LETTER FROM BROTHER JOHN H. CHEESEMAN
Edina, April 27, 1 849
I seize the opportunity to drop you a few lines, presuming
that it will be pleasant to you to hear something from each of your
missionaries, respecting labors particularly, notwithstanding the
general account you may receive from your acting agent, Elder J.
Day.
By the advice of Elder Day, I proceeded to organize a
school in this place, the first of January last, for Americans and
natives, which school is now in operation, numbering about sixty
pupils, many of whom are very interesting, and are progressing
rapidly. It is to be regretted that many of our people are so
circumstanced, that they cannot send their children regularly to
school. I cannot complain much, as our little school room of
twenty-two by twenty, is literally filled every day. The young
man, (Solomon Page,) I have employed here as assistant teacher,
though not a professor of Christianity, is strictly moral; he is also a
close student, and with a little more experience will, I think, make
a very valuable teacher. For the present, when at home, I take
charge of the senior class.
The organization of this school having been completed, and
in operation, I proceeded to King Joe, a village about ten miles
distant, up the Mechlin river; this river has its source some distance
in the interior; the exact distance, I have not yet been able to
ascertain, although I have crossed it some 30 or 40 miles from its
mouth, while out on preacher tours. Its course is nearly N. W. and
S. E., forming at its mouth a junction with the St. Johns. With the
old King I had previously entered into arrangement for the
organization of a school in his town. The temporary house I had
ordered to be built, was not fully completed, but receiving
assurance from the king, that it would be completed in a few days,
I left the young man I had employed, to see to its completion, and
commence operation. This school is now in operation, and I hope
ere long to be able to report is progress. During my stay in this
place, I had the pleasure of preaching to the people twice, and am
happy to say, that during each discourse, the people behaved well,
and listened attentively. With the old King I had much
conversation; he acknowledges the truth of God’s word, and
expresses a determination to make an effort to secure the salvation
of his soul. May the Holy Spirit direct him.
