CHAPTER IV. 
LAWRENCE. 
Last evening we saw a light, which my husband said must be from 
our house, while we were three or four miles distance. On arriv¬ 
ing, we found our trunks, furniture and bedding, had been carried 
to it. Although the first work done upon the house was upon the 
Friday before, after taking supper down street, we preferred going 
to it to stopping elsewhere. One room was clapboarded within a 
foot of the chamber-floor, loose boards were laid over the joists 
above to keep out the rains or falling dews. The windows were 
also similarly protected upon each side, while at the front the 
glass was set. There were mattresses laid upon the floor and 
upon the lounge, while upon the table a candle was burning, sup¬ 
ported by a candlestick of entirely new invention, being a little 
block, perhaps three or four inches--square, with four nails driven 
in to support the candle. A broom had also been provided, and 
a brimming pail of cold water. Blessings on him who was thus 
thoughtful of our comfort! By nailing a buffalo-robe at the door¬ 
way, and arranging some articles of bedding upon chairs, out of 
one room we made two for the night. Sleep was never sweeter 
or more refreshing than last night, after a long drive, with the 
thermometer standing at one hundred degrees. 
Was awakened early this morning by a noise around the house, 
and, looking through a crack in the temporary partition, saw a 
cow very demurely examining the premises, having stationed her¬ 
self in the quarter which will soon be dignified with the name 
of dining-room. My anxiety was considerably relieved, as my 
thought on awaking was, that we were visited by the same house- 
destroyers as a few days previous. 
