May 20 Saturday – The Minneapolis arrived at Lake Pepin, Minn. Sam and Osgood saw a “wretched poor family on boat going to the frontier—man on deck with wagon; woman & several little children allowed in cabin for charity’s sake. The slept on sofas & floor in glare of lamps without covering. Must have frozen last night.” Sam told how he and Osgood took pity on the family and got them hot meals and blankets [MTNJ 2: 480n164].

Sam wrote to Livy and told her about the poor family and their assistance: 

“The woman stopped me afterward and asked if it was I that paid for their meals—& thanked me & broke down. They are all sound asleep on sofas…but I notice that my interest in them has had an effect, for they all have pillows & coverings” [MTP].