-7-
'lS72'(c6rit;.)
gone to bed, and did all in their power to help us, especially Elder Albert. He
worked nobly, calm and self possessed he gave orders and executed them with
the help of others. For a time we did not know how it would go with us, wehther
we should have to stand and see our buildings burned down or not. The ox barn
and wagon house was still standing, what would be their fate we could not tell.
The Sisters worked nobly carrying water to the Brethren, which was freely thrown
on the ox barn, which with great difficulty was saved from the flames, the wind
being very much in our favor, and the Sisters carrying water alone save the ox
barn for the flames soon seized the wagon house, and once within ,the flames,
it soon went. The barn was set afire In three different places, it is supposed
and known to be the work of incendiaries, but who they are we know not. The
fire was seen for miles around, men came from far and near, some 2 or 300 were
soon collected, many did all they could, others stood around gazeing at the
fire and did not offer to help in the least. The South Family Sisters were very
helpful and carried a great deal of water. The Sisters came from all parts, it
was a strange and solemn sight. Some were crying, some running here and there
to get something to do with, and again loafers standing and laughing grated
harshly on the ear. There was no more sleep for many of us thatnight. With
tearful eyes we waited for the dawning of day which we at last gladly hailed--
The Church and South Family Sisters came today to see the ruins and sympathize
with us. Matilda Wells and Laura Prentiss came this afternoon and helped us cut
apples to dry. A boy and two Brethren here from the South Family helping our
Brethren gather apples. The South Family Sisters here' picking up some for
themselves.

5 Nov. We were again startled about half past four this morning by seeing the South
Family's barn on fire. !t seems they had been watching all night tilljust 12
o'clock, and thinking all safe went to bed. A little after 4,
Clarrisa was
suddenly awakened, and running to the window she discovered their barn to be
on fire. She immediately alarmed the Family. In a short time a large crowd had
gathered, but nothing could save the barn or contents. Their loss was not so
great as ours, as they had no grain to lose, and their barns were not so large as
ours. ItIs supposed the same ones that fired our barn had a hand in this. Things
begin to wear a rather gloomy aspect, we seem to be surrounded by a gang of
robbers, who are doing all the mischeif in their power, both to us and our neigh-
bors outside. About a week or fortnight ago Galen Richmond was attacked
by a couple of desperadoes who demanded his money or his I ife, he gave them
what he had with him--a watch and $15 which, they took. They searched to
find more but failing they lethim return home in safety. The Brethren will com-
mence to watch our premises tonight to see that no more fires are set. John
Decker, Alexander and Isaac wiith three of the hired men will watch tonight. '
They will take 3 hours ap^iece with one of the hired men to assist. We are trying
to fillthe kiln in the midst of all this confusion. Elder Daniel and Elder Giles
here figuring up our loss by the fire--$11,000 esimated."
17 Nov. Elder Giles read some letters,two from Harvard sympathizing with us in our
loss,one from Elder Peter Long of Groveland. He has kindly sent Alexander
20 bbls. cfwheat flourand 5 of graham, a noble gift and kindly accepted.