For the character of John M. Peck, also a noted pioneer preacher and founder of Rock Spring Seminary in Illinois, see “Memoir of John Mason Peck, D. D.,” edited by Rufus Babcock.
“Methodist Magazine,” XI., 1828, 154-8. The remarks of Hinde recall the difficulty which was experienced by the men who governed the Northwest Territory under the Ordinance of 1787 when they attempted to use only such laws as had been adopted by some state. The attempt was early and finally abandoned. Hinde gives the following in a foot-note: “A gentleman, a Virginian, a physician of eminence who was educated in Paris, visited a western state many years ago [written in 1827], and lost all his money by gambling, (playing at cards). Meeting a friend on the mountains on his return, he was thus addressed: ‘Well, doctor, you have been to see the new country.’ ‘Yes,’ replied the doctor, biting his lips, ‘it is a new country, it is true; but there are some of the oldest people in it that I ever saw.’ ”—See above reference, p. 155.
On Mt. Carmel and its founders, in general, see: “Articles of Association for the City of Mount Carmel”; Bangs, “Hist. of the M. E. Church,” IV., appendix, 3, 25; III., 230, 308-14; “Minutes of Conferences” Annual, M. E., I., 347, 474, 516; “American Pioneer,” I., 327; II., 363-8; “Laws of Ill., 1824-25,” 72-5; Simpson, “Cyclopedia of Methodism,” 97-S; “Methodist Magazine,” VIII., 17, 49, 86. Less reliable data is given in “Hist. of Edwards, Lawrence, and Wabash Counties, Ill.,” 85, 162, 189-90, 236, 238, 239. Mount Carmel is now (1908) the county seat of Wabash county. The “Hinde MSS.” in the “Draper Coll.” are large in volume, but have slight historic value, being chiefly musings of the author's later years.