A Child of the Sea; and Life Among the MormonsWilliams, Elizabeth Whitney
History
A Child of the Sea; and Life Among the Mormons
Williams, Elizabeth Whitney
Beaver Island (Mich.); Latter Day Saints -- Michigan; Strang, James Jesse, 1813-1856
The last link that reminded me of my island home was gone. Oh it was
terrible! I tried to run after him to call him back. I wanted to say
come back, come back and take me to your home. I could not speak, I
could not move, never while life lasts can I forget how I felt when I
saw Mr. Crane driving away in the carriage. I was among entire strangers
in a strange land. A child of seven and a half years of age. The lady
said, "Come to the fire you must be cold." She then took my cloak and
hood. I sat down in a little chair. She went about the house at her
work, never speaking to me. All was silent and quiet. In a little while
the two little children, one a boy of three, the other a year old, just
walking, came to me. The oldest brought me some toys and put in my
hands, never speaking. Then the youngest came and put his little face up
to mine. I kissed him, which seemed to please him, and soon I took him
on my lap, where he soon fell asleep, while the other child was sitting
quietly beside me on the floor playing with his toys. The lady took the
child and laid him on the bed saying. "Do you like children?" I
answered. "Yes Ma'm." It was the first word I had spoken since I entered
the house. She took her sewing and never spoke. Oh how long the time
seemed! I cannot tell how I felt. No tears would come to give me
relief. At last she put her sewing away and began the supper. Then the
lights were lit; the baby had wakened and I again took him in my arms.
The other child stood close beside me.
MR. MILTON A. SHEPARD.
Soon the door opened and a man came in. The children cried, "Papa." He
kissed the children saying, "Who is this little girl?" His wife told
him, "This is the little island girl we expected." He took my hand,
saying. "I am glad to see you. But wife what a little midget she is." He
was a kind looking man with black hair and eyes. Supper was on the
table. I was placed near the children. I tried to eat, but I could not
swallow. The food stuck in my throat. Mr. Shepard noticed I did not eat,
so he asked me if I would like some milk. I answered, "Yes, sir." Mrs.
Shepard told him there was none only what the children had. I said,
"Never mind," but little Henry gave me his cup full. I managed to drink
it. When the meal was over I asked if I should do the dishes. "Not
tonight, but tomorrow," she said. Mr. Shepard asked me a few questions
about my island home, which was the only time in all my stay that my
home or my parents were ever mentioned to me.
HOMESICK.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account