. . . Tuesday, May 16th. I attended to a little business in the forenoon, and then went down to the ship to see how the saints were situated. I found them feeling pretty well. I had to return to the city to arrange about tinware for them, as also to change their money and attend to their baggage. . . . [p.42]
. . . Wednesday, May 17th. I was attending to various things that required my attention during the forenoon and part of the afternoon. At three o'clock the last tender left the wharf for the ship, which had now moved from the docks to the river. The returning elders and brethren from the office went on board, and the arrangements for the journey were made. Brother William Webb of American Fork being appointed to take charge of our company, which numbers some 389 emigrants and 15 returning elders. Altogether there [p.43] are some 1047 persons on board this ship. All passed the doctor, and one Swiss girl a daughter of the Fisher family of Schaffhausen, was sent back to the hospital in Liverpool, as her head was very scabby and sore. After Brother Carrington and companions had left the ship. Brother [William] Webb called the elders together, and I was elected secretary for the company, William Butler English chaplain and C. C. Schramm German chaplain. Local brethren were appointed to act as guards over the different wards into which the company was divided, and the Germans and English were separated. Everything was done that could be for the comfort of the Saints. The elders had berths in the cabin. Their names are William Webb, William Cooper, A. [Abram] H. Cannon, William and [p.44] George. Butler, C. [C.] Schramm, J. [John] Alder, Ulrich Stauffer, Charles Schneitter, George Graehl, Rodney Hillam
, John McAllister, Thomas R. Jones, William G. Davies and U. [Uriah] Butt. We left about six P.M. and were soon in the open sea.
Thursday, May 18th. We had a very pleasant day sailing through the Irish Channel, but we elders were busily employed in arranging matters in the steerage for the comfort of the saints. We got everything fixed as well as we could by evening and the Saints seemed to be quite thankful for the same. We also have a Mr. [John] Laws, wife [Hannah] and daughter [Florence M.] in the cabin, who are going with our company to visit some relatives in Utah.
Friday, May 19th. The people did not feel quite so lively this morning, [p.45] as some were beginning to feel seasick, and as the rocking of the vessel increased, the most of them became very unwell. Very few felt lively in the evening. I also was feeling a little peculiar, but managed to move around until bed time. It was not at all stormy, but the ship rocked a little. Yesterday we passed Queenstown, and from that city to the point we reached at 12 midday today, was 314 miles.
Saturday, May 20th. We sailed along very nicely today, but notwithstanding this I was unable to go down to the cabin for meals, and was compelled to vomit quite freely. The remainder of our passengers also felt quite unwell, and the dinner tables were very empty. We made 294 miles today, against a headwind. [p.46]
Sunday, May 21, 1882. As I felt exceedingly unwell today, and the sea was very rough, I remained in bed, but was blessed with a good appetite while lying still. My room companion, Brother McAllister, kept me company as he was also sick. I employed part of the time reading.
Monday, May 22nd. I remained in bed until nearly noon, and after arising felt unwell until after I had a little pea soup. The afternoon passed pleasantly away in conversation with the saints, the most of whom are now recovering. I was able to take part of my supper in the saloon this evening. I remained on deck until about 10 p.m. and felt well on retiring. Yesterday we made 300 miles and today 328. [p.47]
Tuesday, May 23rd. I passed another pleasant day in trying to relieve the sick Saints, and to make those cheerful who were on deck. A little concert was held in our steerage department this evening, but as a Sister Keep felt unwell on account of the warmth down stairs, I accompanied her on deck and was conversing with her until bed time. 330 miles today.
Wednesday, May 24th. During the night we were compelled to stop six hours on account of the fog and the danger of icebergs, which are frequently seen on the banks of Newfoundland, where we now are. I seen a number of these ice mountains today. I passed the time as usual in looking after the interests of the Saints. An English meeting was held in the [p.48] evening in the steerage, and I together with other brethren addressed the Saints. We then attended a concert in the saloon, where a pleasant evening was passed. 240 miles today.
Thursday, May 25th. Nothing of unusual importance occurred today. A meeting was held for the Germans in the evening, when several of the brethren spoke, and I interpreted an English sermon of Brother [William] Webb's for the benefit of the Saints. The latter appointed me to take charge of these German meetings. We had a few songs before going to bed. Sister Bühler of Switzerland was taken very sick this evening. 324 miles today.
Friday, May 26th. It was a little rough this morning and quite stormy but towards afternoon it became very [p.49] fine; the sea became as smooth as glass. This morning Brother [Ulrich] Stauffer came in my room and said that little child of Sister Sturzenegger's had died at three o'clock this morning. We held a short service over the body of the same. Brother [John] Alder and I saying a few words, and the body was then weighted with irons, sewed up in canvas, and dropped at the back of the ship, where it immediately sank. It was about six months old. Another child died in another part of the ship and was also dropped in the sea. A meeting was held in the evening in which instructions were given the Saints in regard to their landing in New York, and further journey; I instructed the Germans. I was walking in the moonlight on deck for a while after meeting, [p.50] in company with some of the Saints. There are some hounds in the intermediate part of the ship, who are trying to lead some of our girls astray, and we therefore had to keep close watch. Sister Bühler is better today. 325 miles today, and we have still 404 to go, before we arrive at New York. Some people were a little seasick today.
Saturday, May 27th. It was a beautiful morning, and the Saints seemed to enjoy it. I was writing for some little time in the morning. About noon we came in sight of Long Island, and sailed during the afternoon along its banks. About 5 p.m. we arrived in full view of New York harbor, and while sailing up the same, our eyes were [p.51] feasted by the beautiful sights to be seen. The entrance to the harbor is guarded by two strongly fortified forts, from which hundreds of cannons protrude, teaching enemies not to attempt to capture this city. The banks were clothed in green, and everything seemed to greet us on our arrival in "the land of the free." Just outside the harbor we passed a sunken vessel, which collided with another ship four weeks ago, while starting out for Liverpool. The hull is below water, but the bridge and rigging are to be seen. No lives were lost. We received the quarantine doctors about 5:30 p.m. when all but the cabin passengers were inspected. We then had supper, during which time we arrived in the docks, about 7 o'clock, and were met by Brother James [p.52] Hart, our emigration agent. He gave me a little business to attend to, after which I took a 15 minute walk onshore. It was about 11 o'clock when I returned to the ship and went to bed.
Sunday, May 28th, 1882. I arose quite early this morning and wrote a letter to Brother [Albert] Carrington concerning our journey. After breakfast the examination of all baggage was commenced. All our people had to open their boxes, but as we generally take up a collection for the custom house officers, before leaving the ship, they generally very lenient with us, and allow us to pass, unless we have something which is very noticeable. Of our company the two Misses Keep were the only ones, who were required to pay duty, and that was on some new satin, silk [p.53] and velvet goods. I had some German Mission books and articles for other parties, which were really dutiable but they were passed without cost. About noon we boarded a river boat and were taken to Castle Gardens, where our people were all registered and then exchanged their foreign money for American. I stood at the desk of the money changers to see that our people were not cheated. I was interviewed by a reporter of the New York "Staatszeitung" as also by one of the commissioners of emigration, this afternoon. I gave them information concerning our labors, teachings, etc. in Europe. About 3 p.m. we boarded another boat and were taken to the New York and Lake Erie Rail Road Station, where a train was in readiness [p.54] for us. I spent several hours in conversation with the Saints, and as the train was about to leave in the evening, Brother [James] Hart came and advised me to remain and see father. I concluded to follow this advice, and Brother [Rodney] Hillam also decided to remain with me. We bid the Saints "goodbye" and then went with Brother [James] Hart to the Grand Central Hotel, one of the finest in the city, where we received a telegram from Father, saying he would arrive from Washington tonight. We ate supper and then repaired to the Jersey station, where at 10:40 I joyfully greeted father as he alighted from the train. He was glad to see me looking and feeling so well. He wrote a few days ago to Brother [Albert] Carrington [p.55] expressing the desire that I should not be released to return home until fall, as he thought I might get into trouble, but the letter reached its destination after my departure. It was after midnight when we retired. Father is not as fleshy as he formerly was, but looks fully as healthy.
Monday, May 29th. This morning I was out walking with father and the other brethren. I had a long conversation with the former and I can see how severely he feels mother's loss. He gave me instructions concerning the children, and also gave me good instruction in regard to my own affairs. He advised me to work in the Instructor office on my return home, if I could find [p.56] no better employment. He felt that it was his duty to return to Washington today, and I therefore accompanied him to the station in Jersey City, from which place he departed at 3:40 p.m. He does not yet know when he can return home, for although he has lost his seat in Congress, is the counsel of President [John] Taylor for him to remain in the capital for the time being. In the evening Brother [James] Hart took Brother [Rodney] Hillam and me to Harrigan and Hart's theatre to see the play of "Squatter Sovereignty." It was a low comedy and did not suit me very well. We retired about 11 o'clock.
Tuesday, May 30th. It being decoration day, great preparations were made to celebrate it in this city. The U. S. President Arthur, and other dignitaries [p.57] of the nation are in the city. "Bob" Ingersoll, the great infidel, is orator of the day. About 10 a.m. the procession started past the hotel and for about two hours there was a constant stream of soldiers marching along to the tunes of about twenty bands. The veterans of the last war with their tattered and time-worn banners; the disciplined soldiers with flying colors and gaudy uniforms, and the volunteers with their stately tread, formed a picture well worth seeing. All New York seemed to be out to witness the process, which to me, finally became monotonous. I was not aware that the United States government could boast of such a fine body of troops, and so nicely uniformed, but I was pleased to become acquainted with [p.58] the fact. In the afternoon I made a few purchases of books, etc. Brother Newton Farr, who has been for some time in Brooklyn, came to the hotel and told us that he would be our traveling companion on the way home. He was taken sick with the diphtheria on his arrival from England, about 10 days ago, but is now almost well. About 6:30 p.m. we three went to the station of the New York and Lake Erie Railroads and soon were rolling along Zionward. Brother [James] Hart attended to our tickets, for which we thanked him. We made beds as well as we could on the seats of the car, where we rested pretty well.
Wednesday, May 31st. We arrived at Corning for breakfast in the morning and then proceeded to Rochester, where we obtained "lay over" tickets, as we desired [p.59] to visit the Hill Cumorah, which is not very far away. On arriving at the latter city we obtained rooms at the "Osburn House." In the afternoon, we took the train for Palmyra, at which place we arrived in about half an hour. A man keeping a small hotel at the station met us and offered to take us in a light wagon to the hill Cumorah for the sum of $1.00 each. We accepted his offer, and were soon behind a gay little team, on our way to the noted hill, which has received the name of "Gold Bible Hill" from the people of this region. It is also frequently called "Mormon Hill." It is situated about three and a half miles from Palmyra, and the owner of the team, Mr. Quaife, soon took us to it. The hills in this region are all low [p.60], and run north and south. Cumorah is the highest in the neighborhood, and is particularly noticeable because it rises abruptly from the center of a valley about half a mile wide. The hills to the east are about one-eighth of a mile distant and those to the west about three-eighths of a mile. The hill is very precipitous at the north end, but towards the south it gradually slopes until hill and plain unite. On the southwest part there is a small scattered forest, and stumps of trees are to be seen on various parts proving conclusively that a forest once existed here. My feelings on ascending and walking about on this sacred hill, and in thinking upon the remarkable events connected with in ancient and modern times, were very [p.61] peculiar and indescribable. I look for other events to transpire in the near future which will again bring this hill into prominence. We returned to Palmyra, after having viewed the hill for some time, and went to see Major John Gilbert who was one of the compositors on the first Book of Mormon ever published. He says he considers "Mormonism" a "dam humbug" but he could give no reason for his belief. He says that the first Book of Mormon published was with Joseph Smith as "author and proprietor," which was afterwards changed to "translator". He commenced to rail against the prophet, but acknowledged that he was never acquainted with him, but had merely seen him a few times. His abuse was made on the strength of hearsay evidence. It was [p.62] unmerited. We had supper at Mr. Quaife's who has already entertained a number of our people who came to visit the hill, and then boarded the train and went to Rochester, where we arrived at nearly 10 o'clock. Palmyra is a beautiful city of about 4000 inhabitants. The streets are laid off at right angles with trees on each side, like our Utah streets. Good land covered with rich crops surround the place, showing that agriculture is carried on quite extensively. The city is in Wayne, and the hill in Ontario county. Newton Farr is 25 years old today.
Thursday, June 1st. About nine a.m. we took our departure from Rochester and went to the Niagara Falls, at which place we arrived about one p.m. We went down and seen the American Falls first, which are the highest, and had our photographs taken in full view of the water. We then [p.63] crossed the river in a boat and viewed the "horseshoe" falls on the Canada side. The sight of these Falls is the grandest I have ever seen; it baffles description. The American Falls are about 164 feet high and 220 broad, while the Canadian Falls are 600 feet broad and 154 feet high. Goat Island separates the two and sends the most of the water to the Canadian side. About 1-1/2 miles below the falls is the suspension bridge 800 feet long, 40 feet high and 200 feet above the river. Having seen these objects, we hired a carriage and went to see whirlpool rapids, a short distance below the bridge. This is a seething, rushing potion of the river where the spray is thrown high into the air as the water rushes along in its mad fury. It is said that only one boat ever passed this place without [p.64] being dashed to pieces, and that was "The Maid o' the Mist", the captain and mate were lashed to the rigging and were therefore saved, although the deck was swept nearly clean. After taking us to the city, the hack driver tried to get more money from us than we had agreed to pay, but we would not give it to him; he threatened to bring a policemen, but we told him to do so, when he went away in a rage and did not return. We left about midnight for Chicago.
Friday, June 2nd. We had a tiresome day's ride today. At Detroit the cars were ferried across the river. About dark, or 7:30 p.m. we arrived at Chicago, where it was raining pretty hard. We took the "bus" for the Palmer House where I refreshed myself by taking a [p.65] bath, and then ate my supper. We conversed some little time before retiring. I was quite weary.
Saturday, June 3rd. After having our breakfast we went out in the rain to see about our railroad tickets. We obtained them without any trouble on the note of Brother [James] Hart. We had decided to remain a full day in Chicago but as it was very stormy we concluded to go on our journey, and accordingly left for Omaha at noon. The time passed quickly away while engaged in reading and conversation. Our rude bed was again made on the car seats.
Sunday, June 4th, 1882. We arrived in Council Bluffs about 9 a.m. and were compelled to wait some little time before crossing the river. On arriving in Omaha, I went and found Mr. Stebbins, [p.66] the Union Pacific Ticket agent, and received from him, on the strength of Brother [James] Hart's letter, half fare tickets to Ogden. We purchased a few eatables and then boarded the train which left about noon for the west. The cars were pretty well filled. We made ourselves as comfortable as possible on the seats at night.
Monday, June 5th. We had a tiresome and monotonous ride today. At every station where we had a few moments spare time, we would get out and walk around. Brother Farr Newton decided in the evening to have a bed for the night and accordingly went into the sleeping car. Brother [Rodney] Hillam and I lodged on the seats.
Tuesday, June 6th. I rested pretty well. We reached Green River for breakfast. [p.67] We had dinner at Evanston. From this point the scenery gradually became more beautiful, and the time passed pleasantly away. Brother Lorin Farr came up to Wasatch to meet his son. On arriving in Ogden Frank met me at the Union Pacific train, and on going to the Union Central station, I rejoiced at seeing Uncle Angus, Aunt Emily and mother's children; also Frank's wife and daughter. My joy knew no bounds on seeing them. All look quite natural, only the children have grown some. We were soon on the way to Salt Lake, Frank, who is now working in the recorder's office at Ogden also accompanying us. I endeavored to talk with the children about mother, but they felt so bad that I changed the subject. Frank returned [p.68] from California some time ago, and is, apparently very sorry for the course he took since I last saw him. On arriving in the city the depot was crowded with relatives and friends who came to see me. I received kisses and hand shakings to my hearts content. My welcome was most cordial and hearty, and at that moment I felt fully repaid for all I had performed since leaving home. I was expected home on Sunday with the emigrants, as my letters and telegrams were not received until yesterday. After greeting all I mounted Father J's buckboard, where my son George, whom I did not recognize was also seated; George was a little shy of me at first, but he soon became friendly. I remained a few minutes at Uncle Angus' house, [p.69] where I was joyfully received by Mina and welcomed by the rest of the folks. I then went to Mother J's and received the warm embraces of Sarah. All seemed delighted with my return. It was a joy to me, which baffles description to again be with my beloved family, relatives and friends in my mountain home. My cup of happiness seemed to be full. . . . [p.70]
BIB: Cannon, Abraham Hoagland. Diaries. (MSS 1929), bx. 1, fd. 3, pp. 42-70. (CHL)
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