Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 25th September 1839

This morning I employed myself in copying temperance songs etc., the morning being extremely wet.  When the weather cleared up I travelled to Montrose, had an interview with the Pres. & Secty who conducted me to Mr. Sharp(?) of the Review, who received me kindly, and promised me a licence to lecture, would I but stay a few days in the quarter.  Mr. Sharp (?) seems a frank open kind man.  His appearance bespeaks him to be a man of intense study.  He is about the middle size, rather thin (doubtless on account of great mental exertion).  He was exceedingly kind to me.

I was in a manner idle this evening I attended a Prayer Meeting which was in the family where I lodged and was much delighted with it, it was in connection with the Scottish Baptists.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 23rd and 24th September 1839

I’ve been a little lax again in posting the journal entries, so once again I am doubling up.  Enjoy.

September 23, l839

Employed the greater part of the day in study and writing to friends.  In the evening I lectured in the Old Relief Chapel to about 300 of an attentive audience.  The cause here is prospering very much.  There are about 720 members.  They manifest a great desire to become acquainted with the subject.  I was very kindly used while in Kirriemuir.

September 24, l839

Left Kirriemuir for Forfar per Omnibus, about a quarter to ll a.m. reached Forfar about 12, remained till half past 3 p.m. when I took the Railway Coach for Auldbar where I landed about 4.   It rained hard and then not being a coach for Brechin till 6, I stretched me on a form in the Office and took a nap.  When I awoke, I was very cold, and it still continued to rain very heavily.  It was not a covered coach, but I had the benefit of an umbrella.  It was about half eight when I reached Brechin, but had no difficulty in finding out the Pres. of the Society.  The meeting had been advertised.  I accordingly went to the church, and lectured about 2 hours, to a pretty good audience (considering the unfavourable weather).  The Soct (Society) is very prosperous.  There are about 700 members, but there is much work also here, there being no less than 7 public houses and 2 distilleries.

The women here are extremely busy.  Some of them come before the Public at the weekly convivial meetings, and deliver addresses.

I was most kindly received here.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell