TO MRS. HARDY.
Amherst, August 22, 1868.... I am very happy to write a few lines to you from my beloved Amherst. I returned here yesterday very safely. I was received kindly by Prof. Seelye, and I am now staying in his house because I cannot get in my room until next Monday. I can only say I have had a great grand time. I have been tramping more than five weeks and more than four hundred miles. Yet my feet are not sore at all. I understood very well how to manage them. I feel grateful to you for furnishing money to me for spending this vacation in such a profitable and pleasant manner. I met my companions at Worcester and began our tramp from there. We came through Boston, Andover, Lawrence, Salem, N. H., and we spent the first Sabbath on our way at Raymond, N. H. We were invited to make some remarks in evening prayer -meeting. We made remarks about mission work to awake up missionary spirit among that church. The meeting was very full and the people very attentive to our re-marks. A gentleman made a motion to raise more money than the last time to help the mission cause. They gave us meals and lodging without charge.
We crossed Lake Winnipiseogee with a steamboat. It was mostly smoky weather to see distant view. I was unwell a little while at Jackson by taking bath in Diana Fall. I stopped in Jackson House about two days. It took my money off very badly. We went up Mt. Washington on 3d inst. from Glen side. We stopped there two days and one night on account of the smoky weather. We saw most glorious sunset. Then we came down Crawford side. We went up Cannon Mountain and went near to the rock which forms profile of Old Man. Then we visited Flume, and took photograph of our party. I suppose I can procure one for you. Our party was broken up from Flume, because I wanted to visit several mines in Franconia, Lisbon, and Warren, and they would not care about visiting them. They went down on Plymouth route, and I came up Ore Hill in Franconia, gold mine in Lisbon, and* copper mine in Warren. So I obtained quite knowledge about minerals in vacation. Last Saturday I left Warren about half past four p. M. and traveled through a woods after 7 o'clock. It was quite dark, yet I could not find any house to pass that night, and when I came across a house, man would not receive me in his house, even in his barn, so I was obliged to come still farther. Finally I found a house some way beyond that and passed that night in a barn. Just after I got in barn it stormed furiously. It was rather old barn and leaked all over, but rubber blanket kept me dry. The next day was the Lord's day, but there was not any house where I may keep the day. Many folks round that way would not care about the day. So»me of them worked in garden. So I was obliged to travel nine miles on that morning. I arrived at a meetinghouse of O just before the morning commences.
Out appearance of the house is very old and looks unpainted, but inside is very well furnished. They had not a regular preaching there on account of the absence of their pastor. The people of that place seem me very rich. Yes, rich enough to support several pastors. Yet they did not get any minister to supply the pulpit. The people dressed very nicely, but they appeared only cold in the worship. I can say surely that I never have been such a dry and cold meeting since I came to America. I went in some old gentleman's class in the Sabbath-school. It is most cold and uninviting school I ever been. I crossed the river and went in F meeting-house that afternoon. I heard an old and bright preacher there. I found out afterwards it was Miss McKeen's father, and I tried to see him, but he does not reside there. A gentleman received me cordially, and I was also invited to make some remarks in prayer-meeting. I told them our heathenish customs and manners. The night after I stopped in a part of Windsor, Vt. When I went near to a house I saw a young gentleman sitting on a chair. I asked him whether he would let me sleep in his barn over the night. He asked me who I was and whence I came. I told him my name and where I came from. He called up his mother to see me. When she understood I am a Japanese she told me she read something about me in a religious paper. She said very kindly, 'I would not let Christian man sleep in our barn.' After a few conversation she took me to a handsomely furnished bedroom and brought me all things which are necessary. I had very sweet rest and sleep more than eight hours. The next morning she gave me nice breakfast, also many tracts and small pocket hymn-book. I doubt not she is good Christian lady. Also that young man gave me ride to the village about a mile and half. Some people are so liberal and good to such a stranger.
September 19, 1868.... Regard to 810. which I obtained from furniture, I do not know where it has gone. It disappeared very strangely. I kept it in my trunk, but it is lost somewhere. I am sure no one could steal it because I kept trunk locked always. So I think I have taken it out and paid it to a store in some evening, mistaking it as one dollar. I do not spend money foolishly, as you know well, and if I do I give you its account always. I am sorry to say I have lost it by my carelessness. I wish you would excuse my carelessness, but do not think I have deceived you, spending it by some foolish way. I am preparing myself to be good man and striving daily to walk with God. So I would not deceive you by all means.
October 1, 1868.... I received a package a week ago Tuesday. I found in it a coat, a tail-coat, a vest, and a pair of pants. I hope you will excuse me that I do not take that tail-coat. I think I have not old enough or dignity enough to wear that coat. You must excuse me, because my chum laughed at me when I put on that tail-coat. I have three vests now, so I shall not take that vest too. I want clothings, but not more than necessary.
November 8, 1868.
... I asked Mr. Hardy to procure Dana's Mineralogy. I wanted it very much but durst not ask you so long on account of expense. But I made up my mind some time ago that I would save its expense by some way. I stopped my drinking tea. It does not amount to much in one term, but it will be considerable in the course of a year. I hope you will excuse me my asking you to procure such an expensive book. I inclose the list of my college expenses. I spent more than I did expect, but I hope you will not find any fault in me.... I hate indeed to trouble myself so often and so constantly in this carnal supply, and anticipate now I shall be exceedingly happy when I get rid of all troubles of this kind and reach to the place where I may wear one pure and white robe which shall not need any more mending, washing, or changing. Yet I think it is very reasonable to take care for my body while I am in this world.
Amherst, May 21, 1869.
... I heard from my folks some time ago as you know. I have been longing their news more than one year, so it gave me great pleasure and consolation. My father wrote me very long and kind letter and informed me all about what wonderful change has taken place in Japan within a few years. Most of the people of high ranks cut their hairs short and dress in the American style.
My father find more satisfactory in my being in this country, seeing such a wonderful change is going on among the leading class of the people and knowing that the educational system of the western nations would soon be introduced into Japan. You may see in his letter which he has written to you how he was glad when he heard from me and understood that I have found good friends in this side of the world. He asked me to translate it into English so that you may know what he writes about. I have translated it nearly as he expressed his idea in his own way. My sister and brother have written to you too, but I have not translated them, because they contain nearly the same thing as my father said. I hope you will accept their thanks and best regards and appreciate how they have felt grateful for what you have done for me. I wish you would give him a re-ply, at least a few lines, and if you please, I will translate yours into Japanese. I think it will please him greatly.
Amherst, September 3, 1869.
... I enjoyed my trip through Connecticut and Rhode Island very much and had also very enjoyable time at Chatham. It is rather quiet place, but I liked it more than a noisy city because the quietness of nature led me to a quiet meditation. I think it was the best part of my vacation to have my mind free from the study and to have a quiet meditation on the wonderful economy of nature or a sweet communion with Him who rules our whole universe and even cares for a poor sinner such as I am.
I am getting along nicely in my study. I like my new chum very much. He is very earnest Christian. O, what charming place Amherst is! I shall never be tired in studying here. I hope you will be charitable on me and not laugh at my hasting letter. I am just busy as bees and cannot spend much time for doing else but study. I hope God will sustain my strength to prepare for my life work.
Though you should delay your reply for my letter a month or a year I shall never have a slight doubt of your interest in me, because I hope you are my dearest friend. Yet I am always desiring to hear from you, and when I write to you I am anxiously waiting for your reply, because I always wish to know of your prosperity. If you are too busy, please write me a few lines, only a few lines. Let me know how you are.
Amherst, October 24, 1869.... A secretary of the American Missionary Society preached to us this morning, and stated to us very vividly in what fearful point the American people stands now. They have 8,000,000 Irish people and many Germans and French, 4,000,000 negroes in South, many thousands of Chinese, and a few Japanese on the Pacific coast. Unless the American people stretch out their hands to enlight, elevate, and educate them with the Christian truth they will ruin the free institution which is the pride of the nation. I was quite animated by his earnest discourse and felt indeed it is our best privilege to co-work with Christ and to promote his kingdom. When I came out from the chapel I heard great many say, "I don't like his sermon," and they did not manifest their sympathy with him at all. I felt so sorry for their coldness in their heart and disinterest for the Church of Christ and for the welfare of their own country. All heathens look at America as the centre of the Christian light. If the centre of the light has not much intenseness, how could it enlight those who are lying in the remote dark corners? My dear friend, let us pray earnestly for those Christians who live for themselves and not for Christ. Let us pray for the American church so that she may be more jealous for promoting the blessed gospel to all nations.... My folks are all well. My father is still staying in Yedo with his prince, but he says he will soon leave his office and go home for rest because he has found his duty rather tedious in his age. Sometime he was obliged to sit up till two or three o'clock toward the morning for his inexcusable duty. It would be better for him to take a rest in a quiet country town, but his leaving the city will cause me a sad thing. Perhaps I may not hear from him so often as used to be. When he writes to me he always carries it himself to Yokohama to be mailed to America. He is very careful for sending his letter to me. He never trusts it to a postman lest his secret communication to me should be revealed by some accidental way. When he gets home he could not carry his letter down to Yokohama any more, because it would be most too far for him to walk, — about 60 miles from Yedo. I demand my folks entirely on the providential care. Whatever thing may happen to them, I will say it is the Lord's doing.
"July 15th. I left Amherst on 10.30 train for Hartford, where I stopped with my old acquaintance, Mr. D. E. Bartlett. I was very cordially received by him. He took me to the city library, and also to the top of the State House where we could look down the whole city. It was a most striking sight that the brick and sandstone edifices were interwoven with the green trees.
"16th. I left Hartford for Middletown. on the noon train. When I came to the town I was told that the commencement exercises of Wesleyan University are being held in Methodist church. But the house was filled up by the audience. While I was hesitating near the entrance somebody pulled my arm from behind, and when I look back I behold Mr. A. of '70 smiling with his large blue eyes. He had just come from Haddam and informed me whom I should see there, and where I may obtain my loving objects [minerals]. So I was very much encouraged to go forward to Haddam. But it was not quite time then for the steamer. To pass the time profitably I crossed the river by a ferryboat, and visited the sandstone quarry at Portland. Though I saw many specimens of bird-tracks, the man in the office would not part me any. I left Middletown on six o'clock boat after the dark. It thundered and rained furiously, and I admired the scene very much. Mr. W. B. accommodated me a room and meals, though his wife was not quite well. I think they love me some. I was very successful in obtaining tourmalines, but not very in getting columbites.
"21st. I left Haddam for New Haven on foot, walking about seventeen miles that afternoon, though I spent considerable time for trouting and berrying. I passed the night in a farmhouse in North Guilford. The lady in the house treated me very kindly and would not charge me positively for either lodging or breakfast.
"22d. It rained quite hard in the morning, but the weather was very beautiful and the sun was quite hot in the afternoon. I washed my undershirt and stockings at a small brook. When I reached New- Haven I went to a hotel to pass the night.
"23d. The commencement exercise of Yale College is held at the Central Church. I saw there two Japanese, Yoshida and Ohara. I did not like the exercises quite well, not seeing much Christian element in them. I visited the Mineralogical cabinet and Art Gallery. I admired the picture of the prophet Jeremiah. Some careless fellows thought I was a society man and invited me to A. K. E. Society hall. The room used for the literary purpose is very well furnished. I saw there many glasses, and wine bottles on the stairs. So I am glad to find out what secret meant. While they were showing the rooms they asked me where did I join to the society. I replied: 4 1 have not joined to the society yet. Perhaps I shall if I find time enough.' I think they were no little surprised to hear my reply.
"24th. I visited limestone quarry at Smithfield, eight miles from Providence, and found nice specimens there. I came to Providence to pass the night. "
"I write this to remember this sad event for myself, and also to warn my friends to be ready always for.the Master's call. It was on Monday morning, Dec. 13th, 1869, that a little fellow brought me a yellow letter, asking me quite briskly whether it belonged to me. It was a dispatch informing me that Captain Taylor was dead. It gave me a great surprise. I did not know myself what to do. I was perfectly silent and calm. I was still sitting in my chair, saying to myself 4I do not believe this, it is my dream. It is not possible. It is not true. ' I was without a tear, without a word, but... Then I rose calmly, and slowly went to a wall where hung his small likeness, and gazed upon it with wide opening eyes. He looked very active, not like a dead person. So I hastily stepped to the telegraph office and asked an officer whether there was no mistake in that dispatch. It was true. So I gave up all my doubts and hastened to the railroad. While I was in the cars I was deeply affected. It was very heavy cross for me to bear. When I walked it was like a lame man, helped by my umbrella. I did not see Mrs. Taylor that evening lest my presence might excite her grief, but when I saw the brothers and sisters I bursted out in a loud cry. I cannot describe by my pen such sad scenes. All his kind deeds of deep interest in me since I knew him in China, and how I spent my vacation with him about ten weeks ago, came to my memory. I could not possibly raise up my bead, but only turn aside and weep bitterly. How can I tell wiry be was so dear to me. I fell into his kind hand at Shanghai; he gave me China jacket, showing me how to sew; he taught me navigation; he spoke patiently, forgave me always, and never spoke to me any unkind words; he introduced me to him who became my kind friend ever since. At our last good-by he kissed me. My captain, this is my last kiss. His forehead was cold as marble.
"Then I said good-by to Mrs. Taylor and her little infant boy. 'For the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.' "