About this time she secured a plot of land, and made arrangements for
the erection on it of a building that should be used as a schoolhouse
through the week, and as a church on Sunday. For several years
Professor Stowe preached during the winter in this little schoolhouse,
and Mrs. Stowe conducted Sunday-school, sewing classes, singing
classes, and various other gatherings for instruction and amusement,
all of which were well attended and highly appreciated by both the
white and colored residents of the neighborhood.
Upon one occasion, having just arrived at her Mandarin home, Mrs.
Stowe writes:--
"At last, after waiting a day and a half in Charleston, we arrived
here about ten o'clock Saturday morning, just a week from the day we
sailed. The house looked so pretty, and quiet, and restful, the day
was so calm and lovely, it seemed as though I had passed away from all
trouble, and was looking back upon you all from a secure resting-
place. Mr. Stowe is very happy here, and is constantly saying how
pleasant it is, and how glad he is that he is here. He is so much
improved in health that already he is able to take a considerable walk
every day.
"We are all well, contented, and happy, and we have six birds, two
dogs, and a pony. Do write more and oftener. Tell me all the little
nothings and nowheres. You can't imagine how they are magnified by the
time they have reached into this remote corner.
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