28th.  The harbor breaks up with a south-east wind, but the ice remains firm between the island and the main, and in the direction to Pt.  St, Ignace.  This wind is attended with a farther moderation of the temperature.  I fell in descending the steep hill, which is exposed to the south, in coming back from a visit to Lieut.  Penrose, in the fort.  This fort is what engineers call a talus, being, as I suppose, the exact area, very nearly, of the top of a cliff overlooking the town.  It was very effective for controlling the Indians, but was found in 1812 to be commanded by a still higher point within cannon range, which was seized and fortified by the British.

This apex they made the site of Fort George; the Americans changed the name to Fort Holmes, after a gallant officer, a Kentuckian, who fell in the unsuccessful attempt of Col.  Croghan to retake the island in 1814.

29th.  The temperature still rises, and is mild for the season.  Gave each of my children a new copy of the Scriptures.  If these truths are important, as is acknowledged, they cannot too early know them.  I visited Mr. Mitchell.

30th, The temperature continues to moderate.  Drove to the mission, accompanied by Mr. D., to converse, at his request, with Mr. Barber, on the unhappy topics of difference between him and Mr. F. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott called at my house, in the interval, and were received by Mrs. S. In the evening I attended the social prayer meeting at Mr. Dousman’s.

31st.  The sun shone clear; no snow, no high winds, but a serene and pleasant atmosphere.  Visits were received from Maj.  Whistler and Lieut.  Kingsbury.  Conversation on the probable reception of the President’s Message, etc., by our next express.

This being Mrs. Schoolcraft’s birth-day, I presented her a Bible.

Feb. 1st.  The mildness and pleasantness of the weather continued.  Drove out to Mr. Davenport’s with Mrs. Schoolcraft and the children.  Davenport is a Virginian.  He was one of the residents driven off the island by the events of the late war, and was on board of Commodore St. Clair’s squadron, sailing around the island, and in sight of his own home, during the expedition to recapture the island, in 1814.  For his sufferings and losses he ought to have been remunerated by the Government, whom he faithfully served.

Our second express from Detroit arrived, bringing us the expected newspaper intelligence, and letters from friends.  Heard of the alarming illness of my sister, in Oneida County, N.Y.

2d.  S. A sermon on the often handled subjects of election and free grace—­how God elects, and how man is free to come himself.

3d.  Devoted to newspaper reading.  In the evening attended the monthly concert.

4th.  A small party at dinner, namely, Major Whistler, Lieut.  Kingsbury, Mr. Agnew, Mr. Stuart the elder, Mr. Abbott, Mr. Dousman, and Mr. Johnston.  The weather continues mild, clear, and calm.  In the evening I prepared my mail matter for the Sault, intending to dispatch it by a private express to-morrow.