. . . Thursday the 7 of April. [p. 13] Spent most of the day on board the ship. Went onshore to do some shopping for several of the sisters. Returned by the packet. Spent a comfortable evening with the Saints.
Friday, the 8th of April. Several of the brethren were taken up by the police for leaving their families. Today we received instructions how to proceed on our way. We were told to be on in bed by 9 or 10 & a guard to be appointed to watch the sailors to see that they did not infringe on our rights. Also that we have prayers at 8 in the morning & 8 at night; Brother Nelsin was appointed captain & Brother Boyd [-] Harrison as his counselor. The ship was divided into 10 wards. Brother George [D.] Keaton was appointed president over the 1 cabin; Brother Henry Olpin over the [-] & Brother Henry Hartley over the bachelors hall. [p. 14] We were told not to go on the poop deck. Neither to bother the sailors while they were attending to their duty & we were specially requested to take a good stock of patience & bear with each other's frailties & this in my experience is a wise course to adopt as those who have not got a sufficient portion of it will soon be filled with an evil spirit & lose the good one. A proclamation was read to the Saints by Brother Williams stating that if we would be obedient to the one appointed to lead us we should be blessed & prospered on our journey.
Saturday the 9th of April. We were up soon after 5 a.m. & cleaned our berths & we were then called on deck to be examined. I went but had to go back for my wife. Several of the Danish Saints were [p. 15] taken onshore because they were not considered to be well. At night or just before it was dark they were brought on board again by Brothers Wieleterbourgh & Williams. Today we received our supplies of food: 1£ of pork for each adult, 1£ of flour, 3 £ of biscuit, 1£ of oatmeal 1 of beef, 1 of rice, 1 of peas, 2£ of [-] potatoes, 1£ of sugar, 2 ounces of tea, 2 ounces of salt, of mustard, ounce of pepper, 1 gile of vinegar. Our water we receive every morning. 3 quarts of water daily is allowed to each adult. Yesterday I wrote a letter to Mr. Roffers on the conduct of the Saints & cetera. Today Presidents Calkin, Ross, Brudge, Williams, McGie, Graham, & many others of the brethren went ashore after bidding us good bye. We hurrayed them & cetera. Quite a number of the brethren enrolled [p. 16] themselves as sailors to oblige Captain Bell. They only appeared in order to give satisfaction to the doctor & cetera. Spent considerable of my time in my apartment nailing & making things fast for the rocking of the ship. Wrote considerable in journal. Wrote to mother & cetera.
Saturday the 10th of April the band was organized & Brother John Scoffield [Schofield] was appointed president over them. They play several tunes to commence with. In the afternoon Brothers Williams, Woodward, & Williamson left us for good to go onshore. We gave them a good song & hurrays them. In the afternoon Brother Roly spoke to some length & said he never saw better order on board of a ship & testified that if we would be obedient to those over us we should be gathered in safety to New York. [p. 17] Brother Harris [Harries] spoke & said he did not know much about preaching but would do his best. He said he had been brought up a miller up till the time that he heard the Mormons he then went to Zion & was sent back on a mission but said he thought it would have been an hundred years before he could have been prepared for the position which he now held as counselor to President Neslin. He said he rejoiced greatly in the faith & he desired to see the Saints continue to be one. He then spoke for a short time in Welsh. When Brother James Bond appeared on the stand he remarked that whether we stayed in the channel or went on our way we were still getting nearer. He also stated that he did not know that he ever had any friends for those against him and his religion he [p. 18] considered were against him, and only those were his friends who loved the gospel. Brother Neslin then addressed us & said if we would be obedient we should land safe in America. He gave some good counsel telling us not to grumble when asked to do a thing but to go to and do it cheerfully, we should be blessed. Wrote to some of the sisters, friends, then had a ward meeting. I was called upon to speak & said I rejoiced in the plan of organization that it was good & would save the people. I referred to the different ships that left for foreign lands & the great amount of young women seduced on them & said I considered we were highly favored to have such good rules to prevent sailors from abusing our women. I said [-] was like a wedding ring [-] [p. 19] but one eternal round & that it would roll forth & fill the whole earth with light. I said I considered it was the greatest testimony we could bear to the nations to emigrate. Brother Keaton spoke & said we must attend to our prayers & not get a bad spirit into us & then find fault with everybody. Brother Neslin spoke & said he sometimes felt ashamed of himself when he knew that he had done amiss & that it was good for us to examine ourselves & see what was the matter with us. Brother Lindsay spoke & said it was salvation to be up at 5 a.m. & cleaning the berths. I was administered to for a strain & felt relieved afterward. Brother Neslin administered to me & prayed that I may be strengthened [p. 20] on my journey & do good in my day & generation & I do believe his prayer will be answered. A brother told me my watch had no life nor spirit in it. Meetings were had in all the rest of the wards tonight.
Sunday the 11th of April. Wind against us so we did not set sail. This day had a short meeting in the afternoon.
Monday the 12th of April. Set sail for New York at 3 o'clock. Then commenced the seasickness. Great numbers were sick, myself & wife among the numbers.
Tuesday the 13th of April. Most of the Saints sick.
Wednesday the 14th of April. Some of the folks began to recover from their sickness but I and my wife were helpless. My [p. 21] brother, William, that many would felt. [UNCLEAR] But little [-] at it he said & were of the kind to their wives & those who lose them he [UNCLEAR]
Thursday the 15th of April. Still very sick & so was Jane & lots of the Saints.
Friday the 16th of April. We had a pint bottle of porter given between every 2 adults which was altogether unexpected & came just at the right time when we were recovering. The captain let the folks come on deck with their beds. It was a lovely day for those recovering. The ship sailed slowly & the Lord was kind indeed to us. I was restored to health & so was Jane to some extent as were most of the Saints.
Saturday the 17th. Whether [p. 22] [--] [TOP LEFT HAND CORNER OF MANUSCRIPT IS DAMAGED] Sailed but left [---]. During the day [---] of frolic and [---] our ward meeting [--] 3 p.m. as usual. Jane still continued poorly & so was Elder Lindsey [Lindsay].
Sunday the 18th of April. The sun shone in its splendor. A fair wind. Ship sailing from 8 to 10 knots an hour. This was the best time we had experience as we had made but little progress since we left Liverpool. This morning it was given out that we were 510 miles from Liverpool. This caused the Saints to rejoice. A meeting commenced on board by 1/2 past 10 a.m., Brother Rools commenced by prayer Brother Neslon then addressed us at some length on the subject of [p. 23] marriage & said that many would burn their fingers at it. He said men were to be kind to their wives. If not, they would lose them. He said that none need not come forward for marriage, only those who had made arrangements before their embarkation as he did not believe in marrying those who had made up their minds in such a hurry & as soon as they caught the fever. Several were consequently disappointed in their nuptials. He also saw who were the fit persons to have wives & it was those who were kind to the sick, who did not grumble to go on guard & who did not look black at their president when he requested them to clean out their berths. He said he could if it [p. 24] was necessary give the first letters of the names of some strong, healthy men who had let their sick wives do the best they could to help themselves. He said he had his eye on them & should remember them accordingly. He spoke on cleanliness & cetera. Brother [James] Bond then addressed us. He spoke about the cold feelings of love existing among the gentiles. He also spoke of the social evil & said he hope that those who were at [- -] were not possessed with feelings of this kind but trusted that they were going to work understandingly like men & women of God. After he got through with speaking the choir sang "How Glorious Will be the Morning" after which Brother Neslon married 4 couples of English, one of Swiss & 9 couples of Danish. [p. 25] After this business was settled the Danes [had] a a [SIC] testify meeting on deck. Sister Jane & Sister Brewton are quite poorly. Yesterday the ship "Dreadnot" was seen by the mate not far from us. She left Liverpool after us. She is about 2000 tons burden & considered to be the fastest sailer on the ocean, where she is today heavens knows. She is making for New York.
Monday the 19th of April. Most of the passengers sick or poorly. The ship going at a great speed. [LEFT HAND MARGIN NOTED: Longitude 20-20, Latitude 48.66. 756. Longitude 24.30, Latitude 46.420]
Tuesday the 20th of April. At 12 o'clock we were 909 miles from Liverpool. The wind was very weak & most of the passengers came on board to recruit themselves. The band was playing a little & the folks feeling [p. 26] tolerably cheerful this morning & yesterday we had a little wine given us by Brother Keaton. Yesterday Sister Lang was very kind & made some nice gruel for me & my wife, but I think she did it in order that she might get some of our ham. At night we had a testifying meeting in our ward. Some spirited testimonies were born I bore mine stating that the heavenly light & influence of this gospel would soon be felt in among all nations & that kings & great men would assist this people to gather home. I also stated that it was the devil & his agency that had power to afflict us with sickness & prayed that he might be bound & not have power to afflict us more. Brother [James] Bond spoke & said that we were now going the [p. 27] easiest part of our journey & must consequently make the most of it. He said some thought it was the worst but that when we had hold of the handcart & in the mud & cetera we would find it out. Brother Rool said they were bound to go safe for there were those on board who had received the promise while in Zion of returning home in safety. Brother Neslon spoke & said that if a man had lost confidence in himself he did not feel well when he stood up to instruct others but he thought that all that had spoke their experience felt well. I enjoyed the good spirit. The singing was excellent.
Wednesday the 21 of April. A meeting was established at or soon after 10 a.m. & called the Lyceum & discussion was to take place at 12 in the afternoon. Subject whether was the most beneficial to the masses of the people—the compass or the press. My brother was appointed one of [p. 28] [AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE IS WRITTEN: For Wed. Longitude 25.50, Latitude 45.59; 1020] the judges. The rations of beef, pork, potatoes & vinegar being dealt out this afternoon prevented the discussion taking place. Sister Matilda Barrett has been a friend indeed to me & my friends in cooking us our food & cetera. May she be abundantly blessed is my prayer. Today we are upwards of a 1000 miles from Liverpool. The wind today is not very favorable. We are sailing very slow. 2 ships in sight and the sun shining. Several of the Saints are very sick & I am but feeble. Jane is somewhat better. Lots of beds on deck airing today. I made inquiries as to how many Saints were on board. Brother Neslon said the total were 725 & had come from different nations—English, Irish, Scotch, Welsh, French, Italians, Swiss, Danes, Swedes & Norwegians. Captain Bell is from America. There are 2 races of Blacks on board & 1 Russian. These are in the crew so all together I think we have quite a [p. 29] variety & this is going a long way to fulfill the words of the prophets. Namely they shall gather from many nations. The doctor on board is an Irishman but don't seem to take much notice of his patients. The 2 or 3 mates on board are wild around seamen fellows & very rough with the sailors but quite sociable with us. The first one talks of going to Zion but I cannot say whether he means it or not. Take notion.
The names of the following persons are those who rendered me some assistance while leaving Carlisle for the G. [Great] S. [Salt] L. [Lake] City: Sister Blain 6/ a pair of stockings, a pot of preserves; Ann Paisley Senior 1/ & a pair of stockings, Robert and Thomas Paisley not in the church 1/ each. Mary Armstrong 1/ & [-], Mother Taylor not in the Church 1/; Brother W. J. Maughn, the best part of 10 shillings; J. Murray not in the church1/; Peter Adam a cap worth 2/6; Sister Ruddick 2/6 a [p. 30] [WRITTEN AT TOP OF PAGE: Things necessary for a sea voyage.] cotton handkerchief; her daughter not in the church 1/S; Catherine McGevey 2/6 a collar for Sister Hobbs; Sister Chaplain a pair of stockings; Sister Mary Richardson 2/6. Mrs. Lindsey not in the church a pot of preserves can of eggs, & cetera. Elizabeth Trimble 1/6 a sheet; Sister Thomlinon made me 2 shirts & gave me a trifle of money; a friend of hers, Mrs. Dobson, not in the church a small bottle of brandy. Brother Trimble made me a pair of trousers; Brother John Brown 1/; Elizabeth Pearson gave me a shirt, pair of stockings, bed quilt, pot of preserves & a trifle of money. The Saints in this conference in days gone by have not born a good name but I will say nothing only let their works speak for them. The following is a list of things useful at sea: good flour, potatoes, salt, preserves, a good cooked ham, plenty of eggs, lemons, a good cheese, [p. 31] some good coffee, currants, plums, ink, spices, porter, port wine, seego [UNCLEAR], preserved fish, polarries [UNCLEAR], a few sweet biscuits, some powders to go in the water & don't forget some aluminum & be sure you get good tins to hold your water & a barrel to hold your provisions. Some good bags to hold your rations; baking powder; lard; suit; good thick shoes; carpet slippers & warm clothing; plenty of soap & don't forget towels, a lamp & candles; a rolling pin, board, knives, forks, spoons, a little sugar, consecrated oil, shoe brushes, pepper, cream of tarter or ginger, cayenne pepper, some pickled cabbage a box with separate apartments. [p. 32] At night attended a meeting in the bachelor hall. Quite a lot of the Saints there from other wards. Brother Brother [Henry] Artley [Hartley] called upon me to speak. I told them it was with peculiar feelings I addressed them on account of being surrounded by so many young bachelors. I told them if they were faithful the time would soon come when they would no more be bachelors but married men raising up children that would go forth & defend the kingdom of God among the nations of the earth & cetera. All hands felt glad.
Thursday the 21 of April two ships passed by us our captain spoke to them by putting up different flags. The weather cold and damp. I was sick & so was Jane. This day we are 1065 miles from Liverpool. Tonight a ward meeting was held. Brother Keaton said that those who went out of the [p. 33] [AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE IS WRITTEN: 21: Longitude 26.52, Latitude 26.13, 1065 from Liverpool.] church through rough usage showed their weakness & that men should look at principle & not at individuals. He said he had been used rough but he bore with it till a change had taken place. He said when he got to the valley he should feel pleased if he could get a mud hut & that he believed the Lord would prosper him there even as he had done in the old country.
Good Friday the 22 of April. Middle of the day we were 1170 miles from Liverpool. Today Jane kept in bed. Got up in the evening but was very sick. I enjoyed myself in the dance this afternoon . Attended prayers in number one ward at night.
Saturday the 23 of April. Weather fine & calm. Most of the folks recovering from sickness. We are sailing slow at present. My wife is much better. Thanks be to God for her recovery. This morning I engaged in prayer in number one ward & prayed that the wind & waves may be profitous to waft us to the land of our destination. [p. 34] [WRITTEN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE IS: 22: Longitude 28.40, Latitude, 44.33, 1140. 23: [Longitude] 30.08, Latitude 44.33, 1234.] I perceive that the Scandinavians are very fond of reading English. I admire their zeal & doubt not but they will soon have a good knowledge of our language. Today we are 1234 miles from Liverpool. It is raining fast. I am staying on deck to prevent sickness. Sang some Mormon songs to amuse the folks. Attended prayers in 1 Ward. Brother Lindsey prayed. This afternoon the wind is blowing tremendous. The captain says we are going 11 knots an hour. Praised be the Lord of host for hearing our prayers. My wife is but poorly.
Sunday the 24 of April. Wind still favorable. This morning I am sitting on the poop and am struck with awe & admiration at the sublime scene which is before me. To see the furious waves of the ocean rolling up into mountains & then lashing themselves one over the other. The scenery is truly grand & is worthy of all the praise we can bestow upon it. At one time it has the [p. 35] [WRITTEN AT BOTTOM OF PAGE IS: 24—Longitude 33.50, Latitude 42.20, 1429 Liverpool, New York 104.] appearance of hills covered with snow & the wind drifting it about from one place to the other. At other times it is like the clouds of heaven. At times there are valleys to be seen & then in an instant they will swell into hills. Here it would not be amiss to quote a verse of poetry touching this subject. [—] & the most wonderful of all is to see our ship going almost at railway speed over the trackless ocean bearing in her arms hundreds of the seed of Abraham who through the mercy of God have been delivered from bondage & oppression in order that they may carry out the [p. 36] purposes of the great Jehovah & do a work which will cause thrones & empires to crumble in the dust & the kingdom of God shall flourish & shine forth clear as the moon, fair as the sun & terrible as an army with banners.
Since yesterday at 12 a.m. we have traveled 195 [-] up till 12 a.m. today which brings us a distance from Liverpool of 1429. This morning a meeting was held on deck. I was called upon to speak & did so for a short time. I said that it was frequently the case that we would pray for the wind to be in our favor & when it was & the ship became obstreperous & seasickness prevailed, then we felt to pray the other way that it may be calm. I said if God heard all our prayers & answered them we should be making a plaything of him & that if the winds was favorable & sickness prevalent I would be satisfied. Brother H. Oplin spoke & Henry Hartley, the latter, said we [p. 37] had every opportunity while on board of showing who we were & what we were & begetting confidence or losing it just according to the course we pursue. In the afternoon meeting commenced again. Brothers Neslin, Harris, Bond & Rooly [Rowley] addressed us. Brother Harris compared us to a lot of sheep because we were huddled so close together & he spoke of our concentrating our thoughts & having our minds centered on what was being said & not have them in New York or on the plains pulling handcarts. He said it was possible to control the mind for he had done so to a great extent & could now ask the Lord several things & have his heart & mind on those things. He spoke of the sheep in the Hills & said if they brought them to where there was good pasture when you wanted to find them you had to go to the hills for them unless [p. 38] you made the gates & hedges secure & after a time they would like the good living so well that if you left the gates open they were not disposed to run away & so upon the same principle we could drive every wicked thought from us by chaining our minds down to do right. Brother Neslin spoke of potato stealers & said it was not right for persons to steal the few potatoes from the oven which the sick so much enjoyed & if it was done again the parties should be cut off the Church of J. [Jesus] Christ. He said we were the best lot of Saints that ever crossed the Atlantic & he hoped the few who had done wrong would do better. He said when we got to American we should meet with lots of swindlers & must keep our eyes open & said if we should see a few of them we thought good men turn from us we must not mind but hold fast to the rod of Iron &c. [p. 39] Brother [James] Bond said he had come across some very mean folks in his travels & that if they could be saved. He said some of them would kill & flee for the hide & tallow & would steal the coppers from a dead nigger's eyes. He spoke of the time when Satan should be bound & said something about the chain that should bind him & said if all men would observe those sublime words of the Savior, namely, do unto others as you would they should do unto you, that all would be a paradise & no meanies would be seen. He spoke of those who were sick & thought they would be better if they would step about. He said half the ship or something to this effect could be sick if they tried. Brother Rooly said he never saw a lot of better Saints in his life & spoke on other subjects which I forget. At night we had a great number of the Saints from other [p. 40] wards in number 1 Ward. Brother Keaton said he would like to see the Saints improve their time while crossing the sea. He said he would rather be up to his neck in mud than be on the sea & suffering so much from sickness. He said he had not seen so much to admire on the sea as he had in the beautiful country of Italy. He said that if the journey on the sea had taken 12 months to accomplish it he should have started because he knew that there were blessings to be received in Zion that could not be had in the old country. Brother Neslin then addressed us on several different subjects. He cautioned us not to preach to the Gentiles on our way to Zion that it was not requisite & that if it was our presiding officers would attend to it. Told the sisters to be cautious with those polite gents that they would meet with-in America. He said there were many temptations [p. 41] for us there that we could get liquor very cheap & this would probably try some. He said when we were on the plains & felt to swear because things went [-] know not to do so but keep our tongues within our teeth & all would be well. He said that some would perhaps think their missions ended when they had left their homes but he assured them it was not so that there were lots of missions to be performed both here & in the spirit world. He said some would be appointed to preside over a few in the railway carriages & would be captains over tens & 50 & so on when they got on the plains. He said there was room for the brethren to make all the improvement they desired to & if any wanted to become great speakers prophets, apostles or anything else, there was no obstacle to prevent them if they would go ahead in righteousness.
Monday the 25 of April the wind is [p. 42] still favorable & we are a distance of 1640 miles from Liverpool, 1593 from New York. Today I have felt very sick. Rations have been served out today. The Saints this afternoon we enjoyed themselves in the dance.
Tuesday the 26. Wind & weather very favorable. Ship sailing about 6 knots an hour. This morning I rose early & washed myself all over which very much revived me. Today I am reading the Book of Mormon. Most of the passengers on deck with their beds & bedding. Today we are a distance of [-] from New York. Saints are enjoying themselves in the dance & song. Some of the brethren are delivering sectarian sermons to amuse the Saints. Tonight we had a testimony meeting in number 1 Ward.
Wednesday the 27. But very little wind. The ship is going very slow. Sun is quite powerful. Most of the Saints on deck with their bedding. At 12 o'clock Longitude 42.40 Latitude 39.01; distance from New [p. 43] York, 1420 miles. Today the Saints were called on deck to receive instructions from Neslin, Rooly [Rowely] & Harris [Harries]. They were told to keep their berths & themselves very clean as we were going into hotter climate & may have much sickness & deaths if these instruction were neglected to be carried out. We were told not to lay in the sun as we were liable to be sunstruck or have the brain fever. This evening there is lots of dancing, singing & cetera. My wife has been laying on the deck most of the day sick. Tonight we had an excellent meeting in the B. [Bachelor's] Hall. We had speaking from Brothers [Frank] Pitman, [James] Bond, Harris, Neslin, Keaton, Hartley & myself. Brother Pitman said he loved this work & hoped if there was any sectarian in him that it may soon be knocked out of him I said in my remarks that I knew I was full of imperfections & was continually finding [p. 44] room for improvement. Brother Bond said he came across an Irishman one time in Liverpool who said he had not a bit of sectarianism in him. Brother John Taylor arose & said he had not got rid of half his. He said that he had come across ill-matched couples in his travels & said how much some of these women desired to be liberated from their oppressors but would not make the first effort to accomplish this desirable object & that he did not believe in what many of those kind of persons said or they would do anything to be happy. Brother Neslen told the Saints what kind of a place Castle Garden was & what polite gents would present themselves to our sisters and try to lead them astray but that they must be on their guard. At 10 or soon after I went on guard till 12 o'clock.
Thursday the 28th. Arose at [p. 45] 5 a.m. & assisted in scraping & washing our berths out. The captain said in my hearing that he had never seen a cleaner ship. Today the wind is blowing strong. The sun is very powerful. Most of the passengers on deck. We are not traveling all together in the right direction. At 12 a.m. we are Longitude 43-52 Latitude 39-52; from New York, 1368 miles. This afternoon about 50 of the boys were trained for soldiers by Brothers Bond & R. F. Neslin & real fun we had over it. At night we had a testimony meeting in the First Ward. Brother Harries said it had been customary with him in the old country to call on one to bear testimony & then each one round in their turn & be this plan he would hear from all after a time or 2 trying.
Friday the 29th the weather cold & damp some rain a good many of the Saints poorly. Ship is moving & that is all. It is 10 degrees colder today than yesterday [p. 46]. We are now on the Banks of Newfoundland & the water is not so deep. We are about an hundred miles from the icebergs. Today at 12 a.m. Longitude 45/56 Latitude 40/52; distance from New York, 1270 miles. This evening there is lots of dancing on deck.
Saturday the 20th. Ship in full sail. I and my wife are very sick. In the evening some rain. It is quite laughable every few minutes to see a large wave come over & drench the folks. Today at 12 o'clock we were a distance from New York of 1113 miles. Longitude 49-16 Latitude 40-30.
Sunday 1st of May. We were very poorly from the severe rocking of the ship all night as there had been a dead calm a considerable deal of water came through the portholes & sent the things swimming. Lots of tins tumbled about & made a tremendous roar. About 12 a.m. the Longitude 51.40 Latitude 41-00 distance from New York 995 miles. About this time a stiff breeze came on which all were [p. 47] thankful for especially those who had been in the cooking galley & got all their good things upset. Lots of potatoes upset. On deck today & all I am surprised at is that some did not got their limbs broke but the Lord has truly been mindful of his children. In the afternoon the English Saints had a meeting in the Bachelors's Hall & another at night which I attended. I should think there were 250 present. Brother Harries spoke on the degeneracy of the human family & said that God had restored the gospel which would bring man back to his former state of purity & strength while those nations who rejected it would dwindle into nothing. Brother Neslin gave some good council to the young sisters that stopped in the states. He spoke of persons standing on guard after traveling 25 miles & cetera. [p. 48] Brother Bond said that some of the states were guilty of every mean act & that worse people could not be found if Hell was raked over with a small tooth comb. He said that many people did not give their children those instructions that were necessary in their infancy & when they grew up they were guilty of many bad things & how it was they could not tell.
Monday the 2nd of May. Weather & wind in our favor. The rations are being served out— beef & pork & vinegar. Longitude 63"50 Latitude 40"28 distance from New York 882. Today extra allowance of water is dealt out for the passengers to wash up their clothing. This is kind of the captain. Today me & Jane are mostly recovered from sickness. Thanks be unto our merciful Father for his kindness to us. This afternoon it is stormy not many on deck. At night we had a concert in number 1 Ward. Lots of comic & sentimental songs sung & some good tunes by the band. Brother Neslen gave me a can of preserved milk [p. 49] which gave quite a flavor to our tea.
Tuesday the 3 of M. [May]. Up at 5 a.m. & assisted Brother Lindsay to clean up 2 of the cabins. Today it is fine. Ship going 8 knots an hour. Most of the passengers on the mend. I find it takes away much of the sickness to be up early & stirring about. At 12 a.m. Longitude 57-2 Latitude 40.15 distance from New York 740. Some portions of the day we were going at the rate of 11 knots an hour. This afternoon a child by the name of Franklin Woolford Andrew [Andrews] fell down the stairs & was nearly killed but the faith of the Saints have triumphed over the monster death and the child is still living. Enjoyed myself in the dance. The doctor also had a dance but made a poor job of it. Tonight attended a testimony meeting in 1 Ward. Brother Harris said he should see if the conduct of the Saints in after days agreed with their testimony & cetera. It is a lovely star light night but very cold.
Wednesday the 4th. A calm sea sun shining bright. Ship sailing as much as 7 knots an hour. This morning potatoes are plentiful. All is moving on harmoniously. Some soap is being served out. This is unexpected & very necessary. 12 a.m. Longitude 61.30 Latitude 40.00 distance from New York 548. Tonight we had an excellent meeting in the Bachelors Hall. Brothers Bond, Harris, Rooly & Neslin addressed us. Brother Neslin in his remarks said there were some individuals that would as soon see the devil as him & it was because he told them of their faults.
Thursday the 5. The sea is perfectly calm as far as the eye can reach. At 12 a.m. Longitude 61.51 Latitude 39.50 distance from new York 520 [-]. It seems as though it was calm on purpose for at 2 o'clock p.m. Sister Inger Haff [Hagg] from Sweden was buried in the sea. She died the previous night & was 61 years of age. At 4 o'clock we had a concert on deck. Lots of comic and & sentimental songs were sung & some pieces were recited. The band was in attendance. [p. 51] Some 8 or 10 of the sisters were dressed in white & quite a number of the young men had on white vests & they sung a piece & I danced to it. At night I had the diarrhea and was very poorly all night.
Friday the 6th. A lovely day. The wind is rather more in our favor. At 12 a.m. Longitude 62"14 Latitude 40"15. Distance from New York 507. Today I have been very ill with the diarrhea & headache. Kept in bed most of the day. Jane have also been very poorly. Lots of the Saints are as bad as myself. I am going to attend to Joseph's advice & take some mustard, pepper, salt, vinegar &c. I think it will relieve me of the pain. A testimonial was given to our captain today by Brothers Bond & Neslen as a token of our respect. He enjoyed it much and gave the boys a bottle of wine.
Saturday the 7. Some parts of the day we are going at the rate of 4 & 5 knots an hour & sometimes we are not going long. At 12 a.m. Longitude 63"40 Latitude 40"42 distance from New York 450. It is now [p. 52] 10 o'clock & all hands are expected to be in bed. 9 is the time for the women & 10 for men. Tonight the sisters have got an hour longer, allowed them to enjoy the dance. I have been very poorly today with the diarrhea. Jane has also been very ill. I am sorry to see her suffer so much pain but feel satisfied that all is for the best. I am on watch up till 12 tonight.
Sunday the 8 of May. Had meeting in the Bachelors Hall on account of having fog that was falling. Brother Neslen gave some good counsel to the married & single. He told the young folks that if they married a wife because of her good attainments they were not acting wisely. But if they married on a righteous principle to have a posterity to be a comfort & blessing to each other then he would advise them to go to ahead. He spoke of individuals falling in love the first time they saw each other but that he would like to summer [p. 53] & winter a lady & then he would know some thing of her disposition. After he got through his discourse he married 5 couples of foreigners. The young men had all been faithful Elders in the ministry & some had been imprisoned several times for preaching. Today we are going as much as 9 knots an hour but not in the right direction. It is very cold. At 12 Longitude 66"00 Latitude 40"48 Distance New York 360. In the afternoon we had a meeting on the poop deck. Brother Bond spoke about the disunited states and the abuse they had heaped upon this people & said their reward was sure. He also stated that men & women were getting more & more enlightened as to their rights & were beginning to see the rottenness of the priests and rulers of the land. In his remarks he said something which quite amused me concerning a young man & woman. The young man said his love was like a wedding ring—it had no [p. 54] end. She in reply said that her love was like the wedding ring for it never had a beginning. Before the meeting was through the fog was very heavy. The bell tolled considerable to prevent a collision with other ships. At night a large number convened together in the Bachelors Hall. Quite a number of Brethren spoke. I spoke some little concerning Oliver Cromwell & the good he accomplished in his day, that he fought for the freedom of his country &c. Brother [James] Bond moved that a vote of thanks be given to Brother Neslin. It was carried by saying aye. One was given to Brothers Harries, Rools and Bond & carried in the same manner Brother Williams' circumstances was brought before the Saints & they had the privilege of doing what laid in their power for him. He is our cook & a good tempered soul. I forgot to mention the Longitude; it was 67"10, Latitude 41"46. Distance from N. York 297.
Monday the 9. Weather very cold. Ship sailing as much as 9 knots [p. 55] an hour but not in the right direction, at 12 a.m. Longitude 67"10" Latitude 41"46" 297 miles from New York. Last night the 2nd mate's wife was walking about the different wards with only her shift on. Some say she was mad & that it took several to hold her & that it was owing to what her husband said about giving her name in to be a Saint &c. Brother Davis threw a blanket round her & she was given in to the right hands.
Tuesday the 10th. A heavy fog descended and continued most of the day. In the after part of the day the ship sailed as much as 10 knots an hour. At 12 Longitude [-], Latitude [-], distance from New York [-]. Today the boatswain attempted to use his knife to the 3rd mate. In the evening a Bachelors Ball took place & was well attended. I enjoyed myself in the dance. Several comic songs were sung by James Bond. Meeting adjourned about 10 in the evening. In the night 2 sisters were confined. [p. 56] Today the 10th I forgot to mention we passed the [-] bound for New York with [-] hundred passengers on board. We gave them 3 cheers & went on our journey.
Wednesday the 11. A strong wind continued in our favor taking us 10 knots an hour. At 12 the captain gave us a rough calculation of the distance from New York. It was [-]. This is as near as he could tell having no sun to take the degrees. When it was dark we had to take in half the sail for fear of running ashore. A considerable deal of rain fell today. It is very cold and chilly.
Thursday the 12. The weather still favorable. Ship sailing about 7 knots an hour. At about [-] o'clock today the pilot came on board & reported that we were 35 miles from New York. This caused the hearts of the Saints to rejoice but oh how great was their joy when they saw the banks on either side covered with many beautiful building & trees. [p. 57] I shall not attempt to describe. Suffice to say they were exceeding glad. We passed by several lovely islands on our way up to New York. We were examined by the doctor & passed without any difficulty. About 5 p.m. we arrived at or opposite New York. We can see Castle Garden & it looks better than it was represented to be. The custom house officers came on board & said we would have to go to the Garden tonight, but Brother Neslen reasoned with them a little & got them persuaded to let us stay on board till the next day. We are informed that all the emigrant ships that has arrived have buried lots who have died with the smallpox & it is reported that several ships are prohibited from coming in to land their passengers on account of so many being bad with the smallpox & if this be true how thankful should we be for so prosperous a voyage & only one death. There is a Man-Of-War ship laying right on our left. Today [p. 58] we saw several fine steam boats. One was the "Metropplous," and another the "Commonwealth." Today lots of the Saints emptied their straw beds & will probably lay on the ticks tonight. Bread was brought on board at 6 pence for a very little loaf. Some exchanged peas & rice for a little bread. Brother Nelsin says one emigrant ship has been out 65 days & is now at Halifax & up till the last heard of her had died with smallpox & they were on short rations. Brothers Nelsin & Bond went onshore & returned with Brother Stenhouse, the steamship [-] is right before us. She is the one I understand that will carry our letters to England in a few days. The papers state that one of the judges in Utah is dismissed from office by P. Cummings.
13 of May. Arrived in Castle Garden with our luggage. Gave in our names & ages & weather married or single. There were lots of emigrants in the building & hundreds landing daily. The major portion of them are Irish. In the afternoon [p. 59] went for a walk up Broadway. Saw a great many fine buildings & the people dressed very gay. Spirits are cheap. Meat, butter & cheese are also cheap. Slept as well as we could on the boards in Castle Garden. This building is round like a circus & is supposed to hold 10 thousand. Boiling water & a bathing house is [-].
14th. The New York Herald contains our names & trades, testimonial to Captain Bell, marriages on the ship, & cetera. Today our time is mostly occupied looking after our luggage. We embarked about 6 o'clock p.m. in the fine steam packet "Sir Isaac Newton." We had lots of spectators before we left. At 7 o'clock we left for Albany a distance of 150 miles. Saw lots of fine buildings on the way. Quite a number of the Saints were up all night.
Arrived Sunday the 15th at 6 a.m. Followed President Neslin all through the town with some of our luggage. This was a sight I shall not soon forget, [p. 60] neither do I think that many of the people will who saw us. At 12 a.m. we left for [-] a distance of [-]. I was appointed Captain over 48 souls with instructions to let none go through our carriage. Held our passengers & about 4 our luggage. As we passed through the different stations we had thousands of spectators who said they could not tell our object for gathering. Those people had been apprized of our coming by telegraphic dispatches. Slept as well as we could on the boards.
Monday the 16th. At a little before 5 a.m. we stayed for 1 hour at [-]. Saw a lovely fall of water called Jenesee [MAYBE Genesee]. At 11 a.m. we saw the falls of Niagara 1 from us. After crossing suspension bridge we were in upper Canada. Some of the houses and gardens on this route are beautiful. Today it is raining & came through the top of our carriages which makes it rather uncomfortable.
Tuesday 17th by 5 a.m. arrived at Windsor & in 2 hours we crossed over the [Detroit] River to Detroit. [p. 61] Here we had a large number of spectators. At 12 a.m. we left for Chicago a distance of [-]
Wednesday the 18th. Attended to prayers as usual and arrived at Chicago in the state of [Illinois] at 8 a.m. This is a fine city & contains about 130,000 inhabitants & is nearly surrounded with water. About 1 o'clock we left in a first class carriage for Quincy 269 miles.
Thursday the 19th arrived at Quincy at about 7 o'clock. Then went straight to the packet & rode about 20 miles up the Mississippi to Hannibal. Weather exceedingly warm. Some few had the diarrhea through drinking so much water. I am informed that Carthage & Nauvoo is only 60 miles from Quincy. We spent the day under cover. Cooked our food out-of-doors for the first time. In the evening went with a few of the boys for a swim in the Mississippi. There was a very rough crowd down at the station. Some were returned from Pikes Peak. They were disappointed in getting gold. I hear that thousands more are returning. We slept in carriages. I was on [p. 62] guard till 1 o'clock.
Friday the 20th. Left at 8 a.m. for St. Joseph's a distance of 207 miles. Saw several slaves on our way. We had some excellent singing in my carriage.
Saturday the 21st. Arrived at St. Joseph by the dawning of day. Had 12 hours to rest. Saw lots of covered wagons with oxen going in different directions. Milk, meat & bread is cheap at this place. At noon we gathered together & received instructions from Brothers Cannon & Neslin in regard to our all going on board together. We were informed that a portion of us could go at once & the others stay 3 days or if we liked to put up with the inconveniences we could all go together. The matter was left with us & we lifted our hands to heaven stating at the same time that we would all go together. So after making a tour through the town we went on board the fine packet St. Mary's & at 12 p.m. we proceeded on our journey to Florence a distance of 230 miles. A strong guard was appointed to keep watch. I went on guard the first part of the night. Brother Lindsey was captain of the guard [p. 63] the first part of the night. We had some rough customers to deal with but all passed off well. St. Joseph is a flourishing town. Slaves are sold here.
Sunday the 22nd. Weather very warm many of the Saints were poorly; some with diarrhea, some from close confinement & cetera. The captain had some berths fixed up for the women which proved a blessing to some.
Monday the 23rd. Weather not quite so warm. About 2 p.m. our packet stayed still on account of a head wind. Last night quite a number of the sisters went on the upper deck to sleep. Today several hats has blown overboard. In the night while I was on guard I heard a row & made for it; when I got there I found the sailors arguing with some of the Danish. One threatened to use his knife. I immediately went for President Neslen & he came & spoke as one having authority he said they could not come their Missouri tricks with us & if they wanted a [p. 64] row we were on hand. At 1 p.m. Frank Pittman took my place as captain of the guard.
Tuesday the 24. Weather fine. Stopped a short time at Nebraska [City], a flourishing town about [-] miles from [-]. Saw Iowa Hills at the distance & much fine scenery. Yesterday a large stick of timber fell & struck Brother Keaton on the head & bent him double. But I am thankful to say he is recovering today. The folks were short of bread so we had to share the spoils.
Wednesday the 25. Got up early & was very cold from sleeping on the deck. At 6 a.m. we landed in Florence. Built a fire & got a good breakfast out of doors & felt to thank God for the peaceful asylum we had been brought to & for being surrounded with our friends. . . . [p. 65]
Wednesday [June] the 8th. . . [p. 73] . . . we started . . . with 56 hand carts & 230 persons. . . . [p. 74]
Sunday 4 Sept. . . . [p. 89] . . . [AFTER NEARLY 3 MONTHS ON THE TRAIL, HOBBS DESCRIBES THE ENTRY INTO THE SALT LAKE VALLEY] Started for the Valley. All the horsemen in front. We had not gone far before we were met by 2 bands of music. The first tune I recognized was [-] Mountains high where the clear blue sky arches over the vales of the free & cetera. There was thousands of spectators who seemed pleased to see us. We passed through many beautiful streets went by Brigham's [Young]. There was a large crowd on top of his house looking at us. Brigham among the rest. I was much delighted [p. 91] with the beautiful appearance of the city. When we reached the public square the brethren played Home Sweet Home after being greeted by our friends. . . . [p. 92]
BIB: Hobbs, Henry, 1835-1917. Journal, 1859 May-1860 Jul, pp. 13-65, 73-74, 89, 91-92. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)