Saturday 10th. The day has come - my mission in this my native land is ended. How rapidly the time has passed and I may say how very pleasantly. After gathering up my luggage I bid goodbye to the dear old "42" [42 Islington WAS THE ADDRESS OF THE BRITISH MISSION IN LIVERPOOL] and went on board the favorite steamship Wyoming. A good many of the Saints were in to see the vessel sail. The elders were called together and the following organization accomplished viz: James L. Bunting, president of company; John L. Blyth [Blythe]1st and Isaac Smith 2nd counselor; James Kippen, captain of guard; Henry Walsh, chaplin [p.152] and George R. Emery, clerk of company. A spirit of peace and unanimity prevailed and about four o'clock we parted with many very dear friend. President Budge manifested the warmest feelings possible and Elders Nicholson and Cape, Martineau, Crane, Haight, Vickers, Goold & many others. Brother J. Rider from Manchester was there looking & feeling well. About seven o'clock the whistle sounded and we glided down the Mersey passed the light and crossed the bar about 10 o'clock. Shortly after the pilot went ashore and after some very excellent music by Sister Alice Smith. We retired and having had a meeting with the Saints at which the organization was made public and arrangements made for guards &c. The Saints were full of joy & good feeling. No sickness was appearing and I chose Elder [John L.] Blyth [Blythe] for my counselor. [p.153]

Irish Channel. Sunday 11th. Fine a.m.-all sit down to breakfast as follows J. [John] Blyth [Blythe], Isaac Smith, Henry Walsh, James Kippen, G. [George] R. Emery, Lars Swenson [Svendson], Neils Thompson, W . [William] H. Coray, William Devey, Alice Smith and myself. Prayers at 9 o'clock. Meeting with the Saints at one thirty (1:30). Arrived at Queenstown about three where we took several hundred Irish passengers which delayed us an hour or more during which time the "S. S. Bathecar," a large vessel of the White Star Line steamed out before us on the way to New York. The weather being very fine. The scenery was beautiful all along the Irish Coast. About sundown we were alongside of our companion "Basonort." At 7 o'clock we held meeting with the Saints which was addressed by Elder H. [Henry] Walsh & Isaac Smith. Good spirit prevailed, and all appeared well. [p.155]

On the sea. Monday 12th: During the night a gentle swell had caused our barque to roll which had a similar effect upon the more timid and sensitive passengers. Some did not want any breakfast and others wished they had not taken any supper as it did not seem to agree with them. Brother George Emery, our clerk, very earnestly cast up accounts but could tell the real state and condition of his feeling. I asked several if they could tell how I felt myself but all failed to answer definitely excepting that they fell seasick!" However, I done justice at the breakfast table, & attended prayers at 9 o'clock. Quite a few of the Saints were feeling quite poorly. The logbook at noon today showed we had made 214 miles and at bedtime we had some canvas spread and were making good time. [p.156]

Atlantic. Tuesday 13th. Weather fair a.m. observations at M. showed a very fine run of 330 miles. The wind however was blusterous and the vessel began to roll causing a similar effect an the more sensitive feelings of the passengers, most of whom were very shy at the dinner table.

Wednesday 14th.. Sea very rough amounting to a storm. Several heavy waves broke over unto the deck drenching some of the passengers to the skin and compelling them to go below. Several of us including myself could not go down to prayers, indeed I felt very sick. Oh what a miserable sensation is this seasickness. Our run to 12 at noon from 12 yesterday was 316 miles. The sea still becoming more turbulent. Part of the engine power had to be shut off for fear of breaking the same as often the propeller would be [p.157] [ON TOP OF PAGE IS WRITTEN: Thursday 15th.] out of the water causing a tremendous shaking in the aft part of the vessel. Just before noon old Sister Everson fell down the hatchway and cut a deep gash in her head which rendered her insensible and in the evening she was raving like a mad person. The doctor had a straight jacket put on her which was the only she could be controlled. She was placed in a room to herself and proper care and attention given to her. This day to 12 o'clock 200 miles only had been made and the sea running very high. During last night one of the boats belonging to the vessel was smashed in two by a heavy wave breaking upon it. The night was very rough.

Friday 16th. Still blowing hard from the west almost square in our face. Most all of the brethren down sick. Poor George Emery among the worst and my right hand counselor, J. [John] L. Blyth [Blythe] who had been able to help us all was now taken down. I felt better however and went down to prayers. Afternoon went and administered to Brothers [p.158] Kippen & Swenson [Svendson] also to Sister Everson who felt much better. We went amongst the Saints cheering and administering to the sick, singing hymns & songs. All were feelings better. In the evening I gave Sister Alice Smith some good advice in relation to not being too familiar with the a certain young gent., Mr. Green, who had taken great pains to wait upon her and pay great attention rather to the annoyance of other passengers. She very kindly promised to the careful in future and I was pleased to see.

On Saturday 17th. A very prudent course pursued by Sister Alice [Smith] much to the chagrin of Mr. Green (she took but little notice of him) and the amusement of the brethren. Last night was very rough indeed . I awoke about two in the morning -felt our noble old ship was struggling very hard against wind and sea. Lash after lash came the heavy waves breaking all over the deck. All doors & windows had to be closed up [p.159] and still the water would penetrate through the smallest crevices. I was moved upon to get up which I did - awoke Brother Blythe - went down amongst the passengers - many of whom were sitting up and anxiously inquired as to the safety of the vessel. I told them to be quiet and exercise faith in God and all would be well that tomorrow the weather would moderate and we would make better time. Most of the brethren were down to breakfast and to prayers and I might observe that whilest we (always) asked a blessing on our food we were obliged to hold level in hand our soup at the same time for the commotion of the vessel was very great. Before noon we saw the sun break forth and the wind change north a little so that some canvas was spread and full speed put on. The sea became somewhat calmer and all hands felt much better. I tried to do some journalizing but made a very poor hand of it. Towards evening it was still calmer and I wrote up to this point. [p.160]

Sunday 18th : Weather somewhat fairer most of the brethren and sisters out to prayers and breakfast. At 10:30 Mr. Thorpe, the purser, held services in the saloon. Sister Alice Smith officiated at the pianoforte, and quite a few of the Saints being present we assisted in singing. The regular form of prayers of the Church of England were gone through and the "Lormular" closed with the doxology. At 11:30 we met with the Saints in the steerage and administered the sacrament. At 2:30 we held public service in the same place at which quite a number of the cabin passengers were present and gave good attention. Meeting being conducted in our usual manner, I spoke first teaching upon the primitive gospel as taught by Peter, Paul, & others, testified to it's restoration. Elders Isaac Smith and George Emery followed me upon the same subject. Good feelings prevailed throughout [p.161] the day and very interesting conversation was indulged in by the cabin passengers, our Captain Rogers [Rodgers] and the brethren. We had another meeting with the Saints in the evening at 7:30, which was addressed by Elders J. [John] L. Blythe and Corey [William H. Coray]. The day was stormy and quite a heavy sea with wind ahead all night. The ship rolled about and so did the passengers. Many complained next a.m of having had no sleep. As for myself, I rested pretty well having packed up and make fast with my rug & clothes so that my body could only move with the motion of the vessel. At noon today we ascertain that 291 miles had been made during the last 24 hours.

Monday 19th : Wind ahead & sea rough-as usual- we had a very good time at prayers singing songs &c. The sick were all improving. We visited all who were not able to get out administering the ordinance of the Church to some and [p.162] otherwise cheering the Saints by telling them we would arrive at New York on Wednesday eve or Thursday a.m. In the evening we had a social meeting, songs, & recitations was the chief part of the program. The sea is still very rough and breaking over unto the deck of the vessel. Our run at noon was 256 knots.

Tuesday 20th: During the night the wind ceased and the ocean this morning was quite calm. All hands on deck and feeling well. Accompanied by my counselors and Elder George Emery, our clerk, I went among the passengers of our company and collected all their vouchers. Placing them in separate envelopes to hand over to our agent W.[William] C. Staines for our railway tickets. During our voyage I have made several friends among the saloon passengers, one of whom "Herr Bartok, Transylvania via Hungarian. A [p.163] gentleman bearing letters of a business character from prominent persons in Europe and showing he was engaged in buying horses and shipping them to England. He desired letters of introduction to some of our people in Salt Lake City. I therefore gave him a note addressed to Honorable Faremory [Feramorz] Little, mayor and Honorable. G. [George] Q. Cannon, representative of Utah at Washington D. C. I also gave him my photo as he desired it. I am under the impression the Lord will open the way for someone to go and preach the gospel in Transylvania via Hungary before long and I have felt it my duty to make a friend in the person of Herr Francz Bartok, who I believe is an honest man and although that is a Catholic country and he has been trained in that religion yet as he told me, that was a humbug and a delusion. He expressed very liberal views. This evening we enjoyed an entertainment of songs, recitations & such amongst our passengers. [p.164]

Wednesday 21st . Very fine morning. The fine S. S. "Arizona" was sighted off to the south of us on her return to Liverpool, having left New York yesterday. At 8 o'clock a pilot boat was in sight and which was soon alongside of us. We took a pilot on board and then proceeded shortly after breakfast Captain Rigby took me to his cabin and gave me two copies of the company's tract chart showing the distances made each day from Liverpool to New York which was i.e. after leaving Queenstown Monday at noon 12th to Wednesday 21st respectfully 12th-220, 13th-330, 14th-316, 15th-214, 16th-200, 17th-178, 18th-290, 19th-256, 20th-330, 21st-334 & 140 miles remaining for Wednesday p.m. which will make 3108 miles the distance between New York & Liverpool. By the aid of our clerk, Elder [George R.] Emery I wrote to President Budge an account of our journey for publication in the "Star." [MILLENNIAL STAR] At prayer this morning I gave advice and counsel to the Saints to be and have all things ready for disembarkation tomorrow [p.165] morning and to keep a strict look out for the safety of themselves & their luggage. I wrote letters to my niece M. A. and to my daughter Ellen E.

Thursday 22nd . Fine, beautiful morning. We had to cast anchor last evening about 9 p.m. as the tide was too low to cross the bar at Sandy Hook. All on board were delighted with the scenery of Staten Island, Long Island, and Jersey City. Quarantine officers came on board and we passed on to the Guion Docks and were met there by Elder [William C.] Staines & Mr. Gibson. I accompanied the former to his office, 8 Battery Place. He gave me instruction for the management of our company and arranged for our railroad tickets. I had quite a hard time passing my luggage at custom house as I had so much goods belonging to Brother Budge, Rider & others all of which [p.166] was taxed. About 8 o'clock p.m. we were all comfortably seated in the cars and shortly after that hour the signal was given and we started on our overland journey. This was a very hard day's work for me and for many of the Saints. Our accommodation in the cars for sleeping was rather limited but all the passengers felt glad to get off the sea and enjoy the cushioning seats of the railway cars.

Friday 23rd . We enjoyed the scenery of the Allegheny Mountains very much. I wrote to Brother W. [William] C. Staines and sent him three surplus tickets I discovered I had got. About 9 o'clock p.m. we landed all safely at Pittsburgh and were kindly treated by railroad officials.

Saturday 24th. The woodland country of Pennsylvania with the numerous stump of trees in the grain fields presented quite a [p.167] contrast to the highly cultivated farms of Old England. We reached the far famed city of Chicago about 6 p.m. were kindly treated there by Mr. Elithorp. We changed two of our passenger cars for better ones which were brought right alongside of the others and we stepped from one to the other. Our luggage was not disturbed as we proceeded thence per quick freight train.

Sunday 25th. The fine farms of Iowa were much admired. The day being very fine after a severe storm of rain with thunder & lightening during the night. One object of curiosity to our English passengers was the large quantities of black hogs all through this country. We could form some idea where the cheap pork and hams sold in England comes from. We held our regular prayer meetings with hymns & songs in each of the cars and enjoyed a very good spirit in so doing. [p.168]

Monday 26th. Arrived at Council Bluffs about 4 a.m. were detained two or three hours and then changed cars and our baggage into the Union Pacific Railroad. Here we noticed very sensitively the disrespect and impolite manner of all the officials and were placed in the rear of a slow freight train. Left about 9 o'clock and made our way to Grand Island about 11 p.m., where we changed conductor. I sent telegram to President Taylor of our whereabouts at Silver Creek.

Tuesday 27th. Fine weather. The extensive prairie lands of the Platte Valley with the immense herds of stock were a theme of wonder and admiration to our travelers from the tight little isles of Europe. Our travel being very slow the brethren & sisters too would indulge in getting off the cars to walk and going to houses to purchase milk etc. Getting back into [p.169] the train at the sudden sound of the whistle was often quite amusing to those in the carriages but not so much so to some of those who strayed off too far and had to be pulled in quite exhausted with running and the milk they had dearly purchased spilt by the way.

Wednesday 28th. At 5 a.m. found us at the noted town of the Cheyenne, formally called "Hell-on-Wheels." No doubt a very appropriate named at the time. Last night we had to stand guard most of the night to watch a couple of strangers who were imposed upon us by the conductor, and this morning a Negro woman came into our cars, a passengers Laramie. Today the scenery changed to snow shades and broken hills-heavy up grade two engine for 32 miles which took 5 hours to travel. We laid in fresh supplies at Laramie and proceeded onward. [p.170]

Thursday 29th. More snow-shades and the Rocky Mountains country began to make its appearance. This day large quantities of wild deer & antelope were seen which greatly added to the interest of the journey and the amusement of the passengers. We reached Green River about 6 p.m. where I sent a telegram to President Taylor telling him of our whereabouts and that we would be at Ogden tomorrow at 2 p.m. After delay of two hours we proceeded onward. Daylight of Friday 30th found us at Evanston where some of our passengers get off the cars and were met by their friends, among them was Brother John Heolden who seemed desirous of staying with Samuel Blackburn who met John there. Nothing of importance [p.171] occurred till we reached Weber Valley, where a drunken man by the name of Murphy got on the cars and wanted his daughters to get off and go with him and two other dirty looking miners were [-] against such a more as their luggage was booked for Ogden & could not be had till they arrived there. The conductor of the train took sides with the drunken and told him to take the girls off but they would not go off. He was very abusive to me but we endured the insults and proceeded on to Ogden. Where I met with my friends John Reeve & others, Sister Bunting's sisters, Elizabeth and Fanny, met me at the railway station and after dividing luggage &c I went over the John Reeve's where I had two years ago parted with the loved one of my youth. My wife Harriet and [p.172] to my joy there I was again met by her and the darling babe of 14 months-"Zina Alice" who reaches out her hands and came to me at once. Afer a very welcome greeting we went into Salt Lake City and most of our company were met by friends and acquaintances. . . . [p.173]

BIB: Bunting, James Lovett. Diary (Ms 1945 2), fd. 2, vol. 3, pp. 152-53,155-73. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)