Saturday, March 25, 1876

Mar. 25th.  We go five miles to Little River where we called on D. Langster, a poor miner.  We have religious and other talk, take dinner, and leave three tracts.  We pass on and call on Mr. John Rambo from Texas.  He is not at home.  His wife is sorry because she thinks he would like to talk with us.  We talk with her and a storekeeper and pass on for Charleyang.

After ten miles walk, we are told Charleyang is still three miles.  We are directed on a bridle path.  We lose our trail in the dark and zigzag for some time.  We find and follow a trail about three miles.  We hear a dog, follow the sound, see a light and find a house.  Charleyang is still three miles.  We are lost and tired.  Brother Cluff has walked enough.  With a cup of tea and a blanket, he would stop.  They have very poor accommodations but we can stop.  It is Bentley, a local preacher.  There was some talk on their fortunes and misfortunes, on America and Australia, and, telling them we are representatives from America, we retire.

Friday, March 24, 1876

Mar. 24th.  We had a conversation with Mr. Bruce and Mr. Keneday, whom we saw at Reedsdale.  I wrote letters to Groo and Chittenden.  This afternoon we go on five miles to James Mayberry's, where we are kindly received.  He does not wish to investigate religion or change his.  He has 800 acres of land; 25 cows: a wife and three children.  Women here often boast of the number of their children, who are more robust and healthy than at Sydney.

Thursday, March 23, 1876

Mar. 23rd.  We spent the day at the Exposition.  Mr. Richardson introduced us to the local editor and we have some conversation with him and with many others of the leading men of the exhibition and others of wealth that the exhibition has brought together.  There are some very good exhibits.  Braidwood is a nice little town of a few hundred people.  The district has a radius of 20 to 30 miles.

Wednesday, March 22, 1876

Mar. 22nd.  Mrs. Stenhouse and polygamy are introduced.  I defend the latter from the Bible, from reason, and the necessity for a change to break down the social evil.  In parting, Mrs. McDonald said: "You are not strangers now and are welcome."

One mile walk and Mr. D. Richardson invited us in, saying: "You are Americans.  I wish to talk with you.  I would respect a dog from your country; a great country and people; much enterprise.  May I ask your business?"  I reply: "We are Latter-day Saint Missionaries."  He said: "Indeed, I was not aware I was talking to Ministers, but you are welcome as the Pope of Rome.  I am Catholic, but do not believe all their dogmas.  But, gentlemen, how will you manage those points of difference between and the U.S.A.?"  He brought up polygamy as usual, and the Mountain Meadow Massacre.  I gave the usual defense.  He asked about our marriage law, the rights of plural wives, etc. and I explained.  We closed with Phrenology, "When peoples facilities only lead to certain things, why should God hold them responsible?"  I explained that the practices of parents, surrounding influences and cultivation had much to do with this and we should not charge to our Heavenly Father the faults of man, either in practice or neglect.

After dinner we went on to Braidwood.  While being shaved, Mr. Flannigan seeks occasion again to bring up our marriages, burlesquing, etc.  Many are present and I make the usual defense.  Then the barber takes up the refrain, which leads to a gospel sermon.

Tuesday, March 21, 1876

Mar. 21st.  Started for Reedsdale, fourteen miles.  We pass S. Mayberry's residence.  He is a bachelor away from home.  Five and a half miles and we converse with a Mr. Golightly, an old resident, who has seen much of the country for thirty years.  Then six miles to McDonald and enquire for Steven Brown, a son-in-law of Chittendens.  We are suspected of being detectives.  A robbery and murder have occurred in the vicinity.  We call at Brown's house.  He is not home.  We visit and report to his wife and mother and go back to McDonald's.  We ask entertainment as Latter-day Saint Elders.  The wife expressed doubt and I show my certificate and say that we travel as did Christ's Apostles, without salary and we are accepted.  We had a good evening visit.  A Mr. Flannigan made some thrusts, would like a wife each year.  I told him he reminded me of the Romans.  I esteemed the England law against divorce and wished they were as protective against the seducer.  Mrs. McDonald joins my side of the argument and is supported by Mr. McDonald.  We pass the travels, to American customs, railroads, mining and other developments.

Monday, March 20, 1876

Mar. 20th.  Breakfast and fare, 5 shillings.  After five miles, we come to a nice clean mountain stream flowing over a rocky bed.  We drink, bathe our feet and sing, "O, Ye Mountains High."  Seven miles and we have dinner, 1 shilling, at McRoy.  Then we pass Shoal River on a bridge 175 paces long to Braidwood, thirteen miles and stop at Kingland Hotal.

Sunday, March 19, 1876

Mar. 19th.  After breakfast and considerable Gospel talk, we pass Bungedore, a small village near the south end of Lake George.  Three miles more and we take, from a lofty mountain, a last look at the lake and have good mountain scenery in different directions; toward Sydney, 100 miles; toward Victory, the Australian Alps in the blue distance.  Two miles to Deep Creek, where we obtain lodging with Chas. Ross.  We converse with A. Hutchinson, his half brother, who walked three miles to see and visit with us.  He has read our works; has a Book of Mormon which he has read some; knew several who joined us and went to the Valley.

Friday, March 17, 1876

Mar. 17th.  At morning prayer, I was again called to officiate.  I read Matthew 11.  In parting, after much Gospel talk, he said: "You are in a noble work, winning souls to Christ.  When you pass this way again, say, "This is home'."  He owns 4,500 acres, 900 sheep and other stock.  With God's blessing, we pass on.

A few passing conversations, and we come to the copper mines, where we spent two hours.  Then four miles and we are at Lake George in the mountain tops.  It is 10 by 35 miles with no outlet - nice mountain scenery in different directions.  We are entertained by Mr. J. R. Kenney and had a pleasant conversation on history, including Utah and the Mormons.  Slept on a feather bed.

At breakfast, he engaged in further inquiry about Brigham's people.  We defend polygamy from the Bible and then explain the first principles.  By invitation, we dine, then pass on by some nice scenery.  We ask accommodations and are refused by Osburn, worth 130,000 acres well pastured.  Some miles farther we are favored by a poor herder, but Oh! the fleas!  I scarcely slept and there are hundreds of perforations in my back.  We accept such from the poor and give thanks for their kindness.

Thursday, March 16, 1876

Mar. 16th, 1876.  Nine months from home.  I was married twenty years ago today.  I wrote to President Groo.  We packed our valises with underclothes, books and tracts; had prayer with the Chittenden family and administered to Brother Chittenden for his illness.

AUSTRALIAN BUSH ON FOOT

Then we started on a trip of several days in the Australian Bush on foot.  After a walk of ten miles and a drink of the best spring water I have tasted in this country, at 2:00 P.M. we called at the house of Mr. Robert A. Nielson and were invited in.  Water and milk were offered and I took freely of the latter.  He asked us our business. I replied, "We are Latter-day Saint Missionaries."  He said he thought we were ministers, had lunch served and engaged us in conversation.  He is Wesleyan and had read his Bible by rote eight times.  He had his wife and daughter come in and listen and, at 4:00 P.M., when we proposed to move on, we were invited to stay over night, which we gladly accepted.  At prayers, I was called to the big chair with the big Bible before me.  I read John 3 and prayed for the dissemination of truth, for all that labor in his cause and for the building up of God's Kingdom, etc.  He responded with groans and amens.  I must be serious but it was as good as theatre.  He asked me to discuss with his Catholic shepherd, which I did, to his satisfaction, using Daniel 2 and Nahum 2, etc.

Tuesday, March 14, 1876

Mar. 14th.  More Gospel conversations.  We consecrated oil.  We prayed for and administered to Sister Griffith.  I had a letter from J.T. Smith giving the effort of the United Order and another effort in Arizona under the command of Lot Smith.

Sunday, March 12, 1876

Mar. 12th.  I joined with the Chittenden family, going to the Church of England chapel.  The Minister read  Genesis 32, which is favorable to our polygamy, especially verses 22 to 30.  Jacob took his two wives and two women servants and eleven sons and passed over the ford Jabbok.  He told of his wrestling with the Lord and the Lord blessing him there.  Then he took Luke 18:2 for a text and gave a talk that Latter-day Saints could find no fault with.

Friday, March 10, 1876

Mar. 10th.  Had a Gospel talk one and a half hours with Mr. Harrison and three apprentices listening.  After defending polygamy as scriptural and moral, I took up the principles as taught by the Savior and his disciples and predicted by Daniel, second chapter.

Thursday, March 9, 1876

Mar. 9th.  I wrote letters to my family and others and mailed them. 

Wednesday, March 8, 1876

Mar. 8th.  I received letters and papers from Job Welling.   He is now in Geelong.  He has faced Mrs. Stenhouse in her lecture and told her to her face that what she said was false.  He wrote twelve pages.

Tuesday, March 7, 1876

Mar. 7th.  I wrote to Bishop J.W. Hess and have been reading, studying and conversing.

Monday, March 6, 1876

Mar. 6th.  This morning, went tracting, some three miles.  I had one and a half hour talk on our religion with Mr. Johnson.  He was glad to hear me.  He felt all I said was reasonable.  He took two tracts.

Sunday, March 5, 1876

Sunday, Mar. 5th.  Meeting of the family and a few others.  Some speaking and reading on the principles an on the restoration of all things.

Saturday, March 4, 1876

Mar. 4th.  I wrote a letter to Mr. B. Robinson, a fellow passenger on the S.S. Great Britain.  In the afternoon we attended the rebaptism of Brother and Sister Chittenden, with Cluff officiating.

Friday, March 3, 1876

Mar. 3rd.  We had two Gospel talks: one with a Mr. Turner, a builder, who had heard of our people and we compared our Church with the Church of England; the other, Joseph D. Wier had heard of us and read our works in England.  He preferred to stand by the church he was educated in.   We all hope to reach heaven and he hoped we all would gain it.  None can say, "We know we are right."  I quoted the Savior: "If any man will do His will, he will know of the doctrine, etc."

Friday, March 3, 1876

Mar. 3rd.  We had two Gospel talks:  one with a Mr. Turner, a builder, who had heard of our people and we compared our Church with the Church of England;  the other, Joseph D. Wier had heard of us and read our works in England.  He preferred to stand by the church he was educated in.  We all hope to reach heaven and he hoped we all would gain it. None can say, "We know we are right."  I quoted the Savior: "If any man will do His will, he will know of the doctrine, etc."

Thursday, March 2, 1876

Mar. 2nd.  My head and back ache and kidney pain continue.  We had some Gospel talks at Goulburn.  Two copies of "Desert News" arrived.

Wednesday, March 1, 1876

Mar. 1st.  Last night I dreamed of being home; was in a council meeting with President Young who asked about the mission; then a talk with my folks, telling them of my labors, my present location and the baptisms performed.  All that I had done on the mission appeared clear in my mind.  I realized that I must return a distance of 10,000 miles e're morn, which must be done in quick aerial flight.   I also thought I told about Job Welling's mission and a report sent home by him.  Then I thought I deliberately prepared for coming back and passed with a companion, who seemed to me to be H.D. Haight.  We went with speed until we arrived at San Francisco and were looking at the shipping.  Then alone, I was lifted up in the air and wafted with speed across the deep.  I thought I had two needed articles (I cannot tell what) and they appeared to be attached to my feet, retarding my speed and making me weary.  But my dream took me a long, long, aerial flight over clouds, foaming billows, calm seas, islands and coral reefs, until my arrival at Brother Peg's house in Sydney.  On awakening it was daylight.  I have, at different times, dreamed of being home and each time have thought that I must make my way back, and each time the saying of President Young that the Arizona Missionaries might be expected back in a few weeks was always on my mind.

Monday, February 28, 1876

Feb. 28th & 29th.  Seeking opportunities for Gospel talks, and paving the way with other talk such as suits the person.  (Everybody has a hobby.)  We had more talk with Barnes and were reading to the Chittenden family.

Sunday, February 27, 1876

Sunday, Feb. 27th.  We had a meeting at Chittenden's.  The Mayberry's cam four miles to join in the meeting.  Brother Mayberry spoke fifteen minutes.  Brother Cluff read two selections.  I talked forty minutes.

Saturday, February 26, 1876

Feb. 26th.  I am not well, sleep poorly and fight fleas and bedbugs.

Friday, February 25, 1876

Feb. 25th.  We had a talk with the druggist on the Gospel.  As is often the case, he wants to know about polygamy.  It reminds me of a statement by a returned missionary from England who said he soon found out that the first two principles of our religion were Polygamy and Tithing.

Thursday, February 24, 1876

Fe. 24th.  A letter came from Brother Steed who is in New Zealand.  He is working very zealously in the good cause but making no converts.  How hard it is to talk down prejudice and falsehood and convince and convert the people.

Wednesday, February 23, 1876

Feb. 23rd, 1876.  We had a favorable talk with Mr. Davis, a tollkeeper and blacksmith, who wishes to hear lectures.  We try to get permission to use the Tyranna Church but are refused.

Tuesday, February 22, 1876

Feb. 22nd.  We had a Gospel talk with a Mr. Barnes and another with Mr. Tilley in which I devoted some time in detail upon the principles of the Gospel and invited him to join in its blessings.  He gave us credit for doing our full duty in warning and instructing him, but he is not ready to accept.  Returning, we had another talk with Barnes.  He is favorable

Monday, February 21, 1876

Feb. 21st.  We spent some time in Goulburn seeking Gospel conversations, then went to Tyranna again and read to the Chittendens.

Sunday, February 20, 1876

Feb. 20th.  We went to Goulburn and had a family meeting and visit with the Mayberry family, preparing them for baptism.  In the evening, we walking two and a half miles to the Mulwara River and I rebaptized Brother and Sister Mayberry and baptized Lester, 19; James, 17; Harriet, 15; Peter, 13; Ruth, 12; and John, 10 years old.

Friday, February 18, 1876

Feb. 18th.  We held four Gospel conversations.  Next day we had three Gospel talks.  I wrote a letter to Welling.

Thursday, February 17, 1876

Feb. 17th.  We had letters from the two Mayberry daughters who are working out.  They were pleased with the meeting and conversations Sunday and are anxious for more Gospel talks and baptism.

Wednesday, February 16, 1876

Feb. 16th.  I had a letter from Job Welling.  Hoagland is doing well.  Mrs. Stenhouse is raising some excitement.  Some people who have been investigating are losing interest.  He sent regards from the Saints.

Tuesday, February 15, 1876

Feb. 15th.  I am studying Daniel's visions and writing an essay on science and religion, showing that  they should agree; that the geologist should so understand as soon as he applies Peter's explanation; "One day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day", on which computation of time, the Lord said to Adam.  "In the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt shall surely die.."  Mr. Carter, a Chittenden son-in-law, refuses to let his wife or children come to her father's house because Latter-day Saint Elders are there.  One of his boarders thought we should be driven into the river.

Monday, February 14, 1876

Feb. 14th.  Valentine's Day.  After wrestling with fleas and mosquitos until 3:00 A.M. I then had a little restless sleep.  This morning I spent studying, and conversing on religion and the Book of Mormon, history and geography, etc. It is very hot.  This evening we walked through the Bush to Tyranna.

Sunday, February 13, 1876

Sunday, Feb. 13th.  Afternoon meeting was held at T. Mayberry's.  The Chittendens, Griffins and a few others were present.  We had singing, then prayer by Brother Cluff, then more singing.  I talked about forty minutes; D. Cluff, five; T. Mayberry a few.  His feelings were so tender he could hardly talk and brought others to tears.  I then took a few minutes explaining the first principles suited to the young members of the families.  After supper with Mrs. Griffin, I joined D. Cluff and Sister Mayberry in escorting her oldest daughter to where she works for a minister's wife, two miles, where she has been hearing his Gospel views.  I explained a number of questions she asked, and, before parting, she said she had been undecided, but now after the meeting and this further talk, she was ready for baptism.

Friday, February 11, 1876

Feb. 11th & 12th.  Besides making some calls, we were reading to the Chittenden family as the parents do not read.

Thursday, February 10, 1876

Feb. 10th.  I am no better.  I had a sponge bath last night and this morning and anointed me with oil.  I finished writing letters home and went to Goulburn where I found letters from home.  I have just time to acknowledge same before mailing.  All is well at home ever since I left, for which I am very thankful.  Father writes me a very kind letter, asks God's blessing over me and my labors.  George Q. Cannon is in Congress where there is the usual howl against Utah and the Mormons.  Crops are light, the season is dry.  Friends are anxious to hear my letters and are praying for me and sending regards.  My little boy, Danny, is talking of me every day.  One morning, feeling bad, he said: "I wish I had two Pas and they had sent the other."  After reading the letters, I start writing a reply to Father's; write to my uncle, Henry W. Miller; a separate piece to each of my family; and send twenty-two pages in all.  We did some visiting and stayed overnight with the Mayberrys.

Wednesday, February 9, 1876

Feb. 9th.  I had no sleep until two or three this morning and then but poorly.  I am not well.  God grant I may feel better in body and spirit.  I am writing letters home.

Tuesday, February 8, 1876

Feb. 8th.  The day was spent at Mayberry's with some Gospel talk.  Watching for mail, but it has not arrived yet.  For some cause I have been very dull in spirit the last few days.  I hope it is from no other cause than that we are slow in getting among the people and that my diet, which is poor and dry, is not suited to my stomach.  I am eating but little.  My blood and flesh are diminishing and my lungs are poorly fed.

Monday, February 7, 1876

Feb. 7th.  I wrote to President Groo, in which I explained how these families, Chittendens and Mayberrys had been drifting about through the Australian Bush for seventeen years unable to migrate, yet had kept the Gospel spirit burning in their bosoms and were yet looking for a time when the voice of Elders and deliverance would reach them!  They are anxious to migrate and propose to save to that end, with all the economy and labor possible.

Sunday, February 6, 1876

Sunday, Feb. 6th.  This morning we visited Mrs. Gardner, a daughter of  Chittenden's, and find her a Latter-day Saint at heart.  Her husband was not home.  They have six children.  We were introduced to Mr. Bradley and conversed with him an hour and a half on religion, politics and sundries.  He is a Canadian.  I loaned him "Answers to Questions".  In the afternoon we met an appointment at Mayberry's with Carolyn, Louise, and Hyrum Chittenden accompanying us.  We did not have a family meeting as I had wished.  We returned to Chittenden's.

Thursday, February 3, 1876

Feb. 3rd, 4th, and 5th, we spent with the two families.  I wrote letters to Welling and Swan.

Wednesday, February 2, 1876

Feb. 2nd.  We spent the day with Mr. Tilley, gardener for the Gibson's; who own an estate, said to contain 85,000 acres of farm, pasture and timber.  We spent several hours, very agreeably, where we were shown through the garden and orchard of 25 acres with several houses.  We saw trees and flowers unknown to me before.  Opossums and birds are very destructive here.   We had a letter of introduction to Tilley with a request to talk the Gospel, but he said he was not open to conviction; his influence would be against us and not for us; but he would say we had done our part in offering the Gospel to him, which, I told him, is all we asked.

Tuesday, February 1, 1876

Feb. 1st, 1876.  Had a bath and swim in the Mulwara Creek or River as it is called; the first swim since I left home.  In the afternoon we went in the Bush and helped get a load of wood for a change.  In the evening, we read to the family from the "Voice of Warning", and had a Gospel talk.

Monday, January 31, 1876

Jan. 31st.  We went to Goulburn, spent part of the day with Mayberry's, went to the post office, and returned to Chittenden's.  It was 126 degrees in the sun and 96 in the shade.

Sunday, January 30, 1876

Sunday, Jan. 30th.  We spent the morning in teaching the Gospel to the family.  in the afternoon we had a walk in the Bush, then a further Gospel talk.  In the evening, we retired to a stream, one half mile away, and baptized Caroline, Eliza and Hyrum Chittenden, Brother Cluff officiating.  Returning to the house, we confirmed them.  After singing and prayer, I gave a short cheering address.  We felt we had spent the day with good results.

Saturday, January 29, 1876

Jan. 29th.  This morning, after Brother Cluff and I retired in Prayer, we consecrated oil and administered to Brother Crittenden, who has, for some time, been suffering from kidney trouble.

Friday, January 28, 1876

Jan. 28th.  We went back to Goulburn and to Mayberry's and looked over their Church works, of which they have a supply.  They had a record of the Camden Branch, from which I take the following: Brother Chittenden, six in number; and Mayberry, two in number; and their families were baptized Apr. 24th, 1854.  A Branch of the Church was organized Jan. 3rd, 1857 with 11 members, Thomas Mayberry, President.  The Elphic family of three completed the eleven.  Brothers Stewart, Potter, Dowdle and others filled appointment until May 21st, 1855.  Mayberry left the Branch in July 1859.  I had a further talk with a fellow passenger from Sydney.

Thursday, January 27, 1876

Jan. 27th.  After bath and breakfast, I bade good-bye to the Peg family and the Brethren and took the train for Goulburn, 134 miles - ticket 1-8-6 (1 pound - 8 shillings - 6 pence) - Brother Cluff accompanying.  At 32 miles we pass Kembleton, where the Gospel was preached in 1854 and a small branch started in 1857.  We pass small settlements and farms.  At 85 miles we are on a mountain top 3,000 feet high.  We reached Goulburn at 5:00 P.M.  For the last ten mies the country opens out with hills in different directions.  Goulburn is less inviting that I had expected.  Like Sydney, it has poor water, four of five thousand population.  On the train I had a conversation with a passenger about the country, and then, as usual, on the Gospel.

We found our first address, Thos. Mayberry, at Newton, a half mile from the main town.  He lives in a house of his own - a Bush house.  He is Welsh with an English wife and a family of three boys and three girls.  The parents accepted the Gospel twenty years ago at Cambelton.  In drifting about, the children have not been baptized.  They have not seen Latter-day Saints for sixteen or eighteen years.  Brother Mayberry went with us to Brother Chittenden's, and his wife's father, at Tyranna, a small settlement four miles distant.  They, like the Mayberry's, have not met with Latter-day Saints for eighteen years.  They have, at home, two daughters and one son and a grand daughter, also an orphan they hire.  We stayed the night.

Tuesday, January 25, 1876

WORK IN GOULBURN AND TYRANNA

Jan. 25th.  I spent the day at Brother Speight's and in the evening, packed my valise for a trip to Goulburn.

Monday, January 24, 1876

Jan. 24th.  I prepared matter for the cover to "Only way to be Saved", and went with President Groo and Croxall and arranged to have it printed.

Sunday, January 23, 1876

Sunday, Jan. 23rd.  In the morning I had another visit from Oils.  We talked on history of the colonies, then on science, morality and religion.  He was much pleased with our last interview and was over an hour telling his wife about it.  In the 3:00 P.M. meeting I bore my testimony.  At 7:00 P.M. I gave a 25 minute talk from the Hymn: "Know then that every son is free to choose his life and what he'll be."  I said that God gives us a will and the freedom and reason that makes us men, and, as we have to account to him, we should use our freedom and reason and not be swayed by prejudice.  I followed with a Gospel sermon supported with scripture quotations.

Saturday, January 22, 1876

Jan. 22nd.  Time flies.  Conversing about the flood and the division of the earth in the days of Peleg.  Went to the gardens in the afternoon and then to the beach and gathered sea shells.  Then a lonely hour in prayer and meditation.

Friday, January 21, 1876

Jan. 21st.  We arranged to have 1,000 copies of "Only Way to be Saved" printed with the Articles of Faith on the cover.  I had a long walk and prayer by the Bay.  Solitude is sometimes a pleasure.  Alone with one's God.

Thursday, January 20, 1876

Jan. 20th, 1876.  President Groo received a letter from McLaughlin at Kiapva.  Three of the four Elders left at Aukland had reached that place.  He and Brother Steed were distributing tracts, and were having 1,000 copies of the "Only Way to be Saved", printed.  I went with President Groo to see Ellis.  We found that he was with Claude Rogers at Newcastle.  Mrs. Ellis had much to say in favor of the Reorganized Latter-day Saints, thought the hundred pounds spent by her husband to go to Plano was well spent.  This evening, we are told that Mr. Wardon, the post master at Glebe, is reporting that Brother Peg is keeping a bad house,  has two girls to accomodate the five Elders.  Some will do anything to vilify, distrust and prevent the good we would do.

Wednesday, January 19, 1876

Jan. 19th.  Shaved for the first time since leaving England.  President Groo said, "Why Brother Miller, you have completely spoiled your face."  They all say they like my looks best with my beard on.  In the afternoon I took a walk with reflections and secret prayer by the Bay.

Tuesday, January 18, 1876

Jan. 18th.  I spent the morning studying and visiting.  Afternoon I gave the parting grasp to swan and Burton who take the steamer for Hobertown, Tasmania, their field of labor.   I am impressed with the obedience to duty that impels Latter-day Saint Elders to give the parting hand and go among strangers to proclaim the Gospel of Salvation to the world and at their own expense.  I spent a very sleepless night.  It is warm; mosquitoes, fleas and bedbugs!  I got up at 1:00 A.M. and stayed outdoors three hours.  Then I got my only sleep after 4:00 A.M.

Monday, January 17, 1876

Jan. 17th.  In the house, I am studying the Bible and the encyclopedia and listening to Croxall's silver instrument and Swan's violin - both experts - also Burton's flute, and singing hymns and songs.  Oh, how I wish I could sing and play!  But with God's help, I will use my talents for his  cause.  The weather is extremely hot.

Sunday, January 16, 1876

SEVEN MONTHS FROM HOME

Sunday, Jan. 16th.  Seven months from home.  I am very sore from a cold taken last evening.  The diarrhea continues.  Both result from extreme heat and cold and bad water.  I missed the afternoon meeting, which was a good one.  At the evening meeting, Swan spoke on the goodness of God to his children in the adaptation of everything in nature.  President Groo followed in the same line and spoke of the instructions, crucifixion and resurrection of the Savior, the day of Penticost and the conversion of Paul and his ministry.  After meeting I met and talked with Mr. Harold, the sea captain I gave my address to some four weeks ago.  I joined with President Groo in anointing and administering to Sister Peg for her headache.

Saturday, January 15, 1876

Jan. 15th.  Letters from home.   All are well.  Frank is going to the University.  I went with Brothers Cluff and Swan to see Brother Hoagland off.  Then I went to see the Gas Works.  My under clothes are very wet from perspiration.  The sudden change from the hot inland to the cool sea breezes affects my system.  I sponged my body and changed clothes.

Friday, January 14, 1876

Jan. 14th.  I finished letters for home, also wrote to George Heifner and Cousin Benjamin - forty pages in all. I had supper and a visit at Brother Nichol's who related some of the past history of the Sydney Branch.

Thursday, January 13, 1876

Jan. 13th.  There is a warm inland wind.  I am writing letters for tomorrow's mail.   We settled for the furniture for the upper room and we are fitting up for a conference house.  1-7-6.  (1 pound-7 shillings-6 pence) each for the five Elders remaining here.  Mosquitoes have been bad for several nights so we bought mosquito bar.

Wednesday, January 12, 1876

Jan. 12th.  Time flies, Oh how swiftly!  May I improve the passing moments.  I went with Brother Hoagland to arrange his fare to Melbourne to join with Brother Welling.  He will start next Saturday.  I wrote to Job Welling, describing Brother Hoagland and giving the news.  I bought a book for Dannie and music for Nathalia to send home.  I visited with Groo and Nichols.

Tuesday, January 11, 1876

Jan. 11th.  I dreamed of milking a cow.  The milk looked pale, was not alike in the different teats and I thought that the reason was the cow had not been cared for.  I then, with a companion, cleaned out manger and stall, making an effort to throw the filth far enough so it would not fall back, which succeeded.  The last of my dream was of storing good wheat with much effort.  The construction I put on this dream is that the Saints here have been neglected and need waking up and gathering to Zion.

I had a visit from Arthur Oil, a nephew of Brother Peg.  He is a Catholic.  Our talk was of the goodness of the Creator as seen in all things that surround us and the blessings and designs of the Gospel, in preparing the world for the second coming of the Savior and the Millenium.  There is a balmy ocean breeze.  I am thankful for my health and blessings.

Monday, January 10, 1876

Jan. 10th.  I prepared a bill of books and tracts for Burton and Swan to take to Tasmania.  I also took inventory of tracts and books on hand and reported to Croxall, who will keep the accounts of the mission.

Sunday, January 9, 1876

Sunday, Jan. 9th.  At the afternoon meeting, President Groo read his letter of appointment as President of the Mission and was sustained as such.  He then stated that he had chosen David Cuff and Mark Croxall as his counselors and asked that they be thus sustained, which was done.  Then came the usual testimonies, in which I joined.

At the evening meeting, at the request of President Groo, I occupied most of the time.  I spoke of the earnestness and understanding with which we should worship our Heavenly Father, in whose image we are, and who has so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son in the flesh that, by obedience to the principles and ordinances of the Gospel, we can be saved and exalted in His presence.  These principles are: first. faith; second, repentance; third baptism by immersion by one having authority for the remission of sin; fourth, laying on of hands by one having authority for the reception of the Holy Ghost, which is to lead us into all truth and show us things to come and bring the past to our remembrance..

The fruits of the Gospel are: peace, love, charity, chastity, and observing the two great commandments of the Savior; first, Love the Lord with all thy might, mind and strength; second, Love thy neighbor as thyself.  These commandments, followed by all, would undo the necessity for bolts and locks and implements of death with which all the nations of Christendom are arming themselves for each other's destruction.  They would also have a tendency to usher in a millenium of peace and prepare the world and its inhabitants for the second coming of Christ.

Saturday, January 8, 1876

Jan. 8th.  I went for mail again and got three copies of "Deseret News" and three "Heralds" and have reading for the day, which we spent in the Botanic Gardens. Saturday afternoon is a general holiday for the working classes.  There were many well dressed.  Sydney people are neatly dressed.  The women are freer from trimmings, decorations, and flumadidles and gewgaws than are our women at home.

Friday, January 7, 1876

Jan. 7th.  S.S. San Francisco and Mikado arrived from the east.  I went for mail but got none.  I am reading, writing and studying.

Thursday, January 6, 1876

Jan. 6th.  I wrote a four page letter to President Welling.  I copied a letter of instructions to President Groo and sent it to him.  I also wrote one to my cousin, Benjamin Miller of Illinois, who was a playmate of my childhood.  Passing near him on my way here, I had no time to call on him.

Wednesday, January 5, 1876

Jan. 5th.   I took a walk northeast into the country for several miles and saw some lovely residences and countryside, some nice straight lumber, like in our eastern states; some with bark like hickory and some that shed its outer bark.

Tuesday, January 4, 1876

Jan. 4th.  I wrote to Mr. Heifner, a ship companion in England.  I took a walk and talked with Hyner.

Monday, January 3, 1876

Jan. 3rd.  I wrote letters to my sister's husband, M.D. Hammond, to my sister Jane Rice, my wife and the Sunday School.  I took a walk and had a Gospel talk with a man whose name I did not record.

Sunday, January 2, 1876

Sunday, Jan. 2nd.  I spent the morning visiting.  At the 3:00 P.M. Sacrament meeting, all the Utah Brethren and Brothers Speight and Platt and Sisters Peg and Armstrong spoke.  Later, I saw Sister Armstrong to the train.  The night meeting was the first time since arriving at Sydney that I passed a meeting without speaking.  Brother Swan and Pres. Groo took the time.

Saturday, January 1, 1876

NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION

Jan. 1st. 1876.  I went with Brother Swan, who is Scotch, to see the Scotch Highlanders in their national attire and holiday amusements.  First was tossing the Cabara pole, 12 feet long, 6 inches through.  They support the bottom end in the hands, and as it starts to fall in front, so lift it as to make the top end strike the ground and the bottom end, which was held in the hands, pass on over.  The one who can make it strike the ground the farthest away gains a prize.  But few have the strength to try it.  Another was the Sword Dance with two swords crossed on the floor.  They dance in the corners.  The one who takes the steps the longest without touching the sword has the prize.  A tug of war, a hurdle race and other amusements were all new to me.