. . . Fri. 18 - Started at 7 a.m. after having hurriedly giving the parting kiss. A full heart but few tears on my part, but many on the part of my dear friends, and especially my fond & aged parent, whose distress of mine was terrible to me. While on board cars, ample time was given for reflection and I indulged in the same but cannot write those reflections. They will never be known to any but myself. Reached Liverpool about 5:30 and after seeing those in my care safe on board the good ship Wyoming I returned to No. 42 [Islington, THE ADDRESS OF THE BRITISH MISSION IN LIVERPOOL] where my old time-honored friend and brother, President Budge, met me with a hearty welcome and after much good and I had written several letters. I was tendered a share of Brother Budge's bed where we lay and talked until the roosters crew in the morning.
Sat. 19 - In the morning arose in good time. Made a few purchases. Read the company's papers and list and went on board. After the passengers were all located in their berths, President W. Budge, J. Nicholson, C. Nibley, A. [Aurelius] Miner, G. [George] Barber, Thomas Barrett [Barratt], D. S. McFarlane, A. F. McDonald Junior, David Milne, John McCarthy, J. [Joseph] W. Taylor, William Ashworth, L. D. Bunce, [p.244] besides the returning elders were present, W. Baty, Josh Bowe, Samuel Jun, S. L. Adams, Josh Parry, J. L. Bunting, we were called into the ladies saloon [-] the elders were [organized] by President Budge, Elders Nixon and Nibley also being present when the following organization was affected. A. [Aurelius] Miner president of the company; G. [George] Barber and Thomas Barrett [Barratt] counselors; A. F. McFarlane secretary with the understanding that G. [George] Barber take charge of the company from New York onto the Valley, as Elder [Aurelius] Miner was just to remain in New York for a season to visit his friends and relatives. Everything passed off very pleasantly. President Budge giving us some instructions in his usual mild pleasant tone and spirit. The tug left us about 2 p.m. and after the usual waving of hats and handkerchiefs we were off steaming down the river at the rate of [-] knots. Weather rather hazy. When getting fairly away, called all the company together 'tween decks and more fully organized. Voting in Elder [David] Milne chaplain and Elder W. Ashworth captain of the guard, appointing 7:30 p.m. and a.m. for prayer, and giving instructions for our people to keep strictly to their part of the vessel and do not mix up with the other passengers. Also to the guard to allow no one during the night to come down among our people. Before retiring and after prayer and singing for some time with some instrumental music, I wrote up my journal which was getting considerably behind. Find some difficulty. The ship pitching some but not very bad.
Sun. 20 - After a good night's rest arose early and walked around. We hazy [UNCLEAR] among the passengers. Found about half of them seasick. Got at noon a number of them on deck where they felt better in the fresh air. Wrote several letters ready to send on shore at Queenstown. Secretary [D.S.] McFarlane writing one back to 42 [42 ISLINGTON, IS ADDRESS OF BRITISH MISSION HOME IN LIVERPOOL]. The tug came alongside in Queenstown harbor about 9:30. Many of those who have been [p.245] sick have now come to their appetite. Smooth water accomplishes wonders. At 10 a.m. this tug came alongside and letters by the bushel were sent ashore. I wrote to my dear old mother and several more friends informing them of our safe arrival and departure from Queenstown.
Mon. 21 - Weather inclined to be stormy. Wind from the west and freshening towards evening with considerable of a swell. Most of the passengers sick. Saw the Skerry or the last of the Irish coast at 4 p.m. last evening. Visited the steerage passengers several times during the day and comforted with good words to them. Also spoke to them at prayer time in the evening. At noon 282 [miles] from Queenstown.
Tues. 22 - Had a very rough night, the ship rolling very heavily and 182 miles. Shipping a great deal of water. The passengers all very uneasy and most of them very sick. Had quite a time with them. Elders [Aurelius] Miner, [David] Milne, & myself having our hands full seeing to their numerous wants and trying to dispel their feelings of fear. One man in the forepart of the vessel, an intermediate passenger named Foster, succumbed to heart disease brought on by a feeling of fear and died during the night. He was buried, or consigned to the deep, at 5 p.m., a clergyman being called upon to officiate. All our elders except 3 still very seasick & I noticed out of some sixty saloon passengers, only 8 were at the tables to dinner. Passed one sailing ship standing eastwards, also passed the "Montana" about 2 p.m., ship belonging to this line bound to Queenstown. Towards the evening the wind abated some but the ship rolled heavily. Two of the saloon and two of the steerage passengers got their heads broken by falling and Sister [Louisa] Lee late in the evening received a bad fall, but I hope not serious. After prayers, Elder [Aurelius] Miner and myself spoke in brief cautioning the Saints against being too venturesome while the ship continues to lurch so heavily.
Wed. 23 - Weather moderated some during the night. Weather clear. 306 miles and decks [p.246] dry. Saw a schooner steering west and a bark steering east. After breakfast went down the steerage & in connection with the elders who were able to assist, got all the passengers on deck assuring them of the beneficial effects of the same as the air is close and offensive below. Had singing every evening. Before prayer which I noticed had a cheering and enlivening effect on the sick, Sister Bull for the first time to be escorted on deck. Weather fine in the afternoon. Most of saloon passengers at the table. The piano forte's notes to be heard and singing in different parts of the ship. Towards evening, weather became quite cold, the wind bearing some to the northward. Sister [Louisa] Lee suffering some from bruises. A gentleman on board performed most beautifully on the guitar. The best I ever heard and it seemed to be generally appreciated. Were still moderating at 10 p.m. Held a meeting this evening. President [Aurelius] Miner and counselors and Elder [David] Milne spoke.
Thurs. 24 - We're very fine and dry decks. Steerage passengers mostly willing to come on deck without much urging. Wind north northeast. All sails set and ship making 14 knots. Visited all our folks, they appearing well and away up in spirits, two or three only complaining. Seeing that their reasons for complaint were removed. The elders generally on had to administer to their comfort as much as in their power. The piano forte kept going pretty well this afternoon. The sea being smooth. Handed Mr. White the pamphlet entitled "Fruits of Mormonism" to satisfy his mind in relation to an incorrect statement made by him while at the breakfast table this morning. He admitted the correction without further discussion. Also had a pleasant conversation with another gentleman upon the first principles of the gospel. Nearly all the gentlemen in the saloon met in the smoking saloon and had a rich musical treat this evening by Mr. [-] and a number of songs were sung by Captain Purser and others [-] 340 dead reckoning. [p.247]
Fri. 25 - We're still very fine. Fair wind and smooth sea. All the 331 passengers except one able to be on deck and she is some better this morning having been administered to last evening and some simple remedies being applied. All things seem to be moving along harmoniously on board and an excellent spirit prevails among the Saints. Our prayers and brief sermons by the elders while assembled of an evening having the desired effect. The engines had to be stopped about half an hour in order to pack some of the machinery. Have not sighted a sail since day before yesterday up to the present at noon. Had a pleasant time at our meeting this evening after which went round to the berths containing the sick and, with several of the elders, administered to them and gratified to find them on the improve. No sail in sight today. Sat up until a late hour with the brethren conversing upon interesting subjects.
Sat. 26 - As usual slept sound & on going on deck this morning noted the difference in the color of the water and the short chop of a sea with the usual fog. Unmistakable evidences of being on the banks of Newfoundland. Wind fair and making 14 knots per hour. All the sick are now convalescent and all hands seem to enjoy themselves exceedingly having passed through two days of rough weather at the commencement. They now know how to appreciate fine weather and a smooth sea. Overhauled papers and wrote several letters ready to finish and send on shore as soon as we arrive at New York. 342 [miles].
Sun. 27 - We're very fine. Making a good headway. Anticipating getting to New York on Tuesday morning early (if all is well). By special invitation a number of our passengers attended the Church of England service in the saloon and listened to the same old formal sing-song of the ceremony as we listened to so often when but a boy with much the same feelings viz. that we would be glad when they got through. [p.248] The discourse or sermon was like the rest of it, as Pat would say, full of emptiness. We held our meeting in the afternoon between decks inviting the ministers, monks, and sisters of charity, as well as all the other saloon passengers to attend but few attended. The former no doubt would have like to have heard what was said but I guess was afraid of soiling their long robes, surpluses, and white veils, not being like their Lord and Master willing to descend below all things in order to ascend above all. Elders Barrett [Thomas Barratt] and [Aurelius] Miner spoke in the afternoon and in the evening we had a testimony meeting which was thrown into my hands. It went off very profitably, a number of the sisters speaking. Oh yes, they held an evening meeting or services in the saloon and invited us to attend, but one of such we thought enough and all we could stand in one day. 348 miles.
Mon. 28 - Weather beautiful. Smooth sea and but little wind. Several ships in sight. Pilot came on board about 10 a.m. I employed the time in forenoon writing letters. The pilot brings word that there has been fearful storms with great loss of life around this coast within the past few weeks even more than for the 5 years previous. After our evening meeting attended concert in the saloon. Our people were all invited to attend and the feature of the evening was a piece spoken most splendidly by one of our small children. It passed off pleasantly.
Tues. 29 - Did not sleep much. Arose this morning early. Found that land was in sight. Went around and collected some 4 lbs. to sweeten the custom house officers so that they would not give us unnecessary trouble with our luggage. Also collected some 50 lbs. to exchange for American money, the passengers being unacquainted with the exchange. Got alongside the pier at 10 a.m. but had a good deal of trouble with our luggage having so much of it and some persons having a quantity of goods upon which their duty was chargeable. Elder [Aurelius] Miner's [p.249] luggage was taken off to the office to be examined and I was compelled to pay $14.00 on a large box of books belonging to Joseph F. Smith. 10 a.m. terrible tired having had a heavy day's work with the care and responsibility of the company, Elder [Aurelius] Miner being away all day with his luggage. Elder [William C.] Staines came on board and we went through the company list finding some without means to go any farther. Finally the company got on board the emigrant tugboat and moved down to Castle Garden. I stayed with them all night.
Wed. 30 - Got the company's tickets and Elder [William C.] Staines gave those who were without means passes through taking their notes for the same. Got all my business arranged and took a ride on the cars this afternoon. We went on board the cars on the Jersey side about 7 p.m. In the hurry getting the passengers situated on the cars someone stole my silk umbrella. Started about 8 p.m. Elder [Aurelius] Miner came on board just as we were about to start when a little misunderstanding arose between him and Elder [William C.] Staines., Elder M.[Miner] assuming authority that did not belong to him. He immediately left after giving his luggage into my hands.
Thurs. 31 - Passed over the Alleghenies today and reached Pittsburgh about 9 p.m. The luggage was removed to other cars and I had some trouble on account of several packages being without checks and some of the checks broke off. We changed cars and started about midnight. Some snow on the Alleghenies, first of the season
[November]. Fri.1 - Most beautiful weather. Everything moving along harmoniously. The company is in high glee with the prospect of a quick trip, being again attached to an express train. True, we are somewhat crowded only having 3 cars instead of 5 but the cars are very large. Reached Chicago at 8 p.m. & sent men onshore to purchase provisions for the company. Was imposed upon by men wearing [p.250] the companies clothing and pretending to be railroad officials. Got away about midnight but could only get 3 cars.
Saturday, 2 - Traveled all day through a beautiful country but could not help noticing the great number of loafers standing around at every station along the line, a special American characteristic. Although these men seem to do nothing, they are all well dressed. Reached Council Bluffs at 7 p.m. & where we again had to change cars and get all our luggage changed. Some boxes were badly broken. Started about 10 p.m. with 4 cars giving us plenty of room.
Sunday, 3 - Splendid weather but the country through Nebraska assuming a different appearance being sparsely settled and no marks of thrift. For miles the settlers were all out fighting the prairie fires which were burning all along the south side of the railroad. Held meeting in three of our cars this afternoon, inviting in the passengers from the other cars. Had a good time.
Monday, 4 - Feeling first rate realizing that we are nearing home and our unusual evening concert. Passengers from other cars coming in. Also prayers in each car.
Tuesday, 5 - Passed Sherman the highest point on the road. Saw a number of bands of antelope at Laramie last evening. They were stump speeching for their election to come off tomorrow and the town was lit up with bon fires and torch lights. And this evening at Green River the effects of election day are plainly manifest by drunken men to be seen at every occurrence at such times, hereabouts.
Wednesday, 6 - Early this morning we reached Evanston where we left some half dozen of our company, their friends being at the station to meet them. On reaching Echo, several other families got off. We reached Ogden about 1 p.m. and was informed by Brother J. Reeve that if we could get the luggage separated, we could go to S. [Salt] L. [Lake] City by the 3:30 train. Had some difficulty about luggage, some apparently [p.251] not knowing their own when they saw it. Reached S. [Salt] L. [Lake] City about 6 p.m. in consequence of having telegraphed ahead. Many were on the platforms to meet their friends and much kissing and embracing with shaking of hands was indulged in. At length all the company was disposed of except some three or four persons who were taken charge of and provided for by a bishop sent by Bishop Hunter for that express purpose. . . .[p.252]
BIB: Barber, George. Journal (Ms 8237 2 #14), pp. 244-52. (CHL)
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