Between Wittmund and Aurich (continues J.Y.) is a moor called Plagenburg, about six English miles square, on which are some of the poorest mud-huts I ever saw.  People who intend to settle here from any part receive a grant of land for ten years free, and afterwards pay a yearly ground-rent of about five shillings an acre.  The idle and burdensome poor are also sent here; and by this means the whole neighborhood is relieved from poor-rates, except for the support of a few individuals who spin, &c., in the poor-house.  We were informed that near Norden there is a colony for thieves and gipsies, who are sent to this place and compelled to build themselves huts and cultivate the land.  They are strictly watched by the police, and severely punished when they attempt to go away without leave.

We had a long and tedious ride, through deep sand, to Leer.  On our arrival we made inquiry about Fredericks-Oort, but could obtain no intelligence, nor could we find it on the maps which we borrowed for examination.  This was very discouraging; for I had hoped, if it was right for us to go, we should find some one to give us certain directions to it.  I slept but little, and next morning set again to work, and found there was a Jew in the town who travelled much in Holland.  I desired he might be sent for; he came, and immediately gave us directions where to find the places we wanted.

I ought not to omit remarking the comfortable feeling that I was favored with, riding from Wittmund to Aurich [on the way to Leer].  In reflecting in stillness where we had been and what we had done, I felt not only peace and inward satisfaction, but thankfulness filled my heart that we had been thus far enabled to do what we believed to be in the way of our duty.  This Scripture language passed through my mind:  “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.” (Isa. xxxii. 20.)

11_th_.—­Left Leer about eleven o’clock in the morning, and expected to arrive at Assen at eleven or twelve at night, but to our great disappointment we travelled the night through, and only reached Assen at seven next morning.  At Wehndam on our way we rested the horses.  Our friend L.S. went for an hour to bed, and my M.Y. and self sat in the carriage and would have slept, but there came so many admirers of our vehicle that we could not sleep for their almost continual remarks about its elegance, convenience, &c.

This part of Holland is fruitful; the houses are clean and neat; and the dress of the women very singular.  Their caps have a plate of silver or gold on each side almost like a helmet, and sometimes very costly.  At the inn at Nieuweschans [on the borders of Germany and Holland], the cook had one of these golden helmets which had cost about 150 florins.