"We strive to read, as we may best,
This city, like an ancient palimpsest,
To bring to light upon the blotted page
The mournful record of an earlier age,
That, pale and half-effaced, lies hidden away
Beneath the fresher writings of to-day."


After spending a fortnight with the invalid, in which "the golden hours on
angel's wings" sped on and away, bringing a returning glow of health to
his cheeks, strength to his steps and hope to his heart, so with renewed
resolution I started upon my mission, first going to Pecatonica to visit
my brother William and family, and to complete my plans for travel.

Soon after my arrival I was introduced by my sister-in-law to Miss Hattie
Hudson, and by that inward sympathy which unites all kindred natures into
one, and the strange recognition of soul with soul, we were at once
friends.

She was indeed

"A perfect woman, nobly planned,
To warn, to comfort, and command."

One who, aside from her physical attractions, possessed all the charms of
inner grace and beauty, idealizing and spiritualizing her nature.

We at once also agreed that she should remain with me, and with such rare
companionship I started East. Stopped at the beautiful city of Cleveland,