. . . Brother Barrett [Thomas Barratt] had me go to him to buy tin plates, cups, knives, forks, and spoons for the emigrants to use in crossing the ocean. Brother [George] Barber and Sister [Hannah] Batley's daughter came just in time to get on the last tugboat for the day, out to the S.S. Wyoming (the ship I had come on) that lay some distance out in the river. Five other missionaries and myself went out with them. The other emigrants had gone earlier in the day. We were busy most of the night helping the passengers arrange about their [p.83] berths, cooking utensils, provisions, etc. The next morning, we elders went back on land, and to my surprise I found my cousin William Pickup, who had come the night previous to see me off. I spent a short time with him and we had to part. I felt the same as I had in parting with cousin John.

The brethren from the office, President Budge, Charles Nibley, the office clerk, and two or three others came on board the boat, and organized the home going elders to fill certain duties. Elder Aurelius Miller was made president, with George Barber as first, and Thomas Barnes as second assistant, Daniel S. McFarlane, clerk, David McMillin, chaplin, and myself, captain of guard. All were sustained by the assembled emigrants. The office brethren then left us with their blessings, and wished us a safe journey home. The ship's captain pulled a cord and a shrill loud whistle announced that we were ready to go. We sadly realized she was moving, and letter writing was in order. We were informed that when we got to Queenstown, Ireland, we could leave our letters, and they would be taken ahead on a fast mail ship.

Soon after we got in the ocean, I began to feel rolly myself, and I was not alone in the feeling. I soon took to my berth, which was a very much improved one to the one I had when I went over. The elders were cabin passengers, and everything was first-class, but that did not prevent our illness. Shortly before noon the next, the cook announced dinner, but very few heeded. About one o'clock we moved into Queenstown and as soon as the ship shopped, the sickness left us, and we all went into the dining room and had a sumptuous dinner. The following was the menu:

Hare and julienne soups. Roast beef and potatoes. Mutton and current [p.84] jelly. Goose and applesauce. Fowls, veal and lemon sauce. Boiled mutton and caper sauce. Rabbits and bacon. Calf's head and bacon. Tongue, roll pressed beef and vegetables. Assorted vegetables. Hot pot, stewed giblets. Chicken and tongue patties. Beef, olives, jagged hare, pantries, cabinet puddings, tapioca, Bavarian creams, pancakes, apple charlotte, lady fingers, bath buns, tea and coffee, and assorted fruits.

After a good fill, we were all out on deck. There was a line drawn across the ship's deck. The emigrants were limited to their end of the deck, while cabin passengers were at liberty to go where they pleased.

We were detained at Queenstown for several hours. The mail from England came by rail, and there must have been a thousand sacks or more, as they were three hours getting it on and off the ship and train. We finally started again, and in about the same time that it used to take me to get dizzy on a whirligig, when a boy, I was reeling around. The ship, however, would not stop as the whirligig did, so I got worse instead of better, but I was not as sick as when I had come over.

I learned that the ship's capacity was 300 tons. It had engines that were 350 horse power. It was 400 feet long and 45 feet wide.

I lay in bed until quite late, having no desire for food. At noon the second day, the chart registered 285 miles from Queenstown. Brothers Minor [Aurelius Miner], [George] Barber, and [David] Milne were the only ones on deck and in sound health. The next day the sea was quite rough. It was reported that one of the emigrants had died, and this caused some excitement. The register noted only 306 miles. Brother Barrett [Thomas Barratt] was also under the weather. The cook brought us some toast, [p.85] which we managed to nibble a little. The rest were at the table enjoying all those good things to eat.

Thursday morning we were all feelings a little better, enough so as to be able to get up. We learned that there were four ministers aboard. I got into conversation with one of them, and we had about an hour's talk. A number of the people were attentive listeners.

I had not filled my calling up to now. Brother Milne had arranged the guards, but from then on I did my duty. These guards were to be around during the night. Many of the emigrants were complaining and were up, and the sailors were around; hence, the need of a guard.

Friday I felt quite improved, and could enjoy my meals. At noon we were 334 miles nearer the end of our journey. Saturday, 342 miles were registered. It was reported that we were crossing the Banks of Newfoundland. The sailors were taking soundings right along. These parts were considered very dangerous on account of the many large rocks that stood near the surface. Light towers were quite frequent. We saw some fishing smacks in the distance.

On Sunday, Church of England services were held in the cabin, and we elders and many of the emigrants attended. In the afternoon we obtained permission for the Saints to meet, and there was a good attendance from the others as well. Elders Barrett [Barratt] and Minor [Miner] were the speakers. 348 miles were made that day.

By Monday we were all well and had forgotten our recent sickness. Sea grass was seen floating on the ocean. That indicated that we were not far from land. We came to a bark (a small vessel) that had lost her course. I suppose her compass was out of commission; anyway, they were helped. [p.86]

Tuesday at noon we were informed that we were just 270 miles from New York. In the afternoon we were met by a tender, or pilot boat. The pilot of the tender came on board our ship and the captain gave him possession. This was in compliance with the regulations of the insurance companies.

We were nearing New York Harbor, and we understood that the ocean was shallow in places and the pilots were posted and knew the safe routes.

The leading brethren announced that it was customary to take up a small subscription to aid in getting the custom officers to let us through as quickly and cheaply as possible.

Some distance out from the landing, we were met again and the vessel stopped to let the doctor come aboard. His business was to find out if there was any sickness aboard, and any contagious diseases. No one was molested on this account.

The captain and his staff arranged for a concert on this, our last evening. It was for the benefit of the sailors. Two of our sisters were asked to sing.

On the last day we were all up before 5 as the cry had gone up that land was in sight. A number of sky rockets were thrown up in the air, so that searchlight men could telegraph our approach to the U.S.

We arrived in New York Harbor about 10 a.m. Our trunks and bundles were on hand ready to be run down the tramway to Castle Garden, where the custom officers required all luggage to be opened. The passengers were asked if they had any dutiable articles. Some told the officers to look through their trunks and bundles, while others objected. This latter, our course, [p.87] aroused the suspicions of the officers, and a thorough search would be made of all that person's luggage. There was some dispute as to the value of some articles and such trunks as contained these articles were taken to the inspector's office and there held until the duties were paid.

Fortunately, my trunk passed, and my roll of blankets that had been kicked around was not opened, or my roll of linen would have been held. The collection that had been taken to sooth the temper of the officers had not worked. Anyway, we were not honest, although many of us did not know that we were violating the customs law. Through some misunderstanding, Brother Stainer [PROBABLY: William C. Stains], the agent who had made the arrangements with the railroad office for our transportation, had not make it clear just what were allowed to take duty free and, what we were not.

I was very busy arranging an extra guard, and keeping the emigrants in close quarters, as we were warned that there were characters who would endeavor to lead the young women astray. Our train did not appear until 9:30, and then no one except responsible persons were allowed to get off to get provisions or other needed things. The train consisted of emigrant cars with wooden seats, and the users had to furnish clean cushions, if they had any. There were stoves in each car that could be used for cooking. The elders had a special car, with sleeping compartments and food. I did not get much sleep for I was busy going through the cars, helping to arrange and find seats for those who were standing. Some had lost their outfits and others had other troubles to tell me. I tried to make Mrs. Teal, the lady I was to look after, as comfortable as possible. I had only two or three hours rest, but was out and on the job early next morning. I spent most [p.88] of the days with the emigrants, and I enjoyed being in their company very much. Most of the elders preferred being by themselves.

At Chicago we had a chance to replenish our supplies, and also at Omaha. We were in Fort Kearney on Sunday October 3, and services were held in each car. At Fort Steele we had to have an extra engine to help us over the pass.

Here was the first complaint. Body lice were discovered, and the blame was put on the seats. There were certainly an uproar, and most scratching was done than any time before.

We were nearing Evanston where some of the Saints expected to meet friends. The Blackburn family stopped off here. Others got at Coalville. I ate dinner with a number of my friends and indulge in my last cup of tea. I had drunk it more or less from the time I took it on the ocean to settle my stomach.

On arriving at Ogden, we parted with a number of the Saints. Some were to remain there, and some went north into Cache Valley, and that part of the country. The passenger cars were taken of the U.S. train and put on the Utah Southern, which brought us to Salt Lake. I stopped off at Kaysville to visit my Uncle Richard and family. I asked them to take me to call on a Mr. Barton to ask him if he would help one of his friends to emigrate, also to see a Mr. Ellison for the same purpose.

The little Jane, that I was taking home, went on to Salt Lake with some friends who promised to take care of her until I came.

The next morning I left Kaysville. My two cousins, Mary Jane and Grace, accompanied me to the train which was a mile or so away. On the train was [p.89] a Mr. Southworth, a friend of fathers. When we found out who I was, he asked me about my father's welfare. I told him that he had been well when I had last seen him, but that was two years before. When he found out where I had been, he inquired about friends in England. At Woods Cross, Elder Daniel McFarlane got on the train, so I had someone to talk to all the way.

I had written to father to tell him when I expected to arrive in Salt Lake. The first person I saw at the station was William Dean who had come to meet his sister-in-law, Miss Deal. Many of the emigrants were there hunting out their baggage. I soon found mine, and left it in the baggage room. I had invited Elder Milne to go as far as Beaver with me, on his way to St. George. I felt obligated to him, as he had been so good to take my place on board ship when I was sick. After the baggage had been distributed, Brother [George] Barber notified the returned missionaries that they were expected to meet at the historian's office that afternoon and report their return. Then we were to go to President Taylor's office. A number of the Twelve were present. After President [George] Barber had given a brief report of our trip, the notes we had given at the Liverpool office were returned and the brethren implored the Lord to bless our labors and us. . . . [p.90]

BIB: Ashworth, William Booth. Autobiography (Ms 801), vol. 2, pp. 83-90. (CHL)
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