On the way from Denver to Walling's Mills,
the mountain retreat where my husband was spending the summer
months, we stopped in Boulder City and beheld with joy our canvas
meetinghouse, where Elder Cornell was holding a series of meetings.
We found a quiet retreat in the comfortable home of Sister Dartt.
The tent had been lent to hold temperance meetings in, and, by
special invitation, I spoke to a tent full of attentive hearers.
Though wearied by my journey, the Lord helped me to successfully
present before the people the necessity of practicing strict
temperance in all things.
Monday, August 8, I met my husband and
found him much improved in health, cheerful and active, for which
I felt thankful to God. Elder Canright, who had spent some time
with my husband in the mountains, was about this time called
home to his afflicted wife; and on Sunday, husband and I accompanied
him to Boulder City to take the cars. In the evening I spoke
in the tent, and the next morning we returned to our temporary
home at Walling's Mills. The next Sabbath I again spoke to those
assembled in the tent. Following my remarks we had a conference
meeting. Some excellent testimonies were borne. Several were
keeping their first Sabbath. I spoke to the people evening after
the Sabbath and also Sunday evening.
Our family were all present in the mountains
but our son Edson. My husband and
children thought that as I was much worn, having labored almost
constantly since the Oregon camp meeting, it was my privilege
to rest; but my mind was impressed to attend the Eastern camp
meetings, especially the one in Massachusetts. My prayer was
that if it was the will of God for me to attend these meetings,
my husband would consent to have me go.
When we returned from Boulder City, I found a letter from Brother Haskell urging us both to attend the camp meeting; but if my husband could not come, he wished me to come if possible. I read the letter to my husband and waited to see what he would say. After a few moments' silence, he said: "Ellen, you will have to attend the New England camp meeting." The next day our trunks were packed. At two o'clock in the morning, favored with the light of the moon, we started for the cars, and at half past six we stepped on board the train. The journey was anything but pleasant; for the heat was intense, and I was much worn.