Mr. Alva Cable called the people together and consulted about what was
best to be done. Some wanted to remain and fight the Mormons if they
came again, but the women all wanted to go. About that time a Mormon
that had left the island and never intended to go back, advised us all
to go. So it was decided we should get away as soon as possible, as news
kept coming that it was not safe for us to remain longer. Mr. Alva
Cable, Wrights and many other families went to Little Traverse, now
Harbor Springs, my two brothers going with them. My father decided we
should go to Traverse City. Our friend, John Goeing, had left us the
week before the Mormons came. He received a letter from home. His
mother was very sick and wanted to see her son before she died. He went
to Mackinac Island, and from there took a steamer to Buffalo. He wrote
us just before he took the steamer from New York City, promising to
write us as soon as he reached home. We never heard from him again. We
felt sorry to have him go. He had been with us four years and seemed
like one of our own family.
Our friends and neighbors were all gone. We were left alone at
Charlevoix. Waiting patiently for the little vessel to come from
Northport which was to take us to Traverse City. At last we saw the
white sails which proved to be our vessel. It was dark before the vessel
anchored outside the river. The night was warm, our goods were on board,
all was silent, only the splash of the waves as they washed along the
shore. The little village was in darkness when we closed the latch to
our door and walked down to the little yawl waiting for us to be taken
on board. We were soon on the deck of the little vessel, the moon was
rising, and by the time our sails were up and we were ready to start the
water was sparkling like diamonds as the soft light shone upon it. Never
had we appreciated its beauty before as now in this beautiful moonlight.
Tears were in our eyes, for we had been very happy there with our
neighbors. Now we were leaving all and going to a strange place, but we
hoped to find a place of safety. Long we watched the beautiful shore as
we sailed along in the light breeze. Again we were driven from home.
Father helped the captain sail the vessel. Mother and I lay down for a
while in the little cabin. I was wakened by hearing the anchor chain
when the captain said, "Here we are at Northport." We visited there
several days. The captain's home was there. We met many kind people, who
invited us to make our home with them for the time of our stay. We
accepted the invitation of the Rev. George Smith and were nicely
entertained by himself and his family. Their beautiful vine covered home
was a perfect bower of roses. The most beautiful flowers grew everywhere
about their grounds. Mr. Smith was a Congregational minister. His family
were very musical, and our stay of nearly a week is a bright spot in my
memory.
Our little vessel had to have some repairs before we could proceed on
our journey. We then sailed direct to Bower's harbor, remaining two days
with our old friend, Mr. Bower. Himself and wife were glad to see us and
to know we had escaped safely from Mormon persecutions. They were very
happily situated in their new home and their new surroundings of scenery
were very beautiful. Oh, how glad Mrs. Bower was to be released from
Mormon rule.