, , England, to JS and Quorum of the Twelve, [, Hancock Co., IL], 10–21 Jan. 1844; handwriting of ; docket in handwriting of ; twenty-four pages; JS Collection, CHL.
Page 14
it apears from all Evidence that I have obtained in this sad affair that it was a puer accident mrs Cartwright Left her house and went to mr Pugmiers Where the Saints were assembled in meeting and mr Pugmeir asked her if she came volentarly and if she saw the nssesity of being Baptizd for the Remission of her sins she answerd yes he observed at the same time that if she did not it would be of no use he was Led to ask her this from her B[e]ing violently opposed to him and the church only a fue days previous after prayers they Repaired to the water Distanc 1/2 mile and the stream was much swolen by Recent Rains but <Pugmier> had n[o] fears as he was well acquaintd With the streame as he <and> had Baptized 9 before in the same plaice he went into the watter to assertain its Depth after which Mrs Cartwright came into the Watter to him and after he had Baptizd her and Raised her on her feet again and was about to Lead her to her husband Who stood on the Bank to Receive her the Bank which was Sandy gave way and they Bothe fell into the Deep water and Mr Cartwright seeing their perilous situation rushed in after them and Crushed them to the Bottom and Broke the Hold of Elder Pugmeir from his wife, <Cartwright and his wife> they wer Both Caried Down the streem togeather several yards untill he caught hold of a tree that Broke his hold from his wife and tore off her peticoat where he Remaned untill a Mr. More after puling mr Pugmeir out of the water by the hair of his head Could Return to Pugmiers house and get assistance and Rturn when he was Rscued from his perilous situation the Body of mrs Cartwright was not found untill the next day owing to the darkness of the night the Reason why they went to Baptize in the night was that they were all Laboring in the Crewe Works and Could not Leave their work untill 8 o clock in the Eveni[n]g this circumstance has Caused much Exitement through out [p. 14]