Afflictions, though they seem severe, often work out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I felt keenly the loss of my kind father and more than ever I now appreciated the good advice and the beneficial lessons he taught me in his life-time, for they restrained me from outbreaking sins and have led me to seek an interest in Christ which now gave me consolation in this hour of trial and affliction. After the death of my father our family were scattered far and wide, one brother in California, two brothers and a sister in the far west, one gone to his long home to meet our dear parents, while the remaining two and myself are living in our native town. After the death of my father, which took place in February, 1842, and 27th day, I occupied one of my father's farms, until it was sold. While living upon this farm, in 1843, our only daughter and child was born, and soon after I graduated from my high asylum-school and came home, she was married to Mr. J. H. Tucker, and is now living in the pleasant little village of Hoosick Falls. I am now living within the sound of the church-going bell in the above-named village, and I can truly say since I have been restored to my family and friends and society, I feel like a bird escaped from the fowler's snare, and I can truly say I have enjoyed life better since my return than in my youthful days. Little do men know how to appreciate the blessings a bountiful Creator bestows upon them until they are deprived of them. By this time the reader is aware that I have written to a considerable length upon my former life, bringing to mind many important things that may be of use to the young and rising generation, if reduced to practice, especially the one thing needful that Mary chose, which shall never be taken from her. May every one that have not as yet chosen Christ and the good part, make up their minds without delay; and may those who have faith that works by love and purifies the heart, continue steadfast unto the end, that they may receive a crown of life and enter into the city through the pearly gates and bask in the sunshine and behold the Saviour's face forever is the prayer of the author. CHAPTER IV. Troy Marshall Infirmary and Lunatic Asylum, Ida Hill, under the direction of a board of Governors. This institution was chartered by the Legislature of the State of New York. John C. Heartt, President; J. W. Downings, 1st Vice-President; Thos. Coleman, 2d Vice-President; R. H. Ward, M. D., Secretary; George A. Stone, Treasurer. _Governors._--Hon. William Kemp, Mayor. Jonas C. Heartt, John P. Albertson, John L. Thompson, Alfred Watkins, M. D., J. W. Freman, John Hitchins, J. W. Downings, S. M. Vail, Lyman Bennett, J. Hobart Warren, Thomas Coleman, Alfonso Bills, Hanford N. Lockwood, George H. Phillips, John Sherry, James Thorn, M. D., J. C. Osgood, M. D., Henry B. Whiton, Charles Eddy, R. H. Ward, M. D., C. W. Tillinghast, E. Thompson Gale, George A. Stone, C. L. Hubbell, M. D.