. . . Tuesday, September 1, 1874: Arose early, packed up my bedding. Got some breakfast, after which I had to run about to get a truck for a man to take my trunk to the station. Hurried a great deal and sweat a gallon more or less. Got there in time. I got along all right picking up passengers on the way. When I got to Stonehouse, I found my sister had got into the down train instead of the up one going back to Bristol instead of going to Liverpool. We all got to Liverpool safe about 4:15. I went at once to the office 42 Islington and attended to my money matters and tickets for the passengers. We then hired a cart to take our things to the steamer and while we were loading them, my sister came in on another train, thus setting my mind at rest. We then set out for the Sandon Dock, arriving there about 8:00 p.m. Did not get to bed until about 12:00 or 1:00. I slept pretty well until 6:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 2nd: When I found the steamer, it had got out into the river. When the tender came to the ship, I went on board and walked to the office 42 Islington. Got my sister's ticket. Bought some bread and some tins for the passengers. Then walked back to the dock. Got on the tender and returned to the ship. It rained hard and the wind blew strong. There was a good deal of bustle in getting all the passengers and their luggage aboard, passing the doctor, etc. At length about 1:30, we left our anchorage and steamed out. It was rather rough, but we got along all right. As night came on, I got sick and had to vomit, but it did not hurt me. I went to bed early and slept well until sometime before daylight. I awoke early, but kept in bed until about 7:00, when I had to get up.
Thursday, September 3rd: I felt very faint and vomited, straining very hard. I sweat very much. Ate no breakfast. We got to Queenstown at noon, took on some more passengers. I bought some apples and at lunchtime, I took a plate [p.160] of soup and that stayed on my stomach. We stayed at Queenstown 1 hours, then put out again. The wind was still blowing hard against us. We had considerable singing in the evening on deck and some below. I ate dinner and tea and went to bed feeling pretty well, but our cabin is close and warm.
Friday, September 4th: I awoke early and found the vessel rolling very much, but I felt pretty well. After it got light, I got up and tried to dress and wash, but I had to do a little vomiting. I finally got on deck. The wind still blowing and ship rolling. I soon got a good wetting by a large wave and had to change some of my clothes. I felt so squeamish I did not go down to breakfast, but sat on deck and walked about until noon when I took a little lunch, then kept on deck until dinnertime, 4:30. I visited some of the sick and with Brother Heyborne administered to them. The vessel rolled fearful and sometimes would ship a sea that would drench some of the passengers. There is a great many sick today. At 4:30 I went below and ate a little dinner, but my stomach warned me to be careful. I find the cabin fare similar to that of the "Oceanic" except in the matter of dessert. At 6:30 I took a cup of tea. I spent some time among the passengers, sometimes singing, and trying to comfort them, etc. At 8:00 p.m. all the females are ordered below and very good order is observed. The decks are well washed every day. Rained several times today. Brothers [John C.] Graham, Lloyd and [Samuel] Bennion are sick today.
Saturday, September 5th: Sat up on deck until after 10:00 last night, then retired to my bunk and slept pretty well for a few hours but awoke early and kept rolling about. Rose about 7:00 and washed and dressed without being sick, and went on deck as soon as possible. The engines were stopped during the night for three or four hours and the vessel rocked me from side to side. I did not hear the cause of her being stopped. A misty morning, some rain and the wind still against us. Not so many sick this morning. Several big fish [p.161] were seen during the day and I saw what was thought to be a whale by its blowing up jets of water. Saw a steamer, also a sailing vessel. Considerable singing. A warm day brought out lots of the passengers on deck. My sister had been sick but is better now. I sat at the table to eat four times today, but I ate carefully. One man had delirium tremors, said to be a Catholic priest. Retired about 9:30. Slept well.
Sunday, September 6th: Arose about 7:00 a.m. Hurried to dress and got on deck as soon as I could. My bunk room being small and close makes me feel faint and sick. Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. Lunch at 12:00 and dinner at 4:00. Tea at 6:00 and supper at 8:00 p.m. at which a good variety is served up. This morning the Church of England services were held in the cabin. The captain acting as chaplain. The wind so much against us we could not use sails, rather cold. Sick folks improving. The captain manifested a willingness to do all he could to make us comfortable. At 2:00 p.m. we had a well attended meeting on the third deck. Some of the officers and many strangers were present. Meeting opened with singing and prayer by Elder C. [Charles] Sansom. Singing, the "Spirit of God." Brother R. H. Heyborne spoke for some time, followed by Elder J. [John] C. Graham. He spoke very well. During the meeting the captain had men around the hatchway to keep order. A good spirit prevailed during the meeting. Dinner bell rang soon after the meeting, and I tried to do justice to a splendid meal, after which I came on deck, it being very pleasant and many improved the opportunity. I stayed on deck until late in the evening and a rainstorm came on driving folks to seek shelter. After going below, I partook of some bread and cheese and ale, which I greatly relished. I then retired for the night. We made 283 miles today, leaving 2108 still to go. A pleasant day.
Monday, September 7th: I arose about 7:00 a.m. A fine morning. I got on deck as soon as I could. A couple of sails in sight. The spouting of a whale [p.162] is seen once in a while. The people get on deck more than they did. I walked around among them. Found them enjoying themselves in reading, sewing, knitting, etc. Toward evening the wind increased and the sea became very angry. The steamer rolled very much. After dark the sea ran so high and the ship pitched and tossed so much that the waves washed the deck nearly all over. Retired about 10:00 p.m. I rolled from side to side with the motion of the vessel. I slept some, but was often awakened by the noise the ship made in laboring through the heavy sea.
Tuesday, September 8th: Arose at 7:00. Found the ship still rolling. The waves were not quite so high. Wind still against us. A few birds are seen every day, also a sail or two which attracts the attention of the passengers. It rained considerable today, and in the afternoon the hatches had to be put on which made it bad for those below. It made it so close and warm some fainted. Many of the people amused themselves on deck. I enjoyed myself very well, visiting among the folks, chatting, answering questions, etc. I can now put in an appearance at every meal. Although I don't eat very hearty. Retired to my berth about 11:00 p.m. and slept well.
Wednesday, September 9th: When I awoke, I heard the fog signal. Got up at 7:00. Quite foggy and cold and a drizzling rain. The foghorn was kept going until noon when it became clearer, but kept cool. Several vessels seen today. Cleared up in the afternoon and became tolerable fair toward night, and the wind shifted enough to allow some sails to be set, but it did not last long. I attended a meeting of the Saints at night. Pretty cold on deck, had some singing below. At 8:00 p.m. an officer goes around and orders all the female steerage passengers below. The cabin passengers stay up as long as they like. I enjoyed myself walking and chatting with some of the brethren and sisters walking the afterdeck. About 9:00 I went below and watched a game or two [p.163] of checkers. Went to bed at 10:00 and slept pretty well for a few hours, but awoke by the fearful rolling of the ship. It was hard work to keep in bed, the vessel lurched so much.
Thursday, September 10th: Arose at 7:00 and walked the deck for one hour and a half before breakfast. Lots of fishing smacks in sight. Our steamer is now crossing the banks of Newfoundland. A fine morning, but a heavy swell. A great many on deck. At the breakfast table it was fun to see the dishes dance and slide, being kept on the table by sideboards, but it makes quite a noise among the crockery. Sun shines warm and pleasant. Quite cool toward evening. Lots of fish seen today. The sun set gloriously in gorgeous colors, promising a fine day on the morrow. Attended a meeting of Saints and spoke to them for a short time. Had some singing. Sat up until I was very sleepy, then retired and slept well.
Friday, September 11th: Arose about 7:30. Went on deck for a walk before breakfast. A little cloudy. The sun soon came out and a pleasant morning followed. I find I have a cold and could not eat much at breakfast. Spent the day as usual among the folks. Had lots of fun getting trumped up charges against one another, then organizing a court, trying the case, and fining the culprits so many bottles of beer. Brother Heyborne and Brother J. C. Graham being the chief actors. Toward evening the wind shifted a little in our favor. The sails were soon hoisted and we went bounding along. At a meeting of the Saints, I was appointed to take the people's English money and change it into American money when we get into New York. I retired to bed about 9:30 p.m. and was soon asleep.
Saturday, September 12th: Arose about 7:00 a.m. and soon went on deck. Found the wind nearly ahead of us. A fine morning but cool. After breakfast the wind changed in our favor and the sails were soon let out. The sea pretty [p.164] calm. Brother Graham appointed me to act as commissary for the company as well as to change the English money. This is the only day we have had sails up all day. In the evening a concert was arranged for and given in the cabin and a collection was taken up in behalf of the Seamen's Orphan Asylum in Liverpool. I attended part of the time. Some of it was pretty good. While the concert was going on, the steamer stopped to allow a pilot to come aboard. Owing to competition, the pilot had come out further than was needed. I then turned in.
Sunday, September 13th: I arose about 6:45, a beautiful morning. Sea calm, clear sky. The wind a little in our favor. Another pilot boat in sight. At 10:00 a.m. we held a meeting below. A good many present and a good feeling prevailed. There were church services in the cabin. At dinner today a series of resolutions were read to the captain and officers, expressive of our good feelings toward the captain and the officers for their uniform attention to the comfort of the passengers, etc. The captain replied in a neat short speech. At 7:00 p.m. we held another meeting. This has been a lovely day, and all the passengers appear to feel well. I walked the deck until about 10:00 p.m. Then retired to my bunk.
Monday, September 14th: I awoke early and on looking out of the port window, I saw a strong light on shore. I soon got up and found we were close to land. On coming on deck found many of the Saints all bustle and stir. The sight of land, a great number of vessels to be seen, made the sail up the sound very pleasant. We are all in a hurry and bustle with getting ready to disembark. Passed the custom house officers. Assisted all I could to get the passengers off the ship. Brother [William C.] Staines came on board and brought me a letter from home. I did all I could to assist the folks and while doing so, lost a sack containing blankets, boots, and shoes and a bed quilt; also a parcel from President Joseph F. Smith to his family. We were taken to Castle Garden in a tender and [p.165] remained there until noon on Tuesday. I had a big job changing the money for the folks and paying it out again and looking after the baggage. I stayed at the Steven House all night. Saw S. T. Teasdel there.
Tuesday, September 15th: I arose about 5:00 and went to Castle Garden and looked through the luggage for my sack, but could not find it. I then went to Pier No. 46 to look in the Wyoming again. Could not hear anything of it. Left Castle Garden at 12:00 on the tender, which took us to the Jersey side and got on the train. I again looked through the luggage for my sack. No go. I did considerable running around for supplies and became very tired. We left the depot at 7:20 p.m. We were all glad to be on the move. We ran all night. Did not sleep much. The missionaries and a few friends occupy a car to ourselves. I felt glad when we started, but the loss of my sack with its contents worried me.
Wednesday, September 16th: Rained hard last night. The skeeters were very troublesome. Did not sleep much. I weighed up a lot of butter for the folks and at 9:00 got some breakfast. Still raining. The country looks dry. Has been for weeks. A Danish child, 1 1/2 years old, died last night and was left at Harrisburg. We passed through Pittsburgh in the night, but the place was well lighted up with fires and furnaces. I tire myself out every day by doing so much running about for the folks, being commissary for the company. I had to lay in a stock of provisions and then sell them out again. I got a cup of tea at Altoona [Pennsylvania] and soon went to bed.
Thursday, September 17th: I rested some last night. Tried to get bread for the folks. Bought 100 loaves. Carried them a good distance. Bread scarce. Had a good deal of fun.
Friday, September 18th: Changed cars at Logansport [Indiana] about 3:00 a.m. Stopped at a place for breakfast. Passed through Peoria [Illinois] . Traveled fast today. [p.166] Measles or small pox among the Danish. Singing every day and night. Rained hard this evening.
Saturday, September 19th: Train stopped early this morning, on account of a bridge away ahead of us. Rained very hard in the night and nearly as light as day with the lightning. It turned very cold in the night and I missed my blankets. Got my breakfast early, then went out and bought some bread and a couple of shirts. Waited several hours while the road and bridge was repaired a few miles ahead of us. Noticed heavy floods as we passed along. A pleasant day. In the afternoon we stopped at Creston, [Iowa] 104 miles from the Missouri River and I got a cup of coffee and half a pie at about 5:00 p.m. We left Creston and traveled pretty lively until we reached Omaha, where we changed cars to the Union Pacific Railroad; also the luggage. Here the passengers laid in their provisions for the last 1,000 miles. The prices running high.
Sunday, September 20th: We stayed here until near daylight, when we set out. I tried to get a nap but could not rest good and at about 7:30 I had a wash a tried to eat, but made poorly out. A rainy morning, going along nicely. Saw a few Indians. Our carload of passengers are pretty quiet, feeling pretty well worn out. I feel very tired and have a bad cold an laid down at 9:30 p.m. for a good rest.
Monday, September 21st: I rested better last night, though I awoke up several times. It was pretty cold. I ate a pretty good breakfast. A beautiful morning. Stopped awhile at Sidney, a fort there. At 3:00 p.m. we reached Cheyenne and telegraphed to President Brigham Young of our arrival there. Passed Fort Laramie and other places. We traveled slowly during the night and was knocked about a great deal with the engine backing and forwarding at a siding.
Tuesday, September 22nd: Awoke several times in the night and arose early and got breakfast by daylight. Passed Fort Steele and Rawlins. A Danish child [p.167] died here and concluded to take it to Ogden. During the night we came to Evanston and stopped to let some passengers get off, then on to Echo.
Wednesday, September 23rd: As daylight came on, we came toward Weber Canyon. The people all up and anxious. At length we reached Ogden at 7:30 a.m. A fine morning. I went to the hotel and got breakfast. My wife and Brother Phillips met me at Ogden. She did not know me at first sight a little distance off. My sister Anne came with us. I found on coming home that my wife had not run me in debt as some missionaries' wives do. I was very glad to get home again. I was much more fleshy than when I left and I wore a full beard. I was happy to hear by the next company that came along that Brother Staines had found by lost parcel and forwarded it to me. . . . [p.168]
BIB: Sansom, Charles, Journal of Charles Sansom, 1826-1908 (privately printed, 1970) pp. 160-68. (CHL)
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