New Design. Dec. 10, 1820.
Looking back at this time, 1820, to 1809, when we organized the Canteen creek Baptist Church on a strictly anti-slavery basis as Jefferson had suggested as a [center] from which the anti-slavery movement to finally save the State to freedom could be directed, it is now clear that the move was a wise one as there is no doubt but that it more than anything else was what made Illinois a free State.
New Design, Ill. Jan. 4, 1821.
Among my papers my family will find a full and connected statement as to all the churches I have caused to be formed since my settlement in Illinois.
There were many of our family notes which were faded out and Rev. J. M. Peck retained some when he made father's history and many were misplaced by other friends, but we have had all copied [that] are now in our possession which are of interest.
Rev. James Lemen, Jr.,
(Son of Rev. James Lemen, Sr.).
Ridge Prairie, Ill. June 4, 1867.
My father's account of his Indian fights and statement of all the churches he caused to be founded in Illinois, above mentioned, were loaned to Rev. John M. Peck a short time before his death and have not been returned, but the information contained has already been published except a few confidential facts as to his relations with Jefferson in the formation of the Canteen Creek Baptist Ch., now the Bethel Baptist Church.
Rev. James Lemen, Jr.
(Son of James Lemen, Sr.)