He was a kind, indulgent parent, but one who always was and must be obeyed. A word or a look from him was usually sufficient. His study opens out of the family sitting-room, and its needful quiet was sometimes disturbed by the talk and laughter which is so hard to curb in a large, happy family circle. Father was very patient, but the noise occasionally was too much even for his forbearance-he would open the door softly, and with his dear, gentle hand uplifted, exclaim deprecatingly, "Children! children!" This mild rebuke was enough to ensure quiet for a while. Once, we remember, it had to be repeated three times in an evening; still there was no harshness in his tone or manner.
The following extract is from a letter written while traveling west in company with Rev. D. Price:
"MILWAUKEE, June 21, 1858.-My Dear Daughter Cynthia: I received your good and sweet letter at Racine. * * * We have had a very pleasant journey, and good meetings everywhere. I feel much refreshed, though often worn out with fatigue. I am glad I came to Ohio and Wisconsin-hope some good will be done on this long journey. I have had much comfort in attempting to preach the gospel to my countrymen; more freedom and consolation in the work in in my own mind than is usual for me. May the Lord bless our poor efforts for the eternal good of those to whom we ministered, probably, once for ever. We met with the warmest Christian affection everywhere." When Rev. E. Davies was preparing his article entitled "Dr. Everett fel Diwygiwr," he wrote to inquire what first led father's thoughts to the slavery question.
