After living on the ship for about 80 days, Alfieus Hardy, the owner of the Wild Rover came. He asked Neesima why he had come to America. Neesima answered in English but Hardy could not understand his English. He took Neesima to the Christian Sailor’s Home and asked him to write down why he had come to America. Neesima stayed up for two nights and worked hard to complete his composition, “Why I Departed from Japan.” in English. The document described his birth and childhood years, his devotion to Dutch studies, his knowledge of America from books, how he encountered God through the Bible, and his desire to get an education at school. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy were impressed by Neesima’s letter and decided to take him into their family. 2. His Time at Phillips Academy When it came to how to help Joe Neesima, Hardy thought first and foremost of the need for education because Hardy gave up on becoming a pastor in his youth due to his health and later worked to help educate young people. He was a board member of three schools that Neesima would later go to. In October, 1865, Neesima entered Phillips Academy, a high school in Andover. He was 21 years old, and had the goal of learning English first. At this time, it seems that he took his first ever train ride. From then on, Hardy covered all his expenses. Neesima was supposed to stay in the school dormitory, but he stayed in a boarding house until he could improve his English. Ms. Hidden was the landlady of the boarding house during this Andover period at Phillips Academy. She was deeply impressed by his letter "Why I departed from Japan" and decided to take care of him. Mr. and Mrs. E. Flint, Jr. also resided in Ms. Hidden’s house where Neesima stayed and kindly assisted in his studies. Neesima was amazed at how kind all the people he met were to a stranger like him, Since Ms. Hidden was a Sunday school teacher, Neesima often visited the church. In December, 1866, while at Phillips Academy, Neesima became a Christian and was baptized at Bartlett Chapel. 3. His Time at Amherst College After graduating from Phillips Academy in September 1867, Neesima was admitted to Amherst College. At Amherst College, he majored in natural science. He became particularly interested in geology. Professor Seeley, an advisor and a kind teacher of philosophy and religion, warmly welcomed Neesima, and took care of him at his home, before he moved into the dormitory, as well as during
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