. . . Monday [June] 19th. I went to the station accompanied by Brothers hart and Leishman and others where we found many of the Saints in the station who had come to say adieu. At 7:15 a.m. I took train for Liverpool — cost 14 shillings 4 demies — accompanied by Sister Gilhesby, son & daughter & John Conly. Tender was the scene of parting and many was the tears that was shed. But we bid each other adieu with a God bless you and as we moved off with a heavy heart at the thought of leaving behind those whom we had formed so tender ties. But the happy thought of soon getting to the loved ones at home caused a feeling of joy to arise in my heart. Amid the sound of goodbye and the swing of the hat or kerchief they soon all faded away in the distance. [p.214] I then fell into a serious train of reflection upon the scenes of the past and also taking a slight glance of the future, all of which was very consoling. But to proceed, after a very pleasant ride of 9 hours, we arrived at Liverpool passing on the way many lovely scenes which I will not attempt to describe at this time. I got our luggage in a cloakroom, and then showed the Saints to a public inn where they could stay the night. I then made my way to 42 Islington where I was made [-] welcome by President [Albert] Carrington and others. I then went to the Conference House with Brother Dobson and took supper and then returned to 42 where I had the privilege of a very agreeable interview with President Carrington in which he spoke very commendably [p.215] of my labors and he here appointed me to take charge of the Saints while journeying to Zion. The evening passed pleasantly and I retired to rest with the president feeling the influence of a good spirit.
Tuesday, 20th. After attending to some business I moved the luggage off the ship on to the Princess Landing and after a short space of time we were moved on a tugboat and were moved onto the ship Wyoming. Here there was a great hurry and bustle as all had to look to their luggage. Here my labors were very perplexing as it fell to my lot to place each one in their proper berth. After laboring until a late hour assisted by Elders H. B. Ship, R. F. Nelson, Henry Snell, W. L. Payne & Lambert & Edwards, we succeeded in getting all comfortable situated and we retired to our berths. Being situated in the first cabin where I found a pleasant rest. [p.216]
Wednesday, 21st — Spent the forenoon in preparing them for the journey and at 11 a.m. President Carrington came on board and examined the situation of the Saints which was very satisfactory and giving me such instructions as he felt necessary. And at 12 noon the little boat came and took off all that were not to go with us and amid cheers of high glee, we steamed up and was soon sailing on at a good speed. The entire day passed off pleasantly but it proved a very busy one for me. Yet I felt that the Lord was with me and made me adequate for the task. As the evening shades approved I called the company together and gave them such instructions as I felt was appropriate and called up the Lord in prayer and then retired to our rooms leaving all well situated. [p.217]
Thursday, 22nd — We arrived at Queenstown at 9 p.m. I dictated a letter to President Carrington, wrote by Elder Shipp stating the condition of the Saints &c. I also wrote to Brothers Hart and Leishman. I chose Elder Shipp for clerk of the company. The sea continued very smooth and all heaven seemed to smile upon us. Soon began to be quite seasick but this is common to all companies. I occupied my time in administering to their comfort until I felt sick myself and had rather a serious time but trust I shalt be all right soon as I haven't time to be ill at present.
Friday, 23rd — The Saints continued very ill. So much so that we had to administer to a number of them. At 7:30 a.m. we have in sight a ship in distress as her flag was half mast and soon ascertained that she had sprung a leak and was sinking. Two lifeboats [p.218] were sent out and brought in fifteen passengers and some of the luggage, all of which detained us for some two hours but we soon were under fine headway and the Saints soon began to feel much better. Our organized into wards and placed competent men over each ward and all seemed orderly and pleasant. We call all together at 8 p.m. and eleven a.m. and sing and offer prayer.
Saturday, 24th - Still continued pleasant. A few were sick. One case that of a child said to have the smallpox, but I hope not as we are not prepared to meet that loathsome disease. But God is with us and all Israel prays for us and all will right. Quite a number began to be seasick yet they bore it all with great patience and fortitude. All met for morning and evening prayer and sung their songs of Zion. [p.219]
Sunday, 25th - At 11 a.m. we met for meeting in the steerage as we could get no other convenience. After singing and prayer I addressed the Saints for a short time but felt quite seasick with the continued rocking of the vessel. Hence, I was brief and to the point. Brother Neslen then followed but there was but very little spirit of meeting Hence, we closed and then sallied forth upon the deck in quest of fresh air. The day proved to be a very tedious one as most of the company were very ill.
Monday, June 26th - I felt some better in health, so much so that I took my seat at the table. The weather proved to be cold and rain yet the sea remained calm and we went plowing along at the rate of 12 knots per hour. One case of smallpox, that of a young child, and one of scarlet fever, that of a young sister. But they removed to the hospital and it is to be hoped that they will survive the plague, at least our prayers are to that end directed. [p.220]
Tuesday, 27th - The weather quite rough and cold. A great number of the passengers very ill yet peace prevails and the Lord is greatly blessing us upon our voyage all for which I feel very grateful.
Wednesday, 28th - Passing the banks of Newfoundland. The weather very cold and foggy. All are going on right except a few of our young sisters that are quite too intimate with the stewards and sailors. So much so, that I was under the painful necessity of giving them a severe reprimand and I hope they will change their course [-] they are led to [-]. It is the chief study of the ship's crew to decor the young girls and entrap them with their flattery but I will do my duty by them and thus leave them to go their own road.
Thursday, 29th - The day passed off agreeable and the most of the Saints began to revive from their illness. The weather still cold and foggy. Yet it is healthy for the passengers and all is right with us. A good feeling prevails. [p.221]
Friday, 30th - My health, as also that of the Saints, finally on the improve. One death that of a Swiss child born en route for Liverpool, age 11 days. It was carefully rolled in canvas and sunk in the ocean. Some of the brethren proved to be so unwise as to enter upon discussion with some of the gentile passengers on matters of religion which began to breed a hot contention but with some favor I got them quieted. I wrote to my family and spent some time in looking after the interest of the Saints. The returning elders that were on board, were as follows: M. B. Shipp, Elezar Edwards, William L. Payne, R. F. Neslin, Henry Snell, Charles Lambert, George Lake. The name of the ship, Wyoming. Captain Edward, Whineny commanding. Length of ship, 278 feet; width, 44 feet. Allowed to carry 1200 passengers. Collected £92.15.0 of the Saints to be changed for their greenbacks for their use on the road. I wrote to President Carrington, giving an account of our safe arrival in New York. [p.222]
Saturday, July 1st 1871 - The weather very warm and the sea very calm, and the Saints generally feeling well and singing their songs of Zion with high glee. I called the Saints together and had prayers as usual, afterwards the Saints paid over to me near £100 of their money which they wished changed for U.S. money which we attended to.
Sunday, 2nd - Arrive at Staten Island, 9 miles from New York, at 5 a.m. where we have to layover until tomorrow. The doctor came on board and placed us under quarantine although he passed the cabin passengers all safe. The day passed off quite agreeable to us. We lay at anchor in the Hudson River. I obtained permission of the captain to hold meeting on the quarter deck whereupon we met at 6 p.m. and after singing and prayer, Elder Shipp and myself occupied the time in setting forth the gospel truths and bore a faithful testimony of its truth.[p.223] After meeting was closed, the captain came to me and entered upon an argument on what had been preached by us but his arguments all went to justify men in whoredom and lasciviousness but I talked very plain to him and warned him against such damn sins.
Monday, 3rd - We had to lay in quarantine until 4 p.m. when the doctor came on and vaccinated the company, although quite against their feelings. This over, we weighed anchor and steamed up for Castle Gardens where a tender came to us and our goods were all moved onto her and we were landed in the Castle with our goods. And the Saints was unable to get their bedding as it was locked up in the cloakroom. Here they were forced to rest upon the floor. I set a guard over them to keep the strangers from intruding and then I went to the Stevens House with the rest of the elders and took supper and then retired to rest having seen our agents, Brothers [William C.] Staines [p.224] and Duesenberg, and giving in my report to them which proved quite satisfactory.
Tuesday, 4th - This being our national birthday, there was a great doing in the city with her thousands of flags floating to the breeze and her bands playing [-], and firecrackers filling the air with her deafening noise but my time was taken up in helping the Saints to start on their journey. They were soon on their way and I went to Castle Garden and bought me a ticket for Toronto, Canada, cost $7.70. I had a very pleasant interview with Elder John Taylor of the Quorum of the Twelve who takes train this evening for Salt Lake. I crossed over to Jersey City on a boat over the Hudson River where I saw the Saints take their se4ats for Zion with a hearty goodbye and a God bless you. I started back to New York and took train for Toronto at 8:15 p.m. [p.225] As I had an emigrant ticket, I had to ride with a most disgraceful lot of foreigners, but I worried it through and arrived at Albany, the capital of New York at 6 a.m. Felt quite well in body and mind.
Wednesday, 5th - I took breakfast at an inn. I then changed to a first class car. Cost extra 1 cent per mile. I greatly enjoyed the ride, passing the Genesee Falls where Sam Path jumped off. I arrived at Rochester at 6:30 p.m., changed my ticket for one to Kingston across lake Ontario. I then took train for the boat landing 7 miles and then took boat for Kingston. Spent my night lying on some barrels. Arrived at Kingston at 5 a.m. . . . [p.226]
. . . Wednesday, 19th - . . . I took train at 8 a.m. for Toronto, cost $1.50. From there I ticketed for new York, cost $10.88 gold. After riding a short distance we came to Hamilton which is a nice town situated at the head of lake Ontario. Here the train stopped and all had to change cars. And by being [p.239] wrongly informed I took the wrong car and traveled twenty miles to Paris where I had to wait two hours for a train to carry me back. After taking my seat for the evening's ride there came a professed minister around delivering tracts and soon we got into a warm debate which occupied our time for the evening. We arrived at the Suspension Bridge at 9:30 p.m. where I repaired to a hotel and got a bed and was soon wrapped in silent repose.
Thursday, 20th - I took train back to the Falls—no cost—and took a view of the notorious Falls of Niagara which presented a most lovely view—the water falling a distance of 230 feet with an eternal rainbow, one end of which set in the falling water with the surrounding shady grounds and lovely walks—all of which presented a lovely scenery. All of which I gazed at with admiration. This over, I took my seat at 7:30 a.m. and resumed my journey. Passed through Rochester at 9:45 a.m. and on the way passed many lovely villages and [p.240] rural scenery—all of which was very pleasant to view. Arrived at Albany at 5 p.m. and arrived at New York at 9 p.m. I then made my way to the Stevens House by bus—3 miles distant—and soon found rest from my labors. Felt weary in body.
Friday, 21st - I wrote to Elder Shipp of Salt Lake City and then took a stroll through the town. Visited the barbers and had my hair and beard cut. I felt rather cloudy in my spirits but I trust it is all for the best and I shall look forward with happy thoughts to a brighter day.
Saturday 22nd - I met with Brother Dusenbergs this morning who had just returned from Omaha where he had been forwarding the emigration. We took breakfast together and then went down to Brother [William C.] Staines' office where I remained a short time and then returned to my room and attended to writing my journal. In the afternoon I visited Dr. Jourdan's Museum of Anatomy [p.241] and gazed with awe upon the horrid scenes thus spread before me. As I saw spread before my view the debauchery of the human family in life size waxwork. After taking a view of this horrifying scene, I returned to my room.
Sunday, 23rd July. The day passed off very dull and disagreeable as my mind was at home. Besides I was alone in a strange city. The evening passed more agreeable as Brother Warren Dusenberg came and spent the evening with me.
Monday, 24th. I still awaited in anxious suspense for the steamship "Colorado" to arrive from England as it has on board a company of Saints with whom I am to accompany to my mountain home. I spent much of the day in the office with Brother [William C.] Staines.
Tuesday, 25th. The arrival of the "Colorado" was announced having on board 150 souls of the Saints among which the following elders were found returning from their missions: [p.242] H. G. Park, George Barton, Thomas Owls, and E. F. Bird. I found among the number many of the Saints of my former acquaintance who seemed to be very glad to see me. All of which tended to charge my lonely condition and cheer my drooping spirits. Brother [William C.] Stianes then presented us each with $10 bill to defray our expenses home. I spent my time in trying to administer to the wants of the Saints.
Wednesday, 26th. The Saints were crossed over the river with their luggage and soon was seated in our cars and at 7:30 p.m. we bade adieu to Newark City & it faded in the distance while all nature seemed to smile upon us as we glided along to the West.
Thursday, 27th. We continued on our journey in high glee singing the osngs of Zion with a will & zest.
Friday, 28th. We passed through many fine villages and interesting scenes. Arrived at [-] City at 5 p.m. [p.243] and stopped until 8 p.m. All was pleasant and gay.
Saturday, 29th. We arrived at Chicago City at 7 a.m. Changed cars and moved off at 10:45 a.m. We crossed over the Missouri at 5 p.m. passed [-] City.
Sunday, 30th. Arrived at Council Bluffs City at 10 a.m. and ferried across the Missouri River and soon was landed in Omaha City where we spent the remainder of the day in the [-] sun as there had been a heavy flood and washed off some of the railroad bridges. Some of the Saints or so called began to find fault—so much so that they wished to be back to the old country.
Monday, 31st. Spent the day at Omaha. The weather excessive hot. Spent my time dealing out food to the Saints. At 6:30 p.m. we moved off. After traveling 12 miles we come to the Elkhorn where the bridge had been washed away. After awaiting here a few hours the way was cleared and we moved off. [p.244]
Tuesday, August 1st 1871. We crossed the Platte at 8 a.m. There arose a hot contention between Brother Owls and Brother George Barton. Brother Barton having accidentally bruised his hat which caused the former to grow very rothy and use very bad language which I rebuked him for but all to no purpose. All of which spread a very bad influence among the company as these are elders returning to Zion.
Wednesday, 2nd. The traveling was slow besides suffering much abuse from the [-] along the line. All of which began to make our travels irksome. We arrived at Laramie at 7 p.m.
Thursday, 3rd. Arrived at Bittercreek at 10 a.m. Two sisters were sick and we were called to administer to them. Then went through the company with Brother Park to get pay for overweight of luggage which caused quite an amount of evil feeling s the luggage had not been weighed separately. [p.245]
Friday, 4th. We arrived at Ogden at 7 a.m. where I was warmly received by many of my friends. I visited Brother George Hill and Brother Hart's family and then made my way home and soon met the fond embrace of the loved ones at home. I shall not attempt to set forth the unspeakable joy on meeting with those we hold so dear but leave the reader to imagine to themselves after being a wanderer from home and friends for near 2-1/2 years. All passed pleasantly as I did but little else only to meet and receive the congratulations of my friends on my safe return. . . . [p.246]
BIB: Lake, George. Journal (Ms 7573), pp. 214-27, 239-46; Diary (Ms 8620 reel 5 #3), (CHL).
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