April 9, Monday. A very busy day indeed. At 8 p.m. a number of the Saints was at the station & at 9:15 we bade adieu to dear friends in Scotland arriving at Lime Street Station, Liverpool at 4:45 a.m.
Tuesday 10th. And was soon thereafter introduced to the brethren at 42 (Islington). Very busy in getting the Saints their tickets. At noon the most of the saints was at the S. S Nevada. [p. 99
]
Wednesday 11th. Slept four hours in the saloon. In making inquiry we learned that Sister Wilson and the other Scotch sisters, who were all comfortably located in a compartment together. President Smith and others came on the tender and very hurriedly gave us to understand the responsibility which would devolve upon us. As soon as we could collect our thoughts we counselled with the returning elders [p. 100], thirteen in all, and completed the organization dividing the English Saints into 4 wards with a local teacher to attend to the necessities of the Saints, the Scandinavian Saints. The same with two returning elders to take charge, Elder [Joseph] Greaves the English, & O. C. Larsen the Scandinavian Saints. Meeting at 8 p.m. was well attended and arrangements made to have worship [p. 101] every morning at 7 a.m. and evening at 8 p.m. The English in one company and the Scandinavians in another. Guards to be put in after half past nine and no one to go up or down without permission.
Thursday 12th. Meetings was well attended. I attended the Scandinavian meeting at seven a.m. At 8:20 we stopped at Queenstown, remain two [p. 102] hours, it being a beautiful day and very clear. The Saints in enjoyed the Irish scenery very much. All through the day the Saints could be heard singing the songs of Zion.
Friday 13th. Was taken violently sick and remain so until the following Wednesday the 18th when the food first began to remain on my stomach. [p. 103] I learned from the brethren that there was an excellent spirit among the passengers, the most of them having recovered from seasickness.
Thursday 19th. Slept well last night, the vessel laying still. Very foggy all night. Passed some ice at 3 a.m. This morning when I arose it was cold and foggy but the [p. 104] Nevada was moving on her course. At 7 a.m. I met with the Scandinavian Saints, made a few remarks which was interpreted by President Lindvahl [Joseph Linvall]. Visited the berths after the [- - - - -] two of the compartments very filthy ones among the English and the others, among the Scotch Saints. The day was cold but pleasant. Evening [-] Elder [- - ]. [p. 105]
Friday 20th. Wind favorable all night. Slept sound. Good appetite for breakfast. Meeting at 7 a.m. Instructed the Saints to use plenty of soap and water and fine tooth comb. The day was very fine and the Saints enjoyed it very much. Meeting at night was very interesting. Elder King delivered an able discourse reporting the charges made against the Latter-day Saints. [p. 106]
Saturday 21st. Wind blew all night, the sea was rough, and I felt very unwell continuously so all through the day. Evening, attended meeting, took an active part in the same and felt better. Took two pills on going to bed.
Sunday 22nd. Slept well until four a.m. when the effects of the pills began to be felt. The morning was [p. 107] lovely. A few vessels in sight. Attended the Scandinavian meeting. Addressed the Saints on cleanliness of person and their duties to God and to each other. Brother Larson [O. C. Larson] interpreted. The day being very stormy, raining hard, the passengers had a wet time while passing quarantine. The Nevada moved into dock at 5 p.m. Brother [James] Hart came on board and made all necessary arrangements for the luggage and the passengers. [p. 108]
Monday 23rd. Arise early and called the elders together to raise some means to help our luggage through the hands of the customs officers hands. We raised about $40.00. [p. 109][THE REST OF THE PAGE AND 110-111 ARE BLANK]
Donations received for meeting house on one hundred dollars promised in priesthood meeting Friday 6th July 1883. John W. Grow $1.00, Ena McKay .50. [p. 112]
Wednesday 25th. Left Buffalo at 1:10 a.m. having arrived there at 8:30 p.m. and being attached to a freight train on a single track, while exammining our tickets at $3.25, the rope snapped and we were left standing on the track until 5:10 when the engine returned and we proceeded on our way arriving at Detroit at 3:30 p.m. Soon crossed fairy and could not change cars. [p. 113] The Grand Trunk Railroad cars very inferior and inconvenient for emigrants. Left Detroit at 5:30 on the Michigan Central arriving in Chicago at 3:15 a.m. Made inquiry about Heath and party but learned nothing of their whereabouts. We found 8 cars at our command and all on board. We started at 5:45 a.m. reaching Council Bluffs at 4 a.m. on Friday the 27th. Crossed the river and after baggage was transferred [p. 114] , 8 cars of the Union Pacific was occupied and the Saints felt comfortable. Sent telegraph message to President Taylor and J. [James] H. Hart of New York. Started from Omaha at 9:15 being the first division of the regular passenger train.
Saturday 28. Reached the summit at 4:15 p.m. Was delayed some hours by a freight train, but the Saints appeared to enjoy those snow [-] mountains. [p. 115]
Sunday 29th. Had a few hours sleep. Arose at 2 a.m. and changed my clothing. Nothing [-] transported until we arrived at Evanston when we were detained and crowded by [-] or [-] and some first had to be used to [-] them. Had a few hours sleep and awoke rejuvenated. [JOURNEY TO SALT LAKE CITY ACCOUNT ABRUPTLY ENDS HERE] [p. 116]
BIB: McKay, David. Diary (Ms 1925), vol. 2, 6, pp. 99-116. (CHL)
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