At Bro. Griffith's, Dec 26th, /71

Dear Sister Rose:

I don't know when I ever read a letter that did me more good than yours, which I received about an hour ago. I came up to Coolville this morning from Bro. Humphrey's, and found the letter in the P. O. I read it over twice, and then Bro. Griffith's family came in, and I read the most of it to them. I suppose you don't imagine how interested they were, and how glad to hear of that glorious revival. Bro. Griffith was exceedingly pleased and said he only wished he was on Blue Run. It did me so much good to hear about those conversions, and the many accessions to the Church. Yet I was sorry that I did not find more names in the list. I expected to hear that Joe had joined the Church, and I feel sorry that he did not. Also that Alfred M'Clellan is still holding out against the Spirit of God. I am grieved that Nancy and Will M'Kinley have so much to pass through, but I hope they will never allow anything to interfere with the noble step they have taken, for the grace of God is sufficient to bring them through.

I have been on Coolville Circuit over a week. O but I was glad to get among my friends again, and they all were so pleased to see me. Last Saturday I went with Bro. Griffith to his appointments. On Sunday morning I preached for him at Lower Long Bottom, on the Ohio river; and we had a most affecting speaking-meeting. Three or four of the brethren were so glad to see me (some of them were taken into the Church by R. D. Morgan), and so reluctant to say good-by so soon, that they followed me and Bro.Griffith to my afternoon appointment at Reedville, four or five miles up the river. My credit at Reedville has always been about 50 per cent above par, and as they did not know I was coming they were astonished and almost overjoyed. You know what a pleasant day it was -- the day before Christmas. My text was, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." Oh how earnestly did the congregation listen! Towards the close several of the brethren began to apply their handkerchiefs, and Bro.Griffith could not keep still. Especially when I reached the last part of the theme, and asked and tried to answer the question, "How long will the saints of God be permitted to reign with Christ?" Bro. G. fairly shouted. He made the closing prayer -- and such a prayer! He almost went up to the very heavens. Some were talking about having a meeting at night, but he up and told the congregation that he himself was afraid to preach after such a sermon as that, and that he could not insist on my preaching again. Last night I had an appointment at Hockingport, and a large crowd came out. O but I was pleased to talk to the people there once more, and they kept listening so attentively. After meeting it was nothing but a continual handshaking and "how do you do?" and "can't you go home with us?" etc., etc. But I had to say "how do you do?" and "good-by" in the same breath, for I could not stay at all. This afternoon I want to go out to Tupper's Plains, where I have not been yet, and Thursday morning I intend starting for Athens again.

I hope there have been arrangements made about sending me money immediately. I had to borrow $10 before leaving Athens, and when I return I shall have that to pay, besides $17 tuition, etc., for the coming term, & $10 or $12 for books, so that near $40 will be gone, and nothing left for buying provisions and other necessaries. I guess the best way will be for Wm. to send me those $30, besides that other thirty in the bank,

together with what you can get for the mule. I am sorry you have so much trouble in getting that money, but it is impossible for me to wait when I return to Athens. I suppose you will get this letter on Friday, and if you have not sent on any money yet, please don't wait any longer, and remember that $60 at least will be needed to meet my expenses. Remember me to Bro. Wakefield and everybody else. Bro. Griffith sends his love to you all. Goodby. Remember, write to Athens.

Your aff. brother,

A. Stritmatter