| 1027 up the companies, in the churches in that region, and meet us in Ohio, ready for Zion on the first of May. We arrived after dark, at Elliotville, the county seat of Cataraugus, and tried for lodgings at every tavern in the place; it being court time we found no room, but were obliged to ride on in the dark, through mud and rain, and found shelter, after travelling [traveling] about one mile, for which we paid more than tavern fare.
On the 8th, we arrived at Palmers ville, at the house of Elder McGown's, where we were invited to go to Esquire Walker's to spend the evening. We found them very friendly and somewhat believing, and tarried all night.
Sunday 9th, we preached in a school house, and had great attention. We found a few disciples who were firm in the faith; and, after meeting, found many believing and could handily get away from them, and appointed a meeting in Freedom for Monday the 10th, and staid [stayed] at Mr. Cowdery's, where we were blessed with a fullness of temporal and spiritual blessings, even all we needed or were worthy to receive.
Monday. Met our appointment, and preached to a great congregation; and at evening, preached again to a crowded assembly, an overflowing house. After meeting I proposed if ony [any] wished to obey, and would make it manifest, we would stay and administer at another meeting, the next day.
Tuesday 11th, fulfilled our appointment, and baptised [baptized] Heman Hyde, after which we rode nine miles and put up at Stuart's tavern.
Wednesday 12th, we arrived at Father Bosley's, after a ride of thirty six-miles.
Thursday 13th, I preached.
Friday 14th, at father Bemans.
March 15th, while at father Beman's, Elders Rigdon and Wight arrived, much to the joy of their souls, and the saints in Livonia.
Sunday 16th, Elder Rigdon preached to a very large congregation in Geneseo. Elder Pratt preached in the afternoon of Monday the 17th.
There was also the same day, March 17th, a conference of Elders, at Avon, Lingston county, New York, at the house of Alvah Beman, which I attended. there were present also Sidney Rigdon, Parley Pratt, Lyman Wight, John Murdock, Orson Pratt, and Orson Hyde, High Priests, and six Elders. I stated that the object of the Conference was to obtain young men and middle aged to go and assist in the redemption of Zion, according to the commandment of the Lord; also to devise means, or obtain money for the relief of the brethren in Kirtland, say two thousand dollars, which sum would deliver the church in Kirtland from debt; and also, determine the course which the several companies shall pursue, or the manner they shall journey when they shall leave this place.
It was voted by the council that Fathers Bosley and Nickerson, Elder McWithey, and Bro. R. Orton, should exert themselves to obtain two thousand dollars, for the present relief in Kirtland. They all agreed to do what they could to obtain it, firmly believing it could be accomplished by the first of April. It was also decided that Elder Orson Hyde should tarry and preach in the regions round about, till the money should be obtained and carry it with him to Kirtland. It was also voted that I should return to Kirtland accompanied by Elders Rigdon and Wight. Elders John Murdock and Orson Pratt were appointed to journey to Kirtland, preaching by the way; and Elders Parley P. Pratt, and Henry Brown, to visit the churches in Black River country, and obtain all the means they could to help Zion.
Tuesday, March 16th. Tarried at father Bosley's through the day.
On the 19th commenced my journey for Kirtland, and staid [stayed] this night at Bro. Withey's tavern.
20th; continued our journey, dined at Bro. Joseph Holbrooks, and at night tried three times to procure lodgings in the name of disciples, but could not succeed. After night had commenced we found a man, in China, named Reuben Wilson, who would keep us for money; thus we learn there is more places for money, than for the desciples [disciples] of Jesus, or the Lamb of God.
March 21st, we came to a man named Starks, six miles east of Springville, and on the 22nd arrived at Bro. Vinson Knights, in Perrysburgh, Cataraugus county; on the 23rd we arrived at Father Nickerson's, in Perrysburgh, where we held a meeting &c. On the 24th, I was not able to start, but felt determined to go the next morning. 25th, Journeyed from Father Nickersons, to Father Lewis' in Westfield, accompanied by Father Nickerson. On the 26th, continued our journey to Elk Creek, and staid [stayed] with Elder Hunt. The 27th, I came to Springfield where I found Elder Rigdon, who had come on by a different route, and we arrived that night within sixteen miles of Painesville, and arrived home at Kirtland, on the 28th of March, finding my family all well, and the Lord be praised for this blessing. The 29th, remained at home and had great joy with my family. Sunday the 30th, was at home except going to hear Elder Rigdon preach.
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