LIFE AND LETTERS OF JOSEPH HARDY NEESIMA

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LABORS IN KISliiNOWADA. 219 the "Wild River. Alas! none to see but myself. The old priest and his family are living in the back part of the temple. They are very quiet people and do not distrust me at all. I retire and rise early, finish­ing my breakfast before seven. I read till ten, and take an artificial salt bath for my health. Then I prepare dinner, take a little nap and a long walk along the shady valley." In the spring of this year he received a letter from Viscount Okabe, then studying in Springfield, Mass., where he had united with the Congregational church. Mr. Okabe, formerly Daimio of Kishinowada, prov­ince of Idzumi, and now vice-minister of foreign affairs, requested Mr. N eesima to send some one to preach to his former retainers living at Kishinowada, and in answer to this request Mr. Neesima at once visited that place in person. An account of this visit is given in the following letter to Viscount Okabe, dated August 16, 1878:-TO VISCOUNT OKABE. Allow me to write you a few lines to inform you of my experience in your old castle town. On receiving your letter I tried hard to send one of our best stu­dents to that place. Unfortunately they were all as­signed to other places before the receipt of your letter, and I was obliged to leave the matter untouched for some time. Although much occupied with many things, I started from here on the 19th ult. and reached Kishinowada on the 20th. On arrival I sent for Mr .• J., who promptly called upon me with Mr. M. I told him your special request and translated to them your letter. They were much pleased to see me, and through their prompt action I had the pleasure of

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