. . . Oct. 19 Left Birmingham this morning at 9 a.m. for Liverpool in company with a little girl, Alice Willetts. After meeting a hearty welcome from nephew George Jarvis was not in Birmingham as he was fighting German in the country. Arrived in Liverpool at 11:50 a.m. and went to the office at 42 [42 Islington, ADDRESS OF THE BRITISH MISSION IN LIVERPOOL] where I packed my books and done what little work I could towards getting ready. Met the London company at the station at 2:40 p.m. and assisted in getting them located. Had dinner at 42 and in the evening with Charles Seegmiller went to the Alexandria Theater where the "Harbor Lights" was presented in fine style. Sleep in the office with John Clark.
Oct. 20 Early this morning, in company with Brother Teasdale & several of the elders, I went to the Alexandria Docks and went on board the Wisconsin steamship where the Saints had went the day before. Brother John Quigley was made president, W. H. Hill first, and Silvester Bradford 2nd counselors, and I secretary. Our company numbered nine elders: John Quigley, Payson; W. H. Hill, Mill Creek; S. [Silvester] Bradford, Spanish Fork; Charles Seegmiller, Kanab, King County; H. J. Giles, [p.14] Heber City; Thomas Bramwell, Bountiful, Davis County; Robert Ford, Salt Lake; Joe Barker, Salt Lake; and I, and one hundred sixteen from Great Britain and Europe. Although they were all numbered among our company, there were two or three who were not members, 125 in all. After we got out from docks which was about noon we had a pleasant time. The water was smooth, and the Saints were happy passing the time in singing and making the acquaintance of each other. Towards evening our president and counselors were taken sick and a few of the passengers.
Oct. 21 - This morning the ship stood in the harbor in front of Queenstown. I went down among our people and was mouth at prayers. Tender came alongside and we were allowed to go ashore so Brothers Barker, Giles, Quigley, and I went to Queenstown where we engaged a car for six pence each, and were drove around town being showed the large cathedral, where mass were being held inside, where the farmers were in attendance while outside were a large crowd of men waiting with their spades, which were about three inches wide, and a foot long. The object of them coming there was to hire out by the week to dig potatoes and this had become a custom. After we came back we were besieged by a crowd of men, women, and children who tried to sell us something. What a time we had with them. Finally I bought a black thorn cane for a shilling. Our mind was attracted by the crowd running to a certain part of the quay. We went and discovered the object of attraction where was the washing to shore of a body of a soldier who had fallen into the water the night before. He was full dress, and perfectly stiff. The people pulled him ashore and he was lying on the bank as we steamed away. A man of war was anchored close by, while upon the hills were stationed close together, so the harbor of Queenstown, [p.15] or Cork, would be a very hard place to capture. About 1 p.m. we steamed away and almost immediately the majority of the passengers were seasick. Of the nine elders, five were down: Quigley, Seegmiller, Giles, Hill, and Bradford. About dusk we passed Cape Clear. The log was drawn in and we were clearly at sea. After supper Brothers Barker, Giles, Birmingham, Seegmiller, and I went down among the Saints in the steerage and administered to seven of them. Brother Seegmiller, however, could only remain during one administration. A great number were sick and wanted to be waited upon, while those who were not appeared to be perfectly willing to assist them while they could. Enjoyed a pleasant nights rest.
Oct. 22 - Arose this morning and assisted the Saints all I could getting the sick on deck and walking them around. Enjoyed breakfast very much and then continued to labor among the Saints. At noon the route was marked up showing that we had traveled 306 miles in 23 hours. In the evening we again attended to the sick administering to full a dozen. Gave some wine and others some other little things that we could get to make them feel better. If a person wants a job on his hands, he wants to travel with about 100 Saints who are traveling steerage and expect him to wait on them. Notwithstanding, the people were very good. The severe sickness which some were afflicted with made them objects deserving of comfort, if we did have to go down in the steerage to wait on them. Oh what a trial. But I thank God that he has given me health so far that I may be a help to the many who are sick including four elders. So far I have enjoyed splendid health. Sea is not very rough.
Oct. 23rd - This morning the ship is rocking considerable, and many are sick. We have a few that are very bad. I ate a good breakfast and am feeling first class. [p.16] At noon when measurements were taken, we had made 324 miles in the last 24 hours. Continued to work among the sick assisting some and almost forcing others to go on deck. In the evening was with the Saints helping them all we could. Held a testimony meeting below, as all steerage females are ordered below at 7:30. Ship rocked considerable during the night and rolled things about generally, but this morning we were blessed with pretty fair wind, a fine sea, and very near all people were well. Elders Quigley, Bradford, Hill, and Giles were sick and Amelia Whitehead, but we think it is only seasickness. At noon we found that we had made in the last twenty four hours 322 miles. Sighted a ship some four miles to the north. In the evening Brother Birmingham, Charles Seegmiller, and I attended the Saints, waiting upon them and doing what we could to make them comfortable. Three of the young girls were completely helpless, so I insisted upon them taking some porridge, I feeding them.
Oct. 25th - This morning the waves run high each being capped with white and the ship was rolling and "don't you forget it." I attended prayers at 7 a.m. and then inspect the food. They had for breakfast coffee, bread, butter, and Irish stew. While the people were at breakfast those who were below the hatchway had the dishes washed off the table by a wave that came over the deck while many on deck were wet through. At noon, observation showed that we had made 324 miles during the last twenty four miles. During the afternoon the sea continued to run high, running over the deck occasionally and thoroughly soaking the passengers above while many of the little children were sliding around the deck in three or four inches of water. [p.17] Brothers Quigley, Hill, and Bradford continued to remain sick while the Saints are doing the best they can under the conditions which, to say the best, are very poor. In the evening had testimony meeting.
Oct. 26 - This morning we got on the "Banks of Newfoundland." The wind was high and sea rough. Many of our people felt under the weather, particular three of the elders. All the steerage passengers had to pass the doctor and all who had not been vaccinated were. Only one of our company was vaccinated, Sarah Whitehead. During the afternoon two of the girls fainted, I think from being kept below so much. As the sea was so rough, no passengers were safe on deck. During the time the steerage passengers were at breakfast, a wave came overboard and those below the hatchway had the dishes washed off the table besides getting a thorough wetting. Brother Bradford suffered intensely today from seasickness, also Quigley & Hill. Notwithstanding we had a rough sea, at noon we were informed that we had made 337 miles in the last twenty four hours.
Oct. 27th - This morning the sea was smooth as compared with yesterday. Very near all on board were well and we all are in light spirits. Purser told me that we had 428 passengers and 100 crew aboard, (328 miles) 27 saloon, 65 2nd cabin, and 336 steerage. After supper the purser, doctor, and several of the passengers played and sang spending a very pleasant time for some time and as my room was close by I went to bed and was sang to sleep.
Oct. 28th - This morning the ship was sailing on a smooth sea, and the people were feeling first class. [p.18] At 10:30 a.m. the captain, or master, read the Church of England services when a collection was taken up for the widows and orphans of sailors. After this a Reverend Mr. [-], a Presbyterian minister, addressed the audience for twenty minutes. While this service was in progress some of our brethren were holding a meeting with our people in the steerage. During the last twenty four hours ending at 12 M, the ship made 323 miles. At 2:30 p.m. Brother Birmingham, Giles, and I held meetings with the Saints in the steerage, I doing the speaking. Passed a steamer at 4:30. The sea became quite rough, and many were seasick again including some of our brethren.
Oct. 29 - All night long the sea was rough and the ship tossed to and fro so that none on board slept any, but instead of sleep very near all were sick. But the Lord blessed me so that I was blessed with health so that Brother Birmingham [and] I assisted the sick among the Saints. It must have been a horrible night for them with all the cans, &c. rolling around and the many vomiting. The wind blowing in our face prevented us from traveling as fast so that at 12 M we had only traveled 268 miles in the last twenty four hours. During the afternoon the wind went down a little and the ship became a little more steady. The Saints took up a collection and gathered 1 7/8 - $4.40 towards paying for the little things we had bought for them. There was enough and 1/8 - 40 cents towards tipping the stewards.
Oct. 30 - The people were all alive this morning getting their things together preparing for leaving the ship. I wrote a letter addressed to the captain and officers of the ship acknowledging in behalf of the Saints the kindness [p.19] shown towards us during our voyage. Brother Quigley signed it as president and I as secretary of company. During the morning the elders raised a little money of 14/$3.50 among themselves to tip the steerage stewards for their attention to the saints. From yesterday noon we had 252 miles to go but owing to the steam steering apparatus getting out of gear we were detained a little at Sandy Hook so that we did not get in until between three and four o'clock.
Our ship was brought to a stop a little ways out when the doctor and custom house officers came aboard. All the steerage passengers were marched by the doctor, each showing his vaccination card that he received from ship doctor. Then when we got started all cabin passengers, 1st and 2nd class, had to swear that he or she had only so many as the case might be trunks, boxes, bags, etc., and if they had anything that duty should be paid upon and what it was. Arriving at the docks all the cabin passengers were allowed to go off and then their baggage was examined by the officers. All the steerage passengers were to remain on board during the night as there was not time for them to have their luggage examined and then go through Castle Garden that night. The elders were allowed on board and the captain instructed to feed us good all hands. So after supper Brothers Quigley, Hill, Bradford, Giles, Seegmiller, and I took a stroll through Broadway. Brothers H. [Hill], T., B. [Bradford], getting tired came back to ship and the rest of us after seeing the sights on the streets went to 14 Street between 3rd and 4th Avenue to Tony Pastor's Theater of Varieties and spent a very pleasant time. There was one circle in which we went paying on schilling, 25 cents, I mean. New York is alive with political banners and cartoons in favor of both parties. The streets are not so well lighted as those of England or Ireland. The pavements are very rough and the streets rough.
Oct. 31 - Early this morning everything was on the move to all appearances. The Saints were off the boat at 8:30 a.m., got their boxes so as the officers [p.20] could examine them. Then after getting through with that part theirs and ours were put on board a tug and all of us got on board, elders, cabins, and steerage passengers, and taken to Castle Garden where the steerage passengers only got off, and after passing through came back we all got off at the Old Dominion Line docks where we went on board the "Breakwater," S. S. I must confess that when the elders went to bed it was to spend a sleepless night. You see that we all were anxious about the way we would pass as some twenty of last company were detained. So when we were ready to sail from Castle Garden, I could have thrown in my hat in the air and yelled for joy.
After getting on the "Breakwater," I got all the letters that were to post and with Charlie Seegmiller went to the general post office and bought some stamps, then changed my money at an exchange. Sent a telegram to Mrs. Adlamson at Ogden and then took a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. The night of arrival in New York, Brother Q. [Quigley] and I gathered all the money the saints had and today Brother Q. [Quigley] changed in for them. Mr. Gibson and the Guion Line agent took all the responsibility of making us happy and it seemed as if he done all that was possible for he stayed with us until we were through the Gardens.
At 3:30 p.m. we sailed away from New York in a nice little steamer, but while we the elders, were provided with the best of accommodation having rooms on deck, the steerage passengers were very crowded not being room to lay down. Some slept while sitting up and others had to guard all night as there were others besides ourselves i.e. not belonging to the church. New York to Norfolk 380 miles. We had Negroes for waiters and American food and it was good.
Nov. 1st - After having a nice nights rest, rose and had breakfast. The Saints are feeling well and the water is as smooth as a person could expect. [p.21] Not a wave over one foot high. Arrived at Norfolk at 6:30 p.m. and was met at station by a special agent who had a great number of Negroes ready with truck who transferred our baggage to a special train which pulled out at 9:20. A telegram had been sent on to have some bread provided and when we got to Norfolk, Brothers Hill, Bradford, and Seegmiller proceeded to buy what other provisions we needed, Brother Birmingham to keep the Saints together, Quigley to see about the business pertaining to our transfers, Barker and Ford to watch our hand luggage while Brother Hill, Giles, and I attended to the transfer of our baggage.
Nov. 2 - Passed a Cleveland demonstration, fifteen miles from Bristol. After leaving Norfolk we went through Virginia and then into Tennessee. Bristol is 408 miles from Norfolk where we arrived at 4:30 p.m. Here we changed from the Norfolk and Western Railroad to the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad. Arrived at Knoxville (131 miles) at 10:30 p.m. and at Chattanooga (111 miles) at 6 a.m.
Nov. 3 - From here we took the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Passed into Alabama at 7:30, and a little after noon through Decatur where all were instructed to remain in the cars for twenty minutes as the yellow fever had carried away by death between seventy and eighty and there were many sick. At the time we passed through eight new cases were reported. The cemetery where they were buried we passed through by seeing the new graves. From Alabama we went through the northeast corner of Mississippi passing through Corinth, 310 miles. Arrived at Memphis at 6:30 p.m. Here we exchanged one of our passenger cars for another and also our luggage. We then crossed the Mississippi River cars and all on a ferryboat. At 11:15 we set out for Kansas City, Missouri, a distance of 487 miles, going through a part of Arkansas and then through Missouri traveling on the Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Gulf Railroad. [p.22]
Nov. 4 - Reached Kansas City at 7:30 p.m., two hours and a half short or behind time owing to some cause in starting from Memphis. Here we had to recheck our baggage, change cars, and divide our company, sixteen going by way of the D and R G, Brother Walter Whitehead being put in charge. On account of being so much late we only had a half hour to attend to it all and we were busy indeed.
Nov. 5 - Here we, i.e. the elders and balance of party, took the Union Pacific Railroad for Denver, 638 miles arriving at 7:30 p.m. Having four hours to lay over we went into the city and witnessed a torchlight procession of the Republican party. While it was a success as far as numbers were concerned, oh what a crowd. Walking through the city for an hour or two we came back and had time to arrange things a little before starting. Before, we had the greatest favor shown us having the baggage car to carry our food in where we could divide it and get ready for distribution, but when we got on the Union Pacific we did not receive such favors. The men put on a more independent air. Leaving Denver at 11:30 we then went to Cheyenne where we arrived at 3 a.m. where we were left and after making all inquiries possible we found that through the men getting drunk over the election that was to take place tomorrow or some other cause which they did not give, we had been left from 3 a.m. and had to remain until 5 p.m. While we did not like it, we had to endure it. We found the ground covered with snow.
Charlie Seegmiller and I went uptown and passing the polling place we took notes. The window was raised and the bottom filled up with boards which had a small hole cut into them through which the voter handed his ticket and gave his name. There was no registration before voting and no questions asked while we remained there. There are some fine buildings in Cheyenne. At 5 p.m. we started on our way [p.23] to Ogden. We bought another supply of food. Arrived at Laramie at 8:45 p.m. Here one of the railway employees who was a stationary man insulted us by saying we're a pack of d--- Mormons. This evening the majority of the Saints gathered in the center car and had quite a concert until about 10 p.m.
Nov. 7 - Arrived at Green River at 9:30 a.m. and Evanston at 2:20 p.m. Here we parted with quite a number of the Saints as here was the place of their destination. After waiting here for twenty minutes we proceeded on our way. Brother Hill from Mill Creek was one of the men who had been sent to meet Johnson's Army, so he could explain to us where the interesting scenes took place. Showed us where the men build forts and breastworks along the hill-side of Echo Canyon. Also where the man was standing who was shot by one of our men. There was a difference of among some of our men as to whether a gun would carry a ball as far as a man who was standing on a rock. One of them to satisfy himself fired the gun at the man, and resulted in killing him dead.
Going down a little farther we passed Morristown also where Banks was killed. Hanging rock and other places of interest.
We arrived in Ogden at 6 p.m. where we had quite a separation, all going to Ogden and North got off here. The baggage was here but as the checks were mixed with the others we could not give them the checks. So we went on, one of the elders promising to come back in the morning with the checks.
Leaving Ogden we arrived in Salt Lake at 8 p.m. where a crowd had assembled to meet their friends, and among them were George Whitehead and Willie Johnson. . . . [p.24]
BIB: Morris, David H. Journal (Ms 1895), vol. 2, sec. 3, pp. 14-24. (CHL).
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