Temperance > Autobiography and personal recollections of John B. Gough

RETURN HOME.
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Lome! Though kindly treated, and busied in pleasant
work, our hearts had many times yearned towards the
dear old “ Bay State,” and our home. "We were delighted,
and like children, in our glee at being once more at home,
we went from room to room, exploring every nook and
corner. “Our home!” We were filled with thankful¬
ness, and slept but little that night. Even the “Yankee
twang,” so much ridiculed, was musical to us. “ I guess”
—how we enjoyed hearing again the familiar expression,
I guess! Yes, we are at home. Now for a little rest;
and then to work. Next day a deputation came to us
from New York and New Jersey. We found letters from
all parts of the country calling for service; so, after rest¬
ing till October 4th, I commenced in Philadelphia, where
we were entertained by Leonard Jewell, and his son and
daughter, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Reed. Their house has
been our home ever since, during our frequent visits to
the city of “brotherly love”—and very hospitable and
pleasant we have always found it.
I continued lecturing in New York State, as far as
Buffalo; returned home November 6th to prepare for a
trip to Chicago; spoke in Hartford and New Haven, and,
by way of Elmira, travelled to Chicago; from thence to
St. Louis, where we spent a week, and I delivered six
lectures; then through Illinois, on our way to Cleveland,
and home—arriving there January 2, 1856.
I had often been invited to Chicago, and give a portion
of a letter from there, dated February 28, 1848, inviting
me to lecture on temperance:—
The importance of the field is such that we trust nothing will
prevent your acceding to our request. We have a city of seven¬
teen thousand inhabitants, and a spirited class of ladies and gen¬
tlemen, who will greet you, and a class of young men who are in