On board the Amazon Wednesday 3rd June. Engaged in fixing up our luggage and tinware. Wrote to my Sister Mrs. Laidlaw. [p. 77] Received a letter from her husband with receipt. He informed us that Nicholas had been confined to bed since the day after we left. And the doctor was afraid it was smallpox. My luggage came all right to the vessel.
Thursday 4th June. Borrowed 3/6 from Brother. A. Thurgood to purchase a hymn book, new edition. President [George Q.] Cannon organized the ship's company, and appointed William Bramall, President, E. [Edward]. L. Sloan and Richard Palmer, his first and second counselors, and William McLachlan clerk. President Cannon then addressed the Saints on board and gave us some valuable instructions, if carried out in out lives, will not fail to develop in us that patience and forbearance that is so much needed on our journey home to the Valley.[p.78] At 1:30 p.m. the ship was drawn out of dock by two steamers which accompanied us a few miles and when they were about to leave us President Cannon with several of the American brethren bid us good bye and wished us a safe and speedy passage across the ocean. Informed there were 900 souls of the Saints on board besides a few cabin passengers and the crew.
Friday 5th June. A good many began to feel rather giddy and sick. A head wind and not making much progress. Ship organized by President Bramall into 15 wards and elders selected to preside over them with instructions to rise in the morning at 5:30, clean [p. 79] about our berths and attend to prayers at 7 a.m. and at 8 p.m., and retire to rest at 9.
Saturday 6th June. Still a head wind. The sailors kept very busy. Not more then 200 miles from London, Caroline & myself sick and a great many others boiled rice served out to the sick.
Sunday 7th June. Early this morning Sister Caroline Harris gave birth to a daughter at 4:30 a.m. At 9 a.m. cast anchor by the Isle of Wight. During the day a few of us were busy serving out provisions to all the Saints. Bread, butter, eggs, and cheese brought on board for sale from Portsmouth. [p.80]
Monday 8th June 1863. Still at anchor a head wind, water served out at 6 a.m. every morning. Meeting held in second cabin.
Tuesday 9th June. Towards the afternoon the wind turned and at 7 p.m. anchor was drawn up and the sails unfurled and we began to move steadily along the waters. Sickness abated, held a testimony meeting in our ward, Brother Sutherland, president.
Wednesday 10th June. A fair wind. A good spirit prevailing throughout the ship. About 6 p.m. the wind got quite high and rain pretty heavy. The ship tossed about a good deal. Many getting sick. [p.81]
Thursday 11th June 1863. A fair wind, rather stormy & bold at 8:30 p.m. The 9th , 10th , 14th , Wards met in the 15th Ward when President Bramall, Sloan & Palmer addressed the Saints giving us such instruction, as our circumstances required.
Friday 12th June. Very wet, cleared up about 12 a.m., wind high. Sea very rough. Caroline and myself feeling pretty well.
Saturday 13th June. A fair wind, sea very calm. A great many porpoises to be seen round about the vessel. A meeting held in the second cabin of the 11th , 12th , 13th Wards presided over by Elder Bramall. [p.82] In our prayer meeting of the 9th Ward, the brethren holding the priesthood administered to Brother Sutherland, Sisters [Harriet] Linney, Crowton, and Wilson.
Sunday 14th June 1863. The Saints feeling better, sickness a little abated. A fair wind and moving rather swiftly along. Meeting held on upper deck at 3 p.m. opened by singing and prayer by Elder Bramall. The sacrament was then administered. When Elder E. [Edward] L. Sloan addressed the Saints impressing upon our minds the object we had as a people in view in gathering home to our mountain retreat. President Bramall then addressed us and gave us much good instruction. After [p.83] singing, meeting was dismissed by Elder Sloan. The day being fine that most of the Saints attended meeting and the afternoon was profitably spent in the worship of our God.
Monday 15th June. Wind blowing in the right direction to waft us along. During four hours of the afternoon we traveled 38 miles. Meeting held in second cabin at 7:30 p.m. by the ward presidents. Meeting opened with singing and prayer by Elder Wilson. E. [Edward] L. Sloan then make a few remarks about the cooking and requested the brethren to make a few remarks about the same, that they might be the better able to conduct their cooking [p.84] arrangements, so that all may have an equal privilege extended to them in their turn. So that the welfare of all on board be considered. Agreed upon that water be served out every morning at 5:30 and that No. 1-6 & 11 Wards should in their turn be served with water and have the privilege of cooking their breakfast and tea first. Beginning with No. 1 the first morning and No. 6 the next and No. 11 the day following . And that the first 8 wards cook their dinners one day and the remaining 7 wards the day following making in all 15 wards.
Tuesday 16th June. A head wind making very little progress. About midday the wind became more favorable. At 10:30 a.m. [p.85] Heber Franklin Tavery [Tavey], son of Peter and Francis Tavery [Tavey], died of inertia, age 5 months and 6 days. And at 3:55 p.m. his mortal remains was consigned to a watery grave. Ceremony attended to by Elder E. [Edward] L. Sloan. Little William G. McLachlan not very well.
Wednesday 17th June. A head wind all day. Several vessels to be seen in the distance ahead of us. Potatoes brought upon deck to have the diseased ones picked out. Assisted to sow up the bags after which they were again put in the hold of the ship. Meeting held in 15th Ward by President Bramall and counselors. The 9th , 10th , 14th , Wards were called upon to attend when Brothers Bramall, [p.86] Sloan, and Palmer severally addressed us. William G. still unwell.
Thursday 18th June. A contrary wind. Considerable confusion about the cooking galley. Meeting held in second cabin at 7:30 p.m. of ward Presidents when Brothers Bramall and Sloan sought to impress upon their minds the necessity of preserving order and thereby prevent anyone from indulging in feelings of animosity towards each other. And thereby disgrace themselves in the sight of heaven and give their fellow men cause to believe that they are not what they profess to be while cooking their provisions. [p.87]
Friday 19th June 1863. Very close and warm. Wind blowing from the south during the forenoon. About 12 a.m. we past a vessel going to all appearance in the same direction. The Saints as a whole are gradually getting over their seasickness. A few of our company talk of going no further than New York as they fancy the truth is rather different on sea than land. Served out part of the weeks rations to all the Saints. An English vessel past us about midday bound for England. Cooking done quicker and more orderly and with less grumbling. [p.88]
Saturday 20th June. A head wind sailing about 12 miles an hour. Caroline [McLaclan] and little William G. [McLaclan] not very well.
Sunday 21st June. A head wind, very heavy sea waves rising mountains high. The weather fine. Meetings held through the ship. In lower deck by President Bramall; on upper deck by Elder Sloan; in second cabin by Elder Palmer; and Bachelors Hall by Elder [-].
Monday 22nd June. Very strong breeze, heavy sea waves lashing over the forecastle of the ship. In the evening she was struck by the waves. [p.89]
Tuesday 23rd June 1863. Wind high and cold. No prospect of us making a speedy voyage. Meeting held in the 15th Ward of 9th, 10th, and 14th Wards at 8 p.m. Meeting being opened by singing and prayer. Elders [Thomas] Crawley, Sloan, Palmer, and Bramall severally addressed us. On watch from 9 p.m. till 1 a.m.
Wednesday 24th June. Head wind, sea calm towards the afternoon. Making about 10 knots an hour, not more than 1600 miles from London.
Thursday 25th June. Head wind, calm sea, weather fine during the day. [p.90]
Friday 26th June. Rather damp, sea quite still. Provisions served out to all of the Saints. Our health pretty good, but little William makes a good deal of work for his mother.
Saturday 27th June. Sea very calm, weather warm, vessel almost at a standstill. Meeting held in 15th Ward of the 9-10 & 14th Wards at 8:30 p.m. Meeting opened by singing and prayer by Elder Edwards, after which Elders Palmer, Sloan, and Bramall expressed their feelings and gave us much good instruction, touching upon the feelings of nationality that had been expressed by some of the Saints on board [p.91] to the injury of the feelings of others, because they were not born in the same place and country. The Spirit of God rested upon those who spoke to us, and the counsels given were apparently received in the same spirit by which they were given. 19 years today since Joseph & Hyrum were shot.
Sunday 28th June. A more favorable breeze, traveling about 8 miles an hour. Testimony meetings were held in all the wards. At 11 a.m. sacrament administered and at 2:30 p.m. the 9-10 and 14th & 15th Wards met together in the 14th Ward. When after singing and prayer Elders Bramall and Palmer addressed us for a short time. A few of the brethren bore their [p.92] testimony to the establishment of the Kingdom of God on the earth in these last days. Meeting held in lower deck, presided over by E. [Edward] L. Sloan. At same time in the evening, it became very stormy and rough on sea, the vessel rocking a good deal. Caroline, myself, and children pretty well.
Monday 29th June. The wind in our favor, sailing along at a good pace. The weather fine and the Saints feeling well with few exceptions. Some difficulty in getting a few of the sisters to go below and attend to prayers at the time stated, 8:00 p.m. [p.93] Some of them getting rather friendly with the sailors. The sick has every attention paid them by those who preside. Bitter ale, sego, arrow-root, preserved milk, beef tea, and so forth administered to those who stand in need. The Saints on board in general conduct themselves pretty well and manifest a disposition to carry out the instructions given them.
Tuesday 30th June. Very warm and little breeze. Not making much progress for want of more wind. Sailing about 2 miles an hour. Dancing and singing on deck with the brass band to enliven their [p.94] amusements and evening recreations. A good many of the brethren attempted to climb up the masts to see a little more then those on deck, for which they were reprimanded sharply by Brother Bramall in the evening.
Wednesday 1st July. Warmer than yesterday traveling about the same rate. Captain Novey had a large sheet put up near the cabin door to shade the passengers from the painful rays of the sun.
Thursday 2nd July. A little more breeze. Swarms of porpoises to be seen jumping about [p.95] a little way from the vessel. Saints feeling well in the work with few exceptions. Caroline and myself enjoy good health. Children rather troublesome, William G. especially.
Friday 3rd July. Calm sea not sailing more then 3 miles an hour. One quart of water deducted from our daily allowance until the winds should become more favorable. Provisions served out to the Saints. Meeting held in 15th Ward of the 9-10 and 14th Wards at 8:30 p.m. Much good instruction was imported to us by Elders [William] Bramall & [Edward] Sloan relative to our duties on board the Amazon while traveling [p.96] through the states and across the plains that we may thereby be prepared for every emergency.
Saturday 4th July. Calm sea, towards the evening a little more wind arose. Flags were hoisted to the top of ship's masts in commemoration of the 4th of July which date the Americans declared their independence as a nation. Meeting held in second cabin at 7:30 p.m. of ward president and galley cooks. When Elders Bramall and Sloan threw out a few hints to correct little evils that if not checked would grow. [p.97]
Sunday 5th July 1863. Weather warm. Meeting held in each ward at 11 a.m. when the sacrament was administered after which the brethren and sisters had the privilege of bearing their testimony. Meeting held on upper deck under the open canopy of heaven. At 3 p.m. after singing and prayer by T. [Thomas] Crawley. E. [Edward] L. Sloan preached to us an interesting discourse on the first principles of the gospel. Meeting held in 14th Ward at 8:30 p.m, when Elders Bramall and Palmer related to us a little of their experience in order that we might be benefitted by the same while journeying home to the mountains. [p.98]
Monday 6th July. Calm sea. Towards the evening it was quite cold and foggy. Signal bell rung at intervals through the night. Caroline and myself feeling well, William G. troubled with a relaxation in his bowels and little George A. [McLachlan] quite happy and cheerful.
Tuesday 7th July. During the whole of the day the signal bell was rung at intervals owing to a dense fog that arose the day previous and continued up till this evening. And to evade unseen dangers this was the medium resorted to. [p.99]
Wednesday 8th July. Very cold, fair wind during the forenoon. Saints feeling well and anticipate seeing New York in a few days. Captain Novey notified the presidents of wards to ascertain the number of packages of baggage that each family or individual in his ward would have, that he might get a pass from the custom house for the whole amount. William. G. very unwell. Got a powder from the doctor for him.
Thursday 9th July. Cold and wet. At 2:30 p.m. a concert was held in lower deck. 7th Ward got up and presided over by Brother Evans, [p.100] several songs were sung and recitations given by the brethren and sisters on board. In the evening the Saints were running all over the ship to catch fresh water. William G. administered to by Elder Sutherland.
Friday 10th July. Fair wind most of the day. At 5 p.m. a meeting of ward president was held in second cabin presided over by Elder Bramall & counselors. After meeting was opened he requested the ward president to take up a collection in their various wards for the books and band. All that felt like doing so signified the same by raising their right hand. And they were united with Brother Bramall in relation to the collections he called upon them to make. [p.101] Meeting held in 14th Ward of the 9-10 and 15th Wards at 8:30 p.m. When Elders Palmer, Sloan, and Bramall severally addressed us and gave us many good instructions for our immediate observance. Full allowance of fresh water served out again to the Saints.
Saturday 11th July. A fair wind and pretty strong breeze. Sailing about 12 miles an hour. Caroline, myself well, William G. a little better and more cheerful.
Sunday 12th July. Fair wind. Passed a vessel about 2 p.m. loaded with emigrants from Prussia to New York. Meeting held as usual at 11 a.m. in each ward. Sacrament administered and on upper deck at 3:30 p.m. [p.102] Meeting opened by singing and prayer by Elder Crawley, after which President Bramall addressed us taking for the foundation of his discourse the mission of Jesus. Elder Sloan followed and said that the gathering together of the people from all nations with their different languages, habits, traditions, and customs, and uniting themselves in carrying out the instructions of God's servants and keeping his commandments, was a far greater miracle to him then the cutting of a man's head off and sticking it on again.
Monday 13th July. From 5 a.m. we had a fair wind but little of it. Towards the evening it gradually arose. Meeting held in 14th Ward of the 9-10 and 15th Wards at 8:30 p.m. Opened by singing and [p.103] prayer by Elder John Berrett. After which Elders Palmer, Sloan, and Bramall followed each other in imparting instructions to us suitable to our present circumstances and future welfare. Meeting dismissed by Elder Sutherland.
Tuesday 14th July. Fair wind. At 12 a.m. we were 370 miles from New York. In the afternoon we had a little rain and a thick fog ensued. Caroline, little George, and myself well, William G. not much better.
Wednesday 15th July. Very thick fog, head wind and making little progress. Wet most of the day and very unpleasant on deck. [p.104]
Thursday 16th July 1863. Still a thick fog and head wind. 180 miles from Sandy Hook. At 2:30 p.m. little William G. was taken very ill and fainted. The doctor was sent for and he administered to him a little wine which revived his spirits. Got some preserved meat for him from Brother Sloan.
Friday 17th July. Foggy up till 7 a.m. when it began to clear away gradually and in a short time we could see quite a [-] of vessels around us. In the afternoon we served out meat, flour, & sugar to assist the Saints; especially the poor on their journey through the states to Florence. At 7 p.m. the pilot came on board and was hailed with joy. About 8 p.m. we had quite [p.105] a heavy shower of rain, and a calm sea ensued. Very close and warm on the second and third decks.
Saturday 18th July. Very warm. About 10 a.m. anchor was cast and in a few minutes a steam tug came along side of the vessel to drag her into port. Anchor was drawn up and we moved along steadily to our destined haven at least within one mile of Castle Garden, where anchor was again cast at 2:30 p.m. We had considerable difficulty in keeping some men that called themselves boarding house keepers from coming on deck. Custom house officers came on board this afternoon. Sister Jones gave birth to a child about 6 p.m., lived only a few minutes. [p.106]
Sunday 19th July 1863. About 12 a.m. the "Cynosure" anchored near to us. She sailed from Liverpool on Saturday 29th May with 700 souls of the Saints on board. As soon as the anchor was dropped we gave them a hearty "hurrah" which was responded to by them without delay. They had 12 deaths on board. Brother William C. Staines paid us a visit this morning and gave us some few instructions relative to our journey from New York to Florence.
Monday 20th July. Busy packing up to go ashore. Weather very warm. At 6 p.m. we commenced to pass our luggage from the Amazon on to a barge that came along side of her. And at 7:30 p.m. all the passengers with their [p.107] baggage were on the barge. 25 reliable men were chosen to watch and guard the luggage from this time until we should arrive in Florence. Got to Castle Garden at 8 p.m., and after having a little to eat, we made up our bed on the floor. Although it was hard we had a good night's rest which was appreciated. The Tuesday previous to our landing New York was visited with riots and a great many lives were lost. Little William G. not any better but weaker.
Tuesday 21st July. Wake up about 4 a.m. had a little to eat and at 5:50 a.m. we were all stowed on the barge again. No disgusting expressions were made use of as we left the Gardens by those who are opposed to the truth. The crushing and crowding [p.108] we experience in getting water, passing on to the barge, and so forth, caused some to use expressions altogether distant from our profession and leads others to say, even of our brothers and sisters, we are more like brute beasts then anything else. After sailing up the river a little distance we got ashore unloaded the barge of our luggage and stowed it into the railway cars. At 9:45 a.m. we started for Albany. Beautiful scenery traveling up the Hudson River. Had to stay at Poughkeepsie from 4 p.m. till early the next morning because of 2 bridges ahead of us had been swept away by water. During our stay at this place the people round treated us kindly. Women were afraid that their husbands would be drafted for the war every day. [p.109] Died at Poughkeepsie in railway car: Elizabeth Davis, daughter of Thomas & Mary Davis, late of Wales, England at 12:50 a.m. Little William G. not quite so well, the rest of us feeling tolerable.
Wednesday 22nd July. Started this morning from Poughkeepsie about 4 a.m. About 9 a.m. we were again stopped, soldiers before and behind us. It was said that they were plundering. Reached Albany about 1 p.m. After leaving the cars we walked a little way, and crossed the river in a steamboat. Stayed here at Albany till 6 p.m., and again took train to Suspension Bridge. Brother and Sister Davis's child was buried here. William G. no better.
Thursday 23rd July. Traveled by rail all [p.110] the previous night. During the afternoon we arrived at Suspension Bridge below the falls of Niagara. Changed cars here and at 5:30 p.m. we started for Detroit. Shortly after we left, it was discovered that one of the cars loaded with our luggage was on fire. The train was stopped and in a short time the fire extinguished. A good deal of damage was done for which the railway company paid $200. William G. not improving.
Friday 24th July. After traveling all the previous night, we arrived in British Possessions at 10:15 a.m. Here the burnt and partly burnt luggage was laid one side for the owners to identify. After unloading the luggage and putting it on [p.111] a ferry boat, we sailed across the river to Detroit. Reached there about 1 p.m. Stayed a little while and before I could get a little bread for us to eat, as it was hard to get and get to the cars again, the train was moving off. I in [-] with 28 others of the brethren & sisters besides 2 children were left behind. The conductor was rather angry with us for getting behind our time when the whole company was ignorant as to when the train would start. However at 7:50 p.m. we left with the express and overtook our train at 2 a.m. the next morning.
Saturday 25th July 1863. Arrived in Chicago about 2 p.m. Changed cars here and in one hour later we were again on our way to Quincy, 260 miles from Chicago. Little William very ill. [p.112]
Sunday 26th July 1863. We reached Quincy this afternoon at 3 p.m. Here we unloaded our luggage and crossed the Mississippi River in a ferry boat to Hannibal. Took train from Hannibal to St. Joseph's at 8 p.m. The most of the Saints were packed in cattle trucks on this line with the exception of a few of us that were fortunate enough to get into an old carriage almost used up. William Gilbert gradually sinking.
Monday 27th July. Traveled all the previous night and arrived in St. Joseph's this evening at 12 o'clock. Got out of the car walked about half a mile to the Missouri River and got on board the steamboat "Denver" between 12 & 1 o'clock on Tuesday morning. William G. not able to stand alone. [p.113]
Tuesday 28th July. This morning at 6 a.m. we started for Florence. About 600 of the Saints on board the remaining intended to follow in a day or so, on the steamboat, "Emilla." William G. very weak. Had him administered to by Brothers Carter and Sutherland, and a second time by Elder William Bramall. We tried all that lay in our power to preserve his life but it seemed to be of no avail. Sister [Martha] Hawkes kindly lent her assistance in nursing little William, so that Caroline might have a little rest. About 11 p.m. he fell asleep and seemed quite free from pain.
Wednesday 29th July. This morning at 1:40 Sister Hawkes called us, as we had laid down for a little while, to arise and witness the last expiring moments [p.114] of our eldest son, William Gilbert. At 1:50 his body began to get cold, but from the time he fell asleep the night previous till he died, he never gave one struggle. The same day the carpenter of the steamboat made us a rough coffin as we had no means to have a decent coffin made for him. Sister [Sarah] Boden washed his body and dressed him, and shortly after laid him in the coffin. Brother Watson gave us 10 cents and Sister E. [Edward] L. Sloan 25 cents. With this assistance we procured some bread to eat at Nebraska City, about 1 mile from the Missouri River. At this landing the steamboat stayed all night, because of the river being low and many stumps sticking out of the water.
Thursday 30th July. This morning we left Nebraska Landing, and at 8 p.m. we stopped at Omaha, landing 2 miles from the city [p.115] and 15 miles from Florence. Landed some freight at Council Bluffs some time in the afternoon.
Friday 31st July. Left Omaha this morning at 3:50, reached Florence Landing at 8:30 a.m. Got ashore and made inquiry as to where I would bury our little boy. Presently B. Guiver Junior made his appearance and he assisted me to dig a grave. The spot was pointed out to me by Brother Bluff [POSSIBLY, Cluff]. We dug the grave about 4 feet deep. The burial ground is near the center of the hill opposite Florence Landing and in a slanting direction from 2 houses on the top of the hill. Seen from the bottom and about 5 yards from an abrupt descent and a few, say 20 yards, from the road right-hand side coming from [p. 116] the Missouri River to Florence. Brother William Fowler, after the body was laid in the grave, offered up prayer and in a short time we were on our way to Florence. Stayed here a little while and accompanied B. Guiver to John W. Woolley's camp 6 miles from Florence.
In John W. Woolley's camp.
Saturday 1st August 1863 . . . [p. 117]
. . . Sunday 9th August. This morning we left camp and commenced our march across the plains. . . . [p. 120]
. . . Sunday 4th October. Arrived in Great Salt Lake City at 11:30 a.m. . . . [p.139]
BIB: McLachlan, William. Reminiscences and journals, vol. 1, pp. 77-117, 120,139. (Ms 1514) (CHL)
(source abbreviations)