Thursday, 1st May 1856. Passengers embarked on the Ship Thornton, took possession of their berths as allotted to them; by the evening, order and tranquility prevailed throughout the whole ship. Jennet McNeil from Haddington near Edinburgh was safely delivered of a fine boy at 5 p.m. The number of passengers are as follows: 560 adults, 172 children, 29 infants.
Friday, 2nd May. Moved out of the Bramby Moor Docks at 9 a.m. and anchored in the river. visited by many of the Elders from Liverpool. All the saints were in good spirits, the berths were well cleaned and everything arranged for the Government Inspector.
Saturday 3rd May. Government Inspector and Doctor arrived at 11:30 a.m. President F.D. Richards also came with them. The Saints passed the Doctor and the inspection was soon completed. President F.D. Richards addressed the Saints for a few moments, counseled [p.1] them to carry out the instructions of Captain Collins & appointed Elder J.G. Willie President over the Saints, and Elders Millen Atwood, Clough, & Ahmanson as his counselors, which appointment was unanimously sustained by the Saints on board. He then assured them that inasmuch as they would abide the instructions given, they should have a prosperous voyage, and blessed them in the authority of the Holy Priesthood in the name of Jesus Christ. He then, in company with Elders Wheelcock, Willie and many others returned to Liverpool. Late in the evening, Elder J.G. Willie returned to the ship with final instructions, and immediately commenced to organize by appointing Elder M. Atwood to preside over the main deck, Elder Ahmason over the Danish Saints of the lower deck, and Elder Clough over the English Saints of the same deck; for the convenience of holding meetings, cooking &c. the first deck was divided into four wards, with four presidents, and the lower deck into three wards with presidents. Elder John Chislett was appointed Captain of the guard with instructions to permit none of the crew below without permission of the Captain or his first officer. Elder Edward Griffiths was appointed steward to have general oversight over the provisions. John Patterson and Henry Bodenham were appointed cooks.
Sunday 4th May. Tugged out of the river at 3 a.m. The steamboat returned about 8:30 a.m. Permission to hold a meeting on deck was asked of the Captain, which he willingly granted, and it being a beautiful day, the opportunity was availed of. The meeting was opened at 11 a.m. with singing, and prayer offered by President J.G. Willie. President J.G. Willie and M. Atwood addressed the meeting upon the necessity of the Saints being cleanly, and maintaining good order and carrying out the instructions given from time to time, which was cheerfully responded to, unanimity of feeling prevailing amongst the whole. Wind northeast
Allen M. Findley, late of the Bombay Mission and Jessie Ireland of Dundee, Scotland, were joined together in the bonds of matrimony by Elder M. Atwood in the Captain's cabin, in the presence of Captain Collins, President J.G. Willie, and Sisters Minnie A. Cook and Emily Hill.
Monday 5th May. [p.2] Sea sickness soon began to be experienced with the exception of a few all felt its effects, and many were unable to rise from their beds during the day. The Captain, Doctor and Officers were very kind, and did all in their power to promote our comfort. Wind light. east, southeast Bar.30.40 Latitude north 50, 49.
Thursday 6th May. This morning at 3 a.m. Sarah Moulton from the Irchester Branch, Bedfordshire Conference was safely delivered of a son. Passengers still suffering from sea sickness, the majority came on deck to enjoy the fresh air, those that were able cleaned the decks and waited upon the sick. Presidents. Willie and Atwood visited among the sick, administering the comforts and luxuries which president F.D. Richards kindly provided them with for the benefit of the sick. The Captain and Doctor were unremitting in their attentions to the sick, and manifested much solicitude in their welfare, for which kindness we pray the Almighty to bless them. Good breezes. south, southeast Bar.30.25. No observation.
Wednesday 7th. Passengers still suffering from sea sickness. The greatest order prevailed on board, everyone seemed to respect the rights of each other, and to obey those placed to preside over them. Sister Rachel Curtis, aged 75 years died of old age, being declining before she left Liverpool, at 7:30 p.m. from Norton, Gloucestershire. In the different wards prayers were offered up mornings and evenings, & to be continued during the voyage. Light airs, cloudy weather. southwest Bar.30.1. No observation.
Thursday 8th May. This morning sea sickness remained, though gradually recovering. At 10 a.m. the bell tolled as a signal that the hour had arrived when we were to consign the remains of our beloved Sister Curtis to the sea to await the resurrection of the just. Great solemnity prevailed among all present. President J.G. Willie offered up a prayer to the Almighty. She was buried in the mighty deep. The Captain manifested much kindness on the occasion. At 4 p.m. Sister Rasmine Rasmussen, born in Jutland, Denmark, died from inflammation of the brain, having been afflicted with it for three months previous, and in consequence of mortification ensuing, it was deemed prudent by Captain Collins, [p.3] and sanctioned by President Willie that she be consigned as soon as possible to her final resting place. At 5 p.m. the tolling of the bell, Captain, Officers, and crew with many of the passengers assembled to witness the consignment of her remains to the great deep. Elder Ahmason offered up a prayer in the Danish language and after a few remarks by the Captain she was buried in the sea..
Light winds. Pleasant weather. NORTHEAST Bar.29.80. No observations.
Friday 9th May. Nearly all recovered from sickness and a good feeling prevailing & meetings well attended mornings & evenings.
Light airs, foggy weather. south, southwest Bar.29.60 No observation.
Saturday 10th May. Nearly all recovered from sickness and cheerfulness seemed to be depicted on their countenances. Still continued to receive kind attentions from the Captain, and he does all in his power to make the passengers comfortable.
Light airs & foggy wind from the West. Lat.52.22. Bar.29.60.
Sunday 11th May. This morning with permission of the Captain the Saints assembled on deck and we held a meeting at 11:30 a.m. Singing by the choir and prayer by Elder Allan M. Findlay, after which Elder Atwood addressed the Saints upon their present duties and position they were in, and enjoyed much liberty while speaking. President Willie also addressed them a short time, not feeling well in health his remarks were not lengthy, but few cases of sickness on board.
Light winds from W. by S. light rain. Lat.54.18, Bar.29.90. Tacked to the north.
Monday 12th. Nothing of importance transpired, the Saints feel well and are united, and under the circumstances they are placed in, they feel contented. No difficulties have arisen since we came on board, neither profane language, but all appeared united.
Light breeze from north, northwest Cloudy. Latitude north 52.30. Bar.30.50.
Tuesday 13th May. Advantage was taken of a beautiful fine day, and the sea calm. All the Saints [p.4] were called on deck and unanimously agreed to partake of the Sacrament and to spend it in devotional exercises, the captain not only evinced his desire to accommodate us by providing temporary seats on deck but presented us with some wheaten bread for the use of the Sacrament for which kindness we pray the Almighty to bless him. Singing by the choir, and meeting opened with prayer by President Willie. They were addressed by Presidents. Willie & Elders Atwood, Chislett & Clough. Solemnity rested upon all while we partook of the Sacrament; all felt to rejoice before the Lord. After the English Saints had partaken, the Danish Saints came on deck and partook of the Sacrament under the hands of President Ahmason and his counselors. A good spirit present. President Willie addressed them which was interpreted by Elder Ahmason and gave satisfaction.
Light baffling air. Wind NORTHEAST Latitude north 51.13. Longitude west 29.16. Bar.30.60.
Wednesday 14th. A meeting held in the Young Men's ward. A great many bore testimony to the work and expressed their joy in being on their way to the land of Zion. Elder M. Atwood appointed a testimony meeting in each ward once a week which resulted in good, and gave general satisfaction. But few cases os sickness on board, the Captain and Doctor were unremitting in their attentions in administering to the sick, all things moving satisfactorily. Light baffling air. Wind W. by northwest tacked to the north. Lat.50.0, Long. 30.20. Bar.29.81.
Thursday 15th May. Saints came on deck. Wind cold and piercing. But few sick. General satisfaction and good health prevailed. Wind west, northwest tacked to the south. Smelt icebergs from the north. Lat. 50.33. Long 32.5.
Friday 16th May. This day baffling winds from the west which continued all day, past five ships bound east. Bar.29.70. Lat.47.30. Long.33.32. Made 195 miles.
Saturday 17th May. Strong gales throughout from the west, very heavy head sea. 4 p.m. tacked north. But few troubled with sea sickness. Lat.48.21 Long.34.40. Bar.29.70. Distance 71 miles. [p.5]
Strong breezes from the west, northwest ends with strong gales from the NORTHWEST 10 p.m. tacked south. Meeting held on deck at 3 p.m. addressed by President Willie and Elder M. Atwood. On account of contrary winds, it was deemed advisable that a lesser quantity of water be served out and a vote was taken which was unanimous that 2 quarts instead of 3 qts. be the quantity for each adult until we get into warm weather. On account of the numbers on board it was deemed advisable that they cook but twice a day, and the passengers agreed to come on deck from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It was voted that Tuesday next be set apart for fasting and prayer before the Lord.
Bar.29.76. Lat.47.49. Long. 38.0. Distance 138 miles.
Monday 19th May. Strong gales from the NORTHWEST throughout the day, ends with heavy squalls. The Saints generally healthy, most part on deck. Bar.29.87. Lat.47.49. Long.37.56.
Tuesday 20th May. Strong gales in the morning from NORTH, NORTHWEST, latter part of the day light winds. This morning all the Saints came on deck and as the sea became calm we held a meeting, it being the day appointed for fasting and prayer. The meeting was addressed by President Willie, Elders Atwood and Clough, and the privilege was given to the Saints to bear their testimony, and we enjoyed a good time. This day the decks were well cleansed and fumigated with tar and chloride of lime. Meeting closed in peace. This day an island was visible with an iceberg aground, truly a beautiful sight, supposed to be Jacgets Island. At 11 p.m. fire was discovered in the passengers galley, but was promptly subdued by the Captain and crew assisted by many of the brethren. Great order prevailed among the Saints, the Captain was much pleased. We feel thankful to the Almighty for our preservation. Bar.29.91. Lat.45.47. Long.40.52.
Wednesday 21st May. Wind light and clear weather. At 11 a.m. spoke to the Ship W.M. Chamberlain from New York bound for Liverpool, close of the day thick clouds, wind south. At 4 p.m. Hannah Bayliss of Lye near Cheltenham was delivered of a still born female infant. Mother doing well. Child buried at 10 p.m. Bar.29.90. Lat.47.17. [p.6]
Thursday 22nd May. All the Saints came on deck, general good health prevailed. Saints amused themselves with singing the songs of Zion with which the Captain and Officers seemed much pleased and from whom we continued to receive kind attention. The Captain addressed the Saints respecting their coming on deck and keeping the decks sweet and clean, so that the ship fever break not out among us which was received, and then cheers was given to the Captain. A meeting was called between decks by President Willie to take into consideration the necessity of more strictly guarding the interest of those committed to our care and among other things the necessity of the young men removing to the forepart of the ship, and all young men were to be at their berths by 10 p.m. President Willie and Elder Atwood spoke and a number of the brethren were appointed sergeants of the guard. We had a real good meeting, the Spirit of the Lord was with us. 8 p.m. tacked south wind north, northeast No observation. Bar.29.87.
Friday 23rd May. Foggy weather, at 2 p.m. a gale came on suddenly from the WEST, NORTHWEST furled all but the fore and main top sails, cloud reefed, ends strong gales. No observations. Saints kept below. Bar.29.10.
Saturday 24th. Strong gales from the WEST, NORTHWEST Ship labors very hard, and rolls much in a heavy sea. Hatches shut down and the Saints below, and most of them in their beds. It was impossible for them to keep on their legs. The heaviest weather we have encountered since we left Liverpool. We desire to record the hand of Providence in our welfare, for the Captain informed President Willie that this gale blew us free from the ice to which we were close on Thursday last. Bar.29.10. No observations.
Sunday 25th May. Morning strong gales from WEST, NORTHWEST with heavy sea running, afternoon weather more moderate, put on more sail. No meeting on deck in consequence of the state of the weather. The Saints kept below and mostly in bed. We desire to record the attention of the passengers received from the Captain and officers during the continuance of the late gale, which was more than we had any reason to expect and for which we pray the [p.7] Almighty to bless him and family and reward him an hundred fold.
Bar.29.40. No observation.
Monday 26th May. Strong breezes from the WEST, NORTHWEST Meeting held on deck at 3 p.m. The Saints were addressed by President Willie & Elders Atwood, Clough and Ahmason. Most of the Saints on deck and very little sickness prevails. Bar.29.57. No obs.
Tuesday 27th May. Wind NORTHWEST Tacked to the south at 4 p.m. foggy weather. Bar.29.28. No observations. Passed steam ship bound east at 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday 28th. Latter part of the day strong gales from west, southwest with very heavy seas. Thomas Bodenham, aged 1 year, son of Mary Bodenham of Red Marley, Worcestershire, departed this life, and buried at 10 p.m. after a prayer was offered up by President Willie. General health on board and a good spirit prevailing among the whole.
Bar.29.50. Lat.42.53. Long.47.12. course and distance eight day SOUTHWEST by W. 350 miles.
Thursday 29th. Light airs and smooth seas. Passed numerous icebergs and a ship bound east, tacked west at 4 p.m. Samuel Crook of Apperley, Gloucester, and Sarah Haines of Tewkesbury, Gloucester, were joined together in the bonds of matrimony on the quarter deck by President J.G. Willie, the American Flag having been brought forward by the Captain. President Willie made some remarks on the subject of marriage, and the nature of the covenants they were about to enter into, the marriage was then solemnized. Elder Atwood proposed three cheers for the ship Thornton, and President Willie proposed three cheers for the Captain, Officers, and crew; also the Doctor. There cheers were also given for the Bride and Bridegroom. Captain Collins came forward and returned thanks and proposed three cheers for Presidents. Willie and Atwood. Bar. 30. Lat.42.0. Long.48 2 W. Course and dist. West 40 miles.
Friday 30th May. fine, clear weather, large icebergs in sight. At 4 p.m. Clipper ship passed at midnight foggy, a number of icebergs around, weather very cold. Tacked south for [p.8] safety. Passengers enjoying good health and spirits. With regret we have to relate that an accident occurred at 4 p.m. A Danish child, Thomas Peterson, fell through one of the hatchways to the second between deck, a distance of about 20 feet, ad very much fractured his skull. Bar.29.70 No obs. Lat by D.K. 42. 36 N. Long. 50. 55 W. Wind throughout from south to west.
Saturday 31st. Throughout dense fog, wind WEST, SOUTHWEST Bar. 29.90 no. obs.
Sunday 1st June, 1856. Throughout fine, pleasant weather, wind WEST, SOUTHWEST The Saints assembled on deck and a meeting held at 1 p.m. President Willie addressed them on Spritualism. Good health continues, and a willingness on the part of the Saints to obey counsel. Four children were brought forward and blessed by Presidents Willie and Atwood, their names as follows: Margaret Ann Stewart, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Moulton from Irchester, Bedford England.
Charles Alma Moulton, son of Thomas & Jennet McNeil, from Haddington near Scotland.
Eilzabeth Ann Farmer, daughter of Edward & Morgan Farmer from Spittlegate, Lincolnshire.
Bar.30.30 Lat.42.5. Long. 51.32.
Monday, 2nd. Wind NORTHWEST quarter W. with all the attention and care bestowed upon the young sufferer, Thomas. Peterson, aged 8 years of Saland, Denmark, who fell through the hatchway on the 30th Ult., yet he expired this morning. At 3 p.m. his body was brought forward to receive its burial, prayer having been offered up to God by President Willie, it was given to the great deep. Most of the passengers being on deck, the Captain addressed them, having being pleased with the manner they had conducted themselves, he felt to acquaint them of the favorable manner they were proceeding on the passage and that he was willing they should receive their full quantity of water again. Bar.30.20 Lat. 45.17 Long. 53.34. Course and distance NORTHWEST quarter W. 120 miles. [p.9]
Tuesday, 3rd June. Fine and pleasant wind from the WEST, SOUTHWEST Night calm and all round the compass. good health prevailing with few exceptions, on board. Bar. 29.60 Lat. 44.22 N. Long. 55.40 distance 119 miles.
Wednesday 4th June. First and middle parts thick fog, wind SOUTHWEST to west. Strong breeze. 3 a.m. tacked south ends clear weather. Winds very light from the east. Bar. 29.71. Lat 44.12 north. Long. 56.18 W. Distance Wed. 28 miles.
Thursday 5th June. First and middle parts light airs from the east NORTHEAST clear weather wind with heavy rain. Margaret Kay, daughter of James & Mary Kay, from the Bedlington Branch, Newcastle Con. died of fever at 6:30 a.m., aged 3 years, 5 mos., buried the body at 12 noon. Bar. 30.3 No obs.
Friday 6th June. Comes in with rain, thick weather, wind east 5 p.m. cleared up, ends fine and clear. Bar. 29.95. Lat 42, 8 N. Long 62.32 W Course and distance run W. by S. 3/4 S. 300 miles in two days.
Saturday 7th June. Comes in fine and clear, high airs from the east round to the south, ends strong breeze, thick fog. Mary F. Lark, daughter of William and Mary Lark, died at 3 a.m. of consumption, aged 10 years, buried at 12 noon. Bar. 29.82. no obs.
Sunday 8th June. Throughout thick fog, light airs from the S.. & W. 8 p.m. tacked south, spoke a fisherman at anchor saw nine fisherman at anchor. Captain caught a cod fish. Being a disagreeable day we could not hold a meeting on deck, but meetings were held in the respective wards in the evening as usual. good spirits and health prevailed among the Saints with few exceptions, for which blessings were desire to tender our thanks to the Almighty. Bar. 29.60. no obs.
Monday 9th June. Throughout thick fog, baffling winds from the S. & W. In the afternoon a meeting was held on deck. President Willie and Elder Atwood spoke to the Saints upon the duties [p.10] which in all probability will soon come upon them. Bar. 29.58. sounding every hour in 58 to 60 fathoms of water.
Tuesday 10th June. First middle and part of the latter part thick fog, very thick, sounded every hour all sail only 120 miles from New York an no pilot in sight. Wind south and baffling. Large fog banks all around the ship, 10 p.m. sharp lightning. Jane James, daughter of William and Jane James of the Pindin, Branch, Worcestershire, aged 9 months, died of the thrush in the mouth at 8 a.m. buried at 1 p.m. Bar. 29.60 Lat 42.33. N. long. 71 W. 8 p.m. pilot came on board which caused much rejoicing. 8 p.m. saw Montauk light, NORTHEAST 4 miles.
Wednesday 11th. Throughout the day calm and foggy, and made but little progress on account of the fog. Health of the Saints generally good. The passengers came on deck when President Willie called them to order and then introduced the subject of presenting a testimonial to Captain Collins, returning him our thanks for the kindness we have received from him on our voyage across the sea which was cheerfully responded to by the Saints. President Willie in a few remarks presented Captain Collins with the testimonial which was kindly received in a short address, and in return he presented President Willie and Saints generally with a testimonial expression of his feelings towards us as passengers making a remark that we were the finest lot of emigrants he had ever taken across the sea; an excellent feeling prevailed on all sides, and the united feelings of the Saints are that the Almighty would bless Capt. Collins and family for his kindness towards us which will ever be gratefully remembered. We also presented a testimonial to Doctor Williams for the fatherly care manifested by him to the sick for which we pray the Almighty to bless him. The Saints also felt to express through President Atwood their feelings towards President Willie in a written testimonial expressive of their confidence in him since they had been connected with him on board ship. Bar. 29.63. Lat. obs. 40.17 N.
Thursday 12th June. Calm weather with thick fog, little or no wind. This day at 6 p.m. in the [p.11] presence of the Captain, Officers and passengers generally with the American Flag on quarter deck all due respect being paid, after a few introductory remarks on the marriage institution proceeded to unit in the holy hands of wedlock, James Thomas of Hereford and Mary Somerville of Edinburgh. Good feelings prevailed, and everything pertaining to it was done in order. Bar. 29.51. No observation.
Friday 13th June. Light airs and clam, thick fog, toward evening cleared off and fire island light house was visible bearing to the East, At 10 p.m. tacked ship course, SOUTH, SOUTHEAST All appeared anxious to get on shore. General Good health. Bar. 29.51 No.obs.
Saturday 14th. This morning a clear sky and favorable wind 4 a.m. tacked ship and stood for Sandy Hook. At 8 a.m. steam boat Achilles came along side, Captain Collins engaged her to tow us to New York. General stir among the passengers all getting ready to land; good feeling prevailing. Doctor came on board off Staten Island and gave a certificate of the good health of the passengers. The Custom House also came and passed our luggage without any inspection. At sun down we landed at Castle Gardens, a large building appropriated for emigrants, where we were visited by Elder Felt who kindly welcomed us.
Sunday 15th June. the day was spent in arranging our things, and many of the Saints attended the meeting in the City. We were visited by many of our brethren and sisters and much good feeling was manifested towards us.
Monday 16th. President John Taylor visited us and gave us much good instruction and counsel in relation to our future proceedings. President Willie engaged in making preparations for leaving for the Camp while the Saints were engaged in seeing to their luggage. Several gentlemen and editors of papers visited us, and generally manifested friendly feelings. Several paragraphs were put in the papers commendatory of the passengers of their general cleanly appearance. Sister Annie Atkins a P.E.F. passenger remained at New York with the approval of President John Taylor. [p.12]
Tuesday 17th. This morning the Saints very busy going on board the barge with their luggage. About 10 a.m. the steamboat took us to the New York and Erie R.R. depot where we remained till 7 p.m., each passenger's luggage was weighed, 50 lbs. being the weight for each adult. The steam boat took us to pier Mount where we arrived at 11 p.m. when we took the Rail for Dunkirk, a distance of 460 miles. President Willie and Atwood returned to New York to attend to unsettled business, Elder Savage taking charge of the saints.
Wednesday 18th June. Saints traveled all day and night and though much crowded together felt well in spirit as well as in body. The country through which we passed dotted with towns and new settlements, and which was pleasing from the contrast with the monotony of the sea. had to procure provisions as we could get it by the way.
Thursday 19th. This day we arrived at Dunkirk at 12 noon feeling generally well though tired with the irksome journey by Rail. At 2 p.m. Presidents. Willie & Atwood arrived by express train having left New York at 5 p.m. the preceding evening. The Saints generally were glad to welcome them. Procured all the provisions we could get in the town. At 6 p.m. we embarked on board the Jersey City, a screw steam boat, bound for Toledo, distance 280 miles and though much crowded good spirit and feeling prevailed. The sea was quite calm as we were on lake Erie. We were enabled to form some contrast with the Lakes and the Mighty Ocean. Nothing of any importance occurred.
Friday 20th. This morning though very much crowded the Saints felt well, the steerage was devoted for the sisters, the brethren accommodated themselves the best way possible on deck. The sea still outward calm and beautiful though the weather was warm. Touched a at Cleveland and while there procured provisions for the passengers. Also put in for Sandusky in the evening where Elder Savage left us, after remaining a few hours, we proceeding on our passage to Toledo. The night was clam and all that could be desired no motion being discernable.
Saturday 21st June. [p.13] This morning about 9 a.m. we arrived at Toledo and disembarked at the Railroad station, where we remained till the evening, taking the rail again for Chicago. The Railroad authorities at Toledo manifested a very unkind spirit towards us, putting us to all the inconvenience in their power. Procured all the provisions we could get at Toledo. The Saints feel well.
Sunday 22nd. At 5 p.m. we arrived at Chicago where we were very roughly treated by the Railroad conductor, he insisting on our landing in the street, which we were obliged to do, and after much trouble in finding the Railroad Superintendent we prevailed with him to allow us the use of an empty warehouse for the night the weather to all appearance indicating a thunderstorm. For the above we feel to recognize the hand of the Almighty in softening the hearts of men in our behalf, and we feel to tender the gratitude of our hearts.
Monday 23rd June. In consequence of not a sufficient number of cars being on hand our company was obliged to be divided, an most of the English Saints left at 3 p.m. by express train for Rock Island: the remainder leaving at 11 p.m. O our arrival at Pond Creek we ascertained that the Railroad bridge had broken down a few hours previous, many carriages smashed, no lives lost but many injured, in which train some brethren from the valley including President Lorenzo Snow, all of whom escaped injury, and they kindly welcomed all the Saints who saw them. The night was spent at Pond Creek sleeping in the cars.
Tuesday 24th June. This morning the remainder of the Company joined us, and remained there till 5 p.m. doing the best we could though unable to procure provisions. Left for Rock Island and arrived at 11 p.m. .and slept n the cars all night. While at Pond Creek the child of [-] died of general debility and was buried the same day in the presence of Presidents. Willie and Ahmanson.
Wednesday 25th June. This morning through the kindness of the Superintendent, he procured us a large warehouse to remain in while there an in consequence of the Railroad bridge being destroyed, [p.14] we had to cross the Mississippi in a steam ferry boat, which engrossed our time in shifting our luggage throughout the day. Quite a rowdy spirit was manifested by many, desiring access to the building, and in the evening, we had to keep a strong guard, s we received a report through some friends that a mob intended to attack us in the night and gain access to our young women. The Lord overruled all for our good, for which we feel to be grateful and to express our thankfulness to Him. Obtained all the provisions we could get.
Thursday 26th June. This morning at 7 a.m. we left and crossed the Mississippi by the steam ferry boat, and at 9 a.m. we left by rail for Iowa City, arrived at 1:30 p.m. and camped on the green, but in consequence of a thunderstorm approaching, we obtained possession of a large Engine shed and remained there during the night, it raining in torrents all night. Many of the brethren from the Camp visited and cordially welcomed us, and on their return took a large number of the sisters to the Camp with them.
Friday 27th June. This morning it still continued to rain, about noon it cleared up, and the roads drying very fast, so much so that before night all the passengers were removed to the Camp, with most of their luggage, President Willie remained there till all had left ad at 9 p.m. arrived at the Camp and received a cordial welcome from President Spencer and brethren generally. [p.15]
BIB: James G. Willie Emigrating Company. Journal. (Ms 1477), pp. 1-15. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)