October 24, 1885

. . . Sat. 24 [October 1885], went down to the Clarence Dock with Brother L. [Louis] P. Lund on the street car. The Saints mostly on board, the ship S. S. Nevada. This vessel has carried most of the Saints across the water this year. Brothers Wells & Penrose had been down to organize the company. Brother A. [Anthon] Lund president of the company. Brother J. C. Arther [Arthur] and myself as councilors. H. L. James secretary. We got out in the river remained their until 7 p.m. Sailed down the river on a bright moonlight night. After we got out we thoroughly organized the company. All went smoothly along.

Sun. 25. Nice day, land in sight most of the day. Arrived at Queenstown 3 p.m. after taking on passengers we proceeded on our journey. Held a meeting with the Saints in the evening. Gave up my supper to the fishes.

Mon. 26. I did not get out of my cabin all day. Very sick, we made 163 first 12 hours.

Tues. 27. Stormy day, rough. Seasick all day. Could not eat 2 days, run 223 miles.

Wed. 28. Stormy day. Saints generally a little better, but rough sea. 3 days run 282 miles.

Thurs. 29. A very rough, rainy day. This has been my worst day of sickness and general for all. 4 days, run 280. [p. 137]

Fri. 30. This the most pleasant day we have had on our journey. I enjoyed my meals. The Saints felt well. The last 24 hours we made 307 miles. We held a little meeting with the Saints in the steerage passengers. I was called upon to occupy a few minutes. The Saints seemed to feel well.

Sat. 31. Day dawned nice and clear. Met with the Saints in prayer. We came into a dense fog. Suddenly with a rain & wind but the wind favorable for us. The Saints have to pass the vaccination doctor. Raining in the afternoon made 320 miles.

November 1885, Sun. 1. Met with the Saints in prayer. Rather disagreeable day. Met in the saloon, Church of England services. A few steering passengers came in. We held services with the Saints in the afternoon, day quite cool. We made 287 miles. Saints seems to feel better generally.

Mon. 2. One of the nicest days we have had. Wind favorable, rougher as night approached. Ninth day, made 332 miles. Then was a concert in the saloon in the evening. Some professionals on board. Two French ladies proceeds to go to sailor's orphans. [p. 138]

Tues. 3. The day rather rough. Made 326 miles run. Took on board the pilot, the Saints had a concert after prayer in the evening.

Wed. 4. As day dawned land came in sight. It was a welcome sight after being in the water for eleven days. Long Island on the right, Sandy Hook on left. Got in the river 12 a.m. The doctor came on board. There was a case of measils on board the ship. Doctor was on board. He was a quack. The other being rather inexperienced would not take the responsibility upon himself of deciding himself. Gave the ship doctor a reprimanding. We had to remain in the river all night. Some of the cabin passengers very much dissatisfied having to remain in the river.

Thurs. 5. We got into dock 10 a.m. We got ashore took some time to pass the customs officers. Although it was a mere form we tipped them $25.00. We crossed to the Castle Garden side. The Saints it took considerable time and labor to get the Saints over and luggage all weighed. The people getting their supplies for the journey seven cars prepared for us. We started homeward 8:25 p.m. Feeling glad to be on board the cars to start homewards. [p. 139]

Fri. 5. Day dawned at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains. All the way through Pennsylvania , quite mountainous. Arrived at Chicago 9:15 a.m. We were run on a side track and were soon transferred from the Pennsylvania Railroad to the Chicago to the Chicago North Western Railroad. Two elders at each bar to help the Saints. We were not detained long but soon sped on our way for Council Bluffs.

Sat. 6. Passed thought Illinois, Iowa. Corn crops rather light. Not much gathered in the cribs.

Sun. 7. Arrived at Council Bluffs 9 a.m. We were transferred from the Chicago North Western to the Union pacified luggage all to be rechecked. We left Omaha 12:15 p.m. all very comfortably situated on the Union Pacific, 25 of us returning elders. Brother J. C. Arther [Arthur] my companion Bro. A. [Anthon] L. Lund President of the company. Arthur & myself councillors to him. A great many cattle on the way.

Mon. 8. As day dawned there was snow on the ground and quite cold. Passed Cheyenne Laramie & other places. A few of the Saints got off at Rock Springs, 5 at Granger. Very cold.

Tues. 9. Day dawned at Rawlins passing a long [p. 140] on the train. See several kinds of sheep on the [-] to their winter ranges. [-] quite a number got off at Evanston arrived at Ogden 3:25 p.m. A good many people at the depot to meet us and friends. I met with quite a number of elders who I knew went with Brother Chappel, took dinner with him at his daughters.

We started for Salt Lake City 6:30 p.m. arrived in the city 8:30. The place all densely crowded with friends and relatives anxiously waiting & watching for husbands, fathers, & relatives. I had hosts to meet me, Mary, Mother , Mariah, Hattie, and many others waiting for me. . . . [p. 141]

BIB: Bennion, Samuel R. Diary (Ms 8126), vol. 2, pp. 137-41. (CHL)
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