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.