“ As we crossed the Mississippi, a large and beautiful river we arrived in the state of Missouri. We passed through a hilly rough country for a few miles; we then entered into a beautiful rich prairie country—the prairies smaller, and the groves of timber more suitably proportioned for the use and convenience of the farmer. These prairies extend, with clusters of timber, for some hundred miles to the north and west, and offer the greatest encouragement to the industrious farmer of any new country we have ever seen. ”

“ Our friends abroad may not only place implicit confidence in their statements, but rely upon the fact, that notwithstanding our enemies have used their utmost exertion to vilify and slander our friends in the west as well as the church here, that prosperity and peace seem to be once more restored to that long abused and afflicted people. We repeat, what we have so often said, that were it not for uneasy religionists, who hatch up the greatest number of the lies floating about against us, we should long ere this have been at peace with the citizens of Missouri, and in fact, with all men. ”

“ But when we consider the fatigues and distress occasioned by being driven from home, it is only a wonder that so many survive. We are aware of the fact, that many received the seeds of death while exposed to the colds of winter, and the wants of food, while fleeing from a merciless mob. ”