Tuesday, April 23, 1861 - The Underwriter, containing 618 passengers, sailed from Liverpool. All appeared in good health & full of joy. (At 5 o'clock p.m.) we passed several small vessels and was in sight of the New Brighton Lighthouse and several mountain scenes on the coast.

The ship was divided into nine wards under the management of the following brethren. Presided over by Elder Milo Andrus who had four counselors Homer, Duncan & Charles W. Penrose. Ward presidents: Joseph Foster, James Evans, [Edward] Samuel, [William] Halls, [Frederick W.] Blake, [Willet] Harder, Moss, [Henry] Atkins.

24th. I was released from the charge of the Bachelors Ward & appointed clerk to the vessel. Henry Shaw was appointed to succeed me as ward president. Traveled about 90 miles last night.

Thursday, April 25th. 155 miles from Liverpool. Very calm, fine morning. Coast of Ireland in sight. Arrangements for cooking made with the presidents of wards which are likely to promote good order & good feeling. A social party held last night. Had some good songs of comic, & sentimental [p. 14] recitations. The captain and his associates seemed entertained. [SENTENCE CROSSED OUT] Engaged, tacking the sails today and made about [-] knots per hour. At half past 8 the wards retired to prayer after which many walked on deck and I looked with some interest upon the effect produced by the rising of the moon, the christening rays of which played upon the wide expanse of water. The sky was unclouded and spangled with bright stars. A fine breeze filled the sails & our ship dashed along at a fine rate. [SENTENCE CROSSED OUT] The voices of the Saints had ceased to sing their usual songs of praise & a pleasant calmness prevailed when the music of an accordion handled by the captain broke upon the ear. A group quickly surrounded him to listen to & to be enlivened by his talented efforts. The watch appointed, consisting of the young brethren and all were ordered below decks.

Friday, April 26 - Fine weather. The Irish coast in sight about [-] miles from [-]. Saw some of the houses. Sailing direct mast but little wind.Kept the Irish coast in sight all day. We were pleased by songs of groups of saints were to be seen in all directions singing, reading, dancing, and [-] and cloudy [-].

Saturday, 27 - Eight vessels in sight. They lay south of us. One is supposed to be the John Bright which started out about the same time as us. The sailors upon the vessel are very poor and unfamiliar with their business. A stiffer breeze this morning. The sails fill out and the ship rocks, making many complain of headaches. Pretty soon seasickness among some of the stoutest. Four or five of the berths fell down. No injury to anyone.

Sunday, 28 - The ship rocked and pitched to some extent. The wind was direct east. This wind was not powerful in our favor as the side wind. Latitude 48.56 degrees, longitude 14.34 degrees. Distance, 150 miles west, 8 south. Distance from New York, 2,600 miles. At nine a.m. exchanged signals with the English ship Laurel bound westward. At nine thirty a.m. the wards met in prayer and Sacrament and remarks were made by several brethren apparesive [SIC] of their faith in God and exhorting all to prayer and good works. I was sick this day twice and felt very weak and unfit for conservation.

Meeting on deck at three p.m. The saints in goodly number came up and were instructed by Brothers Penrose and Andrus concerning the gathering. The [-] attempts made by our enemies to produce our [-] and the destiny awaiting us if we remain faithful. Brother Andrus, in speaking concerning the worlds ignorance of our work [-] that of the agents belonging to this vessel knew we were over real value. They want to give us all a passage free. This and other humorous remarks pleased the captain and surgeon who were present who listened with evident pleasure to the whole of the remarks.

The Sunday passed away very joyously. Thoughts and talk of friends who doubtless missed us much today from the various meeting places and fireside groups that our presence had dwelt with for years principally occupied our time. Our vision seemed to eye them and to fancy their doings and then we would hear the cheering sounds gush from the soul and mouth of the songs of Zion in her future from the companies of singers marching upon deck we felt [-] bound westward and with stern winds onward we cried, "There is deliverance for us and those we have to come from our intended place of residence." Reluctantly we leave these things to go below to sleep.

Monday, April 29 - Latitude 49 degrees 26, longitude 18 degrees 03. Distance 130 miles west 13 degrees south. Much motion in the ship and sickness with all its horrid, weakening attacks holds conquest over the greatest number of the saints. [-] died belonging to Harriet McLean at half past six, around fifteen months old.

Tuesday, April 30 - Latitude 48 degrees 42, longitude 23 degrees 52. Distance 233 miles west 11 degrees south. Many confined to their beds and too weak to rise. Some make attempts but stagger, feeling as though all the world was in motion around them or although they were in the midst of a whirlpool and they were rapidly ascending and descending. Down they would fall upon a box or the first thing they could get to hold themselves on. Suddenly you would see them seize hold of a bowl or ship hail and heave all they had within out of them and when that was done they did not appear satisfied with their feet but must again heave, heave, heave. [-] nothing. Oh, this day was one of misery to me. Each day grievous I had the delightful pleasure of seeing my food fly from me but I had been brave enough to push more down my throat and thus fill up the vacuum produced by the sickness but this day I could not get inclination to move. Gruel was brought me but it was no sooner reached my lips then back it came. This was a fast day. I cannot eat. Thoughts of Dale place...wish that I was there and waited upon by those who dwell there...often expressed. I never in the whole of my life remember feeling so awful bad. All strength seemed to have passed away from me but such was the state of many others.

Wednesday, May 1 - Latitude 47 degrees 55, longitude 29 degrees 30. Distance 231 miles west 12 degrees south. Ventured out of my berth, put my trousers on without bracing them up, took my coat and vest on my arm, and ascended the ship steps of our foul, damp, stinking crib. I [-] hardly set out without rolling backwards but succeeded in getting to the top where with my [-] all rough, my face like [-] bore more of the appearance of a madman than of a rational being. The fresh air braced me up. I lay for some time and at last roused energy enough to put my overcoat on. This day I took some gruel which Brother James Evans kindly prepared and a sister gave me two roasted potatoes which I quite liked. I laid about deck careless about myself and got cold. About half past seven I stood upon the lee side of the ship. Fred Perris came up. I sent him for James Evans. While he was gone I brought up the whole of my days food. They led me to bed and Jem Evans brought me some gruel. I went to sleep without my companion and forgot all about it.

Many were very sick today. The deck was crowded with the helpless [ILLEGIBLE] and strong men and women have become weak and thin. Some pork or bottled [-] was dealt out for the comfort of the very weak and many were [-] by this homely drink. The captain [-] appeared very ready to oblige [-] comforts to the suffering. The weather has been very fine and the ship has been going at a good rate the last two days. We pray God to speed the ship and give us strength to bear the sickness.

Thursday, May 2 - The captain seems eager to get the deck cleaned and all the people on the upper deck. The healthy boys are engaged in scraping and touching up the floors. We have had a storm during the night. A good deal of rain fell and I hear that lightning was seen. The sun now comes forth with smiling grace and the sea seems far calmer. This will afford to many a chance of [-] their strength as complaints of sore ribs, weakness are general. May it be a day of healing and comfort to us all and nerve us up for the balance of our journey. Latitude 47 degrees 32, longitude 33 degrees 00. Distance 143 miles west [-] south at noon.

The captain permitted the saints [-] rest and stretch out their limbs upon the top of his cabin, quite a nice place, covered with copper though it is subject to the motion of the vessel more than midships. It is my duty to go into the cabin each day. It bears quite a smart appearance, well-furnished with every requisite to promote comfort. I have the favor of writing two hours each day in this very comfortable place and find the favor very agreeable, especially now sickness has made me so weak. The captain [-] seems a calm, reserved man. He has the gait and air of a gentleman. His advances seem very scarce. He seems at home with himself, his thoughts, and business appear to engross the whole of his attention.

His lady is equally reserved. I should consider her to be an accomplished woman. She has comforts around...[- -]...to take [-] of them her children bear her visage but all seem made too grave in another [-] where refinement prevails ahead of that which we see around us. The lot of some [-] in this world thousands all that I have even reached or seen or desired to reach sinless. How is it that men cast off their calm lamb-like natures and clothe themselves with a rough, don't care, gruff exterior? Has there original nature left them? 'Tis only covered up, but sometimes it appears to be entirely hid, shut out of sight, and recklessness prevails. How is this their better nature may the thought but little of in their [-]? [-]...

Friday, May 3 - Very calm. Ship making among almost imperceptibly through the waters. This calm seems to come most appropriately for the sick. The dull and dejected are looking brighter and are trying to get interested with games of play. Sickness makes us reserved and closemouthed. Nothing better in the world than to stop the fast talking from expression. All terrified with Candle Cutain lectures at night or with a general chatter and wanting to become members of the peace society, send your wives to sea. If it does not produce a cure it will a temporary one, I'll warrant it. The people are recovering. The [-] again with freedom. We now begin to hear the din swell. May it be exercised to the joy of the company. Another good song of recovery is seen in the desire of many to finish up their portions of food so that no leavings remain. In fact, some feel as though they would like to place lickers in gentlemans families. Position at noon, latitude 47 degrees 13, longitude 33 point 85. Distance run, 270 miles west 45 degrees south.

The voyage seems to have a good effect upon some faces. They seem puffed out and others look lean as though their mouths were with eagerness to get at food. Men who used to carry clean faces now with chin often reaped now appear like young [-]...we had a little dancing today. The young sisters of charity, those who had made themselves ministering angels to the weak, were invited by Brother Andrus to prance to the tune of the fiddle. Some accepted the chance and gaily moved, seemingly rewarded with the notice taken of their acts of kindness. Some were too modest to come forward but their goodness must ever be kept in remembrance by those who had the benefit of their exertions. Sails all unfurled and pretty well filled last night. Just about prayer time producing a slight motion of the vessel but sending us along at a pleasant rate, say five or six miles an hour.

Saturday, May 4 - Rather showery [--]...

Sunday, May 5 - A very fine morning. The saints enjoyed at ward meeting, Sacrament, singing, and testimonies...New York is distant 1,600 miles, Liverpool 1,500 miles. At three o'clock the saints assembled on deck and listened to some excellent remarks from Elder Milo Andrus [-]...

Monday, May 6 - A strong breeze and a [-] sea. We have as yet seen several fell about very much and had to hold to fixings to prevent falling. A crowd huddled together would very often be favored with a good drenching. The waters would dash upon the side and run over producing quite a [-] on deck. Then the utmost confusion would take place. The folks would run helter skelter and the motion of the ship would send them to lee side with a rush or cause them in their hurry to fall down in and over each other. Although several falls took place, no serious accident occurred.

All seemed to bear these little affairs with good feelings and merriment but with the exception of about a half a dozen, all descended below. I remained up receiving the battle of the waves. Their very colors, cascades making their sudden break into glittering foam. While looking intently at it the winds howled and blew furiously against me. I clung to a rope when suddenly I felt the sidings of an intended spew reach my mouth. I turned around and ran to the lee side but before I reached it, my rump kissed the deck. It was a bouncer. I quickly got up, done my business by the side of the ship, and then turned round to join in the laugh of the captain and a few others who witnessed my antics. I kept up feeling chilled through, could not eat any food, and continuously threw up bile as green as grass from my stomach. A small vessel passed today bound for Liverpool. She was tossed about very much. Our position at noon, latitude 44 degrees 05, longitude 42 degrees 43. Distance 207 miles. Jem Evans brought me some gruel to my berth which was the only thing I enjoyed during this day.

Tuesday, May 7 - Much calmer. One or two vessels in sight. I was again sick this morning. I had some ham, potatoes, and rice pudding for dinner. This bears a tasty sound but when the stomach heaves after a choicest [-] it is not so tasty after all. I enjoyed a bit of rice and [-] for nothing more. We passed the Aberdeen. She had been out for fifteen days and had started from Land's End bound for New York. Brother Andrus sick and weak like many of us.

Wednesday, May 8 - A calm [-] but slow progress. Air rather cool. At about five thirty a.m. an announcement was made by some of the boys of the ward that a ship was alongside [-] jumped out of bed, dressed, and ran up to see this new object of motion. I was among that number and pleased to see [-] our ship passing over the wave to the [-] which stood probably [-] a short distance from us. After receiving some papers they started away towards us again. They soon arrived into [-]...name of the vessel, Henry Sheldon from New York. Had been ten days out. The papers contained views from America. They were dated 19th and 20th April, entitled the New York Herald and World. Every column seems [-] with excitement about the outbreaks and [-] of the north and south, the troops passing through Baltimore on their way to the capitol, Washington, were fired upon by the people and that paving stones at them. The troops returned the fire and several were killed on either side. Brother Andrus very sick and confined to bed. He appears to be troubled with encephalus.

Thursday, May 9 - A dense fog. [-] as soon as I arose the ship bell was making its bells like a church bell to prevent ship from driving too near to us. This fog produces chilly feelings. We [-] an extra coat to keep warmth within us. Not many on deck. Most are seeking recreative games below. I was engaged today in writing up a form full of the names and particulars of the passengers viz. age, where born, [-], county of allegiance, occupation. This is for the captain as he has to give the information to the customs house at New York. I have enjoyed my food more today than I have for many days previous through the sheady motion of the vessel, I presume, but a slight motion took place at night and I became again sick. I took some gruel and retired to the ward. I was called upon to speak and make some remarks which pleased the boys. I then jumped into bed and had a bad sleep.

Friday, May 10 - Still very foggy [-] we are sailing along very calmly but little motion of the vessel felt. Brother Homer Duncan made some very sensible remedies in the bachelors ward this evening. I, after this evening, went to the [-] decks and was amused for about an hour with the songs and recitations of the group assembled. I gave them the poem of Absalon by N. P. Willis which seemed much appreciated. Went to bed after a good feed of rice.

Saturday, May 11 - The fog has nearly passed away this morning. Since yesterday evening we have been traveling southwest and I suppose the farther away we get from the banks of Newfoundland and the brighter the weather will become. Noon quite fine. The trumpet which was last night used as a substitute for the bell has ceased among us [-]. I laid in bed last night listening to it. It's fine attractive echoes until the hour of twelve, then I dozed off thinking of the [-] who go about blowing trumpets to create excitement among the juveniles to [-]. I did not envy the poor devil who wants to have to [-] in the midst of [-]. I was better this day than I have been all the voyage. Found some biscuit in my bag which I relished much. The folks in [-] Birmingham. They saw them before I started but I relished them as much as any choice dainty. I heard some good remarks from Charlie Turner subject on mutual support.

Sunday, May 12 - Damp and cold weather. Rose up eager to get at breakfast. Felt hungry and had to satisfy my hunger on cakes made from biscuit dust and flour. They were very heavy and they were not cooked properly, however, they eat with more relish than the hard biscuit. The tea I have [-] quite a distaste for and gruel has become quite a staple which to feed upon. I have not cared for any meat yet but at dinnertime the remains of pea soup and boiled ham and pork went down quite [-]. Many eat just pork and beef now with the air of [-]. The Scotch enjoy their food very much and have done so nearly all the voyage.

We are surrounded with a good number of saints from Birmingham. Isom and wife and Mary, Fosters, Alldridges, Darks, Bridges, and a young host of others are closely fixed. All appear well and enjoying themselves as well as can be expected in the circumstances. This morning, meeting held in the [-] ward. Sacrament administered and testimony born by the brethren. Richard Poulton, son of William and Eliza Poulton, was blessed by Richard Alldridge. We are moving very steadily along direct west at about five miles an hour. A vessel was in the distance today bound southeast, doubtless going to Liverpool.

At three o'clock p.m. in consequence of the cold, meetings were held below decks, one in the middle ship first deck which I attended. Brothers [-], Alldridge, Wallace, and Teasdale delivered short speeches principally on the allowance of privileges and the exercise of the [-] of right possessed by each person, the progress and growth of this work, etc. All were interested and the meeting was commenced and finished in one hour. Another meeting was carried on at the same time in the lowest deck but Brother Penrose was speaker and gave directions and injunctions to all how to act through their journey to Zion.

Good feelings prevail on board throughout but occasionally a little show of bad feeling is made by some of the impatient at the [-]. I saw an illustration of this a few days since. A brother had been to the galley and had been prevented from placing his saucepan of gruel upon the fire. He came full of passion and complaint to Brother Penrose and declared that he would punch the cook's head. We laughed at him and he, awaking to a sense of his weakness, said, "I have the hardest thing in the world to keep my temper." We had the privilege of baking, cooking dinners every [-] today so that we have to cook enough to last two days. Slept very comfortably. In fact, I have been exceedingly comfortable in bedding. I started from [-] with no bed and got the favor of laying with a young chap who had a good flock bed. I was through short means afraid that the purchase of bedding would deprive me of every halfpenny I had but its turned out quite favorable for me. What I shall do the remainder of the journey I know not, but I have every confidence in [-] who has so kindly provided for my wants...

Monday, May 13 - Ship moving at a good pace. [-] continues thus and shall be at New York in a few days. [-] died this morning at nine a.m., Janet Gillespie, daughter of Alexander and Mary Gillespie, age ten months. Distance run 214 miles. Took pea soup again for dinner today. Had quite a satisfying meal. The provisions are very good and our hunger is coming to us again with fresh force. Everything except the meat and biscuit [-] down with relish. [-]...

Tuesday, May 14 - Running very fast, leaning over on her side. She is speedily pushing her way through the waves. Enjoyed today riding out particulars of passengers for Brother Andrus. Enjoyed my dinner very much. It consisted of meat and peas and biscuit pudding. While writing this day in the captain's cabin I was seized with the symptoms of sickness and rose up to rush out for the ship side but missed the stairs and tumbled on the deck, spraying very much and brought up a little blood. Went to my berth and slept.

I am informed that the girls who have for some time been very fond of going to the galley where the cooks help is in the habit of enticing them there, disturbed last night in the midst of their courting by the sailors. The captain learned that the girls were in the galley and ordered the sailors to go and disturb them. The lights were first seized and put out and two or three pails of water were thrown over the
[-] of the cook and the girls screamed and ran away. The cook was afterwards struck by the second mate and had his eyes lump up. In this disfiguring state he was reduced in position and placed among the common sailors.

I have been bound in my bowels for some time but I have taken pills and they have operated beneficially. Brother Andrus came out yesterday for the first time since his attack of sickness. His [-] is tied up and he appears very weak. Weighed our luggage yesterday and find out four hundred thirty pounds among five of us. This is satisfactory and there is every chance of our luggage going through without any reduction.

Wednesday, May 15 - The wind of yesterday is passed away and we more wished but little motion of the ship. 81 miles west 21 degrees north. This day engaged writing in the captain's cabin. I am far better today in health and hopes into perfectly recover my strength. A social party held tonight in mid deck. I went down after prayers in our ward and listened to songs and recitations. I gave two which contributed to the merriment of the party. The sky tonight presents a [-] appearance. The clear atmosphere here allows us to get an extensive view of the [-]. We can see distinctly from the zenith to the horizon.

Thursday, May 16 - A very calm and warm day. Distance 47 miles west 45 degrees south. Engaged in getting up a program for a party intended to be held on deck. Brother Andrus was among us yesterday. He appears to be getting better fast. About three o'clock we assembled upon deck and had the pleasure of listening to Scotch and English singing and reciting. We had more of the comic element in this party than I have as yet seen. I cannot say that I admire so much of it. A few sentimental pieces are, when mixed up with it, very acceptable. I cannot see as some do that these sentimental pieces was only just suitable to fill up. There is something upon which minds can feed in the [-] practical pieces or essays of some of our [-] of the church.

Last night I gazed with much delight and wonder upon the magnificent scene which the setting sun presented. A range of clouds, looking like immense forest of trees extended in a long line on the borders of the horizon. The declining sun was behind these and clouds produced a golden hue on the ridges. They appeared capped with gold and the edges which came down to the waters were tinged with very gaited hues of yellow, pink, and these of the brightest description. In the distance the shades of [-] of castles of mountain peaks of immense [-] could be distinguished and volumes of cloud which ran in connection with the [-] but which was certainly not so far as way as to escape the reflection of the rays.

From this [-] majestic picture in the heavens I turned around and witnessed a most [-] scene. The captain's cook had made a preparation of gruel for a [-] which had been a very sick [-] on board and under his superintendence of another [-] the [-] while the cook was giving the food, the captain came up and after some complaint and talk on both sides in French, the captain struck the cook. The cook returned the blow and a fight ensued. The second mate came up and with his usual fighting spirit he assisted the captain. The cook fell and was kicked about the head and face by the second mate and struck with his fist also in his helpless state until he was quite disfigured. It was one of the most brutal sights I ever saw. The poor fellow jumped up the mast and said, "Sacra Amerique." He seemed much excited but showed out a courageous and manly spirit. I certain have seen more lynch law, more fighting and brutal work by the mates and captain's remarks, the men of this ship than I ever expected to see. American liberty and fraternity is at a very low ebb when the men of education and refinement, those who doubtless mix in first class society, descend to the mean, despicable deeds which these men of authority have exposed. This morning I was much amused by Brother Penrose coming on deck and announcing the birth of a young rat in his shoe, quite an illustrious and novel addition to his family.

Friday, May 17 - A heavy swell of the waters. Many feeling queer about the head [-]...get to our journeys end in a great hurry. Our position at noon, latitude 40 degrees 02, longitude 66 degrees 06. Distance from by miles west 36 degrees south. New York distance 362 miles. This evening the ward presidents met together and engaged in prayer for a favorable winds. Brother Andrus was with us and made some remarks about the influence of the elders and their power of intercession with heaven, the existence of might in the hands when uplifted, etc. At six p.m. exchanged signals with a ship, "Daring," bound eastward.

Saturday, May 18 - Had a good deal of rocking during the night but we have been sailing down south rather too much to result in a speedy conveyance to New York.

May 19 - Sunday morning dawns upon us again and the saints are [-] and in groups upon deck enjoying the fine pure breezes which come refreshingly amid the warm sunshine. The old custom of extra clean and [-] is adopted and everybody seems in preparation for the sacred business of the day. The ship has had an extra cleanup and has as smart an appearance as the rest of us. Meetings called for and a general rush below decks takes place. Here, the ordinary business of a testimony and Sacrament meeting are attended to. In young mens ward (the ward to which I belong), a little scene of interest occurred. Brother L. Kerry from Utah expressed his sentiments concerning the show of opposition against his expressions some time ago after he had done speaking. Brother Duncan rose and replied in a very sensible way to all he said and had an excellent meeting.

Immediately after these meetings the upper deck was again crowded with a shock of the saints. Numbers were looking over the side of the ship at the fish which darted through the water. We were not near enough to discover what they were. Some said porpoises, sharks, etc. A pretty bird flies about here called by some, the petal. It is about the size of the English starling only very prettily marked with white after the style of the swallow. At three o'clock the saints crowded up together closely to listen to the teachings of Brothers Duncan and Penrose. A good lively feeling prevailed and a warm zeal seemed to shine through the features of all to carry out the practical [-] of the brethrens teaching. Considering our circumstances, the general good feeling tells forcibly the fact that God's divine spirit was among us, making us reconciled and warming up our hearts with friendship towards each other. I am very much gratified in seeing the faces of quite a host of old pals and fellow laborers. Their faces put me in remembrance of old times and of former fields of labor.

Our position this morning, latitude 38 degree 22 and longitude 69 degree 30. In the evening about eight o'clock an important meeting was held in number one ward to celebrate the nuptials of our friend and past [-] brother-in-law John [-] Hinton, age twenty one, and Emily Spindlous, age nineteen. The nature of this meeting caused a general [-] of laughing and from among the young and old were not free from merry feeling. The recollections of the past, the similar position they were in flashed across their memory and produced pleasant thoughts. Brother Andrus pronounced them man and wife after getting their promise from them.

Monday, May 20 - The rain coming down in torrents causing me to keep below decks. The hatchway and all closed down producing an unpleasant, close warmth. Many complaining of headaches, etc. through the absence of pure air. The sea is very rough, bins flying about and slops upset, and their contents running in liquid streams along the floor. Took a cake to my berth and put it beneath my pillow as I could not eat it but little food worth eating.

Tuesday, May 21 - The ship making on at a good rate on in a northwesterly course, many at the front part of her noticing distant steamers from which the smoke issued. It was amusing to hear them pronounce the smoke as land, mountains, etc. Their speculations only ended in smoke. While looking out a pilot boat came darting smartly over water, the pilot came on board. He looked a regular Y and Pee. Began to issue orders about the [-] as soon as he came on board. The people look smart and joyful at the prospect of soon landing. One of the sailors fell from a top sail and was evidently much shook. No bones broken. The docker stripped the man and...very little wind but a prospect of a speedy relief from ship life pleases all of us.

Wednesday, May 22 - At five o'clock before report of trees fine rains were shrouded out. All below soon emptied and [-] on deck noting with admiring eyes the fields, gardens, shipping, fine prospects all around. One of the most magnificent sights I ever beheld. The great Eastern in view. She seemed to surpass in size the largest vessel on the river yet many are leviathan structures and far exceed in size the general English steamers. Base is of stone mounted with cannon are in view. Some are in course of [-]. Saw a horse and chaise from our ship this morning, quite a new sight to our optics. All seems life and bustle again. The dull monotony of the past fades away into scenes of active life. Nature looks gay and grand and all the appearances around are welcomely hailed by the saints.

The doctor came on board this morning and all passed inspection. He praised our general appearance and management and added that he never saw a company bearing such signs of good health. Captain and lady and doctor with his son started out by steamboat. Castle Gardens are in view with the round house. All anxious to go off board but are busy packing up. The [-] arrive for the crowd of saints and shock of luggage to be removed from the ship and it became my unfortunate lot to stay on board while the large vessel was drawn toward shore. Handkerchiefs were waving and loud hurrahs were heard [-] over the [-] comprehend. Wish those engaged in the [-] cause they were apparently making the air echo with the power of their voices.

Cook I an unhealthy chap who came up on deck to [-] to jump off had to be [-] at the wish of Brother Andrus had I merely done as he expected and as I thought it would have been very agreeable but alas, "Man is born to trouble as the sparks that fly upward." I worked hard with the aforesaid man until about nine o'clock at night. Then I felt completely [-] up, tired, and dainty. About this time a boat came up alongside. We bartered with him for fare across to shore. After a short ride, the payment of seventy five cents, we landed. I felt lively and gave a [-] cheerily shouted and walked to the castle, or round house, for the emigrants were seated in every direction and laying out in full were the company of the Underwriter. Many were evidently absent among their friends at a good lodging house. I went out again, took some bread and butter and wine and returned and slept two hours, then wrote to Amie. Felt very tired at five o'clock.

Thursday, May 23 - Went at this hour with several others out of that den and took breakfast. Returned and greeted a number of old friends. Towards nine a.m. we all got on the luggage car which was attended with the tug. Started for New Jersey and had our luggage weighed. Some paid heavily for extra weight. After this proceeds had been gone through and another of a saving [-] also namely the selection of thirty one and a half hands who had short and some no means at all to go to Florence started away to the railway station. Here my task was a puzzling one, the reckoning of cash, exchange of American and English accounts...

BIB: Blake, F. W. Diary. (CHL).
(source abbreviations)