Spring had come. Our good old steamboat "Michigan" had come to our
harbor once more. Strang also came. He was just as calm and serene as
usual, nothing seemed to disturb him. His wife did not return until
later in the season. He soon came to our house and seemed very grateful
to our people for their kindness to his suffering people during his
absence. When mother told him how much they had suffered he laughed,
saying, "Oh, they must get used to Island life and expect to have some
hardships." Soon the boats came and brought more Mormons. Those that
came now were more comfortable and seemed to have more means to help
themselves with. Very soon they were at work clearing the land and
making ready to put in crops of potatoes, corn and other vegetables.
There were several families who came from Texas, bringing their horses
with them, with wagons and a few cows. Of course those who had plenty
had to share with those who had little and give their every tenth part
to the King's treasury, and very often giving more to help out extra
expenses. Strang seemed in excellent spirits and went about from house
to house, talking and encouraging his people, and father said no one
would think they had passed through such trouble so recently. Soon it
was planned to give a feast in honor of the King's return, and great
were the preparations going on among the Mormons.