14, 1856Rev. Dr. Badger,I had well nigh forgotten a promise to the widow of a missionary who once had an agency for the west that I would send her the Home Missionary.Please direct it to her son, Ed. H. Avery, Auburn, N.Y. and charge it tom me if it be not proper to send it gratuitously.A. Kent_____March 18Being left by the cars last Thursday, I rode in my buggy 45 miles, met my appointment in the evening and preached to about 40 next day, visited and preached to about 50. Saturday attended prayer meeting. Sabbath Cong. in the morning 88 men 72 women, in the evening to the large Lutheran and Ger. Reformed Ch was crowded say from 250 to 300. There I reach many who I do not otherwise have such exhibitions of the truth. Rode home yesterday.A.K._____[Application of the South Ottawa Presbyterian Church]Cairo, March 29, 1856Your note reached me here and I would reply that I was at Ottawa some months ago, conversed with Br. Whittling and called on Mr. Mason and learned from his wife that they had a prospect of a supply and as I cannot now visit them, I think it is safe to hand on the commission. I hope to be at Ottawa in May, i.e., if the Gen. Association meets there and shall be informed more fully.A. KentP.S. I know nothing of the Missionary, but I have to reason to doubt the propriety of aiding that church to the full amount they ask.A. Kent--------- Cairo, March 29, 1856Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,I improve the opportunity to write a line to say that I have made a move to the south, with a view to informing myself in relation to the missionary work in all the region along the road, i.e., I.C. R.R. And shall be able to furnish some facts which may interest you when I return.I shall only say now generally that I have been greatly interested in my tour, and have found quite an awakening at Springfield and Jacksonville with some striking conversions and I also attended 2 meetings with Br. Gordon & Tunny at Vandalia.I have been encouraged with the prospect of occupying by our ministry more of these Depot-Centres of influence than I expected.Tomorrow I preach in our church. Br. Post’s child is very sick and he could not leave Jonesboro to fill his engagement here.Yours in haste, A. KentIt was a stormy day and but about 40 attended my preaching at Cairo.Monday Morning, Carbondale 60 miles north of Cairo. As I could not get my letter mailed in the office on Sat. I will add somewhat.I have been impressed with the importance of the early occupancy by our Missionaries of the business points which are springing up along the great R. Road between Cairo and Wisconsin amounting in both its branches to 700 miles and giving an average of 8 miles between the depot stations. The most of the country along this road was located in unoccupied prairie and the immense amount of land falling to the I.C. R.R. is being rapidly sold to actual settlers and they are required to improve one tenth every year. Hence of necessity improvements must be exceedingly rapid- and these little centres must do the business of the road and of the vicinity and must command attention much as they would do if they were so many Islets lying equal distant between N.Y. and Liverpool. Take a single example. A company from Vermont have bot up 40,000 acres which will secure the breaking up of 4000 acres this year at a point to be called Rutland, some 25 miles south of LaSalle. In view of these facts I started to explore and am happy to state that of the 50 depots on the west branch, 20, including the more important ones, are occupied by the denominations we represent and several more will be seized upon as soon as practicable.The eastern branch my limited time will not allow me to explore. I should add that our Old School brethren have established themselves at 6 or 7 principle points.Cairo- ought soon to command the whole time of a strong man. They have now a fine church that would seat 400 built by contributions from other churches. They need a Paul at Athens.I have been disappointed and encouraged to find so may of the prominent points occupied by our men and I hope that they will yet be brought under evangelical influence.It seems to me that a 2000 dollar man employed in traversing our R. Road constantly would be a good investment. I would take 1/10 of the stock.______[J.R. Dunn to M. Badger, Wenona, Marshall Co., Ill., April 3, 1856]...Our spiritual interests are by no means encouraging. The public mind id diverted & intense excitement prevails on the slavery question and the outrages perpetrated in Kansas and in Congress. All that we can do is to keep things together until the question is settled. We are suffering greatly in consequence of the stand taken Dr. Parker & others at the last meeting of the “General Assembly” on the slavery question. Every Sabbath School Scholar in this section of the country knows that slavery is anti-Christian in all its aspects; and every infidel knows that Christianity should be anti-slavery. And know to hear a Dr. in the Presbyterian Church advocate slavery as a Bible Institution, affords a fine argument for the rejection of the whole subject, and in the mind of every child is a mighty stumbling block. And besides the old settlers remember that when E. P. Lovejoy was hunted down and slain by slavery propagandists at Alton that same Mr. Parker identified himself with the mob and declared in a public speech “that is was wrong for a men to enter a community and propagate sentiments contrary to the will of that community.”These thing work untold mischief in our churches and amongst the impertinent. To gain the confidence of the world, we must condemn all sin. No sinner can respect a dishonest & half-hearted opponent.I fear we shall be able to report but little progress in spiritual things until the public mind becomes settled on this exciting subject....Sincerely yours in Christ,J.R. Dunn___[The Presb. Ch. of Waltham, Ill. apply for $200 aid in support of Rev. James Wilson, 12 mo., from April 1, 1856.]Galena, April 15/56I deeply sympathize with that church and the former minister in the severe trials they have endured from sectarian strife and I cannot withhold my approval of this application and yet I shall be surprised if the present incumbent gives satisfaction so as to secure a home there after the first year. A good man, though he be, yet he has hitherto been unsuccessful in missionary service since came into our state.A. Kent___Galena, Ap. 15Dear Br. Coe,I have thought often of your caution not to over work in going to my appointments once in 4 weeks at Orangeville, but I have become too much interested to be willing to give up the ground until some one can be found to take my place and therefore will give you a brief note in relation to my last visit there.I left home on Thursday last spent the night with Br. Raymond who has a precious work of grace in his Monticello Ch. Friday I rode 30 miles and preached a lecture preparatory ay 2 and preached ay a school house in the evening. Saturday I rested and Sunday I preached twice and administered the Lord’s Supper. I had a congregation of 150- much as large as the Presbyterian congregations in this city and Monday I rode home 46 miles in my buggy. And ought I give up a field of so much promise?Yours, etc.,A. KentP.S. I forgot to say that Saturday night I preached for the Lutheran Minister and had a congregation of 50 or 60.-------Galena, April 16/56I have just returned from Presbytery held at Elizabeth. I think it evident that Br. Smith is gaining ground there and at Plum River, and ought to be again commissioned. I did not approve of his going to Elizabeth but he has succeeded beyond my expectations. I think that the sum asked is as little as will suffice for his support.A. Kent____[Letter to Kent from H. Newhall]Galena, April 17th, 1856Rev. A. KentDear Sir:By a deed dated April 30th, 1839 you made over to Horatio Newhall, George W. Fuller, James Spare & Reuben W. BrushLot No. 9, Block 1East half of Lot 11, Block 1Lot 4 in Block 37 East Fevre RiverLot 7, Block 4 West of Fevre Riveralso all your right & title to a certain tract of land lying N.W. of Galena on the Mineral Point Road containing 40 acres, claimed as pre-emption claim on the N.E. Quarter of Sec. 14 Town 28 N of range 1 west.The above is deeded in trust for the use & purpose hereinafter declared, and for no other. The trustees were authorized to rent for a term of years not exceeding 20, or sell at private or public sale absolutely upon such terms as they deemed meet.The net proceeds of rents & or sale of Lot 9 in B 11 also of E half of lot 11 in B1 to be paid over to the American Board of Foreign Missions and the Am. Home Missionary Society for the support of foreign and domestic missions.The net proceeds of Lot 4, B. 37 & lot 7, B 34 & the tract of lands of 40 acres to be paid over to the Am. Board of Foreign Missions for support of Missionaries in their employment, or for the support of preparation of young men for the ministry as said trustees may, in their judgement, think best.This deed of trust was recorded Dec. 29, 1841 on pages 25, 26 & 27 in Book F of records of deeds.Your pre-emption claim to the 40 acre lot was decided against you by the court. The other lots were sold and the money paid over to you.If you should die, the missionary Society could compel me to pay over to them the amount of the sales, or any individual some ten or twenty years hence when we have both passes away may see the record of the Deed “unsatisfied” and suppose that I have perverted the funds to my own use.It is necessary that satisfaction should be entered on the margin of the record by an authorized agent of those societies. Will you please see Mr. Hempstead & ask him how the thing can be done.I have put this is writing that you may have the whole transaction before you & act upon it at your leisure.Yours truly,H. Newhall_____Galena, April 26, 1856Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,The enclosed letter is evidentily intended as an application for Home Miss. Soc. aid, which I very cordially endorse and will state my reasons.I met with Mr. Frost when I was at Wenona with Br. Dunn on my way down into Egypt, He introduced Br. frost as having been a Methodist preacher but was to labour with service of the A.H.M.S. if commissioned. I saw nothing exceptionable in his first appearance.The points named are Minonk, Panola & Kappa, three stations on the Ill. Cent. R.R. They are midway between LaSalle and Bloomington. Like many others starting up like Jonah's goad in the naked prairie and yet scarcely 3 years old, containing as I was told Minonk, 80, Panola 80 and Kappa 150 souls. I recommended that for the present he should preach at each of the three villages., that we thus preoccupy the ground until experiment shall develop the prospects of each.In my tour south I endeavored to get the names of some one good man at each of these stations with whom I might correspond if it became necessary. A Presbyterian by the name of Gaskin at Panola and H.D. Cook is a Presbyterian residing at Kappa. I laid my plan to spend a Sabbath at Minonk but was induced to stop short and take up my quarters with Mr. Saunders (whose wife is a daughter of Br. Lippincott) at Mowequa.By the way it might facilitate your knowledge of Ill. to get a little pocket map of all the R. Roads and stations in the state.I found it very convenient in my tour.Should you want still more light< I think that Br. Dunn would go out and visit all or some of those stations by exchange.Yours very truly,A. KentP.S. I think the commission should date back to March 1. Perhaps it might be well to restrict his residence ..his field for one year. But it is extremely difficult to get a place to put a family in those little western villages which spring up so suddenly._______[Pertaining to the application of Br. Gilbert at Crete, Ill.]April 28, 1856I reluctantly recommend the renewal of this commission because I do not feel at liberty to withhold my approval and the amount is not very large, bit still I suppose they are able to do more if they should exert themselves as they might do. Probably they think Br. Gilbert is settled down and cannot easily be routed because they have received aid a good while and very possibly because they think if you refuse them the A. M. Association will be ready to receive them.Eagle Point, Carrol Co., June 25/56. After writing so fay I concluded to visit Crete, though I had felt that I could not take so long a journey and meet other engagements, but finding so many fingers of Providence pointing that way I undertook and have accomplished one of the most fatiguing journeys (on account of the heat). I conversed freely with Br. Gilbert and we rode out 3 miles to call on Br. Cushing the leading man. They are weakened by removals - some of them have gone to the R.R. Stations on each side. The Germans are there as in many places buying out the Americans and I therefore recommend this application. A. KentPerhaps the most important thing was prompting Br. G. to preach but once a day at Crete and having a second service at the stations on each side alternatively on the R.R.____Galena, Ill., May 6, 1856Rev. D.B. CoeDear Br.,I spent the last Sabbath at Freeport preached and took up a collection. The next I expect to spend at Orangeville. Your letter is before me and the ones of June last alluding to the same subject. I did not regard the first as any other than a caution not to overdo. The last clearly shows that your honorable fraternity regard my practice of regularly supplying any destitute church as not being the most judicious use of my time. And in relation to that I have supposed that I was but carrying out my own views of an agent’s duty as expressed before I was appointed. Which was that his field should be so limited that besides attending to the other duties properly belonging to him he should occasionally throw himself into a particular locality and at his discretion spend 1,2 or 10 Sabbaths until he could put things in shape for another man and find the man to occupy it. Now there are some peculiarities about Orangeville & such a providential opening to have a large house and a large congregation furnished to my hand as caused me to spend every fourth Sabbath there until I can find a man to take my place, and which I have been all the time and am still trying to do. Perhaps none of you but Br. B. are aware that I insisted at first on having but a small field (23 counties). I supposed that I had been over that small field about as often as was expedient, and whn of late I have written to you repeatedly respecting exploring farther south and reporting what I had recently done in that way, I have been unable to provoke any reply.It is gratifying to know that “my services” are held in high esteem, but in referring to the diferent branches of an agent’s duty: 1st In presenting the calims of the Home Miss. Soc. I have not very much left me to do, for the smaller churches will hardly raise enough to pay expenses of an agent visiting them, and the larger churches feel or I imagine they feel that I am an old fashioned preacher whom they do not care to hear, and all i can do is to prompt the pastor to preach on the subject. 2nd: “in prospecting” I think I have been doing that very thing at Orangeville and I regard it as one of my happiest efforts. 3rd: Spending time with a missionary whose people are not doing all they ought. I think probably I have not done all I ought and will consider that more hereafter.You certainly magnify my office when you put it above that of any pastor of a single chrch, while I have undervalued it and felt that I was doign so little that I wanted to have a particular charge of my own in order to feel that I was not entirely useless. I hope you will give me your views still further as your recent occasion.There is an incidental good deducible from my supplying a church so diatant for near 2 years without a failure it affords evidence that appointments may be met to those who complain of having to ride so fay and who frequently fail to meet them and when they are not more than 10 or 20 miles distant and such things are quite common, and they destroy a missionary;s influence and efficiency and here let me say that I wish you could adopt the method of having your missionaries report the doings of each Sabbath. I think you would soon have facts respecting individuals that do not appear in the reports which deal in genuine statements. Some of them preach but once a day and some them lose an entire Sabbath so frequently that you would be surprised. This is my opinion but I have no means of know[ing] definitely because the reports do not pass through my hands and if I ask their people they are afraid to say anything to the agent lest they should become reporters.I have this put down hastily some of the thoughts suggested by your letter and I shall still try to get some one to supply my place at Orangeville, but I do not feel willing to retreat and leave the field vacant at least before the end of the year which will be in November next.I have supposed that I spent as many Sabbaths in performing the duties of a travelling agent as other agents do who have no such pastoral charge, but I may be under a mistake for I have never made the inquiry.The annual reports will be forth coming soon and it is but few that are called for in Chicago. Please sent 2/3 or 3/4 directly to me and let me know whether you wish me to supply missionaries and ministers south of bounds of my agency. Yours truly, A. Kent___Galena May 8, 1856Having considered the matter as this Com. of Missions did, I wrote to Br. Jessup making inquiries and I a=enclose his answer whichj places the subject fairly before you. I intimated to him that I should visit him soon, but it is doubtful. On the whole, I am in favor of granting this request.A. Kent_____[Application for Cong. Ch. at Crystal Lake]Galena, May 19, 1856I cheerfully recommend this application and trust the anticipations they cherish may be realized.A. Kent____Galena, May 27, 1856Messers. Rev. M. Badger, D.D. and Mr. Almon MerovinSirs:The accompanying papers will give you information of my purpose to contribute some what to the societies you represent. But as in the course of business different direction was given to the avails of these lots and I had forgotten the circumstances until my attention was called to it by Dr. Newhall’s letter, and as I have (in connection with the draft enclosed in favour of the A.B.C.F.M.) in my judgement contributed an equal amount to these societies in other ways, I request you gentlemen in behalf of those societies to execute this paper and you will oblige yours, etc.A. Kent[accompanied by a partially legible affidavit excusing Kent’s obligation to “certain benevolent institutions” for the sale of the properties]_____[Alvah Day to Aratus Kent]Lisbon, June 3rd, 1856Dear Mr. Kent, Your see I am preaching half time in Nettle Creek. Br. James Laughead came for me. I went and spent a Sabbath there and have concluded to bestow half my labours on that field. I have full congregations there and the people appear quite interested in having me preach to them. The church is now small but a number will soon unite with it if I continue there. A number of good families have moved in recently and the prospect of building up a good church is better than ever before. I saw Mr. F. Bascom yesterday at Morris. He is labouring in your field for Home Missions to promote the same great cause- to fight the same battles and mine the same trophies- only he marches under a little different banner - one a little whiter- shining a little brighter with the Sun of Liberty- I should think that Br. Bascom & Br. Turner would feel rather odd in standing side ways or with their backs turned to the A.H. Missionary Society on this field when it has fought so many successful battles and won so many glorious victories.Please let me know your actions on this application.Your Brother, etc.,Alvah Day[annotated by Kent]I regard it as utterly useless to attempt to vindicate the A.H.M.S. against the A.M.As. and those head strong abolitionists who are wiser than 10 men that can render a reason.A.K.____[Rev. A.D. Laughlin to Aratus Kent]Nora, Ill., June 3rd, 1856Rev. A. KentDear Brother,Yours of the 27th of May is before me. I confess I was somewhat surprised ay what seemed to me to be four grave charges preferred against me altho you speak of them as impressions you have received since you saw me. They are 1st that I have not given a due proportion of my time to the S[cales] Mound Chh, 2nd that I have not visited from house to house as much as necessary in order to render my preaching most successful in gathering in outsiders 3rd that I have failed more frequently than I should to meet my Sabbath arrangements and 4th that I am in the habit of going and returning in the cars on the Sabbath.In relation to the last specification it has been a matter of earnest inquiry in my own mind I cannot see that the act in itself is any worse than to spend the same time in harnessing my horse and driving to my appointment but I confess that in its influence it may be worse and for this reason I have not in a single instance that I can recall either go out or return on the Sabbath when to my mind there did not seem a sufficient reason in the condition of my family for it. I think it is hardly a fair representation to you that I am in “the habit” of travelling on the Sabbath and I think who ever have you that impression must have known my reason in almost every instance in which I have done so. In relation to the other matters specified I can only say that if the S. Mount Chh or any portion of them were dissatisfied (as they certainly ought to have been if they did not receive their due proportion of my labor or if any Sabbath services have been rendered comparatively useless by my lack of visiting or if I have so frequently failed to fulfil my Sabbath appointments, why did they not have candor enough to state distinctly to me their dissatisfaction when the question of my laboring with them another year was under consideration?I travelled through the cold several times and when I got there found that the house could not be used and once or twice had letters from there informing me that it would be useless for me to go as no place of meeting could be obtained. By reference to my record book I find that I have preached during the past year two more sermons at S. Mound that I have at Nora. During the series of meetings there I visited all I was able to visit and preach every evening. I am sorry to think that any one should have thoughtfully made such impressions to your mind and I thank you for stating these things to me as it will enable me to be on my guard in future. If, however, you think my course so reprehensible that I am unworthy of the confidence of the H. M. I do not wish you to endorse the application sent to you by these chhs for I appeal to the searcher of hearts that I have no desire to appear in a more favorable light than I deserve before that society. I know that where such interests are concerned that Soc. which is doing so much for this land ought to have to have men at will fulfill the high and holy trust committed to them with fidelity, men who watch for souls as they that must give account. I am so conscious of wasted ??? for this great work that I should have engaged in some other employment years ago but that I have seemed to be shut up to this by the providence of God and I frankly confess to you that no employment to my mind can compare with the missionary of the gospel where the necessary qualifications exist.In relation to the defect in the application I can only say the reason my certificate was not appended was that both churches were in arrears with me I could not say anything different from the fact I suppose they will fulfill their pledges. I read part of your letter to the S. Mound Ch. last Sabbath and they disclaim having made any complaint in relation to the matters you mention.Yours truly, A.D. Laughlin____[refers to the Barrington, Illinois application for aid]Galena, June 4, 1856I thought a year ago and still think that Br. Dickinson ought to leave B. I shall so advise him. They appear to act on the presumption that he has bot a farm and built a house and it is no matter whether they make any effort. The accompanying notes from Br. D. and Br. Savage are corrobatory of my opinion.Br. Dickinson is worthy of better treatment I think.A. KentP.S. And if left vacant awhile they do better by another man._____Eagle Point, June 25/56Rev. Dr. BadgerSir,I shall presume that you will be glad to know some things that I have picked up in one of the most fatiguing tours in my own conveyance across the state expecting to reach home today but for a powerful rain which is hailed with joy and enthusiasm almost.The country was suffering fearfully for want of rain, but last Sabbath while the church were at prayer (where I was) a little shower was given.I left home on the 13th to spend the Sab. with the church at Clyde (scotch) which has suffered form neglect of Br. Walker as I judge by what I hear and by the conduct of one of its Elders in selling slaves at the South which came to his wife by will. He has been arraigned and tried by our Presb., and an appeal taken to Synod.We need a man to be stationed in that growing settlement. I found a Br. Butterfield (who has bot a large farm in sight of the house I occupy just now) had made an appointment for the Sab and I preached over to Como, and stayed with Br. North. Mon I passed Sterling which is growing rapidly and where an energetic man might take the lead of all other denom. I called on Br. Phillips and spent the night with Br. Jessup. Called next day on Br. Bergen who entered wild lands which have recently become valuable (say $10,000) from the proximity to a R.R. Station. He is farming largely but threatens to sell out and give himself wholly to his work. I do not say thus to curtail the appropriation to him but I should not recommend a renewal of his commission unless the course of his conduct is changed in these respects. I heard a good many things said of him which I attributed in part to other motives than good ones.It gave me particular satisfaction to know that a Br. Whitamore was recently stationed at Pontiac, Dwight and Gardner, 3 depots on the R.R. with very flattering prospects and the more so, as I am now convinced it was not labour lost to sustain Br. Day at Pontiac some time ago. It is also not easy to get a man to go to a place which has such a reputation for being sickly as Pontiac has. A Church is organized at Pontiac and another at Dwight.After consulting with Brs. Grant & Loss (neighbors) I spent Sabbath in the parish of Br. Bartlett at Dupage and I convinced him to sell his farm - but this will come up again and I forbear.Yours truly,A. Kent_____[Respecting Rev. A. Lyman]June 27- 56This letter has just come to hand and it leaves the matter somewhat in the dark.The doubt in my mind is whether if Br. Lyman should leave another man might not occupy the post who would command a larger measure of his support from the people.A. Kent___Chemung, McHenry Co., July 12/56Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,Having heard recently that Dr. Neal had left preaching last March, I came here to spend the Sabbath and inquire after this poor afflicted church. Afflicted in having the ministrations of Home Missionaries who have not built them up. And as I sent you a letter to show that Dr. Neal sustained a good character in the estimation of Dr. Duffield, I am constrained to put you on your guard in any future operations by saying he has left a very bad odor here.They tell some things and insinuate partly some and refer to letters which he wrote to a young lady in the neighborhood he carelessly dropped but which I could not get hold of. But the woman where he boarded said she thought his besetting sin was- the love of women which I quote because I suppose that gives a key to the whole matter. And I thought I ought to put you in communication with this prejudice.James. C. Thompson, the Elder, allowed me to refer to him in proof that Mr. Neal’s conduct renders him unworthy to be employed by the A. H.M.S.I intend to drop a line to Dr. Duffield.A. Kent____Galena, July 23/56I was at Middleport some 3 years hence in the dead of winter, it was then in the midst of a great and dreary wilderness, and I recollect well passing over a prairie of 15 or 18 miles which met with nothing but little snow birds flitting along the dire trail in the snow before me. Now by reason of R.R. facilities it is becoming a populous region and every acre worth probably from 10 to 25 dollars. And yet no minister for 40 miles around. I recommend the appropriation. I have heard a good report of Mr. palmer. He is a member of Wabash Presb.A. Kent____Galena, July 23/56After considering carefully this application and the note from Br. Baldwin which accompany it and the trails Br. B. has gone through since he left this church, i.e., at the church in Troy Grove which the Old School Presbyterians have wrested away from him after we (New School men) had contributed liberally to build, I recommend the appropriation asked.A. Kent_____Galena, Aug. 9, 1856I am acquainted with the missionary and with the Elders and know somewhat of the circumstances of the case. Wenona is a specimen of what I [have] just been writing of villages springing up as if by magic around these depots. When I was there not a house was visible for 6 or 8 miles around (out of this little village) but in a few years there will be a crowded population about that center, I predict. How important that Br. Dunn was first on the ground. I recommend the application most heartily. A. KentThe missionary has gotten up a house for himself and sanctuary during the year.____Galena, Aug. 9, 1856Rev. Mr. Badger, D.D.Dear Sir,Accompanying this you will see the action of a Com. consisting of Br. A.L. Chapin of Beloit, Wm. H. Brown of Chicago and T.D. Robertson of Rockford, appointed to inquire into the expediency of creating a new office and to define the duties of the incumbent.The committee are to report at an adjourned meeting to be held on the 14th of Oct. or immediately after the meeting of Synod.Having been repeatedly solicited before I have some reason to presume the Board of Trustees will adopt this report if they have any reason to expect that it will open a way for relief from their pecuniary embarrassments which are very serious, and yet the institution has acquired a high character and is doing great good. The principal reports 25 hopeful conversions this year.I have never given them any encouragement for a consciousness of my utter incompetency has led me to shrink from it. But the matter is pressed upon me now in a way that I cannot dismiss it without consideration.It is true that I am in one corner of my field and obliged to be absent from home much longer at a time than if I resided in some more central position.And such are now the facilities for rapid travelling that an agent of your society could occupy the whole state as his field without being absent more than 2 or 3 weeks at a time. And there are parts of the state which (unless another agent is employed) will suffer unless you have an efficient agent who possesses a sort of ubiquity which at my age I do not feel willing to assume.The Alton Presbytery is doing well at the south and other Brethren in the Central parts may afford material aid. But you that are at a distance cannot well conceive of the overwhelming importance of having some large-hearted man travelling these Rail Roads and marking the progress of these young towns and cities growing up around the depots, as it were by magic. And affording the most inviting openings for a missionary effort which will most certainly be improved by other denominations if our men are not on hand to seize the favorable moment.The field I occupy is now better supplied than it was 10 years ago and to a considerable extent, things have assumed their type and an exploring agent for this district is not as much needed as formerly. But on the other hand, I have a great repugnance to undertake that difficult work of Superintendent of Rockford Female Sem., and am not adapted to any part of it, while I am familiar with Home Miss. Agency. Old men do not easily adapt themselves to new business. We do not feel disposed to exchange Galena for a new home and we think that our extensive acquaintance affords us some facilities for usefulness that we should forfeit by a removal. I have thus spread out this matter before you, for I did not feel at liberty to move on it without your knowledge. Please return this paper soon.I have another matter to which I would call attention. I see by Home Miss. that Mr. Barret is commissioned for Minnesota. But I have not been informed, as I requested, whether your com. voted them the full sum (200) which they asked.I am beginning to think that some of your committee ought to reside at the west. It is doubtless the purpose and virtually the pledge of the society that their missions should “live of the grape” or that they should be enabled to purchase wholesome food and decent clothes for their families and keep out of debt while that give themselves wholly to their work.It should be observed that the Rail Road Era has wrought an entire revolution in this State and brought is so near to market that produce has become a cash article and this operates disastrously upon Home Miss (& other salaried men) consequently the cost of living at Dixon and Mendota is very near as much as in the large cities at the East.Indeed if I were restricted to $500 to support my family it is a question whether I could not make if go further in the city of N.Y. than in any localities along our R. Roads in Ill. for I should occupy a tenement within my means and purchase in market such articles of food as I could afford, and no one would be there to reflect upon me. But missionaries in the country must not, could not, practice upon this scale of pinching economy without exciting remark and impairing their usefulness. In villages like those above named the rents of even cheap houses are extremely high and the missionary must either build which is virtually forbidden or he must pay 200 dollars rent for a dwelling and then he has but 300 lefty for all other claims which the year may make upon his pocket.There are missionaries who can by the help of their garden their cow and their chickens make a shift to live on 450 but in those places to which I have alluded your missionaries cannot avail themselves of their aid.I have thus expressed my view freely from conviction that I can from my standpoint see better than people “on the eastern shore of Maryland” what the circumstances of the case [are]. Have the goodness to let me know what the decision of the Com was in relation to Dixon and Mendota that I may know how to act in the future.Please return the enclosed document soon, as it is the property of Miss Sill who has been spending some days with us, according to the request of Br. Chapin.Yours,A. KentI learn that Mr. Temple has closed his labours at Dixon._____Galena, Aug. 15/56Having been recently at Sommanauk and having recommended Br. Crawford to occupy these two promising points and having very recently seen him at my own house and satisifed myself od his acceptableness, I recommend the application, I think they will not be long on our hands.A. Kent_____Galena, Sept. 23/56Dr. BadgerDear Sir,I have just returned form a tour of 2 weeks across the north part of the state. Spent a Sabbath [in] Boone & McHenry Counties and called on Brs. Hodges, Baldwin, Dickenson, N.C. Clark and Fuller of Crystal Lake.On my return I spent a night at Lena and learned that an Old School man (Johnson) had engaged to supply them half of the time for $200. This thwarted my plan, which was to have one man supply Lena and Orangeville that I may be released.Now I know of no other place which to unite with Orangeville in the support of a preacher, and I do not feel willing to abandon that little church.Nor do I think that it is interfering so very much with other duties for I commonly take it on my way going or coming home from more distant points.I discovered today that the clerk of synod has made a mistake of a week in the time of meeting which would bring it on the same day with the Wis. convention.I have written him on the subject.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent_____[The Cong. Ch. of Grand Detour, Ill. apply for $200 aid in support of Rev. S.H. Kellog 12 mo from Sept. 1, 1856.Chicago, Oct. 10, 1856I regard Grand Detour as a limited field and recommend the application with a suggestion that his people give him leave to preach one sermon each alternate Sabbath at Franklin or other out posts.A. Kent____[Alvah Day to the Ex. Com. A.H.M.S.]Lisbon, Kendall Co., Ill., Oct. 1, 1856Ex. Com. A. Home Miss. SocietyDear Brethren,The second quarter of my current Missionary year has just closed and with gratitude to the Great Author of all good, I would say to you, I have been enabled uninterruptedly to pursue my labours through the quarter....I have preached twice on every Sabbath, except on occasion a Bible Society Agent preached in my place. Our congregations are interesting and appear to be interested in exhibition of Bible truth and in efforts to promote the Redeemers Kingdom, agreeable progress, we trust is made in the direction of truth and righteousness. At our communion season on the 3rd Sabbath in July four persons, heads of families, were secured into the church at Chaunahan by letter, and at similar sesaon in Nettle Creek four members also heads of families were secured by letter into the church in that place. These brethren and sisters, though few in number, we consider very important acquisitions to these feeble churches, for they have much experience and a wide influence- and are already taking their places as pillars in the churches. We have season to thank the Lord and take courage. We hope that ere long the way may be opened for organizing a church in East Lisbon. A Rail Road from Joliet to Mendota has recently been surveyed and is about to be located which will pass, it is now expected, through East Lisbon. Should this enterprise be accomplished it would add much interest to E. Lisbon as a missionary field. Sabbath school are prospering. As to the reforms of the day most people on my field as well as throughout this great West deeply feel that a thorough reformation is called for in our Nati[on]al government. They are driven to the conclusion that the great battle fir Liberty - religious and civil- for truth and right- is to be fought again. They are awakening to the importance of the crisis- are counting the cost and are taking their places in the field of conflict. Liberty or oppression is doomed. This is the all absorbing subject and it is difficult to awaken much interest on any other things. And no wonder when we consider the cruel and grasping aggressions of the slave power in our country. The Lord be merciful to us as a nation and give success to the true right. ...”Our help cometh from the God that made the Heavens and the Earth.”Due of the first Oct. 1856. $50- Please forward when convenient.Your Missionary, Alvah Day -------Chicago, Oct. 9, 1856Rev. Dr. BadgerWe were very sorry that your secretaries were not represented at Milwaukee (and will not be here). Br. Bascom was there and by permission addressed the convention & took it upon himself to say things that we greatly disapproved and yet we were not prepared to contradict. There is such an excitement now in relation to the whole subject of slavery that we may be grossly misrepresented and we cannot resist the tide that is raised unless we are prepared to show it, when wrong positions are assumed.In other respects the meeting there was a pleasant one.Our Synod meets here this Evening. I should mention I learned incidentally that Br. Bascom on his way to convention formed a church (Cong.) in Dement, a depot on the Air Line R. Road to Fulton City. And if agents of your society cannot do such work, you must expect that the Presbyterian Brethren will complain because they cannot have Presbyterian agencies on the field.Br. Sloan writes inquiring after his commission for which application was made. He days 1 quarter is die. I find from my book that it was forwarded Aug. 18.We are to have our Home Missionary meeting tomorrow evening.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent_____Chicago, Oct. 10, 1856 I know no reason for withholding my entire approbation. A. Kent ____Galena, Oct. 17/56Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,While at Synod in Chicago, I received of Rudolph Ware, executor of Hannah Ware two hundred (200) Dollars as part of a legacy to our Society. This amount therefore you will charge to me and I have appropriated it to my own use. Yours truly,A. KentThe meeting of the Synod of Peoria passed off pleasantly and a looker on thought that this year a better spirit prevailed than that at convention at Milwaukee and was a good meeting.____Mount Carroll, Oct. 31st, 1856Dear Brethren,Your commission to the Rev. C. Gray having expired, we proceed to lay before your Board the Condition and circumstances in connection with the efforts of this the first Presbyterian Church of Mount Carrol, Carroll County, Illinois, to secure his labour in this field still another year. The amount which we have been able to raise for his support for years past had proved to be insufficient to sustain his family since the expense of living has greatly increased. Consequently we propose to raise six hundred dollars for the year commencing Nov. 1, which will barely be sufficient to meet the necessity of the circumstances.We have circulated subscription papers & have now subscribed three hundred and forty dollars, it being eight dollars more than was subscribed last year. The Session of the Church have unanimously agreed that as in proportion to the amount we fall short of making up six hundred dollars the same proportion of time during the year is to be spent among the destitute & needy around us. We therefore solicit aid from your benevolent Board to the amount of two hundred dollars to assist this church in making up the six hundred.The number of communicants in this church is about sixty, our congregation varies in number from fifty to one hundred & fifty.The Baptist & Methodist denominations hold regular meetings in their own churches & generally have larger congregations than ours. Several other denominations have occasional meetings in the Court House in this place.Yours Respectfully,By order or the SessionG. HallettGalena, Nov. 5, 1856I have been a good deal puzzled to know what to say next in regard to this case, but as the church still hang to their minister and are willing that he should missionate the proportion of time that is equivalent to what you aid him, I shall recommend the appropriation, suggesting that he be directed by the committee of Missions of the Presbytery. Confidential. Yours, etc.,A. Kent_____Galena, Nov. 16, 1856Rev. D.B. Coe,Dear Br.,If I have not answered your letter of Ap. 21 respecting my furnishing a regular supply to the Ch. at Orangeville, it is not because I have not given it much thought.I have endeavored to obtain a substitute and supposed that I had the arrangements nearly completed by which a missionary should reside at Lena, preaching there half his time and missionating the other half in Orangeville and in the south part of the County. But to my regret they have rejected every one I have sent there (or have not secured his services) and now have employed an Old School man who preaches also at Savanna that thus my plans are dissipated, Having therefore no alternative (til you send the man from “Chicago or Cincinnati”) but to abandon the ground or continue my present course until I can find a man for the place. I shall state some of the reasons as they lie before my own mind.I have not much disposition to preach on Home Missions where I think I am not wanted, where they are inclined to give to other Societies or where the pastor prefers to preach and present the claims of the society himself or where I shall probably not obtain enough to pay expenses. My field is quite limited as I insisted it should be before we had R.R. communications because I thought then and still think that an agent here at the west should besides taking collections be mainly employed in nursing feeble churches and to do this he must spend more or less of his time with them at discretion until he can find some one to take his place.As to “prospecting” to gather new churches, there is but little chance for that, as our congregational brethren have “in advance of all others” stepped in and organized churches whenever there were 4 or 5 that could be so gathered. This may seem to look like a sectarian view, but if any one will take the trouble to go over the ground with me and learn the facts in each case they will be able to judge for themselves. And the agent on this field has been advised to leave the work of organizing churches to pastors in the vicinity.I can visit Missionaries on week days and say what seems necessary about increasing subscriptions or ceasing to draw from your funds, and i do not as a general thing feel at liberty to spend my Sabbaths with missionaries or other ministers, however pleasant it me be when I can reach a destitute people. And I think that agents and secretaries are responsible to the great head of the church and will under all circumstances lie under the pressure of that farewell command: “Go ye into all the world and preach.” At least I do not feel at liberty to be idle on the Sabbath when I can be so employed, and I can arrange much of the time to take Orangeville in my way when I make a journey from the north west corner of the state.Another consideration weighs with me. I get tired of the agency and want to be at my old trade of nursing a church and this monthly visit does in a measure meet that want and instead of a burden is rather a relief - an episode for refreshment.Another thought crowds in for hearing. It is this that I can find no ministers now always willing to labour with these very feeble churches. Ministers are continually wither writing or coming to find places and I am tired of writing or telling them what I know they will snuff at. They want to be where there is a growing place, or where there is an academy for their children or they cannot live on what our society gives. And I had rather go myself than try to persuade men who won’t be persuaded.I suppose I have had more of these calls this summer past because there are reports there are vacant churches in Galena. I wish that you would send us some men like Williston and Bushnell (of Western N.Y., nay not he of Hartford) or Dr. Beecher as he was 40 years ago who could make a place he he could not find one.Now when you will fairly meet all these arguments I have collected & send a man to preach at O. I will yield the ground with great pleasure.I shall be happy to hear more.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_____Prophetstown, Nov. 18I came by R.R. to Como which reported themselves vacant but I found Br. North able and ready to preach, so I borrowed the horse purchased a year ago for Mr. North and went to supply Clyde. I hurried on and reached them at 2 p.m. and refused to eat or drink until my appointments were made and put in circulation. But after all my painstaking I only had 22 (children and all told). Heard a Wesylan in the P.M. but preached in the evening and had a large school house full. All this bears upon my argument. A great deal is lost by not having appointments regular and made before hand. Now I can get no one to visit this little scotch church at Clyde and they have had no one since I was there before some 3 or 4 months. But if I had regular appointments even every 3 months I should get much larger congregations.Will Co., Crete, Dec. 24. Since writing the above I have learned that the Old School minister at Lena has proposed to join our Presbytery and thus cooperate with us, which had me to hope that Orangeville will be supplied without my services.I have received and read with deep interest the An. Rep. of A.H.M.S. in which there is paragraph on the 13th page which exactly meets my own views but which was not admitted in the extracts you published. I do heartily approve the general policy of our society to sustain permanent supplies, but there are exceptions that will be over looked if no provision is made for them and a Sab. service once a month or once a quarter may be essential to this...Crete, Will Co., Dec. 27, 1856It is easy to reply that this supervisory work must be left to neighboring pastors and they ought to do it and their people ought to allow it according to the excellent suggestions in that Rep., and it may be done in some few instances. But it will surprise one who has not before been informed to perceive how ignorant (not to say indifferent) many ministers are of the destitutions in their own immediate vicinity. Facts of this kind are better known by agents and others on the ground than they can be by the secretaries 1000 miles off. And this explains the reason why the Presbyterians have got up this Ch. Extension scheme and why the Congregationalists have one or more agents out on the same ground. Br. N.C. Clark of Dundee & Elgin had applied once or twice for something like such a roaming commission and it is reported to me that is about to be employed by the A. Miss. Association in that work which I should greatly regret. I do not like to lose him and I am sure he would not like to withdraw from our society. I repeat therefore what I have said over and over that there is no laborer so much needed at the west yet will have to exercise more self-denial than those who shall be employed in looking after these new feeble churches and unorganized destitutions. And still it is true that they must be men of experience and reliable or they should be confined to a limited field.It would seem that one of the corollaries from this argument is that instead of sending out cheaper men to do this ??? work we ought if possible to secure for it some of our strongest men with salaries proportional to their strength. The weak man just stirs the public conscience enough to aid the sectarian in coming in and gathering up the fruit of his long and patient toil.The sum of what I would say then is that while the plan of supporting pastors and stated supplies should be the general rule, there are exceptions. There are a few men needed whom Mr. Stowe calls evangelists say one to a synod or Gen. Association who shall be employed where there is demand. ...I would not trouble you with this long dissertation and that contained in my letter concerning Lacon, but as I possess some advantage for observation while ranging over that broad prairie which your closeted committee do not possess.And I think that a change of circumstances sometimes may demand some change in our policy.But having broken my old gold pen perhaps I should be obliged to wind up with a brief report, leaving the details of collections until they are reported to me.Sab. Nov. 16 I preached twice at Clyde, Whiteside Co.23. Preached twice and took up a collection for A. H.M.S. at Granville, Putnam Co,30. preached twice at Canton, Fulton Co.Sab. Dec 7. Preached twice at Orangeville, Stephenson Co.14. furious storm of snow, no meeting but preached Wed. ev. at Elk Grove, Cook Co. and collected from house to house21. preached at Crystal Lake and Vir. Settlement McHenry Co, and took up a collection in the latter place.28. preached three times as also on Thursday and Friday previous & the Monday following and on Jan 4th. I have expended 25 dollars 65/100 have never charged the Society for the expenses of my agency.Crete Will Co.Having spent 5 days in vicinity and preaching to this feeble church and ...But I find they have been aided 13 years at an expense of $2500 and yet they feel unable to sustain themselves by reason of removals. But this bears upon my argument that some churches like those in California and some to which I have alluded in former letters may cost the Society less in the end and sooner become helpers of others.I have seemed to write with some degree of freedom. I suppose that the Secretaries and the Ex. Com. would wish to hear the views of their agents freely expressed if it be done in respectful language.Yours truly,A. Kent___[Rev. J.W. North Berlin Ct. resigned his Commission Nov. 4]Berlin, Conn., Dec. 5, 1856Rev. Milton BadgerDear Sir,My brother Rev. Josiah W. North recently of Como, Ill. one of the missionaries of the Am. H. M. Soc. is now at the house of Rev. W.D. Love in this place in a deranged state of mind. One of the members of his chh in Como wrote to me some time since giving me an a/c of his actions. When I went to Como & induced him to some home with his family. His derangement appears to have been brot on by over exertion, study & the excitement incident to his calling. He thinks he must continue to study and preach & do nothing else & cannot be persuaded that it is best to do otherwise. He now expresses a desire to return to west. Learning that he has this day deposited a letter in the P.O. directed to you, and not knowing its contents I have thot best to inform you of his condition, that you may be prepared to act intelligently with reference to any matter he may have brot to your notice.If he is seeking a place for preaching I hope you will endeavor to persuade him to refrain from study & remain quiet during the winter. His only prospect of recovery depends upon this. Mr. Love told me yesterday that unless he was better soon he should deem it advisable that he be placed in the Retreat at Hartford. We dread to come to this, but greatly fear that we shall be obliged to do it.Please do not inform him that I have written to you as he seems to be set against his best friends - though I am not aware that he has yet turned against me. He says he will do what I command him to do & I wish to retain what influence I have for future emergencies.Rev. Mr. Love will corroborate what I have written if you desire it.Yours truly,Alfred North[The letter referred to was one of resignation from Rev. North]_____Galena, Dec. 9, 1856Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Br.,Br. Patterson writes me that your committee have commissioned Br. Mr. Waldo with a pledge of 300 conditioned upon his salary being restricted to 500. This I regard as unfortunate as it will result in his leaving Lawrence and Chemung and the Old School Brethren stand ready to step in and occupy the ground, which though 100 miles distant I have been guarding by frequent visits for several years.It is my opinion that your Ex. Comm and their respected Secretaries are falling behind the times (or better said) do not appreciate the changes which have passed over Ill. since the R.R. Era has commenced. Let me explain- the price of living has risen enormously and it seems to me that in many places 500 is not as good as 300 was 10 years ago and then the fields now called for H.M. aid are in most cases R.R. Stations starting up like Jonas’s goal and the leading spirits are just those enterprising men who will not be satisfied with cheap preachers and there are scores of these new villages that are just now springing up and will in a very little time have taken their type of character and if we not seize upon them instantly they will be invariably lost to us.Now if you will deputize one of your members to spend some 2 or 3 months in a careful inquiry into the circumstances and prospects of some 50 of these R.R. Depots, which I will point out to him (of which there are probably 300 in all) in Ill I will be content to leave this matter entirely to him but until that is done I suppose I am in a situation to judge better than men at a distance.This complaint from Lawrence is but a repetition of what has been said at Lena, At Dixon, and at Mendota and while a goodly number of men of such a stamp as these places need have passed by us during the summer past because they could not have the support they could command elsewhere. Other denominations are reaching in and securing an mazing advantage. Thus at Fulton City the terminus of a R. Road on the Miss. the ground was ours but an old school minister with wonderful assurance stepped in in an unguarded moment without any reliable material of his own denomination and circulated a subscription and is building a large house because the people from village pride would have a house of some kind for religious worship. With this long fan fare (which I have not time to abridge) I wish to say that it would have been better to voted 300 on condition they will raise 300 more. I know that 300 is a heavy draft but they must build and improve variously for the first few years and with God’s blessing in a very short time they will be able to go alone. While many country churches ultimately cost more longer dependent.For example, Oswego whose missionary report I enclose, is likely to be a long time struggling with competitors and thus cost vastly more to the society before they become self-supporting.Yours in great haste,A. Kentbecause I have been absent 4 Sabbaths, have been contending with snow drifts and have been obliged to abandon the stage and cars and to travel on foot from 5 to 22 miles a day to meet my appointments for the last 10 days - and now I have but 3 days to attend to my correspondence before I go to fill appointments for the next 4 Sabbaths in Cook, Lake, Will and Stephenson Counties.___Galena, Dec. 9, 1956Mr. James ThompsonDear Br.,I have received a line from Br. Patterson of Chicago, saying that Rev. Mr. Waldo would need more than $500 to which by his commission he is limited. I have written to the society recommending that he have $600. And you can if you choose add to that, in the way of a donation party in the course of the winter.But the society do not feel at liberty to go higher than 600, lest others should complain of partiality if they do not receive as much.May God bless your minister and bless the people whom he serves.Your brother in CHrist,A. Kent____[Application of Rev. S. Quick of Albany]Galena, Dec. 10, 1856The above application was covered by another paper and has been overlooked for several weeks for by its position I must have received it before I went away 4 weeks ago.From what I know of the field and what I have heard of the man I am prepared to recommend the sum they ask, though I think the field not as promising as some. It is one of those new towns that though feeble in its moral influences and divided too yet they have great expectations from an anticipated R.R.A. Kent___Galena, January 8, 1857The church at Garden Plain applied last year I think to the Ill. M. Association for aid. I am wrong- it was the minister and church at Albany that applied to that Association for aid. I would recommend that the request be granted but will write to Mr. Pine and suggest that he preach once a day at Garden Plain and once at some point near by if such an opening presents itself.A. Kent____Galena, Jan. 16, 1857This church and minister have received aid for some time from the West Rockford Church and I suggested to some leading ones in that Rockford Ch. that the aid should some through the A.H.M.S. Br. Willis will insist on having 650. He has built a house and is living at Pecatonica.I am sorry that this infant church has embarrassed itself with such a debt and such interest. The prospects of the church are quite flattering save this debt.A. Kent____[Application for support of Rev. Joseph Fowler to labor also at Caledonia & vicinity. P.O. Magnolia, Putnam Co.]Galena, Jan. 27 [1857]I know no reason to dissent from the opinion expressed by the com. of Presbytery except that they ask so large an appropriation and I shall recommend to Br. Fowler to explore the vicinity and see if something cannot be raised in addition.A. Kent____Winslow, Feb. 4, 1857Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Sir,After attending and hearing Br. Johnston preach at Mount Pleasant, 5 miles east of this, & according to your request a year ago I came here last evening to stir up this church and cong. to contribute more for the missionary’s support.Early this morning I called on the Elder and saw the subscription paper for the next year, which by great effort has reached $90. I proposed to meet the trustees and talk over the matter. I succeeded in getting a meeting of 2 where I talked quite plainly and the result was a proposition that they should throw aside that paper, and start a new one conditioned that they make up 150 for six months. To this they assented and thought they could meet it and they would try.They propose and expect to finish their church by that time, when they shall hope to sell their slips with an assessment for the support of the minister.At Orangeville I forwarded an application from the Ch. at Lena and vicinity and since writing it have concluded to supply Br. Johnston with my own horse for 3 months and perhaps longer, And, on that account, should not object if you in view of your straitened resources as stated in the last Home Miss. cut down that application to 550, and if in your wisdom it should be thought necessary.Yours sincerely,A. Kent____Annual ReportGalena, Feb. 27, 1857Rev. M. Badger, D.D.Dear Sir:The past year though not signalized by revivals has yet been one of manifest progress in this district of the great missionary field.Our churches are gathering strength and acquiring stability; though they are liable to the same fluctuations from removals as are experienced by the churches at the East. And the congregations are increasing in numbers and improving in proprieties and good order befitting the plane of public worship. They are also securing more of that pecuniary aid from those that are without which enables them confidently to anticipate the speedy approach of the day when they shall reach the point of self-support, Quite a number of these missionary churches have already cut loose from their moorings and ventured out upon the open sea and otherwise have done so but for the effort to build their own houses of worship. Indeed, it is itself one of the best evidences of progress that so much has been achieved in this direction for you will note the fact that more than one fifth of our missionaries report that during the year their people have provided for themselves, each a sanctuary which of course becomes a bond of union and a ground of encouragement. It is at once a pledge of permanency and a magnet of attraction to draw in persons from a distance who may thus become reliable supports to the institution. But my observations have lead me to note the usefulness of Home Missions in one of its aspects not often remarked.It not only supplies destitutions and creates new centers of moral influence but it calls out and gives employment and support to a class of ministers who are among the most worthy and yet they would be tempted to leave the ministry, except tthey were furnished with just that pecuniary assistance which your society proffers.Many of those now in the ministry from their age or from some infelicity in their manners are not acceptable to the larger churches while their talents and education, their emminent piety, and large experience are such as qualify them admirably for visiting the new settlements, organizing churches and performing that varied missionary exploration which is the most difficult, thankless and self-denying part of ministerial duty and which at the same time exposes to the greatest hardships and furnishes the poorest remuneration for the services rendered.There are hardships which are peculiar to this class of ministers and which we shall not appreciate unless we step in and by close inspection rightly estimate the various hindrances and privations which annoy them but which as humble men and imitators of a divine model, they have to bear with patience and in silence. It is hardship that their salary is so small that they cannot furnish their library with books, their wives with domestics, and their children with the means of education.They have no permanent home but as birds of passage they are obliged to migrate about every year, consequently they are often forced to crowd their families into small and unfinished tenements. where the missionary is deprived of a study and his family are deprived of all those nameless conveniences, the want of which has broken down and hurried to the grave many of the noblest christian women with which our state has been blessed.Sickness in the family induced by these trials constitutes another hardship of missionary life. It is a hardship that grinds his spirits that the missionary for the most part never knows until sometimne after his year closes whether his services will be longer acceptable or whether he must spend time and money which he cannot well afford in finding another field of labour.It is a hardship incident to missionary life on the frontiers that he is dependent upon a class of people who do not appreciate his worth, who give grudgingly what they pay for his support and who are so faithless to their promises as prevents him from paying debts which he has contracted on the faith of their pledges.It is a hardship that he is obliged to preach in several different places and those so far distant and that to do this he is often times unable to procure a horse and is compelled to go on foot, crossing untrodden prairies, encountering violent storms and fording swollen streams, leaving his family unprotected and but poorly provided for, and anxious for him from the uncertainty whether he will be able to surmount the obstacles on his return.It is one of the trials of faith and patience of the missionary that having reached the place of meeting , it is uncertain whether the people have not forgotten the time of his appointment or whether there is any fire or light until he prepares them or indeed whether the school house is not pre-occupied by other denominations before he arrives.This and nameless others are no fancy stretches but incidents of common occurrence of which this hard winter has furnished pertinent illustrations.But these excellent men however well disposed and well affected to brave these trials cannot devote themselves wholly to their missionary work to the neglect of providing for their families which is itself a first duty, except they can receive assurances of support which your society happily affords them. This encouraged to expect that their own want will be met they are prepared to meet and to perform a service which but for men of their self-denying spirit would never be performed, and if the common laborer is worthy of his time, so are the excellent men whose lives and energies are consecrated to Christ and his church. Will not every man contribute his quota toward furnishing these needful supplies and do it with cheerfulness.A. KentThere are in the field which I am called to supervise 39 Home Missionaries and 62 churches and missionary districts. There have been 7 churhes organized, 5 churches have assummed the support of their minsiters.I have collected off my field and appropriated to my own use $358.97march 2nd add 289.86 648.85Many of the larger churches take up Col. which do not pass through my hands. And many of the missionaries keep and do not pay over to me what is collected among thier people.Apart of what I now report has never been acknowledged in the Home Miss.All below Nov. 25.A. Kent in account with A.H.M.SocietyDr. to moneys received ofMarch 10 1st Ch. at Rockford$3.00May 4 1st Pres. Ch at Freeport66.72Aug 5 Mrs. Mitchell, Cook Co.1.00 23 John Ruth10.00Oct. Mrs. Hannah Ware 200.00Nov. 25 Greenville Presb. Ch.10.00 30 Canton Cong. Ch.26.00Dec. 18 Dunton Presb. Ch.19.00 Elk Grove Cong. Ch.23.25358.971857 March 3Rockford 1st Cong. Ch. 33.34Rockford 2nd Cong Ch. payable in May 231.52Miss Mary A. White 5.00Rockford Sabbath School of 2nd Cong. 20.00 648.83The 8 last items have never before been reported. And you will please acknowledge them in the Home Miss.Rockford March 5I have been detained 2 Sabbaths by sickness in my family which brings my report in late. I have spent several days here and I trust not without good results. I am preaching every evening for the 2nd ch. - Br. Emerson. There is more than ordinary religious interest in Rockford and in the Female Seminary . And I have good tidings from Beloit anb from Pecatonica. Br. Willis has requested me to come to his aid which I propose to do on Saturday.A. Kent_____March 2, 1857[The 1st Cong. Ch. of Fremont, Ill. apply for $250 aid in support of Rev. C.C. Adams, 12 mo.]After the explanation of the accompanying note I feel quite satisfied that their request should be granted provided thier minister is what he is represented and of that you have the means within your reach of forming a judgement. A. KentGalena , April 7, 1857I shall still urge the importance of allowing him to explore and supply occasionally the wide destitutions of Lake Co.— the “unoccupied fields” of which Mr. Partridge speaks.I hope to visit them when I am less pressed with duties._____Galena, March 10, 1857Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,During my stay of 7 days at Rockford I saw a most beautiful letter from that missionary at Nauvoo. Beautiful in its expression and especially in it chirography. And it gratified them becasue it was a thanks offering for a box I had invited them to make up for him. Br. Emerson expressed his regret, and I felt it, that he had been refused a commission. I should not however allude to it again but Br. Rice wrote me to visit him at Freeport, whither he had gone to bury his wife, for he wanted to talk with me about that missionary, for he felt bad that the commission was withheld. I made all my arrangements to meet him at the Depot but when the hour for leaving home arrived my child of 12 was dangerously sick which detained me 2 weeks watching the typhoid fever night and day. Thus I missed the opportunity of hearing his verbal statement. I do not feel disposed to question the correctness of your decision but I thought perhaps I might state how it strikes us. But I cannot well go down there and I have been providentially prevented from seeing Mr. Rice.I spent the Sabbath with Br. Willis. They are having a blessed work of grace in that Cong. Church. He will report the lat of the month which I assented to in consideration of the prospective report I heard about 25 tell what God had done for them— last Sat. night and became deeply impressed with the wisdom & power of Br. W’s labors. There is extraordinary religious interest at Rockford and Beloit also. One or more in college and very many in the Rockford Female Sem. are hopefully converted.Also at Granville (until lately a Home Miss. ch.) Br. Lockwood writes me that during a protracted meeting (which they were preparing for when I spent Sab. with him last fall) of 3 weeks some 45 were converted and that 15 had united with their Ch. The Com??? Ch. with which they have had infinite trouble stood aloof but the O.S. and Baptist united and received additions.Your letter and that of Br.Coe replying, explaining and expounding have been received & have afforded me some light and some new views and will be further pondered as I have leisure from the pressure of duties.I heartily rejoice in the stand you have taken on the subject of Slavery.Yours, etc.,A. KentMy annual report and financial report were forwarded from Rockford. I shall have received some 48 dollars over six hundred the past year, when the Rockford 2nd. Ch pays 231 in May which with some still behind may go over to the next year.A. Kent____Dixon, March 28, 1857I have delayed sending this application (already too long delayed) because I wished to make further inquiries. It appears that 2 of their 9 male members (and they the most efficient) are about leaving Dixon.Mr. Temple has acknowledged in a letter to me that his dues have been fully paid.In regard to the amount of salary Mrs. Illshy is a lame man and uses a crutch. He has a wife and 7 children all dependent on him every day. He is obliged to pay $150 for a smaller house than he has been accustomed to use. His wood bill will be at least $75 at the year’s end.Everything they eat and wear must be paid for at the highest price and though a convert of Dr. Payson and brought up with New England habit, he says he cannot get along with less than 700.With these facts I submit the case.A. Kent_____[Letter from Rev. C. L. Bartlett to Sec. A.H.M.S.]Dupage, Will Co., April 1, 1857.....When I preached my missionary sermon & took up the collection for your Society this year, I felt happy in being able to refer to the noble stand, as I regard it, taken by the Executive Comm. in relation to the subject of American Slavery & if I mistake not I was much more successful than I should have been without that resolution- hope therefore your society will adhere firmly to the position they have taken.Yours in the bonds of the gospel,C.L. Bartlett____[The Presb. Ch. of Elizabeth & Plum River, Ill. apply for $200 renewed aid in support of Rev. James R. Smith]Galena, Ap. 8, 1857These two churches are feeble and are surrounded and crippled by sectarians but they ought to be sustained and their minister is timid and easily discouraged but is going well and ought to be encouraged and I think he ought to have more than he has asked.A. Kent_____Ap. 15, 1857Washington, Tazewell Co.Having spent the Sabbath with the Peoria and Knox Presbytery to get the views of the Brethren of the Committee I am prepared to recommend this application. He has resolved to board & spend some time at Kappa until he can build a home and he wishes me to visit Peoria. I mention alias El Paso as one of his stations for preaching.The application is otherwise imperfect but I am authorized to say that $200 is actually subscribed on the field. Br. Frost says that since his last report the prospects brighten greatly and a church will probably be soon organized at Kappa.Lots have been secured at K. and they are resolved on building a church.A. KentWe have had a delightful meeting of Presbytery and Br. Andrews thinks that the meeting has had a very happy influence on the place.___Galena, Ap. 20, 1857Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,There seems to be to my mind a mystery in relation to Lawrence. A Commission was forwarded which limited Mr. Waldo’s salary to 500 and that was sent back to Br. Patterson who is reported to have returned it to New York and I supposed that another commission had been made out for 600, but I have learned today from Br. Holmes of Belvidere who comes as a committee of Presbytery to enquire after it, that no such commission has been received. Hence, I conclude that either Br. Patterson’s letter was not received or his explanation was not satisfactory.I would therefore in view of all the circumstances take it upon myself to request the committee to commission Rev. M. Waldo to labour at Lawrence and vicinity for one year commencing with Oct. last with a salary of 600 of which the society pledge 300 on condition that his people would make up 300 more. In support of this request, I would state that the Belvidere Presbytery have recently met there, have taken measures to disband the Chemung Church and to organize a new church at Lawrence with the entire consent and approbation of the members of the old church. They represent that Br. Waldo is laboring very faithfully and successfully in a very wide field and very promising field and these Brethren of Presbytery express the opinion that he will do two years labor in one and ought by all means to be sustained there in the belief that they will be very soon a self-supporting church and the opinion was expressed in my hearing that they would before long build a church costing $4000.I hope therefor that prompt action may be had and that either it may pass through my hands or I be informed whether it be granted or refused for I am in danger of meeting with censure for delinquency. I had no means of knowing whether he was commissioned or not.You will see in due time that some of us at the Wets are prepared fully to sustain the Com. in the stand they have taken on slavery and we prefer that the funds by which Mr. Waldo is sustained shall pass through their treasury as the channel of communication with him.I must repeat my honest conviction that you seem not to appreciate the change that has come over us in Ill. Every observing man whose opinion you would respect will unite with me in the estimate that 600 will not go any further in support of a salaried man now than 400 did 10 years ago. And I should like to have one of the committee travel over the field with a view to that single point. Our missionaries now are mainly in these R.R. villages where they must pay $150 rent for a decent house and 5 a cord for wood.I visited a missionary on Wednesday last who was paying $6 a month for one room 12 or 13 square in the 2nd story. There was his study his bedroom, parlor, and kitchen until quite recently they obtained another little chamber about 8 feet square. That Br. preaches at 3 different points and walks sometimes 20 miles on the Sabbath and not a word of complaint droppd from him or his excellent wife who has evidently known the charms of refined society.I have delayed sometime a reply to yours concerning Br. Wilson. My first duty seemed to be to get the views of Br. Baldwin who is now at Virginia Settlement. About the middle of March I received his answer. I then has such a train of appointments that I could not well visit him until I should meet him at Presbytery, I met Wilson last week on Wednesday, intending to go home with him and spend a Sabbath there. But was surprised to learn form his own lips that he had buried his wife, sent his only child to the east and left Watham, and is now making arrangements to preach at Shabbony center. I presume that they will make application for aid, which I shall regret as those who have watched his movements for several years anticipate little accomplishment. A good orthodox man but having no energy and he wears out in a few weeks entirely. It is still thought that a large and important field opens at Waltham if an energetic and judicious man could be introduced there. I may be able soon to spend a Sabbath there. It is one of those places where to do any thing I need to make regular appointments as at Orangeville.I enclose a letter from our excellent and judicious Br. Savage. Br. Coe’s letter to me opened my eyes and showed me as I never before understood it how I could meet the difficulties which the present times and allocations have been pressing upon me, c.c., to give men in certain circumstances a number of fields (say 3,4,5, or 6) to which they shall be restricted and in the occupancy of which they shall have some discretionary power in the employment of time. And I wish to say that relieves me of embarrassments under which I have laboured all the while. It is better far than giving them running commissions, for which I contended. Perhaps it was my obtuseness that I did not see it before, but Br. Savage & Clark seem to have been as blind as I.I thought that when I read what the Evangelist says of you committee’s action on slavery, if I had a gun big enough to be heard in New York, I would make it utter my disapprobation of their attack upon them.Yours as ever,A. Kent____[Rev. H. Ilsley, Dixon, Ill. repsecpting his salary]Galena, AP. 24/57Dear Br.,I can do nothing more than turn over this letter to you. I have said all I know except that perhaps they were premature in organizing as they did. Br. Ilsley says his rent & wood will consume half his salary.And Br. Raymond told me yesterday that his wood this winter had cost him near 100 dollars.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_____[Rev. J.H. Frost to Rev. Milton Badger]Kappa, May 3, 1857Rev. Milton Badger, D.D.Dear Bro., Having been honored, as one of your missionaries, with a circular containing an explanatory statement in relation to the course pursued by the executive committee of the American Home Missionary Society in refusing to aid with the funds of said society those churches which apply for aid, and whose members are slave holders. I desire to say that the course pursued by the committee is that respect has my entire and unqualified approval. And, though the people whom I have had the pleasure of serving in the gospel during the year which ended on the first of March last, were able to contribute only $18, which I had the pleasure to report to you. Yet I think it is certain if they had been informed that the moneys [sic] thus collected, or any part of them were to be appropriated to the support of extension of slavery in any form or manner, I should have appealed to them in vain for any part of the mite which they felt it a pleasure as well as a duty to give.I can also sate that the voice of our Presbytery (Peoria & Knox) was decidedly in favor of the course pursued by the Executive Committee.With my most sincere and ardent prayers that, as a society, you may continue to labor and prosper more abundantly in delivering our world and especially our own goodly heritage, from slavery and every foul stain, I remain...J.H. Frost___Clyde, May 12, 1857Dear Br. Coe,There is an amount of confusion and fog in relation to Br. Waldo’s case that I cannot dispel but by requesting that a new commission be issued, giving him $600 on condition that they are pledged to raise 300, and withdrawing the restrictions as you say has been done. The trouble is in part in relation to my own action which I cannot now explain! It appears from my book that I forwarded an application asking for 300 and pledging 300. It appears from Dr. Badger’s letter of Feb. 12 that the Com. “gave all that was asked to Lawrence.” And yet from Br. Home’s letter it appears that but 500 was allowed. The letter of Br. Homes reached me after I left home and as I shall be gone some 10 days I thought I ought to reapply for a new commission without waiting to see the old one which will probably be returned to me from Br. Patterson with whom it has gone to sleep or is lost.I enclose you a very small part of a long correspondence that you may understand the case. The field which Br. W. occupies is regarded as very important, and another denomination has shown a readiness to seize upon it. The Brethren of the Belvidere Presbytery are determined to hold it and have put Br. W. onto the ground as prominently suited to the place and have pledged him a support. Believing that he will build up a self-supporting church in a very short time I am pledged to see that he shall have 300 from the A.H.M.S. Your letter of Ap. 24 (like Dr. Badger’s) does not name the sum which your com. voted.You will see from my letter the expedient to which I had recourse to get along while standing between the 2 parties. It is the only instance I have done such a thing, and I do not see how your society can justify a restriction that forbids a Presbytery to say how much they shall give, except by withholding any commissions which they have a right to do, but it will be at the expense of alienating them from the society. This is inter nos. I suppose I shall prove after a while that I am unfit to be an agent. I think I have learned some new lessons during the year past.I visited this day Garden Plain as requested, Mr. Pine absent, but his elder confirmed my previous impression that he preached well, but aside from that does not visit or show much interest in the spiritual welfare of his people and will probably leave at the year’s end. I judge from what I hear that he has some desire to make investments in wild land.I have left a recommendation that he should preach at Clyde, a little church that Br. Walker neglected as would seem from reports.A. KentMay 14- I visited Sharon and Prophetstown, from which you will hear in due time from Br. Martin.____Elgin, May 21/57After Careful consultation with Br. Clark the only member of the Committee who is intimately acquainted with the field and its future prospects we have arrived at the conclusion that it be recommended that Br. Root be commissioned to labour 3/4 of his Sabbaths at Udina and 1/4 at other points in the vicinity at the discretion of the committee of missions and with the confident expectation that they will be able to raise their proportion of the remaining 200.A. Kent____May 23/57Treasurer of the A.H.M.S.Charge me with the follwoing sums 1857March 10 Granville Presb. ch. $10.00May 24 Coll. in the Presb. Ch at Freeport47.89 27 John Ruth10.00 John H. Addams10.00 28 Elk Grove Cong. Church 6.00 $83.89Mr. Addams say “please forward to the payment of the backstanding debts of the A.H.M.S.” I do not know what he means and whether he is a subscriber to the Home Missionary. PLease give him credit as he wishes if that is the meaning.A. Kent____Freeport, May 23, 57Dear Dr. Badger,I have just returned this far home (to preach on Home Miss. tomorrow) from attending the Gen. Association at Elgin.There was a large and pleasant meeting but they had rather an exciting time on Home Miss. Br. Emerson of Rockford moved to memorialize A.H.M.S. on the inadequacy of Home Missionaries’ salaries. Br. Bascom offered a substitute that we organize a society to do this work ourselves and independent of all foreign aid. He attempted to show up our ability. Some one volunteered an amendment that the new society be auxillary to the A.H.M.S. This brought President Blanchard to his feet. He said it made him almost mad, or words to that effect. Brs. Curtis, Emerson and others advocated the other side. Some warmth was elicited and several new comers to the state looked on with surprise and expressed it that such a feeling against the A.H.M.S. should exist. As providence ordered it Br. Bascom anbd I were lodged together. I told him that now the Soceity has come up to the point we had been so long advocating, that it would be more manly to acknowledge it and go along with them and sustain them.They were about as closely cornered as I should wish to be during that debate and our good Br. Blanchard, as is his wont, found it convenient to make an acknowledgement of undue heat and unguarded word.I understood from— that Dr. Aikins from Vermont remarked to a Br. afterwards. You are very much afraid of centralizing power here at the West. But you have your hope — or words to that effect.I have detained for some time applications from Churches of Shabbona, Paw PAw and Harrison waiting for answers to my inquiries.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent____[The Virginia Presb. Ch. apply for $100 renewed aid in support of Rev. J.H. Baldwin]Galena, May 28, 1857I am familiar with the circumstances of that little church. They have done well in getting hold of a valuable parsonage and are to commended and helped and yet the field is limited and I think they ought to allow their minister to be absent part of the day or if that is not expedient by reasons of the distance of the out posts, I think they ought to have benevolence enough to allow him to missionate every fourth Sabbath in Lake County and I shall so inform them but at all events give them their request.A. Kent___Galena, June 30, 1857I recommend that the application from Shabbona (there is another Shabbona in Bureau Co,) be granted. I have retained the application for some time to get fuller information and have received one of Br. Wilson’s prolix explanations which is tolerably satisfactory but I do not sent it because it relates to Waltham in part where I intend to go as soon as the Lord will.At Shabbona they have subscribed 100, at Johnson’s Grove they have 40 and hope to make it 60 - at Allen’s Grove nothing is done yet but he thinks they are good for 40, so write Br. Wilson.He is not likely (good man that he is) to stay long at one place for his inefficiency.Br. Gould alludes to Br. Jessup at Paw Paw. He has since declined laboring there on account of his health & Dea. Simon’s opposition, which I suppose to be reasonable.A. Kent___Mendota, July 14, 1857Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Sir,Having received an application from new Sc. Presb. Ch. I came here to satisfy myself, and I will first state what has first come up. A German Minister nomine Kock has been preaching to the Germans, and has become discouraged because they advoacate beer drinking, etc. But he states that there [are] a good many Germans at perkin;s Grove and Troy Grove and that at the fromer place he remains. there are at least 20 pious people and the Evangelical Lutherans have divided into 2 parts, aand he preached to the temperance portion.He can talk but poorly English [but we talked through an interpreter a good while]. He as well as Br. Burnet have confidence in him. At our request he showed us a certificate of good standing in the “German Ev. Synod of the West.” And we can endeavor to make him understand that The A.H.M.S. would render aid only to those who receive into their communion none but such as are experimental christians.Would you aid a member of that synod if they avow those as their principles and so far as we can discover adhere to them.I have just spent a Sabbath at Haldane, a station 70 miles from Galena which I can reach in 4 hours on the cars without expense. It is yet uncertain whether I shall do anything there. If a church can be organized it will be necessary that I shall have regular (once in 4 weeks) appointments at that place until I casn get some one to occupy it which may require a year or two — and if you veto it I shall not go ther but once more.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent____[In the hand of Caroline Kent]Galena, July 23/57I approve of this application. I should have sent it with others yesterday. But I then hoped to take Annawan on my way to preach at Geneseo on “Home Missions” next Sab. according to my appoitments, but it has now become evident that I shall not be well enough to leave home.A. Kent____[Rev. Calvin Gray to Sec. A.H.M.S.]Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., Ill. July 25th/57Dear Br.,I should have reported the first of Mar., but circumstances very absorbing & controlling have delayed. It seems to have been my lot to become involved in a controversy with Baptists, relative to a neutral Ladies Boarding School. They had proselyted & were making it a powerful engine to pull down others & build up themselves. During the past winter, pushed on by a fanatical evangelist , they greatly overdone the thing. I have thought it a favorable time, & an imperative duty to expose the trickery in plundering an institution & foisting upon the people, their peculiarities. As might be expected, it has drawn me out, in the pulpit & in the press. It will probably result in a state of things that will make it better for another to take my place after the struggle is through.Our congregations are good & the Presbyterian element is arousing & concentrating. We have received the box you sent- freight between nine & ten dollars. It is truly a great help, pecuniarily & sympathetic. Could those donors have looked in upon our little circle, as I pried off the cover, & gratified fingers pulled out the valuables- indispensable the sight, had been better thanks to them, than can be written.Please accept this meagre report, written with a passive hand the first in several years. Respectfully,C. Gray____Galena, July 28, 1857Having understood that Brother [Silas] Jessup had left his field on account of ill health and the unreasonable objections of an elder, I detained this application, but have since seen him, and been informed that he has reported the services of one quarter and asks the salary that is due which I recommend.I employ another hand, rather than use my own today.A. Kent___Haldane, Aug. 8, 1857Rev. Dr. Badger,I write from a point on the Ill. Cent. R.R. some 17 miles north of Dixon where I am to preach tomorrow. And I enclose two letters to which I have replied in few words that I fear they have been hasty that if he demands a trial it belongs tom them to prove his moral delinquency or acknowledge their won faults that I am not will and it belongs not to me but to their Association to attend to the matter and I send the letters to you because he appeals to you for countenance. I have denied hearing, neither giving him any advice.Yours, etc.,A. Kent____Galena, Aug. 20, 1857Rev. D.B. Coe,I regret that your letter did not reach me 2 days sooner, as I was yesterday morning at Chicago, within 50 miles of Kankakee. And I can go yet and make personal observations if it is thought best as an expense or 5 or 6 dollars—and a weeks time and accomplish some other objects. If you will give me some 6 weeks time to crowd the trip in among the meetings of Preb. & Synod and 4 other appointments. OrI will state my own impressions which I have received from time to time for the last 4 years and it is some 4 years since I was there. I then understood that there were some reliable Presbyterians and that were resolved on having a Presb. Ch. and an Academy at once.Accordingly I heard from time to time of their having preaching regularly there for a good while. Mr. Downs a member of the Presbytery was laboring there and in progress of time he left and while they were destitute the Cong. slipped in and organized a Church which gave great dissatisfaction, as was done at Mendota and the Presbyterians honestly think that the ground is theirs and that the other organization was a purely sectarian affair. I should be sorry to hear the Presbyterians of Chicago driven to the necessity of withdrawing their contributions from our society to aid that Ch. and I know that they feel determined to sustain that organization and in as much as the Cong. Ch. is assisted by another body I do not see why they have not a right to give this direction to the funds they contribute (according to our rules I think).The mere of circumstance of the priority of their organization is the very thing of which I complain. It is a game they have been playing constantly. They run intro a place and getting together a few persons announce an organization when they do not always supply them or a presbyterian minister is employed and then he is persuaded to join the association, where as I have felt that churches should not be formed unless there are materials to give it permanency and a prospect of a stated supply.I write just my own impressions which have been gathering and developing (concerning that particular Ch.) for a long time and without any communication with the Chicago Brethren of late.Yours truly, A. Kent___[Rev. J.D. Baker, Cambridge, Ill. application]Galena, Aug. 21, 1857An application for aid to the amount of $150 with a pledge of 350 subscribed has been forwarded to you July 22. Please ascertain what are the facts and relieves his anxieties.A. Kent____Rock Island, Sept 3, 1857To the Ex. Comm.Dear Brethren,In reply to Br. Coe’s inquiries I wrote and gave some reasons why the Presb. Ch. at Kankakee should be aided by our Society. I have heard of no action (nor has Dr. Hays) of your committee. And in the mean time I learn that an influence is at work to turn that Ch. over to the O.S. and one if their ministers spent the last Sabbath there. Now it appears to me that a refusal to grant their request will do more to alienate funds in Chicago than any of of you are aware of. It is understood that the Cong. Ch. there is aided by another society and I have always supposed that a Presbytery or Association or any individual contributing liberally was allowed to have respect paid him in the disbursement of the amount he had given.Here is an instance of injustice as I view it that the Presbytery of Chicago cannot assist one of their own feeble churches through their own chosen channel., but must direct their contributions from our society in order to serve that church.And to show that I am not biased by my Presb. preferences, I would say that it any Cong. body should raise $500 or 1000 for the A.h.M.S. and ask that one of their churches should be aided— you would be obliged to grant their request even if this was a seeming conflict with established rule and precedent.Perhaps you have acted ere this and granted the request, but if not I wish that I may be informed and that I may be put in possession of the reasons so far as prudential consideration will allow, for I certainly cannot justify the Com. in refusing _ And I shall remind them of the proverb there is that withhold the more than meet and it tendeth to poverty.This letter, laid by for reflection, has been forgotten but in review I find more thoughts I wish to communicate. I should be gratified with a brief reply.I assisted recently in dedicating a neat and pretty church at Winslow and a large and fine house of worship at Polo near Buffalo Grove in Ogle Co. some 10 days ago and in installing Br. Spencer at Rock Island on Wednesday of last week.And I an invited to assist at the Dedication of the Cong. Ch. at Lee Center on the 18th of Oct.Sept 26. The Oct. o of the Home Miss. gives no mention of your having commissioned Br. Hayes at Kankakee. I have withheld this lest I should seem to be thought meddlesome, but i have concluded to satisfy my own mind by asking Br. Smith privately what reasons they can give for not granting the request of that Ch. in Kankakee.Yours truly,A. KentP.S. The Home Miss. So. have not yet been thrown over board for their rash act for taking a stand on the side of freedom.___ Galena, Ill, Sept. 29, 1857I am probably as well acquainted with the conditions of things at Nora as any of the above committee and I question the propriety of giving more than 200, for I think if they had not acted hastily, they might have dome better and obtained a man who would have met their views better than the ??? Weslyan preacher whom they have employed, and I think if they had waited a little they might have united on a man who would have secured a subscription of 550.A. Kent___ Como, Oct. 5/57Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Sir,Having been to Sharon and Prophetstown to spend a Sabbath and preach to those two churches and declare the pulpit at Sharon vacant, Br. Martin being unwilling and unable to preach. I passed trough to this place and learned something of the difficulties that exist and of which you have had some knowledge/And I thought good to state this much to you, that I had expressed the opinion to the accuser of Br. Hemenway that they had been rash in saying things that possibly they might not be able to prove to the satisfaction of a council. And I called on Mrs. Hemenway and said that I thought he had done wrong in refusing to submit to council chosen within their own Association, and wrong in not consenting that Br. Bascom of the Cent. Association should be their choice when then he had previously chosen his first man out of the association.I said this, distinctly announcing that I did not sit in judgement on the merits of the case. But I suppose that they must come to a trial and the sooner they agree, the better.Yours, Etc.,A. Kent___[The people of Caledonia, Boone, Co., Ill. apply for $300 aid in support of Rev. J.S. Emery, 12 mo. from Aug. 23, 1857]Galena Oct. 7, 1857I have been trying for years to get a man to occupy this field and now if your committee refuse a commission because he has 600, I have no courage to attempt to supply our feeble churches without preaching. Ministers will not go to them for they say we cannot live for less in villages where every expense is so great.I am surprised and gratified that the people should have subscribed 300 and I hope they may not be disappointed in this application. But if you cannot grant their request, you will please let me know and I will make a journey over there and go into a special investigation rather than they should be repulsed. I would go now but I have appointments out which will occupy my time for more than a month.A. Kent_____Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., Ill., Oct. 31st/57Milton Badger, D.D.Dear Brother,I have to report to you the close of my labors as employed by you. I believe in my last the conclusion was intimated that it is not best that I should occupy this field any longer. You easily anticipate that it would not be pleasant for delicate for me to attempt the particulars what a change is best. My feelings have undoubtedly led in great part to this necessity.I believe I have failed to report one quarter in the last year. My excuse is perhaps not valid yet I have thought if you could have seen my pressure for the last six months your compassion would excuse. I have not written for years except by amanuenses. But now my family is broken up & my dear wife who has done my writing is several hundred miles distant. I presented the claims of the H. M. cause as your rule requires & called for a contribution which I am sorry to say was only $1.43. I can give no reason other than the money crisis & the disheartening influence (perhaps) of their minister leaving.It may not be amiss for me to say a few things in relation to this field. The ch, is truly feeble- my salary from all quarters has not averaged much over $300 a year. I do not speak of this by complaint but think you ought to know. There is more ability here than this indicates now. Still there is great danger that this will speedily be lost to us unless there is a suitable man here very soon.And now dear Brethren, may I express my sincere thanks to you for kindness & ask forgiveness of God & my brethren in this (probably) my last communication for my short comings as a missionary.Yours truly, C. Gray___[These are pages torn from Kent’s journal]Nov. 12 [1857]. I engaged Br. Spencer of Rock Island to go and visit and spend a Sabbath with the neglected Edgington Ch. on condition I would supply him, and for this purpose I went over to Davenport and called on my friend Prof. Ripley of the Iowa College, who promised to fill the appointment that I might spend the next Sab. on the Central R.R. and after visiting Marcus B. Osborn who is very sick and whose loss to the Ch. would be great, I took the cars at 7 p.m. and went to Annawona to spend a night with our Missionary Prescott and had an hour’s pleasant conversation with him, though his family is sick and sickness and death have prevailed around him of late. I think Br. Prescott is doing a good work there and at his out-post.At 9 I jumped on the freight train and was warned very pleasantly that it was against the rules. But I soon stuck a number of tracts over head and then showed him my papers on the Central Road which gives me the title of Colporteur and told him that I went free and he said “very well I have seen your papers”— so I went on 10 miles to visit Br. Lyman at Sheffield. I spent two hours at his house and learned what I could in his absence of that missionary field while he was gone to arbitrate the difficulty between Mr. Hemenway and the Church at Como.They have built and well-nigh paid for a new Church. At twelve, I left Sheffield and its coal mines and reached LaSalle in time to connect with Ill. Cent. R.R. which brought me before sun set to Wenona where I wished to spend the night and get information. Br. Dunn informed me that Mrs. Fowler endured her trial with great fortitude, that he Brother (Brown) our missionary at Sand Prairie would take her home with him and that she intended to take a school by which to support her 4 children. I learned from Mrs. Patterson of Chicago that she was a superior scholar in Monticello F. Sem. I permitted him to make an appointment for me at Minonk, a station next for the 23rd while I would go down to Egypt to spend the intervening Sabbath.Accordingly I left at 2 o’clock a.m. and arrived at Carbondale at 4 p.m. and spent the evening in conference with Brs. Post and Kenmore in relation to the vacant fields of Southern Ill.Br. K. has left Cairo and a Br. by the name of Payson from Michigan is said to be preaching there.14 Saturday. I left this morning for Tamora where a little church has been organized and I would not remain at Carbondale where there would be two ministers to cooperate in the Communion service.15. Heard a Methodist in the morning and then I preached in the afternoon. The congregation was large... and gave me encouragement...At 3 p.m. I took the cars and went south to visit Duqouine Female Sem. Called on the Agent, Br. Josiah Wood, took tea with my old friend, Rev. T. Lippincott who has prospered and taken up his abode there (and engages to preach every 4th Sabbath at Tamara), called on Miss. Paine the principal and in the morning I climbed to the unfinished cupola of the Seminary Building which affords a magnificent prospect of the adjacent country. The effort of the Alton Presbytery and the friends of education to build this institution and the College at Carbondale furnishes grounds of hope that Egypt will ere long wipe off the reproach that now rests upon Southern Ill. 17. I came north to the old capital Vandalia and spent the evening pleasantly and I hope profitably with Rev. Mr. Bird our Missionary and Rev. Mr. Gordon, Missionary of the Alton Presbytery. At least I am very glad that I stopped at this point...18th. Left Vandalia at 3. pm. and came to Bloomington at 8 and made my way to Rev. Alfred Eddy’s as best I could in the dark in a violent snow storm and spent the next day 19th with him. He has succeeded in gathering a large congregation and they have erected a large house of worship and as I judge without materially interfering with other congregations in this growing city.20th I eft at 8 am for Kappa to spend a day with our missionary Rev. Mr. Frost. He is gone to his family at Lacon. I freely expressed the great importance of a missionary residing among the people of his charge. His host admitted it and said that he had bargained for a house but could not pay for it. But said also (what I had not heard before) that his wife could do better at the trade of millinery at Lacon. He stated also that he was a very good preacher and gave general satisfaction but did not spend much time in visiting. While I was speaking with him at the station house, it was announced that a shanty was on fire about 10 rods off. We ran thither and saw a woman and a boy in dreadful agony and learned that an infant of an Irish man was being consumed in the flames.I left Kappa in the evening and spent the next day in visiting 7 families in the vicinity of Minonk. It was a very cold and windy day.22 Sabbath. I preached twice to small but attentive congregations. The settlement is but two years old but there is a beginning that promises to grow to a good church and congregation.Monday Morning. I took the cars and reached home at 7 p.m.. I have thus given you a journal of some 5 weeks. And I cannot copy it without taxing my eyes more than I like to do, from which you may see that there is some vanity in my expressions and when you have waded trough this long document you may consign it to the flames.Yours truly, A. KentP.S. It is uncertain whether I get a pass next year on the Ill. Cent.R.R. and that was my reason for improving the present opportunity to visit Southern Ill.[These pages from Kent’s journal do not seem to fit with the above and may be verso to the portion he intended to send to New York]He is said to be Calvanistic in his preaching and the people sympathize deeply with him and think he was not well treated.On Monday. Providence spread daylight slowly upon my darkened prospects, for the elder where I stayed offered to buy my horse and buggy on my own terms or winter them for me at my option and the Methodist minister offered to carry me to the R. Road, for which I gave him my India rubber over coat and trunk, which met his wants, and the next morning as the day dawned upon “sweet home: I was there. It proved a busy day as well as the two following for besides my usual correspondence I had many things to do in preparation for winter. And I must leave on Friday to reach my appointment at Geneseo which I had twice failed to reach- prov. prevented the cars not making connection. I inquired after Br.Collins at LaSalle but he was absent and we walked to Peru and spent the night with Br. Herrington whose church has enjoyed a blessed work of grace under the labours of Rev. Mr. Avery of Charleston which has resulted in add[ing] 10 or 12 to their communion and bringing the church up to a degree of spirituality which contrasts strikingly with their former state. So that what I have always regarded as a most unpromising state of things has now the appearance of thrift. They have a large and neat church and a good minister and give every indication of future progress. The next day I took the cars and reached Geneseo as a dark rainy night began to draw its sable curtain about us.I spent the night with Br. S. H. Waldo who gave me a long account of the troubles which have produced no little commotion in their growing village. They have given him three months notice to seek another field according to agreement and he has set himself to find that field in getting up a Presb. Ch. in the place. The Baptist and the Old School Presb. are also pressing their own movements and where the commotion will end it is not easy to divine. Commotion seems to be the order of the day in two or three other churches. I preached at Geneseo and took up a collection and made several ministerial visits and endeavored to get off as quick as I could without getting involved in their differences. I reached this place [Rock Island] Monday evening and lodged with Br. Spencer, intending as he had suggested sometime before to visit Coal Valley 10 miles south. In the morning I jumped on the construction train and went to the place and in a few minutes I was safely deposited in a little black box along with the superintendent and rushing along behind a little mule we plunged into the hill side and were enveloped in utter darkness, dragged along a narrow passage 6 feet wide and 5 feet high a space wholly filled with solid coal, from which they are taking out a 100 tons a day.The object of my visit was to ascertain their spiritual prospects, which I was unable to fully attain.The seventy five workmen and the community generally are Welshmen and they have a welch calvanistic methodist preacher who supports himself and another partly here. Another man coming to preach for them whose character labours and if they shall apply for aid, I shall be prepared to judge how to act from the hints I received. I returned here in the evening having been much amused by my tour to coal valley and my intercourse with the little mule cars and the little sooty boys each with a lamp burning and hooked gracefully into the band around their cap and among whom I distributed tracts and small books as is my wont.___ Galena, Nov. 25, 1857I am to receive the residuum of Mrs. Ware’s Legacy very soon. Br. Raymond owes me $50 borrowed 5 or 6 years ago. I cannot get it. Could you not pay his next draft by an order on me and assign the reason that I had money in hand, and then I will present the note for pay.A. Kent____Galena, Dec. 15, 1857Dr. B.Dear Sir,I drop a line to say the circulars are received with your note and I have spent two weeks in making out the table as you proposed but have not the copy made which I should sent to you. And that must now be laid by until these circulars are disposed of.I have begun the work of retrenchment and have sent back responses to 2 or 3 applications that they must curtail their claims.I am not now a stated supply to any church an do not understand your remark on that subject. I do try to visit vacant churches and give them a Sabbath when I can, when I can find no one else to come for them.Yours, etc.,A. KentI spent last Sabbath at Lena and took up a collection of $13.30 which I paid over to the missionary.On second thought perhaps you have reference to my tour south. I have been two or three times down the Central R.R. becasue Providence has furnished me with a pass without my seeking it and I think I can do something towards getting preachers and teachers into that desolate region, but without intruding & interference with other duties.____Galena Jan. 7, 1858Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Sir,The first impulse would be to say that I am ashamed to send so imperfect a copy of my table. But when I consider how frequently I am interrupted and how great the tax upon my eyes to give that close and constant attention which such work requires I shall justify my self in sending it as it is. It should be considered weak eyes have been a life long affliction - have brought me to the Frontier settlements and kept me there (and I bless God for it) and that the confinement of a few weeks past in making out this table and writing about 90 letters have very seriously injured them and hence you must take for better or worse for I do not think I ought to copy it again. I do not regret the service for it may be of some use to myself.I send it as it is and have sat down today at the suggestion of Mr. Noyes to describe Northern Ill. so far forth as its destitutions are known to me.Yours, etc.,A. Kent[ A lengthy table accompanies this not that compiles the aid received and donations to the A.H.M.S. for the various churches in Northern Illinois. From 1853 to 1857 $12,115.58 was contributed while 37,634.00 was received from the Society.]___ Galena, Jan. 13, 1858Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Sir,This brother J. proves himself to be a very labourious and acceptable missionary and the ch. at Lena wished to appropriate his whole time, but I proposed that half would do until the church was finished and more salary raised. Otherwise Orangeville would be vacant and the little church at Loran would not have been organized.I was at Polo last week here is an independent Presbyterian Ch. After the dedication of their new ch. they resolved on a protracted meeting and a good deal of interest is manifest but Br. L. Parker of Galesburg happened there and was invited to assist Br. Todd. I am doubtful of the expediency of his course when he said, “If i take the responsibility I must have the control of the meeting.”A. Kent___ Jan. 19 [1858]Mr. RipleyI have just received a letter from S.L. Brown Treas. of 2nd Presb. Ch. in Chicago, saying he has $300 on hand which he holds subject to my order. As exchange is high he thought it best not to remit to N.Y. unless you prefer it.Without charging anything for my travelling expenses there due to me.......$152.50 and when I hear from N. York that you approve I will draw on Mr. Brown for what is due to me and dispose of the rest as I am directed.A. Kent_____ Galena, Jan. 19, 1858Rev. Mr. Noyes,Dear Sir,You ask me to furnish you a statement of the destitutions of Northern Ill. with such statistics and illustrations as I would give if making an appeal to the East. I know not how better to meet your demand than by giving the population of each county and such facts appertaining to the churches and ministers as I can call from my own memory, promising however that I am under the impression that we are better supplied than most of your states in our broad confederacy.I begin where charity begins, at home in the northwest corner.Jo. Daviess had in 1850 a population of 18,000 in 55, 24,000, has now 25,000. There are 3 Presbyterian Churches (2. n.s. & one o.s.) in Galena the Co. seat. These three churches are furnished with good houses and excellent pastors, and for their present prosperity and moral power are directly or indirectly obliged to the A.H.M.S.Other denominations are well represented in this city, but of these it comes not within my province now to speak.There are 3 Presbyterian churches besides and a congregational church in the county, all of which are feeble and supplied by 2 home missionaries.Warren a village in the east part of the county is growing rapidly and a missionary should be stationed there without loss of time, as they have only Methodist and Free Will Baptist Churches.We have then 5 ministers and 7 churches to meet the wants of 25,000 souls. One exploring missionary to along the southern border of the county is much needed.Stephenson Co. contains probably not less than 15,000 souls. It is one of the best counties in the state for soil, timber & water and is settled very much with Germans (European and Pennsylvanian). They are well supplied with Lutheran and German Reformed Churches, are building good houses of worship and have some good men labouring in them. There are 7 Presbyterian churches of which 5 are N.S. , one at Freeport the county seat is self sustaining. One at Lena is now building a good house and will soon be able to assure its own support, and 3 feeble churches. These are supplied by 2 home missionaries. They need in that county an energetic missionary who would have a large field in addition to the charge of those 2 churches which will be vacant soon as Lena is prepared to claim their minister’s undivided labor. One of these Orangeville in the midst of great religious excitment is calling loudly for that preaching and pastoral labour which you brotherhood of secretaries will not allow me to afford them.Freeport has become a city of 6,000 and has done well in building churches and school houses. These is no settled minister in the county and besides the one already mentioned. Another might be employed whose center should be Eleroy, a R.R. [depot] to which Elder Knapp was seen yesterday directing his steps (Jan 18). Ministers Cary, Powell, Johnson.Winnebago Co. contained in 50 10,000 in 55 20,000 has now 24,000. It has 10 Congregational Churches of which 5 are self supporting and all but 2 have been aided by our Society, It has e Presb. churches (1 n.s. & 1 O.S.). Its county seat Rockford has become a city of 8,000. When I first preached there about 22 years ago. (It is said that) my congregation of 17 embraced the whole county. It is one of the most beautiful towns in the state, lying on both sides of the Rock River. It has a great water power and has become largely a manufacturing town, but its chief ornament is the Female Seminary which has enjoyed continued tokens of the spirits gracious influence. The city possesses large wealth and some men of large benevolence and next to Chicago it contributes most to our treasury. The population are mainly from New England and New York. There is probably scarcely a foot of swamp or waste land in the county. The 6 self sustaining churches are furnished with able ministry. Two valuable missionaries are supplying each a large district and at least one more is needed in the county.There are 4 Cong. and 2 Presbyterian Ministers and several good deacons who have gone to roost or have taken up their abode at Rockford. The lives have fallen to them in pleasant places or they are afflicted with large property and feeble health. Charity thinketh no evil.Chs. Rockford, Rockford, & Rockton, 12 Mile Grove, Pecatonica, Winnebago, Burrit, Owen, Harrison and Shireland. Ministers Emerson, Goodwill, Sloan, Patch, Willis, Hodges, and Huggins over the Presb. Ch.Boone Co. in 1850 had 7,000 in 55 10,000, and probably now has 12,000. It has one strong Presbyterian Church ably served (Holman) at Belvidere, the County seat. They are now building a large church and they contribute generously to our Society thus affording an admirable illustration of the wisdom and economy of our policy of “helping those who will help themselves” and thereby training them to help others. When I was detained there a little while some weeks ago I called on Mr. Walker and Mrs. Burnet and as we were admiring the noble edifice of the church now building, they alluded to the incident when some 15 or 18 years ago Col. Walker (from Vermont) and 4 or 5 others were gathered in a log cabin to organize a Presb. Ch. and celebrate the Lords Passover. The Baptists had a strong church then (and still have) but by Home Miss. aid they began to grow and by the fostering care of that good Elder (Walker) and the blessing of God they have made steady progress and now exert a controlling influence in the county. Col. W. has gone to his rest between 70 & 80 and I look back with pleasure to 3 or 4 days spent with them wile shut up by the great snows winter before last. They were such happy old people. But in the mean time I called on individuals and doubled the Sabbath contribution.They have one Missionary (Emery) laboring in an inviting field (Caledonia and vicinity) and there is ample room and a loud call for at least one more at Cherry Valley, Amesville and Boone’s Prairie.McHenry Co. is 1850 has 14,000 in 55 19,000 has now 22,000. It has 4 Cong. Churches and 2 Presbyterian, all depending on our society except one (which prefers the Am. Miss. Soc.) supplied by 3 Cong. and 2 Presb. Ministers. The county seat is Woodstock. It is a growing place — has an O.S. Ch. and minister. There is also an O.S. Ch. (stolen from us) and a College (so called) at Marengo. But they are in trouble for most of the session are anti-slavery and new school men and are “like a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke” or to the gag which they apply.I think that such a missionary as Dr. Seth Williston was in his labours in York State would find material for building new churches in that county. The Churches are Vir. Settlement [Ridgefield], McHenry, Algonquin & Crystal Lake & Richmond and Lawrence. The ministers Baldwin, Thompson, Birge, Fuller and Cadwell and Greenwood.Lake Co. in 1850 had 14,000 in 55 17,000 has now 20,000. With the exception of Waukegan [Little Fort] where is now, as I lean, a self sustaining Presb. Church and a little bright spot about Millbourne where Father Dodge labours the county is a wide waste or what Illinoisans would call a prairie burnt over by the spasmodic efforts made there in years past. It is now regarded as affording but little encouragement to hope for any good thing. There ought to be 2 or 3 energetic and self denying missionaries planted and sustained in the county until they can gather and build up and give stability to churches that as yet have no existence, But as they are under the shadow of Lake Forest Theo. Sem. it is to be hoped that when their students are numbered by hundreds there will be enough missionary zeal to kindle fires that will never go out.Carrol Co. in 50 had 4,000 in ‘55 7,000 now has 9,000. Mount Carrol is the county seat and contains 2,000. The feeble Presb. ch. is overshadowed by the methodist and Baptist Churches, the latter Ch. have a female seminary. Our ch. is now vacated (& should have been years ago) and bereft of their house of worship and much cast down. There is one noble man there (a convert in a revival in Galena) who centurian-like offers to furnish the brick and put up the walls of a church but meets with no response. Math XI...17. There is a Presb. Ch. at Eagle Point feeble and disheartened by deaths and removals and sectarian rivalry and farming preacher and temporarily supplied by a cong. minister. There are also 2 Cong. Churches, one at Wysox and one at Savanna which is in the last stages of decline. And as you call for “illustrations” I will quote this as an illustration of the hot haste in which some run to organize churches (Cong.). Well not to say I was watching over that little settlement 30 miles distant and supplying them occasionaly as I have done for 15 years, when some good brethren came over from Iowa, and invited me to come and assist in organizing a church after one of them had lectured me on Congregationalism (as he told me). But the material in due time might have been worked into a Presb. Ch. N.S. as the result has shown for an O.S. Presb. Ch. has sprung upon them and after Br. Hill has expended a good share of his time and Home Miss. money, the ground is nearly abandoned. This is but a specimen of what has transpired in other localities, ex. Fulton City, Albany and Union Grove at each of which places an O.S. Church has been attempted by divisive efforts where a N.S. Presb. CH. ought to have united there. And I may add that in all these places, religious effort is constantly embarrassed to borrow a figure like tangled yarn. An unfinished and mortgaged R.R. bisecting the county just now threatens to bless its prospects. Ministers Gray and Donaldson.Ogle Co. in 50 had 10,000 in 55 had _____ probably now has 16,000. Oregon its county seat has a pop. of 3 or 4,000 a Lutheran Ch. and a good minister. There is an independent strongly anti-slavery Presb. Ch. at Polo. They have a new and beautiful edifice. An evangelist (Parker) is labouring there in concert with or rather in supercedence of the pastor (Todd). And considerable religious interest has been apparent. There is no other self supporting church in the county except it be Byron. There is a feeble Cong. Ch. at Grand Detour, and one at Dement [Creston] and an organization O.S. at Lane Station [Rochelle]. An efficient exploring missionary might in time accomplish great good by well directed labour in this county and also in Carrol Co. similar results might be anticipated but they seem not to afford fields of so immediate promise as others. Ministers Todd, Pearson and Kellogg, Larson and Bristol.Whitesides Co. had in 50 5,000 in 55 13,000 has now 16,000. Sterling the county seat has recently received a new impetus in the way of growth, has 3,000 souls and besides the O.S. Church long since organized and now gaining strength. They have recently organized a Cong. Ch. And knowing they were vacant I went to spent the last Sabbath with them but was told they had no house and no prayer meeting but they were attending the O.S. Church (where no prayer meeting was kept up) and were intending to get a smart man and start strong in the spring. I advised them to establish a weekly meeting for prayer & conference, if they would become strong and passed on and preached at Gap Grove, 4 miles distant apparently with great acceptance where I met with a repulse 2 years ago because they had gone over to the the Am. Miss. Ass. But their minister (Johnson) is dead and the anti-slavery advances of our society is probably satisfactory.There is a self supporting Cong. church at Fulton City and one at Lyndon. And there are 2 feeble Congregational Ch. and 4 feeble Presbyterian Chs. all needing aid and 2 of these last are vacant, 2 others have temporary supplies, quite temporary I believe. There are 3 O.S. Presb. Ch. in the county, Sterling, Albany & Morrison. The Germans are numerous and are about forming a Lutheran CH, at Forreston, where Dr. Harkey Prof. in the Lutheran College at Springfield was holding a series of meetings Sabbath before last (I was there) and was preaching with great acceptance to the Americans. The Methodists have a flourishing Seminary at Mount Morris and a rallying place but their great literary Institution is to be on the Lake Shore in Cook County, 12 miles from Chicago and mid-way between that city and Lake Forest. Ministers Leonard, Chapman, Hemenway; Churches Fulton City, Lyndon, Albany, Como, Sterling, Garden Plain Clyde, Portland Sharon.Lee Co. is 50 has 5,000 in 55 11,00 has now 13,000. It has 3 Presbyterian Ch and 6 Cong Ch. all dependent but Amboy and Lamoille. The O.S. have 3 organizations one of which is at Dixon with its College and 30 pupils , one at Earlville and one with its Academy at Mendota, One exploring missionary for the county might be employed to great advantage. Ministers Coleman, Phelps and Fitch. Ch. lee Center, Lamoille, Amboy, Mehugin’s, Paw Paw, Dixon, Gap Grove.DeKalb Co. is 50 has 5,000 in 55 had ____ has now 14,000. There are 4 Cong. and 3 Presb. Chs. all dependent for support. The county seat (Sycamore) has a Cong. Ch. which after acknowledging themselves under obligation to me for personal efforts in their behalf have felt obliged to late to repudiate the agent of the A.H.M.S. and seek help from the A. M. Ass. They have field enough to employ a missionary in that county. Churches Sycamore, Dekalb, Lodi, Shabbona Center, Sandwich, Saumanouk.Kane Co. is 50 had 16,000 in 55 26,000 has now 30,000. There are 10 Cong. and 1 Presb. Churches of which 6 are self supporting. The county is permeated by the Fox River which is bridged and obstructed by dams every few miles affording great water power. It is crossed by 2 R.Roads. Geneva is the county seat and has a Cong. Ch. Elgin, St. Charles, Aurora, and Batavia have all strong churches and the latter place has a beautiful Academy of such fine building stone as the bed of the River affords and which has become an article of export to a great distance. Our Br. Peet of pleasant memory was the agent not only of advancing materially the Ch. but also of establishing that Academy which together with Beloit College will long be regarded as one of those enduring monuments of his usefulness of which he has left so many lessor ones in Wisconsin. How often we sat together, the trustees of the College, a harmonious band, has a new and perplexing question been introduced when Br. Peet would say “Come let us talk it out.” The states supplies and pastors along the river are competent to the missionary work of the county and it comes appropriate under Br. Clark’s supervision.Dupage Co. in 50 had 9,000 in 55 12,000 has now 14,000. Naperville the county seat has a self supporting Cong. Ch. There are 4 other Cong. and one Presb. Ch. all dependent of foreign aid. It has been a small territory in it there are 66 school districts of 60 have builded good houses of brick or stone and employ good teachers. This result has been reached in part at least by means of earnest efforts of Br. H. Brown who was for several years the County Superintendent. And it is due to this part of Ill to state that very commendable nay rapid progress has been made within 2 years past in erecting substantial and large school houses in place of rickety and unsightly log cabins where the young idea was taught to shoot forth. In passing for the first time in 1833 across the state from Chicago alias Fort Dearborn to my house in Galena via Dixon and Oswego in Kendell Co. I spent a night in the only settlement on that route a few families (Goodrich and Clark brothers of N.G. Co.) had just moved on the Dupage and I preached to them. Between that point and Dixon there was no improvement except a deserted log cabin on Fox River which we forded and we (that is Br. Sam. Pond now a Home Miss. but for some 20 years a foreign Miss. in Minnesota and myself) followed an Indian trail during the day and at night we laid ourselves down on the grass ready to “depart on the morrow”. I am well informed concerning the want of the county as to its spiritual condition but I think that besides its 2 Baptist Churches they have abundant occasion to employ a county missionary for there are 2 R.R. stations which are assuming some importance these are Wheaton and Junction. Churches Naperville, Big Woods, Dupage, Birbecks Grove, Bloomingdale. Ministers Bartlet and Barber.Cook Co. had in 50 43,000 in 55 103, 000 has now 140,000. Chicago is the county seat and has 5 Presb. and 5 Cong. Churches which are self supporting. There are tow O. S. Ch. and a variety of others such as a place so large would naturally gather according to the tastes and countries they represent. There are in the county 4 or 5 theological seminaries projected and all threatened with mammoth endowments. There are also 6 cong. and one Presb. ch in the outskirts of the county. Chicago has become the great commercial mart for the North west and thus creates a demand that every denomination, every trade, every patent, and every vice should be represented there at least by its appropriate agency and hence there is a necessity that 1/2 a score of colporteurs and city missionaries should be sustained there. How many ministers there are in Cook County I know not. But such cities are quite attractive to rich ministers who afflicted with bronchial difficulties.Rock Island Co. in 50 6,000 in 55 16,000 has now 18,000. There are in the county 3 cong. and 2 presb. chs. of which 4 are dependent on Home Miss. aid. The Cong. Ch. at Moline and the Presb. Ch. at Rock Island (the county seat) are able to support their own ministers and will soon be prepared to refund what they have received from us. A Welch Cong. Ch. has recently sprung up at Coal Valley where they are carrying off 100 tons of coal daily. The R.R. to this coal mine passed near by the site of an old Indian town where were a cluster of wigwams made of bark still standing when I passed along in the fall of 1830 and pointed to one that was larger than the rest. I inquired of my guide and he replied that was Black Hawk’s wigwam. There are also 2 O.S. Presbyterian Ch one at R.I. and 1 at Conklin. A missionary is very much wanted to labor in the south part of the county in and around Edgington. It is a neglected region and this remark appears to the whole of the county south. Ministers Spencer, Hitchcock, Wm. Porter. Ch. R.I., Moline, Edgington, Hampton and Port Byron.Mercer Co. in 50, 5,000 in 55 9,000 has now probably 11, 000. We have no organization whether Cong. or Presb. I have ben across the county several times and have preached and visited there and have been hospitality entertained but have felt myself shut out by the O.S. churches who have 2 or 3 nominal organizations but so far as I can learn utter inefficiency has marked the operations of these churches (perhaps it is not now). “Would God” that an energetic and self-sacrificing missionary were stationed there with words that burn. Once a report reached me that an offer was made (by the proprietor of a station on the R.R. as yet on built) to our Ch. to occupy the post and a tract of land would be given on condition of our building an academy there.At one of a committee appointed by Synod I went out as soon as I could but ere I reached the site the methodists had divided the tract with the O.S. and I passed on.Henry Co. had in 50 3,000 in 55 9000 has now 12,000. It is an interior county and was in a manner overlooked until lately. But 2 R.R. pass over it and the population is increasing rapidly. It had 4 Cong. Chs. 3 of which have become self supporting quite recently and a Presbyterian organization has been attempted with a few weeks at Geneseo the largest town in addition the the Cong. Ch. which was once Presb. but like others was turned over to the Galesburg clique of some other clique. The success of the experiment is problematical. Ministers Waldo, Baker, Lyman, Pierce, Bartle. Churches Geneseo, Cambridge, Wethersfield, Kewanee, Annawana. It should have been said Cambridge the county seat has a Congregational Church and a good minister., They have drawn largely upon our society.Bureau Co. in 50 had 8,000 in 55 19,00 has now 20,000. It has 5 congregational churches 4 of which support their own ministers. There is also a Presb. Ch. O.S. at Princeton the county seat. Rev. Mr. Lovejoy was a good many years pastor of the Cong. Ch. in that town and has left his own impress on them., but has now gone to Washington to advocate the cause of the slave.An earnest Rev. colporteur of east manners and pleasing address by going over the last two counties and ascertaining the facts would probably find new points of interest along the R.R. and in the country back which ought to be occupied. Ministers Todd, Bascom, Lyman; Chs. Princeton, Providence. Dover, Sheffield.Putnam Co. is 50 had 3,000 in 55 5,000 has now 6,000. It is a small county and has no large town. The county seat Hennepin is claimed by the Universalists. They have not encouraged and sustained Evangelical churches, and the results are apparent according to the proverb Whatsoever a man soweth - that shall he also reap. Its prospects are eclipsed and the day of its expansion gone by.There is one Presb and one Cong. Ch. at Granville which are now able to support their ministers. A Presb. Ch. at Magnolia from which Br. Fowler of blessed memory had been transplanted to paradise, and a Cong. Ch at “the lone tree” as it is familiarly known in the vicinity. There is an Old School Ch. at Union Grove, whose large and overgrown house of worship has been a bone of contention for many years. I recall some pleasing reminiscences in reference to my first visit there in 29 or 30. Several pious families has some in from Bond Co. (or there abouts) and I preached the first sermon in the little log church as yet has neither bottom door nor puncheon floor. But there was a sweet harmony and brotherly love such as the wide house with strife cannot contain. But my third visit there in Dec. 32 affords more pleasure in the review than we found in the bitter experience of our journey. On my return from a tour to the East to persuade good people to come West, I was accompanied by Mrs. Kent, Miss Pierce, a truly missionary spirit, E.E. Hall a youth of 17, now preaching at Rome or Paris, and a child of 9, now Rev. Mrs. Phelps of Lee Center. We were detained by sickness on the rivers until they were frozen and we were obliged to travel from St. Louis by land and from Springfield by means of a big waggon which providence furnished and I purchased. And as we proceeded our weary way we reached this grove at evening and finding no one to entertain us, we kindled a fire and made a kettle of mush with which we welcomed the return of the family. And if you will allow the interpolation of some “Prairie Missionary” adventures to these dry statistics you may follow the big waggon and listen to our songs and our prayers, for we had some good singing and some precious prayer meetings. While Rev. E.E. Hall acted alternatively as Postillion or officiated as chaplain. Having crossed the Ill. River and arrived late in the evening we found ourselves in a “muddy run” with 10 high banks that our high and powerful horses could not get out. But we left the vehicle and rode as best we could to Dixon, where we were kindly entertained by Mrs. Dixon amidst a group of Indians stretched out before the fire. There was but one house and that a log cabin. The next morning we went back 3 miles and “took up our carriages” and passed on to Chambers Grove, where a part of our company were lodged in the root house, the Indians having burned their cabin during the summer. Two days later we were overtaken by night and bewildered by a snow storm., but the big waggon served us for a lodging place and the next day (13th) we reached Galena and if ever we knew how to be thankful for domestic comforts it was in our own limed log house with one room and a shed and a small franklin stove.Lasalle Co. in 50 7,000 in 55 35,000 has now 36,000. It is bisected bu a R. Road and a canal and is a thorough fare for passengers and freight to a large amount. It has many things combining to support a large population, such as water power, water lime cement, and coal mines. There are eight Cong. and 6 Presb. Ch. of the first 5 are self-supporting of the latter 2. An Old Sc. Ch. at Mendota and at Troy Grove where they have taken possession of a house of worship which others besides myself have aided in erecting.A missionary is wanted to occupy the field left vacant 2 years since by the death of Br. Smith.Kendell Co. in ‘50 had 7,000 in ‘55 10,000 has now 12,000. It has 3 Cong. and 1 Presb. Ch. all which are able to support their pastors. The County Seat (Oswego) has a feeble Cong. CH. and an Old School Ch. and there is a Cong. CH., organized at East Lisbon prospectively important when the R. Road makes it. Perhaps no other Missionary than Rev. A. Day is required at present. Ministers Bridgeman, Day, Forman, Chs. Newark, Lisbon, Bristol, Oswego.Grundy Co. has in ‘50 3000 in ‘55 7,000 has now 9,000.It has a strong Cong. Ch. at the county seat (Morris) a feeble Presb. Ch. at Mazon. It is a new county and left unoccupied until within a few years. I recollect that when I visited Br. Murphy and his sick wife I fount the land so level around him that I could not in a walk of 2 miles get out of sight and the Gopher hills were so numerous that she could not endure the rise I attempted to give her on account of continual jolting. There is an O.S. church at Morris and I think a Baptist Ch. at Gardner, a R.R. station.Will Co. in ‘50 has 10,000 in ‘55 24,000 has now 20,000. A new county called Kankakee has been taken off this & Iroqouis Co. It has 4 Cong. Ch. 3 of which are self-supporting. It has 2 Presb. Chs. asking aid. Churches Lockport, Joliet & Hadley. Ministers Ghent, Loss & Mall.Kankakee Co. has 10.000. It has 1 Cong. and 2 Presb. Chs. which have have but little more than the semblance of being. These two counties demand missionary exploration. You called for illustrations and if they smell of egotism you will consider that we are more apt in treasuring up those facts and incidents concerning ourselves than what pertains to our neighbor. I should have completed this by about the middle of Jan. but I was called away on a tour down Rock River to introduce a minister Mr. Crane to Sharon where Br. Martin laboured for 7 years faithfully. The statistics must of necessity be imperfect. If you complain that I make but 32 Home Missionaries on my field, I reply that by looking over the table An. Rep. pp 98 I have counted up 18 f those names that belong to my field that are not now in our employ.Yours, etc., A. Kent___Galena, Jan. 29, 1858I set out is good earnest to push up the churches to do more than they have done. I am pretty well acquainted with the church ansd the Bishop at Pecatonica and do not anticipate any great suffering to either if you should cut down their application and grant them only $100 on the score of hard times.A. Kent____ Galena, Jan. 29, 1858Treasurer of the A.H.M.SocietyPlease acknowledge in the Home Miss.Oct. by Dr. Seely from the Presb. Ch.in Kendall Co.$6.22Nov. 7 Peru Cong. Ch.23.259 Geneseo Cong. Ch.31.00Dec. 16 from S. School of 2 Cong Ch Rockford20.0024 From the estate of Mrs. Hannah Wareby Ralph Ware of Granville200.00Jan 18 from Charles W. Leavitt (Phila) 5.00 $285.27Deduct $50.00 paid to J. Raymond 50.00 235.77Which please charge to me.A. Kent___Galena, Feb. 3, 1858It is quite irksome for me to recommend so large an appropriation as 300 where there is so loud a call for retrenchment. But it will be recollected that it is a child but 9 months old, which has grown up if I may so say. Phoenix like, out of the ashes of the Chemung Church that was starved and weathered by the former incumbents. And now this new effort has commenced under circumstances that demands a strong man and if sustained a year or two, will gather strength and make itself felt in the wide region of destitution around there and which would not have been so destitute if others had done their duty in years past.A. KentPerhaps your straits will require you to curtail $50 and recommend them to make it up from the stall, the granary and the wine press. This is my sober second thought.A. Kent___Somanauk, Feb. 15, 1858I have been here once before and I spent yesterday here that I might get a right view of the case. Br. Gould has laboured long and endured hardship in meeting his appointments beyond what many good men would submit to and his churches appear to cling to him warmly and as an officer in our common schools he has a field of usefulness which should be duly estimated. But yet there are embarrassments which perplex me. The secretaries say we must do more and ask less (in Ill..) to sustain him at Northville would require 1/2 his support from the society. At my request that church met here yesterday and voted 9 to 5 to remove their center to Saummanauk. But 3 observant men including 2 elders named by Br. Gould expressed the opinion that one half of the presb. element about Saumanauk would prefer another man to Gould.I should have added as necessary to give a fair view of the case that before that vote it was admitted than sooner or later the Northville Ch. must be absorbed by its proximity to this station. With these statements I leave you to judge of your duty.A. KentI am writing in a station house with its confines.______March 3 [1858]I am well acquainted with the fields occupied by Br. Johnston. He is regarded as a very labourious and judicious young minister and indeed has had thoughts of going on a Foreign Mission though he has never spoken to me of it. At Orangeville where I was with him yesterday, he is very acceptable. At Lena he is highly esteemed and they will be able to secure his whole time in a year or two, but they are now building a church which embarrasses them. And at his out-post south he has great encouragement in his work. I recommend the appropriation of $200.A. Kent___Galena, March 3, 1858Rev. Dr. Badger,Sear Sir,Yours respecting Mendota is received and I have planned a trip there next week, but mean first to go and spend the Sabbath (7) at Garden Plain partly to ascertain whether Mr. Hemenway is likely to labour there and at Albany, as I know not what your decision in the case has been.I had begun my annual report but was called off to go over the east side of the state. I learned than Monee Presb. Ch. had applied for aid and was disposed to discourage it because I thought that Manteno and Monee should unite in one man. But when I heard them say that they hoped to go alone next year I thought they should be allowed to have it in their own way.At Loda and at Prospect City I found Cong. Chs. and these supplied with ministers at Rantoul and in a settlement 8 miles west I fount the materials for forming 23 churches. The latter place had written to me asking advice which was the immediate occasion of my going over to that region. At Kankakee the church is discouraged. I endeavored to stimulate them to a new effort for I am convinced that they have been mal-treated. There have been misrepresentations somewhere.I spent the last Sabbath at Durand the present terminus of the Racine and Miss. R.R. Br. Hodges is labouring there with acceptance and at another point of his diocess (Shireland) there is a revival and he reported last Sabbath several conversions besides the recovery of backsliders.I forwarded an application from Br. Gould’s church. He was very much offended because I said I could not recommend him to labour at Saumonauk and to pacify him I told him what I wrote should be submitted to his inspection and I thought that I could not do less than forward you Dr. Hall’s letter of 49.If you want further light or another man’s opinion Br. Chatford of Sandwich knows more than any one else, as he has preached there considerable time. In a letter to me before my last visit there he says “the Northville ch. must come up to the village (of Saumanuk)- they must give up Mr. Gould or the game is up.” that is with the Ch. at Sommanauk.I think that the circulars I have issued with my comments as directed by you (and I wrote more than 100) are making a good impression.Yours truly,A. Kent_____Annual Report [no place or date - probably early March 1858]Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Sir,In presenting this report I feel impelled to begin with a humble acknowledgement of God’s goodness in sparing my life, continuing my health, permitting me to labour another year in his vineyard and affording me those facilities for travel which renders it so much more easy, expeditious and cheap than formerly. And in this last remark I refer to the procedure which has furnished me unsolicited a pass on the Ill. Cent. R.R. which I have occasion to use more than all the others and by means of which I can go without expense from one extreme of the state to the other. This however I do [not?] speak of publicly.Though I am not permitted to see many striking proofs of success in the ministry, yet I have many opportunities of observing and rejoicing in the successes of my brethren.We have now on this field (24 counties, including Kankakee) 32 missionaries who are labouring for Christ in 62 congregations and destitute settlements. And according to a careful estimate recently forwarded there are inviting fields of labour in which 24 others might be usefully employed if we had men of Apostolic spirit who would submit to the self denial involved in cultivating them. Rev. Joseph Fowler who has died during the year at Magnolia was of of those preeminently self denying men. There have been 5 churches organized and it is pleasing to record that 5 churches have assumed the support of their ministers without foreign aid and that 4 houses of worship have been built.In looking over the 27 years since the first church was organized on this field, it is gratifying to know that churches sustained in their incipiency by this society are planted in 15 of the 24 county seats and are exerting a purifying influence in most of our large towns.But as it is not practical to measure the good done by these churches, we may raise the startling inquiry, what would not have been the state of society if no such association had lavished its bounty in aid of our early destitutions. And an answer might be gleaned from a simple narrative of facts in relation to Galena and its vicinity prior to 1829 when amidst a population of 10 or 20,000 there was no church, no Sabbath or Sab school., no minister Protestant or Catholic, no family altar, and indeed no openly avowed advocates of personal piety. But they suspected a man if we would not swear nor use strong drink. He was a marked man. They suspected that he was religious. Such indeed was the state of morals that if Abraham had been passing through town, he would have said as on another occasion, surely the fear of God is not in this place and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.It is true that we have received and expended on this field in 5 years $37,000. But let us see what has been achieved by means of this full flow of Eastern benevolence. 1- We have contributed in return $12,000 or almost 1/3 which would not otherwise have ben raised for the general purposes of your society; 2- the people of this district have been encouraged and stimulated and have actually raised farther support of the ministry not less than $75,000 which else would not have been raised; 3- The places of worship that have been built within these same 5 years by Home Miss, Churches (or which once were such) have in all probability cost not less than $1000,000 and 4- the contributions of other Benevolent Societies and which our missionaries have been foremost to encourage are not less than $20,000. 5- These efforts to raise funds in support of their own institutions and to send their beneficence abroad have fostered the habit of alms giving and counter acted covetousness to an extent which is worth more to the contributions by 100 percent than all they have given.I am aware however that the benefits we have derived from your society cannot be recommend by dollars and cents. 6th- There is another aspect in which this subject should be viewed. Your society has taken up and sustained a class of ministers who from their age or some infelicity in their manners have proved unacceptable to the older and richer churches but whose learning and expression and general ability qualify them preeminently for this missionary work.These men dispersed over the field with their excellent wives and intelligent children are exerting a powerful but silent influence for good. They seek out and relieve the por the sick and the afflicted. They do much towards sustaining the Sab. School. Their house is the home of agents of benevolent societies, and their cordial welcome a source of encouragement. They are in fact model families and the very trials and self denial they endure become a blessing to the community in many ways. I will specify one which I met with most frequently. It is the worst of suitable schools. Being well educated themselves they long to have their children enjoy the same advantages and to see them growing up in utter deprivation of literary culture grieves them more than any personal trials. I have seen two excellent ladies, graduates of Mt. Holyoke and missionary's wives one of whom recently died. I have seen them weep over this deprivation. This puts the missionary upon various expedients. Sometimes they refuse to locate in a place because there is no school for their children. Sometimes they take the lead in getting up an academy and sometimes the wife engages in teaching and thus the Home of the Missionary becomes a light house for the youth of the vicinity.Estimating the untold value of such men and such families dispersed over the prairie state to mould its character and elevate the tone of moral feeling we must recollect that but for the support rendered by this society many of them would become disheartened and return to secular business that they may obtain a support for those dependent upon them.A. Kent____Galena, March 4, 1858My travelling expenses during the year were ^1,08 — my horse and buggy pretty much worn out as well as their owner — and with the expense of agency I judge would not altogehter fall short of $100.A. Kent____Mendota, March 10, 1858Review of the organization of the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches in Mendota so far only as relates to their claims upon the A.H.M. Society.When I arrived at Mendota on Monday the 8th I met with Mr. Barret soon after I left the cars and was invited to his house where I took tea and spent the night. During the afternoon and evening I heard in detail his version of their differences and that of Mr. Smith the Elder, a summary of which are on file and will accompany my report. In the course of the interview many things were introduced which were corroborative of their statements but which I did not deem necessary or sufficiently important to insert and the same general remark applies equally to the other party.The next morning I set out to hunt up all I could find on the other side. I called on J. Moore whose hospitality I had enjoyed in days past. I took dinner with him and opened the subject by reading the documents. “In conference he added nothing to me” with such definiteness as to be available in evidence but said he was opposed to strife and showed his peace loving temper by saying in relation to a Christian Brothers baptist wide I would join the Baptists sooner than have strife in the family.I then went with him to call on Mr. Wicks and Bro. L.H. Parker. They were absent. But I found Br. Parker at S.M. Moore’s office and laid the subject open (by reading the Bureau Comm. Report and Dr. Badger’s letter). There was not much said. But on the subject of Mr. Barret’s preference (denominational), I expressed my surprise at his statement and he took me in a buggy to the Lutheran Female Seminary (1/2 mile out) now in building. Mr. Wicks (carpenter) stated that Rev. Mr. Baldwin told him that he (Barret) had declared his purpose to organize a Presbyterian Church. I enquired when he said this. He thought some 3 or 4 months after he came there.Mr. Barret’s explanation is plausible, that he had predicted that from the conflicting elements such an organization would be the result, though he had then no idea of attempting it himself and appealed to me to recollect what he had said to me at Synod about finding another field for him. I have indistinct recollection of that conversation. But i do recollect distinctly (as I told Br. Parker) that when he first visited me and before he had made any engagement at Mendota, he represented himself to be no stickler for either but rather inclined to the Cong. mode.Having thus laid open the whole matter and given ample time to say whatever they wished S.M. Moore & Dr. Johnson being present, I retired and after tea I met them again by invitation in the Cong. prayer meeting. It was the first they had held since the close of the meeting (protracted effort) in Union with the O.S. Presbyterians! It was a pleasant meeting in which 2 young converts prayed one of whom has been a leading supporter of the O.S. organization (m. Farland). At the close Br. Parker said that Dr. Johnson & S.M. Moore wished to see me and preferred to see me at S.M. Moore’s office at 11 next morning. I spent the night with J. Moore, went in the morning to Mr. Barret’s and wrote my report and at 11 1/2 A.M. I went to the office and found there all the leading men, c.c., Parker, Augustine, Johnson, Dutch, S.M. Moore, Murphy, J. Moore and Father Moore once a scotch Presb.They wished to know what I had done. I told them I had made out a report according to the evidence afforded me. they asked if they might hear it read. Certainly, I will cheerfully read it for it is my purpose to give the facts and have the Ex. Comm. to judge of them. I then read the following report.In order to place the matter before the Ex. Com. I shall give the facts in relation to the organization of the Presbyterian Church. 2) The reasons for changing the form of Ch. Gov. from Presbyterian to Congregational & 3, the reasons for the organization of a 2nd Presbyterian Ch.I. It appears that Rev. James H. Baldwin came here about....(J. Moore, his Elder, in the Church at Troy Grove came about the same time) and after preaching several months he organized a Presbyterian Ch. of some 12 members-Mr. WicksMrs. Wicks - P. but their preference is for Cong. Ch. which they have joinedMr. JackMrs. Jack - P. have since joined O.S. Presb. Ch.J. MooreMrs. Moore- P. has not formally joined but aided with the Ch.Mrs. Baldwin - P.H. Baker - Cong.F. Baldwin- P. would have joined if his Br. had remained thereMrs. Cross-P. moved awayMrs. Keith- Cong.Mr. Rust - Cong.Mrs. Rust Cong. have recently applied for admission to N.S. Presb. Ch.After which he continued to preach about a year, receiving aid from the A.H.M.S. when he went east to obtain funds to build a Presb. Church. He was gone 5 or 6 weeks and during that time I came here as the agent is in duty bound to look after the churches under my care and learned to my surprise that arrangements were made to change the Ch. from Presb. to Cong. and that Mr. Holbrook had promised to be with them on that Sabbath but he did not appear. I preached and spent the Sabbath with H. Baker.II. Reasons for changing the organization. These I have not been able to learn satisfactorily. Whether Mr. Baldwin did any thing to bring it about or did concur in it. whether Mr. Holbrook advised it or whether any outside influence was brought to bear upon them.It is said in the Report of the Bureau Comm. that the Church by unanimous vote dissolved for the purpose of being organized into a Cong. Ch. But then it is fairly to be inferred that other reasons than a desire to form a Cong. Ch. had their influence from the fact that only 3 of the members of the Presb. Ch. were enrolled in the new organization and from the fact that immediately after an Old Sch. Presb. Ch. was formed.III. Reasons for forming the 2nd Presb. Ch. The principal are these.1. The strong and ecclesiastical anti-slavery views of a majority of the Cong. Ch. as expressed in the resolution of Dec. 4th/56 had been pressed to an extent that a minority of 7 at least had decided to leave its communion.2. There were as many more (professors of religion) identified with the Congregation sympathizing with the minority who after repeated solicitations from Br. B. had declined to unite with the Cong. Ch. from dislike to the spirit of those resolutions, most of them avowing a preference for a Presbyterian Ch. and these preferences had been expressed before the formal adoption of the resolutions.Under these circumstances the respective parties thought the time favorable for organizing a N.S. Presb. Ch, and invited the Presbytery of Ottowa to meet and determine whether such a church should be formed, none of whom had previously visited the place or been advised with. Br. Hayes, however, as agent of the Synod had been here and had been consulted on the subject.Having read the report to the company, I listened to their remarks and endeavored to put down every thing that had any bearing on the question at issue.I. Under the first hear. Mr. Augustine (And did a backslider brought back within a few days) stated that he once belonged to a Presb. Ch. but intended to join the Cong. Ch. when he came back to duty or words to that effect. He said Mr. Baldwin organized a church and circulated a subscription to build a church before ever he had preached there. He was corrected, it was not a church but a society which he organized.II. When I came to the reason of organizing a Cong. Ch. Mr. Dutch said that Mr. Holbrook was requested to visit Mendota but that he utterly refused to have anything to do in the matter. Mr. Augustine said that Mr. Baldwin could not unite the elements that existed and an counting names they found that a majority were Congregationalists and that 8 outside preferred a Cong. Ch. I stated that there but 3 of the Old. Presb. Ch. on their records. They said there were 4- that Mr. and Mrs. Wicks had joined the Old School Ch. and that all the male members agreed to the change.III. Respecting reasons for forming a 2nd Presb. Ch. As I read them over they remarked that Mr. Barret approved of those anti-slavery resolutions, I inquired if that was so. Some thought it was but Mr. Dutch said, his words were, he made no objection to them, this is it would be of no use. He merely moderated the meeting as was requested of him.On the clause “7 at least” they expressed the opinion that one person dissented from those resolutions. They said however that Mr. Rust out of regard to Mr. Barret would not vote. In regard to the words man or person they did not agree and I inquired if the women were not counted- c.c. not allowed to vote.They thought the clause “dislike to the spirit of those resolutions” should be struck out and that “3” should be substituted in place of “as many more” and here Mr. Murphy said that he and his wife might have been counted. He was a Presbyterian, had been so trained but he was also anti-slavery, from the Lacon CH. (of which Mr. Christopher is pastor and who was expected at one time to come to Mendota) and therefore could not unite with a church where these resolutions were rejected. But I replied to them that Br. Barret named to me Read, Colson and Townsend and their wives to which they made no definite reply.I was asked by the Brethren in that meeting if I recommended that application of the Presb. Ch. “I did.” And did you consult with this church. “Certainly not. I supposed of course that as you had passed those resolutions and had contributed through Mr. Bascom to the A. M. Association, you would not ask aid from the other. They said they were friends of the A.H.M.S. and “Mr. Bascom did not go round to solicit.” (c.c. after Mr. Bascom had told them that they were receiving aid from A.H.M.S.) but I went round and got $5 from 5 men. I inquired if some of them had not said that they would not receive aid from A.H.M.S. and contribute to the A. M. Association was like robbing Peter to Paul.Having read all I had written and put down all that was pertinent to the subject I left as I had proposed and entered the cars at 1 1/2 p.m. to go to Paw Paw, requesting them to write to me within a week if they wished to add any thing to my report.There are some things omitted which I shall now put down in order to comply with my instructions to reply “:in full at length and in detail.” Intimations being thrown out that Mr. Barret has been harshly treated. M.J. Moore said that when they met and voted not to employ him longer their object was to let him know the kindest manner before hand that they could not raise his salary another year.I explained my surprise to Br. Parker that they should apply to the A.H.M.S.. He said “I have always been a fried to that society!”In Br. Parker’s letter it is intimated that other denom. sympathize with the Cong. Ch. I called on our common friend Rev. Mr. Fisk O.S. He said, “It was wrong to change the Ch. from Presb. to Cong.” and yet according to Mr Barret’s representation there would not have been an Old Sc. Presb. there as Mr & Mrs Jack were the only members they had in the place. He thought at the time in that it had been better not to have formed a 2nd Presb. Ch, but that as the Cong Ch. have gone over to the A. M.As. they might be left to get aid there and the A.H.M.S. might better help the Presb. Ch.He said the Cong. had violated their own resolution by inviting in a protracted meeting with the Old Sc. Presb. as they did!!Mr. Barret says that within a few days he had meet them at his request and professed to settle all difficulties when they made no allusion to the fact that application and complaints had just gone to New York.Mr. Barret says that the Bureau Com did not give them an opportunity to give their version of the affair.I express no opinion on the question. It will be soon enough for me to give an opinion when the Presb. Ch. make application in June.Aratus KentP.S. Mr. Barret requested me to delay until he can write again and give new testimony but I do not think it fair to take more testimony of materially to change the report without showing it to the other party.___Coal Valley, March 17th 58Dear Br. ,Will you be pleased to let me know the reason my quarterage has not been sent. In my report for Feb. I had desired the aid given by the society to be sent quarterly if convenient. I need it very much.Yours,John L. RairdsCoal Valley, Rock Island Co.IllTo Rev. A. KentGalena____Galena, March 20, 1858Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,The enclosed letter will I presume meet so prompt a reply from your office that I need not make any other reply then to forward it, and yet I have been thinking that perhaps our Secretaries had been dozing of late in sleepy hollow, for I have heard nothing to my statistical report to Dr. B., nothing in reply to my report to Dr. N., nothing from the application from Albany and Rev. Mr. Hemenway and nothing from my special request to be informed whether the Northville application was granted.I have wanted information on these last two cases that I may know whether to direct other ministers there. I have had extraordinary perplexities in my work of late. But it is quite possible that the Secretaries may have some too.I have been to Mendota and could report but Br. Barret has written me requesting me to delay 10 days till he can get further testimony.I suppose that I need not give the Brethren a formal invitation to send a representative to Chicago 3rd Thursday of May.I think the circular I sent out and the appeals made here have been making some good impressions.Yours truly,A. Kent___[The Cong. Ch. of Huntley, Ill. apply for $200 aid in support of Rev. Lot Church 12 mo. from Feb. 1, 1858- all these notes refer to this - ultimately granted $200]Galena, March 23, 1858I see no occasion to write to Br. Benedict for Br. Savage is authority with me and indeed I wonder at Br. Clark that he should have written such a recommendation when he seems to have had an unfavorable impression. I cannot recommend the application. I know nothing of the incumbent but what is contained herein.A. KentShould you think it necessary you can write to Br. Benedict of Aurora. I should certainly have done so if I thought you wished it. Among the things about which I have heard nothing. I forgot at the moment of writing last the matter of $300 in #rd Presb. Ch. of Chicago of which I asked your direction. I want the money that is due me for I can collect nothing that is due me.Please signify your wishes.A. KentI have written Br. Clark that he must first satisfy the majority of the Com.- that it would not be respectful to them for me to go and recommend a man over their heads and when I know they had refused their names. Am I not right?A. Kent[From Savage to Kent]Bro. Kent,I cannot endorse the application of Mr. Church I do not think that he is a man who would do good to any church. If you wish for light in relation to him, you had better write to Br. benedict of Aurora....Truly yours,E.S. Savage___Galena, March 31, 1858Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir,Your letter of the 25 inst as also of that of Dr. Coe are received. Yours contained the first intimation that has reached me of his doctorate and I will try to remember it in future, though I presume that if I should forget it in my future communications it would give him no uneasiness, or at least he would dispose of it as Saul did, of the neglect of the men of Belial.I was quite surprised that you should have understood me as asking any allowance for expenses, which I did not think of doing and only alluded to it as one item of information that you would like to have in passing. I have never even kept an account of my expenses of agency myself until last year, nor do I know what are the expenses of other agents, nor even what salary any other one receives.However as the mistake has been made and as I am more than usually crowded to meet my liabilities I have concluded to accept it and turn it to the purpose to which you alluded, i.e. $100 of it.I am not going to disturb the Ex. Com. again about Kankakee. I have no doubt they have decided according to the evidence which has come before them. But I happen to know so much about that whole thing that I sympathize extremely with the oppressed church and I have encouraged them to expect $200 from me personally when they are in circumstances to need that aid, and in order to accomplish my purpose I shall be obliged to confess to a blunder.I appealed to a number of my personal friends to contribute to that Presb. Ch. as a New Years gift and I obtained from J.N. Phelps 45 Wall St., $100, which I solicited for that church at Kankakee. And being so much accustomed to plead for our society I promised that he should be a life member of the A.H.M.S.I have therefore no alternative but to say to him by letter that his contribution must go to the general purposes of the Society of which he will thereby become a L. director and I will give the $100 which your mistake or mine has furnished me, for I had no idea of having my report so as to imply that I wished to receive anything for “wear and tear” or general expenses. (Please forward his certificate of life directorship.)I have enjoyed great good health during the winter months and have performed as much labour as perhaps in any period of my life of as many months without any special “weariness,” but as to the “infirmity” I am well aware that I have a full shall of that article.My correspondence has greatly increased. I think I have written twice as many letters as during any previous year.I was surprised that Br. Gould and Hemenway were commissioned again. But the matter has gone by and the same is true of the Ch. at Barrington. I have felt that I must be more decided in urging up delinquents since this pressure has come over us and I regret the 3 cases as examples, to say the least and I thought Dr. Hale’s letter would put to rest the one to which it referred, but as he was displeased with my plainness with him I thought I would state the case and have leave it without expressing any opinion. And my only concern is that he will now hand to Sommonauk until it results in disaster and division in that young R.R. village.Let me say confidentially that the Brethren in Ottowa Presb. have their own troubles with that Br., and one of them has threatened to go to Chicago Presb. But I have dissuaded him. I do not know as it is worthwhile to disturb the present arrangement. If however you want more information you might request 2 Brethren out of Ottowa Presby. to go to Sommonauk and inquire of the ch. going Presbyterians whether Br. G. is acceptable to them. I mean not his church for they are afraid to think different from him but the inhabitants of the village. I think perhaps it is better to let it pass.Br. Hemenway may do better for a while but it will grieve the good Brethren at Como, as his being commissioned will be regarded as a reflection on them.Yours truly,A. KentLest it should seem as if I was extorting from the A.H.M.S. to swell the amount of my annual contributions, I would say that I am getting to be an old man and to save trouble to my executors I am trying to get off my hands the best way I can what I can conveniently spare and shall turn what I have yet to draw from Chicago $150 over to Rockford Female Sem to meet a larger subscription which I made to provoke others to good works.Mr. Riley's statement is entirely satisfactory.If i have made any blunders this time you must bear with me and in all patience correct them, recollecting that horses sometimes dozed in Sleepy Hollow.As I understood you I shall draw the rest of the money from Chicago (2nd Presb. Ch.) which you are hereby authorized to to charge to my account.A. Kent____Galena, April 15, 1858Dear Sir,I returned yesterday from assisting Br. Dunn if Wenona - 16 were added to the Ch. It was intention to have spent part of the time at Magnolia where Br. Fowler laboured but the wet weather prevented. Perhaps I shall still go there next week. On my way home I called at Mendota to see some Brethren of the Ottowa Presb. There I learned from Br. Barret that he has new matters relative to the vindication of himself and which will be forwarded when they make application for aid.I have just received a letter from Br. Baldwin to Br. Barret which freely confirmed what I have already stated concerning Br. B’s position as a congregationalist but utterly opposed to the ultra measures which have occasioned all the trouble.A. KentI feel too unwell to write more and should not have have sent this but from a suspicion that has crept into my mind that more is intended there, namely to get aid for the Cong. Ch. in Mendota.______Galena, April 15, 1858I have visited Waltham twice and was afraid they would give up in despair under the pressure of 2 sources of embarrassment. 1) The house of worship was an unfinished shell and 2) they have a scotch element that had become disgusted and partially withdrawn, but there was still a faint hope that if we could secure the services of Br. Wells who was farming within the bounds of the parish they might be saved. He considered that the only hope of getting the house finished was to refuse to preach only on that condition and then generously offered to give to that object all they would subscribe for his support. If therefore it is not in all respects in conformity with our rules, it is the best we can do.There is wealth enough in the parish and we think that Br. Wells will in a year or two draw it out and secure a good support. He is regarded as an able man and was the pastor at Monticello (F. Sem) until his health failed.My impression- my hope- my expectation is that while he finds it necessary to labour some what on his farm he will be worth more to us than many men who have no farm. I think by all means the request should be granted for this year.A. Kent____Galena, April 24/58Mr. H.W. RipleyDear Sir,I hereby acknowledge the receipt of $300 from S.L. Brown treasurer of the 2nd Presb. Ch. of Chicago and acknowledge the receipt of $75 “from a friend of the cause” of Home Miss. So. in Massachusetts in response to the circular of last winter which I forwarded.I keep no copies of my letters and cannot unravel the mystery of the $100/net on the wrong side of the page.But I suppose you have learned ere this that Missionaries are not always good financiers.Yours, A. Kent______I recommend the appropriation asked, but while do this I say that I have thought that perhaps....Virginia Settlement [Ridgefield], May 15, 1858Having sat down to endorse this application and wrote as far as perhaps, I reconsidered the whole subject and concluded that as these 2 churches (this and Crystal Lake) were within 4 miles of each other, had both been helped some 14 or 15 years, and both likely to be quite limited fields for a good while to come, I would go on purpose to visit them and make another effort to reduce their claims upon the Society or persuade them to unite in the support of one man. I have not succeeded but I think Crystal Lake and probably this church will support their own ministries after this year. Mr. Fuller thinks that they are inclined to got to the Free Missionary Society but I think if they receive aid this year they will here after become self supporting.A. KentVirginia Settlement, May 15/58Appendix- for the eyes of the SecretariesI find this church in a very distracted state and have resolved to spend the Sabbath here and if I cannot pour on oil, I will try at least to dilute the aqua fortis which another minister has administered quite too freely and very officiously.Now for the factsThe wife of our missionary J.H. Baldwin went off 7 miles and staid a fortnight and left an unweaned child, and reported that her husband did not love her, which is about all she complains of. A part of the church (i.e., one elder and 2 or 3 related to him) have credited her story and denounced him, though his warm friends before, and refused to hear him preach and he has left preaching and moved away. But the greater part of the Ch. sympathized with and made him a parting visit and a very handsome present.The Ch. record I called for and found a very humiliating confession over her name and yet she has gone right away repeated the same slander against him and I think neither party have understood the case. To my mind it is a case of occult insanity operating as occasionally called out of which there are some of the evidences.She insists that she has no friends. She interprets all equivocal acts of her husband as proofs of his want of love. She is manifestly prompted by suspicions which imagination created. She laughs and weeps immoderately. She is not truthful, c.c., she flatly contradicts at one time what she has said at another and at times evinces an utter want of maternal affection and frequently starts off leaving her little children and in gone most of the day without any but a half grown girl to care for them.we all know how exceedingly provoking an insane person sometimes is and it would be strange if he and not been provoked to do wrong at times.I thought it owed to your missionary to make this statement.A. Kent____Galena, June 7, 1858I recommend that the application be granted to the amount of $200 and in view of the pressure upon the society I do not feel at liberty to recommend a larger sum. I may misjudge but I think that the people ought to lift their aid to sustain their minister. I passed along the Rail Road after I saw Dr. Badger intending to call & inform myself but the cars did not stop at Jefferson and being called home by domestic afflictions, I returned from Elk Grove & Dunston on Monday without stopping to make inquiries concerning the field Br. Clark occupied. The same cause and the damage in the G. & G.W. R.R. prevented me from preaching yesterday on Home Miss at Belvidere as I had appointed. You have probably learned ere this of the calamity on our Miss. Br. Isely as Roscoe. His whole family, wife and 8 children swept away by the flood of Thursday night. I had planned to visit him to day on my return from Belvidere.A. Kent_____Galena, June 23 [1858]I spent a Sabbath some months since at Minook and I am quite week satisfied that the statements are not exaggerated. Their prospects are flattering. Br. Brown is regarded favorably by his ministerial Brethren.. I recommend the appropriation.A. Kent____Galena, July 6 [1858]This application and letter (and another letter from Br. S.G. Wright in answer to my inquiries) contain all the information I am possessed of and while I endorse the application I may be permitted to say that br. N.C. Clark said “I could continue to live pretty well on 600 as times are this year.”A. Kent____Galena, July 6 [1858][Application of the Congregational Church in Fulton CIty, Illinois]I think highly of Br. [Josiah] Leonard.A. Kent_____Galena, July 6 [1858]Some years ago the Old School Brethren jumped our claim at Marengo, organized a church and built a college there but Br. Marcus White and others could not be whipped into the (slavery) trance and it has resulted in a new organization (as has been enacted so often) where there ought to have been but one (N.S. Presb.) Church. I recommend the appropriation of 100 as requested. A. Kentn.b. Br. CLark I call Sylvanus, 1 Pet 7...12____Galena July 6 [1858]I wrote to Br. Emerson in reply to his inquiries and his letter and this application in his hand writing satisfy me that the commission should be granted.A. Kent_____Galena, July 6 [1858]I have not been to Lamoille in some time and supposed they had become a Free Mission Ch. but was mistaken. Br. Swift has sent me a copy of his license but I think all will be satisfactory to you without forwarding his letter. I recommend the appropriation of $150 and as requested recommend that the commission date June 1 when he began his work.A. Kent_____[The Cong. Ch. of Monroe, Ill., apply for $250 renewed aid in support of Rev. C. R. Clark]Galena, July 6, 1858I was quite vexed with the miserable paper on which this application is written and having injured my eyes in reading it. I should not wonder if you sent it back to be copied, as I was half a mind to do, for it is an able document which would be better appreciated if it could be read without hesitation.Br. Barret has an expensive family and I presume that a knowledge of the facts would convince any reasonable man that 600 is as little as any man could live on in a place where everything must be bot. I have attended the meeting of trustees and the Ceremonies of Beloit College and Rockford Fem. Sem, and managed to preach on Sabbath for Br. Kellog and the last Sabbath for Br. Phelps or Lee Center and though it had been an exhausting process I am perhaps as well as if I had staid home.I have begun this morning on a bottle of bitters done up in Menongahella Whiskey for my stomach’s sake.A. Kent_____July 6 [1858]When I took up this letter I thought it was a case for curtailment but when I had read the whole story I thought I could “go the whole figure.” I recommend to the Comm. to grant them 150 and I recommend to the agent to visit them and raise the 50.A. Kent____Galena, July 24 [1858]When I received this letter I laid it by to wait for a formal application. But in looking ut over I find that they regard this as sufficient. And I so regard it for I have been there and inquired into the circumstances of that drooping vine by direction of Presbytery, and was gratified to find Br. Root supplying them and that under his labours they are waking up to a new effort to live. It is without hesitation that I recommend an appropriation of $125 - to begin with Apr. 15.A. KentBr. Root who laboured at Udina last year gives good satisfaction at both points (please add “and vicinity”)._____Galena, July 29, 1858I have had 2 or 3 long consultations with myself about this application. It is evidently drawn up by the missionary himself and presents the best side it has. I have supposed Br. L. was not very acceptable there. Br. S.G.Wright in his letter in reference to Buda intimated his doubts about Br. Lyman’s acceptableness at Sheffield. It seems to me wrong that Buda and Sheffield should be supported while they are so weak. And in view of what Br. Badger wrote about Mr. Waldo would it or would it not be best for your committee to decide that their funds would not allow of their separation and recommend that they unite in supporting one man each 1/2 the time. But perhaps prudential considerations will induce them to send me on to the ground to make investigation at Buda and Sheffield. I took my pen to write to Br. Bascom (old agent as he is) whether his hearty approval was based on personal observation.A. Kent____Galena, July 29, 1858Br. H.W. Ripley will have occasion to watch me pretty closely lest I prove delinquent in reporting. I find no evidence that I have reported the follwoing sums.1858 Jan. 29 Cong Ch. Vermillionville $5.00Feb. 7 col in 1 Cong Ch. Rockford22.00June 19 Balance of the same36.50Ap. 24 Second Presb. Ch. Chicago300.00do “a friend of the cause”75.00Ap. 30 Peru Cong CH18.40May 30 Elk Grove 22.15Dunston Presb. Ch10.22 467.30200167.30Please report.A. Kent______Galena, Aug. 12, 1858I am acquainted with Br. [William] Porter and believe him to be a faithful laborer and when I was at Hampton a year or two ago I received a favorable impression concerning his field of labour, and know no reason why the request should not be granted.A. Kent___ Galena, Aug. 26 [1858]I have hesitated somewhat in relation to the application from Nettle Creek. But I enclose Br. Day’s letter explanatory. He is in Kendall and proposes to preach in Grundy and LaSalle Counties. But his appointments are but 8 and 12 or 15 miles from here and I presume we shall get no one who lives nearer the field at present. I regard to field at Marsailles more important prospectively than Nettle Creek and see no chance of supplying them but this.A. Kent___Galena, Aug. 31, 1858And I certify that I am well acquainted with the field and the man for whom aid is asked. It is off from the Rail Road and like most other fields so situated it languishes because the men of enterprise and spirit remove to more [favorable?] positions and consequently it is difficult to obtain men who will occupy the field and no less difficult to raise an adequate support.Mr. Smith is one of the best men but so diffident and feeble of self-distrust that he takes fright at a shadow and because he could not say they had paid him up, he concluded to try to get along without missionary aid. But while labouring faithfully he has got in debt, and himself and wife are extremely threadbare. In the mean time the Plum River Church where he had built a house has run down very much and the Elizabeth Church has run up and they have just found out that he is a very good man and very good preacher and insist on having him preach there every Sabbath and they report quite an addition to the Church. I encouraged him to renew the application and to ask 200 and to date back to the first of June and then he loses near 3 months labour.I have also been about town and gathered up in garment, boots and shoes and money and sundries for “necessary was” to the amount of 35 or 40 dollars and sent the man off with a respectable box of good cheer, nailed up and labeled in die form. And indeed I feel a good deal better myself after the effort. You will please therefore, commission him and send him a draft for 50 on receiving his quarterly report and accompany it with a kind word.A. Kent____Galena, Sept. 2, 1858A Model ChurchAt the close of a long days ride after visiting a church which had long been aided by the A.H.Miss. Society and still feeble I called on Rev. Mr. C., and drew from him a statement which happily illustrates the blessed effects of vigorous efforts at self-support.The church had at one time the prospect of being absorbed in a new organization three miles distant at Pecatonica. But they said among themselves, we must have preaching, and we must support the minister. Accordingly they began with 4 subscriptions of 50 dollars each. They pledged a salary of 500 dollars, house rent free. They pay it promptly in cash and not by turning out such things as are unsalable; and in addition to their pledge they furnish his wood.As a farming community they have experienced the reverses which have crippled our benevolent institutions. But when their subscription fell short $100 they did not ignore the fact, as is sometimes done, but 5 of them assumed the debt and it was paid.They are a united people and have been greatly blessed during the year by reviving influences of God’s good spirit and from 28 the church has reached to 69. During the revival it was said, we are abundantly paid for all the sacrifices we have made. Two young men from this church have gone to Beloit to study for the ministry, and another has it in serious contemplation. I inquired how many attend the prayer meeting and was told there were 58 at the last meeting.A. Kent____Galena, Sept 21, 1858This embraces the same field which Br. Murphy occupied some years ago and scattered some seed. I have at different times spent a Sabbath with them (but the village of Gardner has grown up since) I was there and greatly interested one Sabbath before Br. Waldo visited them. I think of it as a promising field and should the present incumbent succeed as I hope he will I think we shall rejoice over the growth and permanency of the churches he is called to feed. I recommend the granting of aid named.A. Kent____Sycamore, September 27, 1858This application reached me some days ago and my first thought was to forward it but a little reflection led me to think that I ought to inquire into their capabilities. And I have made a long journey to visit them and 2 trustees listened to what I had to say. I endeavored to make them feel that after being dependent 18 years it was tome to go alone.While I recommend that 200 be granted I shall hope that they will better themselves and go alone hereafter.The application seems to speak in a very patronizing and forgiving tone of our position and hopeful reformation.A. KentI am writing in the dark.____[From Rev. N. C. Clark to A. Kent]Elgin Oct. 12, 1858Rev. A. KentDear Bro.,I have signed the endorsement of the accompanying application because I think this church ought to be looked after & they must aid. The church is feeble, probably does very well in raising $150. I believe three and not more than five or six male members & not more than three who have much property. Of Br. Gay I do not know enough to recommend him, except that he is a member in good standing of the Fox River Union. When he labors there half of the time, or whether he does anywhere I do not know. Last summer he engaged to labor a part of the time in Kaneville 6 or 7 miles from Lodi, but for some cause left there. The little church there was very much disappointed by his leaving & dissatisfied with the answer that he gave for doing so. He had an appointment for preaching & communion service. He came Saturday, preached preparatory between I believe & told the church that he should not be there the next day & left, went and preached I think in Aurora to a new church organized there. He is not employed there.The church in Campton & Virgil is 6 or 7 miles from Lodi is feeble & vacant. If Br. Gay is not employed but half the time, it seems a pity that he should not be in one or both of these neighboring churches.Yours truly,N.C. Clark____Lodi [Maple Park], Oct. 20, 1858The church alluded to as being still feeble is that at Sycamore.I left Dement [Creston] yesterday where a feeble church is aided by the A. M. Assoc. in support of Br. Bristol. I stopped at Malta, 6 miles, a R.R. village of very recent origin and ascertained that they have no organization but a Methodist class formed a week ago. They think that a Congregational Minister would be most acceptable but an O.S. Presbyterian is located near there by the name of Porter who preaches in the village at present. At Dekalb (6 miles) a much larger village they have a church and a house of worship and a minister, Br. Bristol, who formerly preached at Lowell. I am on my way (detained by rain) to Oswego to spend a Sabbath by request of Br. A.S. Drake.There is great complaint of hard times all over the region. In amount is this. Besides the financial pressure of last year these is almost a total failure of oat & wheat cop. The potatoes rot and the corn will be very light and hence the churches are all asking the same as last year and I find it very difficult to reduce their demands. Then another difficulty is that too many churches have been organized (especially Congregational) and when one such an organization has been created, they are very reluctant to give it up and go 4 or 5 or 6 miles to attend on the ministrations of the Gospel. I attended the meeting of our Synod at Belvidere, It was very pleasant and harmonious meeting and after some discussion they concluded that with church extensions as a supplement the Home Missionary Society would answer their purpose.Yours, etc.,A. Kent____Lodi, Oct. 20, 1858[The Congregational Church at Lodi, Ill. apply for $150 aid in support of Rev. Wm. Gay half the time]This application came into my hands about 3 months after date and with the letter of Br. Clark led me to think it necessary to come and inquire into the facts. The application was made out in good time but was not promptly acted upon by the committee and Mr. Gay explained satisfactorily the reasons of his abrupt leaving of Kaneville. K. Lyons, a Presbyterian who has not joined the church speaks highly of Br. Gay and hopes his labours will rouse the church to a more full discharge of duty in prayer meetings and in the family.From all I can learn there is a good prospect of usefulness before him and he proposes to preach a part of the time at Courtland (5 miles) at Hampshire Settlement about the same distance. And I have suggested that he preach once every Sabbath at Lodi and once every alternate Sabbath at the other place and I think the application should be granted.A. Kent____Oct. 25, 1858After recommending Br. W. Gay it was hinted to me that his character was not free from stain by Mrs. Drake of Oswego when I went to preach, her husband being absent. She had heard him in conversation with other ministers speak of him. She said that the Sheriff (a Congregationalist member) had tried to serve a process on him but he would not be found, and his wife said he was gone away 70 miles but it appeared that he was near home. I saw the sheriff. He said he had been 4 times but he could not be found. He did not wish to say anything but he was slippery- not fit to preach. I must go to Bristol where he had lived and preached. I went to Bristol and called on Mr. Lane. He would not say anything- because Mr. Gay would demand the proof. But he is not fit to preach. He sent me to Mr. Child. Mr Child said I have been his best friend but he is not fit to preach. He is a disgrace to the cause and gave me a new item of evidence that he is accused of licentious conduct towards Mr. Lawe’s daughter about which he so equivocated in conversation with me (Mr. Child) that I have lost all confidence in him. Having read the above to Mr. Child he permitted me to use it and he said he would go with me to call on Rev. Homan Colton (of Ottowa Presbytery) living in the village. Mr. Colton and Lane married sisters. They consider him a bad man but have resolved on utter silence because they cannot prove any thing. But Mr. Colton who was his friend has lost all confidence in him, and they say that similar stories come through a Methodist minister by the name of Minard. He is said to have been a methodist minister himself. I was directed to inquire of Deac. Dyer and Esq. McClellen and especially of Rev. Mr. Baxter one of our missionaries in Plano.I went to Plano and called on Mr. Baxter who said I know all about him for I laboured in Bristol in a Revival last winter and I should not be willing to endorse an application from him. He said also that Mr. Child was a reliable man. I said moreover that he ought not yet such a man labour in our church. He replied that the Fox River Union meets here tomorrow and I intend to bring the matter up.I have this put down in haste and in the dark and with a bad pen what I think should put a veto on the application.And if your committee think as I do I shall expect that you will inform the trustees that he cannot be commissioned.I send this off in haste that it may if possibly anticipate their action.Yours, etc.,A. KentI ought to add that Mr. Van Antwerp spent a Sabbath at Oswego and in reply to my inquiry said he could not endorse an application from Mr. Gay.Having obtained a candle I would add that I spent an interesting Sabbath at Oswego, took up a collection of $27.32, which was pretty well for that feeble church after raising 40 for their missionary employed by the Association and $500 for the Theo. Sem. by the agent Mr. Kedzie, both recently.Oct. 26 Learning that the mail does not close till 2 p.m., I break the seal to put in better shape what was written under greatest disadvantage mon Home about Bristol charges Rev. Mr. Gay with conduct grossly unministerial.1 dishonesty of tricky. Sheriff Raymond and others2 Trading in horses, farms, nurseries, etc.3) untruthful, Raymond, Mr. Child4) Licentious. A daughter of Mr. Lane and a daughter of Mr. Bristol or a girl who lived with him who is reported to have said that she would not be in the house with him alone by night for 1000 dollars.These are reports circulated about Bristol by the very best members of the Cong. Ch., but have not reached Lodi, and had not reached Br. Clark and Gore when they signed the application.I have given some responsible names to you but you might report him to the church at Lodi with the charge and specifications leaving out the names and let him make inquiry of Common Home at his leisure.____Galena, Nov. 1, 1858I am not quite satisfied (while I greatly respect Br. Grant’s opinion) that a missionary should spend a part of every Sabbath at Hadley so long as they can raise but $200 and a Cong. of but 50 persons. But I think well of it with the proviso that he look out an another point where he may after this year obtain a good share of his support. I think this should be urged with some emphasis upon that old missionary field.A. Kent_____Galena, Nov. 1, 1858Dear Dr. B.,Mrs. K. and myself returned last evening home after riding an hour in deep mud and midnight darkness from a tour of almost 4 weeks in our own conveyance to visit places we cannot reach by Rail Road.We have encountered storms and other varied experiences that might be made the woof or the web of another number of the “Prairie Missionary”. But leaving the “shady side” in the shade we had a very interesting tour during which we passed through Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Will, Lee, Whitesides & Carrol Counties, have visited 20 missionary fields and counseled with 11 Home Missionaries and preached twice on Home Miss and taken up collections. We have heard one story. Hard times, crops failed, no means or raising support.I have not been able to visit Coal Valley have thought of doing so and taking a tour through R. Island, Henry, Bureau & LaSalle Co. but the rains are so constant and the roads so very bad in those flat grounds and fertile soils that it seems a little too bad at this late date in autumn to go through that region in my buggy.I know nothing but that Mr. Richards is doing as well as he represents.I hope you will attend to his case.In regard to Br. Stryker I did not know that he had applied for aid. You perhaps know more of him than I do. But I became much interested in him and greatly interested in the field he occupied and should be sorry not to learn him sustained. I had heard before that he was making great personal sacrifices to hold on to the post he occupied and I think that he should be helped.Yours, etc.,A. KentI understand Mr. Hemenway has gone to Iowa. I intend to visit Albany very soon and inquire whether the new reasons are as unfavorable as they seem.___Galena, Nov. 23, 1858The secretaries tell me that I must crowd up the churches to do more and ask less or unite with one or more churches in support of the same man. And this is a fair example to operate upon. The church is small and the field limited - they have been aided some years. And I have urged their union with Gap Grove, and the accompanying letter shows how it is regarded.Perhaps however it will be expedient to let them have this their own way, for they [Como] are a sort of pet church of mine.A. Kent______[The Cong. Ch. of Roscoe, Ill. applies for $150 aid in support of Rev. L.H. Kellogg for 12 mo from Oct. 1, 1858. granted $100.]Roscoe, Nov. 27, 1858I received this application 2 days since and being not satisfied with the propriety of allowing a salary of 600, I came to see if there were good and sufficient reasons. In addition to the reason mentioned in Br. Kellogg’s note, I learn that he lost a part (say 75) what was promised at Grand Detour, and his eyes are so weak that he obliged to tax his wife to read for him and thus prevents her from attending to domestic duties as she would.Monday morning, Nov. 29I preached yesterday and had congregations of 40 and p.m. 50, when I presented Home Missions. It was a stormy day, snowed and melted, making it very bad walking. I attended their prayer meeting when I told them Home Miss. So. expected they would help themselves both by money and effort and thus become self supporting in a brief period.They feel deeply their loss in the disastrous removal of Br. Illsley. The present supply seems to be devoted to his work and is resolved organizing his whole time to his work, by visiting and catechizing as well as preaching.I inquired particularly about the distance of his out posts and fount the the school houses were not more than 2 1/2 miles distant and then said to him that if it were my field I should rather go on foot than to have the expense as well as the care and trouble of a horse, at least during the winter season. Having now stated the case I leave you to decide on the amount of the grant.A. Kent_____[The Cong. Ch. of Malta, Ill., apply for $100 aid in support of Rev. Samuel Porter for 12 months from Nov. 13, 1858. Granted $100.]Galena, Nov. 30, 1858After a good deal of thought I have concluded to forward this application without further inquiry. I was there a few weeks since and found no church organized and no materials for such organization. There were a few gathered the week before into a little methodist class. I called on the two who were pointed out to me as favorable to our denomination. One of them seemed to give not much evidence of zeal and the other when I spoke to him and made myself known did not manifest interest enough to stop his work or to invite me to his house and that one was Mr. Whitehead whose name is appended to this application. which leads me to think that the organization is premature as is often the case. But sometimes such hurried movements are over ruled for good. The minister is an Old School Presb. and I presume will calculate to devote 6 days to his own affairs- else he could not afford to preach for 225. With this statement of facts I leave it with the Com. to settle the question.A. Kent____Galena, Nov. 30, 1858This little church occupies a position which warrants the expectation of a speedy growth as the country around fills up. A map of Ill. R.Roads will show that my route in crossing over from Granville, Putnam Co. to the Indiana line in the dead of winter in 1852 passed near this point. I recollect well passing prairies of 11, 14, and 18 miles without a house, fence or animal except the little snow birds flitting along before me. It was one of those divine jaunts that I shall never forget. Now every foot of land is taken up and settlements of enterprising people are rapidly multiplying.But the failure of their crops afflicts these very recently settlements much more than those that have more of less of old store laid by. I am disposed therefore to become more charitable than Br. Dunn and I recommend their requested be granted.A. Kent____[The Presb. Chs. of Fairbury and Chenoa, Ill. apply for $300 aid in support of Rev. D.B. Drake, for 12 months from Nov. 1, 1858.]Galena, Nov. 30, 1858I recommend this application for substantially the same reasons as that at Chenoa, confidently believing that with God’s blessing they will do more and ask less another year.A. Kent______[The Cong. Chs. at Burrit & Owen, Ill. apply for $200 renewed aid in support of Rev. E.W. Kellog.]Galena, Dec. 16 [1858]Since preparing Br. Kellogg’s letter of the 8th I have received this application and accompanying letter and I am puzzled to know what your committee will decide in such a case and conclude to send them all. Br. K. thinks he must have B & Own and I cannot blame him as he has a good prospect at Bristol. I believe the churches at Burrit/Owen have done all they can.A. Kent_____Galena, Dec. 20, 1858Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Sir,I hereby make application for aid for Rev. Calvin Gray to labour ay Fair Haven and vicinity for one year on a salary of 500 dollars, one hundred of which is all that I think he can hope to make up from the people whom he serves.There is a wide destitution around him including one little church that has been vacant until they are nearly annihilated, and cannot do half that would have done a year or two since.I am so much at a loss to know how to act that I have concluded to send you his letter which places him in an unfavorable light. But you can see from it what his views of the field and of his own duty are and if you do not grant him the sum (400) necessary for his support I understand him to ask that he be allowed to make up by labour on the farm what you withhold of the 400. If you should need further information you will please to obtain it by direct correspondence with him.He feels suspicious of me as unfriendly because I have thought he ought to leave Mr. Carrol sooner than he did. He seems determined that I shall make the application which properly belongs to him.In rests with the committee to grant him 400 of allow him to spend part of his time in farming or to advice him to seek another field or-I have sought to do my duty as in any other case but if you can conciliate him and relieve me bu a wise course, please to do so and as “in duty bound I will pray, etc.”His excellent wife has done all she can and is really a most energetic and patient woman.A. Kent___Galena, Dec. 25, 1858Rev. D.B. CoeDear Br.,Your letter of inquiry about boxes has awakened me to some reflections. 1 I have not been particular to make quarterly reports but suppose I have written as often as once a quarter, and whenever the fit took me or when I had something of interest to say. 2 I find it very difficult to keep track [of] the boxes or the churches which apply for missionaries to whom they may send boxes “prepared to order”. For often they are a year or 6 months in fitting them out and then they communicate directly with the Miss. (as I advise them to do) and I never know what has been [sent] unless I hear a year or two afterwards that the miss. never received the promised box. Then I often forget to make the minutes of the facts so it is forgotten. But I supply a goof many a year, not only from the stronger churches in Ill., but from churches in the east that write requesting me to describe the Miss’s family.Since this year came in I had an offer from Northhampton, Mass. Jan. 10 to provide 2 boxes. I sent 2 names. Nov. 11 another lady wrote and said they forgotten the names and I sent the names of N. Barret... A box from Batavia was sent to J.M. Brown, Minnok- and recently a box was sent to him from Brookport which I directed him to divide between his family and his sister Mrs. Fowler, the widow of Joseph Fowler, whom I visited recently. July I wrote to 2nd Church Chicago to send a box to J.W. Johnston of Lena. He has received it. Sept. engaged 3rd Presb. Ch in Chicago to send a box to Rev. Mr. M. Cord of Richmond.July engaged 1st Ch of Rockford to send a box to Mr. Budd of Nora. There is an application again from Batavia, N.Y. to make a box which I have referred to Rev. Martin and he will in all probability apply for it.It is a very perplexing business as you doubtless know and some things sent are worthless. In other cases the boxes are very valuable.Yours,A. KentGalena Dec. 29, 1858I report to the treasurerAug 8 collected at Elmwood Cong. Ch 14.5516 John Ruth, Freeport8.00Sept 20 5 Cong Ch at Rockford3.00Oct 24 Collection at DuPage Presb. Ch.6.35Dec. 29 A Wood, Fair Play5.00 36.90Charge me withA. KentPlease send the “Home Missionary” to Alfred Wood, Fair Play, Wisconsin.Dec. 29 I should think probably that Rev. Emery of Caledonia, Force of South Ottowa, Fuller of Crystal Lake, A. Lyman of Sheffield, M. Root of Eagle Point, A.S. Wells of Monee, Whittenmore of Pontiac would be likely to appreciate such boxes- and it is would not come amiss if another box were sent to Mr. Drake of Oswego. They are straitened as well as many others. The hard times are very hard now. It is the same story every where. No wheat, no oats, little corn and a short crop of potatoes. Yesterday out in the country 15 miles I heard this statement. A man offered to pay his hired man ($100) for cutting his 50 acres of wheat and then giving him the whole and he refused it.In reference to Br. Gray’s case. I suppose that when there is no church to apply and the field is entirely new that it is allowable for the missionary to make application but he must describe the field and state the facts of the case. The Ch. at Clyde where [he] is to preach a part of his time has so declined by years of neglect that it can hardly be expected to make application.A. K.Br. Badger’s letter in relation to him is received.____[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]Galena, Dec. 24, 1859Professor EmersonDear Sir,Enclosed I send a draft for $25 which you will please appropriate to the aid of Mr. Talman in such terms as you judgement shall dictate.On reflection, I thought perhaps that this amount would serve him for one year and I have appropriated $25 in another direction which was not before my mind when I proposed the sum of 50.May the Divine blessing attend all your efforts to train young minds for usefulness.Yours, etc.,A. Kent____Galena, Dec. 30, 1858The Application from Henry calls for $600 and they make out a strong case as I told them they must. I recommend the grant if the minister be worthy of which I know nothing but pour over our correspondence. He was anxious to what prospects were before he removed his family from Bloomingdale. It is greatly regretted by many in the vicinity that the church was changed (by outside influence like many others) from Presb. to Cong. thus contributing to an O.S. organization to divide and weaken, but that cannot be helped now.A. Kent____Jan. 1, 1859I have recently visited Shireland and am well persuaded that they are entitled to receive aid and recommend the grant of $100.A. Kent____Galena, Jan 21, 1859The application from this church asks for $150 by reason of indebtedness. The same plea was urged last year and I doubt whether they can plead any such special reasons as you require in order to your allowing more than 500. With the comfortable circumstances of the Pastor (He has a good house and no rent) I think that 100 from The A.H.M.S. will serve him very well when so many missionaries are severely pinched by these hard times. I think 100 would be as much as I should ask for if I were in his place,A. Kent_____Galena, Feb. 7, 1859Dr. BadgerDear Sir,I have just returned from spending several days including Sabbath assisting Br. J.R. Smith in a protracted meeting at Elizabeth and am happy to say that he has been steadily gaining in his hold on that Church and quite a valuable accession to its members and strength has been secured within a year past and they expect a number more will be added at the next communion. And I may say here that I spent the previous Sabbath at Clyde of which you ill bear more and I visited at the same time our missionary Leonard at Fulton City. I heard he had abandoned Garden Prairie Church which is 6 miles out but learned from him that he has continued to preach there on every Sabbath afternoon and that now there is quite a revival and several have been added to the church.On my return today I found this letter present which I enclose as also extracts from the....[portion illegible]...a very justifiable exception to the rule. The rule I like, nay it it indispensable (and I must confess to an agreeable disappointment for I feared as you did evidently that had not devoted himself wholly to his work in Grundy Co.) But all the testimony agrees that the past season has been one of manifold storms, high waters and hail storms and disasters and I know from actual survey years ago that Grundy Co, is impassible in such a season. I have written him therefore that in view of these reliable statements I trust the Committee will reconsider their action and grant him the amount appropriated. I have also expressed to him my hearty approbation of the rule urging the importance of his transfer of his family to that county & field as soon as he can.I will give some extracts from Mr. Peterson’s letter. “Rev. Mr Waldo is remarkably punctual in regard to his filling his appointments both as to time and hour and is well received by our church & community and is doing much good. I think no man could do more. Our winter as you are aware has been very muddy and disagreeable and he has lost his horse since he came here to labour, but like a true soldier of Christ that does not deter him from doing his whole duty for he travels a foot from family to family through mud and water, wind and snow and rain doing good wherever he goes, he spends his time with us in the best possible manner that he can do the most good. I would also state that Gardner his other appointment is 12 miles from here and as disagreeable as the travel has been he has travelled from Vienna to Gardner a foot through mud and water and our circumstances were such that it could not be helped tho our will was good.Now it does seem to me that if Dr. Badger was here one month on probation to travel a foot side by side with Br. Waldo through the mud that his heart would relent— the hail storm before referred to so completely destroyed nearly all our crops that it will be with the greatest difficulty that some of us can get through the present winter and we are so completely strifed that we cannot possibly pay what we have subscribed for Br. W’s support until we can raise another crop.”Vienna, Jan 25, 1859 Signed Wm. Peterson, Clk of SessionP.S. I should have stated that Br. Peterson says; “Having had a meeting of our session and free conversation on the matter I address you on their behalf.”Tomorrow I go to Dunleith to assist Br. Watts in the organization of a Church by request.I have this day received from the 2nd Cong. Ch. at Rockford a draft on Lane Sanford & Co. Banking house for $307 00/100 which I will pay out as you direct, for I expect to take up enough before March to cover my demands.Yours, etc.,A. KentP.S.: I was glad to hear that Br. Chapman was preaching 1/2 his time at Dupage. I miss such labor much.______copyGalena, Feb. 7, 1859Dear Br. Waldo, Your letter and that of Br. Peterson was received and I have made haste to get at the facts & reply.Providence hedged up my way and I could not visit you in person and I wrote to Br. Day, who knows the field and whose testimony very much to your credit I have forwarded together with extracts from Br. P’s letter and I trust they will as I requested reconsider their action and vote your appropriation.Having done this I trust to your entire satisfaction, you will allow me to express freely my own private views as the result of much observation.It is this that the rule is absolutely indispensable because it has been found in instances too numerous to mention that where men are allowed to live at a distance from their field the result is that they do not accomplish any good. But we learn after a time that the money thus appropriated has not been well applied. I have myself differed with them about it, but more observation has convinced me that the rule is a necessity. And yet there are exceptions and yours I think is such, for I know the difficulty in getting about in that flat country in such a season of storms & mud.You think that Br. Badger is hard with you. But I do know that many Home Missionaries have neglected their work and I have urged on the Com. the importance of requesting them to report quarterly the number of families visited, etc. And I was very much gratified with the testimony of Br. Day and Peterson to your diligence and self-denial in prosecuting your ministry under such embarrassments.You will not wonder then, dear Br., that with my views of the case I should be solicitous that you remove on to your field as soon as you can; for those who do not know the circumstances will wonder how a Home Miss. is allowed to travel 100 miles from home to his work every week or nearly so as they will very naturally presume he does.____Galena, Feb. 8, 1859This application [Abington, Knox Co., Rev. ALfred Morse] is lame is very many particulars but I cannot visit them at present and I must forward it as it is. The demand is a modest one and if you are prepared to grant it you will please refer it to Br. Jervany, in whose field it is included.A. KentGalena, Feb. 10, 1859I hurry off these additonal documents which have just come to hand thinking that it may assist you in reaching a decision without making Br. Jervany[?] the trouble of a journey thither [Knoxville].A. Kent_____Galena, Feb. 16 [1859]I have spent a Sabbath at Kappa. Br. Cook appears to be a substantial and reliable man. He is station agent. I have informed myself of the other places mentioned. All are quite new and ought to be preoccupied before other sects get foot hold. They must have considerable nursing in their infancy. But I regard the whole field including Kappa, El Paso, Secor and Gridley as constituting a most important Miss. post. I know Br. Goodlae and urged him to go there and I think he has gone with a purpose to labour to the best of his ability and I expect with God’s blessing they will be able another year to rasie a much larger part of his salary. I think that aas he is a stranger on wholly new ground they are warrented in asking the large amount of 300.A. Kent_____Galena, March 15, 1859Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir:The enclosed draft I should have sent sooner but I put it in my pocket to go to Chicago thinking I could dispose of it better there but it was forgotten and I only reached home last evening when I learned that my house had taken fire by a defect in the chimney which threw my study into confusion so that I cannot make out my annual report for a day or two yet.A series of propitious circumstances conspired to save it or my family would have been inevitably left houseless a week ago.But Oh the vandalism perpetrated in my study, thought repining by age, thoughts stifled under the ??? and pinned on the wall, and thoughts still on the stocks, and not yet ready for exposure became fugitive thoughts.Yours, etc.A. Kent____Annual Report to the A.H.M.S. for March 1859In reviewing the year it is proper to acknowledge God’s goodness in continuing the enjoyment of good health in the main and granting me the privilege of preaching the Gospel while those younger than I have been called away by death (ex. Rev. ??? Huggins of A. Montgomery recently).Considering how often my agency requires me to spend my Sabbaths where I am obliged to attend Ecclesiastical meetings or to unite with other sects who have a prior claim to the place of worship, I have preached perhaps as much as could reasonably be expected.Besides 91 sermons I have attended prayer meetings, addressed Sabbath Schools, visited families and conversed on personal religion as frequently I flatter myself to say as many others of our Home Missionaries though these labours have been scattered and diversified as to be inappreciable except by Hi. I hold myself ready to preach on Home Miss. and take up collections whenever it is requested, though I urge on pastors and missionaries to do this for themselves and without waiting for the agent.I have also distributed our reports, “Our Country” and other tracts which you have sent and find great satisfaction in putting good books into circulation as has been my wont for these many years. I have many opportunities to preach and administer the Lord’s Supper and I am sometimes call to give counsel in cases of discipline by which younger men are perplexed.According to my count in going over several counties there are 44 missions on my field. They have 63 congregations besides out posts for occasional effort.There have been organized during the year 9 churches, Dement, Durand, Dunlieth, Caledonia, Garden Prairie, Malta, Marengo, Gardner, Wayne and Vienna. There have been no pastors installed, no removals by death. I 4 instances there have been special manifestations of God’s grace in the revival of religion and the conversion of sinners. One house of worship has been built and 4 churches have assumed the support of their ministers, though we have been disappointed in this regard by the unusual stagnation and unexpected pressure in money matters.On the whole, the progress of vital piety has been perhaps as great and the general improvement of society as manifest as in any former year. And I wonder and admire when I look back to note what has been achieved.If Col. Benton felt complacency in reviewing his thirty years in the Senate, I may count 30 years lacking one month since I entered upon Home Missionary Service in the Prairie State and I flatter myself that the Home Missionary who spends his energies in educating his countrymen in the principles of virtue and moulding the plastic minds of their children into a conformity with the genius and spirit....if not as largely to the nations weal as the Senator whose thrilling speeches electrified the legislative halls.It remains to be decided by Him who weigheth the mountains in scales and the motives of men by his omniscience whether the man who has constructed the scale which the tariff should be graduated or discussed the bill of human rights or demonstrated the constitutionality of some other measure of national policy has won a higher glory than your missionaries who have sacrificed the comfort of their families and worn themselves out in protracted and persistent efforts to fix in the minds of depraved men claimed by passion and ashamed by vice the great ideas of a superintending providence of individual responsibility and of a final judgement. Whether drilling them to an acquaintance with the strictness and spirituality of the Divine Law does not avail more to answer the ends of humanity that any laboured theories which plead the sanctions of civil enactment-whether he who appointed pastors first will not set a higher value upon their services than upon the brilliant achievement of the most renowned statesmen.Account with the TreasurerI have received during the year $816.41of which I put in a draft 307.51 to Dr. B. 307.51 508.91This leaves 91.10 my due which added to expenses of travelliing, freight on boxes, stamps and postage on pamphlets sent to missionaries 49.40 91.10$140.50 due to meThis amount I shall receive probably from subscritpions recently made at Rockford but not yet collected.The several itenes have all been reported to you except 307.51 from 2 Cong. Ch. at Rockjford alst year subscritpion bvut not paid til now and 20 from the Sabbath School of the 2nd Cong. Ch at Rockford and which you will please acknowledge in your paper.A. Kent______Galena March 18, 1859I have recently visited Durand. It is a R.R. Depot and though they are able to do but little yet the station ought to be manned. The Shireland Ch has paid promptly but this Durand Ch. has not paid much and I understand they are not able and I do not feel at liberty to insist. Mr. Hodges is afflicted in his wife who is tending to idiocy as he said, and he did not ask me to stay with him. I found it most convenient to walk to Shireland and to take up lodging with Dea. Fink.I recommend that $100 be granted this year.A. Kent____Galena, Ap. 20, 1859I spent a night with Br. Fuller a few weeks since and made inquireis of one of his leading members and have no reason to question the statements here made. I recommend the grant.A. Kent_____Galena Ap. 28, 1859Rev. Dr. Badger,I have just been writing to Br. Powell who has gone back to his friends from Winslow. He is efficient and in reply to his letter which speaks of openings there and his desire to return to Ill, I have given him a permit to settle there. I send you a copy to show you that I am industrious though I do not report myself with any regularity.Dear Br. Powell. Your letter has been waiting for the meeting of Presb. where parts of it were read. We had a very pleasant but brief meeting at Lena, closing at 3 p.m. Wednesday. My Lewis and Mary were waiting my return for money to go back the one to Beloit Col. and the other to Rockford. Sem.Br. Gray was absent— is not preaching as I suppose. It was a sad bereavement to the Winslow Ch. that Br. S. was removed (by death). Br. Colwell (the other elder) was at Presb. and burst into tears when he attempted to tell of their depletions (the past year). I called on him on Tuesday last on my return from Davis, the present terminus of the Racine R.R. 14 miles from Freeport. It is a hard place and no preaching of any sect. The Harrisons are there (2 sons of a missionary who died at Winslow some 10 years ago). I go again in 4 weeks.The Sabbath before I preached at Franklin Grove 10 miles east of Dixon. The Sabbath before at Forreston and Haldane (about which Rev. T. Baldwin spoke to you) where I go again in 4 weeks (exploring). The Sabbath before at Marengo (where Br. N.C. Clark preaches) to the Cong. Ch.. The Sabbath before at Huntley (assisting Rev. Lot Church) and during the week intermediate I visited Elgin, Kane Co., Crystal Lake, Virginia Settlement, McHenry Co., Canfield where Br. R.C. Clark now labours and Chicago, Cook CO. The Sabbath before at Wenona, Marshall Co. Br. Dunn had Communion and an addition of 12 to his church. The Sab. before at Kappa (Woodford Co.) where is a young church. They received 16 and I baptized 6 adults. Their supply being a licentiate of Bloomington Presb, who preaches also at El Paso. We hoped to organize a church there but I have just heard that a Cong. minister has jumped out claim and organized a Cong. Ch. The Sabbath before at Scales Mound. The Sabbath before at the 2 Cong Ch at Rockford and took coll. amounting from 2 to 300 dollars.The Sabbath before at Nora (vacant) and administered the Communion. The Sabbath before at Elizabeth and assisted Br. Smith at the Communion (his labours there have been greatly blessed of late.)We love Br. Powell very much and grieve that our Presb. is so reduced but if a good opening for your services should present and your health would permit I think you ought to enter it. Br. Johnston (at Lena) is very acceptable at Winslow (and Orangeville where I preached) as I hear. I preach for him next Sabbath that he may have a week to recruit and make garden and supply Mt. Carrol on May 1. Br. Waldo (of Lawrence) is at Lacon. Br. Christopher is called to the 2nd Cong. Ch. of Galena. Br. Sweeny is better— is invited to Prof. Fisk’s place— If the secretaries follow me they will have to step pretty lively and visit Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, Lee, LaSalle, Marshall and Woodford Counties part of the last part on horse back and part on foot.A. Kent____[Cong. Ch. Henry, Ill.]Galena, Ap. 28, 1859I have just returned from Marshall CO. and cannot visit them except you think it necessary. I know no reason why this request should not be granted.A. Kent____May 3, 1859I have once visited and preached at New Rutland [LaSalle Co.] and have interested myself in getting them a supply bit I suppose Mr. Samuel is a single man and I know no reason why he should need more than the Brethren Dunn & Brown on each side of him who have families and who receive but $450 each. I recommend that he be commissioned to receive 100 from your society.A. Kent____Galena, May 12, 1959Rev. D.B. Coe, D.D.Dear Br.,As things now are it is easier and cheaper and more expeditious to distribute the greater part of your annual reports from the office of publication.You will therefore have the goodness to send copies to the addresses I give below and then send the number of copies to Chicago which were deposited there last year and I can there obtain all that I shall need to supply those whose names are not found on this list.Rev. Calvin BushnellLisbon“ Alva DayLisbon“ Nathan GouldSomonauk“ James B. WilsonShabbony Grove“ George MarshScott“ Harvey BergenSomonauk“ Newton BarretMendota“ Herman S. ColtonBristol“ Silas JesupRockton“ James M. ClarkSouth Ottowa“ Charles H. force “ ““ L.P. CrawfordSandwich“ Amasa C, LordSomonauk“ Wm. H. SmithGranville“ A.L. HarringtonTonicaGeo. W. GaleGalesburghJohn W. BaileydoSolomon S. MilesKnoxvilleCalvin WaterburydoWm. J. MIllerdoEdward MarshCantonIssac E. CareyPeoriaA. KentGalenaH.H. Hayes, D.D.Rock IslandE.R. MartinRantoulJohn N. PowellChittenaugo, N.Y.James R. SmithElizabethCalvin GrayFair HavenB.B. DrakeFairburgChas. L. BartlettDuPageRev. Ira WeedWaukegan“ John G. PorterWilmington“ L.H. LossJoliet“ H. Curtil D.D.GalesburghGeo. L. LittleWaukeganRoyal ReedJolietC.R. ClarkJefferson, Cook Co.L.G. GilbertCreteElihu BarberNapervilleJ.G. Durnser (German)DundeeJames H. BaldwinLake ForestMilton WaldoLaconIra Fern Esq.doRev. Wells AndrewsWashington“Sam’l. HallGeneva, Wisconsin“ Alfred EddyBloomington, Ill.“ James R. DunnWenona“Issac P. StrykerUrbana“John M. BrownMission K.Issac T. WhitemanPontiacJohn KiddJolietC.C. BreenHadleyC.F. BeechWashintonG. SchlosserLockportR.B. BullAuroraE.B. TurnerMorrisA.J. Drake or Stated SupplyOwegoJohn WalkerAu SableM.K. WhittleseyOttawaJ. KilbourneSandwichGeo. B. HubbardTonicaR.M. PearsonByronS.H. KellogRoscoeJ. HodgesDurandS.W. PhelpsLee CenterJ. PerkamRocktonC.M. SeldondoP.B. Perry12 Mile GroveE. Beecher, D.D.GalesburghC.M. TaylordoS.G. WrightGalvaLathrop TaylorBloomingtonS. PenfieldComoJ. WilcoxBurritJ.D. BakerCambridgeS. LeonardFulton CityM.N. MilesGeneseoWm. PorterPort ByronD. ChapmanLyndonA, B. HitchcockMolineA. LymanSheffieldE.A. BirgeAlgonquinW.E. MerrimanBataviaF.L. FullerCrytal LakeR.G. BristolDe KalbW.E. HoleyokePoloRev. L. BenedictGenevaLot ChurchHuntleyWm. GayLodiS.H. ThompsonMcHenryWm. B. DodgeMillburnC.S. F. SavageSt. CharlesA. GoreSycamoreA.C. PageUdinaN.C. ClarkMarengoB.S. Baxter or Stated SupplyPlanoH. JuddBloomingdaleS. OsengaCreteA. L. RankinLodaL.A. Van DykeWest UrbanaH.M. SmithKankakeeG. GoodaleEl PassoA. PrescottCordovaF. BascomDoverR. RuddWethersfieldJ. BlanchardGalesburghAsa DonaldsonDoverMarvin RootEagle PointA. B. MillerLisbonP. Felch or Stated supplyAmboyR. PatchPanaH.G. PendletonHenryC.H. PierceNeponsetD. ToddProvidenceDr. ChapmanElmwoodRev. N. BarretMendotaRev. Mr BussDementRev. Mr. ParkerFranklin GroveRev. Mr. SwiftLamoilleRev. Mr. NeilWethersfieldRev. Mr. WaldoVienna, Grundy Co.Rev. Mr. RichardsCoal Valley“ W.W. WellsLasalle“ James BrewerOgleDea. GridleyOttowaDea. WhitingLowellRev. Mr. AdamsFremont, Lake Co.Rev. Mr. CooleyGranvilleRev. Mr. GouldLodaI have rendered a list of those whom I can conveniently supply without expense, and those that are supplied by mail can be furnished for 8 cents from your office and per P. master requires 11 cents each.I would suggest that you only publish the list of life directors once in 5 years which would lessen the bill and expense about 1/3.It has cost considerable labour to make out this list but by being sent by mail they will reach the clergyman much earlier and be proportionately more valued.It is my prayer the Lord will be with and bless your annual meeting.Yours, etc.,A. Kent___Chicago, May 13, 1859I visited PLano yesterday and called on Mr. Hume the only trustee in town. He stated that they supported Mr. Baxter last year without aid and raised $300 but they had a severe struggle to pay him up and some of their members had gone away, so that they had not yet circulated their subscription. I replied that was beginning at the wrong end and he proposed to go ahead about it himself and that soon I was placed with the man as also with another who is recently from Dr. Barton’s Concord Ch. He intimated that they had much to contend with growing out of the loose notions of Mr. Baxter, now gone to Iowa. He invited everybody to communion and had encouraged a young man and member of the Ch. to study for the ministry whose application for service was rejected and he sets the church at defiance. He said his wife’s mother a woman well posted in such matters remarked that such views and practice would not be tolerated in Vermont. I mention this that you may be on your guard in relation to him, if he should apply for aid. They both spoke highly of Mr. Cone. I recommend the application be granted.A. KentP.S. I asked the Station Agent, Can Mr. Cone live on $400. I think he can. We R.R. men get but 360 and the rent of your house and his garden is equivalent to that rent._____Galena, May 26th, 1859The representations made tom me are fully in accordance with what is here stated, and I should be sorry that little company of German converts should be left without the fostering care of their spiritual father. I am aware that our German people will live on a small stipend but I should not be willing to cut him down lower than 360. I first met Br. Durnser in the cars on his way to his evening appointment at Dundee and was very much interested in his high tome of spirituality and in his account of the converts under his labours. This was before any church was organized and all my information since has confirmed the favorable opinion then formed.A. Kent____May 26thI made all my arrangements to attend the Gen. Ass. at Bloomington on the 19th but its postponement until to day conflicts with my appointments that I must give up going to that meeting.A. KentBesides, I am pretty well tired out.____[Hampton/ Port Byron]Galena, June 13, 1859I was not pleased that Br. Porter should pass by his own committee of Missionaries and get the signatures of men that know nothing of our affairs on this side of the River [Geo. Magoun, Pastor at Davenport]. I wrote to Br. Hitchcock to know why. He said he presumed Br. Porter was attending an installation over the River and it was a matter of convenience to get their names. But that is a poor excuse and had a suspicious look. But Br. Hitchcock says all is right. I recommend that the request be granted to take effect when they have made up the amount which they propose to raise.A. Kent_____[Calvin Gray to A. Kent]Fair Haven, July 15th/59Br. Kent,I send you the enclosed which perhaps needs some explanation. Recently my attention has been drawn to the neighborhood from where this has come— formerly it had been entirely destitute of preaching there never having been a sermon preached in the school house and not in the neighborhood (to my knowledge) until I did it. Finding so strong a desire to have regular preaching and seeing much more of an orthodox element developed that I had anticipated in this vicinity I felt it my duty to let them know that aid could perhaps be obtained in procuring the gospel. As to the specific rules relative to a salary owing to the confused and embarrassed state of society on this newly settled prairie I have thought I could do more good to day but little about it, hoping and believing that if missionary labor can be bestowed, it will at least be obeying the command to preach the gospel to every creature and perhaps be attended with such success. If I may be permitted to express my judgement I would say there is a much louder call for the Home Miss. to sustain a missionary on the field for one year than you or I had supposed. I do not think that until such labor is bestowed that more than $25 from the people can be expected. It is probable that by such an effort that from 10 to 20 individuals might in time be brought together in the form of a Presbyterian or Congregational organization. Let me submit the question distinctly through you to the committee. Will they give me a commission to labor in Fair Haven and vicinity for one year from the first of July appropriating $400 to this field— or is it my duty to labor as I have done to great disadvantage to myself and people. If so, the Lord’s will be done. Please let me hear from you soon.Yours truly,Calvin Gray____Galena, July 16, 1859One application was made but not in due form and this has occasioned some delay but I know no reason to hesitate but recommend this request be granted. Fulton City has suffered very much from the fluctuations of business and they will need all they ask, I presume. I have visited then during the year.A. Kent___Galena, July 16, 1859I know no reason to hesitate but would recommend their request be granted. I have visited there [Sandwich] during the year and believe their statements are entirely reliable.A. Kent____[n.p., n.d. July ? 1959]I spent a Sabbath some months since with this church [Wenona] and was much gratified with the evidence of progress in the right direction. The Gospel is producing its legitimate effects and the laborour is worthy of his ????A. KentBr. Root is getting old and does not go by the lines and rules in making his application, but I think he labouring faithfully. I visited him in April and I thought I could comfort and aid him by sending some books and overshoes, and I thank God that the little patrimony which my father toiled so hard to gather and which I have husbanded very carefully now affords me the luxury of helping here and there a poor missionary as their peculiar trials come under my immediate observation. But I have wandered and will only add that the church at Eagle Point is very much discouraged by adverse circumstances but they occupy an important position between Polo and the Wysox Churches and may yet rise out of their deep depression. I should not dare to discourage this application.A. Kent_____July 18, 1859Br. [C.R.] Clark lives on his farm within the bounds of his parish and close to Brickton and when I visited him in the spring I feared he might be occupied too much with seculars which leads me to enclose his letter and to underscore what he says about giving himself to his work. I recommend the grant of $200.A. Kent____Galena, July 21, 1959I am puzzled to dispose of this application. Br. Gray has not been very successful in past years, and this information is not very definite. The whole is drawn up by the missionary himself and ought to be more specific. The prominent fear is that he does not unit as much as he should in order to succeed in gathering a new fold. But he is poor, has a family and an excellent wife— he is a good deal discouraged and saddened at the world, to the secretaries and to myself as past letters would show. But I am hoping that if commissioned again he will succeed better in his new field. If however you cannot with a good conscience allow the whole sum, how would it do to give him $300 on condition that they raise 100 during the year with a stimulating exhortation to explore and visit and do colporteur work as much as possible.He is improving a new place out in the prairie and can make 400 go further than if he was in a village. I was at great pains and trouble to visit him last summer and do not feel it is my duty to go there again during this very wet weather. I have been out every Sabbath for some five months or more and have walked 10, 20, and even 30 miles exploring new ground— and on the whole choose to stay at home 2 Sabbaths to supply Br. Swanzy’s lack of service while absent for his health.A. KentPlease act on this application and write him or me as soon as convenient._____Galena, July 28, 1859I am acquainted with Mr. Brewer and with the field in part having preached once for him by exchange and I have encouraged him to make this application in reply to his inquiries. He has a farm and did intend to preach without Home Miss,, aid but begins to find that he cannot do two things at once and promises to move onto his field in the fall. I feel no hesitation in recommending the application. Rev. Mr. Phelps of Lee Centre is well acquainted with him.A. KentI think they have done well to raise $300 the first year._____Galena, Aug. 10, 1859Dear Doctor B.,I returned last evening from a tour in which there are some things to be noted. Spent several hours with Br. Parker of Franklin Grove. He is struggling with poverty in the support of a little family and wants to get out of debt and go to And. Theo. Sem. as his Br. in Kansas, your Missionary advises. I spent a night with Br. Brown at Ogle Station [Ashton]. He will remove on to his field so soon as he can get a place to put his family. I made inquiries at Lane [Rochelle] and there passed on to Dement and advised Br. Buss to go elsewhere and not attempt to gather a church to the prejudice of the Old School Ch. located there, i.e., at Lane.I took diversion to DeKalb, putting myself to some inconvenience to sympathize with your former missionary, Br. Bristol, who still supplies the church there, though he has been totally blind since last Feb. I spent Sab. July 31 and preached at Forreston (where lives the son of Mr. Halsy of Newark) and at another point 5 miles out, making me walk 5 miles on Sat.. and again on Sab. between the services. In the midst of Germans I can gather good congregations.The last Sabbath I spent with Br. Holton at Lawrence, administered the Lord’s supper in the afternoon, preached on infant Bap. and baptized his child and in the evening preached at a rival village (2 miles) Harvard. On Monday rode over to visit Br. Emery and yesterday left McHenry & Boone Cos. dried up for want of rain and reached home at 6.Br. Emery will leave his field (though greatly beloved and his pleasant parsonage which he has created there by his efforts) because they cannot do not pay him. He says he has not received 50 dollars and the good men are all so involved that they cannot pay. And this but a specimen of what exists everywhere and in many instances. It is “as with priests so with the people.”I thank my father that he brought me up to shun being in debt as I would shun a rattle snake.A. Kent___Galena, Sept. 1, 1859A. Kent in Act. with A.H.M.S.Balance due me March 1 $140.50Ap. 20th Received of 1 Cong Ch Rockford37.39May 17 of 2 Cong Ch Rockford132.77Sept 16 John Ruth of Freeport5.00There is now in hand of the treasurer of the 2 Presb. Ch. of Galena and will probably be paid over to me soon $63238.26deduct140.50Thre is due to me $300 less197.76197.76$102.24Please report in the next “Home Miss.” the above contributions 4 items and if my account does not agree with that of the treasurer, place the discrepency over against my claim and deduct until the accounts balance and oblige,Yours, etc.,A. KentI must acknowledge myself a poor hand to keep accounts. I discovered in looking over my diary today $30 passed over which I had not creditied to myself on anotehr transaction so that I am 30 dollars richer for this review which has occupied me today____Galena, Sept. 16, 1859This is another feeble church [Wenona] which is likely to remain feeble a good while but if the minister lays himself out to cultivate the surroundings as they promise I can recommend the application.A. KentI have written Mr. Munk urging missionary labour in the destitutions around._____Galena, Oct. 28, 1859Rev. Dr. CoeDear Sir,I think that your views and mine in regard to the exploring work are not in unison. It seems to me that for the want of a better term I must include under that head all that is necessary to prepare the field for the introduction of a missionary which requires the labour of months (or years even in some cases_. I am neither Pope nor Bishop of the Northeast E. Ch. and I can only say “there is an inviting field” but the man listens to what I say and then goes to another field that better suits his notions of comfort and gives better promise of support. I cannot employ him unless he is commissioned for a year, and then not unless the people raise some portion of his support. But this filed may be field may be prospectively important though I cannot map it out before the Com. at N.Y. as it opens to my overview without much labor of description. Let me give you an illustration. Forreston, where I spent the last Sab. and to which I have before visited is a growing village of 5 years old and pop. 500, is in the center of a district 25 by 20 within which there are no Presb. or Cong. Ch. but recently settled by Pennsylvanians and these in the main German Reformed & Lutherans. Br. Johnston of Lena and I have begun to explore it. We have organized one Ch. and we have been invited to organize another which we expected would together employ a missionary. But an Old School Elder (outside) took the alarm and went with a minister and jumped out claim and by underbidding, c.c., promising to do more for them than we had promised. They have consented to connect themselves with that body.Consequently the little church just formed has no other in the vicinity with which to can connect and they could not raise more than 50 or 75 dollars and therefore they must be left destitute unless I go once in 4 weeks and nurse them until in the growth of the village they gather more strength. Having a pass on the Central R.R> I can go there in 4 hours without expense or fatigue. But it may be a year or two before I can obtain a supply for them except my service once in 4 weeks. And even that will but poorly compete with the Methodists and Lutherans who are just now making vigorous exertions. Much more would be achieved probably if we could command for the “Forreston & vicinity” an energetic man at a salary of $500 besides 100 raised on the field (in other words a live missionary).But after all it is difficult to convey to your minds a 1000 miles off and already surfeited with such like specifications and adequate view of the importance of the field.Still I spread out this one case that you may be free to say whether in your judgement I ought to drop them or continue to hold on.With regard to making collections I have never known more embarrassments than now. Every man almost and very many of our churches are in debt. Our crops would be tolerable if we were not all over in debt and obliged to sacrifice everything to pay debts or to pat interest on them.I have done (as I always have) c.c. I have urged the necessity of taking up collections for the A.H.M.S. and signified my readiness to preach on the subject if the Pastor did not prefer to do it himself.I went yesterday with your letter in my mind to the 2nd Ch. in Galena and was told that they had concluded to wait until Jan. 1. In the meantime some are in favor of the American Miss. Ass. and some of Ch. Ex. I am running short of funds to meet family expenses and educate those that are away at School, and yet I presume that there is not a more economical family in the city than we.In respect to with holding contributions by Presb. Churches, I know of none on my field who avow such a purpose. I believe that there is but one opinion, that while they receive aid, they ought to contribute to our Society, though some choose to contribute to Ch. Ex. Com. and yet if I do not misjudge not more largely that the Congregationalists did some years ago to Free Missions when they were antagonistic to the A.H.M.S.One remark surprised me “we are not permitted to reply” through the Pres. newspapers. I shall be curious to know what paper has refused to publish nay article you have sent them.May the Great Head of the Ch. guide you by heavenly wisdom under the perplexities of your present position.Yours, as ever,A. KentThe first Ch. in this city is labouring under embarrassments which prose little aid. their minister is very sick.___Galena, Nov. 9, 1859I have spent some time including several Sabbaths at Nora during the time of their destitution and am pretty well acquainted with their condition. I am also acquainted with Rev. Mr. Cooley and in various ways have laboured to secure their upbuilding and though I hope soon they will support preaching yet I think foreign aid essential now.A. Kent____Galena, Nov. 9, 1859Rev. Dr. Coe,Dear Br.,You have administered a very ??? but well merited reproof for delinquency in reporting quarterly, which I should think would not need to be repeated if I had not been so often faulty in that matter. I have been thinking it over and trying to account for so palpable neglect. And it amounts to this, that I occasionally write as incidents occur and then I think it is so vapid and stale to those who sit and read these long winded epistles from day to day that I cannot inflict the pain. Certainly it is not from any unwillingness to keep you informed of my movements. Certainly I believe such erring creatures as we should be held to accountability whether agents or secretaries or Archbishops.Well then as the best atonement, I will give you in brief an account of my Sabbaths as recorded in my journals since the year came in.March 6 preached twice for Br. Goodale (licentiate) at Kappa, Marshall Co., administered the Lord’s supper and received 16 into the church (of 16) and baptized 6, having on the day previous preached a lect. prep and assisted in the Ex. of candidates. During the week I visited El Paso and Minonk and informed myself of their affairs. 10 Rode to Wenona and attended prayer meeting.13 Preached twice for Br. Dunn and assisted at Communion having received 12 persons and ordained an Elder, and having preached .20 preached once for Br. Lot Church at Huntley Station, McHenry Co, was very muddy during the week. I called on Br. Clark at Elgin, Br. Fuller at Crystal Lake and visited Virginia Settlement, Dunston and Canfield and their missionaries Kingsley and C.R. Clark.27 Preached at Marengo, McHenry Co. and at Garden Prairie for Br. N.C. Clark and attended prayer meeting in the evening.Ap. 3 Preached at Forreston & Haldane 5 miles apart, Ogle co.10 Preached once a very rainy day at Franklin Grove, Lee Co. for Mr. Parker, Licentiate17 Preached twice at Davis, a new station on the Racine R.R.24 Preached twice at Minonk, Marshal co and once at McCook School house, administered the Lord’s Supper, visited 2 Sab. Schools & rode 12 miles, having preached lent preparatory on the day previous.May 1 Preached twice at Lena, Stephenson Co.8 Preached at Haldane & Forreston & heard the Methodist in the eve, spent several days and walked 30 miles.15 Preached twice at Loran village and Lyon Prairie, Stephenson CO.29 Preached once at Elizabeth, Jo Daviess Co., and rode 6 miles and preached.June 5 Preached twice at Haldane and Forreston and attended prayer meeting Sat. night.12 Preached at Scales Mound, Jo Daviess Co. and walked to Montecello and preached for Br. Raymond.19 Preached at Forreston and organized a ch. Presb. of 9 members. Being disappointed in the promised aid of Br. Holmes & Johnston. Having had a meeting on Saturday to arrange preliminaries. There are no Congregationalists in this village. I administered the Lord’s Supper.26 Preached at Sharon & Prophetstown 9 miles apart.July 3 Preached at Haldane & Forreston having walked 6 miles & visited 3 families the day previous.10 Preached at Davis, and visited Br. Hodges next day.17 Preached for Mr. Swanzey in his absence by reason of sickness.24 Preached for my Swanzey - my old congregation where I have conducted the Wed. Ev. prayer meeting very commonly when at home.31 Preached at Haldane walked 5 miles and preached at Forreston.Aug 7 Preached twice at Lawrence, McHenry Co., Baptized the child of Rev. Mr. Holton and preached in the evening at Harvard 3 miles distant.14 Preached at Orangeville and at Winslow, Stephenson Co.21 Preached twice at Lena to allow Br. Johnston to explore a destitute region south.28 Preached at Maroa, R.R. Station in Macon Co. and administered the Lord’s Supper.Sept 4 Preached at Davis11 Preached twice at Harvard R.R. Station in McHenry Co.18 Preached at Scales Mound, 12 miles from Galena25 Preached twice at Odell in Livingston Co. R.R. StationOct. 2 Preached at Davis which I shall abandon as I cannot get any stated supply for them and the prospect of an organization is remote. Having during the week visited Shirland, Br. Adams field at Fremont and Br. Bartlett’s field and the Elgin Association at Marengo and called at Freeport to propose Home Miss.9 I preached at Lena again to enable Br. Johnston to missionate16 Attended Synod at Galesburg & assisted at the communion, My eyes being very weak I am unable to read.22 Preached at Haldane at 11 1/2 and Forreston 3 1/2 and heard the Lutheran & Methodist making 4 sermons in one school house.30 Preached and administered Communion at Scales Mound, walked to Council Hill Station (5 miles) and preached for a Methodist Br.Nov. 6 Preached at Milo, Bureau Co. in the Methodist Ch. and at the Hunter School House. At Milo there is a small Cong. Ch. to which Mr, Watts directed my attention. He is preaching now at Lasalle, is quite popular, but I never heard whether the Embargo is taken off to which Dr. B. alluded once. Next Sabbath and the 24th I am engaged to preach on Home Miss. With that exception I have not has an opportunity since the year came in, though I have urged the matter frequently upon the larger churches on the Lake Shore, on Fox & Rock Rivers. But what with hard times and many being in debt it seems that the churches on my field are more backward than ever. This is as true of Cong. Ch. as Presbyterian, excepting always Rockford whose churches from personal consideration perhaps invite me every year. My practice is (as always) to urge the duty and offering to preach on the subject unless the pastor prefers to do it himself.Such is my account of Sabbath services up to this day. A variety of services on week days are passed over as attending Ec. meetings, writing a vast amount of letters which are increasing yearly- visiting ministers and entertaining ministers, visiting families where I happen to spend the Sabbath which I think will amount to the average number made by settled pastors. I find very little time for study when I am absent from Friday til Monday or Wednesday and them my eyes are so weak much of the time that I cannot use them to read as I would. But with all the sources of embarrassments we have great reason to rejoice and thank God for what has been achieved in the last 25 years.Yours, etc.A. KentIt would tax my eyes to copy.___ Galena, Nov. 11, 1859I was in Vienna Township a few weeks since and understood that the Congregational Ch. was desireous of employing Rev. Mr. Waldo and I suppose they are poor as new settlers generally are.I was gratified at the goof report I heard of Br. W’s labours and sucesses and self denial and feared they would not be able to retain him on that field.I recommend the appropraition asked.A. Kent____Galena, Nov. 12, 1859I did not visit Gardner when I passed through the county recently for I received the impression that they would not apply for aid. I am gratified with the tome of their application and I hope you will grant this request.A. Kent_____Nov. 14, 1859Apple River Station on the Il. Cent. R.R.Rev. Dr. Badger,Please sent the “Home Missionary” to Geo. A. Groves, Shulllsburgh, Wisconsin and charge to my account 50 cents paid.I put this first that it may not be forgotten. I came to this place on Saturday to assist in selecting a site for a Ch. & parsonage which the Ill. Cent. Comp. generously donated to churches that apply.On the cars I saw an old man looking very earnestly at me. Presently he came and gave me his name (Wright) and said that my visit to Mineral Point 30 years ago was not in vain for it led one man to a “decision.” He then resolved to serve God, has lived many years in Springfield under the ministry of Rev. A. Hale and he stated that he has been unable to make progress during the two years. He showed a spiritual mind and seized the opportunity to speak to the conductor and exhorted them very affectionately to give good heed to whatever this old Missionary should say. Although it was an oasis in the desert of my present roving ministry, few lay men are more prompt to meet the calls of duty than he seemed to be.When I called in 1829 at the grocery of Guy & Wright late in the evening, Mr. G. refused for some time to get up and let me [in] because he thought it was a man wishing for strong drink.Yesterday I exchanged with Br. Raymond, preached at Shullsburg on Home Miss. and took up a collection of $4.45 after one of my best efforts, But it was a very cold day and snowy after a remarkably pleasant weather....walking...reached Monticello (6 mile) to his other appointment on time to find a group of 15 people without fire and the windows broken out of the school house, I had liberty in pleading for Zion, and for an increase of the ministry from the text, “Pray ye the Lord of the...”They have voted to move their centre to Apple River Station which will perhaps ...promote their growth.I caught cold by the experiment and sweat of walking and the chill of talking with the wind blowing in the broken windows. [Br. Raymond] wished me to say that they should be glad of children’s clothes if you happen to have any for them. But they (4 in number) look pretty neat and tidy under the good husbanding of his excellent wife.I wish you could look in and see that healthy happy group between the ages of 9 and 3. The senior Sec. himself could not show a better regulated household.I should not have written this long epistle but I want to atone for past neglect and I obliged to wait for the cars.Yours truly,A. Kent______[n.p. n.d. Nov. ? 1859]I have carefully considered this letter and the endorsement and although I did not think I should countenance another application from them [Sycamore], yet I think they have given strong reasons which I cannot well set aside and I recommend the grant of 100.A. KentP.S. It seems to me if it was my own case I should strike off 80 in view especially of the low state of the treasury. But Br. G. [Davis Gore] may not have such an economizer as I have within doors! It will occur to you that he has not argued as ably for the Church at Malta whose application he seems to have drawn up._____[n.p. n.d. Nov. ? 1859]I have visited this field [Dunleith - East Dubuque], have carefully considered the whole matter and believe that Br. Watts is doing all that can be done and recommend the appropriation, though the prospect of self support is distant.A. Kent____ Galena, Nov. 29, 1859I cheerfully recommend this application [Malta] and hope that the missionary may have such other reserves as will enable him to make this appropriation adequate to his wants.A. KentI have had it in my heart to visit Br. Porter before I sent this application but my engagements will not permit.____ Galena, Dec. 6, 1859Dear Br. Goodwin,This letter from quite a young man of some promise (and Br. to a man Cong. Minister in Kansas, I think). The friends in Franklin Grove for there is no church there made application for aid in his support in connection with the church at Grand DeTour.He has a wife and one child (perhaps 2 years old) he is cheerful and hopeful, struggling to get out of debt to pursue a Theo. course (I think he is a graduate.)He does not appear to apprehend that as a ??? he cannot claim a box of clothing.But I think he is truly deserving as though he were at this moment preaching for he is looking forward to that work again so soon as he is qualified, It occurred to me therefore that your excellent wide and her coadjutors might not be already fully occupied, gather up and send them such things as they can but if they cannot do so, you will please return this letter that I may try to aid them from some other quarter.Yours truly,A. KentDec. 29 - This was returned and I tried to get the 2nd Ch in this city to make up a box. This resulted in obtaining $8 for him which I have sent him and I now forward the letter to you either to destroy it or to send him a box, as seems good in your sight as your supplies will warrant.A. Kent_____Galena, Dec. 6, 1859Rev. Dr. Coe,Dear Sir,In fulfillment of my promise to report quarterly, I will give two or three items relating to the Sabbath services which I have conducted since my last report.On Sabbath Nov. 20 I preached as I have done one in 4 weeks at Haldane & Forreston, Ogle Co., 5 miles apart.In the morning at Haldane where by appointment the little church at Forreston (all but 2) met and agreed to unite in one organization with the scattered desciples at Haldane. We received by profession 2 and by letter 5. Other 5 being disappointed in not receiving their letters, united as occasional communicants in celebrating the Lord’s Supper after the sermon and the baptism of 5 children and one adult.On Sabbath 27 I preached by previous request for Br. Gould and took up a collection for Home Miss. which amounted to $4.50, but many were absent he thought they could make it up to $10. They have done far beyond my expectations in completing a Brick Church, finished in good style within the year. It has cost a great effort.But the most interesting item shall be reserved for another page.Lena, Dec. 6, 1859The Practical Working of the Home Miss. Soc. may be best illustrated by particular example.In the winter of 1843, in passing from Rockford where I had been assisting in a revival to Galena (80 miles) during two of the coldest days I ever knew, I spent the first night at this place [Lena]. There was then but one house in this place, a double log cabin, occupied by a pious family whose hospitality I enjoyed.In that long and cheerless sleigh ride I had been once turned over in a snow drift and had frozen both my cheeks, the only parts of the face exposed; and their warm welcome and warm bed in a warm room were among the luxuries of my diversified reminiscences.In 1852, I spent a Sabbath here, and although there was then quite a cluster of houses and a very small school house, yet it would not accommodate the congregation, and I was invited to preach in the adjacent grove where there was every facility for the choir “to sing among the branches.”This little church has received from the Society to the amount of $925 in connection however with other churches until this year, They have increased to 56 members and exert a controlling influence here in despite of the conflicting efforts of four other sects who have this their center of operations. They have built a neat and tasteful Brick church which will furnish 300 sittings; they have rented slips to the amount of $300, which is appropriated to the minister’s salary. And yesterday while their minister was gone on an exploring tour I preached for him by exchange and took up a collection which when complete will amount to $10 or 12 and which is an implied earnest of what they will do for us after a year or two when they shall have paid off what is due to the Church Erection fund.In appendix they have a good minister who is labouring to the extent of his strength and in whom they are well untied, in proof of which one man has given him 2 most eligible ??? and another who is not a professor has generously assisted him to build a very commodious brick dwelling house and advanced half the cost for which he will give him his own time to cancel the debt.Thus has Home Missionary aid secured the nucleus of a strong church, has prompted the out-lay of $3000 in the establishment of a permanent ministry of their choice which we trust will here after be self sustained.Already your missionary has organized another church 12 miles south and there is a fair prospect that still a third will in due time be gathered by him at a new R.R. Station 4 miles distant where yesterday he began an effort which he proposes to continue as a service for every alternate Sabbath afternoon without the help bestowed by the society these blessed results would not have been achieved.A. Kent___Galena, Dec. 23 [1859]I am dissatisfied with the delinquency of the church [Sandwich] in keeping back their application almost 3 months. And it appears that your treasury is low, from what is said in “Home Miss.” and because several besides myself have not received the promised remittance. Query. Would it not be better to cut short this grant by 50 rather than promise more.A. Kent____Galena, [n.d. - Dec. 1859]By request I visited Milo and spent a Sabbath there and having heard of Mr. Allen sojourning with his brother within 10 or 15 miles I called on him proposing this arrangement and I am pleased to learn that he acceded to their request, It is reported that he had $1000 salary in Mass.A. Kent____Forreston, Jan. 28, 1860I left home this morning at 6, reached here at 9 1/2, visited Mr. Sager. He told me the Methodists had just closed an exciting meeting at which there were some conversions, one of which was Mr. Baxter. He wished me to visit him. They had a reputation not very commendable. I called. She was alone and in answer to my inquiries expressed serious concern. He came soon. Stated his dissent from the Methodists apparently to draw me out in conscience of their wild ways. But expressed his resolution to watch and pray hereafter, stating by the way that he was converted at 12 and again 2 1/2 years ago. I concluded that the same thing might occur again. Called on Mrs. Farley who has just buried her husband. The appraisers were there but she wished me to call again. In the afternoon I visited a family that liver 3 miles out. They profess to have experienced religion since their child was buried, both she and her husband (who was not at home) since the Methodist meeting commenced. I called on a family of United Brethren who are constant at my meetings.29- I preached at the Springvale School House, took up a collection for the A.H.M.S. of $8 and distributed the 1st number of the A. Messenger to subscribers, and appointed communion at my next visit (4 weeks). Rode in the evening to Forreston (5 miles) and preached. Congregation large and solemn, albeit the Methodist; all absent was told that Mr. Baxter afore said insisted on having prayer meeting at his house at the hour of preaching. This is quite in character with Methodists.30- Rode to Freeport, called on Mr. Hyde & Rev. Mr. Vanzant, tried again but in vain to persuade them to take a collection for Home Miss., but amidst the internal troubles, no place could be found for it. Rode in the evening to Pecatonica & lodged with Rev. Mr. Willis, for whose support I have an application. They are still in debt for their church. Mr Willis throat is giving out and he thinks of giving up preaching for a time and working on a farm in the vicinity and I foresee and predicted to him the result. They will depend on him for preaching and he will depend in part on mother earth for his support. It was also said incidentally that the application was made for him as a test whether they could get aid for another man. I proposed to Mr. Willis the question, shall I go over to 12 mile grove to take up a collection where the church church have done so nobley in assuming the support of Rev. Mr. Perry. But he informed that Dea. Weld was dead. Dea. Woodruff has failed in business, 2 brothers in law are deeply involved by trying to save his farm and another wealthy man was involved in debt by speculation and I gave up that project.31- Rode to Winebago Station. Walked over to Br. Sloan’s, had a pleasant visit, dined and planned and prayed with them. Learned that it was but 10 miles across to Byron & Stillman’s Creek churches, and I determined to walk over there. Br. Sloan expressed his gratification when I stated that more stringent measures must be adopted with our feeble churches. He thought we were drawing too largely on the A.H.M.S. hereabouts.It was intensely cold and I stopped on my way and spent an hour with Father Sweeny, an old minister and missionary for 40 years in Oneida Co., N.Y. Reached Byron before dark and lodged with Mr. Knowlton who has corresponded with me about a supply and proposed to preach to both churches next Sabbath (5 miles apart) and take collection for H. Missions. He is willing I should preach but doubted about the collection. as they must make a great effort to support a minister whom they have in view and would need help. I showed him your appeal and said that if A.H.M.S. can not meet their engagements already made, I did not think they ought to issue new commissions.Feb. 1 Afternoon walked over to Stillman’s Valley Ch. across Rock River and proposed to preach for them Sabbath afternoon and lodged with Col. Brown. Feb. 2 wrote part of a sermon from Acts 15..21 for the time and the place to show the importance of regular Sabbath Services even without preaching and assisted at the evening prayer meeting. It was a Union Meeting in a Union Hours (Baptist & Cong.).3 Wrote a letter to my nephew in Beloit College. Pres. Chapin has informed me that there is universal seriousness there. Walked over to Byron and held an interesting conference with a pious family residing where I stopped to rest. In the evening encountered an Old Free Will Baptist minister with his new notions.4- Lodged with Dea. Rood, who said they never since the organization (23 years) had a minister who performed pastoral duty. I said it was the duty of the Deacons and private members to visit & the deacon invited me to visit with him. We rode in all about 12 miles and visited 12 families, conversing with individuals and praying with most, and reached home at 9 1/2 in the evening pretty well jaded. It was a hard day’s work but it evidently did the Deacon good. 5th Preached at Byron and visited on my way an old saint of 87, The deacon took me to the other settlement and I preached again in the New CH built by Cong. & Baptists on Home Missions, but they were not willing to take up a collection. I went to visit them with a view to take collections in each church. But being refused I think that may be refused if they apply for aid and the can struggle along without aid, though they are greatly weakened by removals, being 12 miles from the R.R. station which greatly cripples Old Churches.6- Walked to Rockford (12 miles), called on the treasurer of the 2 cong. Ch. who paid me $106.24 which supersedes the necessity of a draft from New York (at present) which I had applied for but have not received probably because you are out of funds.7- Came to Belvidere and shall be detained here to preach this evening for Br. Willis, whose people are blessed with a revival and he is too hoarse to speak. This will give me an opportunity to forward several applications which I have on hand with their perplexities. Spent the day in the study and preached in the evening to a crowded house and solemn. Took the cars at 9 1/2 and rode to Huntley at 11 p.m. and in the morning called on mr. Huntley and took breakfast and inquired the prospect of Rev. Lot Church being employed another year. His faithful labours are prejudiced by some imprudences which render him less acceptable to outsiders and they arranging to employ him 1/2 time at Riley 6 or 7 miles south where a church has recently been formed. Called on Mr. Church and urged the necessity of improving the people to do their utmost for the society is embarrassed.Took the noon train for Wayne, walked out to Mr. Kellog's and had a delightful visit with the old gentleman who is labouring faithfully and successfully to bring the church back to us who have been led off by obedience to A. Missionary Association but at the loss of one worthy member who is displeased with his advocacy of our society and has rented his farm and left the place. The younger Kellog, who has been commissioned for Roscoe is at home in ill-health (I judge from inaction). His light I fear his light will go out for want of his father’s energy. We had a pleasant prayer meeting in the evening.9 Walked tot he station 4 1/2 miles against a tremendous wind. Rode to Chicago.10 & 11 Spent the time inn various matters of business. Attended a Prayer Meeting at Mr. Patterson’s in the morning which has been kept up for many months daily and reported at that meeting a prayer meeting of 82 years in Dr. Springs Ch. in Newburyport, Mass. I have obtained a pass on the I. Cent. R.R. for its entire length, labelled “complimentary.” This is the more acceptable as it is refused to ministers by a vote of all the Chicago R.R. recently and will be more use to me than a half-fare ticket on all the others.11 Saturday evening. I took the cars to Thornton Station and preached there. They have built a Presb. Ch. but are feeble and somewhat divided band.Tuesday Morning I called on Br. Loss and engaged him to run down and supply them every alternate Sabbath (it is 24 miles) gratuitously.14 Feb. I took the cars and visited Br. Clark (C.R.) who is commissioned for Canfield and Jefferson. His field is not a promising one. Its contiguity to Chicago (12 miles) renders it doubtful whether much will be accomplished there. I was apprehensive that he was devoting too much time to his farm, but found he had anticipated me for he had rented it for 3 years.15- I met with Rev. Mr. Bartlett in Chicago. He was in fine spirits. His different fields seem to become more more promising. Hither to Lake County and the North part of Cook have been presenting a forbidding aspect.16- Spent in making calls and making out my assortment of tracts for distributing.17- Rode to Fairbury, Livingston Co. and with the Elder of the Ch. visited 2 families in the evening who have not united with this Ch.18- Preached an Lenten Preparatory and received one into the Ch. whom we visited yesterday.19- I preached twice and administered the Lord’s Supper [in a] school house so crowded we were obliged to dismiss the Cong. before the Communion and I preached in the Methodist house in the afternoon. There is a wide field here and ay Chenoa for a good minister.20- Made preparations to take the freight train, to spend 2 hours at Chenoa but it was behind time and I was obliged to pass it. Reached El Psso at 4 and too the freight to Kappa (4 miles) spent 3 hours there and learned that they were resolved on building a Church this summer, which is a great effort for so feeble a Ch. Y+They have already $600 reliable subscription. I wrote for them to the Ch. Erection Com., and took the cars and reached Minonk at 10 1/2 pm.21- Spent an hour with Rev. Mr. Brown and took the freight cars to Rutland. Called at Rutland on Mr. Burns and the Rev. Mr. Samuel, had a pleasant interview, obtained important information concerning Nebraska, a part of his field, had a season of prayer and took the passenger train to Wenona. It thus gave me an opportunity of visiting Rev. Mr. Dunn and and his elder, Mr. Brockway. I should have mentioned that they will build a church at Rutland this summer. And it is pleasant to observe what an advantage it gives the Churches at Wenona & Minonk to have a minister and their own house of worship. Were they not deeply in debt for R.R. lands they would be able to do without foreign aid. These R.R. lands are let on long time but at very high prices and crops have disappointed their expectations.22- Rode in the freight train to Mendota to call on Mr. Barret and inquire about Paw Paw. He confines himself to Mendota and has left Paw Paw (contrary to my advice) and I shall be obliged to visit them occasionally at no little expense of time and travel and mud.At Wenona I saw a letter from Mr. Waldo giving account of a revival at Waltham resulting in some 50 conversions under Mr. Waldo’s preaching. It gladdened my heart, for 2 years ago I made a great effort to resuscitate the church which was on the way to dissolution. (By the way this Waldo is one about which Br. Badger wrote me some time ago. He is recognized here as in good standing. And I have been hoping to hear that his standing is good in the east.)Having spent an 1/2 hour with Mr. B. I took the passenger t. to Amboy, and at the suggestion of Mr. Barret I called on Rev. Mr. Fitch but his face was set to find a field in Wisconsin and the Ch. at Amboy have employed Mr. Phelps to preach once a day for 6 months.I walked to Lee Center (4 miles) in the mud & rain. I inquired if Mr. Phelps had acknowledged their obligation to our society since they became self-supporting. He said they had taken a vote to that effect but he had with held it because he was in doubt whether they could exist without aid.Reached Forreston at the going down of the sun. Found that Lutherans were having a great excitement and was called on to preach after which there was a prayer meeting somewhat in the Methodist fashion and when invited 3 persons arose in turn, testifying to their joyous conversion, to their determination to serve God, requesting the prayers of Christians. (It was in the stereotype form.) But I trust much good is being done. I have tried in public and in private to act in concert with others in reference to prayer for Colleges.24- Visited 5 families.25- Spent the morning in the village and in company with 4 brethren went to [illegible]26- Preached in the morning at Springvale and in company with 10 members rode to Forreston, where the new members were publicly united, the Elders and Deacons ordained, and the Lord’s supper administered...preached in the evening for the Lutheran Minister.27- Visited a lady who exerts great influence and evinces evidence of having recently found money. She will probably unite with us as well as two young men of promise. One man is a physician and a son of Rev. Rev. Mr. Legget of Orange Co, who was I presume a fellow student with me under Dr. Mason. Rode home and heard letters till near 12 o’clock. I send this as is because it will show what my habits are by what I have done the last 4 weeks and my eyes will not permit me to copy it or to make a long annual report. My eyes have been so very weak since October that I cannot read the news. It is a great privation.A. Kent____[n.p., n.d.]Br. Coe,Please send the Home Missionary to Jesse Rood, Byron, Ogle Co., Ill. and charge the same to me.Lest you should send me funds that I have called for that others need more, I would say that I received from the 2 Cong. Ch. in R. $106.24 which is all I need at present, and which I will report in due time.___Belvidere, Feb. 7, 1860I have just spent a night with Br. Willis, whose throat is in such a condition that he thinks seriously of resting from public speaking for a time until he shall get relief and labour on a farm in the vicinity (where he will be likely to be called on the supply them on the Sabbath).I have also conversed with 2 judicious men in neighboring churches who think that his people would not be willing to have another minister. I do not therefore feel at liberty to recommend the application, especially in view of the state of your treasury.A. Kent____Wayne Center, Feb. 9, 1860I am in the minister’s study and writing with ministers pen and after talking with the deacon and attending prayer meeting in the evening (and a very pleasant meeting it was) i am well satisfied to recommend the appropriation asked for. I am well persuaded that Br. Kellogg will not allow them to be on the charity fund any longer than is necessary. It is afield burnt over not by Methodists by ultra-abolitionists as Br. K. says and after a year more I think he will get them straightened out so that they will be self supporting.A. Kent_____Fairbury, Livingston Co., Feb. 18, 1860I have visited Fremont some months since and received a very favorable impression of the church and their minister and would not on any account discourage their application, but in view of your embarrassments it is a question whether they ought to receive more than $100.A. Kent____Galena, Feb. 26/60The 2 rival villages of Lawrence & Harvard are determined to have each a minister and not to unite in the same man as a Committee of Presbytery recommended. They each forwarded an application asking for aid - one 250 the other 200. I wrote back I could not recommend them for it was only large enough for one man. But Harvard Cong. Ch. instructed me to return it unless I could use it. And it is understood they have applied to the A. Miss. Association. I have then no alternative but to send you the one from Lawrence with all the arguments spread out- for my eyes are too weak to wade through and condense them. It is one of the most perplexing cases I know and I hope that some decision will be reported back speedily, I send also the letter from Harvard, c.c. form it representative now living in Woodstock.A. Kent____Galena, March 2, 1860I have retained this application [Orangeville] until I could get $20 added to the amount they raised. You see by the enclosed that I have succeeded. Please reply as soon as convenient, I recommend $130 be granted. They have bit 2 male members left and the elder lives 5 miles out.A. Kentp.s. Present prospects are hopeful._____I have been long acquainted with the affairs of this little Zoar. They have struggled hard and they have now a beat little sanctuary and I believe out of debt. But still they ought perhaps to have $100 if your treasury will permit. I am reluctant to urge more while your funds are so low.A. Kent____FinancialI have already reported in the Home Miss. $238.26please report the follwojngReceived of Mr. Halsy$5.00Collection at Forreston Preesb. Ch.$3.80Jesse Rood- “Home Iss.”0.50Second Cong. Ch.-Rockford106.24Second Presab. Ch. Galena30.00145.54383.80There was due to March last140.50My slary600.00My expenses 49.00789.50deduct383.80March 6 1860 due to me405.70I have found though wealth increases more complaints of hard times than for many years and more reluctance to allow me to take collections and in consequence of depreciation of property, the difficulty of collecting what is my die and the increase of expense (2 children in schools) I am in want of money. But if the treasury is still reduced I can get along with $200 and will allow the rest to remain unpaid in the hope that relief will soon come. My expenses the services last year raaised 40 cents. Probably it will ve more in future as I can expect no facilities hereafter except on the Ill. Cent. R.R.A. Kent_____Galena, March 6, 1860Dear Brethren,I desire in this annual report to acknowledge the good hand of my God in sparing my life and continuing to me health and vigour that I can still preach the Gospel and visit the Churches and contribute somewhat towards encouraging the feeble and strengthening that which is ready to die. This thought is brought home to me with new force by the notice I read yesterday of that excellent man, tutor in college to my class, Professor Goodrich. His labours with me in the revival of 1815 were among the links which composed the change of influence which led me to consecrate myself to God and to the ministry.It may be noted that a large proportion of the churches which now come under my supervision are those which are depleted by removals or burdened by heavy indebtedness or by some other infelicity in outward circumstances are crippled beyond the power of immediate relief. And in such cases if we can only assist them to stand fast and keep their courage up we may hope that more propitious events will transpire by which they will arise from their depression, and reach the position of self support to which many of them (and individuals will) are looking forward to with intense interest.It is true that there are several of these feeble churches which possess wealth enough to do this but it is as true that this wealth is beyond our control and I think you will perceive that I have been insisting with more stringency than ever before on their asking less of your exhausted treasury.But while many of these feeble churches are depressed and faint hearted there are quite a goodly number that are battling vigorously with their various embarrassments and may be designated as “valiant truth” amidst multiform errors. And there are others (15 at least) who are progressing finely and give promise of a healthy and even a rapid growth.It may be remarked in this connection that our Home Mission Churches are sadly disheartened by the frequent change of their stated supplied (not to say the the state supplies are quite as much annoyed by the fickleness of the churches.) This however results unavoidably from the unsettled condition of a new country, Add to this the fluctuations incident to the creation of some 150 new commercial centers along the line of our numerous rail roads, for it proves a temptation too powerful to be resisted to enterprising men to leave the older churches and throw themselves into these marts of speculation. And while many of them succeed in amassing wealth there are many who profess to be Christians but who in their eagerness to be rich have engaged in businesses, involved themselves and their securities in debt and this sacrificed the hard earnings of many previous years.The circumstances will show also how great is the amount of labour which has devolved on the ministry to meet the demands on them to organize new churches and the inducements to rivalry and strife between different sects of Christians where is can be seen at a glance that a city must start suddenly into being and that those who in advance of all others should occupy the school house by a stated appointment and should “hurry up” an organization would by these means secure a vantage ground of inestimable importance.It may seem too that in a very few years this strife must of necessity cease because our Railways are built and each denomination will have ascertained the “bounds of their habitation” and the work which Providence has assigned them.There have been in the past year (including 6 in the counties adjacent which sent their applications through this agency) 55 missionaries and 88 missionary fields of labour, 2 churches have been organized and 2 have assumed self support, 2 houses of worship have been erected and 2 repaired. There are at present moment revivals of religion promising most gratifying results in 5 of the churches that either have been or are now aided by our Society, They are Nora, Belvidere, Granville, 2nd Church in Galena, Waltham and we hope to see yet greater things.So long as the reports of missionaries do not pass through the hands of the agent and the action of the Ex. Com. is not reported to him, he has no means of reporting definitely on some matters put down in your orders to agent.On the whole we have reason to look back with astonishment and thanksgiving in review of the progress of the churches of Christ in this district of the Mississippi Valley for “the little one has become large.” The first Protestant church in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois consisted of only 6, that is 2 on one side and 4 on the other side of the state line and these obliged to travel from 5 to 40 miles to enjoy fellowship and with their lord and with each other at his table and which was ll that your missionary could gather after 2 1/2 years of labor and careful research. This small number less than a “few” according to Peter’s count of those who were saved from the flood is now multiplied to more than 1000, if we reckon all the Evangelical churches which have been organized and are now successfully prosecuting their labours of love and each church probably an average numbering 3 fold what the original one contained.Had any one predicted when Dr. Peters first requested the missionary to enter this great field of labour that he would live to see 100 churches established on these then desolated prairies, his weak faith might have replied If the lord would make make windows in heaven might this thing be- a thousand battalions of volunteer troops coming forth fully armed and equipped for the war against Diabolus and ...of the city of Mem-joul he would have been prompted to say if the Lord make windows in heaven might this thing be.A. Kent____[Application from Harvard, Rev. Jos. Emery]Galena, March 8, 1860This application came at the same time with that from Lawrence and I replied to both that I could not recommend them (involving as they fo so much strife). But this was accompanied by a note saying that I must return it if it was not endorsed. I therefore had no discretion but to send it back. I remarked however that I was sorry to be obluged to do so for I thought their plea was so urgent that the Committee might grant their request, for they can at their pleasure over step the rules they makes for their agents. And I expressed hope that they would return. I now forward it with the accompanying note which is obscure. I cannot detain it to wait for an explanation from Br. Hart for it might be before the Committee when they act upon the one from Lawrence. And your printed rules will still exclude them from using the commission if they receive aid from the A. Miss. Ass.A. KentP.S. You will see that I have been drawn into a narrow place...____Galena, May 11/60The foregoing application is strictly according to the facts as I have understood from personal observations having had occasion to visit them not many months since. Br. Brown is regarded as a faithful laborer, and devoted to his missionary work.Should your funds require it, the grant might be reduced to $100 though the whole amount asked for is little enough.A. Kentp. s. Br. Guernsy of Iowa is with us._____Galena, June 6, 1860First QuarterTreasurer A.H.M.S.I have received of 1st Cong. CH. at Rockford$31.02Jan 29 at collection at Springvale after sermon2.75Ap 24 Geo. E. Shipman Chicago10.00June 3 Col in first Presb. Ch Galena afterHome Miss. Sermon20.0063.77Dr. Badger I find it very difficult to get access to the pulpits owing to the continued pressure of finances. The Churches in Galena are so depressed and depleted that they groan and are all without pastors.I preached Sabbath before last on Home Missions for Br. Crawford of Sandwich but owing to Methodist Camp Meeting and other circumstances, the collection was postponed to a future Sabbath. I attended Gen. Association at Aurora (which I was prevented attending the year before by their change of time) and expected to see Br. Jenney and one of the Secretaries there but saw neither, But I saw a body of men (clerical & lay brethren) which constrained me to say to myself and aloud Behold what hath God wrought in Ill. within the last 30 years (for I was the oldest of all present in my labours in the Prairie State) and to raise the question what would have been the condition of things if the A.H.M.S. had withheld its aid.Yours in the service of the great High Priest,A. KentRecapitulationBalance due me March 59$140.00Salary for 59 to 60600.00travelling expenses for the year47.54708.04Received in the mean time as reported in March383.80 “sometime back in a draft200.00“ since March93.77due me 677.57$110.47You will please send me the balance due when you are in funds and oblige, Yours etc.,A. Kent_____Galena, June 23, 1860Rev. Dr. Badger,I went as soon as I could to Rev. Mr. Goodwin and after so long a time I have this morning received his reply (which I need not forward (nor Mr. Holmes letter)) as you have a statement from Brs. Goodwin & Sloan. I think some good has been done in 2 ways. 1 One of the committee has been on the ground, which I have reason to think has never been done before. Like many others this endorsement is based on what the incumbent says of himself. 2 It will spur up Br. Hodges to more faithfulness in future for notwithstanding the averment of the Com. of Investigation, it has been my understanding for years that Br. Hodges never preaches from house to house (as I suppose you would require), attends no prayer meetings, nor Sabbath School, nor preaches but once on the Sabbath, and I have winked at this because he asked for but a small salary, yet in my estimation he has not come to the standard which you require of your missionaries, and that is the reason why I recommend but $50 to each of the churches. I have not been able to go myself to Durand for I have been shut up at home with a boy (of 15) sick with thyphoid fever. My deliberate opinion is that some of our missionaries (and Br, H. among them) do not make more strictly pastoral visits in a whole year than one missionary I could name to you makes in one day. I have complained of this repeatedly to you and I have said to them and exhorted them as long as it would do any good. I talked to Br. Hodges on this point when he left his former field (where Br., Sloan now is) and went to Durand & vicinity and exhorted him to give himself wholly to his work and explore a larger district that was a waste. But that work has not been done. Indeed it is not his was to preach from house to house. I do not wonder that the sympathies of the Brethren were called out in his behalf, my own have been as you will see in what I said of his wife’s idocy, but the question returns show shoud we dispose of the funds entrusted to our disbursement.I wish that you would allow the full amount asked to each of the churches but with the condition that he shall perform his duty in the way of labour collateral to the public preaching of the gospel and to show that I have no personal dislike to this Br., I will refer you to the Br. who preached so long at Mt. Carrol and the Br. who preached so long at Winslow. In spite of all my remonstrances, they never would visit, and I believe they hindered rather than prospered the cause, goo Brethren though they be.In regard to dating back I still think that his neglect to get up the application til 1/3 of the year is gone by is utterly inexcusable in an old missionary and in churches which have been helped years before.I shall retain the letters of Br. Goodwin and Holmes and will forward them if you wish.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_____Galena Aug. 29, 1860Received since last reportof Mr. Halsy$5.00of 2nd Cong. Ch. at Rockford42.24A. Kent_____Galena, Aug. 29, 1860Br. Whitteman has a very hard field, one of the hardest as I thought when I visited it some 6 or 8 years ago. He shows a cheerful and hopeful spirit. And I should regret exceedingly to have him leave that county when he is acquiring so great an influence. I am very sorry that the Churches at Bloomington do not contribute to our society and so I regret the church at Elgin refused me when I called last week and asked for permission to present the cause there. Our good Br. N.G. Clark, who has returned to his old charge, told me they had resolved to contribute to the A.M.Ass. But I think that should operate to prejudice the chances of the feeble churches within the bounds of the Elgin Ass.I hope therefor to be informed in time to visit him as he requests and assure him that his head is still on his shoulders.A. KentPlease let me hear soon.____Rockton, Set. 17, 1860Not being fully satisfied with this application I set out with purpose to visit Br. Bartlett’s field, but providence has seemed to hedge up my way and I spent the Sabbath with a vacant church and preached on Home Missions.I know no reason why this application should not be approved except the small amount the people raised, but it [is] a region [Deerfield] where there is little or nothing to encourage except its proximity to the Lake and its mushroom cities. It appears to me very desirable that we should plant a standard here especially if we venture to anticipate what the population will be 25 years hence and I have no data from which to judge that they have not done all they can. And it seems to me that the amount pledged is as little as his feeble and comparatively helpless family can get along with. It will cost me $8 to 10 to make a journey on purpose and in the course of the year I shall be able to visit them with but little expense. I recommend therefore that $250 be allowed them.A. Kent____Report for 2nd Quarter ending Sept. 1860I have been constantly preaching and travelling, except 3 weeks detention by sickness in the family. Preached 3 times on Home Miss. but not allowed to take up a collection.I have administered the Lord’s Supper 3 times and baptized 4 adults & 3 infants. I have spent 3 Sabbaths exploring new fields. Have visited 12 Home Missionaries, have distributed 120 Annual Reports, 2 sets of Barnes Notes, 6 Bibles for Children repeating the catechism, and a quantity of tracts, volumes and books forwarded from the Merriams. Have made 27 pastoral visits and wrote 43 letters and conducted may prayer meetings, which are not noted down. A. Kent______Galena, Nov. 6, 1860I visited Br. Brewer during the summer and I have once preached at Guthries Grove. The only objection to the application is that he lives at Ogle Station [Ashton] 8 or 10 miles off but he preaches some at Ogle Station.His excuse for remaining where is is being the impossibility of renting a house. I believe he spends a good deal of time in visiting his people. I recommend the grant of $150.A. KentP.S. I suppose there is not much prospect of good being done at Ogle Station, and I should think it would be well to intimate that aid after this year could not be furnished unless he moves on to his principal field of labour, which will result I presume in their raising his whole support._____Galena, Ill., Nov. 1860I find it very difficult often to discriminate between seeming and real inability on the part of Home Missionary Churches to support the Gospel.Perhaps I have given you a statement of the manner by which the Ch. at lee Center were persuaded to pay their debt of $200 to their minister and raise his whole salary when they have resolved on applying for 200 aid. I have now another case to report in which by putting the screws on we can sometimes make a church feel that they well lose by withholding more then is meet. I had held up the Church at Lena as a model and was surprised a few weeks since to find Br. Johnston disheartened. He could not get his pay- could not get any discipline enforced- and could command but very little aid in social meetings. He then spread out the matter in a letter, asking advice. I spent a Sabbath there by exchange and he went to Forreston) and looked over the ground. It was agreed that he should announce his purpose to leave and give the reasons as above. He accordingly gave notice which astonished them for he had built a house and they thought they had him sure.They immediately began to move and raised $300 for next year and proposed to ask $200, s they were in debt for the church.He assured he did not wish to oppress them and as he thought they should no longer tax our society, he would obtain 1/2 his salary for the coming year by supplying another church, for we has laid a plan to have him preach 1/2 his time at Forreston & vicinity, and thus relieve me of my four weeks appointment there.This alarmed them and they reviewed the figures on the subscription, and from 15 they “sat down quickly” and wrote 50 and 50 and so on.Their $600 was soon made up to my great disappointment for I was very anxious to have him preach at Forreston.They rightly judged that if they suffered him to go 1/2 the time they might lose him altogether, and Br. J. says they appear to be in much better spirits. So much for the difference between “moral” & “natural” ability.[An edited version was apparently published in Home Missionary.]____Quarterly Report for the Fall Monthsfrom Sept. to Nov. inclusiveI have preached 15 sermons in vacant churches, 3 times on Home Missions, heard others whose appointments were prior to my 5 times.Spent one Sabbath and a week in exploring new ground and trying to resuscitate a church where I encountered hardships from walking in all some 20 or 30 miles in the rain, not rebuking but entreating delinquent elders, visiting dissatisfied families, and otherwise exposing myself in a way I would not do again for any pecuniary consideration.I have baptized one adult and 2 infants and refused to baptize the child of the wealthiest man in the place which will probably result in his going to another denomination. Administered the Lord’s Supper once, visited 10 Home Missionaries and 26 families & many more.Received of Mrs. I. Whiting, Elk Grove$5.00“ Mr. S. Halsey, Forreston10.00“Mr. G. Waterbury0.50“Presb. Ch at Waltham33.73“The 2nd Presb. Ch. Galena55.00“The Cong. Ch at Peoria18.00122.23A. KentIt may be interesting to state some facts concerning the church at Waltham.Some 5 years since I visited there. They had but a shell of a house for worship, no means to finish it, no heart to attempt and those best able to contribute drawing off from dissatisfaction, They had no preaching and no Sabbath school, But a minister in the vicinity at work on a farm for his health kindly offered to give them six months preaching if they would repair their deserted house, As as s further hope, I gave them $10 to encourage and stimulate them to begin. Nov. 11 I preached there and took up a collection for Home Missions. The house was crowded with the benches in the aisles. I read Deut 26, as pertinent to my purpose, and urged them to raise $30 as a thanks offering for a comfortable house, for a good minister whom they all love (to make him life member) and for a revival last winter which added largely to their number. He took up the subject after I finished and reminded them of my donation and the result was #33.73 which is a noble contribution for a country congregation in a new settlement of farmers., as you may judge from the fact that there was 25 waggons gathered about the door.They now talk of building a larger church. They had a Bible Class of 44 persons that day and their minister said he had been greatly blessed in his own soul by the revival._____Galena, Dec. 1, 1860Daniel P. NoyesDear Sir,I have had a good deal of trouble with Rev. Tho. Kidder an old man from Vermont who is looking after a field and after putting myself very much to inconvenience, exposure, and hardship to facilitate his settlement he has left me to go and annoy Mr. Geurnsey at Dubuque. But he has expressed much dissatisfaction that I would not pay his expenses, and pledge the churches where has has preached to pay for every Sabbath service as they do in New England. I paid him $4.50 out of my own pocket and he wants me to ask the Committee if they would allow something for his preaching at Edington 2 Sabbaths for he poor.He reads good sermons and his first appearance is very good but I think he is not fitted to this latitude. But I have done with him unless he comes to spend another week with us.I suppose that secretaries as well as agents have their trials.With sentiments of respect,A. Kent____Galena, Dec. 1, 1860Rev. Daniel P. Noyes,Albany, Whiteside Co.Dea. A. CareyDea. PeaseAndover, Henry Co.Issac WoolseyBatavia, Kane Co.Judge LockwoodShemung Town, Belvidere, Boone Co.Dea. AveryDea. NicholsMr. CollinsBuena Vista, Stephenson Co.Henry RitzelBristol, Kendall Co.S.S. GilmoreH.S. ColtonBuda, Bureau Co.Br. L. ParkerJoseph FosterCambridge, Henry Co.L. Tilman, Esq.Carrol, Carrol Co.James HalletCedarville, Stephenson Co.J.H. AddamsAdrain LucasJohn RuthCentraliaDea. PeaseCarlinville, Tazewell Co.Dea. WoodrowComo, Whiteside Co.Dr. DonaldsonCrete, Will Co.Dea. CushingCrystal Lake, McHenry Co.Mr. GatesDea. SoilsburyAllan BaldwinDeKalb, DeKalb. Co.Dea. WoodDement, DeKalb Co.Mr. BarnumMr. RichardsElianbeth, Jo Daviess Co.Mr. JenningsMr. MollisonSilas MarshallElk Horn Grove, Carrol Co.Wilson AldrichElgin, Kane Co.Augustini RaymondElmwood, Peoria Co.Dr. W.H. ChapmanFranklin Grove, Lee Co.Dea. LodimusMrs. BraytonW.J. SherwoodFreeport, Stephenson Co.Wm. BuckleyJohn A. ClarkJames MitchellE.H. HydeFreemont, Lake Co.A.B. PartridgeFulton, Whiteside Co.Thomas ExleyGalena, Jo. Daviess Co.O. SmithN. StillmanA. EstyHenry CorwithW.C. BostwickJudge SheldonD. HemkinsL.S. FeltE. LongA. TomlinMeeker HarrisTrinity HalletMrs. Ann TelfordMr. RoodMr. Wm. YoungMrs. KeelerMrs. StrodeMrs. HorrH.H. HoughtonWm. TownsendGarden Prairie, Whitside Co.Thoams WilsonGardner, Grundy Co.J.F. BensonGeneseo, Henry Co.Mrs. CopelandRobert GettyGranville, Putnam Co.Ralph WareThomas WareGrouse P.O., Kane Co.A.P. HatchHarvard, Mchenry Co.Willaim HartHale P.O., Ogle Co.Col. BrownDr. E. HurdHalls Settlement, Perry Co.Judge KimmelHickory Creek, Will Co.Sam’l. HavenHarris, Lasalle Co.Jeremiah MooreJoliet, Will Co.Dea. WoodruffLawyer NortonKankakee, Kankakee Co.Mrs. BlackstoneMrs. Ripley EdlerKappaMr. Cook, Station Supt.Kendal, Kendal Co.Dr. SealyLane [Rochelle], Ogle Co.J. StormLacon, MArshall Co.Ira FennWm. FisherMr. FordLodi [Maple Park], Kane Co.W. LyonsLyndon, Whitesides Co.Dea. RoyDea. MilliganMr. OrtonLena, Stephenson Co.S.F. DoddsJohn Goodard & Bro.Lawrence, McHenry Co.James ThompsonLee Centre, Lee Co.Mr. WrightDea. BrewerLysander, Winnebago Co.Dea. SimmonsLllly Lake, Kane C0.Dea. ElliotMackinawDea LymanMankato, KankakeeDr. MerrickNew CanadaDr. SkarsMarengo, McHenry Co,Dea. M. WhiteMillegeville, Carrol Co.Mr. SeymourMinonkS. WorksMr. McCordMillford, Iroqouis Co.John StrainMr. JourneyMilo, Bureau Co.Dea. SalesMorrison, Whiteside Co.Mr. AtkinsonMagnolia, Putnam Co.J. ParsonsMomence, Kankakee Co.Lyman WoosterZacariah WoodNora, Jo Daviess Co.W.H. LelandDea. RogersMr. FrancisNew RutlandMr. BangsOwen, Winnebago Co.Mr. HallOregon, Ogle Co.P. JacobsOrangevilleJ. DornTho. PollackOttawa, LaSalle Co.Dea. GridelyChas. BrushSam’l. GridelyJudeg HollisterJudge CatonPanaFranklin SandersPenaJ..D. LudlowPeru, Lasalle Co.J.H.McMillanPecatonica, Winnebago Co.Dea. H. WoodruffL.B. JuddWm. HewittPolo, Ogle Co.Judge BogueMr. BarberRev. Mr. PearsonS. WatherburyPoplar Grove, Boone Co.Bradford DeanRichard WarrenPrairie City, Ford Co.W.A. GoodrichMr. BlanchardPaw Paw, Dekalb Co.Messers Holmes & HillProphetstown, Whitesides Co.Dea. ThompsonProvidence, Bureau Co.Mr. DorrRantoul, Champaign Co.J.W. DodgeRingwood, McHenry Co.Judge RenoldsRidgefield, McHenry Co.Mr. OlmsteadMr. ButtonMr. DavisRockford, Winnebago Co.J.D. RobinsonMr. ColesmanR. EmersonMr. EdwardsPenfield & BrothersMr. DiekermanSanford & Bro.S. ChurchC. SpaffordDr. D. ClarkSharon, Whitesides Co,John LoganSnatchwini, Bureau Co.Mr. AllenSoumanauk, Kane Co.Joseph BakerSterling, Whiteside Co.Nelson MAsonMr. WetherlySouth Ottawa, LAsalle Co.Rev. J.M. ClarkMr. MasonSpring LakeMr. HawesSugar Grove, Kane Co.J. HatchSycamore, Dekalb Co.C. MerritMr.. WatermanJ. KellogDea. WestTamoraWm. YatesTiskilwa, Bureau Co.Dr. ShipmanS.S. PattersonTonica, Lasalle Co.John LittleTolona, Champaign Co.Mrs. WhiteTyler, Winnebago Co.Mr. HoytWard’s Grove, Jo Daviess Co.Sam’l TerrelWaukegan, Lake Co.Mr. NortonHenry BlodgetWaltham, Lasalle Co.Dea. ChapinGeo NyeMr. DeanWest Urbana, Champaign Co.A. B. ConditWethersfield, Henry Co.Francis LoomisWilmington, Will Co.Robert StewartWenona, Marshall Co.John IrvinUdina, Kane Co.Asa MerrilUnion Grove, Putnam Co.Dea. J. TildenVanceburg, Winnebago Co.Mr. WhittlseyMr. RuggThe above list is as complete as I could make amidst the constant interruptions I have met with for a week past. In many instances I could not give the initials but I suppoe that in that case there was not other of the name in the place.Yours Truly, A. Kent____Feb. 25, 1861I regret that I did not receive this a week sooner as I should have visited the church [Wayne Center] in passing last week, but I thought they would be self-supporting this year. Br. Kellog will not rest until he brings them up to that point. I regard these statements as fully reliable abd recommend they be allowed $100.A. Kent____Galena, March 1, 1861Rev. M. Badger, D.D.Dear Sir:In making my annual report it was my purpose to give some statistics showing the number of ministers and churches of our denomination in connection with the population of the district which my agency covers, but I soon found that it would prove too great a tax upon my weak eyes. And I am obliged to borrow eyes to do much of my writing. And I must be content to say generally that in a population of six hundred and twenty four thousand which these twenty four counties now contain:We have about 150 ministers & missionaries in active service which would seem to be but a partial supply. When, however, it is considered that there are five other denominations of evangelical Christians occupying the same ground, and that one of them at least has many more ministers & churches than we can claim, it may be assumed that we are well supplied as most of these U.S. But if our ministers & churches are not as numerous yet we think they are exerting as extensive & healthful an influence as those of any other branch of the Ch.In looking back over the year, we cannot report many powerful revivals, but the general aspect of the churches will compare favorably with any previous year, if we judge of them by the large attendance upon public worship & at their prayer meetings, their S.S. & other indications of vitality & progress. In several instances, however, a gracious work of the Holy Spirit has been witnessed. One of your missionaries has recently spent three weeks in the field that had abandoned two or three years ago, from its apparent hopelessness, and now reports a blessed work of grace resulting in the addition of twenty to the church and encouraging the hope that they will again sustain preaching in that wide field of distribution.It is manifest that ministers & churches fall far below the standard of high attainment which primitive Christians erected in time of persecution, but if we regard the improved tone of many secular papers & the respect for the Sabbath paid by our public functionaries, if we observe the screens behind which the gamblers & drunkards hide & the palpable & vile imitations of Christianity under which immoral and unprincipled men cloak their infidelity, we may safely conclude that ..religion is on the advance.Two churches have been reluctantly crowded on to the ground of self-support & I trust will find themselves invigorated by the effort, and four have been added to our list of beneficiaries. Two of our missionary churches which were ready to die have been resuscitated & supplied with the stated ministrations of the Gospel. One of them has enlisted with commendable zeal upon the work of raising a house of worship and the other finding itself ... has it in contemplation to build a larger house. Several edifices have been repaired during the year, and quite a number of churches are struggling to relieve themselves of the debts in which the pressures of the times had involved them.I am compelled in this promptness as I am to start on a journey today to meet appointments.With Great Respect,Yours, etc. A. Kent [This letter not in Kent’s hand.]A.H.M.S. in acct. with A. KentSalary for one year $600expenses for travel & freight $60 $660.00money already reported169.47 crDec. 9 2nd Presb Ch Eagle Point 5.5516th Cong Ch., at Wysox 5.6424th A. Sager 10.00Jan 15th Batavia Cong. Ch. 32.50Feb. 5th Rockford 2nd Cong. Ch. 92.9228th Union Park Cong. Ch. Chicago 11.35 327.46 327.46 332.54 60.00 272.54As the Society is embarrassed I will not charge expenses. The balance you will please pay when you are in funds.A. Kent_____Galena, March 19/61Rev. Dr. Badger,Dear Sir:I was reminded by your circular of some omissions in my an. report.We have 41 missionaries and 64 missionary districts on my field.It is difficult for me to know when churches become self-supporting as they do not report to me, but in looking back 3 years I find 7 churches which have assumed the support of their ministers, 6 by removals and other untoward circumstances are discouraged and 23 have ceased to apply for aid for want of ministers or other reasons known to themselves.You will please send a certificate of Life Membership to Mrs. M.F. Goodwin (the pastor’s wife) and the Home Missionary to E.A. Herrick the pay for which I shall acknowledge in my quarterly report, as covered by a contribution from the First Congregational Soc. of Rockford and oblige yours, etc.,A. KentP.S. My eyes are so far relieved that I can write but cannot read as my best eye has become blurred, I fear hopelessly.I have great reason to be thankful that I am not blind. But it is a privation to be dependent on others for information from abroad._____Durand, Ap. 1, 1861Rev. Dr. BadgerHaving spent the Sabbath and preached here and visited with the professing Christians within my reach, it seems proper that I should put down what I have learned while it is fresh in my mind.The Presbyterians all expressed great uneasiness at the low state of Religion, all give evidence of piety though not in that warmth and ...which is desirable. And they all agree in the opinion that the preaching of Rev. Mr. Hodges is not likely to be useful here and that while they respect him as a friend and sympathize in his afflictions, they cannot attend his preaching since he has allowed himself to denounce the Church which they prefer. They show a lively concern for the dishonor done to God by the errors of professing Christians.I have called on the only two members of the Cong.. Church which I can find. And they would give me the names of but one other who is Mrs. Cable living 6 miles off and of whom it was said in my hearing that she was more ready to attend parties of pleasure than the worship of God. From other information I think the above remark does not do her full justice.Mrs. Peterson lives in the village and appears to be an intelligent and judicious Christian. She mourns over the sad state of Society, expresses a great desire that the present embarrassments may be removed, and her apprehensions that Mr. Hodges’ labours will not be useful, and said of her own accord that it was a matter of indifference whether she was a Presbyterian or a Congregationalist (She came from a Presbyterian Ch.). I became greatly interested in her during my short visit of an hour. Her associations are such as makes it necessary I suppose to speak and act with caution.I walked out and back (3 miles) in the P.M. to visit my old friend (he is 73) Mr. Hoyt, the only male member of the Cong. Ch. He is unable to attend meeting here and attends the Methodist’s in the school house near by. I could get no information from him. He seemed to be absorbed in the political affairs of the country, but manifested no interest in the Church at Durand.Ring Wood, Apr. 4I sought and obtained an interview with Br. Hodges in which I reminded him of our long acquaintance and of my apprehensions that he failed egregiously in pastoral visitations which constrained me when he removed into this field of wide distribution to exhort him to give himself to the work of visiting and explorations that from what I heard I thought he had greatly neglected that part of his ministerial duty, and was not likely to be useful there. I stated that as agent of the A.H.M.S. it did not belong to me to arraign men on the grounds of delinquency in moral character, but only to inquire whether they were likely to be useful, and that my apprehension of his failure in this respect were derived from the Presbyterians as also from the ready admonish of the only members of his own church. (And here I ought to say that the Presbyterians explain the facts that those leading men of society who are not professors of religion rally around him because he fills the place which the Unitarian occupied, and preaches in a manner which satisfies them and does not disturb their conscience. But they all agree in saying that if his preaching and other labors had given promise of usefulness they should not have sought another organization). He then kindly offered to read a copy of a letter he had written to the secretaries which I was very glad to hear, in which among some erroneous statements he charges me with sectarianism and said he should not send his application through me.I replied that if the tables were turned and it was a Presb. Ch. which was thus run down and a Presb. minister was unsuccessful, I should approve of a Cong. Ch. being organized under the same circumstances.But I am taxing my eyes severely and must shorten this explanation.If the Churches in Rockford who contribute so liberally chose to sustain him on that field, I am quite willing (so that my reasons are understood for the position I take, especially as he is regarded as highly useful in his other field of Shireland).I do not know what were the sources of information to which Br. Goodwin has access, but I think if he had been with me in my investigations, we should now agree on the question of prospective usefulness though we might not in relation to the hindrances. The position of a local agent is one of great delicacy but I think that I have incurred the ill will and censure of Presbyterian Missionaries quite as often as of Congregationalists since I have been an agent. But I have learned pretty thoroughly that there is a class of Home Miss. who are glad to find occasion to question the motives of the agent and sectarianism is a very convenient string to play upon.I ought to make other remarks that the 4 Presb. men appear to me to give evidence of piety, decided piety, though perhaps one has not always spoken and acted discretely. And the same may be said of Mr. Hodges, if I may judge from the discrepancies in their statements. But I cannot allow my eyes to be taxed further.Yours, Etc. A. Kent_____Galena, June 1, 1861Quarterly ReportIn looking over my diary, I find that I have during the quarter, preached 16 times, have baptized 15 adults and 2 children, administered the Lord’s Supper 3 times have made 55 pastoral visits, attended 24 prayer meetings, visited at their houses 13 missionaries and conversed with 10 others at the Gen Assoc. and received $45.45/100 in money.My preaching is so generally in school houses or other ...over which we have no exclusive control that I am obliged to listen to men of other sects when I would rather preach than listen.I give these statistics to show that I have done something but it does by no means reveal all that a missionary accomplishes in moving about among the people which float over these prairies. And it should be noted that the population in all new settlements is comparatively a floating population and at once more difficult to reach and then they pass away without leaving any trace of the labour bestowed upon them. A. KentI have received during the quarter $45.45 from the 1st Cong. Ch. of Rockford, $5 from Mr. Hollingshead, Forreston- $5 from B. Good of Springdale, which I charge to me.A. Kent___Chicago, July 16/61Dr. CoeDear Sir:I called on Mr. Champlaign.He siad he has sold the farm on which the mortgage rested for $1600, but it was when the money was deranged and he could recover it. He would probably sell in the fall to the same man. He had a prospect on getting the amount now due sooner.He was anxious you ahould have called to converse with him. I urged him to write and explain the matter to you more fully.Yours, A. KentHe has recently buried his wife who was siter to your missionary Mr. Leonard of Fulton, Ill._____Galena, Aug. 29, 1861Rev. Dr. BadgerQuarterly ReportDear Sir:In looking over my diary, I find I have a record of having preached 17 times, addressed 6 Sab. schools, attended 4 prayer meetings, made 50 pastoral visits, called on 9 Home Missionaries, administered the Lord’s Supper twice and baptized one child.In May I made a trip to Ogle & Lee Counties and visited Messers. Brewer and Seton and preached for the former.In July I accompanied Rev. W.J. Johnston of Lena to Forreston where we both preached and administered the Lord’s Supper. It is a gratifying fact that after preaching there once in four weeks for 2 years and receiving in all $79 which has all been reported to you I have organized a Church that promises well. There are now 23 members with a prospect of the addition of some more...And as I could not go there but once in 4 weeks, they have now employed Br. Johnston for 1/2 his time, and have made up for him a reliable subscription of $300.Perhaps you may recollect that Mr. Halsey a banker some 2 or 3 years ago applied to you to do something for Forreston where his son lives. You referred him to me and I am happy now to report so pleasing a result. It should be stated that this church is made up of families scattered among...In connection with my trip to Chicago and attending the Anniversaries at Beloit & Rockford I called on Mr. Champlaign as requested by Br. Coe and spent a Sabbath with that dear old man, Rev. Mr. Kellog of Wayne, formerly of Vermont as was “somewhat filled with his company”.In July I made a tour into Whitesides County, taking with me Mr. Avery a Theo student. We explored together a larger destitution and each preached twice on the Sabbath. And we visited some 20 families. This includes Sharon where Br. Martin once laboured. This, like many other churches back from the R. Road is running down, as the enterprising members move into the Rail Road villages. I go there again Sept 15.I have just returned from a trip down the Il. Cent. R.R. spending a Sabbath with a little church at Maroa and one my return a Sabbath at Pana and calling on missionaries at Minonk, El Paso and Wenona and visiting ministers and friends on the way until I reached Cairo where I found Brs. Grant and Goodale who were there to obtain a chaplaincy. We went over to Birds Point and I did what I could to further their views with my acquaintances from Galena. In the evening we attended a prayer meeting at Cairo in the Presbyterian Church. It was a meeting of much interest. And the question was asked whether the prayers of the church would avail as much to secure peace as the oaths of the ungodly do to protract the war. I believe this one of our great national sins the churches are so backward to rebuke it.During these tours I have distributed most of the annual reports.When I reached home on Monday I found my wife very ill. We feared on Wednesday that she would not live but she is partially relieved. My own physical system is a good deal out of tune.Yours, A. Kent_____Dr. BadgerDecease of Rev. Elias W. KelloggDied at Ring Wood, Ill. on the 6th Inst [October 1861] Rev. Elias W. Kellogg aged 66. He was buried at Wayne Center where was his missionary field. Occupying the study where he prepared his last sermon, I send you a few lines to give “aid and comfort” to other Home Missionaries amid the toil and sacrifices they endure in the prosecution of their life work.He was born in Sherbourne, Mass., but his parents early removed to Vermont, and, at the age of 7 he was committed to the guardianship of an Uncle. He made a Profession of his faith ere he had reached his majority, and for some years indulged the hope of entering the ministry; but when the way seemed to be shut against it, he retired to the farm. Encouraged, however, by his pastor, he resumed his long cherished purpose, and after two years of study, he was licensed to preach the Gospel, when like his divine master he began to be about 30 years old.His ministry of 36 years was exercised mainly in the feeble churches. During 25 of those years he received Home Miss. aid, and of the eleven churches he served, some became self-supporting while he laboured with them, and he always evinced the greatest solicitude to develop this token of self respect.In 1855 he removed to Northern Illinois where this minister first enjoyed his acquaintance and was cheered by his genial spirit. Though now feeble and infirm he was prompt in meeting every appointment, even when his exposures involved much self-denial, and having preached on the...day and again on the subsequent Sabbath, he went wearily the next day to an ecclesiastical meeting, which brought on an attack of the disease from which he had suffered terribly before and there he laid down to die. It was a large upper room furnished and prepared by Providence. His agony was excruciating, and he was incapable of many words. But to the only child in attendance he said in the night watches when they were alone, “I lay off my mantle. You, my son, may put it on except where it is rent.”He has entered into his next and we my Brethren are admonished that the judge standeth at the door.His was an earnest ministry, and he was eminently successful and greatly beloved by his people. A striking proof of this I have before me, in a letter from a young brother in the army in Missouri written the day before his pastor’s death.He was happy in his work. His diary makes record of his gratitude; happy in his family, all of whom he regarded as in heaven or on the way thither; and happy in the numerous spiritual children given him as the fruit of his labours; for he was permitted to witness many precious revivals under his ministry.He was a model man to illustrate the possible achievements of a resolute mind steadily pursuing one object through life. He had but limited advantages; had but a meager income, sometimes less than $300; and himself and his family in feeble health. But under the impulsive power of love & spirit he has accomplished more in his profession than many of higher natural and acquired endowments; and the history of his eventful life, if it were fully written out, would furnish new proof that the maker of worlds “has the seven stars in his right hand” - new proof that the Head of the Church does provide for the support and safe keeping of his servants.A. KentOct. 22, 1861Having spent the last Sabbath and preached on Home Missions as he doubtless would have done I took up a collection of $8 to be deducted from the $25 which was due him for the quarter ending Oct. 1. I was requested by his widow in whom grace shines out of this affliction to make report of this third quarter, and to ask for the draft. I am told that he continued to labour faithfully and preach every Sabbath.It was stated too to me by the Deacons that the Church had resolved to make out the whole salary for the year to assist him in payment of the debt due on the house. And I was directed to ask the society to do likewise by giving her the further sum of 25 for the same purpose if their funds would allow.A. KentP.. There is a prospect that his son now preaching at Buda will be called to take his father’s place._____Galena, Nov. 15/61This is intended as an application for aid. It would seem to me desireable that he should be sustained on that field and yet in the present embarrassment of your fubds I think you would be waarented in cutting down to $100 this application. I laid my plans in Oct. to explore the field but was prevented. With the one suggestion I forward it.A. Kent_____Galena, Nov. 15, 1861Rev. D.B. Coe, D.D.Dear Sir:I here with tender my resignation of the agency with which your society had honoured me.It has for some time been decided on in my own mind but the pressure of other duties and the extreme weakness of my eyes just now had prevented me from saying what I would, at the close of a service which has furnished full employment to hand and heart for the last 14 years.In taking leave of your Society, I cannot but look back & recall many incidents connected with the invitation of Dr. Peters to come as a H. Miss. to the lead mines in ‘29 and with the invitation of Dr. Badger in ‘47 to the agency which I now resign and I congratulate my Brethren of your Com. and the Home Missionaries. with whom I have spent so many pleasant seasons on the success that has attended their labours.I have witnessed great changes since I came to the Prairie State. One illustration of which is quite pertinent. I rode home last Monday from my Sabbath Service with a vacant Ch. more that 200 miles in a warm and cushioned coach without fatigue or expense — a journey which 25 years ago subjected me to exposure of “life and limb” from streams and trackless swamps and boundless prairies without road or land marks, or houses of entertainment. During the period my agency covers, I have traveled almost constantly and have enjoyed the hospitality of very many of the best families and in return have communicated as God has enabled me in Counsels, in books and religious tracts, and in some instances, I have contributed freely from my small income in aid of missionaries whose straitened condition called for commiseration but could not be relieved immediately by the Society. I frequently meet with persons who remind me of words spoken and of books given them when they were children.But on the other hand I have sometimes given offense to my Brethren (Pres. as often as Cong) because I did not feel at liberty to recommend the appropriations asked and I have been told that could not sympathize with my poor brethren.I have had great opportunities for doing good and it is a source of sincerest regret that so many have been suffered to pass unimproved and I earnestly pray that you may find agents who will discharge their duties more faithfully that I have done.In taking leave of the Ex. Com. I shall not only cherish the memory of Dr. Hall and others who have gone to their rest but acknowledge with pleasure the kindness and courtesy shown me by those who now bear their burdens. A. KentAs this will supersede my quarterly report, I hereby acknowledge moneys not before reportedSept 5 - J. Ruth, Freeport$5.0015 Collection in Sharon Pres. CH.3.6727 Collection 2nd Cong Ch. Rockford 39.40$48.07Before reported since March 1 = $77.95I wish here to say that my knowledge of churches and of individuals in this region may still be employed in your service if you have occasion to call on me for information or to visit particular churches.I wish also to correct an error implied in your letter- that I am not dependent on my salary for support.My resources are rapidly drying up by the depreciation of property and in other ways, which makes me the more pleased that I have in days past contributed to benevolent objects pretty freely.It was my purpose to copy this letter but it is a tax upon my eyes that you will excuse.May the good spirit teach is our duty and sanctify us for his better kingdom.Yours, etc.,A. Kent_____ Galena, Dec. 2/61Dr. Badger, Dear Sir:The enlcosed I have read and written them that they [Cong. Ch. of Homer] are deficient in some 10 or 15 particulars, that when they have preferred another and obtained the required endorsement they may forward it to you directly.Yours truly,A. Kent_____Galena, Jan. 6, 1862This application meets with my approval and I trust that their request will be granted if your funds will warrant it. I was there [Wayne Center] last summer and preached for them, and feel justified in expressing this opinion without other endorsement.A. Kent______Galena, Jan 21, 1862Rev. Dr. BadgerDear Sir:I received a draft yesterday for $200 which together with what has been paid in a draft and what by collections, amounts to my claim on the Society up to Dec. 1, and the 50 which you have added covers the amount of expenses for the year in traveling and correspondence & which amounts to $46.25.I have therefore no longer any claim on the A.H.M.S.With great respect,Yours, etc.,A. Kent_____Galena, June 27, 64Rev. D. ClaryDear Sir,Having failed for 2 years to attend the meeting of Trustees, and being admonished by increasing infirmities, I think it my duty to tender my resignation, in doing which I am reminded of many valued friends and pleasing associations which my poor eyes will allow me but to glance at.As ever yours,A. Kent{annotated}Mr. Pres’tI have written Br. Kent expressing the hope that he will attend the next meeting.D. Clary_______[San Diego, Calif, Dec. 11, 1930]My Dear Alden: Yours of the 7th is a great interest to me, especially as it again stirs the glorious memories of the beginning of my family life, in which years ago old Galena had so happy a part.Today I spent a couple of hours over the contents of my little mahogany and tin boxes which contain a host of sacred memories, and found the enclosed pamphlet on the life and labors of Mr. Kent. It is probably too much to be read at the coming April meeting, but extracts from it will be of interest.I also enclose a characteristic letter from Father Kent to me. Please eventually return them to me. Father Kent was almost a stranger to me. Indeed, the only time I ever met him was on the occasion of my wedding trip, when he officiated at our marriage. He was not at home when I first went to Galena to persuade my dear girl to promise me, and up to then I had never met Mrs. Kent, with whom it was mutually a case of “love at first site.”Of course my acquaintance with Mary Kent was during her four years at Rockford Seminary, from which she graduated in 1860.Loving, Fatherp.s. Give my love to the First Presbyterian Church and the old town of Galena for the blessings conferred on me.I hope I can be present at the Centennial Celebration in April.Galena, August 21, 1865My Dear Edward,You have requested that I should in due form give my consent to your union with our dear Mary, and as I have no misgivings and no condition I have only to write laconically Yes. I make no conditions because they would not amount to much, and therefor we take you as you take her- for better or for worse.I have no doubt that you are sincere in your professions, and yet we know that human nature is not a whit in advance of what it was before the flood, and I hope that neither of you will anticipate perfection in the other.I am pleased to perceive in you that sense of your deprivation in the early death of your parents, which is implied in your wish that I would act a father’s part towards you, and though I do not expect to be much in your company, yet I shall be always happy to give you counsel so far as my experience shall be of any service, but I can confidently entrust you to the same God who fed Jacob and has fed me all my life long and for three score years and 11 has redeemed from evil and crowned my life with loving kindness and tender mercy.Your Sincere friend,A. Kent____[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]Galena, Feb. 1, 1867Rev. A.L. Chapin D.D.Dear Sir,I obtained of Rev. Mr. Trowbridge Missionary to Eastern Turkey, a photograph of 9 native Armenian Pastors. I have obtained sundary copies, one of which I wish to send to your institution with accompanying explanation. I will send it in frame as you direct or I can send it by mail without frame if you choose to frame it.We hear that good work of grace is going on in Beloit where at I rejoice, yea and will rejoice.Oh that God would raise up an exceedingly great army of soldiers who shall be trained by you and others to endure hardness. With kind regards to my many Christian friends in and out of College.I remain ever yours, etc.,A. KentP.S. I met Mr. Trowbridge at Synod and at Mr. Curtiss whom he claims as spiritual father. Converted an Ann Arbor._____[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]Galena, March 6, 67Rev. A.L. Chapin, D.D.Dear Br.,It gives me pleasure to contribute a little in aid of the young Armenian of whom you wrote.I enclose $10 which you will use for him when you think meet [sic].Your college is blessed of God and I trust will ere long furnish a large number of faithful land self-sacrificing laborers for the dying heathen. May they be while in Beloit to endure hardness as good soldiers of the Crucified One. The church will want a little army for Spanish Armenia before we shall be ready to send them forth I predict.Yours, etc.,A. Kent______[Chapin Papers- Beloit College]Galena, March 27, 1867Dear Br. Chapin,In my letters accompanying a copy of the Armenian Pastors to my sister in Brooklyn I incidentally mentioned your young Armenian, and she says, “If I may have the privilege of assisting that young Armenian in preparing to return in his country and labor to evangelize his friends, shall be most happy to do what I can, and write now to ascertain how much is wanted for the purpose and if beyond my means may possibly enlist one or two others. You say assist, so I suppose something has been begun in his behalf.” Please write me in reply and say whether he is truly pious and looking to the ministry, and that in his own country.God has done great things for Mt. Carrol, Freeport, Lena & Rockford Fem. Sem. and this is his memorial to all generations, A God doing wonders.Yours truly,A. Kent----------------[Chapin Papers-Beloit College]Galena, Nov. 9th, 1869Dr. ChapinDear Sir:Rev. A. Kent died here last night. Owing to the relations he has always sustained to Beloit College, I thought you might be willing to write a brief eulogy for the monthly.I can give you the following facts in his life. He was born in Suffield, Conn. in the year 1794. He entered the sophomore class at Yale under the presidency of Dr. Dwight and graduated in 1816.After graduating he spent four years in theological studies in New York City; one year as a missionary in western Ohio; one in Mass. and Conn; three in Lockport, N.Y.; one in Conn. with his father; and forty in Illinois as missionary and pastor of the 1st Pres. Ch of Galena, and as agent for the Amer. Home. Mis. Society in Ill., Wis. & Minnesota.He has preached in fifteen states and territories. He has preached some 800 sermons in about 500 different places.He assisted in promoting many Sunday Schools and Common schools. He contributed money and service in establishing two female seminaries and three colleges. He assisted eight young men in preparation for the ministry.His life has been full of good words and food deeds, and his crown will be a bright one.Yours truly,Edward G. Newhall, M.D.P.S. His funeral is to take place on Friday the 12th inst. Sermon by Dr. Swazy of Chicago.__________Galena, Nov. 17th /69Pres. ChapinRev. & Dear Sir,Your kind letter of condolence was very comforting to me, and I thank you for the proof of affection to my dear precious husband.Yes, I "miss him"! O how sorely! none can tell; but such, as have had a companionship of 37 years, sundered; a life long staff, leaned on; broken -- the heart will groan at such a stroke but thus far, I lean on the "Rock" and am trusting in his promise that he will not leave me comfortless," thrice precious are his promises to me now.This is the first time I have put pen to paper since he fell asleep, tho I have very many such as yours: full of sympathy -- to answer. But as you wished his likeness, and something to aid you in a "record" for your monthly I hasten to say, that I have a large and perfect likeness taken about a year since, and will send it; but am now waiting to have one of the same size taken from a negative of my own, in Chicago, which together with one of his, I have promised to send to Mrs. Clary as soon as 1 receive mine, it may be a week or two before I get it, but I thought I would send one for you with hers, if you can wait. As to his last days, I cannot say all I should like to now, but he longed to be at rest and has been hoping for his release, with peaceful trust a long time; yet as long as he was conscious planning to do good to others. When I look back over his life, the most prominent thought I have always had of him was: that he was stretching his arms around the world. I could send you some, to me, very interesting letters of his; concerning Nebraska and Dakota trips last year, also a little journal or notes of some of his labors in /53 & /56 & /57. These I found but most of his writing of his labors or himself he destroyed, so he told me, after it was done. The notes might be a stimulus to some of your young men to be “in labors often” should you wish for them. I must be assured that I shall get them again for they are precious to me.When we were in Virginia this fall he procured a specimen of Sulphuret of Iron, found embedded in coal. It weights about 1/2 pound. He was intending to bring it to you for the College, and brought it in his satchel all the way.Dear Sir, I cannot write a word more. The thought of his feebleness in that journey home is very bitter to me. I ask you to pray that God will give me more faith. I am needy.Yours gratefully,Caroline C. Kent_____{Curiously, I could find no mention of Kent’s death in the correspondance of Rev. Joseph E. Roy, who was Kent’s successor as agent for Northern Illinois. Roy was based at 53 LaSalle Street, Chicago, and was also agent for Northern Indiana. Howevr, the microfilm copy of the A.H.M.S. papers seems to be missiong correspondance from the last half of 1869. Rolls #49- 51 were searched.}______{Kent’s frugality is demonstrated by contrast with the expenses of his successor, Joseph E. Roy. For five months of the year 1866, Roy reported expenses of about $1500. Roy made his report of a elaboratly printed letter head that displayed his name and position. Kent never reported expenses remotely approaching $1000 for an entire year, and he never purchased any printed stationary..} ................
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