Liverpool, England

Thursday, March 13th 1856. I in company with Elder Daniel Spencer engaged our passage on the steamship Canada for Boston and spent the remainder of the day, organizing business and packing our luggage. Spent the evening with President [Franklin D.] Richards by his request.

Sunday 14th. I arose very early in the morning to take my luggage on board the ship, but only succeeded in taking that portion which was lying [p. 1] in the custom house. Did not get back until quite late in the evening as the tender landed about 4 mile below, and I had to come back on foot.

Saturday 15th. I started early in the morning with the remainder of our luggage and succeeded in on board in good season. Was invited to dine with President F. O. Richards at 12 o'clock. Was treated very kindly by him during my stay in England. After biding him and those brethren [WRITTEN AT THE BOTTOM OF PAGE TWO IS THE NOTATION, Wrote to C. Widerborg in Copenhagen.] [p. 2] laboring with him a farewell, I left in company with Elders D. Spencer , J Goodsall, C. G. Webb to go on board the ship. But Brothers Richards, Kay, Ferguson, Linforth accompanied us on board. Then another farewell, and the good wishes and God bless you conferred upon us, we set sail about 3 o'clock p.m. The weather was fine. There was a good portion of first cabin passengers and about 70 second cabin passengers, we were among the [p. 3] latter. We had it somewhat rough in the channel thought the wind was favorable, we came out into the sea on the morning of the 17th. The passengers all had a fair trial at seasickness as it continued rough with a strong head wind, which continued up to about the 20th. Then commenced blowing quite gale with considerable rain and falling, all of which we concluded would answer for the equinoxal storm. The weather became better, and we saw 2 or 3 icebergs. The did not appear to be very large. [p. 4]
Up to this time nothing of particular note occurred only there was a Reverend Mr. Houston on board, who soon after starting selected us out of the crowd and begun to make acquaintance, no doubt much pleased with us. It was not long before he found out that we were Mormons. He immediately changed into coldness, and it was with difficulty that he would speak to us, and when solicited to investigate the subject of Mormonism, he utterly refused and kept out [p. 5] of our way appearing to be frightened. We conversed with most of the passengers on the subject of our religion. It was quite new to them. Of course they endeavored to oppose, but they soon got into difficulty as the Bible was against them, coming in contact with their views established by tradition and religious commentaries and they were all glad to retreat from the subject.

On this the 24th. It commenced blowing a gale [p. 6] and continued until about noon of the 25th when the wind began to abate. The waves rolled very high, the bulwarks forward were broken in on both sides. This evening there was an appointment for a lecture from the reverend gentleman. After singing and prayer as he was about to commence, the captain sent word that it would not be allowed as some of the passengers objected to it. We thought they might think it was us, consequently I arose to ascertain if anyone had objections to a lecture [p. 7] being given. The result was no objections. It was then motioned that we appoint a committee to wait on the captain asking the privilege to continue the services which was granted. He listened very attentively to the address, which was very short and senseless. As soon the Reverend Southman closed, I arose and made a motion that we hear from Elder Webb, the motion was seconded and carried unanimous with the exception of the priest and one or two that held with him; as soon as I commenced to make [p. 8] the motion the reverend gentlemen left the left the room in great haste. His leaving was looked upon by the passengers as very disrespectful and in consequence of his doing so, many of his friends appeared to forsake him. Elder Webb spoke of the first principles of the gospel, his remarks were generally well received, although much prejudice existed. The passengers appeared to be afraid of us. We give them a faithful testimony, feeling that our garments were clear of them. [p. 9] The captain said that he would not allow any more meetings. We continued to have head wind, the weather very cold, some snow. Made slow progress. Arrived the 28th about 8 p.m. at Halifax where remained about 3 hours then pursued our journey. I went on shore, purchased some apples. We had a prosperous passage to Boston where we arrived Sunday 4 p.m. on the 30, making 15 days from Liverpool. I had considerable seasickness but consider it beneficial to my [p. 10] health. The Lord has prospered and blessed us on our journey for which I feel truly grateful.

After landing we were detained at the customs about 2 hours, our goods passed first rate. We then took coach and put up at the Bloomfield House. Kept by Mr. Crockett who is much of a gentleman and treated us with much respect. After tea he accompanied us to a large hall where we listened to a [UNCLEAR, POSSIBLY temperance] lecture from Mr. Gough. He exhibited [p. 11] considerable talent and his remarks calculated to work on the sympathies of the people. It was somewhat amusing to me.

31st- Spent in company with Brother Spencer in making inquiries as to the prospect of forwarding our passengers on the railroad west. In the evening we attended the Boston Theater, the first that I ever attended in America. I was much interested. We enjoyed an oyster supper after returning to our lodgings. [p. 12]

April 1st, 1856. Tuesday, I spent the most of the day at the hotel writing. The weather fine although cold for the time of the year.

Wednesday, 2nd . During the day attended to some business and in the afternoon, 3 o'clock, in company with Elder D. Spencer. Took the care for Stonington where we arrived about past 9 o'clock. Then went on board a splendid steamer by the name of Panderbelt bound for New York. After obtaining refreshment I retired to rest. [p. 13] Had it very comfortable through the night, arrived in New York about 9 o'clock am. On Thursday the 3rd took a carriage and soon arrived at the "Mormon" office [L.D.
S. PERIODICAL IN NEW YORK] where we were welcomly received by Elder J. [John] Taylor and the rest of the brethren. Elder Taylor took us at noon to Taytons restaurant on Broadway and treated us to an excellent dinner. Spent the afternoon at the office. In the evening accompanied Elder Taylor over to his lodgings in Brooklyn, where [p. 14] we supped. Spent the evening very agreeably, slept there through the night.

Friday, 4th. I in company with Elder A. H. Felt went over on a steamer to Staten Island to visit 2 of the Danish brethren that were in the hospital. Returned to New York about 4 p.m. then went around the town some and then went over to Brooklyn where I spent the evening and night.

Saturday 5th. I arose very early in the [p. 15] morning and wrote a letter to Elder H. C. Haight in Copenhagen. After breakfast went over to the office in New York. Posted 3 papers, one to J. Goodsall in Boston, 1 to A. Pratt in Canaan, 1 to C. P. Sackett Madison County New York. At past 11 o'clock took leave of Elder Taylor and the brethren with him and I in company with Elder D. Spencer went to the Hudson River Railroad Station and left in the cars at 12 o'clock and arrived at Poughkeepsie [p. 16] 3 p.m. where I got off leaving Brother Spencer to pursue his journey to West Stock-bridge. I then took a coach to a hotel where I hired a team to take me to my uncles' Stephen Van Cotts who lived out in the town of Washington about 14 miles. The roads were very bad in many places. The snow was from 2 to 4 feet deep, it being the remains of drifts, I however arrived at my uncle's a little after dark. He, nor any of the [p. 17] family did not know me at first, but after talking with him for a while I said to him I suppose you do not know me. He then said, is it John Van Cott? I answered in the affirmative. They were all very glad to see me. Supper was soon prepared for me. We spent the evening in conversation very agreeably.

Sunday 6th. Spent the day and evening conversing on the subject of Mormonism, my uncle [p. 18] could not bring any reasonable objections against the ideas that I advanced, and his sons acknowledged that all the principles that we conversed upon were perfectly reasonable, and they could see no objections to them.

Monday, 7th. I spent the forenoon writing, wrote letter to J. Godsaal [Godsall] in Boston. In the afternoon I called to see Mr. Trip and family. They were very glad to see me, and they urged me to stay all night with them. [p. 19]

Tuesday, 8th. Bid the family farewell and started about 7 o'clock in Isaac Trip's wagon for Poughkeepsie, arrived there about 11 a.m. Had to wait there until 3 p.m. There took train for Hudson, but arrived there too late for the train east, so that I had to remain over night. During the evening I wrote a letter to D. Spencer in New York.

Wednesday 9th. Left Hudson by the 7 o'clock train arrived at East Chatham about past 8 am. Left my baggage at the station, and I went afoot up the railroad and visited the graves of my [p. 20] father and 2 children. The gravestones were in good condition. From there I went up to Mrs. Pratt, widow of A. A. Pratt, who lived on my old homestead. Aunt Zilpha did not know me for a long time, she has failed very much since I saw her. I spent the remainder of the day and night there, they treated me very kindly there. Alfred A. Pratt had died during my absence in Europe, he died August 31st, 1854. Aged 35 years 9 months. [p. 21]

Thursday 10th. After breakfast I bid Aunt Zilpha and Mrs. Pratt farewell and went on foot to the rail road station. East Chatham, from whence I took train 11 o'clock am for Albany where I arrived past 12. Put up at Adams Temperance house and went to see Anson E. Gifford in order to obtain a bond and mortgage that was left in his change. I obtained it. I then wrote a letter to my sister Jemima who lives in Payson [p. 22] and took train 6 p.m. for Oneida depot, arrived there about 12 p.m. put up at a hotel. . .[p. 23]

Monday 14th . . . [p. 25] . . . I took train about 11 o'clock for the west, changed cars at Rochester; went by the Niagara Falls. [p. 26] Arrived there about 8 o'clock a.m. of the 15th. Crossed over the river on the suspension bridge, had a fair view of the Falls. Took breakfast, and left about 9 on the Central Railroad for Detroit where I arrived about 7 p.m. Then took train at about 8 for Chicago where I arrived about 8 [a.m.] o'clock.

Wednesday a.m. 16th. Just up at the New York House. After breakfast went down to the station and saw Elder D. [Daniel] Spencer in the cars. Just ready [p. 27] to start to St. Louis. He went on and I spent the day looking of [at] wagons and ascertaining the prices at several shops. [-] in my journal. Likewise wrote letter to C. P. Packett, my brother in law, who lives in Madison County, New York. At about 11 o'clock p.m. I took the cars for St. Louis, traveled all night.

On Thursday the 17th, about 1 p.m., arrived at Alton. Went on a steamboat and arrived at St. Louis at 3 o'clock p.m. Went directly to Sister [UNCLEAR, POSSIBLY Swales] where I put up. Was kindly [p. 28] received. Brother D. [Daniel] Spencer also stopped there. In the evening I wrote letters to C. P. Packett and my sister Sarah Clark, also attended meeting and spoke a few [-] to the Saints. I also found on my arrival found a letter from my wife which gave me great joy and satisfaction. I [-] date Nov. 27th.

Friday 18th Spent most of the day with Brother Spencer and the Danish Saints and wrote letter to my wife. In the evening, met in [p. 29] counsel with Brother D. [Daniel] Spencer, P. Grant, J. Hart and Bunker.

Saturday 19th I spent the forenoon in business. In the afternoon at 4 o'clock went on board the steamer [UNCLEAR, POSSIBLY "Gaily"] in company with D. [Daniel] Spencer and Bunker and started about 6 o'clock up the Mississippi River for Keokuk.

Sunday 20th Spent the day on board the boat. Wrote letter to D. D. [-] in Rome, New York. The weather was fine and we had a good passage. Arrived at Keokuk 4 a.m. on Monday 21st and [p. 30] took carriage about 6 o'clock for Montrose where we arrived about 8 o'clock. Went on board the steamboat "Emma Harmon" bound for Rock Island. She landed at Nauvoo. I went on shore for a few minutes. It looked as though the city was cursed, no improvements, everything appeared to be [-] the [-]. The land around appeared to be very dry for the time of year. The weather pleasant, though cool. Pursued [p. 31] our journey, stopped at Fort Madison. The boat was detained, consequently we left her, went on board the steamer "Paul Anderson," and pursued our journey. Arrived at Burlington about 4 o'clock where we lay until about 12 o'clock.

Tuesday 22nd [-] pursued our journey, stopped a long time at Omaha to discharge freight, but arrived [-] about 4 a.m. Wednesday 23rd and took the cars there at 8 o'clock for Iowa City where I arrived about 12 o'clock. Just up at the American House . . . [p. 32]

. . . We arrived at Omaha about 2 p.m. making the distance from Great Salt Lake City 1034 miles. . . . [vol.3, p. 12]

BIB: Van Cott, John. Diaries (Ms 1072), vol. 2-3. Vol.2, pp. 1-32, vol. 3, p. 12. (CHL)
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