The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 17, July 1913 - April, 1914 Page: 54

The Southwestern Historical Quarterly

up all night with Dr. G.'s dying child. While some were watch--
ing the flickering life of the young immortal, many were enjoying
the stage, and indulging in the loud unseemly roar of vulgar
applause. How ungratifyingly did these sounds come upon the
souls of the anguished parents! Surely the tender mercies of the-
wicked are cruel.
Thursday, July 12th. Found some sickness on the Island.
Friday, July 18th. Half sick all day.
Sabbath, July 15th. Preached in Galveston.
Monday. July 16th. Took the little steamer Laura, after night,
for Velasco, but few passengers, a family from Virginia, named
Stubblefield.
Tuesday, July 17th. A squall this morning, pretty rough for
the little steamer, several cases of seasickness, a little qualm my-
self, but escaped. Arrived in Velasco, 2 p. m. Called on Mr.
Sharpe, found a pleasant family, was introduced to Daddy Sprag-
gins, a Hardshell Baptist preacher. Took lodgings at his son-in-
law's Brown, who kept the Velasco hotel. Spent the remainder of
the week there rather pleasantly. Had a fierce encounter with
Dr. A. an openly avowed Deist and materialist.
Arise, 0 Lord! for men condemn thy character and make void'
thy law. Had divers discussions with the Old Hard Shell about
Missionaries, whom he cordially detested, as well as benevolent
societies, baptism. He seemed to consider himself infallible on
all these subjects.
Sabbath, July 22nd. Preached in the school house in Velasco,.
a small but attentive audience. Text, Mat. 5:13, Let your light
shine. Dined with the Sharpes. The steamer Columbia arrived'
from New Orleans, via Galveston, on which Dr. Anson Jones took
passage, on his way to Washington City, appointed by President
Houston to represent Texas in a public capacity, vice General
M. Hunt. During this visit made acquaintances in Velasco and
Quintana on the opposite side of the Brazos both near the mouth,
of the river.
Monday, July 23rd. Set off for Houston on Dr. Jones' horse,
which he left at Velasco, as this would give me a chance to see
some of the country, in company with Brewster, who took me and
introduced me to the family of Col. Wm. H. Wharton, who lives
eight miles from Velasco. Very kindly entertained by Mrs. W..