it put in the
churchyard, and cut up ready for framing. The enthusiasm had to be kept
up. Land was soon bought and the building started. Everybody felt now
that something was going to be done. At the end of the first year's work
I was able to make to the trustees a creditable report, from which the
following is taken:

As soon as we secured a cabin to teach in, the young people came in
great numbers. We soon had an attendance of 200. One teacher after
another was employed to assist, until seven teachers were daily at
work. After three months in our temporary quarters conditions were
very trying. There was no money to pay teachers or to meet the
grocery bills for teachers' board. The winter was well on, and the
structure in which we were located was little protection against
it. The rain easily came through the roof, and water was often two
inches deep on certain parts of the floor. Several teachers and
students were suffering with pneumonia or kindred disorders, as a
result of all this exposure. I confess that during this dark period
only a carefully planned system and much determination prevented
despair.

During all this time I was trying to secure the interest of the
people. I went from door to door, explaining our efforts; then I
made a tour of the churches; after riding or walking five or ten
miles at night I would return, and then teach the next day. After a
protracted struggle of this kind, and after visiting almost
everybody for many miles, I found that I had secured about $600.
This greatly relieved us. Forty acres of land were purchased, and a
part of the lumber for a good, comfortable building was put upon
the grounds. Some of our trustees in New York city and Boston now
came to our assistance, and with this, and contributions from a few
other friends, we were able to get through the year. Although it
was a great struggle, I found in it some pleasure. To know that
you were doing the work that the world needs, and must have done,
is a pleasure even under trying difficulties.

Starting last October without a cent, in the open air, we have
succeeded in establishing a regularly organized institution
incorporated under the laws of the State of Mississippi, with 225
students and seven teachers, and with property valued at $4,000.
Forty acres of good farm-land about a mile from town h