1843, what rejoicing when we landed. There stood the Prophet Joseph Smith on the river bank to welcome us. He grasped our hands and said "God bless you all." His love and concern for us sank deep into our heats, giving us a feeling of peace such as we had never known before. The Saints had congregated in front of the old post office building to welcome us to the beautiful city of Nauvoo. Here they offered us the hospitality of their homes and the love of their hearts. Brother Phileman C. Merrill, Brother Sam Price, Brother Jacob Butterfield, it is these people I pray to never forget. The first work given to us was digging a well. Mr. Marriott and myself were hired by a Brother Wilson to do this. We received cash for this and you can be sure we were glad to see that. After this work we were hired to fence a whole farm for a Bishop Hunter. Brother Marriott and I started to plan how we could get homes for our families. About this time, we were given a chance to build on some community property but we felt that we were not being dealt with fairly so we drew out of the deal. Later we consulted with the prophet and he agreed with us, after that he counseled and instructed us in business matters, then he gave each of us one and one half acres of land and said to us: "If you live the Commandments of the Lord you shall live to see the day when you can buy-out every one who has ever oppressed." Brother Marriott and I went to work at Big Mound and built a room 10 feet by 12 feet. We cut out the sod for a floor. We worked hard all summer and completed this one house. As this first house was Brother Marriott's, we both planned to live in it until we built the second house. The first winter we had dirt floors, quilts for doors, and beds made on the floor. When they were made down they just about filled the room. We were very thankful for a roof over our heads and we never overlooked thanking God for our blessings. The next morning after the first night in the house I asked Brother Marriott what did you dream last night? He said, I didn't dream anything. I continued, I did. I dreamed you and I bought a horse. He laughed and said: It takes money to buy horses! I told him I dreamed that we bought a horse, you traded your clock and I traded my dress coat for one. He laughed at this. Well, we went to a man named Hamilton who did not belong to the Church. I told him I had a dream that I offered him the clothes as a trade for a saddle horse. He said: Young man, I take no stock in dreams, but as to the horse you shall not be disappointed. We made the trade and rode away rejoicing on a nice four year old mare. We showed our horse to our wives. They laughed and then they cried. Again we did not forget that night to thank God for prospering and blessing us.