On second day we set out for Nine Partners, and reached there seasonably to attend the quarterly meeting for discipline, the ensuing fourth day; and the latter part of the week, we spent in attending the quarterly meeting of Stanford. After this we returned to the boarding-school and placed our daughters there; and, as I was one of the committee, who have the superintendence of the institution, I remained there about ten days. Then way opening to proceed, I went as far as Hartford in Connecticut; accompanied by two Friends who reside at Nine Partners. As the weather was cold and unsettled, my wife remained at the school, assisting the managers, until I returned. We had several meetings in our way thither, and one as we returned; and were at several in and about Hartford, mostly among those of other professions. And the Lord, magnified for ever be his right worthy name, was graciously pleased to be with us, and manifested his power for our help; giving wisdom and strength, tongue and utterance, and teaching to divide the word aright, to the states of the people; whereby his righteous cause was exalted in many minds, and his glorious holy truth raised into dominion over all, in divers of those favoured opportunities; to the praise of his grace, “who is over all, God blessed for ever.”
On my return to the school, I again spent some days with the family, assisting them in the management thereof; and then, my wife and myself took leave of our children and friends, in much mutual affection; and turned our faces homeward. We attended Oswego monthly meeting in our way, on fourth day, the 16th of 12th month; and the next day had an appointed meeting at Apoquague. On sixth day we rode through the mountains to Peekskill, and lodged with our kind friend Nathaniel Brown. We attended their meeting on first day, and on second day, we had an appointed meeting at a place called Crompond; which was held in a meeting-house belonging to the Presbyterians, by their proposal. On fourth day we were at Amawalk, on fifth day at Shapaqua, and on sixth day we had an appointed meeting at Mount Pleasant; this was likewise held in a place of worship belonging to the Presbyterians. We rode to New-York on seventh day, and on first day attended Friends’ meeting there. The third day following we left the city on our way home, but a storm came on soon after we left, and increased to that degree, that when we came to the ferry at Hurlgate, where we intended to cross, we found it impassable. We then turned our course and rode to our friend Joseph Byrd’s at Harlem, and lodged. I felt my mind drawn towards having a meeting at that place when passing down to the city, but admitting some doubts to arise, as to the clearness of the prospect, I omitted it; but now, way opening with more clearness, we had one appointed the next day, which proved a favoured season. After this we crossed the ferry that afternoon, and rode to Flushing, and the next day being the fifth of the week, and 31st of 12th month, we attended Friends’ meeting there; and then rode home that afternoon, and were gladly received by our friends. My spirit was made humbly joyful, in believing that the Lord Almighty had graciously condescended to be with us, to lead us in the way, manifesting his loving kindness and mercy, in a greater or lesser degree, in all those opportunities, convicting, convincing, edifying and comforting many hearts; and encouraging the honest travellers Zion-ward. May his right worthy name be praised and exalted above all for ever.