If you have got some linen ones already, you might send them to me as I don't know how much longer I will stay here. The Lord being willing, we will start for Palestine, a distance of about 25 miles, tomorrow, being our third trip to that place. There seems to be quite an opening in that vacinity to hear of the principles of Truth; for it seems that they haven't heard any Elders in that vacinity previous to our going there. We expect to spend about a week before we return. Will have horses to ride. Bro & Sister Church have gone to Duck River a fishing but they do not bite very much. It is about like fish for men, not very many caught. Well, Uncle is going to write and he can tell you all. He is now reading the Deseret News dated April 10, 1878, having in it the news of Conference. Hoping to hear from you soon, I am as ever your obedient son, love to Father and all the folks.

Hyrum D.C. Clark.

P.S. I received the Post Office order alright, with thanks. I should have written before but going around and being away from home lately, haven't had much time. We have not yet received the letter mentioned in your last letter dated Apr. 1st, 1878. There is and has been considerable sickness in this part of the country lately; some among the Saints but are recovering fast.

Hope Amasa will continue reading the Book of Mormon for there are lots of little boys who do not have this chance. I distribute my books and let them preach the Gospel. Only wish I had a dictionary to look at once in a while.

Thursday morning April 18, 1878 6 o' clock AM. Now at Duck River Ferry waiting for the mail carrier; is raining some. Just 5 months from home. Our healths are good and hope this will find you all well. Mail carrier has come. Good bye. H. Clark.

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Letter by Uncle Edward Stevenson: Duck River, Hickman Co. Tenn. Hune 14, 1878.

Dear Sister Mary: Your favor of May 31 rec'd June 10th, 1878. Contents digested and hasten to reply. Shall not complain of my health, for it might be much worse...

Well now, by the time this reaches you, expect that you will have a son not far behind it, for I think that he will not let many trains pass him on the way for he wants to see home about as much as anyone you ever saw. He is not very well, (Sick a little; homesick considerable. Many sick mucher) and has not been for quite a time. Soon after Hyrum came down, it went rather hard with him (I administered to him several times and comforted him and then myself). Hyrum has gained an experience that will do him more good than $1,000 dollars in cash would do him. He has been faithful and diligent and read and studied a great deal and he will talk in earnest to the young men and when once home will doubly appreciate what he has gained. One trouble with Hyrum: His ambition wanted him to get up and lay it down as one who had 40 years experience. As I say, Hyrum will realize more what he has gained after he has been home a short time. I would like to have taken him around to Cincinnati and shown him something more than houses without windows. But there was no use talking, nothing would do now but a straight line 2000 miles long and I pray that the blessings of the Lord will accompany him home safely and find you all well. Hyrum is honorably released. I think he will not soon forget his Uncle Edward and his Tennessee mission.

Just as soon as Hyrum arrives, write without delay and I want him to write after he has been there a week. Farewell with kind love to all.

Your Bro. Edward Stevenson

...There was more than one young woman would have liked to join the church and then join Hyrum for life.

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