Dana gave the fellowship. Eld. Ravlin made the concluding prair after which Br. I gave out the 15 hymn first Book. I wished so much that you and Br. J. could have been present. I believe it was a solemn day to us all. The different parts of the ord. were preformed with much interest and solemnity. The con. prair was peculiarly solemn fervent and pathetic. Tell Br. J. his A. was present and called and tarried with us the remaining part of the day. During her stay, I introduced to her the subject of the indian mission to her but did it in such a way, that she did it in such a way that she did not suspect my design until she opened to me her whole heart and I have collected from her nearly all I wished to obtain. I know that she formerly felt much interested in the welfare of the indians. I very well recollect that she made this observation, "To spend my life among the indian and to labour for their good would be to me the most delightful employment on earth," while we were engaged in conversation on the subject of missions. I find she still retains her sentiments respecting them, but perhaps she does not feel all that zeal and ardour, or, as she expresses it enthusiasm, in their cause that she formerly did. But on the whole were her health sufficient to the undertaking I think she would have no serious objection to becoming a missionary among them. Sabbath, eve. I have just returned from meeting and feel very much fatigued, the weather being extremely warm but after a little rest I shall feel well again. I have enjoyed better health since I wrote you last then I have before since my return. I think now it is about the same as when in Sharon but of this I am not quite certain as my employment does not require much laborious exercise, am not positive that I can now walk a mile, and perform other hard labour with equal facility. I find it necessary to be very cautious about my diet. If I would be free from a pain in my head, I must eat sparingly, and that of the lightest kind of food. I have refrained almost wholly from meats for several months.
Your last I received with the Luminary about a fortnight since. I hardly know what to say to you about a fortnight since the indian mission. You say I "must take an active part in making the desission." The objections I made on a piece of paper I sent you in Br. J's letter remained unmoved. Missionary ground has always appeared important to me on many accounts and I cannot say but that it has at some periods appeared inviting. But this you know does not prove that it is our duty to occupy missionary ground. I hope I may not not [sic] say any thing which will have a wrong influence upon your mind. I hope we may be inabled to act so as to obtain the approbation of God in this thing without it we cannot expect his blessing. I feel it to be very important that we find a place suitable for us to occupy. I have conversed with our parents freely on this subject. They are both decidedly of opinion that it is not our duty to go. They have [...] but a few objections. Our ability to bear fatigue is the principal one.