. . . Friday, 20 - Lock up my bag, gather up my effects, bid goodbye to all and at 3:30 start for Liverpool. Arrive at Lime Street Station where my luggage is sent on to the Alexandra Docks. I go to 42 Islington, meet with a hearty shake of hands from President Wells and the brethren in the office.
Saturday, 21 - At 12 o'clock we are on board the steamship Wyoming. President Wells and Brother Osmond organize the company with David Kuntz president, Thomas Sleight, first counselor, and Nephi Anderson, second counselor. There are 15 returning traveling elders with about 300 members of the church. They are from Switzerland, Germany, Scandinavia, and England. We leave the dock at 10 o'clock and went into the river, cast anchor for a short time, and then proceeded on our journey.
Sunday, 22 - We are steaming away for Queenstown. Had a smooth sea. Reach Queenstown at 10 a.m., take in mail and passengers, and sail along the beautiful isle with about 1000 people on board. Distance traveled was not recorded.
Monday, 23 - Woke up this morning with a swimming head and passed most of the day in bed. Distance traveled, 337 miles.
Tues., 24 - Sick all day. Traveled 277 miles.
Wed., 25 - Sicker. Life a burden. Traveled 275 miles.
Thurs., 26 - Feel a little better. Eat a little. Made 339 miles.
Friday, 27 - Get on deck a while. The ship company discuss the Mormon question in an unfriendly spirit. 322 miles made since yesterday.
Sat., 28 - Improving in health. 339 miles traveled.
Sunday, 29 - On deck most of the day. The Catholics and Protestants hold meeting in the ship's saloon. We think it best to be still on account of the rough elements on board. Traveled 338 miles. Buried a child today.
Mon., 30 - Fine day. The pilot came aboard this morning. The screw wheel stopped for the first time since we left Queenstown.
Tues., 31 - Brings us into the river by New York. [p.20] The doctor came aboard as also other government officers. We go into the Guion Line Dock and are landed. Our luggage was soon unloaded and we was sent to Castle Garden. Our company was much annoyed by the government officers detaining some of our company through spite. We lodge at different hotels.
Wed., Sept. 1 - Fine day. Look around New York and at 6 o'clock we find our company at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Leave about 8 o'clock.
Thurs., 2 - Pass many important towns. Stay a few minutes at Washington City. We hear of a terrible earthquake that knocked down the city of Charleston, [South Carolina] on the night of the 31st of August.
Friday, 3 - Reached Chicago about 2 o'clock. Change cars and leave about 6 p.m.
At 3 o'clock Saturday the 4- We find ourselves in Roadhouse where I and Elder Richie get off and go to Carrollton to visit my brother George's widow's family. Found them well. They treat us kindly.
Sunday, 5 - Rest. Find the weather warm.
Monday, 6 - Look around town in the evening. Had a pleasant chat with a Mr. Davis who has been in the State Senate. The girls did some good singing.
Tues., 7 - Leave at 11 o'clock for St. Louis. It has grown since I was there last. Go by another road to Montgomery City to see Brother Henry. He was glad to see me. Had a pleasant visit.
Wed., 8 - Brother Henry took us to see some old acquaintance of mine a few miles away. They treat us well.
Thurs., 9 - Leave at noon for the West. Bid them goodbye. Reach Kansas City about 10 o'clock. We stay all night in a railway car.
Friday, 10 - Are detained by the railroad officials in not giving us our tickets. A company of Saints that crossed the sea with us are here and are detained also.
Sat., 11 - Leave for Denver.
Sun., 12 - Arrive at Denver about 8 o'clock. Visit my brother John. He drove us around town. Denver is a growing town.
Monday, 13 - We leave for home.
Tues., 14 - Reach home and found my family well.
Wed., 15 - Shake hands with many of my old neighbors.
Thurs., 16 - The weather and I feel different here than in England.
Sunday, 19 - Attended meeting. I was requested to report my labors which I did. It is near 2 years since I was here. I have traveled probably 15,000 miles since I left this place. I have been preserved from many serious accident. I have not lacked for food or raiment. . . . [p.21]
BIB: Sleight, Thomas. Diary (Ms 1663), [12th section], pp. 20-21. (CHL).
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