24. Dezember 1845
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for a few years, because the ground here is much more loose and mellow. But to return to our Indianpoint., we slept under a ship’s sail the first night, which I had obtained from the local agent of the Society named (Müller) Mueller , and the next day went into the brush here behind a lake to cut wood for a hut. But since only all kinds of thorny bushes which are completely entwined in each other grow here along with other small kinds of trees, which also retain their leaves in winter, it was difficult for us to find straight and suitable wood. What was found was hauled home on the front of the wagon, and the night spent in the rain without shelter. On the 24th of December, 1845, Christmas’ Holy evening; towards evening, an emergency tent set up from my wagon awning and then in the following days a hut constructed of turf, grass and twigs. Since more than 14 days ago we had the nicest, warmest weather to enjoy, and we lived quite comfortably in our newly constructed hut. But now a terrible rain set in, the roof of our hut was very flat; therefore, it rained through to such a degree that we were completely soaked in our beds and laid in almost 2 inches of water. The result was that my little Hulda became ill and was severely down for several weeks. Soon afterwards another rain came which did the same thing to us, and convinced us of the necessity to tear down the constructed hut and build a better one. So we soon went. to the task, used the wood of the old hut, also bought some boards which we cut and used as rafters, for the straight wood was not to be found in the brush before, but now none whatever is available, and now built a hut out of wood and grass with a high roof which protects us from wind and weather and provides us adequate comfort. It is 12 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 9 feet high; the side walls have a height of 4 1/2 feet. Yes, we live therein far more comfortably and pleasantly than in the Society’s tents of canvas which have a round form coming to a point above, and in which 13, 14, to 15, and 16 persons are lodged; therefore, the same are alloted such |
