| 573 slumber in my bosom; but the winds of foreign climes have fanned it into a flame.
I have seen some of the finest specimens of painting and sculpture of both ancient and modern times. The vast variety of curiosities, also, from every country on the Globe, together with every novelty that genius could invent or imagination conceive which I have been compelled to witness in the course of my travels, would be too heavy a tax upon my time to describe, and upon your patience to read. I have witnessed the wealth and splendor of many of the towns of Europe,-have gazed with admiration upon her widely extended plains-her lofty mountains-her mouldering [moldering] castles,-and her extensive vineyards: For at this season, nature is clad in her bridal robes, and smiles under the benign jurisprudence of her Author.
I have, also, listened to the blandishments, gazed upon the pride and fashion of a world grown old in luxury and refinement, viewed the pageantry of Kings, Queens, lord and nobles; and am now where military honor, and princely dignity, nuts bow at the shrine of clerical superiority. In fine, my mind has become cloyed with novelty, pomp and show; and turns with disgust from the glare of fashion to commune with itself in retired meditation.
Were it consistent with the will of Deity, and consonant with the convictions of my own bosom; most gladly would I retreat from the oppressing heat of public life, and seek repose in the cool and refreshing shades of domestic endearments, and bask in the affections of my own little family circle. But the will of God be done! Can the Mesiah's [Messiah's] kingdom but be advanced through my toil, privation, and excessive labours [labors]; and at last sanctify my work through the effusion of my own blood! I yield, O Lord! I yield to they righteous mandate! Imploring help from thee in the hour of trial, and strength in the day of weakness to faithfully endure until my immortal spirit shall be driven form its earthly mansion to find a refuge in the bosom of its God.
If the friends in America shall be edefied [edified] in reading this letter from Bro. Hyde, I hope they will remember one thing; and that is this; that he hopes he has a wife and two children living there; but the distance is so great between him and them, that his arm is not long enough to administer to their wants. I have said enough. Lord, bless my wife and children, and the hand that ministers good to them in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Adieu for the present.
Good rest on all the saints,
throughout the world,
Orson Hyde.
For the Times and Seasons.
Ramus
A Latin word which signifies a branch. This place was laid out about the first of last September; is situated in Hancock county on the county road leading from Nauvoo through Carthage to Macomb, and but a short distance from Crooked creek.
It was laid out, and organized a stake, by authority of the first Presidency of the church, after the same plan and order of the City of Nauvoo. In Rameus [Ramus] there is now built and in progress, about one hundred buildings, with a continual increase of population; and is surrounded by a beautiful and fertile district of land, including a variety of prairie and timber, and as it is situated near Crooked, creek 20 miles from Nauvoo, it has the advantages of timber, and privileges of mills, so common in this part of the county.-Good farms and farming land can be purchased in the vicinity, on very reasonable and accomodating [accommodating] terms.
The local situation of the place, its good health, fine water, convenience to mills, beautiful prairies, handsome timber, extensive pasturage ranges, and the many advantages and inducements to agriculture, are a sufficient recommendation to those wishing to locate themselves in this part of the county. Those emigrating from the east will find the most eligible and commodius [commodious] roate [route] from Springfield, (capitol of the state,) to be through Beardstown, Rushville, Macomb and Rameus [Ramus], to the city of Nauvoo.
Done by order of the High Council of the Stake.
Joel H. Johnson, Pres't
J. E. Johnson, Clerk.
Rameus [Ramus], Aug. 24th, 1841.
Augustus C. Dodge has been elected to Congress, as delegate for Iowa: and his father, Gen Henry Dodge, is elected by the people of Wisconsin for a similar station,.
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