American Historical Ephemera & Photography Online

Manuscript poem signed "Ellen," with notation below, "Daughter of Des. Joseph Richardson." Baldwin, 13 April 1838. 2 pages, 7 1/4 x 12 1/2 in., wear to folds, tape repairs and some chipping to edges.

10 stanzas written on their departure as missionaries by Mr. and Mrs. Walker, who were appointed by the American Board of Foreign Missionaries to instruct the Native Americans west of the Rocky Mountains." Excerpts from this early piece include:

"Far from the peaceful home of childhood; where Dark tribes of Heathen thro the forest rove; Display the peace branch of redemption there, and Tell them of a Savior's dying love."

"Your trials will be repaid when ye shall hear The Red Man's voice in supplication raised; Tell him the prayer, and penitence sincere, Shall swell into one general note of praise."

[With:] Manuscript poem. "Going to Alaska!" 10 July 1888. 1 page, 8 x 10 in., some areas of separation and wear to folds, tape repairs, chipping. 17 lines, dedicated to "Miss Desha," the poem references a woman sailing to Alaska to be teacher, and mentions whales. 

[Also with:] Autograph letter signed "W.C. Athabasca," addressed to Mr. Loft. Fort Simpson, Mackenzie River [Northwest Territory, Canada], 24 November 1874. 4 pages, 4 1/4 x 7 in., wear to folds, some areas of separation near folds. A letter from an English missionary stationed in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The author discusses the voyage briefly, but adds that "voyaging troubles are now all over and past and we are settled in to our usual routines of mission work." The author also references a school they hope to establish on Slave Lake. 

Together, 3 manuscripts relative to travels and missionary work.