I and my wife became believers in the everlasting gospel and were baptized on the 23 April 1849 by Elder Clayton and confirmed by Elder Crandall Dunn on the 29th of the same month. I was ordained priest on the 4 August of that year by Elder Crandall Dunn, and an Elder on the 12 May, 1850 by Elder J. W. Cummings. On the 12 November same year [1850] gave notice to the Railway Company that I should leave their service on the 31 of Dec. next as I was about to emigrate to America. I sent off my deposit to Brother Pratt and received a notification to be in Liverpool on the 1 Jan., 1851, as the ship would sail on the 4th. I arranged for selling off my furniture by Auction through Miss Peet who fixed the sale for the 19th Dec. on which day it took place and realized rather more than my expectations. As may be imagined we experienced inconveniences to the end of the year in a house without furniture, nevertheless we were very happy, and longed for the 1st of January to arrive, when we started for Liverpool along with several other families of Saints. The railway station was crowded with Saints to see us off. The farewell hymn composed by Elder Wyley of Nottingham was sung off the platform. It consisted of the following stanzas set to suitable music by Brother Davis and his three helpmates in glee singing:
"Farewell my brothers in the Lord
And Sisters too, with one accord
And when in secret solemn prayer
We will [-]our father's care
That with you his blessing may extend
And guard you safe unto the promised land."
It was an affecting and yet a joyful sight. I should have mentioned that on Monday, the 30 Dec., the clerks over whom I have superintended invited me to dinner and there presented me with a beautiful purse embroidered with gold and containing 13 pounds 10 as a token of their esteem. I also received a letter on the 31st from Joseph Sanders, Esquire the General Manager, to the effect that it was entirely through my own desire that the connection betwixt myself and the company was severed, and that I left them with the approval by the Board of Directors of the manner in which I have conducted their business. [p.4]
I left Nottingham with about 133 pounds in money, and perhaps luggage to about the same amount.
We left the dock at Liverpool on Monday the 6th of January in the ship Ellen of 1000 tons burthen, and containing about 470 individuals, chiefly Saints and their families. We anchored in the River Mersey and laid there until Wednesday morning the 8th of January when we set sail about 9:30 a.m. We had a fair wind during the day, but it came in very strong during the night. We very nearly ran foul of a steamer about 6 p.m. escaping it but within a yard or two. Sometime during the night we actually run foul of a small schooner which with a loud crash carried away our mainyard and part of our jib boom. Very few on board however, although dreadfully sick, had the least fear of our safety. They felt they were in the hands of the Lord who had promised in a vision of a brother in Liverpool that He would protect us.
Thursday, Jan. 9, 1851. 4 p.m. we anchored near Pwllheli Harbor in Wales for repairs. The emigrants recovered from their sickness and good spirits generally prevailed.
Friday, 10 Jan., 1851. Stayed in Studdwell Roads, near Pwllheli Harbor, Cardigan, repairing the damage - contrary winds. We held the fellowship meeting in the second cabin in the evening and received some very good instructions from Brother Samuel Lees and others. A good feeling prevailed, and the Spirit of God was felt to be present inclining the Saints to be kind to each other and to bear each other's burdens whilst experiencing the inconveniences necessarily attending our crossing the mighty deep. Saw some sea porpoises this morning.
Saturday, 11 Jan., 1851. Still repairing - winds contrary, so that we are not losing much time. A sailor fell overboard, but was saved with the loss of his cap.
Sunday, 12 Jan., 1851. Elder Cummings prayed yesterday that the weather might be propitious so that we could have a general meeting on deck and truly his prayer was answered. We have had a splendid day, although the previous night was very rough. We held a meeting in the morning on quarter-deck when Elders Cummings and Dunn gave some excellent instructions chiefly respecting the conduct of the Saints while on their voyage. In the afternoon another meeting was held when Elder Lees from Sheffield addressed the company. The day was so clear we [p.5] could see the Welsh Mountains and villages on either side of us which sight everyone seemed to enjoy. The appointment of Brother Cummings as president of the company, and brethren Dunn and Moss as his counselors were this day accepted. I was elected clerk.
Monday, 13 Jan., 1851. I was occupied in the morning bookkeeping the provisions delivered out to each family. The weather was very rough this afternoon, and the captain, who went onshore this morning, returned at night with the statement that he had heard of two ships being driven ashore in the Irish Channel. I felt certain that our accident arose from the good hand of God being over us for good. If our yards had not been broken, we should have prosecuted our voyage, and perhaps have met with something more serious. - - The winds are still contrary.
Tuesday, January 14, 1851. Winds still contrary - wrote another letter to Leeds. The mainyard which was made onshore was this day brought on board. We are now waiting entirely for a fair wind. We held a prayer meeting this morning that sickness might be banished from the ship, and that the winds might be controlled in our favor.
Wednesday, 15 Jan., 1851. The wind is somewhat changing but not sufficiently for our purpose. I have felt very dull and heavy all day. Went to bed at dusk. Family all pretty well.
Thursday, 16, Jan., 1851. Winds still contrary. Intelligence was brought into our cabin this morning that an infant which had been ill ever since we came on board had died during the night. Our infant very poorly - has the appearance of measles, - but think it is the severe cold. Winds still contrary.
Friday, 17 Jan., 1851. Eclipse of the moon. Had a view of it near 6 p.m. when it was nearly over. The moon came to the full during the eclipse. It was hoped it would produce a favorable change in the wind - the long boat was sent to shore for water.
Saturday, 18 Jan., 1851. The wind was rather more favorable this morning, but changed again for the worse during the day. A steamer came into the harbor through stress of weather. I feel that we have been placed here for our good. [p.6]
Sunday, 19 Jan., 1851. The wind is unfavorable for our starting and our captain being very cautious seem disposed to remain here until there is a more settled weather. Meetings have been held in the steerage and cabin during the day. I feel to resign myself in the hands of the Lord, having taken this voyage to keep his commandments, - - We have had several bad nights with the infant, but it is somewhat better today.
Monday, 20 Jan., 1851. Winds still contrary. All my family in pretty good health but we feel anxious to proceed on our voyage. Arthur's birthday - two years old.
Tuesday, 21 Jan., 1851. I assisted today in giving out the provisions to the passengers. Winds rather more favorable. We have this day got some extra coal on board, it having been discovered we had not a sufficient quantity for the voyage, the expense (36) was collected by subscription amongst the Saints.
Wednesday, 22 Jan., 1851. The winds being still contrary, Elder Cummings called the presidents of the various companies together this evening and organized a prayer meeting. He also suggested that we should fast and pray to the Lord to grant us a safe and speedy voyage to the port of our destination. It was therefore resolved that a general fast be held Friday for that purpose.
Thursday 23 Jan., 1851. This morning had the appearance of settled weather, but the wind was not favorable, nevertheless the captain ordered the vessel to be put under way, and toward noon we proceeded on our voyage. We had a great many tacks to make before we could weather Bardsey Island. This island is distant from the mainland about 3 miles and itself is about 3 miles in length. There is a lighthouse upon it and 17 farmhouses which with their farms pay about 40 pounds per annum rent each, the occupiers have no tithes or taxes of any description to pay. The island belongs to Lord Newbury.
Friday 24 Jan., 1851. This was my birthday. I am now 33 years old. I was sick in bed nearly the whole of the day owing to the sea being so rough, and for the latter reason the fast was put off it being considered no sacrifice to fast when we are not inclined for eating and a great many of the Saints were seasick. [p.7]
Saturday, 25 Jan., 1851. This morning we could see part of the coast of South Wales and also part of the East Coast of Ireland. The wind is unfavorable, but the weather somewhat calmer. This morning one of Sister Miriam's 3 twins [POSSIBLY MEANING, triplets] died and was committed to the deep in the evening by Brother Cummings. Arthur has had the measles within this day or two back, and was blind nearly two days. Thank God he came through them nicely.
Sunday 26 Jan., 1851. The night has been very rough, and we were driven back until this morning. We could see Bardsey Island and even the place of refuge where we sailed from last Thursday. This was a great disappointment, nevertheless we are in the Lord's hands and he knows what is best. I was sick in bed nearly all day.
Monday 27 Jan., to Thursday 30 Jan., 1851. During the above period we were tossed about on the Irish Channel backwards and forwards, stormy weather and winds unfavorable. I was sick in bed nearly the whole time.
Friday 31 Jan., 1851. This day a little girl about 7 years old of the name of Ward (parents not in the church) died of the measles, they turning to inflammation. She was committed to the mighty deep in the evening by Brother Cummings who offered up an appropriate prayer on the occasion, that the destroyer might not be permitted to take another inroad on the ship's company. The wind is more favorable, and the sea rather calmer. I was not well but was up and about part of the day. Passed Cape Clear this morning.
Sunday, 1 Feb., 1851. The wind has been very favorable to us during the night but the sea somewhat rough. I was very sick all day and kept my berth. In the afternoon I was very ill and felt perfectly miserable. It is very hard at such a time to give oneself to prayer, nevertheless I humbled myself, lifted up my heart unto the Lord and lifted up my heart unto the Lord and felt better after. We made pretty fair progress during this day. New moon this morning at 6:2_ [APPARENTLY A NUMBER DESIGNATING MINUTES IS MISSING HERE] a.m.
Sunday, 2 Feb., 1851. The weather is quite calm this morning, and the wind pretty favorable. I and my family are pretty well in health for which I feel thankful to my Heavenly Father, and also for the protecting care which he has exercised over this ship to the present time. I am certain his hand has been over us for good, and his angels have been round about us. [p.8] During last Thursday night the officers of the vessel were quite uncertain as to our whereabouts, and seemed surprised next morning that we were in sight of Cape Clear. Thus we were preserved through the watchful care of our Heavenly Father over us. We had meetings during the day one on deck and another in the steerage. A good feeling prevailed. The weather being fine, the company generally seemed refreshed in spirits. Spotted a Dutch vessel.
Monday 3 Feb., 1851. The weather is still fine and wind pretty favorable. We are nicely making up for lost time. We are in the 44 latitude and about 15 degrees west longitude. I and family are pretty well.
Tuesday 4 Feb., 1851. Sea quite calm and it is altogether a beautiful day. About ten o'clock this morning we fell in with the ship "Apollo" bound from Bemcrara to London. She had lost her rudder in a violent gale on the 6 of Jan. and had been tossed about at the mercy of the wind and waves ever since. Our captain proffered any assistance in his power but was told he could do nothing for it but speak to homeward bound vessels respecting her, which he promised to do. We are still pretty well in health for which I feel truly thankful. Previous to leaving Liverpool Brother Abner [Abraham] Taylor received a copy of the Nottingham Review newspaper of the 3 Jan. in which was found the following paragraph:
"On Monday last a complimentary dinner was given by the clerks and other employees at the goods station, to Mr. Grimshaw, late manager of the Goods Department of the Railway Station in this town, who is about leaving this country for the Great Salt Lake City, Deseret, California, at Mr. Starkey's, the Victoria Hotel, Station Street Queen's Road, on which occasion a beautifully embroidered purse containing 15 pounds with the inscription 'J. Grimshaw, Nottingham, 1850' on each side, was presented to him. M. G. left Nottingham by the 10:30 a.m. train for Liverpool on Wednesday accompanied by about thirty friends who are bound for the same destination, Deseret, the Mormon settlement in North America. Along with him went Mr. Abraham Taylor, book-vender, of this town, Mr. Kirk, and Mr. Hazzledine [Hazeldine] of Basford, and some others."
Saturday, Feb. 8, 1851. We had some very fine weather all the week, and the winds pretty favorable. We are in about 35 latitude and 16 west longitude. I and my family are back in health which I ascribe to the goodness and mercy of God and thank him for it. I confess I am rather land sick, but am content to wait the [p.9] time of my Heavenly Father and the longer I am confined here the sweeter will be the deliverance.
Sunday, Feb. 9, 1851. This was a very fine day and we had two meetings on deck and in the afternoon the Saints partook of the ordinance of the Lord's supper. The fast was very generally observed and a very good feeling prevailed. In bearing my testimony at the sacrament in the afternoon my heart was full when I alluded to similar scenes on land with brethren and sisters whom I felt by the Spirit of God were praying for us at that time. My family are pretty well in health.
Friday Feb. 14, 1851. The weather has been very fine all the week until today when it was rather rough, and I was very sick. A young Brother of the name of James Wright from Skellon Branch aged about 17 who had been sick for some time and who had been brought into our cabin as being more airy, died at 10:25 a.m. this morning, and was buried in North Latitude 24 degrees 28 minutes and west longitude 31 degrees twenty minutes at 12:54 this noon. I led the singing of hymns on page 184, and Elder Cummings engaged in prayer on the occasion.
Saturday Feb. 15, 1851. We are nearly becalmed today in latitude 22 degrees 23 minutes and longitude 33 degrees which appears to me to be about halfway between Liverpool and New Orleans. If it be in consonance with his will. I pray my God to send us a northeast wind so that we may be speeded over the rest of our voyage as I am anxious to be delivered from this prison when the Lord sees fit. Elder Samuel Lees preached on deck tonight on "they shall cast out devils."
Sunday, February 16, 1851. This morning Elder Cummings preached on deck on the resurrection in improvement of the death of Brother. Wright who died on Friday last. He remarked that Brother W. [Wright] was as sure to have a part in the first resurrection as though he had already received an immortal body. In the afternoon we partook of the sacrament of the Lord's supper. I felt to rejoice when bearing my testimony that I had a standing in this church and kingdom, and looked back with satisfaction to the day on which I was baptized for the remission of my sins and had hands laid upon me for the gift of the Holy Ghost. [p.10]
Monday, Feb. 17, 1851. We have had a good wind all night and all this day. We are within the tropics and the weather is very oppressively warm. We are in 20 degrees 15 minutes latitude and 38 degrees longitude. Of eatables, rolled preserve puddings seem to relish the best. It is amazing to see what large puddings one family can put out of sight. We have eaten a fine one today. I and family in pretty good health, thank God.
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1851. I got up with a headache this morning which I think was owing to the great heat of the atmosphere and the closeness of our cabin. I got my haircut during the day and kept out on deck pretty much. I felt better towards night. We are in latitude 19 degrees 35 minutes and west longitude 45 degrees 3 minutes. It was a beautiful night. The moon shown serenely. We and a violin out on deck and my dear wife being in good health and spirit joined in the dance.
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1851. We are in 19 degrees 38 minutes latitude and 46 degrees longitude. A large fish generally known by the name of a "bottle-nose" (a species of whale) followed us and swam around about us for several hours. It was about 15 feet long, brown back, and its belly was of a beautiful light green color. I saw it several times. We had a meeting on deck in the evening. Elder Lees preached from the text, "If Jesus had given them rest, then would he not have spoken of another day. There remained therefore a rest for the people of God."
Thursday, Feb. 20, 1851. Latitude 19-11, longitude 48-15. Weather very hot. We had our water curtailed in Cardigan Bay to two quarts a day for each adult, but last Tuesday we had the full quantity of three quarts each adult put on again. I don't know what we should have done this hot weather with the diminished quantity. The full measure is too little.
Friday, 21 Feb. 1851. Latitude 18-45, longitude 50-40. A small whale was seen today. Brother Dunn preached on deck in the evening on election and free salvation. The captain (Phillips) interrupted him by a remark on the same subject but was sorry for it afterwards.
Saturday, 22 Feb. 1851. Latitude 18-5, longitude 54-2. A meeting of the priesthood was held on deck for the purpose of raising questions on [p.11] doctrine or discipline and answering them in discussing them. It was a very interesting session. My family is pretty well in health, thank God.
Sunday, 23 Feb., 1851. Latitude 17-45, longitude 56-50. Heat in the sun 110 degrees and in the shade 84 degrees. Brother [Henry] Kirk preached in the morning or rather gave us a lecture on the history of the Bible showing the corrupted channel through which it had descended to us and the various translations it had passed through in order rather to suit the tastes of the rulers of the age than to preserve it in its purity. Sacrament in the afternoon and preaching in the evening by Reverend Cummings on predestination. My sister-in-law, (Hannah Topham) whom we had brought with us is rather poorly today, but the rest of my family pretty well, the heat is very oppressive and we are nearly becalmed.
Monday, 24 Feb., 1851. Latitude 17-21, longitude 58. The heat is excessive and there is very little wind. Brother Grace's female infant died this day at 12:15 noon and was committed to the deep at 4:30 p.m. Its sickness commenced with the measles. A meeting of the priesthood was held in the evening. Addresses were delivered by Brethren [Samuel] Patterson, [William W.] Allen, [John] Wheeler and [James] Lowe, after which questions were raised on points referred to in the discourses. Amongst others the true character of Mahomet was discussed. My sister-in-law is better today, and I am truly thankful to say that I and family are pretty well.
Tuesday, 25 Feb., 1851. Latitude 16-57, longitude 59-50. Weather excessively hot and scarcely any breeze. We had a dance on deck in the evening in which I joined.
Wednesday, 26 Feb., 1851. We have made but little longitude since yesterday. This morning Sister Allen who had been ill died about 3 a.m. and was committed to the deep about 6 a.m. Her child is also very poorly and seems to be wasting away. Land was seen from the masthead about 1 p.m. and about 3 p.m. we could see it with the naked eye from the deck. It was the island of Guadeloupe. This was such a refreshing sight, and I feel thankful that we are so far on our voyage, although we are going very slowly.
Thursday, 27 Feb.1851. Last night about 12 o'clock we came in sight of the island of Montsonal [Montserrat] and lost sight of it again this morning about 10. A good breeze sprung up during the day which wafted us [p.12] pretty speedily on our voyage. The sea rather rough and hard for the sickly. Saw a vessel bound north coast.
Friday, 28 Feb., 1851. We had a strong wind all night and the sailors had to work at the pumps all night. I was looking over the ship side this morning and the wind took away my new straw hat which was made and trimmed for me this week. Never mind - if I happen naught no worse than this I shall be thankful. Elder Allen's child died this day.
Sunday, 2 March, 1851. Elder Samuel Lees' infant daughter, which had been ill some time died this noon about one o'clock and was committed 3:30 p.m. to the deep in latitude 17-15, longitude 73-0. We sang the hymn commencing with "The morning flowers display their sweets." Elder Crandall Dunn engaged in prayer on the occasion. This is a great blow to Reverend and Sister Lees as they were devotedly fond of the child, which was their first-born and about 7 months old. Elder Cummings preached on deck in the morning and gave the same instructions and cautions as to their duty and conduct on landing at New Orleans. Elder Dunn followed on the same subject, also Elder Moss. Sacrament was partook of in the afternoon, and preaching again in the evening by Elder Cummings principally on the duties of husbands toward their wives, parents toward their children, and children toward their parents. Elder Dunn followed on the same subject, and then Elder Moss gave the Saints some information on the manners and customs of the Americans, and gave some excellent advice, one item of which was that we were to be very careful of our money, and purchase nothing but what we absolutely want and stand in need of.
Monday, 3 March, 1851. This morning we came in sight of the Island of St. Domingo or Haiti, namely the westernmost part of it. The niger emperor Soloqua did not come to pay his respects to us. A shabby fellow. Toward evening we came in sight of the Island of Jamaica. The priesthood held a fellowship meeting in the evening.
Tuesday, 4 March, 1851. We can see the Island of Jamaica very plain to the left this morning, and can just discern the Island of Cuba to the right. Latitude 18-43 off Montego Bay.
Wednesday, 5 Mar., 1851. Latitude 19-4, longitude 80-0. Weather exceedingly hot and sultry. [p.13]
Thursday, 6 March, 1851. Latitude 20-2 longitude about 82. A meeting of the priesthood was held at which complimentary resolutions were passed respecting the various officers, viz, the president, his counselors, president of elders and his counselors etc, after which a general meeting was held at which Brother Lowe preached. Last night at about 12 o'clock another of Sister Morris's three twins, [POSSIBLY, triplets] the male infant, died and was committed to the deep at 2:30 in the morning by Elder Kasson [POSSIBLY, Richard Geeson]. Baby very poorly.
Friday, 7 March, 1851. Latitude 21-12 longitude 84-15. Not much wind. Baby appears rather better. Commenced a letter to Leeds giving a brief sketch of the voyage.
Saturday, 8 Mar., 1851. This morning at 9:50 a.m. Sister Wheldord's [Wheeldon's] infant boy died and was committed to the deep at 11:30 a.m. by Elder Cummings. Our baby is worse this morning, and the ordinance of the church for the restoration of the sick was administered to it by Elders Cummings, Wheeler and Stones. There was almost a dead calm this morning, which makes us feel a little disappointed but we must be patient and await the Lord's time for us to be delivered from this vessel. Latitude 21-23, longitude 86-42.
Sunday, 9 March, 1851. Latitude 23-22, longitude 87-20. A meeting of the priesthood was held to take into consideration the subject of presenting Elders Cummings, Dunn and Moss with a token of respect and gratitude, each for their unwearied exertions to promote the health and comfort of the company on board, which subject had been mooted [UNCLEAR] at the meeting on Thursday night last. It was decided that Elder Cumins [Cummings] should be presented with a gold albert guard and Elders Dunn and Moss with a handsome bowie knife each, the money having been previously raised by subscription and the articles having been brought on board by Brother Lees to dispose of. Accordingly these presentations were made at the general meeting of the Saints on deck this morning, preceded by appropriate remarks from Elders Albert Taylor and Samuel Lees, and followed by addressed from the presentees. The various votes of thanks to the officers as per record of the 6th instance were put to the Saints and carried unanimously. A fellowship meeting was held on deck this afternoon and preaching in the evening by Elder Lees. Winds contrary. [p.14]
Monday, March 10, 1851. This morning at 3 a.m. Sister [-] gave birth to a female child, both are doing well. Latitude 23-46 longitude 88-50. A meeting of the priesthood was held this afternoon to pray especially that the winds might be changed that we might be wafted speedily to the port of New Orleans. Our prayers were heard and answered as the wind immediately took a more favorable turn. A fellowship meeting of the priesthood was held at night at which great freedom was enjoyed.
Tuesday, March 11, 1851. Latitude 25-52 longitude 89-30. We are now drawing very near the mouth of the great Mississippi and this rejoices my heart. Our baby much better this morning. Thus through the goodness of God all my family has been so far preserved.
Wednesday, March 12, 1851. Latitude 27-17 and in a direct line of longitude for the mouth of the Mississippi. A meeting of the priesthood was held at which James Orwin was cut off for conduct not becoming a Saint. A vote of thanks was also passed to the captain, officers and crew of the vessel. Also that the spare provisions shall be placed at the disposal of Brother Cummings and his counselors in order to help the worthy poor up the river. These votes were afterwards sanctioned by the Saints at a general meeting on deck.
Thursday, March 13, 1851. This morning at 5 o'clock the lighthouse at the Belize was seen and about 8 o'clock the pilot came on board. Several steamers came in sight, viz, the "Persian", the "F.M.T." and the "Conqueror." Finally about 11:20 a.m. we were put in tow by the latter. Then were immediately taken forward by the steamer "Mississippi" along with the brigs viz the "Abbott" and the "Creaole," and proceeded up the river.
Friday, March 14, 1851. We had a most delightful day, and the ride up the river is first rate. Toward evening a fog came on and we cast anchor just off New Orleans about 11:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 15, 1851. We weighed anchor this morning about 7:30 A.M. and was towed into the port of New Orleans which we reached about 9 o'clock a.m. soon after which I first set my foot on [p.15] American soil, and I felt truly to rejoice at the privilege, knowing that this is the land of promise to the seed of Joseph. I made a few markets, [UNCLEAR] such as bread, lettuce and radishes which we much enjoyed, having been barred from anything green for so long a time. We can't but anything less than a picayune's worth of an article at New Orleans which in English money is 2, or 5 cents American.
Sunday, March 16, 1851. I rose soon after four o'clock this morning and went onshore and was surprised to find the people all alive and stirring attending the market which commences at 4 o'clock a.m. every day, and lasts till 12 noon, Sunday being the principle market day. The various markets for meat, vegetables and flowers were crowded by well-dressed and even fashionable people who were purchasing with avidity all kinds of articles which can be mentioned. The drapery, clothes and shoe shops were also open, and in fact there was nothing to distinguish it from a working day. Toward noon I went out to the slave market, and I saw Negroes of both sexes exposed for sale, and parties claiming them and bargaining for them as if they were so many cattle. I walked out in the evening with my wife and baby and Sister Burch(?) and saw the large hotel lately burned down it had occupied a very large space of ground. We found the theater and circuses open. We called at an oyster saloon and got some oysters soup and wine. I could not realize all day that it was the Sabbath.
Wednesday, March 17, 1851. The custom house officers came on board and commenced examining our luggage. In that afternoon I went out to purchase a few provisions, and sought out the post-office to send a newspaper off to Leeds. On my way back to the ship I called to see the packet "Alex Scott" which Brother Cummings had chartered to take the Saints to St. Louis. It is a very fine, large steamer.
Tuesday, March 18, 1851. This morning I took my family down to the steamer and went back to the ship to attend to our luggage, for which a small steamer was sent to remove it to the "Aleck Scott." It was a very tiresome job having to handle all the luggage twice over, and many of the boxes got broken, but upon the whole I think we managed pretty well. I went out the last thing to buy a few provisions, and being thirsty and weary with the fatiguing business of the day, I took a little brandy which was offered me at Mr. Fisher's store, and it flew into my head and set my tongue a-going like the clapper of a bell. [p.16] I was as merry as a lark. To speak the truth right out I was regularly fuddled. I have recorded my fault and think now I have a right to record something in my praise. I remembered in going back to the steamer that I was bringing a dollar's worth of sugar away unpaid for, and I ran back to Mr. Fisher's as fast as my legs would carry me and made the matter right.
Wednesday, 19 March, 1851. On getting up this morning I found my head suffering from the effects of the brandy I had taken the night before. Let me state, however, that I did not drink immoderately of the brandy. I didn't think I took above 1/8 of a pint, but I was weak through fatigue and it therefore took effect upon me. My headache went off during the day, especially after I had got shaved and washed, but my limbs were sore at lifting and tugging at the luggage. My family is all pretty well, baby being much better. My dear wife appears to carry on first, last, and enjoy pretty good health. The Mississippi is truly a splendid river.
Thursday, March 20, 1851. The steamer stopped this morning to gather in wood and I had a short stroll on shore. Saw some Negroes of both sexes plowing. The land seems very light and quite free from stones. The plows never want sharpening. About noon we stopped at Natchez to exchange the mails and it gave us a chance to purchase a few provisions. Soon after we stopped again to take in wood, and I went on shore and cut some willow sticks for the children.
Friday, March 21, 1851. This morning about three o'clock we were called up for the purposes of informing us that if we wanted to purchase provisions, now was the time, as we were very near Vicksburg. I got up, but found the charges so extravagantly high that I contented myself with merely purchasing a dozen eggs for 20 cents. The natives appear to take all the advantage they can of parties traveling and being in need of provisions. This is very wrong.
Saturday, March 22, 1851 to Tuesday March 25, 1851. We have had a pleasant time of it during the above interval. We had, however, two deaths, viz, Brother Geeson's and Reverend Hazzeldine's [Hazeldine] infant daughters. They were both ill previous to leaving home. This day the 25th instant at half-past twelve noon we came in sight of St. Louis. I finished my letters to Nottingham and Leeds and took them out to the post office. We stayed on the pack that night, but slept [p.17] uncomfortably owing to the general bustle which was going on all night.
Wednesday, 26 March, 1851. This day we removed to a house in Tenth on Spring Street. Most of the luggage I have taken to Wall and Scott's Warehouse on the levee. I had a very hard day, in fact, I don't remember ever having been so fagged. I was thankful however to lay down again in a house on the land, although we only had the floor to spread the beds on. I know that we were likely to remain here some 12 or 14 days owing to the water in the river being so low.
Sunday, 30 March, 1851. For the last few days I have been busy buying in spades, etc, needful to take along with us to the Valley. I attended the meeting of the Saints here this afternoon. Elder Alexander Robbins resigned the presidency of the St. Louis conference in consequence of his being about to go to the Valley. Elder Myley has appointed to succeed him in the presidency. The meeting was addressed by Brother A. Robbins, Myley, Cummings, Gibson, and Moss.
Sunday, 13 April, 1851. Our stay at St. Louis was prolonged until this day, and the time was pretty well spent in purchasing provisions for the journey across the plains. I also bought a wagon for $56.00. St. Louis is a very large and flourishing city. It is astonishing how so large a city should spring up in the course of but 20 years. It is however to be severely chastised by the judgements of a righteous God on account of its exceeding wickedness and contempt of the Saints of the most High. During our stay, I and my wife went one evening went to Baxter's theater to see Miss Cushman perform the part of Meg Morridee in Guy Mannering. We were much pleased with her acting. This morning we started on "Sacramento" steamer for Council Bluffs on our route to the Valley. Thank our gracious heavenly parent we were all in good health and strength. I ought to have mentioned previously that my wife's sister, Hannah Topham, owing to some differences which arose on board the ship Ellen, left the company of my family. I consider she was much to blame after putting me to the expense of her passage, however I am content to let things work round and we may hereafter see good even in this circumstance.
May 2, 1851, Friday. This day after somewhat tedious trip we arrived at the landing for Kanesville the principal settlement of the [p.18] Saints in this quarter. The trip was rendered tedious on account of the low state of the water and the numerous snags and sandbars to meet with. We were stuck on one of the latter for about three days and night. There is most splendid scenery however along the river which somewhat made up for the loss of time. We stopped at various places on the way too numerous to mention, and indeed, having no help owing to my wife's sister leaving us I had very little time to spare so that I didn't note down the various stoppings. I may mention a few, viz, Jefferson City, saw the senate house for the state of Missouri. It is a noble looking building of stone and stands on an eminence commanding an extensive view of the river. We also stopped at the landing of Independence, Savannah, St. Joseph, Weston, Bethlehem, Liberty, etc.
The 23rd of April was my oldest daughter's birthday. My wife made an excellent plum pudding for dinner but alack! [POSSIBLY, at last] all the men were ordered off the boat in order to enable the vessel to get off a sandbar. I went off amongst the rest, and we were kept onshore all day so that I was deprived of the treat. That day two years back was also the date of our baptism into this church.
We had two deaths during the trip. One was a boy by the name of Henry Thorn who by some means fell overboard and was not found. The other was Brother [Thomas] Bladen's little girl after much suffering. I and family continued in good health, thank God. On arriving at the landing I proceeded toward [-] leaving my family on board, and went as far as the Welsh Tabernacle, when I agreed with a brother by the name of William Rowlands for lodgings. I went back to the steamer the same night.
Saturday, May 3, 1851. This day our luggage was landed, and a most uncomfortable dusty day it was, and I really had some very hard tugging for the whole of the day. The expense for my family with luggage and the wagon I bought at St. Louis was 45 dollars.
Sunday, June 22, 1851. After getting settled at my own lodgings, I began to look out for oxen to form my team. I bought a yoke (Buck and Barry) for 72 dollars, another yoke for 50 dollars, another for $55, and a yoke of cows for $24 and another yoke of cows for $29. I also purchased another light wagon, and agreed with a sister from Birmingham of the name of Fannon to take her to the Valley, and 2 cwt of luggage, for $50. After being about a fortnight at lodgings we moved with the wagon, and camped first in Rowlands' yard, then in Stayes Hollow, then in Kanesville, then at or near little Pigeon, then at Ferrysville opposite Winter Quarters, and finally this day we were safely ferried over the River Missouri with my wagons and oxen, and went as far as Mill Creek, just below Winter Quarters. [p.19][NOT AT BOTTOM OF PAGE: With the entry, Tuesday, June 24, 1851, the Journal of Jonathan Grimshaw ceases.]
BIB: Grimshaw, Jonathan, 1818-1889. Journal, 1850 Dec-1851 (Typescript) [LDS Church Archives, Ms 7289, pp. 4-19] (CHL)
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