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BANCROFT 
 LIBRARY 
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
DIARY AND LETTERS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Reverend Joseph W. Cook 
 
 MISSIONARY TO CHEYENNE 
 
DIARY AND LETTERS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Reverend Joseph W. Cook 
 
 MISSIONARY TO CHEYENNE 
 
 ARRANGED BY THE 
 
 RT. REV. N. S. THOMAS, S. T. D. 
 
 Laramie Wyoming: 
 
 The Laramie Republican Company 
 
 Printers and Binders 
 
 1919 
 
THE REV. JOSEPH W. COOK 
 Missionary. 1868-1870 
 
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 Digitized by tine Internet Arcinive 
 
 in 2007 with funding from 
 
 IVIicrosoft Corporation 
 
 littp://www.arcliive.org/details/diarylettersofreOOcookricli 
 
PREFACE 
 
 While acting as special preacher at the noonday 
 service in Minneapolis, Minn., during the Lenten 
 season of 191 6, it was my good fortune to meet Miss 
 Charlotte Everett Cook, daughter of the Rev. 
 Joseph W. Cook, first resident missionary in Chey- 
 enne and founder of the Church therein. 
 
 As a result of the meeting, Miss Cook presented 
 me with what I suspect will prove to be the most 
 valuable historical document relating to the early 
 history of Cheyenne now in existence. It consists 
 of a small quarto copy book of some 120 pages, in 
 which is neatly written, in his own hand, the copy 
 of his letters to Bishops Clarkson and Randall, re- 
 lating to the condition of things in Cheyenne during 
 the years 1868 and 1869. The interesting con- 
 troversy between Mr. Cook and Bishop Randall, as 
 to the proper jurisdiction in which Wyoming in 
 general and Cheyenne in particular was located, 
 arose from the fact that in the general convention 
 of the Church held in Philadelphia in 1865, 
 Bishop Randall had been elected to the Bishopric 
 of Colorado, W^yoming and New Mexico. He was 
 subsequently consecrated on December 28, 1865, and 
 went to Denver to take up his duties from that 
 point. On reaching Denver, he found that, owing 
 to some failure on the part of Congress to make 
 appropriation for its expenses, the territory of Wyo- 
 ming had no existence in fact; therefore, still be- 
 longed to the territory of Dakota, from which it 
 
was to have been set off. Bishop Clarkson had 
 been elected as Bishop of Nebraska and Dakota, 
 and as such presumed that his jurisdiction extended 
 over what was to be the territory of Wyoming until 
 such time as the new territory to be known as Wyo- 
 ming became an accomplished fact. 
 
 The interesting considerations of a personal na- 
 ture set forth in the letters are unfortunately one- 
 sided, as the letters of Bishop Randall and Bishop 
 Clarkson, if still existing, have not as yet come to 
 light. 
 
 Mr. Cook not only copied his more important 
 letters, but he kept a diary as well. That portion of 
 his diary relating to his sojourn in Cheyenne prior to 
 his departure to Dakota, where he passed the re- 
 mander of his life as a missionary to the Sioux, 
 his daughter most kindly has had copied and sent 
 to me. In publishing it herewith, in connection with 
 these letters, it seemed fitting to publish the diary 
 as it was written and to insert the leters under the 
 appropriate date, so that the letter when read should 
 be preceded with its historical setting. 
 
 In addition to these letters of Mr. Cook, I have 
 added as an appendix two letters of his contempo- 
 rary at Laramie, the Rev. John Cornell, who is still 
 living, and this interesting correspondence dovetails 
 admirably into the diary and letters. Taken to- 
 gether, they form the one first-hand written docu- 
 ments of the origin of the Church in Wyoming now 
 known to me. 
 
 The subject matter contained in the volumn has 
 already appeared serially in The: Wyoming 
 Churchman during the years 1917 and 1918. The 
 form in which the diary and letters are related to 
 each other constitute the only difference. 
 
 N. S. Thomas. 
 
Diary of the Rev. Joseph W. Cook, 
 Missionary to Cheyenne, and Let- 
 ters to the Rt. Rev. R. H. Clarkson, 
 D. D., and the Rt. Rev. Geo. M. 
 Randall, D. D., kindly furnished by 
 his Daughter, Miss Charlotte Everett 
 Cook. 
 
 MR. cook's diary, i868. 
 
 Jan. 14th. Crossing the dreary, desolate plains, 
 stretching on every side far beyond the reach of 
 human vision; mottled with black from the annual 
 burning of the grass ; a tree seen once only in many 
 miles until we came to Pine Bluffs, and then only 
 scattered thinly over the hills; seldom a habita- 
 tion except the stations about every twenty miles. 
 The vind blew) hard and cold all day. Talked con- 
 siderable to three Blue Noses who were going out 
 to the mines to seek their fortunes. There was but 
 one female on the train, and she only a part of the 
 way. .\rrived in Cheyenne about 7:00 o'clock and 
 finding Mr. Chas. Sherman's quarters at the bank, 
 proceeded there forthw'ith. Was not in. But Mr. 
 Berger, his associate, received me kindly, and I 
 waited ior him. When he returned I delivered my 
 letter fiom Bishop Clarkson and received a very 
 kind and pleasant welcome. He begged me to cast 
 in my lot wlith him here, as he had an empty bed. I 
 
was very glad indeed, and highly appreciated his 
 kindness. 
 
 Jan. 15th. Took boarding at Ford's saloon op- 
 posite at $15.00 per week. After breakfast wtalked 
 out to view the place, and was amazed at what had 
 been accomplished in five months! It is wonderful. 
 The air was quite cold, but I found that I did not 
 suffer from it as in the east, but that on the con- 
 trary it was delightful. Went to a house to inquire/ 
 the way to the fort, and I stumbled upon a church- 
 woman, Mrs. Morrow, who was rejoiced to see 
 clergyman of the church. Sat and talked with he/ 
 for a good while, and did not go to the fort, as it f 
 some distance off and it was late. 
 
 Jan. i6th. Wrote long letter to Bishop Clark 
 son giving an account of my trip and misfortune in 
 the matter of the pocket-book, and my first impres- 
 sion of Cheyenne. Delivered my letter to Mr. Re^d, 
 engineer of construction on U. P. R. R., and he give 
 me a hearty, kindly welcome. Took box of roots 
 and plants which I brought with me to ask Mrs. 
 Morrow to store them in her cellar. Called on Jars. 
 Street, whom I found a baptized member of the 
 Church, also Mrs. Halliday, a communicant/ and 
 her mother. 
 
 Jan. 17th. Called on Mr. Whitehead's fimily. 
 Found that gentleman away, but his sister-in-law 
 received me kindly and claims to be a churchWoman. 
 One of the most charming winter days I eVer ex- 
 perienced. An overcoat was superfluous, apd yet 
 the little snow and ice in the streets melted put lit- 
 tle. Mr. Reed kindly invited me down to inoke a 
 cigar, and I had a good deal of a talk with him 
 about the prospects of the Church, and alao about 
 Cheyenne and the railroad. Invited me to go to the 
 end of the line with him tomorrow, but wa^ obliged 
 
 —8— 
 
to decline on account of necessity of preparing some- 
 thing for Sunday. We have been in a crowded 
 state at the bank for the last two nights. No less 
 than seven of us ! Four in beds, one on lounge and 
 twb on the floor. Of course, it was impossible to 
 accomplish anything, and even devotions were al- 
 most impossible. Mr. Reed kindly invited me to 
 make use of his quarters to do my literary work in, 
 which I gratefully accepted. Mr. Berger asked me 
 if I would like to take a look at what w;as to be 
 seen here. I intimated that I would, and so he con- 
 ducted me through the great gambling hell opposite, 
 which was crowided with poor simple souls selling 
 themselves to the devil. It made my heart ache to 
 see them so earnest in their destruction. We 
 went also to the museum, but I saw nothing out of 
 the wjay there until he directed me to a stereoscope 
 in one corner, where upon one turn I found obscene 
 and lascivious pictures, and there stood a man (?) 
 feasting his eyes upon them! 
 
 lkttkr to bishop clarkson. 
 
 Chkyknnk, Dakota Territory, 
 
 Friday, Jan. 17th, 1868. 
 Right Rev. R. H. Clarkson. 
 
 My Dear Bishop :■ — I started from Philadelphia 
 on New Year's night after having had the misfortune 
 to lose my pocket-book on my way to the depot. 
 I think from the circumstances it could not have 
 been picked, but that it fell out of my pocket and 
 was picked up by the conductor of the street car. 
 I went to the office and made every effort to discover 
 it, but, of course, the conductor knew nothing of it. 
 There was about $150 in it. My kind friend, Mr. 
 Fallen, said he wkDuld take further measures for re- 
 covering it, and as I had a ticket to Cincinnati and 
 
had left $20 with his son to pay a balance on a tail- 
 or's bill, he advised me to take that and go on, and 
 if the pocket-book was not recovered by the time I 
 left Ohio, to obtain funds from my cousin in Cin- 
 cinnati. So I came west on the next train. I spent 
 the second Sunday after Christmas in Springfield, 
 O., and then went on to Cincinnati. There was no 
 news of the pocket-book, and so I borrowed $100 
 from Mr. Hamlin and started west. I reached Chi- 
 cago on Thursday the 9th inst. Presented your let- 
 ter to Mr. Dunlap at his house where I was re- 
 ceived with the utmost kindness, and very agree- 
 ably entertained, as they urged me to stay until the 
 night train. Mr. Dunlap gave me a pass to Omaha. 
 I arrived in Omaha on Saturday, nth inst. and 
 presented your letter to the rector. Mr. Redick in- 
 vited me to take up my quarters with him, which I 
 did. I remained in Omaha over Sunday and as- 
 sisted the rector at morning prayer and again in the 
 evening, and preached. Also assisted Mr. Tongue 
 at the mission and preached. On Monday evening I 
 bade adieu to Omaha and entered upon the last stage 
 of my journey, for which Mr. Van Antwerp very 
 readily obtained me a pass. A snow storm had been 
 raging all day in Omaha, and we were somewhat 
 fearful of being snowed up on the plains. But the 
 snow grew less and less as we progressed until on 
 this side there was scarcely any to be seen. I 
 reached here in safety on Tuesday evening and wtas 
 asked to take a seat in a "buss" for the "only first 
 class hotel in the city." I was landed at the Rollins 
 House, and on entering the place found myself in 
 a billiard room with a large and glittering bar on 
 one side. I ascertaned the w^hereabouts of Mr. 
 Sherman, which was close by, and proceeded at 
 once to his quarters in the bank and presented your 
 
letter. He received me very kindly and begged me 
 to take up my quarters with him as he had an extra 
 bed. There are twio others in the bank. Besides the 
 large office there is a small sitting room in the rear, 
 and a small bed room with two beds. This is the 
 headquarters of quite a number of persons, and of 
 course very little quiet can possibly be obtained in 
 any part of the place. Last night, e. g., there were 
 no less than seven of us, four in bed and three 
 upon the floor. At present I am taking my meals 
 at a restaurant at the rate of $15 per week for 
 "square meals." I am told that a room with a fire 
 at the hotels, together with board, cannot be obtained 
 at less than $26 per week. At present I suppose I 
 cannot do better. But, it may be, after I have 
 got somew^hat better acquainted, that I may be 
 able to find some little nook where I may be able 
 to study and write with some comfort. Had I the 
 money I would put up a little house and bring my 
 sister out, for I think that we can keep house cheap- 
 er than 1 can board. I presented your letter to Mr. 
 Reed and found him very pleasant and seemingly 
 very glad to see me and much interested in our 
 church project. And now as to those matters I will 
 try to give you my first view of the situation. Mr. 
 Reed told me he has secured two lots for the church 
 in a very good situation, on the school block. I have 
 discovered several communicants of the Church and 
 quite a number who are nominally church people 
 and attached to our worship. All seem delighted to 
 see me and rejoice that something is to be done to 
 affect the terrible state of things in this worst of 
 all places under the sun. Mr. Reed was to have 
 met Mr. Sherman and myself yesterday to talk over 
 matters and to take steps towlard providing a place 
 for our services. But he did not come. I met Dr. 
 
 -II- 
 
Scott, the Methodist local preacher, and he informed 
 me that he has the use of the city hall on Sunday 
 afternoons and evenings. And that he had left the 
 mornings open, thinking someone would be along 
 shortly with some other kind of service. He is 
 engaged in a thriving business in the canned fruit 
 and furniture line, and cannot pursue both business 
 and preaching, and so expects some regular preacher 
 here after a while. There is a nice school house 
 here already finished — but the carpenters have a lien 
 on the buildings and will not allow it to be used for 
 anything until it is cleared. The Methodists in- 
 formed me that they had engaged it for services as 
 soon as it can be released. Mr. Sherman has just 
 informed me that he and Mr. Reed met and talked 
 some over matters last night, and that they are of 
 opinion that the school house may be bought, and 
 he expects to inquire into it today. It would be very 
 well adapted to our purposes for the present. I will 
 write you again shortly and let you know the state 
 of the case. I sent through by express my books, 
 making a moderate sized box, and two trunks filled 
 wjith bed clothing, etc. I have received the bill from 
 Wells Fargo & Co., and the amount is $94 ! It is an 
 outrageous bill, and I have not the means to release 
 the goods. The husband of one of our communi- 
 cants, Mr. Morrow, is in their office here, and he 
 may be able to get some reduction. I have not yet 
 seen him as he has been absent. But I fear the 
 reduction will be small. 
 
 I think there are somewhere about four thousand 
 people here. The amount that has been done here 
 is wonderful, and the activity of the place is sur- 
 prising, and the wickedness is unimaginable and ap- 
 palling. This is the great centre for gamblers of all 
 shades, and roughs, and troops of lewd women, and 
 
 -12- 
 
bull-whackers. Almost every other house is a 
 drinking saloon, gambling house, restaurant, dance 
 house or bawdy. In the east, as a general thing, vice 
 is obliged in some measure to keep somewhat in the 
 dark, and a cloak of refinement is thrown over it. 
 But here all is open and above board, and the eyes 
 and ears are assailed at every turn. Last evening 
 right by us here was a terrible shooting affray, and 
 one poor wretch was shot through the jaw and an- 
 other through the arm. A large wagon train came 
 in today, and we shall be likely to have a repetition 
 of last night's deeds and perhaps worse. If there 
 ever was a place which needed a standard lifted up 
 against the enemy, it is here. I feel almost power- 
 less in the presence of it. But I realize that I am 
 not sent in dependent on my own strength, but com- 
 missioned by the Holy Ghost and the Church of 
 God. I must open my commission even here, and 
 proclaim the Gospel of the grace of God whether 
 these poor souls will hear or whether they will for- 
 bear, and depend upon Him to bless my humble ef- 
 forts. You are probably aware that Rev. Mr. Tut- 
 tle has been transferred to the fort here. He is ex- 
 pected today or tomorrow. Although I should at 
 once have been rendered comfortable had I myself 
 been appointed, and the salary would have enabled 
 me to get well settled in preparation for the work 
 here, yet I doubt not it is all right. And I confess 
 that I feel much more comfortable and encouraged 
 by the fact that I have a clerical brother near upon 
 whom I may depend for sympathy and advice, than 
 though I were isolated as I feared I would be. 
 
 I am charmed with the climate here. With the 
 exception of those searching winds which go to the 
 very bone, it is dehghtful. Today is one of the 
 most beautiful days I ever saw. The place is not 
 
 —13— 
 
protected from the winds as we supposed. Long's 
 Peak, 70 or 80 miles distant, is in sight, and the 
 Rocky range glittering white with snow in the clear 
 sunshine. We seem to be still on the plains, al- 
 though at a very high elevation. I don't believe 
 this can be an agricultural region. It probably 
 would be with the means of irrigation, but Crow 
 Creek, on which we are situated, is quite small. But 
 the Cache la Poudre above may do something for 
 us. There is not to be seen a single tree within 
 many miles of us. 
 
 I hope to be able to give you something more defi- 
 nite with reference to church matters in a few' days. 
 
 May God bless and prosper you, my dear Bishop, 
 and hasten your journey to us. 
 
 With sincere regards, yours in Jesus Christ and 
 his Church, Jose:ph W. Cook. 
 
 Jan. i8th. Beautiful day, but the wind made it 
 unpleasant to be out. Went and took possession of 
 Mr. Reed's* quarters and wrote sermon on I Cor. 
 1 1 :2. Showing what I believed St. Paul's policy 
 was in licentious Corinth; and that I proposed to 
 follow the same course in my ministry here, viz., 
 to combat sin by presenting the old truths of the 
 Gospel and the Church of Christ, and striving not 
 to be drawn aside by side issues. Mr. Sherman was 
 able to get the school house for our services. I put 
 a couple of notices in the papers announcing morn- 
 ing service. Spent the evening in various work. 
 Went to Mrs. Morrow's to ascertain whether Rev. 
 Mr. Tuttle, the Chaplain of the Post, had arrived. 
 He got there just as I was leaving. Sat and talked 
 with him awhile. Asked him to assist me tomorrow. 
 
 Sunday, 2nd after Epiph., Jan. 19th. Beautiful 
 day, and the air was delicious. Prepared for service 
 and went to the school house. Mr. Tuttle was 
 
 —14— 
 
called upon to attend the funeral of a poor young 
 woman who died from an overdose of morphine, 
 and so could not be with me. Sent me his Mission 
 Services to use. Mr. Test brought them, and I was 
 glad to make his acquaintance. Begged me to go 
 and see him. Put on my surplice and celebrated 
 divine service, and preached. Seventy-five persons 
 present, joined in responses heartily. Was fortun- 
 ate in starting familiar tunes and the whole congre- 
 gation sang with a will. Was glad to discover some 
 fine voices. Several persons came to me after ser- 
 vice to express their pleasure, and to give me God- 
 speed. Headache came on after dinner and I was 
 quite unwell. Probably bilious from eating three 
 ^'square" meals a day. Took considerable of a 
 walk with Messrs. Berger, Ruth and Glover. Af- 
 terwards lay down upon the lounge and Mr. Ruth 
 came again and we talked over many points of sci- 
 ence and Christianity. Went to Mrs. Morrow's to 
 tea with Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle and spent evening in 
 pleasant conversation. We started for P. O. and 
 passing, stopped at school house a minute to see 
 what the Methodists were doing. Found the house 
 well filled, and Dr. Scott ranting. Called at Dr. 
 Latham's ofiice and Mr. Tuttle introduced me to him. 
 After left Mr. Tuttle and called in at Messrs. Adams 
 and Glover's drug store and talked awhile. Sung a 
 great deal with Mr. Sherman today, and it has been 
 very pleasant. 
 
 Jan. 20th. Another charming day. I have never 
 Experienced anything like it in the East. The cli- 
 mate is magnificent. Mr. Reed called and asked me 
 to go down to this office, which I did. Sat some 
 time. Gave his judgment for an immediate organ- 
 ization of the Church here. Wrote letter to Bishop 
 Clarkson telling him of the progress of affairs here. 
 
 —15— 
 
Wrote up journal. Walked with Mr. Berger and 
 called upon Mr. Test, Mr. Paine, and Mr. Abbott. 
 Dr. Alden, Post Surgeon, called on me, and told 
 me what he had done towards securing subscrip- 
 tions for the Church at Fort Russell. Found him 
 very agreeable. Mrs. Street called to give me an 
 invitation to a donation party to be given to Dr. 
 Scott, the Methodist local preacher. Could not 
 bring myself to the point to go, having such a dis- 
 gust for such things. Wrote letter in answer to one 
 from Mr. James Fuller inquiring about Cheyenne 
 as a place for him to establish himself. 
 
 lettkr to bishop clarkson. 
 
 Chi:ye:nne, Dakota Territory, 
 
 Jan. 20th, 1868. 
 Rt. Rev. R. H, Clarkson, D. D, 
 
 My De:ar Bishop: — We succeeded in obtaining 
 the school house for our services yesterday morn- 
 ing. It had been nicely cleaned, and the only dis- 
 comfort that w!e had was that it was yet a little 
 damp. The day was charming and auspicious for 
 the commencement of our public work here. We 
 did not know definitely that we could obtain the 
 house till the afternoon of Saturday so there was but 
 little time to give notice. I made a few calls and 
 mentioned it, and put notices in two of our daily 
 papers. Yet there were a great many who did not 
 learn of it until after the service. Rev. Mr. Tuttle 
 arrived on Saturday night, and I invited him to as- 
 sist in inaugurating the services here, which he in- 
 tended to do. But Mr. Rollins, keeping a hotel 
 here, and an old member of Mr. Tuttle's parish in 
 Illinois, sent to request him to officiate at the fune- 
 ral of a young woman who died from the effects of 
 an overdose of morphia. So I was alone. He how- 
 
 —16— 
 
ever lent me his mission services (and by the way 
 I don't know what I shall do without some of those 
 services). I have about thirty prayer books, but 
 they are not sufficient. Since writing the above, Mr. 
 Tuttle has been in and informs me that for the 
 present he can divide with me the mission services 
 which he has, about 200, which wiill relieve me of 
 the difficulty. 
 
 There were about 75 persons present yesterday, 
 and they entered heartily into the services, respond- 
 ing well and conforming to the postures. The sing- 
 ing I conducted myself. I sang tunes which I sup- 
 posed would be familiar, and I was surprised and 
 delighted, for it seemed as though everyone present 
 joined in and sang with a will. I discovered that 
 there was considerable musical talent in the congre- 
 gation, and I have hopes of shortly forming a good 
 choir which, of course, will add to the interest of 
 the services. I preached a short sermon from i 
 Cor. 1 1 :2 — ''For I determined not to know anything 
 among you save Jusus Christ, and Him Crucified/' 
 Simply explaining what I conceived to be St. Paul's 
 policy in wicked, licentious Corinth, and stating the 
 object for which I am here, and my determination, by 
 the help of God, to pursue the same policy with the 
 Apostle, and to present the old facts of the Gospel 
 and the Church of Christ, believing that they are 
 still filled with divine energy to the pulling dow^n of 
 the strongholds of sin, Satan and death. A number 
 came to me after service to welcome me and bid 
 me God speed. 
 
 I was invited to attend the Methodist services in 
 the evening, but aside from being quite unwell, which 
 would of itself have prevented me, I thought it best 
 to take that stand which would sooner or later have 
 to be taken, and so did not attend. Mr. Tuttle and 
 
 —17— 
 
myself had occasion to pass the school house during 
 their meeting, and we found it filled respectably. 
 I hope during the week to obtain a place in which 
 to hold our Sunday school. To the surprise of my- 
 self and many others the city was remarkably quiet 
 yesterday. Many of the shops were closed, and 
 numbers of persons were to be seen on the streets 
 who had seemingly made an effort to recall some of 
 the associations of Sunday and civilization by chang- 
 ing their clothes and tidying up, and trying to enjoy 
 a little rest from the turmoil and excitement of the 
 week. The hurdy-gurdy at the "Museum" geased 
 its daily and nightly groaning and grinding, to the 
 great relief of the nerves of many who have some 
 music in their souls, and the band which by day and 
 night calls multitudes of poor simple souls to the 
 great gambhng "Hell" opposite paid respect to the 
 Lord's Day also. 
 
 There are a great many people here who are 
 either Churchmen or accustomed to our services and 
 in sympathy with us. I am surprised at the number 
 whom I have already discovered. And as is usual, 
 they are the more intelligent and respectable of the 
 population. The editors of two of the three daily 
 papers are nominally Churchmen, and are very kind 
 in offering their papers as channels of communica- 
 tion, to give notices, etc. 
 
 In talking with Mr. Reed this morning, he gives 
 his judgment for an organization at once, instead of 
 Waiting until we have had services for a while. Mr. 
 Tuttle thinks he will be able to offer me a home at 
 his quarters as soon as he gets settled, which will 
 both give me a quieter place for study and writing, 
 and also, probably, very much reduce my expenses. 
 I shall be sorry to be removed out of the city — about 
 two and a half miles — but it is probably the best I 
 
 — 1&— 
 
can do for the present in the crowded state of this 
 wonderful place. 
 
 I hope you will be able to come to us as soon as 
 you possibly can after your return to your juris- 
 diction. Yours in Christ and His Church, 
 
 Jose:ph W. Cook. 
 
 P. S. Mr. Sherman desires me to present his re- 
 gards to you. I find him very kind and pleasant, 
 and both he and Mr. Berger, who is associated with 
 him in the bank, have quite prevented me from be- 
 coming low-spirited, and I feel greatly indebted to 
 them for their kindness. J. W. C. 
 
 Jan. 2ist. Finished a letter to Mr. Davis. Major 
 Woolley called on me and talked over Church mat- 
 ters and offered his services for furthering the in- 
 terests of Church here. Was very much pleased 
 with the Major. Called on Mrs. Kuykendall to in- 
 quire after her brother. Called at Mrs. Marten's, 
 Taylor's, Shakespeare's, Manion's, and Cornforth's. 
 Called on Mrs. Tuttle at the Rollins house, and had 
 the pleasure of meeting also Mrs. Doherty. 
 
 Jan. 22nd. Nice day with the exception of the 
 wind. Wrote to Mrs. Smith. Major Woolley called 
 and presened Dr. Alden's compliments and an invi- 
 tation to take up my quarters with him. Accepted 
 the same. Called on Dr. Moore (grandson of Bishop 
 Moore of Virginia)i and met also his partner, Dr. 
 Heimberger, an Israelite. Called on Mrs. Gardner 
 and not finding her in, went into her husband's 
 saloon and talked with him awhile. Called on Mrs. 
 Street and had a long talk on Church matters. Pre- 
 pared my trunks for transfer to the Fort. Suffering 
 a good deal from cold and sore throat. 
 
 Jan. 23rd. Beautiful day. Letter from Rev. Cort- 
 landt Whitehead of Black Hawk, Colorado, an- 
 
 —19— 
 
nouncing that I have been transferred to Colorado 
 and congratulating me upon same. Gives me very 
 kind invitation to share his bed and board, etc. 
 Cannot but consider it a calamity that Cheyenne 
 has been transferred just now. I hope for the best, 
 but I fear. Wrote to Mr. Whitehead. Election day 
 in Cheyenne, for city government. Considerable ex- 
 citement. Mr. Sherman running for Treasurer. 
 There was some shooting on the street today and 
 so I did not go out until the streets were cleared by 
 the presence of cavalry from Fort Russell. Major 
 WooUey called to say Dr. Alden could not be ready 
 for me until tomorrow. New clerk arrived at Bank 
 from Omaha, Mr. Rhous, a German. Had consid- 
 erable talk with Mr. Maxwell, a correspondent of 
 a Cincinnati paper, on religious subjects, especially 
 that of church unity. 
 
 Jan. 24th. Most beautiful day. Wrote to Dr. 
 Irving, Secretary Board of Missions, remonstrating 
 against being transferred to Colorado just now, and 
 giving my reasons. Wrote to Rev. Mr. Van Antwerp 
 with reference to a cabinet organ, as a Mr. Smith 
 came in today to make my accquaintance and offer 
 his services to get up a choir. A man called to ask 
 me to go to the Hospital to see a man by the name of 
 Aiken, who wishes to see an Episcopal clergyman. 
 Went round and received a welcome from Dr. Irwin 
 in charge, whom I found friendly to the Church and 
 interested in the establishing of services here. The 
 man was suffering from tubercles in his lungs. Was 
 quite penitent and anxious to do better, as he has 
 been a wanderer both in body and soul. Talked and 
 prayed with him and he seemed comforted. Major 
 Woolley called with Dr. Alden to take me out to the 
 Fort and I came with them. Established myself 
 with the Doctor in his quarters, and then dined with 
 
 — 20 — 
 
Major Woolley and his wife and family of clerks. 
 Dr. Alden took me to his hospital and showed me 
 the Fort. Called on Brother Tuttle and wife at Gen- 
 eral's headquarters. At home, commenced reading 
 "Great Missionaries/' and had a quiet evening. Col- 
 onel Bartlett, son of Prof. Bartlett of West Point, 
 called. Also letter from Brother Rogers of Austin, 
 Texas, inquiring after me and wishing much to hear 
 from me. He has been very successful at Austin, 
 but yet does not count it his home. Feels that his 
 work is to establish churches. 
 
 Jan. 25th. Did not get to bed until midnight. 
 Slept very well in my new bed. Doctor introduced 
 me to Brown's mess room at 9 o'clock. Immediately 
 after Major Woolley drove up and invited me to ride 
 down town with him and I embraced the opportunity 
 to go down to Bank for rest of my things. Troubled 
 at finding Mr. Sherman very moody. Did not say 
 a word of welcome. Spent rest of evening in read- 
 ing and preparing for Sunday. Techman (Doctor's 
 man, a German) showed me some wolf skins and 
 proposed to get me some. In afternoon took a walk 
 northward, hoping to reach a little line of hills, but 
 the distance of objects on these plains is so decep- 
 tive that I walked until I was tired without actually 
 reaching them. I was surprised to find such num- 
 bers of cactus on the plains ; supposed we were far 
 north of them. Found little snow bird which could 
 not fly and brought it home, thinking I would take 
 care of it till it got well. Put it in Techman's room, 
 but Miss Puss during the evening slipped in with me 
 and captured him and made a nice meal. Snowed 
 fiercely most all evening. 
 
 Sunday, 3rd after Epiph., Jan. 26th. Party in- 
 tended to go down to Cheyenne, but looked so 
 threatening this morning that no one but myself 
 
 — 21 — 
 
went down. There were only about twenty persons 
 there. Seemed to enjoy the services. Went to 
 Bank afterwards and found Mr. Berger suffering 
 from rheumatism. Received letter from Rev. Mr. 
 Tolman wondering at my move, wishing to know the 
 reason of it, and regretting that he had not been 
 able to carry out his long-cherished wish to have 
 me near himself. Rode out to Colonel Carling's, 
 having an invitation to dine there, and expecting to 
 find Dr. Alden there. But had not arrived, so had 
 to introduce myself and was received very pleas- 
 antly. Doctor did not arrive till late. Spent a very 
 pleasant afternoon with the Colonel and his wife. 
 Sent us home in his ambulance. Captain Pierce 
 spent evening with us. 
 
 Jan. 27th. Doctor walked down to Colonel Carl- 
 ing's with us and I went on to Cheyenne. Was 
 pretty tired when I arrived. Wrote couple of busi- 
 ness letters and then went round to Hospital. Dr. 
 Irwin talked with me a while, and I invited him to 
 the meeting of those interested in the Church which 
 is called at the Bank tonight. I went into the wards 
 and talked a Httle with the patients, and distributed 
 some tracts and papers. Called on Messrs. Wil- 
 liams, Whitehead, Street, Cornforth, Rogers, Bedell, 
 Gardener, Reed, Shakespeare and Morrow, to in- 
 vite them to the meeting. Mr. Sherman was very 
 pleasant today. Took tea with Mr. Berger. After 
 tea about twenty gentlemen assembled to consult 
 about the Church. I was called to the chair and a 
 resolution was offered looking to an organization of 
 the parish. Called its name St. Mark's Church, 
 Cheyenne. Vestry of seven was elected, consisting 
 of Messrs. Reed, Judge Ford, Colonel Carling, Ma- 
 jor Woolley, Dr. Alden, Mr. Street and Mr. Chas. 
 Sherman. Vestry chose Mr. Reed and I chose Col- 
 
 — 22 — 
 
onel Carling as the Wardens. Building Committee, 
 or rather Committee of Whole to solicit subscrip- 
 tions, was resolved. Mr. Reed promised to get all 
 Jthe stone and heavy timber which we would need 
 from the Black Hills, and bring it free of cost ; and 
 to get our lumber over the Union Pacific railroad 
 free of charge. Colonel Carling would do all the 
 hauling and furnish the architect. Several hundred 
 dollars were subscribed on the spot. Mr. Cornforth 
 was the only one who objected to the project — 
 thought we were crazy. His idea was that they 
 should first see if they were able to support a clergy- 
 man; that clergyman should work around among 
 the people first, for some time, and then if thought 
 best should endeavor to build a church! No one 
 sympathized with him, but they assured him they 
 were not going to let me starve. However, as he 
 had started the matter of support, the gentlemen at 
 once subscribed $225.00 toward the first quarter's 
 salary. When this subject came up for discussion, I 
 called Judge Ford to the chair, as it was a delicate 
 position for me to occupy, and the gentlemen would 
 discuss it more freely in my absence. Sent com- 
 mittee to me to inquire upon what I thought I could 
 live at present. Told them on what terms I came. 
 They suggested $100.00 per month for the present, 
 saying they thought I ought to have $2,500.00 per 
 annum ultimately. But for the sake of urging on 
 the church building was willing to take the other for 
 the present. Thought me very easy in my demands. 
 There was a great deal of enthusiasm in the meeting, 
 more than I ever saw in any similar meeting ; and it 
 was very gratifying and delightful. Rode out with 
 Colonel Carling, Dr. Alden and Major WooUey. 
 Extremely cold tonight. 
 
 -23- 
 
Jan. 28th. Wrote long letter to Bishop Clarkson, 
 giving account of last night's doings. Also to Rev. 
 Mr. Childs to tell him about the wine which I sent 
 to the Episcopal Hospital and which has not yet 
 been sent for, and to ask him to have it sent for. 
 Engaged to go down to Colonel Carling's with Doc- 
 tor, but it has been so fiercely cold and the wind 
 blowing so that w^e had to stay at home. After 
 dinner called with Doctor upon General Stevens, 
 Commander of the Post. Afterwards went on in- 
 vitation to Major Woolley's to meet Captain and 
 Mrs. Ball and to eat some oysters. Found Captain 
 and Mrs. Ball very agreeable people. 
 
 letter to bishop randall. 
 
 Cheyenne, Dakota Territory, 
 
 Jan. 28th, 1868. 
 Rt. Rev. Geo. M. Randall D. D., 
 Bishop of Colorado, etc. 
 
 Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir : — I have been informed 
 by Rev. Mr. Whitehead that Cheyenne and myself 
 have been transferred from the jurisdiction of 
 Bishop Clarkson to that of the Bishop of Colorado. 
 
 I now write simply to let you know the state of 
 the case, leaving to you and the proper authorities 
 the decision. 
 
 Against yourself personally neither I nor any here 
 can have any ground for complaint, I apprehend. I 
 myself cannot but admire the energy and devotion 
 which you have displayed in the difficult field over 
 which you have been placed. Besides, I have felt 
 pride in the high character which you bear in the 
 Church and before the world. I could have no ob- 
 jection, and have not an objection to offer against 
 being under your jurisdiction. I should be pleased 
 to have my Bishop so much nearer than Bishop 
 
 —24— 
 
Clarkson can be ; and knowing two of your clergy, 
 it would be very pleasant for me to be closely asso- 
 ciated with them ; and I hope I may be ultimately. 
 B^t in the present history of Cheyenne, and the ef- 
 fort to establish the Church here, it is very neces- 
 sary for its well and prosperous being that nothing 
 be done to dampen the ardor with which the enter- 
 prise has been undertaken. Those most active in 
 the matter here are personal friends of Bishop 
 Clarkson, and several have been members of his 
 Church and congregation in Chicago. There are 
 quite a number of others from Chicago who have 
 a high personal regard for him. With yourself 
 they have not the pleasure of acquaintance. Na- 
 turally they feel apprehensive for the welfare of. 
 the Church at being transferred to an unknown 
 chief. Some have said it would be impossible to 
 feel the same interest should they be transferred, 
 and it is important to have the full interest and co- 
 operation of all. Besides, Bishop Clarkson has al- 
 ready personally interested a number of persons 
 here in the matter, and has put in train certain in- 
 terests at the East to help on the enterprise; and 
 through him we hope and have a good prospect of 
 gaining certain other points nearer home by which 
 we expect to be very materially helped. We know 
 nothing of the ways and means at your command 
 for helping us, and it would take some time to ascer- 
 tain. In the meantime our efforts must wait. And 
 we deem it of importance that we act promptly and 
 quickly in order that we may keep the prominent and 
 important position which we have taken here as the 
 first Church organization and we hope to have the 
 first Church building. I think most decidedly, with 
 the kindest feelings personally towards yourself, and 
 the deepest respect for you, that a transfer just at 
 
 —25— 
 
this time is most unfortunate for the interests of the 
 Church here. After the present work of building 
 is accompHshed I hope the transfer may be made for 
 many reasons. I have written frankly ; and I pray 
 you may receive it in the spirit in which I have 
 spoken. I believe I am simply seeking the glory of 
 God, and the furtherance of the Church of Christ. 
 Hoping soon to have the pleasure of your ac- 
 quaintance, I am, Rt. Rev. Sir, 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 Joseph W. Cook. 
 
 Jan. 29th. Towards noon Captain and Mrs. Ball 
 called to take Doctor and myself down to Colonel 
 Carling's camp to talk with the architect about a 
 plan for the church. Met Mr. Richards there, chief 
 carpenter, and a churchman. He is interested and 
 proposes to do work in his shop for the church, and 
 has been thinking with others there of getting up a 
 chancel window, and would make the chancel furni- 
 ture. For these favors I thank God. Called at 
 Colonel's and did not find him at home. Went with 
 Doctor to see a couple of patients to whom he intro- 
 duced me. Although it is milder than yesterday, the 
 wind blew so Doctor thought best for me to return 
 home instead of going to town as I expected. Com- 
 menced letter American Churchman. Saw Mr. Tut- 
 tle about getting the plans of a church at Harlem, 
 111., for own use, and Up John's work on churches, 
 both of which he sent for immediately. After dinner 
 went with Doctor into the officers' billiard room and 
 watched the games a little while. Doctor gave me a 
 cigar which made me quite sick so that I was worth- 
 less most of evening. Captain Pierce was in a while. 
 Read synopsis of report of Indian Commissioners to 
 Congress, and heartily approve their suggestions. 
 God grant they may be carried out. 
 
 —26— 
 
Jan. 30th. Walked down to Cheyenne. Called at 
 bank and found Mr. Berger much better of his ail- 
 ments. Called on Messrs. Smith, one of them a 
 churchman. Visited hospital and after talking 
 awhile in the lower ward was introduced upstairs to 
 the city part. I was very much distressed to find 
 that in numbers of cases two sick men occupied one 
 bed ! A thing I have never seen before ; and hor- 
 rible to think of. Found a youth there — Walker by 
 name — from Buffalo, who looked quite delicate, and 
 whose hands indicated he had never done any hard 
 work, and he had, failing to find something here to 
 do, gone to the Black Hills and engaged on the rail- 
 road and now he is laid up. I really pitied him. 
 Called on Mr. Abbott. Walked home by way of 
 Colonel Carling's camp and called in to see how Mr. 
 Stewart and Mr. Fletcher were. Latter better and 
 former worse. Met Mr. S. and brought message to 
 Doctor. Saw the military just returning from a 
 funeral of one of their companions, as I neared Fort. 
 Finished letter to American Churchman. 
 
 Jan. 31st. Snowed some last night, but has all 
 blown off this evening. Read all afternoon and most 
 of evening. Spirit of Missions, and paper, and 
 Sketch of Life and Work of John Williams, the 
 Missionary of the South Seas. Found that Cap- 
 tain Pierce is Lieutenant Pierce. 
 
 Feb. 1st, 1868. Prepared for Sunday's services. 
 Doctor offered me his horse to go to town. Got lot 
 of books and papers from Mr. Tuttle and Dr. Alden 
 for the poor fellows in hospital. Went among them 
 and found them very glad indeed to get my litera- 
 ture and begged me to come soon again. Had a few 
 words with a poor fellow suffering from pneumonia. 
 Letter from Bishop Clarkson taking leave of me and 
 sending me over to Bishop Randall. Letter from 
 
 —27— 
 
latter welcoming me and assuming all Bishop Clark- 
 son's promises to me and proposes to obtain teacher 
 if there is want of a parish school. Letter from 
 John Sherman expressing his surprise at my change. 
 Brought out bundle on the horse for Mr. Tuttle. 
 
 Sunday, Purification, Feb. 2nd. Commenced 
 boarding with Rev. Mr. Tuttle. Captain Ball took 
 me down to service in his ambulance together with 
 Mrs. Ball and Mrs. Woolley. More than one hun- 
 dred present and everything passed off nicely. Sing- 
 ing very good. Lunched with the Tuttles and then 
 walked to Colonel Carling's. Took soup there, and 
 then visited sick in company with Dr. Alden. Got 
 back in time to see "dress parade" at Fort. Men 
 made fine appearance, but I thought it terrible that 
 they should have inspection and general review in 
 morning and then have to turn out on Sunday after- 
 noon also. General S. seems devoid of principle. 
 Dined at Lieutenant Pierce's quarters, with him and 
 Doctor. Captain Coates called on me in evening 
 and sat till bedtime. Found him most agreeable 
 gentleman. Has been a beautiful day. 
 
 Feb. 3rd. Wrote to Mr. Abel to thank them for 
 their kind remem'brance. To Miss Carrie Roberts 
 to ask her to interest herself in getting some litera- 
 ture for the hospital. Intended to go to city but 
 Doctor thought it too cold, so I walked to Colonel 
 CarHng's. Saw Chas. Anderson, their cook, who is 
 a churchman, and talked with him some. Told Jo- 
 seph, the black boy, that if the colored people would 
 find a place and wished it I would have service for 
 them. In evening had interesting talk with Mr. Mc- 
 Carthy, a very intelligent Irishman, a carpenter, who 
 came in and waited to see Doctor. Went to Major 
 Woolley's to eat oysters; but having fit of indiges- 
 tion today had no appetite for them. Fine day. 
 Beautiful night. 
 
 —28— 
 
Feb. 4th. Finished letter to Mr. Robbins. Rode 
 down to Cheyenne with Major W., and Doctor, and 
 Mr. Tuttle. Called to talk with Mrs. Morrow about 
 forming" a Mite Society. Letters from Mrs. Smith, 
 and Colville. Frank has not arrived yet. Note from 
 Mr. Fallon enclosing one from Mr. Harriman. 
 
 Feb. 5th. After lunch walked down to Cheyenne. 
 Called on Mrs. Street and talked over church affairs 
 and church work and asked about the Mite Society. 
 Mr. Berger walked out part way with me. Gathered 
 cactus bulbs as I came along to send to some of my 
 friends. Really suffered for first time with cold in 
 my hands. 
 
 Feb. 6th. Sent cactus to Mrs. Davis, Miss C. 
 Trimble, Mrs. Smith, Miss Mary Hamlin. Mr. 
 Sherman came in very unexpectedly and sat awhile, 
 also Mr. Culbertson. Wrote to Marshall Curry, Bro. 
 Lycett to enclose draft for convocation money and 
 to Hurd and Houghton subscribing further for 
 Smith's Biblical Dictionary. Reading ''Katrina" by 
 Holland. Captain Cahill died today of delirium tre- 
 mens, a sad, sad death. He was under arrest and 
 soon to be court-martialed, and probably would have 
 been dismissed from service. Escaped the judgment 
 of man and gone to the judgment of God. Called 
 on Captain and Mrs. Ball, spent pleasant evening. 
 
 Feb. 7th. Finished ''Katrina'\ Doctor moving 
 into his new hospital. Bro. Tuttle asked me to walk 
 with him at funeral, did so and acted sexton in scat- 
 tering earth on that hopeless grave. Soldiers dis- 
 covered an old lady on the plain one-half mile from 
 the grave, who was helpless. Said she had been 
 there since Monday afternoon! She is a widow 
 without near relatives, having an only son in Helena, 
 Montana, a successful miner. Had sent her $300.00 
 and told her to stay in Orriaha and go out to him in 
 
 —29— 
 
the Spring. She feared she might die before Spring 
 and wished to see her son, so started out. Arrived 
 here Monday morning and thought in afternoon she 
 would go out and look around. Lost her way, got 
 frightened, and when worn out sank down with 
 weariness. Has had nothing to eat or drink, only a 
 little snow. Was well and warmly dressed or she 
 would have been frozen to death. Three dresses and 
 warm underclothing, two pairs of stockings, shoes 
 and overshoes. As it is she has only her feet slightly 
 frosted. After getting her some relief in the way 
 of eating and restoring her feet, Doctor sent her to 
 City Hospital. I went with her in ambulance. Had 
 $270.00 on her person. Took the patients lot of 
 newspapers both secular and religious which they 
 seemed glad to get. Held short service in upper 
 ward. Letter from Bishop Clarkson enclosing letter 
 from Mr. Fargo with reference to my goods. He 
 remits the charges on their part. Bishop begs me 
 not to be uneasy about the transfer as Bishop R. will 
 be able to do more for me than he could do, at which 
 Mr. Sherman shakes his head. Called on Captain 
 Coates, but he was shortly after called out to attend 
 court-martial. 
 
 Feb. 8th. Very cold day. Tonight thermometer 
 15 degrees below zero. With our very open room 
 through which we can see (through the cracks be- 
 tween boards) it was almost impossible to keep 
 warm. A damp snow mist was prevailing, which 
 made the cold so much more perceptible. Prepared 
 for Sunday. Wrote long letter to Charley Cook and 
 commenced one to Aunt Densmore. Received a let- 
 ter from dear mother and find she is in miserable 
 health. Greatly disappointed I did not go to see 
 them, yet feared the cold would be severe upon me 
 if I did. 
 
 —30— 
 
Septuagesima, Feb. 9th. Very cold and severe 
 wind, but warm on the lee side of the buildings, so 
 much so that the snow melts. By evening all the 
 snow had blown away. Captain and Mrs. Ball were 
 going down to service, so they took Doctor and my- 
 self. About thirty people present and service was 
 very pleasant. Introduced to a Mr. Smith of Con- 
 necticut, a churchman, who was rejoiced to find ser- 
 vices here. He, only a visitor. Short letter from 
 Dr. Walfley directed simply to Cheyenne! But 
 Cheyenne has become so notorious that it came. 
 Doctor has but little to do, so is spending his time 
 in reading; and thinks it will be some years before 
 I receive his wedding cards. Spent rest of afternoon 
 reading "Life of Swedenborg." Amazed at the folly 
 and credulity of his biographer, and of S.'s disciples. 
 Finished letter to Aunt D. Lieutenant Longshore 
 came in and sat awhile. Handsome fellow, and if he 
 would only let liquor alone and was rid of a little 
 youthful folly would be a very agreeable and at- 
 tractive gentleman. Became quite sick from eating 
 mutton for dinner and was not relieved till I had 
 taken an emetic of warm water. Doctor called out 
 at 9 o'clock p. m. to see a man who, in a drunken 
 brawl, was struck and his scalp laid open about 10 
 o'clock this morning. Had been bleeding ever since ! 
 Doctor found him nearly gone — without pulse. Of 
 so little account is human life in this rough region! 
 
 LETTER TO BISHOP RANDALL. 
 
 Cheyenne, Dak. Ter., Feb. 13th, 1868. 
 Rt. Rev. Geo. M. Randall, D. D. 
 
 My Dear Bishop : — Not yet having received an- 
 swers to my last batch of letters, I may still count 
 myself under the jurisdiction of Colorado, I sup- 
 pose. And as you were kind enough to mention the 
 
 —31— 
 
matter of schools in your letter, I thought I would 
 let you know the state of the case. I have made 
 some investigations of the matter and lay before you 
 the results. From the first I have felt anxious on 
 this subject, yet feared I should be obliged to let the 
 opportunity slip by because of the lack of means to 
 carry it out. The school at the city school house has 
 been started and there are 112 scholars. If I recol- 
 lect correctly, they pay $1.50 each per week. The 
 gentleman's wife assists him part of the time. But 
 of course they cannot do justice to so many. Some 
 of the parents are dissatisfied, and there are some 
 families here who do not send their children at all 
 because of the danger; there being all kinds and 
 sizes in the school. Persons have told me they 
 thought we could start at once with 25 or 30 schol- 
 ars. And had I room I should do so at once. But 
 that is the trouble. I don't suppose we could get a 
 room at all; and if we did we should have to pay 
 about $100 per month. The rent for 15 months 
 would perhaps put up a suitable building. Had I 
 the money I would put up a suitable little building 
 which would do also for Sunday School purposes. 
 But I have not. And I cannot ask the people to do 
 it, for they will have all that they can do to build the 
 church. In the meantime the Romanists will doubt- 
 less come along and settle the matter. Rev. Mr. 
 Tuttle, Post Chaplain, received from the railroad 
 company a lot for school purposes. He hoped to put 
 up a building and have a cousin of his to come and 
 start a school. But he is unable to take the matter 
 in hand now. He offers to lease us the lot for three 
 years free of charge. But our lots are amply suf- 
 ficient, being 132x132 feet. His niece, of Chicago, 
 he represents as an admirable teacher, and splendid 
 singer. The last named qualification is very desir- 
 
 —32— 
 
able in my estimation, at least the ability to teach the 
 children vocal music. Also that she be a good 
 needle woman. 
 
 Why is it we cannot find devotional women of 
 means, and of good qualifications among us who, 
 for the love of Christ and the furtherance of His 
 Church, will give themselves to this school work, as 
 well as among the Romanists? Even had we a 
 building the remuneration would not be such as to 
 command any but the most ordinary talent, I fear. 
 I should be willing myself to teach for an hour or 
 two per day for the sake of helping such a project 
 along. 
 
 A granite building with low walls, chapel form, 
 could be put up much cheaper than of wood, and it 
 would be better in many ways. We would not need 
 to plaster it either inside or outside until next fall. 
 
 But why multiply words and castles in the air? 
 If I had the means, or the strength and skill, I 
 would do the work myself. But, alas! I fear I 
 must suffer the victory to go to Rome, who can com- 
 mand all the money and women she wishes. 
 
 I wait your advice. We expect to raise about 
 $3,500 for the church, including the $1,000 from 
 St. Mark's, Philadelphia, which I confidently expect. 
 We think that will give us a very respectable build- 
 ing. We thought of building of wood, but we now 
 think some of using granite, which I hope will be 
 the case; although we cannot commence as soon 
 as with wood. 
 
 Our services are well attended, and the circle of 
 those interested is increasing. In a few weeks I 
 expect we shall have a great rush of population here. 
 
 I shall be very glad indeed to welcome you when 
 you come out. Yours very sincerely, 
 
 Jose:ph W. Cook. 
 
 —33— 
 
Sexagesima, Feb. i6th. Charming day. Mrs. 
 Ball rode with me to service. Large congregation, 
 nearly filling the school house. Preached with a 
 great deal of interest. Commenced collection for 
 incidental expenses, and surplus to be applied to 
 purchase of an instrument. Appointed meeting of 
 ladies to form a Mite Society. 
 
 LE^TTER TO BISHOP RANDALL. 
 
 ChkyKnne, Dak. Ter., Feb. 17th, 1868. 
 Rt. Rev. Geo. M. Randall, D. D., Bp. Colo., etc. 
 
 My Dear Bishop : — Yours of 6th inst. reached 
 me on Saturday and I respond as soon as possible 
 to let you know I have not received the check of 
 which you speak as having been sent me a few days 
 previous. I hope it has not been lost. It may have 
 been missent and may yet reach me. 
 
 I was aware that this portion of Dakota, under 
 the name of Wyoming, was originally assigned and 
 intended by the General Convention to be under 
 your jurisdiction. But as you were reported to have 
 said in the East with reference to it, long before I 
 thought of coming here, that it was a part of your 
 jurisdiction which as yet you had not been able to 
 find ; and as Bishop Clarkson seemed to have juris- 
 diction from the fact that he interested himself in 
 the matter and induced me to come out, and also 
 made certain propositions to the people here — from 
 these facts now could I or the people conclude oth- 
 erwise than that it was granted on all hands, by 
 yourself and others, that so long as this remained a 
 part of Dakota it belonged to Bishop Clarkson? 
 And then as a matter of course we supposed there 
 must be action taken by some responsible body, eith- 
 er by the Board of Missions, or General Convention, 
 before it could be taken out of the hands of one 
 
 —34— 
 
Bishop and transferred to another. But you inform 
 us there has been no action in the matter, and so I 
 suppose you have simply claimed it of Bishop 
 Clarkson as a part of your original grant. 
 
 You very much mistake my meaning and my state- 
 ment if you suppose there is any feeling against you 
 personally either on the part of the people or myself. 
 Nothing is farther from the truth. But our feeling 
 and opposition to the supposed transfer was on ac- 
 count of our anxiety for the unity and success of the 
 church project here, which we feared would be much 
 hindered by a change of Masters at such a critical 
 time ; and from one who was a personal friend and 
 former pastor of quite a number, to one who is a 
 stranger and known only by reputation. I think 
 you will grant that it was not an unatural and un- 
 wise fear. 
 
 However, the responsibility is not with us; and 
 since the matter has been decided against us, we 
 shall yet not be rebellious. We accept it in all good 
 faith that it is the will of God; and will do our 
 best endeavors to work with you for the glory of 
 God and the advancement of the interest of His 
 Church here. 
 
 We are still getting subscriptions for the Church. 
 I do not know what they amount to now. We think 
 of building of granite, which will be much cheaper 
 and far more substantial than wood. I think we 
 shall also try to put up a Rectory at the same time, 
 and if we had the means we could also put up the 
 Chapel for school purposes of which I spoke the 
 other day. We are much obliged for the $i,ooo 
 which you offer us. If you think best you can 
 send it to Mr. Chas. D. Sherman, care Kuntze 
 Bros. & Co., who is Treasurer. We shall be happy 
 to see you on your way out, and hope you will stay 
 
 —35— 
 
with us several days. Services yesterday were large- 
 ly attended. The weather is exquisite here at pres- 
 ent — dry and clear and warm. With sincere re- 
 gards, yours in Christ and His Church. 
 
 Joseph W. Cook. 
 
 Feb. 20th. Met the ladies at Mrs. Morrow's. 
 Six present. Opened meeting with prayer and 
 stated the objects of the proposed society. Letter 
 from Mr. Davis at last. Contained check for $45.00 
 which my late parishioners had contributed after 
 hearing of my misfortune in losing my pocket- 
 book. Mr. Mendenhall acting as lay reader; Gen- 
 eral Trimble still suffering with ulcerated jaw. Mr. 
 Davis has sold our household goods. Mrs.,D. says 
 she can only wish me back among them. Begs me 
 to write to General T. to cheer him up. Did so. 
 Letter from Rev. B. Wistar Morris of German- 
 town informing me that Dr. Irving has nominated 
 me as the Missionary of the Young Christian Sol- 
 diers of the Sunday Schools of St. Luke's, Calvary, 
 St. John Baptist, and St. Michael's, Germantown, 
 and wishing me to write them. Wrote him promis- 
 ing to write them as soon as possible. 
 
 Feb. 2 1 St. Charming day. Walked up Crow 
 Creek with Mr. Tuttle, searching for moss agates 
 and to see the stream. Doctor and I moVed up- 
 stairs this week and find it much pleasanter than 
 downstairs. Got my books opened and arranged, 
 which is a great comfort to me. Wrote long letter 
 to friend Tolman. 
 
 Feb. 22nd. Another charming day. Review at 
 Fort in honor of Washington's birthday, but wish- 
 ing to do some business down town, rode down on 
 horseback. Found letter from Sister Helen at 
 Walnut Hills; is nearly well, goes to Columbus 
 soon. Called at Mr. Arnold's to see about cleaning 
 
 -3^ 
 
of school house for service on Sundays. From there 
 went to the hospital to distribute papers for Sunday 
 reading, and to give my Frenchman a book of fa- 
 bles, being the only French book I could scare up. 
 Prepared for Sunday and visited David Clov^, one 
 of our carpenters, who is sick with pneumonia in 
 the Post Hospital. Toward midnight it rained a 
 Httle and it was really a joyful sound to me in this 
 dry country. The wind blew a hurricane and rocked 
 us in our beds. 
 
 Quinquagesima, Feb. 23rd. Blowing fiercely all 
 day. Called in to see Clow and finding him very 
 sick indeed ; wrote to his brother, who is about 75 
 miles from here. Doctor went with me to town to 
 service. Owing to the very terrible wind, there were 
 only about twenty-five persons out. Appointed a 
 service on Ash- Wednesday at the house of Mr. 
 Morrow's. Spent afternoon reading church papers 
 and Churton's Early English Church. Called to 
 see Clow a few minutes and found him apparently 
 better. At my request, David, our colored boy, and 
 Wilson, Lieutenant Pierce's colored boy, came to my 
 room and we sang hymns, read Sunday service and 
 I talked to them. Wilson has been brought up m 
 the Church and is quite intelligent. Lieutenant 
 Pierce and Lieutenant Stombaugh came in and spent 
 remainder of evening. *'The Missionary Picture 
 Gallery" was lying on the table and attracted the 
 notice of Mr. S. and we fell into conversation about 
 missions in Japan. I was led to speak of the former 
 Jesuit Missions there and Lieutenant S. asked my 
 opinion of the Jesuits, and I gave it freely; and 
 then he announced that he was a Roman Catholic 
 and a great admirer of the Jesuits. Told him I 
 could not recede from what I had said and further 
 showed how these missions have been a failure in 
 
 —Z7— 
 
various countries so far as any permanent work is 
 concerned. He was rather astonished and tried to 
 defend the Jesuits by saying they were only pio- 
 neers and left their work for others to complete, 
 which position cannot be maintained. Lieutenant 
 Pierce supported my positions by what he has seen 
 in Co., New Mexico, etc. 
 
 Feb. 24th. Very pleasant day again. Wrote to 
 Jack Eoff, also a couple of business letters, and then 
 walked down town. Met Mr. Smith and we went 
 together to Wells, Fargo & Co., to examine plot of 
 Cheyenne and to find the church lots, and after- 
 wards walked to those lots and viewed the ground. 
 About the most commanding position in the town, 
 but still clear to one side of the town, which is un- 
 fortunate. Called on Mr. Cornforth and Mr. Test. 
 Introduced to Mr. Snyder (chief in freight office 
 of Union Pacific railroad) and Mr. Hill, conductor. 
 Mr. Glover and Mr. Berger walked out part way 
 with me and I was then picked up by ambulance, 
 containing Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle. Dined with Mr. 
 Pierce and Doctor and Lieutenant Stombs. Took 
 some oranges to Mr. Clow and glad to find him bet- 
 ter. Mrs. Woolley and Mrs. Ball and Captain 
 Coates called in the evening. Commenced letter to 
 Brother Rogers, Austin. 
 
 Feb. 2Sth. Snowed lightly nearly all day. Not 
 very cold. Finished letter. Read considerable in 
 ''Early EngHsh Church." Walked to Colonel Car- 
 ling's with Doctor and made short call. Called on 
 Mrs. Ball in evening. Wrote to Sister Helen. 
 
 Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26th. Intended to spend 
 morning in preparation for services this afternoon 
 but after a little rest from interruptions, Mr. Gam- 
 ble, a man whom I have met at City Hospital, came 
 in. Professes to be from a church family and him- 
 
 -3&- 
 
^elf intending to be confirmed as soon as has an op- 
 portunity. Found him quite needy and gave him 
 $2.00 to help him. Dr. walked with me as far as 
 Col. Carling's on my way to town. Called to see 
 Mr. Ward, found him too much afflicted with rheu- 
 matism to attend service this afternoon. Rushed 
 about and did various errands and then went to 
 Mr. Morrow's for service. It was very windy and 
 feared there would be none there. Mr. Smith 
 and Mr. Carlisle came and so we had enough to get 
 the 'blessing. Had full Litany and a couple of 
 hymns, the Gospel and a talk on subject of Lent and 
 self denial. Enjoyed it. Found letter at bank from 
 Bishop Randall. Desires us to build church of 
 grout*, also. Spent evening at bank reading 
 church papers and ending up with a sing with friend 
 Sherman and Mr. Rhoan. 
 
 Feb. 27th. Charming day. Wrote to Mr. Clow's 
 brother telling him of improvement of his brother. 
 Also to Mr. Fargo with reference to the express 
 charges which have not been remitted. Visited the 
 hospital to take my Frenchman a book, and the oth- 
 ers some religious literature. Found Jones (man to 
 whom I gave shirt, etc.) very low. I hardly think 
 he can recover. Read, prayed and exhorted him 
 very earnestly. Also another man with consump- 
 tion is very low, and I talked with him of his soul's 
 salvation. One man, or rather two of them, spoke 
 to me with reference to Fred Walker (the pale 
 youth who had so greatly excited my sympathy on 
 my first visit to the hospital). He is out now but 
 has no other refuge than a "dug out" on Crow 
 creek, one of whose occupants he accidentally be- 
 came acquainted with, and who now shields him. 
 But it is a party of gamblers, and the men beg me to 
 
 *Throughout the diary we find this word spelled "graut." 
 
 —39^ 
 
save him from falling into their way of life. I went 
 down then and sought him out. Found him in bed 
 with two others, and a third was getting breakfast, 
 although it was almost noon. Said he had been out 
 to see me twice and missed me and asked him to 
 come out to see me this afternoon. Called on a 
 family down there who had recently come from 
 Utah; English people and the old woman a mem- 
 ber of the church. Also as was coming home dis- 
 covered a house inhabited by a colored woman. 
 Went in and told her who I was, and proposed ser- 
 vice for colored people in her house on Sunday 
 afternoons; to which she assented. Spoke of a 
 night school also, and I must see what I can do in 
 the premises. After I got by Col. CarHng's, Maj. 
 Woolley overtook me with buggy and brought me 
 up. Fred Walker came and he met Mr. Tuttle, whom 
 fortunately I had seen before and to whom I had 
 told Fred's story. He was pleased and invited him 
 to go over when I went to dinner. Accordingly I 
 took him over, and Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle proposed 
 to give him a home until he could look about, if I 
 would keep him tonight. I hunted up clean clothing 
 for him and got him fixed up, as his wardrobe was 
 almost nihil. 
 
 Feb. 28th. It was a great satisfaction to see Fred 
 cleaned up and dressed in decent clothes. Took him 
 to Mr. Tuttle and left him. Wrote to Rev. Mr. 
 Foote of Salt Lake City. Preparing sermon for 
 Sunday. Reading ''Early English Church". After 
 dinner, as it has been a most charming day, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Tuttle and I walked up the other side of Crow 
 creek. Expected to go to vestry meeting tonight; 
 and Dr. being unwell and Col. Carling also, Maj. 
 Woolley and I concluded no use to go for there 
 would be no quorum. Very sorry indeed, for I want 
 
 —40— 
 
them to get to work. Taught David awhile tonight. 
 Wrote to Dr. Wolfley, to Street, Moore & Co., to 
 tell them need not send me book of architecture as 
 had delayed it so long, and to Up John's to send me 
 theirs. Letter from Miss Carrie Roberts promising 
 to do something for me in the way of literature for 
 the hospital in Cheyenne. 
 
 Feb. 29th. Wind blew a hurrcane nearly all day. 
 It had been agreed to have a vestry meeting tonight 
 but it was found impracticable as both Dr. and Col. 
 Carling are unwell. I am almost in despair. Ev- 
 eryone has so much business of his own to attend to 
 that it is almost impossible to get on. Got things 
 ready for S. Com., and prepared for Sunday. Read- 
 ing "Early English Church". Wrote to my old 
 schoolmate and playmate. Will Claypole, on the sub- 
 ject of entering the Sacred Ministry. May God 
 bless my words and urge him on to that which is 
 evidently his position in the world. Sent him also 
 "Why I am a Churchman". Called at Capt. Ball's 
 and Mr. Woolley's. 
 
 Sunday ist in Lent, March ist. Still very 
 windy and disagreeable. Mr. and Mrs. Woolley and 
 Mrs. Ball and Dr. Alden went down to service with 
 me in the ambulance. Col. and Mrs. Carling were 
 there. Judge Bartlett and Judge Ford, also other 
 celebrities. To my pleasure found Rev. Mr. Hitch- 
 ings of Denver, Colorado, there. Made him take 
 the prayers as I had no surplice there for him and I 
 could not spare mine as I had the S. Com. to cele- 
 brate. At the S. Com. had only five Com. The oth- 
 ers left for various causes. Present, Dr. Alden, Mr. 
 Sherman, Mrs. Carling, Mrs. Morrow and Mrs. 
 Ball. Took Bro. H. to Fort with us and spent the 
 afternoon partly at Mr. Tuttle's and partly at my 
 own room, talking over ecclesiastical affairs of this 
 
 —41— 
 
jurisdiction. Brought me the regards of Bishop 
 Clarkson and told me he vowed he would have me 
 back into his jurisdiction. Mr. Woolley kindly 
 sent Mr. H. down to Cheyenne as he insisted he 
 must go in order to see Mr. Sherman awhile, and to 
 be ready to start to Denver in morning. Mr. Pal- 
 mer and his son Lieut. Palmer came in and spent 
 evening and I was prevented from having my Sun- 
 day school. Lieut. Pierce came in later. 
 
 March 2nd. Tolerably windy still. Wrote to 
 Sister Helen, also a number of business letters. To- 
 wards noon Dr. and Lieut. Pierce took me to Col. 
 Carling's camp and left me while they went on to 
 C. Spent time at carpenter shop talking to Mr. 
 Richards about church furniture. Asked him to 
 turn a couple of alms basins, w^hich he promised to 
 do. Talked with several of the carpenters. Mr. 
 Woolley kindly gave me two sticks of cedar for the 
 alms basins. In the evening we waited and waited 
 for Col. Carling to send for us to go to vestry meet- 
 ing. Despairing of the ambulance coming, went and 
 borrowed Capt. Ball's, but before it came the Col.'s 
 came. We all went down and although it was after 
 8 :oo o'clock when we arrived Mr. Sherman was not 
 to be found. Waited long on him and as he did not 
 come and Judge Ford had arrived, we commenced 
 business. In due time after that Mr. S. came. Col. 
 Carling, Dr. Alden, Mr. Reed, Judge Ford and my- 
 self were elected Building Committee. After meet- 
 ing Judge F. brought in a pitcher of ale for my ben- 
 efit and we had a very agreeable conversation over 
 it. Remained over night. 
 
 March 3rd. Beautiful day, but pretty windy to- 
 wards evening. Wrote letter with reference to an 
 organ, and then started out to make visits. Called 
 on Mr. Benedict, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Reed's bro- 
 
 —42— 
 
ther at Mr. Reed's office. On Mr. Chord, Judge 
 Ford's partner. Judge F. and Judge Bartlett came 
 in and we had a very pleasant chat. Called on Mr. 
 Gardener, and sorry to find that I had missed seeing 
 Mrs. G. She started for East this morning. Called 
 on Mr. and Mrs. Ball, Mrs. Gildersleeve and Mrs. 
 Gray at the Dodge house, and dined there. On Mr. 
 Williams and Pollock of ''Rocky Mt. Star". Mr. 
 W. kindly offered me a due bill of $50.00 towards 
 an organ. On Dr. Bedell of "Argus" and on his 
 family ; but did not find them in. Some talk with 
 Mr. Ruth on the street and talked on subject of per- 
 sonal God. Called on Mr. and Mrs. Street, who 
 Judge F. had informed me were sick. Did not see 
 Mrs. S. but Mrs. Halliday informed me she had 
 given birth to a son this morning. Met Mr. S. on 
 the street afterwards and congratulated him. Went 
 to the Hospital and spent a great deal of time talk- 
 ing with the patients and distributing literature. 
 Talked again with Mr. Jones and he said he wished 
 to be baptized into the church. Asked him if it 
 should be done now, and he thought best to put it 
 off. Poor man, I fear he will shortly be beyond it. 
 Talked earnestly to him and left him. Found a 
 churchman there ^yho seems quite a pleasant and in- 
 telligent fellow and claims to be intimate with Mr. 
 Hitchings. Mr. Berger walked some distance with 
 me, and I then overtook Mr. Palmer walking out to 
 the post, and walked out with him. Very hard work, 
 the wind was so strong. Gave Mr. P. Bishop Ran- 
 dall's "Why I am a Churchman". Wrote all even- 
 ing and taught David. 
 
 March 4th. Pleasant day. Prepared for service 
 this evening. Wrote to Bp. Randall. Walked down 
 town in afternoon. Called to see colored woman 
 about holding services in her house. Was perfectly 
 
 —43— 
 
willing. Did some errands for Dr. and called at 
 hospital and saw Jones, who is still low, but was not 
 ready to be baptized. Read a few verses, said a few 
 words in exhortation and prayed. Mr. Sherman ex- 
 cused himself from going to service on account of 
 necessity of seeing about a law-suit; Mr. Berger be- 
 cause of a letter which he must write to his wife ! 
 We were both reminded of the men in the Gospels. 
 Mrs. Morrow, Mr. and Mrs. Manion, Mr. Smith, 
 Mrs. Carlisle and Dr. Alden were there. Said Lit- 
 any, sung couple of hymns and talked on subject of 
 Ember week, suggesting subjects of prayer. Letter 
 from John Robinson to say he was to go on 2nd 
 inst., to enter upon his studies at St. John's Training 
 School, Camden, N. J. Thank God for His favor 
 and blessing upon our endeavor to give John a 
 chance to show if there is anything in him for the 
 service of the Sacred Ministry. Letter at last from 
 Mrs. Fallon — all well and continue their interest in 
 me. Frank is better of his cough and at school. 
 Marshall she reports as a good boy and doing well, 
 and greatly tickled at getting a letter from me and 
 will shortly answer. Ring around the moon. 
 
 LETTER TO BISHOP RANDALL. 
 
 Cheyenne, Dak. Ter., March 4th, 1868. 
 My Dear Bishop : — I have delayed writing in 
 answer to yours of 19th February in hopes of 
 apprising you of some decided progress in our 
 Church project here. I am sorry that I have noth- 
 ing more progressive than the present will relate. 
 The draft which you sent me has not yet reached 
 me, and I suppose it is now hopelessly lost. We 
 have had service every Sunday since I came, but 
 our congregation necessarily depends very much 
 on the state of the wind. On calm days we have 
 
 —44— 
 
about an hundred worshippers, and on windy days 
 the number varies with the force of the wind. Last 
 Sunday I had the pleasure of Brother Hitching's 
 presence, and his company during the afternoon, 
 and enjoyed it very much. He assisted me in the 
 prayers. I celebrated the S. Communion for the 
 first time on ist inst. I extemporized a S. Table, 
 and by spreading down a piece of carpet upon the 
 edge of the platform, and turning a couple of the 
 low school benches with their backs to the congre- 
 gation extemporized quite a respectable chancel 
 rail. I preached upon the nature and design of the 
 S. Communion. Only Hve communicants came for- 
 ward. There were others at the service, but for 
 some reason they departed with the multitude. We 
 take up a collection every Sunday. It is for in- 
 cidental expenses (which are very small) and the 
 surplus to be added to a subscription for an organ 
 of some kind. There are some excellent singers, 
 but they seem to think they can do nothing until 
 they get an instrument, and so they throw upon 
 me the preaching, praying and singing also; and 
 it is quite a tax. I hope we shall soon be able to 
 get an instrument. Feeling the necessity of having 
 some means of getting the better class of people 
 together, so as to shape society, I organized, two 
 weeks ago, a mite society which promises to be a 
 great success. It meets on Thursday evening every 
 other week. I proposed to them three objects in 
 it^the social, the preparation of garments for 
 cases of necessity, and to aid me in that branch of 
 my work, and aside from these to undertake some 
 special part of the work of building the church, as, 
 e. g., the furnishing of the Chancel. Our second 
 meeting takes place tomorrow evening. After three 
 appointments, which came to naught on account of 
 
 —45— 
 
absence or sickness of vestrymen, we at last got 
 together on the night of the 2nd inst. and ascer- 
 tained where we stand, and have taken a short step. 
 Judge Ford has shown a great deal of energy and 
 interest. After our last meeting he went out and 
 in two days got eight subscriptions for $ioo apiece, 
 refusing from policy to take less. He then handed 
 it to Mr. Street with a list of those who had of- 
 fered less amounts ; and he failed to present it to 
 a single individual ! Dr. Alden has already collect- 
 ed some at the Post. I have been greatly chagrined 
 and annoyed at the want of energy in the matter, 
 for I have felt that we were losing every day. And 
 yesterday I learned that the Romish priest has ap- 
 peared in town, and he is going to work to collect 
 money for his church. There are numbers who 
 will give to one, but they will not give to both and, 
 perhaps, would prefer to give to ours; but if the 
 Padre calls first he. will get it. I think the mistake 
 here has been that a Bishop was not on the ground 
 when population was pouring in here, and money was 
 plenty and circulating freely ; one who had author- 
 ity to collect money, and to make arrangements for 
 building, and who might see to it that the Church 
 got lots, and plenty of ground in the proper place 
 for a church, and church institutions. I have not 
 the slightest doubt that he could have had a good 
 and even elegant church two months ago, and all 
 the money for it collected on the spot. However, 
 it is too late for that now. We have two beautiful 
 lots, 66x132 feet, one-quarter of a block, in the 
 most beautiful and commanding position about the 
 place, but then they are clear away from the popu- 
 lation, clear beyond the town. Then, too, the Luth- 
 erans have the other quarter block right alongside, 
 which, in my estimation, is far from desirable. Mr. 
 
 -4^ 
 
Reed, who chose them, did what he thought best, 
 but the Bishop would have been a better judge of 
 the needs of the case. If Cheyenne grows, as it 
 may considerably, that will doubtless be the desir- 
 able part of town for private residences. But if it 
 does not we are in a bad position for real church 
 work. The sentiment of the vestry is decidedly in 
 favor of granite. But as that kind of building in 
 this region cannot be done until June, they are de- 
 cidedly in favor of building of wood, and just as 
 soon as possible. They believe that had we a 
 church now we should have a regular congrega- 
 tion of three or four hundred. So I suppose it 
 must be of wood, although I should so very much 
 prefer granite. Colonel Carling, Dr. Alden, Judge 
 Ford and myself are appointed a building com- 
 mittee, and we shall meet this week to discuss 
 plans. We have as the basis of our discussions at 
 present the plans of St. Mark's Cottage Grove, 111., 
 and the Episcopal Church at Harlem, 111. 
 
 During Lent I am having a Wednesday evening 
 service at a private house. I can have no Sunday 
 School as yet, from want of a place. We are much 
 obliged for your offer of $500 for a school house 
 of granite, and I think I shall take advantage of it 
 when possible. But when you come out in May 
 we can determine definitely unless the season 
 should be settled earlier and I could hasten the 
 work, in case I saw my way clear. There is to be a 
 town up the railroad near Fort Sanders, two miles 
 off, to be called Laramie City. It is already laid 
 out, but lots are not yet for sale. Being in a much 
 better country naturally than this place, it is 
 thought there will be considerable of a place there. 
 The railroad will reach there before long, as soon 
 as spring opens. I wish we could have a man 
 
 —47— 
 
there to take time by the forelock as regards the in- 
 terests of the Church. I will write you again as 
 soon as any further steps are taken here. 
 I am, my Dear Bishop, 
 
 Yours in Christ and His Church, 
 Josi:ph W. Cook. 
 
 March 5th. Beautiful morning and as balmy as 
 spring. About 3 o'clock a storm of wind came on, 
 and tonight it is snowing and blowing terribly. The 
 house shakes fearfully. Wrote to John Robinson 
 and to Rev. Mr. Reilly enclosing draft for $45.00 
 for John's use. To Mrs. Fallon, giving her later 
 news of me and my doings, and suggesting that St. 
 Mark's might give us a bell as a baptismal gift, 
 since we have at last the $1,000.00 from them by 
 our transfer to Bishop Randall. To Church Journal 
 to have it stopped. Called on Mrs. Ball and Mrs. 
 WooUey and had talk with each on church matters 
 to some extent. Talk with Doctor about baptism of 
 infants. Wilson Hawkins left us this morning for 
 Saunders. Was sorry to have the boy go. May 
 God keep him and direct him in his most holy ways. 
 Reading ''Carwithen." 
 
 ^ March 6th. Stormed fiercely all day. Snow 
 drifting in every direction. Wrote long letter to the 
 ''Young Soldiers of H." in Germantown, giving 
 them a description of the plains. Letter also to Rev. 
 B. Wistar Morris. Called on Captain Coates and 
 was very much pleased to find him freed from ar- 
 rest. Had pleasant call. 
 
 March 7th. Pleasant day. Snow drifting away 
 quite rapidly. Commenced writing sermon, but it 
 was so late and suffered so many interruptions that 
 at last abandoned it. Spent afternoon in regulating 
 Doctor's closet, as he has just discharged David, and 
 Fred Walker, whom he has taken in his place, was 
 
 -48- 
 
late in coming over. Went round with Fred and 
 directed the arrangement of his quarters. After 
 dinner called a few minutes at Captain Ball's and 
 then Doctor and I walked down to Colonel Carling's 
 to talk over plans for a church. Found he had had 
 his draftsman at work on a plan. Spent a pleasant 
 hour and then had delightful walk back in the bright 
 moonlight and delicious air. Just on arrival there 
 was an alarm of fire and Lieutenant Stombo's quar- 
 ters were found to be ablaze. After considerable 
 difficulty they were able to extinguish it. Prepared 
 for Sunday. 
 
 Sunday, second in Lent, March 8th. Very pleas- 
 ant morning. Snowed towards evening. Mr. Tut- 
 tle, Mrs. WooUey and Mrs. Ball went down with me 
 in the ambulance. Major Jackson, Captain Coates, 
 Lieutenant Spencer and Doctor went in another. I 
 took first part of service and Ante Communion ; 
 Mr. Tuttle the prayers. Preached with good deal 
 of interest. Mr. Reed has returned, and I was very 
 glad to see him. Brought Captain Davis to intro- 
 duce him. Judge Ford, Judge Chase and Judge 
 Bartlett and other worthies were present. The re- 
 sponses were refreshing. I nearly broke down in 
 an attempt to start the Gloria in Excelsis, but recov- 
 ered myself. Remained in town expecting to hold 
 service for colored people, but on going to the house 
 found the old aunty quite unwell and unable to have 
 service. Sat and talked with her awhile, and then 
 called on Mrs. Street, whom I was sorry to find not 
 getting along so well as I could wish. Saw the lit- 
 tle tiny stranger. Met Mr. Street's mother. Called 
 at the hospital to inquire for Jones. Found he died 
 on Thursday unbaptized! Poor creature! Spoke 
 to the doctor about burying people without any 
 service. Mrs. Woolley kindly sent buggy in for me 
 
 —49— 
 
at 5 o'clock. Called at Captain Ball's to see if she 
 would go to service tonight. Found her unwell. 
 Assisted Mr. Tuttle in the service. Quite a good 
 congregation. The sermon, alas ! Rambled all over 
 creation, and I failed utterly to see the point he was 
 driving at. Besides, some things in it were undig- 
 nified. It makes me feel sad. The opportunity for 
 good seems thrown away ! He desires to benefit, 
 but he makes a grand mistake in the means. May 
 God give me wisdom to labor with more directness 
 and efficiency in the field in which He has placed 
 me. Sat up till till near midnight talking with the 
 Doctor. 
 
 March 9th. Pleasant day, air a little raw. Wrote 
 a long letter to Mr. Davis. Doctor and I agreed to 
 ride together, but there was some misunderstanding 
 at the stables and my horse did not come, so Doctor 
 took his ride and then I rode some distance up the 
 creek. After dinner called on Major Ferris and 
 wife. Major Jackson, Lieutenant Spencer. The two 
 latter not in, called on Lieutenant Hayes and Mr. 
 Major, and Mrs. Woolley. Read some. 
 
 March 12th. Thirty-second birthday. Went down 
 town and did lot of pastoral work. Dined with 
 Messrs. Sherman, Blinn and Barton. Mr. Tuttle 
 came after me while at dinner to say Mrs. Street 
 wished me to baptize her baby, as she feared it 
 would not live. Baptized it during afternoon. Ves- 
 try meeting in evening. As plans were not ready on 
 account of sickness of draftsfan, we could do but 
 little. Came home with Doctor, Colonel Carling 
 and Major Woolley. 
 
 March 14th. Stayed with Mr. Sherman last 
 night. Doctor and Lieutenant Pierce came down 
 in ambulance. I took the ambulance and went after 
 a melodean which vestry authorized Mr. S. and me 
 
 —50— 
 
to purchase. Came down in evening to see about 
 the music. Mr. Smith came and played, and we 
 selected the tunes. Stayed all night. Mr. Street's 
 baby died yesterday. 
 
 Sunday, third in Lent, March iSth. Storming 
 when got up. Looked so threatening thought there 
 would be nobody at service. At 9 130 said the burial 
 service over Mr. Street's child at the Wyoming 
 House. At service time the storm had disappeared 
 and a reasonable congregation assembled. Used 
 our alms basins for the first time and also our melo- 
 dean, which sounded very sweetly. Colonel Carling 
 brought me out. Called at Captain Ball's to wel- 
 come Captain home and to pay my respects to Chap- 
 lain Wright of Laramie. Mr. W. preached for Mr. 
 Tuttle in evening. I announced a lecture on the Bee 
 for Tuesday and Mr. T. announced that I should 
 take his place while off on furlough. Took Mrs. 
 Woolley. 
 
 LE^TTKR TO BISHOP RANDALL 
 
 Cheyi^nnk. D. T., March i6th, 1868. 
 My Dear Bishop: — Yours of 2nd inst. came to 
 hand on 12th. I am equally surprised with you that 
 letters are so long on the road. They ought not to 
 be over 6 days at most. Yours of February 3rd 
 containing check has never reached me. I suppose 
 it is hopelessly lost. I suppose of course you have 
 taken measures to stop the payment of it at your 
 bank. I wrote you after a late vestry meeting, in 
 which I informed you of the sentiment which then 
 prevailed with reference to the kind of building we 
 should put up — viz., that to gain time, which is very 
 important, it should be frame. I complained of the 
 dilatoriness of the vestry also. Since then they have 
 moved. All the vestrymen are at home now, and 
 
 —SI— 
 
we had a meeting last Thursday evening (12th 
 1nst.). It was determined to push the matter of 
 subscriptions, and to commence collecting the 
 money. Dr. Alden had already collected a consid- 
 erable part of the subscriptions at the Post; and 
 Colonel Carling paid in the first installment from the 
 Quartermaster's Depot, and also about $75 from 
 the church at West Point, N. Y. (Mrs. Car- 
 ling is the daughter of Prof. Bartlett.) The sub- 
 scription list now amounts to about $2,500 and Ma- 
 jor WooUey and Mr. Sherman were to work at it 
 today, and we think it will be at least raised to 
 $3,000, which, together with the $1,000 you have 
 promised us, we think will, with our advantages, 
 put us up a very nice church. By the way, you did 
 not respond to my suggestion of sending us, as soon 
 as convenient, that money. Some of our subscrip- 
 tions will undoubtedly be a little slow in coming in, 
 for times are just at present dull; but we think 
 them nearly all as good as gold; so that if you 
 could give us that ready money to work with it 
 would be a very great help just at present in getting 
 things together. 
 
 Since I wrote we have purchased a melodean (one 
 of Princes', 6 octaves) for $110 — just what it cost 
 in Buffalo, without anything for carriage. Part of 
 the money was furnished by the Mite Society which 
 I wrote you I had organized some weeks ago ; and 
 the rest was what remained over and above inci- 
 dental expenses. It was used for the first time yes- 
 terday ; and I assure you it was a great relief to get 
 rid of starting the tunes, as well as a pleasure to 
 hear an instrument once more. There are several 
 persons who play, and some most excellent singers, 
 and I think we shall get a choir together this week. 
 At first in taking up the collection my hat was used 
 
 —52— 
 
as an alms basin. Then I used a Paten which be- 
 longed to a Communion set which I brought out. 
 Finding a skillful turner at the Quartermaster's, 
 with Colonel Carling s consent, I had a pair of alms 
 basins turned out of a cedar log which Major Wool- 
 ley gave me for the purpose. The turner, Mr. 
 Richards, being a Churchman, did them for nothing. 
 They are exquisitely beautiful and would grace a 
 metropolitan church. The wood itself, red cedar, 
 is very rich; and then I have spent a good deal of 
 time and muscle in polishing them with oil till they 
 are lovely. They are a Httle smaller than I should 
 like ; but they are as large as the log would permit. 
 So far as I can learn, I last week baptized the first 
 child baptized in Cheyenne — the child of T. J. 
 Street, Esq., one of the vestry. Yesterday I said 
 the burial service over the same child. 
 
 The Chaplain at Fort Russell, Mr. Tuttle, .leaves 
 tomorrow on leave of absence for 30 days. I have 
 engaged to keep up his services at the Fort on Sun- 
 day evenings. Tomorrow evening I am to talk to 
 the soldiers in hopes of doing something to interest 
 them, and have chosen for my first talk The Honey 
 Bee. Never having talked publicly on subjects of 
 natural history, I don't know how I shall succeed. I 
 am thus helping Mr. Tuttle ; but unfortunately I can 
 make but little use of him in helping me, as I had 
 hoped when I learned he was going to be so near 
 me. He does not interest people, and having 
 preached once in Cheyenne before I came, some of 
 the people are dreadfully afraid I will invite him to 
 preach for me. So for poHcy's sake I refrain, al- 
 though his age almost demands of me that I should 
 show him that courtesy. 
 
 We expected to discuss a plan for the church at 
 our last vestry meeting; but Colonel Carling's 
 
 —53— 
 
draftsman having been sick he was unable to bring 
 them. We expected to meet tonight, and I will de- 
 tain this letter in order to give you the result. Our 
 opinion coincides with your own that whatever we 
 build shall be good, substantial, churchly and free of 
 debt. I hope to be able to present you for consecra- 
 tion on your arrival out, a satisfactory church edi- 
 fice. I will send you a rough sketch of our plan, to 
 give you some idea of it. Major Woolley is very 
 sanguine that we can go ahead at once after the 
 church is up, to build a Rectory. I hope it may be 
 so. I believe it would and could be made a great 
 power in this community. In some respects I think 
 it is almost as important as the church. There are 
 only a few Christian homes here. And if I had a 
 quiet house where I could invite this mass of young 
 men to meet me in the evenings, I believe many 
 would be saved from the temptation to go to these 
 wretched places of amusement ( ?) in order to while 
 away the time. Oh ! if I could only transform my- 
 self into a hundred men for a month or so, I should 
 have not only a church, which is now progressing as 
 well as could be expected, but a rectory, school- 
 house, a hospital also. They all seem pressing needs. 
 But alas ! having neither the fortune, nor the ability 
 to transform myself, I must wait the slow move- 
 ments of men who but little realize the urgency of 
 the case, nor the good which might be accomplished. 
 If we build a rectory it will probably be of granite, 
 as also the school-house. 
 
 I am writing a series of letters to the Sunday 
 School children of Germantown who, at the sugges- 
 tion of Dr. Twing, have taken me as their mission- 
 ary. Rev. B. Wistar Morris said that I could tell a 
 pretty good story and interest the children, and they 
 might be able to do something more for me than the 
 
 —54— '- 
 
missionary stipend. I have suggested that they turn 
 their attention to providing the school-house. I told 
 him of your offer in that line. They may be able 
 with your aid to give us that most important work. 
 
 This month the weather has not been so generally 
 fine, although, with the exception of one terrific 
 snow-storm, it has not been so bad. This month 
 and April are said to be the worst in this latitude. 
 The winds are sometimes terrific. 
 
 Evening. The plan which the draftsman pro- 
 duced did not suit, and so he was set to work again, 
 and we expect to have our vestry meeting on 
 Wednesday evening. Consequently I shall not de- 
 tain this letter. I trust you are being prospered in 
 your efforts in the East. 
 
 Since my last I have conversed with Mr. S. B. 
 Reed, General Superintendent of Construction on 
 U. P. R. R., with reference to the proposed town at 
 Fort Sanders. It is at an elevation of i,ooo feet 
 above this place, and he thinks decidedly that it will 
 only be a summer town, like Julesburg. Therefore, 
 my information was rather premature. I wish, 
 however, we had the proper man to follow up the 
 railroad and do what good he could. 
 
 Hoping this may find you in good health, and 
 praying for God's blessing upon you and yours, I 
 am. Yours in Christ and His Church, 
 
 JosKPH W. Cook. 
 
 March 17th. Prepared myself quite industriously 
 for tonight. Went over at the time, but not a light 
 nor a fire in the building! Mr. Tuttle had not taken 
 proper means to have things in readiness. But, 
 poor man, he was very busy getting ready to go 
 home to Chicago on leave. I got ready and went 
 down to Colonel Carling's to talk over church plans. 
 Did not find him. Spent pleasant evening with Mrs. 
 
 —55— 
 
C. Wind blowing hard, and I got all in a perspira- 
 tion fighting my way back to the Post. Wrote to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers of G. Sat up very late talk- 
 ing to Doctor. Paid board bill at Mr. Tuttle's, 
 $45.00, and commenced boarding at Lieutenant 
 Pierce's mess. Paid him $10.00. 
 
 March i8th. Many interruptions in morning and 
 accomplished nothing. Went to city at noon. Called 
 on Mr. S. B. Reed, and notified him of vestry meet- 
 ing. Made several other calls. On return to bank I 
 was horrified to find Mr. Woolley and Colonel Car- 
 ling there in a terribly maudlin condition. Mr. Sher- 
 man thinking they would not be down to vestry 
 meeting stayed away. Mr. Reed sent to say he could 
 not get away from his office. Colonel C. and Mr. 
 W. did come, and with a plan for the church, and no 
 vestry to discuss it! Plan w^as in most respects just 
 what I did not want, but Colonel C. was not in a 
 condition to talk it over. Brought it home to Doctor 
 and we discussed it till midnight. Disappointed, 
 blue, disgusted with men ! Felt like running away 
 and giving myself to the Indians. 
 
 March 19th. Did not have any service last night, 
 as Mrs. Morrow w^as sick in bed, and I feared it 
 would be bad for her. Doctor and I rode down 
 town on horseback. Called on Mr. Reed, Judge 
 Ford, Mr. Sherman, and made an appointment out 
 here for vestry tomorrow night. Doctor and I put 
 our heads together to draw a plan for the church, 
 Doctor doing the work. Dined at Major Woolley 's. 
 Mr. Clark, paymaster in army, was there, and his 
 clerk and Mr. Hubbard. Charming day. 
 
 March 20th. Delightful day. Commenced ser- 
 mon on St. John xv:5. Took ride with Doctor as 
 far as the first ranch and then across to the Quar- 
 termaster's. After dinner walked with Doctor to 
 
 -56- 
 
Colonel Carling's and when the other members of 
 the vestry arrived, Messrs. Reed, Ford and Sher- 
 man, we presented plans and discussed them and 
 our means, and adopted Doctor's plan, reduced lo 
 feet in length and 2 feet in width. Felt a load lifted 
 off my shoulders both by the adoption of this plan 
 and by getting to that stage in the proceedings. 
 Walked back again, quite tired. 
 
 March 21st. Another pleasant day. Wrote stead- 
 ily all day and finished sermon just before dinner. 
 Dressed and walked down town after dark to meet 
 singers. Stopped to see old colored woman, and if 
 it would be possible to have service at her house. 
 Found her better, but not well. Practised singing 
 awhile with Messrs. Sherman, Smith and Whipple. 
 Wrote to Bishop Clarkson to see if he would use 
 his influence to get our lumber over the N. W. R. R. 
 free. Exhausted. 
 
 Sunday, 4th in Lent, March 22nd. Most charm- 
 ing Spring morning. Called to see Mrs. Morrow. 
 Found her better. Read and prayed with her. 
 Called to see how Mrs. Street is and found her ready 
 to walk up to her new house, feeling unable to sit 
 through the service at school house. Large congre- 
 gation present. Feeling quite unwell from loss of 
 sleep last night, I made two or three blunders in 
 service. Rode out with Mrs. Woolley and dined at 
 her house. In the evening held service in the Band 
 Quarters ; last night used for Theatre. There were 
 about 200 soldiers present. The responses were 
 wretched and the music horrible. I was quite 
 dispirited, but preached with considerable spirit. 
 Mr. Pearce came in and sat awhile afterwards. 
 Doctor let my lamp fall, and broke chimney and 
 shade. 
 
 —57- 
 
March 23rd. Another most charming day. The 
 grass had begun to spring! Soon after breakfast 
 Mr. Wilson came from town to talk with me about 
 making some effort to do something for the wife 
 and children of Charles Martin (one of the men 
 hung by the ''Vigilantes" on Saturday night), who 
 are said to be in a most destitute condition in Lex- 
 ington, Mo. Promised to do something. Gave him 
 $3.00 and wrote letter to Rocky Mountain Star with 
 reference to the case and took it to Mr. Williams, 
 the editor. Called at hospital and distributed pa- 
 pers. Called on Messrs. Whipple and Abbott, Mrs. 
 Morrow (whom I found better) ; and coming 
 across a nice lot of little children, I went to see their 
 mother, Mrs. Crouse, and found that they were 
 church people, and only just arrived a week or so 
 ago from Mahoney City, Pa. Seemingly very nice 
 people. Called also to see family of name of Wale, 
 EngHsh people who have been out to the Mormon's. 
 Woman in a very weak state. Walked out to Post. 
 Spent evening in writing a speech of Mr. Williams, 
 which I have engaged to remodel and correct for 
 press. 
 
 March 24th. Found it storming fearfully when 
 we got up, and continued all day and all this even- 
 ing. Snow in great drifts and wind blowing a hur- 
 ricane. Could scarcely find my way through it to 
 go to dinner. Worked all day and evening on the 
 speech and finished it by bedtime. 
 
 March 25th. Annunciation. Still storming this 
 morning, but ceased about noon. Snow still drift- 
 ing. Rather worthless today ; worked too hard yes- 
 terday. Read most of the day. Wrote to Mr. Tut- 
 tle, and to Mr. Van Antwerp, from whom I received 
 a letter on Monday saying he expected to come up 
 to make me a visit next week. Called at Mr. Wool- 
 
 -S8- 
 
ley's in evening. Talked over church building mat- 
 ters. 
 
 March 26th. Beautiful day — almost as warm as 
 June. Rode Mr. Woolley's horse down to Cheyenne 
 with Dr. Alden. Did some errands there and re- 
 turned. Some of the streets utterly impossible with 
 snow drifts. Moved Doctor downstairs. Called at 
 Mrs. Morrow's, found her better. Also at Captain 
 Ball's. 
 
 March 27th. So stupid I could do but little. 
 Spent the morning in writing couple of pages of 
 letter to the Young Soldiers of Germantown. Rode 
 down to town on Lieutenant Pierce's horse. Called 
 to see Mrs. Morrow. Found Mr. Carlisle there 
 and sat some time. Talked over church matters 
 with Mr. Sherman. Met Mr. Crawford on street 
 and had some talk. Also Mr. Shakespeare, who 
 claims to be a churchman and yet keeps his billiard 
 hall open on Sunday and has never been to our ser- 
 vices ! Said, "if he did not keep open, the people 
 would be in some worse place." I responded I sup- 
 posed he kept open purely to make money, and not 
 for the sake of doing good to the morals of the com- 
 munity. He laughed and admitted it. He said, 
 ''We come out here to make money, and we are 
 not governed by the old puritanical ideas prevalent 
 in the states." I was about to retort that I was not 
 of opinion that we had got away from the dominion 
 and from under the eye of the Almighty, but I 
 feared I should offend and debar myself the pos- 
 sibility of doing good to him in future, and I did not 
 utter it. It made me sad. Called on Mr. Smith and 
 upon Mrs. Beck. 
 
 March 28th. Beautiful day. Fully intended to 
 rewrite a sermon, but interruptions and the noise of 
 pounding in the other part of the house prevented. 
 
 —59— 
 
Got ready for Sunday. Spent day very unsatisfac- 
 torily in reading. In evening Mr. Woolley sent me 
 down to town. Met singers at ''Bank," practiced 
 with them. Letter from Mrs. Stone giving me the 
 news of Chester Valley and filled with regrets from 
 everybody at my absence. 
 
 Sunday, 5th in Lent, March 29th. Streets are in 
 a horrible condition and yet to my surprise a good 
 attendance at service. Sung "Venite" for first time. 
 Felt no interest in preaching — uphill work. No one 
 down from Fort in vehicle. Walked out with Mr. 
 Richards and Otto Prey. Prepared for service in 
 evening, but messenger came to say could be none, 
 as benches were gone. Went down to see about it, 
 and found that the wretched, disgraceful General 
 had allowed the theatre people to break up Mr. Tut- 
 tle's benches which he had such difficulty in getting, 
 to make a stage! Called at Captain Ball's to let 
 them know would be no service. Met Major Noyes 
 and wife (very pleasant people) and Major How- 
 land and his Mexican wife. 
 
 March 30th. Had trout for breakfast; and as I 
 have taken the fever for fishing I started out. 
 Fished only a little while, as a rain came on. Rained 
 gently all day. First rain (regular one) since I've 
 been here. Spent rest of day, under Doctor's su- 
 pervision, making a set of book shelves. Called on 
 Mrs. Woolley in evening. Read church papers. 
 
 March 31st. Breakfasted with Mrs. Woolley and 
 then rode down town with Mr. Mills and Mr. Major. 
 Day somewhat cool, but pleasant. Finished letter to 
 "Young Soldiers." Found Mr. Van Antwerp had 
 not arrived. Made some calls and then met Mr. V. 
 A. and wife at station. Called with him after sup- 
 per at Mr. Reed's office and had some chat. 
 
 —60— 
 
April 1st. Thought to go up to the end of track, 
 but it was snowing and blowing this morning, and 
 continued most of day. Went out with Mr. V. A. 
 and gathered some cactus bulbs, and called on Mr. 
 Reed and Mr. Abbott. Spent most of day with my 
 friends in parlor of Rollins House. Had some con- 
 versation with Mr. Leigh of the Royal Navy. He 
 has been much maligned by the papers as a swin- 
 dler; but I cannot believe it. He seems to me like 
 a green English youth. He is quite fascinating; 
 tells a straight story. Lost his money in Chicago; 
 but supposed he and his sister still had enough to 
 take them to Salt Lake and back to Chicago, where 
 he had ordered a remittance to be sent by his father. 
 Governor of Nassau. Money ran out and was com- 
 pelled to appeal for aid, with promise to return it. 
 Could not but pity the fellow, yet could not help 
 having little suspicion after all that has been said. 
 Walked out towards evening with Mr. V. A. and 
 showed him the city, which is very muddy and dis- 
 gusting. Cleared off this evening. Spent evening 
 also with them and Mr. Belden, a young printer 
 here and formerly of Omaha. Bade the V. A.'s 
 good-bye, as they go in the morning. 
 
 April 2nd. Beautiful day. Went with Mr. Reed 
 to the Black Hills. Intr6duced me to Mr. R. Case- 
 ment, who, together with his brother. General C, 
 lays the track on the U. P. R. R. Mr. Carlisle went 
 along with me. Dined at Carmichael's with Mr. 
 Lathrop, and afterwards at the earnest solicitation 
 of Mr. Reed went on to the summit of the Black 
 Hills, the highest elevation to which a railroad has 
 been laid in the world. The scenery is perfectly 
 grand from that point; one can see the ranges of 
 mountains for hundreds of miles. From the sum- 
 mit we went in a wagon to Dale Creek bridge, Mr. 
 
 — 6i— 
 
Carmichaers present camp. Here it is beautifully 
 wild, with towering cliffs of red granite. Wandered 
 about for some time gathering a few evergreen 
 plants, and some snail shells. The blasting of the 
 rock on 'both sides of the creek for a channel for the 
 railroad was like the constant discharge of a battery 
 of artillery. After tea at Mr. Carmichael's, Mr. C, 
 Mr. Reed and myself went over to Mr. Creighton's 
 camp and to the telegraph office. Went to bed al- 
 most exhausted. 
 
 April 3rd. Beautiful morning, but tolerably cold. 
 Commenced letter to vSister Helen. Wandered about 
 a little while; and after seeing Mr. R. off up the 
 railroad, Mr. Lamb brought me in a buggy over to 
 the end of the track. Had to wait a couple of hours 
 there, so I wandered about striving to find some na- 
 tural curiosities, but did not succeed. Mr. Casement 
 joined me and came down on locomotive to Car- 
 michael's. Mr. Lathrop and I dined with him in 
 the ''boarding car," and had a very good dinner. 
 After dinner came down to Cheyenne with Mr. C. 
 Called to see Mrs. Halliday, who is sick, but did not 
 see her, as they wished her to be kept quiet. Her 
 husband said, ''If she gets worse we shall be glad 
 to have you see her." That is the popular notion 
 with reference to the usefulness of the ministry. 
 When the Doctor can do no more, and the poor 
 patient is worn out in body and mind, perhaps half 
 unconscious — send for the minister. Called also on 
 Mr. Gildersleeve and Mrs. Dodge. The latter sick 
 in bed. The former able to be about. Walked out 
 to Fort and was tired exceedingly. Found Doctor 
 just starting his mess and wishing for my advice. 
 Took hold immediately and undertook to manage it 
 for him. Lieutenant Pierce dined with us and Dr. 
 Halliday, Mr. Alden's assistant, arrived while we 
 were at table. 
 
 —62— 
 
April 4th. Very tired still and could do but little 
 except to get ready for tomorrow. In evening after 
 dinner walked down to town to meet the choir. Mrs. 
 Street sick and could not meet there. Mr. Whipple, 
 Mr. Smith and myself sung awhile in Mr. S.'s store, 
 and then went over to the school house, where the 
 Methodist choir was practicing. Miserable choir. 
 Just received their new cabinet organ. Tendered 
 use of it to us. After returning to bank met Mr. 
 Lathrop and Mr. Benedict and had considerable 
 conversation with them. After awhile Mr. Sher- 
 man returned and I talked over church matters with 
 him and found him about as much disgusted and an- 
 noyed by the wicked apathy and delay of Colonel 
 Carling as I am myself. Thought only help was to 
 call meeting of vestry. 
 
 Palm Sunday, April 5th. Beautiful morning. 
 Large congregation, and service went off pleasantly. 
 Quite a number of new faces and several church 
 people. Preached with considerable spirit. Rode 
 out with Mrs. Carling and Mr. Johnson, her nephew. 
 Reading Spirit of Missions. General Gibbons of 
 Fort Sanders arrived and stayed all night with us. 
 
 April 6th. Bustled around and got breakfast and 
 then General G. accepted invitation to Mr. Wool- 
 ley's. Attended review of soldiers this morning. 
 General Sheridan reviewed. General Harney, Gen- 
 eral Auger, General Terry and others were spec- 
 tators. I 
 
 April 7th. Note from Rev. Mr. Goodale saying 
 would be up this evening. Went down town ex- 
 pecting would be vestry meeting this evening, but 
 Colonel Carling and others were off to the Black 
 Hills with the Generals and Indian Commissioner. 
 Met Mr. Goodale and after calling upon Mr. Reed 
 
spent rest of evening with him at RolHns House. 
 Letter from Bishop Randall. 
 
 April 8th. Showed Mr. G. the town. Drummed 
 up the vestrymen for tonight. Brought Mr. G. out 
 to Fort and got Doctor to show him around, as I 
 have been suffering from neuralgia for a couple of 
 days and wished a little rest. Attended the funeral 
 of Theodore Landgraeber, a German who was as- 
 sassinated in the midst of his family on Sunday 
 night last. His poor wife was almost beside herself 
 with grief, and it was a piteous sight. Got all the 
 vestry together this evening except Mr. Street. I 
 w^as instructed to write to Mr. Dunlap with refer- 
 ence to passing our lunuber over the N. W. R. R. ; 
 Colonel Carling and Mr. Reed to order the lumber; 
 Mr. Sherman and myself to see about changing our 
 church lots for some in town. Bade Mr. Goodale 
 good-bye, as he is to go to Black Hills tomorrow 
 and I cannot accompany him. 
 
 April 9th. Attended funeral of Sergeant Potter, 
 who died suddenly yesterday from effects of liquor. 
 Visited in the hospital, Newmark, the musician, and 
 Mr. Fay, a reporter, accompanying the Indian Com- 
 missioner, who was taken sick with rheumatism. 
 Offered Commendatory prayer and said few words 
 to Private Sherbourne, whom I found evidently dy- 
 ing. Beautiful day. Mr. and Mrs. Ball called. 
 
 April loth. Good Friday. Walked down town 
 after dinner. Letter from Rev. Mr. Morris ac- 
 knowledging receipt of my letters for Sunday 
 School children, and telling me I would receive 
 letter from teacher of one of his Bible classes pro- 
 posing to furnish some article for the church. Took 
 tea with Mr. Carlisle. Held evening service and 
 made few remarks at Mr. Morrow's. Had choir 
 meeting immediately after at Mr. Street's and or- 
 
 -64- 
 
ganized a choir. Stayed at bank with Messrs. Sher- 
 man and Berger. 
 
 Easter Even, April nth. Came out to Post this 
 morning and officer came for me to attend funeral 
 of Sherbourne. Unpacked box of roots and planted 
 them. Found quite a number had perished, but still 
 good many doing well. Tooth continuing to torment 
 me with neuralgia. Went over to Hospital Steward 
 and had it taken out, after which felt greatly re- 
 lieved. Messrs. Bragg, Richards, and Prey came 
 up in evening and, having had the Chaplain's organ 
 brought over, we had some music. Visited in hos- 
 pital. Got ready for Sunday's services. 
 
 Easter, April 12th. Dismal mist this morning, 
 which turned into a light snow towards noon. Doc- 
 tor and I walked down to service. School house 
 full; only five stayed to Holy Communion. Our 
 new choir did very well and added much to the in- 
 terest of the services. Took up collection for Do- 
 mestic Missions. Colonel Carling brought us up in 
 his ambulance. Sent Mrs. Carling some moss from 
 my root box. Wrote to Mr. Tuttle in a bad humor, 
 because in a note received last week he evidently 
 shows that he cares but little for his duties here and 
 wishes to stay in Chicago just as long as he pos- 
 sibly can. Such things do the ministry a great deal 
 of harm. They provoke me. Spent some time in 
 hospital. Read ''The Celestial Country" aloud to 
 the patients. Gave Newmark his supper. Called 
 after tea at Mr. Woolley's and Major Noyes' with 
 Dr. Alden. Read some of Father DeSmet's work 
 on ''Western Missions and Missionaries," which 
 Mr. Fay lent me. 
 
 Sunday, ist after Easter, April 19th. Past week 
 has been one of hard work, trouble, and anxiety of 
 mind. Tried three times to get vestry together to 
 
 -65- 
 
determine upon some builder and definitely settle 
 matters, according to appointment of vestry last 
 week. First Colonel Carling and Mr. Reed were off 
 to the Black Hills with some railroad men; and 
 next, Colonel was engaged with them another even- 
 ing, and Mr. Woolley could not be there, and next, 
 Colonel and Mr. W. were off to Chicago and the 
 Colonel had vowed he would not now purchase the 
 lumber but simply inquire about it! We wished 
 them to have a vestry meeting to give him peremp- 
 tory orders to (buy. As the necessity for building a 
 frame has passed away (the weather now admitting 
 of granite) that question has again been raised and 
 we wished to discuss that. Rode down to town on 
 Doctor's horse yesterday, and spent day in drum- 
 ming up the vestry, seeing granite builders and car- 
 penters. Came back by Quartermaster's Depot and 
 saw Mr. Richards as to amount of lumber necessary 
 for our chancel furniture as Mr. Woolley has ad- 
 vised me to get Major Noyes to order the cedar 
 from Fort McPherson, and he (Mr. W.) will have 
 it brought upon his hay carts. Came home to tea 
 and then prevailed upon Doctor to go down to ves- 
 try meeting — Mrs. Carling having sent ambulance 
 for our use. Went down although we were both 
 wearied out. Waited and waited at bank and only 
 Mr. Reed came! Amazed that Sherman failed us, 
 but alas ! I seem bound to disappointment. Talked 
 over matters informally and the sense of Doctor and 
 Mr. Reed seemed to be that we had better try gran- 
 ite. I despair of getting the vestry together again, 
 and we shall be obliged to act informally. Came 
 home sad enough. Today went down to service 
 with Captain and Mrs. Ball, Mrs. Noyes and Mrs. 
 Woolley. Our new choir added greatly to our ser- 
 vices. The house was filled with people, and they 
 
had to bring in benches from the other room. 
 Preached with interest and almost completely ex- 
 hausted after it. Talked some time with Mr. Lath- 
 rop at the bank. Kindly asked me to go up to see 
 him at the summit of Black Hills where he is now 
 stationed. Organized Sunday School this afternoon 
 with eighteen scholars. Not a single communicant 
 there as a teacher! Asked Mr. Sherman to come, 
 but he excused himself ! 
 
 It almost makes me blush to think that most of 
 those most earnest here are not the communicants. 
 This afternoon, Mrs. Woolley having sent down for 
 me, I witnessed the departure from the Post of four 
 companies of the infantry, going out along the rail- 
 road to protect the workmen. Very sorry to see 
 them go. Exhausted tonight. Has been quite a 
 pleasant day. 
 
 April 20th. Ascertained the sentiment of the rest 
 of the vestry with reference to grout which was in 
 favor. Saw other persons about the matter and sat- 
 isfied myself thoroughly as to feasibility. Visited 
 City Hospital. Found Judge Ford very sick at Rol- 
 lins House from bilious colic brought on by dissipa- 
 tion. Sat with him some time. 
 
 April 22nd. Finished copying my letters to Bish- 
 ops Clarkson and Randall. Wrote to Bishop Ran- 
 dall, but having poured out compliments to him with 
 reference to my vestry, I did not copy the letter with 
 the rest. Walked up Crow Creek this evening and 
 gathered five kinds of flowers. A real rain came on 
 and I was almost wet ; but I was so glad to see it I 
 did not hurry. Sent some of my flowers to Mrs. 
 Woolley, Mrs. Ball and Mrs. Noyes. 
 
 April 23rd. Dismal day and quite cold. Attend- 
 ed funeral of Wm. C. McClintis who in a delirium 
 evaded his watchers in the Post hospital and wan- 
 
 -67- 
 
dered off with nothing on except shirt and drawers. 
 This was on the 6th inst. He was found six or 
 eight miles from here dead, lying on his face on the 
 plain. After I returned a gentleman came to ask me 
 to marry a couple in Cheyenne on Saturday night. 
 
 April 24th. Quite cold day, and dismal, and Doc- 
 tor persuaded me not to go to Cheyenne. Prepared 
 for Sunday. Wrote to mother and to Alfred Lee- 
 son enclosing $5.00 for pocket money. 
 
 April 2Sth. St. Mark's. Rode Doctor's horse 
 down to Quartermaster's Depot and walked from 
 there to Cheyenne. Found letter from mother and 
 sister Julia. Things about as usual at home. Moth- 
 er in better health. Note from Thomas Williamson 
 from Rollins House ! I could not believe my eyes. 
 He was here for two days and did not come to see 
 me ! Brought a package from Mrs. Smith contain- 
 ing a lot of French literature for use in hospital 
 work, nice little case for paper and envelopes, and 
 lot of flower seeds and tracts, and letter from Mrs. 
 S., thinking I would be greatly surprised to see Mr. 
 W. Alas! that he did not give me that surprise. 
 Has gone to Denver. Visited City Hospital and 
 gave Jasper Charland the shoes which Newmark 
 donated to him. Called at Mr. Morrow's and Mr. 
 Manion's. The baby of the latter sick; prayed with 
 them. Did variety of errands and business and 
 then came home. Letter from Mr. Snyder of 
 Omaha, to whom I had written with reference to 
 church lots. He could do nothing, as he had not 
 accepted the lot assigned to him in C. Sent my 
 note with one from himself to the land agent of the 
 Railroad Company in Omaha. Two companies of 
 cavalry ordered off at 5 o'clock this P. M., Mr. 
 Pierce and Dr. Halliday go, and Doctor and I are 
 left alone in our mess. Rode down to city with 
 
 —68— 
 
Mrs. Wanless. At 7 o'clock took little Nettie Mof- 
 row and went to Mr. Shakespeare's to marry Mr. 
 Wm. H. H. Conley and Miss Sarah Scott. Nobody 
 present except Mrs. Shakespeare and Mrs. Correy — 
 gentlemen opposed. Dr. Latham and Dr. Correy 
 came in afterwards. Put notices in papers of ser- 
 vices and of this marriage. Looked in on choir 
 meeting. Spent night at bank. 
 
 Sunday, 2nd after Easter. Beautiful day. Had 
 headache all night and all morning. About nineteen 
 at Sunday School, but found so irregular could do 
 nothing; and must try to have it at different hour. 
 House full at services. Singing not as good as usual. 
 Mrs. Carling's nurse at church and ran off as soon 
 as service was over; so had to foot it out to Post. 
 Stopped and took dinner with Mr. Richards at 
 Quartermaster's Depot and spent some time in con- 
 versation and singing with him and Mr. Prey and 
 Mr. Benedict, who afterwards walked with me up 
 to Post. Held services in Major Noyes' quarters 
 at 8 o'clock. Tired out. 
 
 April 27th. Beautiful, charming day. Rode down 
 town hoping to hear about lots, but did not. Filed 
 certificate of marriage of Mr. Conley and Miss 
 Scott. Called on Judge Ford. Bought set of Ap- 
 pleton's Encyclopedia of Mr. Abbott for $42, with 
 money given me by Mrs. Smith to replace that which 
 I lost in Philadelphia. Sent for Tune Books to 
 Chicago, Mr. Morrison paying the telegram — ^$5! 
 Sent Bishop Clarkson $10, my first marriage fee 
 here, to devote to the Indian mission among Santee 
 Sioux. Note from Thomas Williamson from Den- 
 ver saying he would be here again in two weeks. 
 Also a note from Mrs. Smith containing one from 
 Mrs. Frances DuPont containing some cape goose- 
 berry seeds, which I am very glad indeed to get 
 
 -69- 
 
Mr. Reed gave me pass to end of track and return 
 and letter of introduction to Mr. Bentland, agent of 
 Railroad Company at Laramie City, as I propose to 
 go up there to secure lots for the church, so that 
 they may, if possible, be in a desirable locality, and 
 that we may not have the miserable experience 
 which we have had here. Mr. Sherman made me a 
 present of a shell watch-guard. Came home to din- 
 ner. Mrs. Carling kindly came to take me riding. 
 Mrs. Woolley accompanied us. Went some dis- 
 tance above Post and then down to Cheyenne. 
 Called at Mr. Mannion's, but did not find them in. 
 After return, visited Post Hospital and distributed 
 papers and tracts. Dug up little patch of ground in 
 yard, the beginning of a garden. Spent evening in 
 writing up this journal, and reading Father de Smet. 
 May loth, Sunday 4th after Easter. After long 
 waiting and a great deal of trouble and anxiety and 
 writing, I have received the ultimatum of the Rail- 
 road Company with reference to the church lots. 
 They refuse to do anything further. We must abide 
 by their remarkable generosity in giving us lots out 
 of town or buy them ourselves. Save us from such 
 generosity and such friends ! After spending yes- 
 terday in hard work, came home and planted beets 
 and spinach and some potato seed which Aunt Eliza- 
 beth Mead sent me by mail. Showery all day yes- 
 terday and rained quite hard last night. Seemed 
 very strange and unusual. This has been a beautiful 
 day, a little cool in the morning. Rode down in am- 
 bulance as far as Colonel Carling's office and started 
 to walk rest of way, but Mr. Woolley and wife ov- 
 ertook me and took me in. House nearly filled with 
 people. Singing very poor and such that people 
 could not join in! I was mortified. Preached on 
 Confirmation. A Presbyterian clergyman was there, 
 
 —70— 
 
who afterwards came up and spoke with me. Had 
 terrible blow immediately after; Mr. Sherman came 
 and announced that he will probably leave Chey- 
 enne permanently on Thursday next ! Goes into the 
 wholesale grocery business in Omaha and I am al- 
 most broken-hearted. Mr. Berger goes on Tuesday, 
 one of my candidates for confirmation. Mrs. Street 
 announced that she would probably go too, another 
 candidate. So it goes in this restless mass of hu- 
 manity. A Mr. Wolfe came and presented a letter 
 of introduction from Rev. Mr. Foote of Salt Lake. 
 Took lunch with Mr. Street. At Sunday School 
 had twenty-eight scholars. Taught them two hymns 
 and tunes. Had to teach them all together. Went 
 down to bank, but did not gain admittance. Wanted 
 to see Sherman. Alas my friend! Walked out as 
 far as Colonel Carling's with Mr. Isaacs, a lawyer 
 of C, and had a pleasant talk. Spent a while at Mr. 
 WooUey's in the evening. 
 
 May 13th. Walked down to town after dinner 
 and went with Mr. Sherman to Mite Society at Mrs. 
 Street's. Had pleasant evening with the goodly 
 number of guests. Forty-two dollars were handed 
 in. Stayed with Mr. Sherman at bank. Sorrowing 
 more and more that my friend is to leave me in the 
 wilderness. 
 
 May 14th. Finding myself worthless for anything 
 else, I went up to Fort Sanders with Generals Sher- 
 man, Auger, Terry, Colonel Carling, and Mrs. C, 
 Mr. Woolley and Mrs. W., and Mrs. Ball and oth- 
 ers. General Gibbon, commander of the Post, invit- 
 ed me to lunch. ' Lieutenant Pierce, whom I was 
 very glad to see again, lent me his horse and a guide 
 and I rode over to the new town of Laramie to see 
 Major Bent about assigning us a lot for church pur- 
 poses. Found he had returned to the Fort to din- 
 
 —71— 
 
ner, so I galloped back. Before coming home I suc- 
 ceeded in seeing him and he kindly promised to set 
 aside one for us, subject to my approval. Lunched 
 at General Gibbons'. Had pleasant visit, but too 
 much hurried to be fully enjoyed. Coming home, 
 had considerable talk with Mr. Marsh, a Presbyte- 
 rian clergyman from Black Hawk, Colo., who has 
 been in Cheyenne to look after Presbyterian inter- 
 ests. 
 
 May 1 6th. Down town nearly all day at work on 
 church questions. In evening vestr>^ assembled at 
 Dr. Alden's quarters. We were, owing to the alter- 
 ation in our ideas, but not in our draft, able only to 
 decide upon the vexed question as to where we 
 should build- Determined to build upon our own 
 lots already donated by the Railroad Company. Pre- 
 pared for Sunday. Almost exhausted. 
 
 Sunday, 5th after Easter, May 17th. Mrs. Wool- 
 ley drove down with me to service. Made address 
 on confirmation, doubtful if there will be anyone to 
 be confirmed. Attendance was not large, owing to 
 muddy state of streets, there having been consider- 
 able rain lately, and a very hard one on Friday after- 
 noon. Sunday School was small, also, from same 
 cause. Took leave of dear Sherman with a heavy 
 heart. Mr. WooUey sent down ambulance for me. 
 Major Jackson, Lieutenant Mole of Sanders, and 
 another gentleman rode up with me. Took walk 
 with Mr. Tuttle up the creek. Mr. Palmer and I 
 got into a discussion of church matters which we 
 continued till late in evening. He is a rabid Baptist. 
 Raining some this evening. 
 
 May 1 8th. Went down town and conferred with 
 the granite man and got his estimates for the church, 
 which far exceeded what we anticipated, and took 
 from me my last hope with reference to that mode 
 
 —72— 
 
of building the church. Submitted the plans to Mr. 
 Preshaw for his estimats. A rain having come on, 
 I took advantage of an ambulance with Mr. Tuttle 
 and came home. Feeling very sad at loss of Mr. 
 Sherman. I wrote to him as a relief. Letter from 
 Mrs. Smith. 
 
 May 19th. Doctor and I rode down as far as 
 Colonel Carling's and walked down from there to 
 town. Got plans from Mr. Preshaw and submitted 
 them to Mr. Murray. Called on Mr. Casement and 
 Mr. Carlisle. The latter I fear will draw Dack from 
 confirmation. Had long talk with him on subject. 
 Called on Mrs. Mills, who has recently come ready 
 for confirmation, but at the last she draws back. 
 Called on Mrs. Shakespeare and had some talk with 
 her. Not prepared. Mrs. Street came in and ai\ 
 nounced that she was ready. Called to inquire after 
 old Mr. Ward, who is not well. Walked out to Pos^ 
 and found myself almost exhausted. Visited hos- 
 pital after supper. 
 
 May 20th. Dismal day; raining every few mm- 
 utes. Wrote a long letter to Rev. Mr. Perry, my 
 classmate in Divinity School, in answer to a letter 
 proposing to take some special work about the 
 church for his Sunday School to work for. Pro- 
 posed to him the chancel furniture. Received a let- 
 ter from Uncle Joseph Cook of Milton, N. D., Sett- 
 ing all are well. Also from Jack Eofif and a package 
 of flower seeds from him. Lieutenant Pierce came 
 down from Fort Sanders this evening. A Mr. Ruth- 
 ledge, a builder, came in and made estimates and a 
 bid for the church. Bought a carpet from Colonel 
 Green, late of Fort Laramie, for $30.00. After sup- 
 per Colonel Carling and Judge Ford arrived, and 
 Mr. Woolley and we had a vestry meeting, rejecting 
 the granite question, determining to build of wood. 
 
and giving the contract to Mr. Preshaw. Colonel 
 Carling is to order the lumber at once. The great- 
 est unanimity of thought and feeling prevailed. I 
 feel inexpressible relief that the matter is settled, 
 and that something can now be done at once. Laus 
 Deo! 
 
 I.E:TTE:R to bishop RANDALL 
 
 Che:yenne, D. T., June 23rd, 1868. 
 My Dear Bishop: — Today some of the lumber 
 arrived for the church, and probably the remainder 
 will be here tonight. It is all paid for; also the 
 freight over the N. W. R. R., which we got at half 
 price. Over the Union Pacific R. R. it was shipped 
 free. All the windows and sash and door frames 
 have been made here, and are ready to put in. All 
 so far is paid for, and we have about $300 in treas- 
 ury. The gentlemen have all been very busy, and 
 they have not been out collecting lately. They are 
 going out, however, now. I do not know how they 
 are likely to succeed, for everything is very dull 
 here now. We hope to be in the church one month 
 from this time. Will it suit you to send us a draft 
 for the remainder of your subscription some time 
 soon? I write thus early supposing you are still in 
 New Mexico and will not be back for some little 
 time. Since you were here it has been the occasion 
 of universal regret that we were compelled to build 
 on our lots which are five blocks from a single re- 
 spectable dwelling. While up at Laramie City the 
 other day to see Mr. Snyder about getting our lum- 
 ber over the Pacific railroad free, I fell in with Mr. 
 James A. Evans, who is acting in Mr. Reed's place 
 as superintendent on construction while Mr. R. is 
 absent at Salt Lake. He inquired after the church, 
 etc. I told him of our difficulty with reference to a 
 
 —74— 
 
lot. He said, ''Well, now, I think I can help you out 
 of your trouble/' He sent for a map of Cheyenne 
 and pointed out to me where he had a lot on the 
 corner of Eighteenth and Ferguson streets, one 
 block north of the postoffice, and on the southeast 
 corner of the block upon which the school house 
 stands. An admirable location; quite central and 
 good. This he told me he would resign in our favor 
 at the original valuation, $450. Told him I thought 
 we would take it. The vestrymen agreed, and today 
 I have accomplished the transfer. I propose to pay 
 for it by the Sunday collections, i. e., after making 
 the first payment, which I propose to raise by special 
 subscription ($150). However, it is confidently ex- 
 pected that when General Dodge learns the circum- 
 stances he will surely remit the whole and give us 
 the lot. He is expected here tomorrow, and Colonel 
 Carling is to see him. I trust he may be successful. 
 He ought to be. 
 
 Two or three of the ladies got up a strawberry 
 festival last Thursday night, which was very pleas- 
 ant and very successful. It was gotten up in two 
 days, and they cleared about $250. It was for an 
 organ. 
 
 I will let you know when the church is ready for 
 consecration. I hope Bishop Clarkson will be able 
 to come up. 
 
 June 30th. Have spent the past month in hard 
 work for the church and now I have to record that 
 I have succeeded in changing the location for the 
 church from Nineteenth and Dodge (four or five 
 squares from any dwelling) to Eighteenth and Fer- 
 guson, one square from postofiice. This accomp- 
 lished through kindness of Joseph A. Evans, Esq., 
 of the Pacific railroad, whom I met at Laramie and 
 
 —75— 
 
who, finding the trouble I was in with reference to 
 the location of the church, resigned his right to the 
 lot in our favor at the original valuation of $450.00. 
 Last week, in company with the city engineer, Mr. 
 Winsor, and Mr. R. Lincoln, I assisted in staking 
 out the lot. On the evening of the day before yes- 
 terday I called on General Dodge and Mr. Ames, 
 Pres., U. P. R. R., and others of the Directors, in- 
 tending to ask General D. to give us this lot instead 
 of the others. Finding Colonel Carling there, and 
 that he had already presented the matter and re- 
 ceived a gracious answer to the effect, "He thought 
 there would be no difficulty about it, he would speak 
 with Mr. House as soon as he came," I did not 
 introduce the subject. Some of the lumber arrived 
 over a week ago; but, of course, that which we 
 wanted last. The remainder arrived today and I 
 am now having it hauled on the ground. Mr. Pre- 
 shaw expects to commence work on it tomorrow. 
 He has, while waiting for lumber, gotten out the 
 door and window frames and sash and cross. I de- 
 termined to devote my wedding fees for the present 
 to ornamenting the chancel window with the (com- 
 paratively) new process of "Diaphanie." The mate- 
 rials have arrived and yesterday I tried to transfer 
 them to glass, beginning with St. Peter. Did not 
 succeed to my satisfaction ; yet the work looks pret- 
 ty well. The balusters and rail for the chancel, of 
 red cedar, are nearly all completed. Mr. Richards 
 and workmen at Colonel Carling's are getting it up, 
 and give the work to the church. Mr. Stearns con- 
 tributes the work on the Bishop's chair. Mrs. Street 
 and Mrs. Morrow got up a festival within thirty-six 
 hours which proved a great success. They cleared 
 about $250.00, which is to go towards a musical in- 
 strument. Went this morning to administer the 
 
 -76- 
 
S. Com. to a sick man in city hospital named Mc- 
 Cabe, but found him dying — did not seem to rec- 
 ognize me. Very sorry, for he seemed earnestly to 
 desire it. After accomplishing various work, came 
 out to Colonel Carling's and told him what I had 
 accomplished. Came home to dinner, and towards 
 evening rode down and called at Colonel Carling's. 
 Mrs. C. received me coldly. Did not ask me to come 
 again. Why they do not come to church, why they 
 are changed toward me I cannot tell. Do not in- 
 quire, as I hope they will soon get over their funk, 
 if they are in one. Otto Prey gave me a bunch of 
 radishes out of his garden; they were very nice. 
 Weather is growing very warm ; the evenings are 
 generally quite cool and even cold. There is still a 
 great profusion of flowers on the plains. The grass 
 is growing dry and yellow. 
 
 July I St, 1868. Very hot day. Rode down to town 
 on Mrs. Woolley's horse. Saw lumber on the church 
 lot. Saw Mr. Dearborn about the lot and did num- 
 ber of errands. Attended funeral of McCabe. 
 Walked to graveyard in broiling sun. Grave too 
 small and had to wait good while for it to be en-' 
 larged. Almost sick from the heat. Letter from 
 Rev. Mr. Robbins, from whom I was very glad to 
 hear. Dr. Alden tried his hand at putting ''The Last 
 Supper" upon one of the chancel window panes and 
 succeeded very well. I stained rocking chair for Mr 
 Woolley and tried similar one for myself, but it had 
 been varnished and I could not get varnish off, so 
 did not succeed very well. Lieutenant Tompkins 
 and wife arrived this evening and as table was rath- 
 er crowded, Mrs. Woolley invited me to take my 
 meals there for present. Called on Captain Ball, 
 who is suffering from ulcerated legs. Had very 
 agreeable call. Also short one on Mr. Tuttle. 
 
 —77— 
 
July 2nd. Another hot day. Thermometer 85 
 degrees in my room. Rode down town with Mr. 
 Woolley. Found that there is a whole carload of 
 heavy lumber still behind and that Mr. Preshaw^ 
 cannot do anything until it arrives ! Somehow noth- 
 ing runs smoothly. Went to see Mrs. Krause, who 
 is quite low with child-bed. Thought some better. 
 Worked awhile on chairs. After tea Mrs. W. and I 
 drove down to city and called on Mr. and Mrs. Case- 
 ment, Mrs. Gosline, Mrs. Clayton and Miss Wood. 
 Forgot to record a very pleasing announcement of 
 last night. Mr. Sherman drove up as I was sitting 
 on Mrs. Woolley's veranda after tea, and in conver- 
 sation told me to my great joy that he had last night 
 received a letter which determined him to stay here, 
 after for a long time having had under consideration 
 a very favorable offer of business in Omaha. Thank 
 God! May he still be a blessing and help to the 
 church here. Air quite cool tonight — 67 degrees in 
 my room. 
 
 July 3rd. Made some attempt at writing sermon, 
 but gave it up at last. Mr. Lincoln concluded to 
 take an offer from Mr. Reed of a situation as rod- 
 man on surveying party for U. P. R. R. towards Salt 
 Lake and so started this evening. Mr. Tompkins 
 and I rode down to city with him. Called on Dr. 
 Henry, whose wife I buried last week. Was just 
 only engaged with business. Major Van Vost as- 
 sumed command of Fort Russell today, to the great 
 relief of many who dislike General Stevenson. Wit- 
 nessed parade this evening with Mr. William Ruth. 
 Temperature much pleasanter today. 
 
 July 4th. Spent nearly whole day planning Rec- 
 tory and position of buildings on church lot. Rode 
 down to town toward evening. Called to see Mrs. 
 Krause — glad to find her better. Letter from Mr. 
 
 -78^ 
 
Perry. His Sunday School gave me $68.75 to de- 
 vote to some special object for the church. Letter 
 from Felgemaker with reference to an organ. Called 
 at Mr. Tuttle's after tea. Temperature very pleas- 
 ant today. Winds rather high. 
 
 Sunday, fourth after Trinity, July 5th. Quite 
 hot again. Rode down to service with Mrs. Wool- 
 ley. Tolerable congregation. Singing wretched. 
 Preached with good deal of interest. Eight per- 
 son at S. Com. Took lunch with Mr. Smith. Large 
 Sunday School. Called to see Mr. Bradstreet after 
 Sunday School. Dr. Alden kindly sent down car- 
 riage for me. After tea took Mrs. A. over to service. 
 Mr. Tuttle's sermon was a terrible hodge-podge — 
 felt sorry and annoyed. Sat up late reading The 
 Churchman and retired exhausted. 
 
 July 6th. Rode down town with Mr. Pierce. Con- 
 sulted with Mrs. Street about ordering a portable 
 pipe organ. Left it with me, so I got money draft 
 for $241.00 and enclosed it to Derrick, Felgemaker 
 & Co., Buffalo, New York. Letter from the Dia- 
 phanie dealer enclosing bill of some new plates which 
 I ordered and telling me he had not the rest on hand. 
 Wrote him again ordering others. Wrote to J. E. 
 House, Esq., land agent of U. P. R. R., with refer- 
 ence to our church lot. Worked on Diaphanie part 
 of afternoon, and then took ride with Mr. Alden 
 and family up the creek to the camp of Major Jack- 
 son and Major Whittlesey of the Thirtieth Infantry. 
 Called at General Stevenson's in evening on Mrs. S. 
 and daughter, and to say good-bye to Mrs. Brent. 
 
 July 7th. Spent nearly whole day on Diaphanie 
 and succeeded in cleaning the paper off the pictures 
 already on glass. Read some in afternoon and'fin- 
 ished "Golbourn's Farewell Counsels.'' Walked 
 down by creek after tea and gathered some botan- 
 
 —79— 
 
ical specimens. Called on Lieutenant Tompkins and 
 wife, but found Mrs. Tompkins sick. Terrific blow 
 before dark, which cooled the air very much, weath- 
 er having been very hot during day. 
 
 July 8th. Rode down to town with Doctor and 
 Lieutenant Tompkins. Found at railroad that re- 
 mainder of our lumber will be here today. Laus 
 Deo! Called on Mrs. Mills; still troubled with 
 much serving on Mrs. Robson, sick, and going back 
 to Denver. On Mrs. Halliday — better. Spoke with 
 her on confirmation. Having learned that there is a 
 great rumpus about taking our melodeon away from 
 Miss Farley, who borrowed it to train her children 
 for an exhibition ; borrowed it without my knowl- 
 edge and without the consent of Mrs. Street, into 
 whose charge I had given it to dispose of ; and that 
 the Methodists say (some of whose children are in 
 the school) that if we take it away they will lock up 
 theirs next Sunday, so that we shall not use it, 
 went to see Miss Farley and explain the matter. 
 Gave her the use of it till it is disposed of. Dis- 
 gusted at the foolish and absurd position of the 
 Methodists. Evidently want something to make a 
 quarrel about. Received Diaphanie designs by mail, 
 and Dr. Alden put upon glass "His Blessing Little 
 Children." Reading "Bible Teaching in Nature.'' 
 Little rain in evening. Called on Mrs. Woolley and 
 Mrs. Wells after tea. Colonel Carling wishes me to 
 call vestry meeting, which I did accordingly for Fri- 
 day evening at 7 o'clock at Colonel's office. Letter 
 from Jack Eoif, who is now enjoying vacation in 
 the country. Very warm day, but delightful air to- 
 night. 
 
 July 9th. Intensely hot, 92 degrees in the shade, 
 125 or 130 degrees in the sun. Found the remain- 
 der of the lumber at the depot. Went at once to get 
 
 —80— 
 
man to haul it on the ground. Called on Dr. Be- 
 dell's family and Mr. Schiber. Met Mrs. Street and 
 told her the state of the case with reference to the 
 melodeon. Very much vexed. Dined with Mr. 
 Sherman at Ford House. Did some errands for Dr. 
 Alden and came home in big wagon. Spent remain- 
 der of afternoon in Diaphanie. Exhausted. 
 
 July loth. Very hot in the morning. Drove Doc- 
 tor's horse down to town. Saw lumber on the lot. 
 Called on Mrs. Rutledge, the poor woman whose 
 husband committed suicide some time ago. Church- 
 woman, but has been able to come to service only 
 once. Called on Mr. Slaughter's family, whom I 
 found quite pleasant people. Did some errands and 
 came home to dinner. Prepared for Sunday. Wrote 
 to Moller for some materials for Diaphanie — to Der- 
 rick, Felgemaker & Co., to send me No. 5 organ in- 
 stead of second-hand No. 6, if not too late — to 
 Wenderoth, Taylor & Brown, enclosing draft for 
 $4.00. Quite a delightful rain this evening. Doctor 
 and I walked down to Colonel Carling's office to at- 
 tend vestry meeting, but Judge Ford and Mr. Sher- 
 man failed to come, and Mr. Woolley was too sick 
 to go, so we had to give it up. Worked some at 
 Diaphanie. Spent v/hile at Mr. Tuttle's. 
 
 July nth. Worked at removing paper from the 
 pictures nearly all day. Rained quite hard this 
 evening again. Has been dull all day. Called at 
 Mr. Tuttles and Mr. Woolley's. Dr. Munroe ar- 
 rived from Fort Laramie. 
 
 Sunday, 5th after Trinity, July 12th. Delightful 
 day. Doctor drove Mrs. S. and myself down to 
 service, but having bad headache did not come in 
 himself. Rather thin congregation. No musical in- 
 strument there and no choir. I started the Gloria in 
 excelsis and Mr. Smith and Mr. Hutchinson the 
 
 —81— 
 
psalms and hymns. Good Sunday School. Dined 
 with Mr. Webster. Received note and a quitclaim 
 deed for the church lot from Mr. House. Thank 
 God ! After so much tribulation that matter is set- 
 tled to our satisfaction. Mrs. Woolley called for me 
 and brought me home. Exceedinly tired and ex- 
 hausted. Attended Post service in evening. Very 
 few there. Mr. Tuttle preached extemporaneously 
 and it was much better than his usual efforts. 
 
 July 13th. Rode down to town with Dr. Munroe 
 and Mr. Pierce. Called on Mrs. Morrow and gained 
 permission to get materials for cushions for church. 
 Found Mr. Preshaw commenced work on church 
 this morning. Did lot of errands and came home. 
 Put the last touches on the four panes of the chancel 
 window on which I have been working. After tea 
 Doctor and I drove down to vestry meeting at Col- 
 onel Carling's. Judge Ford and Charles Sherman 
 came and we had a very pleasant meeting talking 
 over the finances and the lot, and the position of the 
 church thereon. 
 
 July 14th. Rode down to town in Doctor's car- 
 riage. Called at Mr. Morrow's, Mr. Steam's, Mr. 
 Wardman's, Mr. WilHs' and Mr. Dayton's. Found 
 Mrs. Dayton quite weak and sick and about to start 
 East as the only hope of restoration. Dined with 
 Mr. Sherman and then went and assisted in laying 
 the foundation for the sills of the church. Went to 
 the depot at train time and welcomed Bishop Clark- 
 son and Rev. Dr. Keene of Milwaukee. Mr. Tuttle 
 and I persuaded Bishop Clarkson to stay with us 
 over night, but Dr. Keene determined to go on to 
 Laramie. Took Bishop around to see the church 
 foundation. Mr. T. asked him to preach at Post, so 
 service was gotten up on short notice. I read the 
 lessons and prayers and Bishop preached from St. 
 
 —82— 
 
Matt, xviii 14. The humility of the Httle child. It 
 . was a delightful extempore effort. Sat with Bishop 
 and Mr. T. till 11 o'clock. Air delightful tonight. 
 
 July 15th. Bishop Clarkson came in soon after I 
 was dressed, while I was parleying with my wash- 
 woman. Was much pleased with my chancel deco- 
 rations. New art to him. Mr. Tuttle engaged to 
 call for me to go and see Bishop off, but after bolt- 
 ing my breakfast, as he did not come, I went to his 
 house and lo ! he had gone off without me ! I was 
 very much vexed. Lieutenant Pierce lent me his 
 horse and I rode down, but too late to see him. Let- 
 ter from Charley Cook enclosing photograph of him- 
 self. Met Mr. Lathrop, who asked me to go up to 
 his place in Black Hills with him this evening to 
 have some trout fishing. Concluded to do so ; but 
 notification was sent me to officiate at a wedding this 
 evening, so obliged to defer it. Dined at Mr. Spar- 
 hawk's and had conversation after dinner. Called 
 at Dr. Corey's and as a rain came up, made a long 
 call. Priced some buildings which thought might do 
 for a Rectory. Lady to be married arrived on the 
 train from the East at 7 o'clock. Married them at 
 the Magnolia Laundry on O'Neil street. Received 
 $5.00, which goes toward my window. Dr. Girard 
 came up on train and I rode out home with him. 
 Called at Mr. Tuttle's to inquire if he had heard of 
 my Sunday School books. Explained his running 
 away from me this morning. 
 
 July i6th. Spent most of day in town making 
 calls and performing other work. Came out to the 
 Black Hills on evening train. Did not meet Mr. 
 Lathrop at the "Tie Pile" as agreed, and his clerk 
 was not there to inform me if he would be there, so 
 after waiting about a half hour I started to walk 
 over to his camp, seven miles off. Had been good 
 
 -83- 
 
deal of rain and the grass was wet. Got into a 
 swamp and got thoroughly wet up to the knees. 
 When I got some distance, and it was growing dark, 
 I saw a man in a buggy at some distance, stopping 
 and evidently observing me. At first I felt some- 
 what afraid, but still continued, and at last, when 
 within gun shot, I waved my handkerchief, as signal 
 of peace. As I approached, to my joy, found it was 
 Mr. Lathrop! He had been detained, but thought 
 he should reach the station in time. The night air 
 grew chilly and I was cold when we arrived at the 
 camp. A Frenchman was routed up, and in a while 
 gave us a comfortable supper and we were soon 
 comfortable. 
 
 July 17th. Rising this morning, I was charmed 
 by the beauty of the situation which my friend has 
 chosen for his temporary residence. On the top of 
 a steep, hill, rapidly descending on every side, and 
 from the bay window in the eastern side of the 
 house commanding a most extended and charming 
 view of wild mountain scenery. Mr. Lathrop found, 
 after an absence of a couple of days, that his camp 
 was all in an uproar and many men drunk. Intended 
 to go fishing with me, but the state of the camp pre- 
 vented, so I went alone, although he ofifered a man, 
 but I thought I should enjoy myself alone since my 
 friend could not be with me. I walked and climbed 
 rocks until I was nearly exhausted, and at last came 
 to Fish Creek. The scenery was grand, and the 
 flowers exquisite and in great profusion. Up to 3 
 o'clock I had caught but one fish, although I tried 
 different kinds of flies. At last I abandoned them 
 and, having caught a fat grasshopper, I pulled him 
 in pieces and tried him. With him I caught ten or 
 twelve trout ! Then it was necessary for me to start 
 home. Came near being lost on my return, but at 
 
 -84- 
 
last I came where I found timber had been cut and 
 I knew I was not far from the camp. Mr. Lathrop 
 had gone away on business, but he returned by bed 
 time. Almost exhausted by my day's labor. 
 
 July 1 8th. My friend expected to take me to the 
 station this morning, but we overslept ourselves. I 
 spent the forenoon in rest and preparation for Sun- 
 day, expecting to come down in afternoon. We 
 started, but when we got within ten miles' drive of 
 the tie pile, the train passed and I was fixed for Sun- 
 day ! I was very sorry, but it could not be helped. 
 More troubled on account of the Sunday School 
 than the service. However, if it must be so, I 
 thought, it is all right, and it is surely exceedingly 
 agreeable to lengthen out my visit with Mr. Lathrop. 
 He drove me round by "Cache le Poudre Rock," 
 whose grand rugged beauty I enjoyed very much. 
 Most of our drive was in the rain, but as we had a 
 top buggy and did not get wet, we enjoyed it. Com- 
 menced reading Mrs. H. B. Stowe's "Agnes of Sor- 
 rento." Spent very pleasant evening. 
 
 Sunday, 6th after Trinity, July 19th. Most charm- 
 ing morning. Read the lessons and other parts of 
 the service, sung some, and then settled down in the 
 bay window to read and enjoy the magnificent view. 
 Mr. L. was called away a good deal of the time to 
 confer with men who only come in from their camps 
 on Sundays. But when he did come in he was very 
 agreeable. Business troubled him when I first ar- 
 rived, and he was very moody, but he has greatly 
 improved on acquaintance. Late in the evening we 
 drove out, although it was raining again. My friend 
 is so passionately devoted to flowers that we never 
 went out but he brought some home, and this even- 
 ing he gathered them in the rain. Missed supper 
 again, so the Frenchman catered for us and did 
 
 -85-, 
 
very well. Spent evening in reading aloud to Mr. 
 L. and in very pleasant conversation. Did not get 
 to bed till very late after making arrangements to 
 get up very early and meet the passenger train. 
 
 July 20th. Man did not come to call us until it 
 was too late to get off. However, we got up and 
 had an early breakfast. Then Mr. L. proposed to 
 take me to the lo o'clock train. Took up three little 
 pine trees from the hill on which the house stands, 
 hoping that they may grow as souvenirs of a very 
 pleasant visit. Also picked up some surface speci- 
 mens of the silver ore, near a mine over which the 
 house is built. We started — stopped and picked 
 flowers — missed the train again — tried to get "Sher- 
 man," hoping to overtake the train, but were en- 
 tangled in the country and did not get there until 
 noon. Mr. L. took train for Fort Sanders, and I 
 was obliged to stay until 5 130 p. m. Taking leave 
 of Mr. L., he kindly urged me to come up again 
 next week, saying he should have better arrange- 
 ments and would get me to the train on time the 
 next time I came. Walked down to the Summit 
 Rock after a very good lunch at Mr. Tibbits'. Gath- 
 ered a delicate little bouquet to send to Sister Julia in 
 a letter. Found the monkshood and the cyclamen (I 
 think) growing at the Summit. Plants which in the 
 East have been introduced from Europe. Arranged 
 large bouquet for Charley Sherman, and then wrote 
 letter to Julia and one to Charley Hamlin. On the 
 train I found Harry Blynn and had pleasant conver- 
 sation with him. When I arrived in Cheyenne found 
 letter from Mr. Hayden of the Milwaukee-Chicago 
 Union, saying Moore, Kelly & Co. of Chicago have 
 made an assignment and Mr. K. has sent my order 
 for S. S. books to him to fill. After three months 
 they show some signs of life by failing! I think 
 
 —86— 
 
they richly deserve it. I was never so vexed with 
 anything in my Hfe. I hope I am now to get out of 
 this annoyance. Fortunately found an ambulance 
 coming out, so that I got out home. Folks were 
 very glad to see me, and were wondering what had 
 become of me. Many inquiries had been made about 
 me. There was a large congregation on Sunday, but 
 no Sunday School, as it rained after dinner. 
 
 July 2 1 St. Drove down town this morning. Vis- 
 ited the church and found things progressing very 
 nicely. Cross was raised while I was there. I think 
 the whole is going to look very pretty. Did some 
 errands, talked some time with Charley Sherman 
 and started out home. Met Major Jackson and 
 Lieutenant Link just going to stable for a horse, so 
 I took them in. Afterwards drove back to Colonel 
 Carling's camp for Dr. Alden, but he was not ready 
 to come. Ordered three sheets of Diaphanie for Mr. 
 Lathrop. Called at Mr. Woolley's and Mr. Ball's. 
 Had pleasure of introduction to General Harney at 
 Mr. Woolley's. Mrs. Ball gave me a couple of boxes 
 of flowers which had been upset. Fixed them and 
 gave to Mrs. Alden. Dr. Alden had letter from Ma- 
 jor Noyes at Fort McPherson, and in it he informed 
 me that he had procured cedar lumber for me at last, 
 by sending out his men for the logs and having them 
 sawed up at the Post. Joyful news to me. Wrote 
 to let him know how to ship it. 
 
 July 22nd. Rode down to Quartermaster's Depot 
 in the sick ambulance. Conferred with Colonel Car- 
 ling about the painting and glazing, etc. Walked 
 from there to town. On advice of Mr. Preshaw, 
 tried to dispose of the ceiling lumber for the church 
 in order to try to have it plastered instead. Did not 
 succeed. However, riding home with Mr. Woolley 
 in evening, on mentioning it, he offered to take the 
 
 -87- 
 
lumber. Building progressed nicely, putting on the 
 sheeting. Lunched at Mr. Smith's store. Called 
 upon to go to the Rollin's House to see a poor young 
 man dying from an accidental gun shot wound, name 
 Samuel Beers, conductor on the railroad. Hardly 
 conscious. Tried to say a few words to him, but 
 apparently of little use. Prayed with him and com- 
 mended him into the hands of a merciful Saviour. 
 The gentlemen present were affected to tears. Sat a 
 good while with him, hoping there might be a lucid 
 interval. Went to call upon a Baptist, Dr. D., stop- 
 ping at Mr. Whipple's. Returned to the sick man, 
 hoping to find him able to comprehend me, but he 
 was evidently sinking. A sad sight to see a fine, 
 manly form, in full health and strength, so suddenly 
 cut down ! Of how small account is our earthly 
 life! The care, and trial, and trouble, and anxiety 
 of early childhood and youth, and the struggles of 
 manhood to be brought to so sudden a termination — 
 to go out like a spark. If there were no hereafter, 
 what a waste! If there is no preparation for the 
 glorious portion for which a good Father designs us, 
 how useless is it all! What a terrible waste, and 
 trifling! Called at Mr. Stearns' to tell him about 
 the cedar lumber and inquire about the materials for 
 cushioning the church. Mrs. S. gave me a dish of 
 ice cream. Rode out with Mr. Woolley and General 
 Auger and son. General brought me news of Rev. 
 Mr. Poote of Salt Lake City. Called with Rev. Mr. 
 Tuttle on Lieutenant Benner of Eighteenth Infantry 
 in evening. Found him and his wife very agreeable. 
 Note from Moller saying has sent me more varnish 
 for my picture work. Weather very pleasant today. 
 July 23rd. Rode down to Colonel Carling's in 
 ambulance and conferred with him about plastering 
 the church. Seemed favorable to it. Met Mr. Wool- 
 
ley there, and I rode with him to the church. Con- 
 ferred with Mr. Preshaw and Mr. Myers with ref- 
 erence to the plastering. Tried to find Mr. Jones to 
 see if he would make a bid on same, but he was not 
 in town. Inquired for Mr. Beers — poor fellow died 
 this morning and body was sent on the train to meet 
 his sister at Omaha. Found Mr. Lathrop in town 
 and had a pleasant chat and dined with him at 
 ''Ford's." Wrote to Brother Hitchings at Denver 
 to let him know I received the Prayer Books and to 
 answer his last two letters. Saw Robinson to talk 
 over painting. Rode out with General Slemmer and 
 General Hunt to the Post, having with us in ambu- 
 lance a couple of young eagles which Mr. Tuttle had 
 procured from the Indians. Called at Mr. Wool- 
 ley's in the evening and met Generals Harney, Auger 
 and Wessels and Lieutenant Benner and Major 
 Jackson. Delightful temperature today. Cool this 
 evening. Wrote to Mr. S. B. Reed, telling him the 
 progress of the church here and asking if he will 
 dispose of his lot which lies alongside of the church 
 lot. Also to Cousin Charley Cook to tell him that I 
 think he would succeed if he came out here, and of 
 the prospects of the place. Enclosed photograph of 
 self to Uncle Lewis Cook. 
 
 July 24th. Rode down in hospital ambulance to 
 Colonel Carling's and told him about plastering. 
 Walked from there to Cheyenne. Made bargain 
 with Myers, the plasterer. Attended to various 
 things. Called on Mrs. Lafferty and Mrs. Hutchin- 
 son. Came up with Mr. Tuttle. Called on Mrs. 
 Ball and Mrs. Woolley to bid them good-bye, the 
 former going to Boston, the latter to Omaha. Com- 
 menced writing up the minutes of the vestry, in or- 
 der that they may be preserved. Progressing nicely 
 with the church and it is greatly admired. Rather 
 warm, but pleasant.. 
 
July 25th, St. J/ames' Day. Quite hot today, but 
 delightful breeze and cool in the evening. Rode 
 down to Colonel Carling's in hospital ambulance ; 
 conferred with him about iDuilding and then walked 
 to town. Authorized Mr. Preshaw to wainscot the 
 church instead of plastering down to baseboards. 
 Tried staining for the rafters. Made final arrange- 
 ments with the plasterer. Called at Mr. Ward's. 
 Mrs. Ward announced that she was going to have 
 her child baptized in our church (she is a R. C). 
 Old Mr. W. absent at W. Bluff. Called a moment 
 on Mrs. Connelly. Letter from Rev. Mr. Hinman 
 of the Santee Sioux Mission, acknowledging my 
 small contribution and telling me they were pros- 
 pering. Wish I were with him ! Rode out with Mr. 
 Tuttle. Called on Colonel and Mrs. Adams in even- 
 ing, and on Mr. Tuttle for something to give my 
 Sunday School scholars ; my books have not yet got 
 through. Dr. Girard got back from Fort Laramie 
 this evening, very glad to get back. 
 
 LETTe:R to bishop RANDALL 
 
 Che:ye:nnK, Wyo., July 30th, 1868. 
 
 My D£:ar Bishop : — Yours of 27th inst. reached 
 me today, and contained the check for $500 for the 
 church, for which we are very much obliged. 
 
 The advertisement for the school I presented to 
 Dr. Bedell, editor and proprietor of the Cheyenne 
 Argus, and he said he should put it into the daily 
 issue and print it right along. I should like to put 
 it into one of the other papers, also. I will see what 
 I can do. 
 
 We are getting on very nicely with the church. 
 We are out of debt — at least will be tomorrow when 
 a small bill or two is paid — and w^ have several 
 hundred dollars in the treasury. 
 
I have been at work shellacking the rafters, and I 
 intended to do the whole work of staining and var- 
 nishing them also. But with the great clumsy lad- 
 ders which alone are to be had here I fear I shall 
 have to give it up. The labor is too severe. I have 
 undertaken it to save money for other objects — e. g., 
 a fence and other necessary expenses. I shall do 
 the staining and varnishing of the pews, wainscot- 
 ting, etc. 
 
 Everybody is quite proud of our church already. 
 It is an ornament to the place. 
 
 I have a portable pipe organ on the way. It was 
 in Chicago last Saturday. I hope the people will 
 find it satisfactory. I rather went against their 
 judgment, or rather impression in getting it instead 
 of a reed instrument, which I detest. 
 
 After three months of waiting my Sunday School 
 library, etc., has arrived. I was never so tried about 
 anything in my life. They came at last from the 
 Milwaukee Church Union, Messrs. Moore, Kelly & 
 Co. of Chicago having made an assignment. They 
 deserved to fail, being so negligent of business. 
 
 Hoping soon to welcome you, I am. 
 
 Yours in Christ and His S. Church, 
 Josh:ph W. Cook, 
 
 letter to bishop randall 
 
 Cheyenne, Wyo., Sept. 7th, 1868. 
 My Dear Bishop : — Yours of 3rd inst. I received 
 on my return on Saturday last from a tour to Fort 
 Sanders, Laramie City and the Black Hills. I had 
 premonitory symptoms that I had used my strength 
 up to the last point, on the Saturday before the Con- 
 secration of the Church ; but I kept up until after 
 you returned to Denver. I was then quite wretched 
 and sick, merely from overwork, which showed itself 
 
 —91— 
 
in prostration and a violent attack of dyspepsia. I 
 should have gone off at once to a quiet retreat of .my 
 friend, Mr. A. G. Lathrop, in the Black Hills, as I 
 intended to do. But the gentlemen thought I ought 
 to stay that week and direct the painting of the out- 
 side of the church and the cushioning, and the mak- 
 ing of the chancel furniture. I tried to do so, but I 
 was so wretched all the week that I concluded to ask 
 Mr. Tuttle to take my service for the 30th, and on 
 Saturday I went up to Fort Sanders, where I had 
 been urged to go and hold a service during the stay 
 of the Railroad Commissioners. I held a service on 
 Sunday morning, and immediately after at head- 
 quarters held a baptismal service and christened the 
 infant daughter of General J. H. Potter, Mrs. Blair 
 (wife of Democratic nominee for Vice President) 
 and General W. T. Sherman standing as sponsors. 
 I was detained at Sanders until Wednesday morn- 
 ing. While there a number of persons spoke to me 
 upon the subject, wishing that something could be 
 done for Laramie. I went to the town and visited 
 people there, and found that services are very much 
 desired and that they want a church. There is no 
 service of any kind there at present, though I learn 
 since my return here that a new Methodist preach- 
 er who has been sent here intends to hold ser- 
 vices there on Sunday evenings. The people there 
 who are Churchmen and those well disposed toward 
 the Church look to me to do something there, as I 
 am the only clergyman of the Church within reach. 
 I told them I would do what I could. So I made an 
 appointment for next Sunday evening. But my 
 hands are full here now, for I today started my par- 
 ish school, on faith — ^but more of this hereafter. 
 Some pious ladies of different denominations have 
 started a union Sunday School, which are my detes- 
 
 —92— 
 
tation, from experience, at Laramie, and they are 
 trying to get the idea started that they must have a 
 Union Church also. One earnest Churchwoman was 
 engaged in it, as she thought from force of circum- 
 stances. I told her the way in which I believed the 
 matter would end, and then she determined to take 
 steps in the right direction and to gradually with- 
 draw from the union. She will start a little Sunday 
 School for the Church. I sent her since my return 
 a lot of catechisms and Sunday School papers, and 
 subscribed for 20 copies of The Young Christian 
 Soldier to be sent to her. In order to take time by 
 the forelock and get the start of any denomination 
 there, I engaged this lady to do what she could in 
 the matter of subscriptions at Laramie, and also 
 Mrs. Bent at the Commissioners' house at the Fort 
 to do what she could at Sanders, and accordingly 
 sent them subscription lists. Dr. Durant is very 
 much interested in Laramie. It is his town as this 
 is General Dodge's, and those who know him believe 
 that he will do something handsome for the Church. 
 He is to be out shortly and we shall know. 
 
 Laramie is going to amount to much more than we 
 suspected when we were there in May last. The 
 railroad company has built a large, fine hotel there 
 and large shops are nearly completed and a round- 
 house for 21 engines. I believe there is a permanent 
 population and it will doubtless be a place of resort. 
 It is far more attractive than Cheyenne. 
 
 In was suggested in conversation with people at 
 Fort Sanders that if an active young man could be 
 found who would make this venture for Christ and 
 His Church, that he could receive the appointment 
 as chaplain for the Fort and by devoting half the 
 day to Laramie he would be. able to build up the 
 Church there. It is right on the railroad, there are 
 
 —93— 
 
cultivated people there, and, in my estimation, there 
 is no sacrifice in it except good manly blows and 
 hard work for God and His kingdom among men. 
 But for mercy sake, for the sake of the Church, let 
 it be a young man, and a man with some snap, and 
 not an old fossil in the shape of a Chaplain who like 
 one I might name seems to think of nothing but ex- 
 cursions "to have a good time" and is now going on 
 another leave of 30 or 40 days for the second time 
 since early last spring, besides other shorter ones. 
 
 If necessary, could you aid us any in building a 
 church at Laramie? and will you not try to get 
 some man to come there ? They have asked me for 
 Prayer Books. I have none to spare here. If you 
 have any on hand to spare, will you be kind enough 
 to send them immediately by express, so that, if pos- 
 sible, they may reach me in time for next Sunday? 
 
 Now as to Convocation : I am very sorry indeed 
 that it is utterly out of my power to go. There are 
 two obstacles. First, it is on Friday, so late in the 
 week that I cannot get back here for Sunday, and I 
 must not be away again if I can help it without leav- 
 ing someone else in my place which I did last Sun- 
 day week. The church was almost empty. I could not 
 have him even, in this case, for he is off tomorrow 
 on his leave. And I cannot close the church. The 
 second obstacle is the expense, counting meals, some- 
 thing like $50 there and back. I want to see my 
 mother this Fall if I can, and I cannot stand both 
 expenses. It would have been a very great gratifica- 
 tion to me to be at the consecration of the church, 
 and especially at the organization of the Convoca- 
 tion. You do me too great an honor in appointing 
 me to preach the sermon, since I am the latest arrival 
 in the jurisdiction, and I appreciate it very highly. I 
 am sorry from the circumstances named that I must 
 
 —94— 
 
decline. Please accept my sincere thanks for your 
 kind honor. I shall try to send you a report, which 
 I will direct to you at Golden City. 
 
 I hope Mr. Spencer has arrived safely. He start- 
 ed the day I returned. 
 
 As it turned out, I had hut two days of quiet rest 
 in the hills. On Friday evening I returned to Fort 
 Sanders and Laramie to take the cars in the morning, 
 for home. I wanted to see the lady in Laramie, Mrs. 
 Ivinson, as I had delegated her to see if a young 
 Baptist student for the ministry really intended to 
 remain and open a school which he was talking of 
 doing, and if not to make arrangements for opening 
 a Parish School at once, by sending my own teacher 
 there for the present until I could get another out. 
 He had concluded to do so — ^^but intends to teach 
 only until Christmas. I intend then (D. V.) to open 
 a Parish School, and I shall be much obliged if you 
 will put it on your memorandum to secure a good 
 teacher when you go East. Vocal music I consider 
 indispensaWe in such an one, and if she knows an 
 instrument, so much the better. It is thought 40 or 
 50 children can be secured there. I am very sorry I 
 was a few days too late in going up there. We 
 ought to have a Missionary on this railroad to take 
 advantage of these openings, to be a watchman for 
 the future interests of the Church. We ought now 
 to have a man to hold services at Benton, and Raw- 
 lin's Springs, and at Green River. The latter place 
 alone will probably not amount to anything after 
 next Winter, and yet it may. And then beyond and 
 off the railroad is South Pass City, at the Sweet- 
 water gold mines, which needs looking after. But 
 where are the men? It makes one's heart sick to 
 contemplate the destitution, the want of men to 
 e^-'^er into these fair fields ripe for the harvest ! The 
 
 ^5— 
 
so-called "good pioneers/' the Methodists, etc., are 
 not the pioneers in this far West. The population is 
 too advanced, too intelligent for them. They want 
 the Church ; although the want may not be clearly 
 defined in their own minds. It is a kind of uncon- 
 scious prophecy like ''the whole creation groaning 
 and travailling together in pain." But to come back, 
 I organized my Parish School this morning with 7 
 scholars, and the promise of a good many others. 
 I shall teach an hour or two per day, and take charge 
 of the religious instruction. I engaged Miss Farley, 
 the teacher, simply because she was about to open a 
 school again, and I did not wish to cut off her 
 means of support, as I believed I should, should I 
 open my school. She is not the person I want. She 
 neither sings nor plays, and she is not so cultivated 
 a person as I should like. Besides, she has just re- 
 cently become a member of our Church, and knows 
 but little about it. She has not got into the spirit of 
 it. She may improve. 
 
 But I must bring my long letter to a close. I 
 hope it has not wearied you. It is a report of pres- 
 ent operations. 
 
 Again expressing my great regret that I cannot be 
 with you and the brethren, I am, my dear Bishop, 
 Yours in Christ and His Church, 
 
 Joseph W. Cook. 
 
 letter to bishop randall. 
 
 Cheyenne, Wyoming Terr., Sept. i6th, 1868. 
 To Rt. Rev. George M. Randall, D. D., Miss. Bp. 
 Colorado, Wyoming and Nezv Mexico. 
 
 My Dear Bishop : — I herewith send you a report 
 of my work within your jurisdiction up to time of 
 this present writing. I arrived in Cheyenne on the 
 evening of the 14th January, 1868, having been 
 
commended by Bishop Clarkson, through whom I 
 was sent out here, to C. D. Sherman, Esq., S. B. 
 Reed, Esq., J. D. Woolley, Esq., and Dr. C. D. 
 Alden, Surgeon at Fort Russell, gentlemen who had 
 interested themselves in the establishment of the 
 Church here, who had taken some steps to that ef- 
 fect and had communicated with Bishop Clarkson 
 with reference to it and the sending out of a clergy- 
 man. Bishop Clarkson went upon the supposition 
 that so long as this was a part of Dakota it was in 
 his jurisdiction. You yourself, Rt. Rev. Sir, rea- 
 soned otherwise, and Bishop Clarkson transferred 
 me and his engagements here to you and your juris- 
 diction. 
 
 The gentlemen were able to secure a comfortable 
 building erected for a public school, which we could 
 occupy for our services half the day on Sundays. 
 On 19th January we held our first service, which 
 was well attended and the responses and singing 
 good. Many persons here were found to be inter- 
 ested and it was thought wise to effect an organiza- 
 tion at once and take measures to erect a church 
 building. Accordingly a meeting of those interested 
 was called at Kountze Bros. & Co.'s Bank on the 
 27th January, when about twenty gentlemen assem- 
 bled, discussed the matter and elected a Vestry of 
 seven and started a subscription for the church and 
 the first quarter of the Rector's salary. The Vestry 
 was composed of the following gentlemen: S. B. 
 Reed, General Superintendent of Construction, U. 
 P. R. R. ; Colonel E. B. Carling, A. Q. M., U. S. A. ; 
 C. H. Alden, M. D., Post Surgeon, Fort Russell; 
 C. D. Sherman, Esq., Judge G. W. Ford, T- D. 
 Woolley, Esq., ^nd T. J. Street, Esq. S. B. Reed, 
 Esq., and Colonel Carling were chosen Wardens. 
 Upon the organization of the Vestry it was deter- 
 
 —97— 
 
mined to name the Church St. Mark's, in considera- 
 tion of the fact that St. Mark's Church, Philadel- 
 phia, Pa., had given one thousand dollars to aid in 
 the erection of a church here. Upon our transfer 
 to the jurisdiction, you, Rt. Rev. Sir, assuming to 
 fulfill the engagement of supplying that amount of 
 aid to the work here. The Vestry elected the Rev. 
 Joseph W. Cook, Rector, and voted him a salary for 
 the present of twelve hundred dollars ($1,200) to 
 be paid quarterly in advance. The subscription was 
 pushed until it amounted to over three thousand dol- 
 lars ($3,000) and considerable was paid into the 
 Secretary and Treasurer of the Vestry, C. D. Sher- 
 man, Esq. Plans for a church building were pre- 
 sented and discussed and finally one by Dr. Alden 
 and the Rector was decided upon. The lumber was 
 purchased by Colonel Carling in Chicago, and, 
 through the kind interposition of Mr. Taylor of that 
 city, was shipped free of charge over the Chicago 
 & N. W. R. R. The same favor was granted us by 
 the U. P. R. R. The erection of the building was 
 commenced about the 15th July and was ready for 
 consecration the 23rd of August. I offer below an 
 account of the services on that interesting occasion, 
 and a description of the building which I clip from 
 the American Churchman. Our congregations have 
 generally been very good — much better in the 
 church than when we worshipped in the school 
 house. About the first of March I organized a Mite 
 Society, which has met with very great favor and 
 success. They have devoted a part of their earn- 
 ings to the purchase of an instrument of music, and 
 the remainder toward uniformly cushioning the 
 pews of the church throughout, so that we may pre- 
 sent to strangers, occasional worshippers, and the 
 
 -98- 
 
poor, the very same comforts that the more wealthy 
 in this world's goods may enjoy. 
 
 A Strawberry Festival was held in June, the pro- 
 ceeds of which were devoted to an organ. I have 
 discouraged the holding of festivals and fairs for 
 the raising of money for religious purposes, believ- 
 ing the principle false and pernicious. Unfortun- 
 ately it has become so common a means of raising 
 money that it is sometimes hard to restrain it. 
 
 Since my arrival here I have officiated on seventy- 
 four (74) occasions, and have performed the fol- 
 lowing official acts : 
 
 Baptisms (adults) 3 
 
 Baptisms (infants) 5 
 
 Presented for confirmation. May 24th — 
 
 Males 2 
 
 Females i 
 
 Presented for confirmation, Aug. 23rd — 
 
 Males I 
 
 Females , 4 
 
 8 
 
 Marriages 4 
 
 Burials 17 
 
 Communicants, 20, who have connected them- 
 selves with the Church here. There are others who 
 have not yet reported themselves. 
 
 In the Sunday School there are about seventy-five 
 scholars, more or less regular in attendance. Owing 
 to the uncertain stay of people in the community, I 
 have heretofore been una'ble to depend upon teach- 
 ers and so have superintended the Sunday School 
 myself, taught them altogether orally, acted as chor- 
 ister and librarian. Owing to new duties recently 
 assumed I have been obliged to ask for teachers. 
 Last Sunday three offered themselves and were put 
 
in charge of the older girls, I myself still teaching 
 the boys — and the Sunday previous I was enabled to 
 separate the infant class and put it in charge of a 
 competent teacher. There is a grand opening for a 
 parish school here and I tried to fill it. I opened 
 such a school on 7th September, but owing to the 
 utter incompetency of the teacher was obliged to 
 close it at the end of the week, as I was unable my- 
 self to take hold of it so as to devote my whole time 
 to it. I am in hopes soon to <be able to secure a 
 proper teacher and open it under better auspices. 
 
 There has been collected here for building and 
 other purposes somewhere in the neighborhood of 
 $3,800. In addition to this, we have received from 
 yourself, Rt. Rev. Sir, $1,000; from Church of St. 
 Innocence, W. Point, N. Y., $75 ; miscellaneous, 
 $75 ; from Calvary Church, Germantown, Pa., $67.75 
 (for special purposes, which I have devoted to the 
 chancel furniture; from Bishop Clarkson (for 
 traveling purposes of Missionary), $100; from 
 Board of Domestic Missions, two quarters' salary of 
 Missionary, $300; from Bishop Randall, one quar- 
 ter's salary of Missionary, $150; total, $5,509.75. 
 
 $3,800.00 
 
 1,000.00 
 
 75.00 
 
 17.00 
 
 67.75 
 100.00 
 300.00 
 150.00 
 
 $5,509-75 
 I have spent all my time at this post except one 
 Sunday when I was providentially detained in the 
 Black Hills, and one Sunday (August 30th), which 
 
 -100 — 
 
I spent at Fort Sanders, Rev. E. B. Tuttle supply- 
 ing my place in Cheyenne. 
 
 When at Fort Sanders and Laramie City I was 
 appHed to by the citizens of those places to do 
 something for Laramie City. I have started a sub- 
 scription for a church building. A little Sunday 
 School has been organized ; and last Sunday evening 
 I went up the railroad after my service here and 
 held a service in a building formerly used as a 
 dance hall. To my great surprise it was crowded 
 and many were unable to gain admittance and num- 
 bers stood through the whole service. Copies of 
 the Mission Service were distributed and the peo- 
 ple joined heartily in the service and were as quiet, 
 attentive a congregation as I ever saw. I expect to 
 hold services regularly there on Sunday evenings 
 until relieved iby a Missionary for that point and 
 the railroad, whom I hope will soon be secured. 
 
 Many other points of interest present themselves, 
 my Dear Bishop, but I have already probably ex- 
 ceeded the bounds of the report which you intended. 
 
 For the interest of the Church I hope and pray 
 the House of Bishops may be guided to still fur- 
 ther divide these immense missionary jurisdictions, 
 so that the golden opportunities for planting the 
 Church may not be lost. 
 
 May God the Holy Ghost be with you, my Dear 
 Bishop, and the brethren in your deliberations for 
 the interests of the Saviour's Kingdom. I am very 
 sorry I cannot be with you. As ever. 
 
 Yours in Christ and His S. Church, 
 Jose:ph W. Cook. 
 
 LKTTb:r to bishop RANDAIvL. 
 
 Ft. Sanders, Wyo. Terr., Oct. sth, 1868. 
 My Dear Bishop : — Owing to the obstinacy of a 
 wretched stage driver, who refused to do his duty 
 
 — lOI — 
 
until he got ready, I was delayed on the road in 
 Iowa for five hours on Friday and consequently 
 failed to make connection at Omaha that evening, 
 and, as a further consequence, I did not reach Chey- 
 enne to fulfill my appointment. I regret it very 
 much, but was obliged to smother my wrath and 
 accept the situation. I traveled all day Sunday and 
 was thus prevented from disappointing the people at 
 Laramie. I held services last night at the hotel and 
 preached to a very large congregation, who, as here- 
 tofore, joined heartily in the service and listened 
 with the strictest attention to me. A Vestry meet- 
 ing is appointed for tonight and I stay over to at- 
 tend it. I will keep this letter open and if anything 
 of importance occurs I will inform you. 
 
 I am again doomed to disappointment with refer- 
 ence to a teacher for my school. I heard from the 
 Clergy in Omaha the most flattering accounts of 
 Miss Earle of Detroit, and was exceedingly anxious 
 to secure her. I think she herself would "have come, 
 but her mother could not think of her coming fur- 
 ther west than Omaha, especially as she would be 
 entirely among strangers. Now that you are in the 
 East, would you do me the favor to secure me one 
 as soon as possible ? I want a good woman, not too 
 young, able to teach all ordinary branches and 
 French and music. I want her to be able to teach 
 vocal music, considering it an indispensable thing 
 in a good parish school, and if she be able to teach 
 instrumental music it will be so much more to her 
 advantage in the way of increasing her income. If 
 you think it best to offer a definite salary, please do 
 so. Perhaps $400 per annum over and above ex- 
 penses would be fair, and her expenses out here. 
 Perhaps an advertisement in one or two of the 
 
 -102- 
 
church papers East would bring out someone. 
 Please do as you think best about that. 
 
 The young man who has been teaching in Lar- 
 amie, I hear, is likely to give up soon. If he does, 
 Mr. Batchelor is thinking seriously of taking hold 
 of the school, which I hope he may do, since it will 
 be of advantage to him in brushing up his English 
 and give him some time for study. 
 
 May the Holy Spirit be with you and the rest of 
 the members of the great Council of the Church and 
 direct your legislation to the glory of God and the 
 furtherance of the Church of Christ ! 
 
 With sincere regards. 
 
 Yours in Christ and His S. Church, 
 Joseph W. Cook. 
 
 P. S. — Nothing of importance occurred at the 
 Vestry meeting. J. W. C. 
 
 LETTKR TO BISHOP RANDAI^L. 
 
 Laramie City, Wyo., Oct. 26th, 1868. 
 My Dear Bishop : — Yours of the 14th and 19th 
 inst. have come to hand and the latter one has ren- 
 dered me inexpressible satisfaction and relief. I 
 promise myself that I now begin to see my visions 
 take shape, and I shall soon have my school a pleas- 
 ing fact. I am very much obliged to you for attend- 
 ing to this matter for me. It is an enterprise en- 
 tirely my own and for which I make myself per- 
 sonally responsible. I am less able to sustain it now 
 than I was when I first resolved upon it, for I then 
 counted upon a quarterly stipend from you ; but as 
 you have sent me only the first quarter's I con- 
 clude you have withdrawn it, although you have 
 never said so. I have not the slightest doubt but 
 that when the school is started it will be self-sup- 
 porting. But it will involve considerable expense 
 
 —103— 
 
to start it. I must provide desks, and chairs, and 
 stove, fuel, and the expense of my teacher out here, 
 etc. I imagine I shall have to borrow a couple of 
 hundred dollars. 
 
 I hope that you may be able to send me an associ- 
 ate at the same time. I want very much to go over 
 this road to look out for the interests of the Church 
 and especially at Gilmer near Bear River, and Ft. 
 Bridger. But I cannot do so profitably until there is 
 some one to leave behind for a Sunday. 
 
 I had an excellent and very respectable congrega- 
 tion here last night. A week ago last night the train 
 was very much delayed and we arrived too late to 
 hold service. This seemed providential, for the 
 Vigilantes started out about service time to clear the 
 town of the worst of the rogues and the whole town 
 was in excitement. They hung three men that night, 
 and next morning at nine o'clock in the broad day- 
 light they hung another. Two innocent men wer.i 
 shot in the melee and have since died, and another is 
 wounded in the arm. It was a fearful night — a per- 
 fect reign of terror. But it will tend to quiet the 
 place. It was Exceedingly dangerous before with 
 garroting, robbing and shooting. 
 
 The school house here has not yet been built, it 
 being impossible to get the lumber through from 
 Omaha, nearly all the rolling stock of the railroad 
 being employed in pushing on construction materials 
 in order to hurry on the road to Salt Lake. The 
 school teacher here does not amount to much. He is 
 a candidate for the Congregationalist ministry. He 
 was one of the Vigilantes and now spends a great 
 deal of his time in a billiard hall owned and con- 
 ducted by the captain of the band. 
 
 Mr. Batchelor now has a more favorable situation 
 in the charge of the water works of the railroad 
 
 -104- 
 
upon two or three divisions, and promises himself 
 after he gets things fixed up that he will have con- 
 siderable time to study. I have been appointed Su- 
 perintendent of Public Schools and expect to set off 
 Laramie as a district shortly and the ist of January 
 open a public school. Now if I can get some good 
 young churchman out here to take it, it would be of 
 advantage to our cause. 
 
 I have announced a sociable to be organized on 
 Wednesday evening of this week at Mr. Ivinson's. 
 I hope it will accomplish something towards forming 
 society and also towards procuring things necessary 
 to the Church. 
 
 Our congregations in Cheyenne are excellent. We 
 have put up two large coal stoves instead of digging 
 the cellar and heating from below, since the gentle- 
 men thought we were not able to accomplish that 
 this season. It does not disfigure the church as I 
 feared. My church furniture progresses slowly. 
 Your throne is in its place and is a beautiful piece of 
 work. It is a gift from the man who is making the 
 rest of the furniture. Mr. WooUey by the aid of 
 friends in Chicago procured all the lumber, doors, 
 sash, glass, paint, and all material necessary to build 
 the Rectory of St. Mark's, and $500 towards build- 
 ing it, and its transfer over the N. W. R. R. at half 
 price. We hope to get it free over our railroad. It 
 is probably detained from the same cause as the ma- 
 terials for the school house here. 
 
 I have been counting very much on a visit from 
 Bishop Tuttle, and now he writes me he thinks he 
 must fail me for fear of snow in the mountains. I 
 am very sorry. So it goes. The clergy pass and 
 repass me and neither I nor the people get any bene- 
 fit of their even having been in the country. 
 
 -105- 
 
I am thankful the convention has been so quiet 
 and hope it may continue so to the end. I will write 
 Miss Peters and enclose to you and beg you to do 
 me the favor to forward as I do not know the ad- 
 dress of herself or Rector. 
 
 May God bless and keep you, my dear Bishop. 
 Yours in Christ and His Church, 
 
 Joseph W. Cook. 
 
 The Methodist preacher has arrived in Cheyenne 
 and is said to be a very tame affair. J. W. C. 
 
 LETTER TO BISHOP RANDALL. 
 
 Laramie, Wyo., Evening, Oct. 26th, 1868. 
 
 My Dear Bishop : — Can you not get a chance 
 for Mr. Batchelor at Cheshire Academy or some 
 such institution where he can make direct prepara- 
 tion for this S. work? He is of such an age that 
 he ought, it seems to me, to devote all his time and 
 attention to it. He will make but slow progress here 
 at best. He is anxious to give up all for that pur- 
 pose. He is not prepared now to become distinctly 
 a candidate for S. Orders unless you are ready to 
 give him a large dispensation. I should like to see 
 him have the opportunity of good preparation. We 
 hope to have a meeting of vestry this evening. They 
 are so slow. But if I or an associate could stay on 
 the ground a while I think it would go along faster. 
 
 I w^ish someone would set us up in the matter of a 
 school house in Cheyenne. 
 
 As ever, yours very sincerely. 
 
 Joseph W. Cook. 
 
 letter to bishop randall. 
 
 Cheyenne, Wyo., Nov. 27th, 1868. 
 My Dear Bishop: — Yours of the 2nd and 13th 
 inst. came duly to hand and their contents were a 
 
 — 106 — 
 
source of great pleasure to me. Mr. Cornell did not 
 arrive until last night. He was so long in coming, 
 after the time named, that I began to think he had 
 receded from his determination. I knew Mr. C. in 
 the General Seminary and so needed no introduction. 
 I am very glad indeed he has come, and I hope and 
 pray that his work in this territory may he blessed. 
 From your response to my proposition for an asso- 
 ciate mission, the headquarters to be located here, I 
 thought all along that you intended to comply and 
 made my arrangements accordingly. Mr. Cornell 
 informs me that no such idea was presented to him, 
 and he has received instructions to establish him- 
 self in Laramie. I trust that it will turn out all 
 right, although I am considerably disappointed. . 
 There is a great deal to be done at Laramie if my 
 plans are carried out and perhaps it can better be 
 accomplished by a man resident there than other- 
 wise. In the first place, services and Sunday School 
 in the town itself must be maintained and active 
 visiting undertaken, which it seems to me may, with 
 God's blessing, effectually break up the union there 
 which was entered upon some time before I began 
 services. I think with judicious handling the whole 
 element may be harmonized. Then there ought to 
 be regular services at the Post (Fort Sanders). 
 There are more communicants there than at Lar- 
 amie. Several officers and others have spoken to me 
 a number of times about the matter, and have said 
 that if they could have an active young man there 
 they should be very glad to have him as Chaplain, 
 but they were fearful of having one appointed at 
 random lest they should suffer the same infliction 
 as those at Fort Russell and Fort Steele, and in fact 
 the majority of instances in the army. Now, if you 
 will allow the suggestion, since you have secured a 
 
 — 107 — 
 
young man whom I think will be acceptable, I have 
 no doubt you can secure his appointment by the Sec- 
 retary of War (General Scofield) to the position of 
 Chaplain at Fort Sanders with the understanding 
 that he is to be allowed to carry on work at Laramie. 
 Thus he would be in a position of advantage so far 
 as work is concerned there, and he would at once be 
 relieved of the necessity of receiving the Missionary 
 Stipend, and you would have so much to apply to 
 the support of another missionary at some other 
 point. That was Bishop Clarkson's plan with ref- 
 erence to me, had not Mr. Tuttle interfered. He 
 would have quarters free, and about $i,8oo or 
 $2,000. I have been invited to begin an enterprise 
 .at Carbon, about one hundred and thirty miles west 
 of this. A coal company is operating there, of which 
 Dr. Durant and W. Snyder, general superintendent 
 of Pacific railroad, and other railroad men are part- 
 ners. There are about three hundred men there 
 now, mostly Protestant, and before a great while 
 there will be a very large force there. There are 
 some families there. A church has been spoken of 
 by the company and I am informed that most of 
 them are nominally churchmen and would throw their 
 influence that way. By the establishment of Mr. C. at 
 Laramie my plans with reference to work ''up the 
 road" are completely broken up. I shall myself go up 
 to Carbon as soon as I can and look after matters 
 there. The only thing now which prevents my go- 
 ing at once is the lack of a pass. Mr. Evans has 
 gone from Laramie and I cannot now get one. I 
 have thought that if when you are in New York you 
 would take the trouble to see Dr. Durant you could 
 secure a yearly one to be used by Mr. Cornell and 
 myself, by w^hich w^e might be allowed to travel on 
 our duty through the zvhole length of this territory 
 
 — iioS— 
 
and thus take hold of the beginning of things for the 
 Church. If I mistake not, Mr. Ames, the President 
 of the Union Pacific railroad, resides in Boston, and 
 if so you could secure the same thing at once there. 
 If agreeable, I hope you will act upon it. I think 
 it will be a good stroke for missions. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Foote of Salt Lake, in a recent letter to 
 me, says : ''At Fort Bridger there are several com- 
 municants and quite an interest in the Church. Mrs. 
 Colonel Morrow, Mrs. Colonel Mizner and Mrs. 
 Major Belcher at the Post are all intelligent, well 
 educated churchwomen. Miss Foote, residing with 
 Judge Carter, is also a communicant and both of 
 Judge C.'s daughters (fine yound ladies) were edu- 
 cated at St. Agnes Hall in Indiana, and wish to be 
 confirmed. As the Post is now in Wyoming and so 
 removed from Bishop Tuttle's jurisdiction, I think 
 Bishop R. ought to know of this and look after it. 
 Judge Carter will be willing to put up a little chapel 
 and do well towards the support of a clergyman. 
 There is a very good man there now as Chaplain, 
 Mr. Leavit, a Presbyterian minister, who uses the 
 ''Missionary Service" of our Church in all his ser- 
 vices. He is a brother of the editor of our Church 
 Reviezv. 
 
 In addition to this, I am told, there is an important 
 town springing up at the nearest point to Fort 
 Bridger, on the railroad, which is ten or fifteen miles 
 ofif. Had I a pass I would go out and look at it and 
 secure lots there. I am anxiously waiting Miss 
 Peters, who writes me she will be here December 
 1st. Dr. White has ceased to be one of the U. S. 
 Railroad Commissioners. I think he will still take 
 an interest in Laramie enough so as to assist you in 
 doing something for Laramie. He has gone East. 
 His residence is Fair Haven, near New Haven. 
 
 -109- 
 
Mrs. White gave me a lot for the church in Lar- 
 amie. When you see him, would it not be well to 
 get some instrument of transfer to that effect? I 
 secured a corner lot, 132x132 feet, in an eligible posi- 
 tion for church purposes. The gentlemen who have 
 saw mills in that vicinity have subscribed to the 
 amount of from 2,000 to 6,000 feet of lumber apiece 
 and I think it will be sufficient to furnish all the 
 timbers for rafters, joists, etc. They talk there of 
 building of stone, of which there is an abundance 
 of beautiful building stone within a short distance, 
 easily worked and accessible. It is reddish-gray 
 sandstone. All the rolling stock of the railroad has 
 been in use to push on the construction and so our 
 lumber for rectory has been lying at Omaha for six 
 weeks or more. I have a letter now from Mr. Sny- 
 der, who says it will be along in a few days. He 
 insists upon charging us half tariff rates. This be- 
 ing the case, I have my doubts about our being able 
 to get up the building this winter. We have but 
 five hundred dollars ($500) and that will nearly be 
 eaten up by the time we get the materials upon 
 the ground. I am very much obliged to you for 
 providing for the expenses of the teacher out. If 
 you are prospered in getting up your training school 
 perhaps you will be able to provide for Mr. Batch- 
 elor there. Being superintendent of public schools 
 in this county, I have organized a district in Lar- 
 amie, and hope to have the public school start the 
 first of the year. It may be I can put him in there. 
 I have just had a letter from Mrs. Fallon, 216 W. 
 Ritten House Square, Philadelphia, of St. Mark's 
 Church, telling me that I can look for a bell for 
 Cheyenne by Easter as a kind of baptismal present. 
 I wish, if agreeable, you would call on the Fallons 
 when you are in Philadelphia. Mr. A. G. Lathrop 
 
 — no — 
 
has presented us with the designs for the other large 
 window, and I have devoted a week's hard labor, 
 day and night, to putting them on. It is very beau- 
 tiful, cost forty-one dollars. There are many other 
 little items which I should like to mention, but I 
 must bring my long, rambling letter to a close. 
 
 God bless and prosper you, my dear Bishop. Let 
 me hear from you soon. As ever, yours in Christ 
 and His S. Church, Joseph W. Cook. 
 
 LETTER TO BISHOP RANDAI^L. 
 
 Cheyenne, Wyo., Dec. loth, 1868. 
 My Dear Bishop : — 
 
 I have not yet received an answer to my last — in 
 fact there has not been more than time by the 
 promptest response and mail. However, I feel in 
 the humor and mood of writing you although not in 
 exuberant spirits. Winter has come on ; hopes in 
 the reform of erring ones have been sadly dashed; 
 .plans for work broken up, ''Through much tribula- 
 tion we enter into the kingdom of Heaven.'' 
 
 Bishop Turtle passed through here according to 
 appointment on the ist inst., and brought Miss 
 Peters. I told her I thought her a very brave lit- 
 tle woman to come so far to go among entire 
 strangers. Fortunately she is of a very cheerful, 
 hopeful disposition. I was obliged in great part 
 to furnish a room for her which I had procured of 
 the gentleman who teaches the public school. On 
 the seventh inst. we opened school with nineteen 
 scholars, and today we had twenty-five. Several 
 more expect to come after New Year's. I have 
 been much pleased with the manner in which Miss 
 Peiters has started ofif. She evidently understands 
 what she is about, and she seems delighted with her 
 school. The children seem delighted with her. She 
 
 — Ill — 
 
is very decided and firm, but at the same time kind 
 and affectionate, elements of success in a good 
 teacher. The school would be self-supporting from 
 the start were it not for the rent of the building, 
 $20 per month. As yet I have not asked a person 
 for a dollar for the school and hope I may not be 
 under the necessity of doing it. I think, however, 
 it will pay its way. It may not pay the original ex- 
 pense of furniture. 
 
 St. Mark's, Cheyenne, during the rectorship of the Rev. Francis W. 
 Milliard (1874-1876). 
 
 ''The child has come to the birth, but there is not 
 strength to bring forth." In other words the ma- 
 terials for our Rectory have reached us safely and 
 for want of funds we have been obliged to store the 
 lumber at Col. Carling's depot and wait for future 
 developments. Botlh the N. W. R. R. Co. and the 
 U. Pacific refused to do more for us than to send 
 it for less than half tariff rates. This swallowed up 
 nearly all our ready funds. We have between one 
 and two hundred Dollars in Bank. How or when 
 
 — 112 — 
 
the problem of its erection shall be worked out I do 
 r ot know. My anticipations with reference to it are 
 not very encouraging. The vestry have nothing to 
 do with the matter and Mr. Woolley, who has been 
 the means of getting the matter thus far thinks 
 best they should not. He thinks there will be less 
 trouble about it. Besides he wishes me to build it 
 to suit myself. In the mean time I am perfectly 
 
 -. I have not as yet succeeded in getting 
 
 a gasoline stove for my vestry room and I cannot 
 have an ordinary stove there. I am staying with 
 Mr. Sherman at the Bank. I am comfortable as to 
 ted and place to stay, but subject to constant inter- 
 ruptions and unable tO' count upon an hour's quiet. 
 Of course I can accomplish nothing in way of stud)' 
 or writing. I can't afford to take a room elsewhere. 
 It it were not that I have already spent all my ready 
 money, and more too, in this school, I would take 
 some of the Rectory lumber and put up a room at 
 the end of the Church communicating with the 
 Vestry room. Then I could have a room where I 
 could have an ordinary fire. Mr. Cornell has been 
 back from Laramie a couple of days and has just 
 returned. He read to me his last letter to you be- 
 fore sending it. I was, I confess to you, very much 
 annoyed at several expressions in it, and he 
 scratched out some of them. Still the tenor of his 
 letter could not be mistaken by you, although he 
 protested he was writing for information and ad- 
 vice. I assured him what your answer would be, 
 for there could be but one to it. It was unmistak- 
 able that he was only willing to work in an inde- 
 pendent way, and if so, you were not the one to 
 reject his services, because he would not come into 
 other plans for work. I have found him very pig- 
 headed. Although I assured him that in such an 
 
 —113— 
 
associate mission as I proposed there was no such 
 thing as subordination or assistantship, 'but a perfect 
 equality and equitable and mutual arrangement and 
 agreement upon work, he persisted in speaking to 
 others of it as if I was to be a little pope, and he 
 an assistant to be ordered about at my will, etc. 1 
 was obliged to request him at last as a special favor 
 that he should not so represent it as it was far 
 from my thoughts and plans. I designed that he 
 should stay there one week in charge of the church 
 and school, rest, study, write, while I should spend 
 Sunday and a couple of days at Laramie and Fort 
 Sanders, then go up the railroad to other points, 
 return to Cheyenne on Saturday and then he should 
 take a week's trip up the railroad and I should take 
 the work at Cheyenne. My plan may not be the 
 best or most practicable. I took Mr. C. to Laramie 
 and Fort Sanders and introduced him and gave 
 the whole work into his hands. The people very 
 kindly insisted that I should not give up my con- 
 nection with the work there. But as Mr. C. was 
 unwilling to come into my arrangement except as 
 a kind of trial of it, in which he had no^ heart or 
 interest, there w^as no other course open. It needs 
 a man to be thoroughly persuaded of the wisdom of 
 the course upon which he enters and to work 
 heartily to work successfully. I did not care to 
 begin a course in which at any time I might be left 
 alone, and plans entirely destroyed after entered 
 upon. 
 
 I have only space to write myself, my dear 
 Bishop. 
 
 Yours faithfully in Christ and His S. Church, 
 
 Joseph W. Cook. 
 
 1869, New Year's Day. Have omitted writing 
 in my journal for a long time, having scarcely a 
 
 —114— 
 
moment of time to spare for it, and being so tossed 
 about from one lodging to another that it has been 
 almost impossible. What has been accomiplished 
 is sketched in my letters to Bishop Randall. At 
 last I have got a little stove in my Vestry room and 
 here I live and am quite comfortable, being able to 
 command some quiet time now for writing. At 
 Mr. Sherman's request stayed last night at the 
 bank, Mr. Sherman being absent at the Post to 
 a party. Spent this afternoon in writing some 
 letters, etc. After dinner called upon Miss Peters, 
 the teacher of the Parish School, which is now in 
 a flourishing condition with thirty-eight scholars. 
 P'ound her quite blue thinking of the pleasant time 
 they were probably having in New York City, at 
 home. Called on Mrs. Morrow, Mrs. Irwin and 
 daughter, Mrs. Street, George Bronson (a sick 
 man), Mr. Kent (who made me a present of a 
 Meershaum pipe), and on Mr. and Mrs. GosHne 
 and Mr. and Mrs. Davis. Took tea with the latter 
 families and sat awhile with them, Mr. Loman and 
 Mr. East joining our company. At request of Mr. 
 Sherman, spent the night at the Bank. Talked 
 confidentially with me of many of his private af- 
 fairs. The day has been fine. There was a slight 
 fall of snow last night, just enough to make the 
 shroud of the old year and the bridal robe of the 
 new. 
 
 January 2d. Beautiful and mild day, but fearful 
 wind arose and the dust was horrible. Wrote 
 note to Mrs. Carling thanking her for her labors 
 in the late choir, (it went to pieces last week and 
 Miss Peters now leads) and to wish her a happy 
 New Year. Prepared for Sunday. Expected Mr. 
 Woolley to send for me to go to the Post, but sup- 
 
 — IIS— 
 
posed it was too windy. Spent afternoon and even- 
 ing here in Vestry room. ^ 
 
 January 3d. Second Sunday after Chris'tmas. 
 Wind and dust more horrible than ever. Miss 
 Peters came over, and was only lady at service. 
 Eight or ten people out, I did not expect any. 
 Church perfectly disgusting with dust. Mr. Lath- 
 rop was here and stopped after service a few mo- 
 ments. Took Miss Peters to the Rollins house. 
 Did not expect children to Sunday School, but 
 about a dozen got here. In evening started my 
 proposed conversations on Church history. Nine 
 persons present. Mr. Webster and Mr. Williams 
 spent the remainder of the evening with me talk- 
 ing over plans for the future of the "Star." My 
 friend Webster becomes, tomorrow, local editor 
 of the same and I am much rejoiced. Mr. Williams 
 left me a check for $20.00, a free will offering. 
 Mr. Webster had handed me a present of $25.00 
 a few days ago and also a gold pen. Neither of 
 them has much of this world's goods and I did 
 not like to receive it, but they insisted and I yielded 
 May God reward them. We had a very pleasant 
 evening together. I cut my cake, a present from 
 (the ladies who held a Fair for the Church, and I 
 made some lemonade. 
 
 January 4th. Answered some letters from Thos. 
 Groom, Esq., of Boston, Mass., with reference 
 to his son John whom I found sick here, and waited 
 upon until he was able to travel. Got him off for 
 home on Wednesday last. A brother-in-law of 
 Rev. C. L. Hutchins of Lowell, Mass., a friend in 
 General Sem. Wrote note to Rev. John Cornell 
 of Laramie with reference to an exchange next 
 Sunday. Spent rest of morning in reading. Suf- 
 fering from bad headache. Taught in Parish 
 
 —116— 
 
School in afternoon. Called upon Mrs. Rogers, did 
 not find her in. Went to see George Bronson, a 
 sick man whom I have visited a number of times. 
 Found him evidently dying. Exhorted him to pre- 
 pare for the worst. Quite flighty, but rational 
 when spoken to. Doctor came in and intimated 
 his serious situation and told him if he had any 
 preparations to make he had best talk with me. 
 Asked me to go after tea for that purpose, which 
 I did. It was not satisfactory, as it could not be 
 under the circumstances. Exhorted, read and 
 prayed with him. ''Hoped he would go to Heav- 
 en.'' But alas he could not rise to the importance 
 of preparing for it. Spoke to him of S. Baptism, 
 but alas his mind was wandering and in a little 
 while his voice failed him. The doctor came in 
 and in a few minutes the poor fellow died. Sad! 
 Sad! and, oh, how many similar cases are con- 
 stantly occurring of men rushing to the bar of God 
 without preparation to meet their Judge! Spent 
 lemainder of evening discussing divinity and mor- 
 als with Doctors Heimberger , Moore and Mr. 
 Johnson. 
 
 April 2Sth, St. Mark's Day, and fourth Sunday 
 after Easter. Very pleasant day and large con- 
 gregation in the morning. Preached sermon on 
 St. Mark and unity in worshipping God, based 
 upon fact attributed to St. Mark that he composed 
 a Liturgy, and that that was intended to unite 
 all worshippers in their expressions of worship. 
 Applying it to this congregation and urging unity 
 both in posture and in joining in the prayers and 
 praises. Service in evening, talked on tradition 
 and the Apocryphal gospels as sources of heresy. 
 Mr. Jeffries walked home with Miss Peters, and 
 Webster with Julia. I followed in a few minutes. 
 
 —117— 
 
Last Sunday dear, dear Webster is to spend with 
 us. About to go to an uncle at Stockton, Califor- 
 nia. A great grief for us all. We have become 
 so devotedly attached to each other that it seems as 
 though we ought not to be separated. Besides we 
 seem so well adapted to each other. What I should 
 have done without him in the three dismal months 
 past, I do not know. Thank God for him ! He has 
 been sleeping with me at the Vestry for two months 
 past and I shall miss him sorely. Tonight is our 
 last. Mr. Williams dined with us today. 
 
 April 26th. Wrote three or four business let- 
 ters. Called at Mrs. Morrow's and got her per- 
 mission to use some of the Mite Society money to 
 pay the R. R. charges on our beautiful bell of 600 
 lb. from St. Mark's, Philadelphia, which arrived a 
 couple of weeks ago, and was rung for the first 
 time last Sunday. Went to R. R. office and paid the 
 bill. Busied myself with getting up nice luncheon 
 for Webster. Went with him to the train with Miss 
 Peters and Julia, and then rushed to the P. O. to 
 see if a letter was there for him. As I arrived at 
 the P. O. the train started, and I missed a regular 
 good-bye but I had shaken his finger and given him 
 a God-bless-you fearing I might not see him. The 
 women were in an awful state and when they got 
 home cried heartily. We shall not soon see his like 
 again for kindness, love and cheerfulness and sym- 
 pathy. God bless him ! How lonely my old vestry 
 seems tonight without him ! Called in and chatted 
 a little while with Mr. Williams, who is trying hard 
 to get his paper started again — it was suspended by 
 Webster in absence of Mr. Williams who was in 
 Washington; stayed six or eight weeks without 
 giving W. any instructions, in fact, no one here 
 knew what had become of him. No blame rests 
 
 —118— 
 
upon Webster as he did the best he could and 
 worked night and day to the last, and well sustained 
 the editorial department. It was the best and most 
 dignified paper we had and it was a great sorrow to 
 me to have it closed. I hope it will be resuscitated. 
 George Hunter announced to Miss Peters that he 
 would not take charge of the school house any more. 
 We had just expended a great deal of care, labor, 
 and money on his sick mother, and just clothed him 
 up nicely and he showed his gratitude, in which he 
 seemed to have been joined by his mother, by turn- 
 ing his back upon us. He got $t.oo per week and 
 his schooling free. Another exemplification that 
 "It is impossible to. make a silk purse out of a sow's 
 ear." I had to go and sweep out the school room. 
 I then went to his mother intending to talk matters 
 over with her a little. The old woman in charge 
 said she was sleeping so I just slipped in, took down 
 a coat and pants just furnished George last week, 
 which the ladies had made, and carried them home, 
 thinking I could make a better disposition of them. 
 Mr. LeFeare came and sat the evening with us so 
 that we could not be very blue. Wrote note to Web- 
 ster after coming to vestry room, to enclose in let- 
 ter received for him. Little snow this afternoon 
 and evening. 
 
 April 27th. At breakfast the ladies had set the 
 table as if for Webster, and we of course fell to 
 talking about him. I produced the letter and read 
 it and we cried all around. Wrote to Mrs. Fallon 
 to thank her and tell her about the beautiful bell of 
 600 lbs., which through her was sent us, and which 
 I got up so as to ring it a week ago last Sunday. 
 Helped the ladies to wash in afternoon. Mrs. Tal- 
 bot brought Rose Taylor and I said a few words to 
 her with reference to Confirmation. Stained the 
 
 ^119— 
 
desks at the school house. Got Clarence Talbot to 
 take charge of school house instead of George H. 
 
 April 28th. Wrote to Mrs. Blackhurst on Big 
 Thompson about sending me up some trees for 
 church lot. To Bishop Randall about attempting to 
 secure the lot next to the church for church pur- 
 poses. To Mr. Saul Abel of Chester Valley to 
 thank him for his efforts in securing some subscrip- 
 tions for the 'bell among my old friends at St. Paul's 
 and a couple at Downington. Mrs. Davis and Mrs. 
 Gosline were at the church when I came over, so I 
 spoke to Mrs. G. about Confirmation. Called on 
 Mr. Heeker, the N. R. R. Agent. Sat little while 
 with Judge Williams, glad to learn he is about 
 started again. God prosper him. Examining a box 
 of clothing belonging to Webster I almost shed tears, 
 he is so dear to me and he is gone ! Read "Martin 
 Chuzzlewit" awhile to ladies. Raining as I came 
 over to vestry tonight. 
 
 April 29th. Took letter to the train this morn- 
 ing. Met Mr. Jos. A. Evans. Told me Mr. Cor- 
 nell had come down to see me. So I rushed back 
 and found him just coming from the house. Took 
 him to "Star" office to get some printing done, and 
 then came and spent day at vestry room talking 
 over various matters. Avoided discussing some of 
 his recent acts which were very disagreeable to me 
 although he brought them up several times. Took 
 him over to dinner and the thought occurred to me, 
 "Oh, how can I bear to see that man sitting in Ami's 
 place at dinner!'' Sister it seems had thought the 
 same, and has asked Miss Peters to take it, so we 
 were all relieved. Hurried him off to the train to 
 which he barely came in time. Received note from 
 Ami from Wasatch written at 5 a. m. yesterday 
 morning. Owing to recent snows he did not go to 
 
 — 120 — 
 
Sweetwater as he expected. Wrote him this even- 
 ing and having ascertained to my great surprise that 
 he had never even been baptised, I took occasion to 
 write him somewhat on religious matters. We had 
 several short conversations on religious matters but 
 he never mentioned that fact and I took it for 
 granted, and especially as his grandfather was the 
 first native-born American who became a Methodist 
 minister and was quite prominent. It would have 
 been an unutterable joy to have received Ami into 
 the church. May God yet give him grace to confess 
 Christ before men. Read awhile to the ladies. 
 
 April 30th. Letter from Rev. Mr. Reilly giving 
 me a very good account of my protege, John Robin- 
 son, which w^as very gratifying. Choir meeting in 
 evening. Enjoyed the singing in a melancholy sorr 
 of way. It was very good, but at same time disposed 
 me to gloomy thoughts of my loss. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Davis, Mr. Newton, Miss Peters and sister- sat 
 awhile in vestry afterwards. Sent note to Cornell 
 urging him to put off laying corner stone until 
 Bishop Randall comes out. Walked out to Fort 
 about noon. Dined with Dr. Alden, who after- 
 wards examined me for life insurance. Called on 
 Mr. Tuttle and notified him of the laying of the 
 corner stone. Spent some time at Mr. Woolley's. 
 Discussed the action of vestry at late meeting. De- 
 termined we could not consent to their proposition 
 to sell the materials for a Rectory and buy a house 
 to move upon the church lot to fix up for Rectory, 
 and apply the surplus, if any, to the back salary. 
 Mr. W. promises me 60 bushels of lime towards a 
 granite house and that he will see me through 
 with it. 
 
 May 1st. Beautiful day. Miss Peters' birthday. 
 Gave her a little set of jewelry. Prepared for Sun- 
 
 — 121 — 
 
day. Planted out the remains of box of roots, 
 which I brought out from the East with me. Left 
 them with Dr. Girard, at his request, and he has 
 allowed them to perish. In afternoon walked out 
 to Col. Carling's camp with the ladies and gathered 
 flowers and cactus bulbs. Called on Mr. McMinn 
 to get plans for Rectory but found that he was still 
 suffering from weak eyes and has been unable to 
 do anything with them. Took the rough sketches 
 to work out myself. Quite tired in evening. 
 
 May 2nd. Fifth Sunday after Easter. Casey is 
 so miserable as a sexton I was obliged to do many 
 little things myself to have things decent. Good con- 
 gregation in morning and goodly number at S. Comv 
 Ami subject of my earnest petitions at that S. Feast. 
 After S. S. almost exhausted. Had to rest awhile. 
 Talked with considerable ease at evening service on 
 the Creed as the barrier which Ancient Church set 
 up against heresy. Wrote note to Mr. Tuttle to 
 prepare for the laying of corner stone, having heard 
 from Cornell that he will not put off. 
 
 May 3rd. Very busy all morning seeing people 
 about various work and projects. Helped the 
 ladies wash in afternoon. Wearied out at night. 
 
 May 4th. George Hunter came before I was up 
 to say that his mother died very early this morn- 
 ing ! Poor boy ! Told me on the way over that it 
 was not his fault that he left caring for the school 
 room, but that it was his mother's doings. Worked 
 hard all day long packing up and settling her af- 
 fairs and getting things ready for her burial. Got 
 her in her coffin at dark and sent her over to the 
 church. Helped Julia to make out the monthly re- 
 ports of the school, kept us until after 10 :oo o'clock 
 p. m. Wrote to Mrs. Hunter's husband and to one 
 
 -122- 
 
daughter. Gave George home with myself for the 
 present. Utterly exhausted. 
 
 May 5th. Beautiful day. Took George over to 
 the church to see his mother before people came so 
 I could close the coffin. He could not bear to look 
 at her. Acted part of sexton and undertaker. Ser- 
 vice at io:oo o'clock. After funeral had talk with 
 George and told him what I wished with reference 
 to him, and wanted him to say Whether he wished 
 to stay with me. He did not know what is for the 
 beat. At his request wrote to another sister from 
 whom he received a letter this morning. Wrote 
 letter to Williard at Sidney to invite him to come to 
 confirmation with my candidates. Received note 
 from Mr. Nichols offering to take George as mes- 
 senger for telegraph office. Got ready for Laramie 
 this evening so tired^I can scarcely go. After went 
 home to dinner. Mrs. Arnold came to me to tell me 
 that George's sister had arrived and was at her 
 house in an awful state of grief at the intelligence 
 of her mother's deaith. Not the one to whom we 
 telegraphed and wrote. Bolted my dinner and 
 rushed off to see her before going to the train. 
 Seems a gentle nice woman. Sorry for the poor 
 creature. Met Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle on the train. 
 After arrived at Laramie we went to hear Cornell's 
 lecture on the S. land and the East. Very little that 
 is new. Extemporaneous and containing a good 
 many grammatical errors. Two hours long. Stopped 
 while at Mr. Ivinson's afterwards. 
 
 Ascension Day, May 6th. Procession formed at 
 Mr. Ivinson's. Mr. Cornell commenced the service. 
 I laid the corner stone and said the collects for 
 Ascension Day and St. Matthew's Day and the 
 prayer after the act. Addresses were made by Mr. 
 
 —123— 
 
Tuttle, myself, and Cornell. Everything passed off 
 pleasantly. Dined with Mr. I., as could not get 
 away in afternoon as I expected, took tea with Dr. 
 Latham. Went into Mr. Ivinson's and found a 
 rehearsal going on for a May-day picnic on Mon- 
 day. The children reciting their pieces and singing, 
 was quite pleased. Visited the public school and 
 addressed the children. As I came out Willey 
 Pointer seized my hand and said, "I wish you would 
 stay here, and let Mr. Cornell go down there." In 
 evening got an opportunity and talked to John 
 Reichard with reference to connecting himself with 
 the church. Seems favorably disposed, but pleads 
 ignorance of the church at present. Engaged to 
 send him some reading matter. 
 
 May 7th. Came down on morning train with 
 Mr. Ivinson and Dr. Latham. After breakfast sent 
 for George's sister to come over to the church and 
 pack his trunk and talk over her mother's affairs. 
 Very much pleased with the poor woman. Thinks 
 best to take George with her. Wrote letter of in- 
 troduction for George to Mr. Jennings, Rector of 
 church in Central. Got everything fixed up. Letter 
 from Bishop Randall telling me his plan and when 
 he will arrive. Called on Mrs. Shakespeare to see 
 if she is coimng to confirmation. Found she has 
 been baptized. Called on Mrs. Post for same ob- 
 ject in evening and had long talk. George and sis- 
 ter came to the church and we talked a good while. 
 Urged her to take stand for Christ and to strive to 
 lead George in the right way. Gov. and Secretary 
 and Chief Justice arrived. 
 
 May 8th. Got George and sister off on the 
 morning coach. Cleaned up my vestry room and 
 turned my carpet. Prepared for Sunday. In after- 
 noon there was a demonstration to welcome our new 
 
 — 124 — 
 
territorial officers and. to celebrate the finishing of the 
 R. R. through to the Pacific Coast, though the last 
 rail will not be laid until next Monday. A heavy 
 dash of rain coming on fire Con and citizens as- 
 sembled in McDaniel's Hall and listened to a few 
 words from Gov. Campbell and General Lee, Sec. 
 of Wyoming, and Judge Hower, Chief Justice. I 
 am much pleased with the appearance of them alL 
 They look like pleasant gentlemen. The Gov. and 
 Secretary went off on the evening train. Called on 
 Judge Hower, but missed him. Sat a while with 
 Sherman and Wilson (Posey) at the Bank. 
 
 Sunday after Ascension, May 9th. Tolerably 
 pleasant day with a little rain. Preached on the 
 objections and hindrances of confirmation in the 
 morning, and talked about monasticism in the even- 
 ing. Small S. S. Charlie Bell present at service 
 and S. S. Asked him to stay after S. S. Had talk 
 with him about confirmation. Had no reason why 
 he should not be confirmed. Hope he will be. 
 
 (the; end.) 
 
 -T25— 
 
Appendix 
 
 Two Letters of the Rev. John Cor- 
 nell, First Rector of St. Matthew's 
 Church, Laramie, Addressed to 
 Bishop Thomas 
 
 The Rev. John Cornell, first Rector 
 of St. Matthew's, Laramie, as he 
 appeared in 1868. 
 
 Thk Waldorf-Astoria, 
 New York, Feb. 14, 1912. 
 My Dear Bishop: 
 
 I have yours of February 9th, and I would say in 
 reply, the papers and data I have concerning Wyo- 
 
 — 126 — 
 
ming are my Diary (during that time), Bishop Ran- 
 dall's reports and perhaps Bishop Talbot's. All 
 these are at my farm in the country near Newport 
 Where I reside in the summer. The reports of your 
 predecessors I presume you have. I will give you 
 some of my personal remembrances and much of 
 this will probably not be new to you. 
 
 I was moved by Bishop Randall's appeal for 
 young men to go West and put myself at his dis- 
 posal. As I was then young and unmarried he said 
 he could send me to this hardest field (Laramie, 
 Wyoming Territory), from which I was to report 
 to him. I started in the fall of 1868. On arriving 
 at Cheyenne, on my way there, I was met by Rev. 
 J. W. Cook. He told me he had arranged with 
 Bishop Randall to have an associate mission at 
 Cheyenne of which he was the head and I the tail, 
 and I was to reside there under his orders. I had 
 not so understood the Bishop's orders, but stopped 
 in Cheyenne, writing to Bishop Randall for instruc- 
 tions. In the interim of an answer, Mr. Cook and 
 myself went to Laramie and held services and 
 visited the people. He tried to explain to them the 
 advantages of his proposed associate mission, chief 
 among which was they could thus retain his ser- 
 vices, but the people who wished a resident minister 
 suggested he should come to Laramie and reside or 
 that I should. I heard from Bishop Randall later, 
 and he said I had correctly understood his instruc- 
 tions. So I went there and began work. I was the 
 first resident minister, but not the pioneer. Mr. 
 Cook who had done a very successful work at Chey- 
 enne, had also accomplished much at Laramie, and 
 Bishop Randall was before him. We began service 
 regularly in a log cabin which also served as the 
 public school during the week. A better (frame 
 building) school house was subsequently built in 
 
 —127— 
 
which we also held services. The first few original 
 services were held in the parlor of the Laramie 
 Hotel, or the large dining room. But that not being 
 convenient for the hotel (at ii a. m.) we did not 
 hold our services there after my work began, though 
 dances were held there about once a week in the 
 hotel for the benefit of the church. These I stopped. 
 We began with two communicants, Mrs. Ivinson, 
 still there (I think) and a young man, Mr. Batche- 
 lor, who died while I was there. While at Lara- 
 mie I started missionary work at Rawlins. I bap- 
 tised some children there. The people seemed much 
 interested, so I organized a Parish and was elected 
 Rector and I think took some means to build a 
 chapel. For this I received a very severe letter 
 from Mr. Cook. He considered it was in his parish 
 (though he had to pass mine to get to it) and he 
 had started services there. I asked him if he con- 
 sidered himself responsible for it, why he did not 
 hold service there, and he said, "Don't you know 
 I haven't the time?" I said I did [not] suppose he 
 wanted to be ''the dog in the manger," still I could 
 discontinue services there if he would go. So I 
 abandoned it. I don't think he found time to go 
 and the work came to an end, though subsequently 
 revived. I also started work at Carbon mines. A 
 Mr. Ward well, the owner or manager, took much 
 interest in the mission. There were then Welsh and 
 English miners there. The mission seemed so 
 promising I got Bishop Randall to appoint a resi- 
 dent missionary there (a Mr. Fitman). Had he 
 been the right one, the fit man, for the place it 
 might have prospered. He had been a Romist 
 Priest, and though quite a popular preacher, lacked 
 good judgment and patience, and the mission was a 
 failure, though one of my successors in Laramie 
 (Mr. Baum) subsequently tried to revive it and 
 
 —128— 
 
built a church there, or moved the Cheyenne church 
 building there. But he was not a success, I under- 
 stand. Both he and Mr. Fitman were deposed from 
 the ministry subsequently. I also commenced work 
 at a neighboring town, Wyoming Station, near Lar- 
 amie. We had good congregations there. Bishop 
 Randall visited the place. I raised some money to 
 build a chapel, or rather buy a saloon and turn it 
 into a Church, but afterward I told Bishop Ran- 
 dall I thought the town was going down and it was 
 useless to have a church there. But he said, ''You 
 go ahead and raise what money you can, and I will 
 give the rest." So we bought the ''Progressive Sa- 
 loon," and turned it into a Church. Bishop Ran- 
 dall was there and we opened the Chapel with a 
 good congregation and flying colors. Still, all that 
 is now left of the town is the railroad depot, and the 
 other buildings, including the Chapel, have disap- 
 peared. So you see my missionary work in parts 
 adjacent did not accomplish much. I visited once 
 or twice Fort Laramie about lOO miles north, and 
 held services there which seemed much appreciated 
 by the officers and their families. I don't think the 
 soldiers attended. Bishop Randall also directed me 
 to go to the Sweetwater region. South Pass City, I 
 think. The journey was from Bryan on the U. P. 
 R. R. by open wagon for a day or two. These jour- 
 neys for some reason (unknown to me) were in 
 winter, the thermometer at times about 20 degrees 
 below zero. I thought it would be the death of me, 
 and it was of one of my successors (Mr. Stewart), 
 whose bones rest there now, and I think it was also 
 of Bishop Randall. For he took the journey there 
 once himself (I suppose in winter) and on his re- 
 turn he was so exhausted and feeble that he died 
 soon after. 
 
 — 129 — 
 
I remained three or four years at Laramie. I 
 had some opportunities to take other work, but at 
 the end of three years I had an opportunity to go to 
 CaHfornia, and I told Bishop Randall I had staid 
 longer than I agreed, but on account of the intensely 
 cold winters I hoped he would agree to my leaving 
 him for California. He did not see how I could 
 turn my back on such needs as his Diocese pre- 
 sented, and offered to give me a position at Santa 
 Fe, New Mexico, where I went, his Diocese includ- 
 ing Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. That 
 ended my work in Laramie and Wyoming. A 
 church was built there and the money, or part of it, 
 raised for a rectory. The money was partly raised 
 to enclose a cemetery, the town would give us the 
 land. I thought the sale of burial lots and fees 
 would be an endowment to the Parish. Money was 
 raised to build a chapel at Carbon. I asked Mr. 
 Baum, my successor, how the cemetery fund was 
 progressing. He said the Vestry had voted it to him 
 for his travelling expenses. Thus it is so Church 
 funds are often misappropriated. Bishop Randall 
 was a real missionary and an ideal Bishop, a strong 
 Churchman but much opposed to ritualism. He 
 asked me how I got up such confirmation classes. I 
 said he did it, his timely visits and stirring addresses 
 shook the tree, and I had only to gather up the fruit. 
 His reports were a little sensational. When we 
 bought a saloon at Wyoming Station and turned it 
 into a chapel he made quite a flaming report of it 
 and said for once ''the Progressive Saloon'' had 
 progressed in the right direction and turned into a 
 Church. The Church got a pretty good foothold in 
 Laramie. The neighboring Fort Sanders was a 
 great help to us. Some of the officers served as 
 vestry men. We were the pioneers there and for a 
 long time had it all to ourselves. The Presbyterians, 
 
 —130— 
 
then the Baptists and then the Methodists came, but 
 each one seemed to strengthen our work. Bishop 
 Talbot considered it such a strong point that he 
 made it his Cathedral town. I made a great mis- 
 take in not securing more property, but at one time 
 some supposed Laramie was going the way of many 
 railroad towns, and be virtually abandoned. 
 
 Please excuse this long letter. I will be glad to 
 answer any questions I can. 
 
 Respectfully yours, 
 
 John Cornell. 
 
 P. S. Since I left Laramie, I have been recalled 
 by the people, and afterwards Bishop Talbot offered 
 me the Deanery of the Cathedral. Regretted I could 
 not accept. I started a Parish Register, but under- 
 stood it was lost. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Cook left Cheyenne to be missionary to 
 the Indians, in whom he was much interested. He 
 was succeeded by a Mr. Barstow. I was succeeded 
 by Rev. W. H. Baum. The land for the Church (a 
 half square) was given us by the railroad company. 
 
 The: Waldorf-Astoria, 
 Nkw York, March 2J, 191 2. 
 . My Dear Bishop: 
 
 Since writing you last, I have received your kind 
 letter, also received your fine picture and Diocesan 
 Paper. I enclose my picture taken about the time I 
 was at Laramie, though I looked much younger than 
 I really was.* 
 
 I have since been to my farm and got my diaries 
 
 for those years 1868-71 and looked them over. 
 
 They quite bring back the events of over forty years 
 
 ago. I don't know if they will much interest you. 
 
 I arrived at Cheyenne November 26th, 1868, 
 
 *A cut of this picture appears at the head of the appendix. 
 
 —131— 
 
stopped with Rev. Joseph W. Cook till Sunday, No- 
 vember 29th (first Sunday in Advent) when after 
 officiating at Cheyenne in the morning we went to 
 Laramie and officiated there. I preached. That 
 was my first appearance at Laramie. I continued to 
 hold services in the Hotel Parlor and Public School 
 Building. Also held service at various points on the 
 
 railroad, occasionally exchanged with Rev. . 
 
 Having a free pass over the Road, it did not cost 
 much, being generally entertained by the people 
 where I went. The first note I have of Rawlins is 
 April 8, 1869. The prospects seemed so good, I or- 
 ganized a vestry. Mr. Cook thought the place be- 
 longed to him, so I agreed not to go there if he 
 would look after it. But I don't think he found 
 time, and the Presbyterians came in and built a 
 Church which I found there January 23rd, 1871, in 
 which I officiated that Sunday after holding service 
 in Ft. Steele the day before, many of the people of 
 Ft. Steele coming to the service at Rawlins. There 
 was then a Methodist chaplain (named Regan) at 
 Ft. Steele. Mr. Cook had then left Cheyenne and 
 gone to be a missionary to the Indians. The Rev. 
 Barstow succeeded him. Also I officiated at Car- 
 bon, a coal region, Bryan, Evanston, Medicine Bow, 
 and Wyoming Station. Considerable interest was 
 developed in these places, especially Carbon and 
 Wyoming. At Carbon the manager gave consider- 
 able inducement to placing a missionary there and 
 subscribed the last $100 to building a church. This 
 was never called for. Mr. Fitman was sent there 
 before or after his appointment at South Pass City, 
 but he did not seem to be the fit man for either 
 place. His wife too was a disadvantage. I held ser- 
 vice at Laramie Sunday a. m, and evening in the 
 school house and sometimes in the afternoon at Ft. 
 Sanders. The U. S. officers and men and their fam- 
 
 —132— 
 
ilies were helpful to my .work and very hospitable. 
 The Government sent a Methodist chaplain there, 
 after which I stopped holding services there. But 
 the people came from there to Church at Laramie. 
 I had a Monday Bible Class and occasional week 
 day services at Laramie. Prayer Meetings were 
 held at different houses not under my control, but 
 was invited to take part and sometimes preside, 
 which I did. A Methodist doctor (Hilton), a local 
 preacher, held services Sunday p. m. in the school- 
 house. He was an Englishman and dropped and 
 misplaced his ''h" and did not comm'and very much 
 respect. Still the people seemed contented with 
 their religious privileges. Still after we got in the 
 Church, great efforts were made by outside mission- 
 ary district secretaries, etc., to place their denomina- 
 tions there. In some cases, their churches were built 
 and ministers supported from outside. In fact, 
 Bishop Randall paid my salary, $ioo per month, on 
 condition they would build a church, and he con- 
 tributed part of the money to build the church. 
 After the church was built, at my suggestion, he 
 lowered my salary, for the people to raise the rest. 
 I also got them to contribute to missions and 
 started three funds : a rectory fund, a graveyard 
 fund (to enclose a cemetery for the Church) and 
 make it a revenue to the Parish, and a Church 
 Building Fund for Carbon. In fact during my 
 visit East I collected some money for the Church 
 building and rectory fund. On my departure I 
 (fortunately) gave Biishop Randall the rectory 
 fund. The Carbon Fund I gave to Mr. Fitman, 
 who contrary to my ideas attempted to build a stone 
 church, the stone being plenty there, but after some 
 digging and quarrying the stone was found unsuit- 
 able and abandoned. My successor. Rev. W. H. 
 Baum, attempted to move the old Cheyenne Church 
 
 —133— 
 
to Carbon. I don't know how it resulted, but don't 
 think it was a success. Still, it did not make 
 much difference as the miners there were re- 
 placed by Chinese, and for all I know the place 
 is now abandoned. Also Wyoming Station, where 
 we had a chapel. I do not recollect how much 
 these funds amounted to. I gave the graveyard 
 fund to the vestry, and they to Mr. Baum, who 
 spent it on his travelling expenses. I do not recol- 
 lect how much the church cost. Mr. Ivinson, who 
 was treasurer, may have the accounts, but they 
 don't seem to have preserved much at Laramie. 
 I tried to keep its Parish register accurately and 
 fill in blank for history of Parish. But on my 
 visit to Laramie some years after, I could find no 
 trace of Parish register nor my picture I had given 
 them for Vestry room. The church cost more than 
 it should. A Mr. Evans, who had contracted to 
 furnish the stone, and I think build bridges for the 
 U. P. R. R., offered to give us the stone cut and 
 ready to build the Church, and tried to get the Rail- 
 road Superintendent (Snyder) to transport the 
 stone to Laramie free. This he would not do, and 
 the freight would make the cost too great, so we 
 abandoned it, and the timber, ordered ready to put 
 up from Chicago with the understanding it should 
 be sent freight free. This was a disappointment 
 for we had to pay $800 freight. The cornerstone 
 of the Church was laid Ascension Day, May 5, 1869. 
 Rev. Joseph W. Cook of Cheyenne and Chaplain 
 Tuttle of Ft. D. A. Russell officiating with the Rec- 
 tor, and all made addresses. Bishop Randall could 
 not come, but came Whitsunday, May i6th, his 
 first confirmation there, six confirmed, among them 
 Major and Mrs. Ferris, who were so useful to us. 
 Bishop Randall visited Wyoming Station at the 
 same time and seemed much encouraged with it. I 
 
 —134— 
 
thought I saw its downfall. The church at Lara- 
 mie was consecrated by Bishop Randall, September 
 21, 1869, St. Matthew's Day. December i8th, 
 1870 (Fourth Sunday in Advent), I visited Atlantic 
 city a. m. and South Pass City for night service. 
 There was I think a log chapel at the latter. It was 
 a two days journey in open wagon from Bryan, and 
 a very cold and trying journey with zero weather. 
 A similar journey subsequently cost Bishop Ran- 
 dall his life, also one of my successors, the Rev. Mr. 
 Stewart who is, I think, buried there. The way 
 was through a very desolate and unsettled country. 
 The only time I have ever seen wolves running wild 
 was that journey. I froze my ears very badly. The 
 day the Church was consecrated I received a call to 
 Michigan and wanted to go. Bishop Randall per- 
 suaded me to stay a year longer. I received another 
 call to California which I wanted to accept. But 
 the Bishop promised if I would stay in his Diocese 
 he would give me the place with the finest climate in 
 the world, e. g., Santa Fe, New Mexico, in his Dio- 
 cese then. So I accepted and started August 8, 
 1871. 
 
 When I left I saw Baptist, Methodist and Presby- 
 terian resident ministers at Laramie. Still, being on 
 the ground first was an advantage for, like most 
 missionaries, I saw the process; first the idea that 
 there was no religion in prayers with a book; then 
 attendance on Church service because the only one 
 in the place; then learning to like it; then when 
 their own Church came, finding ours was more like 
 Church and worship than their own, and identifying 
 themselves with us. Still, the after history of some 
 of these was disappointing and humiliating. Even 
 Major Ferris, who seemed a bright and shining 
 light and such an example for the Church, was a 
 disappointment. He was ordered to another Post 
 
 —135— 
 
and left before me, and entre nous his wife told me 
 after his death, "Sam was all right while he was 
 with you, but when he left you he went back to his 
 old ways." And for the work done along the Rail- 
 road there is very little to show, unless the prayers 
 of the Church and the preaching of the Gospel may 
 have done good. Let us hope it has. 
 
 I supposed the Bishop was responsible for the 
 services of the Cathedral. But after reading your 
 letter I admit I don't know. At any rate, if you 
 survive me (as you probably will for I have passed 
 my three score and ten) you may say to those con- 
 cerned, the Cathedral would have got more from me 
 in life (I have not given anything to it since it has 
 been disfigured with Roman candles) and some- 
 thing in death if they had abstained from candles in 
 worship. I have visited Laramie twice since I left 
 it, on my way to Colorado and California. I think 
 I have seen the Cathedral and thought it too good 
 for the place. It was, I think, burnt inside, having 
 taken fire from the Roman candles when I saw it. 
 Let us hope they will abandon those Church play- 
 things and earthly toys and heathen symbols (a trib- 
 ute to the fire worshippers probably). I will send 
 you a paper The American Citizen, which I hope 
 you will open carefully and find picture and also 
 read paper. Please don't let your Secretary put it in 
 the paper box before you see it, as sometimes hap- 
 pens with things one sends Bishops. 
 
 Please excuse this long letter, but you asked for 
 items about my life in Laramie. Will be glad to 
 answer any question I can. 
 
 Very truly and respectfully yours, 
 
 John Cornell. 
 To The Rt. Rev. Nathaniel Seymour 
 Thomas, D. D. 
 
 Bishop of Wyoming. 
 
 —136— 
 
Bishop Talbot was considerate enough to have an 
 honest, four-legged Communion Table in the 
 Cathedral at my request. And when I remonstrated 
 with him about the Roman candles he said it was 
 my fault, for if I had accepted the position of Deau 
 of the Cathedral I might have kept them out. Ikit 
 he did not like to forbid the then Dean. 
 
 •^^7- 
 
i 
 
 4