A daily journal and brief history of the voyage to New Orleans, up the river's & overland route to Salt Lake, of the company of Saints who left the [Victoria] Dock, Liverpool on Sunday Feb. 13 & the river [Mersey] on Tuesday Feb. 15, 1853 under the presidency of Elder J. W. Young on board the ship Elvira Owen, Captain Owen, Commander[WRITTEN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE IS THE FOLLOWING NOTE:

The contents of this book was transferred and added to "Journal History" of Oct. 10, 1853, British Mission under date Feb. 15, 1853, Keokuk and Burlington Iowa. Andrew Jenson. May 1933. [p. 1]

Saturday Feb. 12th 1853. Cold frosty day passengers luggage taken on board nothing of importance transpired during the day. About 9 o'clock in the evening Sister Elizabeth Cole from the Ridgeway Cross Branch of the Worster Conference was safely delivered of a daughter. Mother and child both hearty.

Sunday 13th. Left the dock about 2 o'clock went into the river. The afternoon was spent in organizing companies. President J.W. Young called a council meeting, President Jonathan Midgely [Midgley], J. [Joseph] R. Winder when the following resolutions were matured and afterwards [p. 2] laid before the whole company assembled on deck.

First John R. Winder read J.W. Young's letter of appointment from S. W. Richards, as president of the company, when it was proposed and carried unanimously that Elder J. W. Young be upheld and sustained as president of the company and that all will give diligent heed to his counsels.

2nd that as Elder Young has chosen Elder Jonathan Midgely [Midgley] and Elder James Pickton [Picton] as his counselors we uphold and sustain them as such by our faith and prayers. [p. 3]

3- that Elder John R. [Rex] Winder act as secretary to the company, unanimous.

4 that Brother H. [Henry] Pugh act as chorister to the company, unanimous.

5 that the brethren on board be organized into 8 companies 12 in each company & that the following 8 elders preside over the 8 companies [viz]

No.1 Richard Crankshaw

No.2 David James

No.3 Abraham Greenhalgh

No.4 Charles Kemp

No. 5 John Ellis

No.6 Charles Longson

No.7 James Billeston [Belliston]

No.8 Charles Prince [p. 4]

These companies are appointed to preserve good order & cleanliness and see to the comforts of all on board. It was proposed & carried unanimously that all these brethren be sustained according to their appointments.

President Young addressed the Saints for a short time upon their duties when the meeting broke up about past 3 o'clock.

In the evening about 6 o'clock Elder John Hayes, aged 27, of the Bedford Conference & Rachael Wagstaff aged 28 of Caldecot Bedfordshire were united in the bonds of matrimony by President J. W. Young in the presence [p .5] of

Jonathan MidgelyGeorge Williams
Susan Williams
John R. Winder

The weather cold & frosty during the day.

Monday 14th- morning cold, snow falling fast. Doctor & government officers came on board to clear the ship about 6 am. In the cabin, Charles Clarke aged 25, Susan Camomile [Cammomile] aged 20, both of the Lincolnshire Conference were united in matrimony by President J.[John]W. Young in the presence of J. [Jonathon] Midgely [Midgley], J. [James] Pickton [Picton], Brother [William] Lee, Sister Lee, J. R. Minder. [p. 6]

Tuesday Feb. 15th Fine morning captain came on board about 11 o'clock weighed anchor about 12 p.m. tug took us to sea & took down obliged to cast anchor until 2 a.m. when another tug came & took us along. Pilot left us at 4 a.m. Fair breeze & full sail. The Saints sung the songs of Zion & rejoiced until the evening when some were seasick. 7 p.m. off Point [-] us past 10 off Holyhead 2 p.m. off [-] Island light south 10 miles. [p. 7]

Wednesday Feb 16th at 8 am [-] 4 miles north-5 miles off 11 am at Lookpoint off Waterford 4 miles north 20 miles off. Goodbye Old England at 12 o'clock 220 miles from Liverpool some seasickness but all pretty comfortable. Fair wind & pleasant weather. Passed Cape Clear 8 p.m.

Thursday 17th Delightful morning. Fair wind sailing 9 knots. Saints pretty comfortable. Great blessing to the Saints that President J.W. Young & his 2 counselors are not sick therefore enabled to administer to the sick & bless them according to [p. 8] their office and calling. At 12 o'clock 49º North latitude and 11º West longitude - Run the last 24 hours, 220 miles. At 2 am an unfortunate sailor fell from the jib, the boats were lowered & every exertion made to save him, but without effect- in latitude 4
8º longitude 120º, his name was Nathan Clarke of England. At past 4 am, called the Saints on deck, held short meeting prayer & singing most of the Saints in good spirit. The sick recovering. [p. 9]

Friday Feb. 18th Fine morning, still some sick on board. At 12 o' clock a.m. Sister Weaver of the Worcester Conference was delivered of a dead child which was lowered overboard at 12 o' clock in 46º14' latitude 14º longitude. Run in 24 hours, 213 miles - President Young & his counselors visited and blessed the sick. Meeting on deck at past 4 p.m.

Saturday 19th Calm through the night. Fine warm morning, Saints much better -Quite happy have been greatly blessed until now. At 12 o' clock 43º50' North latitude and 10º West longitude. Run 24 hours. [p. 10] 165 miles. Prayer on deck at 4 p.m. good time.

Sunday Feb. 20th Strong breeze through the night change of wind caused some sickness through the night. About 6 am Sister [Mary] Higginson of the Liverpool Conference gave birth to a fine daughter. Mother & child both hearty. As the morning was not very favorable Captain Owen kindly permitted the Saints to meet in the cabin at past 10 am - President J. [Joseph] W. Young addressed the Saints upon some important principles at 12 o' clock in 41º11' North latitude and 18º10' West longitude. [p. 11]

Run in 24 hours 190 miles. Met again in the cabin at past 2 p.m. when the sacrament was administered, had a good time Testimony &c., &c. Thanks to Captain Owen for his kindness. Strong breeze this evening.

Monday Feb. 21st Strong wind during the night, main hatch down. Pots, pans, buckets, boxes &c. &c. in confusion on the floor, caused some sickness. Wind high, making rapid progress at 12 o' clock in 38º North latitude and 21º West longitude in 24 hours 260 miles, breakers washing the deck in the evening. [p. 12]

Tuesday Feb. 22nd Fine wind through the night, some Saints still sick . Peace prevails & the prayers & thanksgiving of the Saints ascend to our Father for his goodness in thus prospering us on our way. At 12 o'clock in 35º40' North latitude and 24º14' West longitude. Run in 24 hours 240 miles. Run during the past week 1508 miles, speed quite unusual, the captain quite astonished. Meetings in the afternoon fore & aft in the steerage. President Young and Elder Midgely [Midgley] presided, good spirit prevailed, wind more calm this evening. [p. 13]

Wednesday Feb. 23rd Beautiful morning. Fine wind during the night, 8 knots. Saints all on deck at 9 am to get fresh air. The ship cleaned out below. The sick were much benefitted by the fresh air. At 12 o'clock in 32º 55' North latitude and 24º 20' West longitude. Run in 24 hours 220 miles. Meetings on deck at 4 Elder Midgely [Midgley] addressed the Saints on first principles. Afterwards President Young gave some important council to the Saints which appeared to be well received. [p. 14]

Thursday Feb. 24th High wind during the night changed to south still favorable, high sea made many sick during the mornings at 12 o'clock in latitude 30º23' longitude 30º26'. Run in 24 hours, 210 miles, passed 2 ships this morning both on the same way. Heavy rain this afternoon. Meeting below fore and aft. The president and his counselors gave some counsel and advice to our young sisters not to make too free with the sailors. The Saints bore testimony and rejoice much. Head wind this evening. [p. 15]

Friday Feb. 25th Rain during the night. Calm this morning. The ship rocking like a cradle made many of the Saints sick again. The weather warm and pleasant. Three ships in sight in the same situation as ourselves at 12 o' clock in 30º5' North latitude 31º4' West longitude. Rain [-]. Met on deck at past 4 p.m. for prayers. Wind freshened up in the evening.

Saturday 26th Beautiful morning, the sick improving, fine breeze. At 8 o' clock Brother James Whitworth little child, Cyrus Lorenz, died in a fit, and was lowered over board. [p. 16] Fine weather during the day. Meeting in the afternoon the Saints rejoicing and praising God for his goodness and mercies. At twelve o'clock in 29º26' North latitude 39º42' West longitude. Run in 24 hours, 64 miles.

Sunday Feb. 24th Passed a French ship bound for Guadalupe the captain spoke to her. Met on deck at 9 a.m. for prayer. Meeting again at past 10. Elder Winder made a few remarks , after which President Young made some very pointed remarks called forth by circumstances which surrounded us . Good council is given, it is to be hoped it will have the desired effect. Met again at past 2 p.m. Elder Midgley [Midgley] spoke at some [p.17] length and gave some good council the sacrament was then administered after which Brother Cole child was blessed by J.W. Young and named Elvira Ann. Altogether a very pleasant day. At 12 o'clock in 24º30' North latitude and 34º West longitude. The run in 24 hours, 159 miles.

Monday 28th Feb. Beautiful morning a gentle breeze during the night spoke to a vessel bound from California to London. Promised to report us in England the Great Britain of Boston. Saints well and rejoicing in their journey at 12 o'clock in 25º52' north latitude, 36º20' west longitude. Run in 24 hours, 152 miles. [p. 18]

Tuesday, March 1st 1853 Fine morning, thermometer in the shade 79º. Heat rather oppressive after the frost and snow in England only a fortnight ago. Winds continue favorable. At 12 o'clock in 26º25' North latitude 38º20' West longitude. Run in 24 hours, 136 miles. Prayer meeting in the morning after sone council to the Saints about things hanging below which was promptly attended to . Meeting at 4 a.m. many of the Saints bore a faithful testimony to the work. Some spoke in tongues, interpretation etc . A good spirit prevailed throughout. Brother Winder very poorly. [p. 19]

Wednesday, March 2nd 1853 Fine breeze during the night commenced to rain about 9 a.m. and continued through the day, the wind fell to quite a calm in the afternoon. Meetings fore and aft below at 5 p.m. Good time, at 12 o'clock 22º10' north latitude and 40º40' West longitude. Run in 24 hours, 169 miles. Saints generally in good health.

Thursday, 3rd Fine morning, fair wind all night. Sorry to discover this morning that we have the smallpox on board. Four sick with it, Brother Winder, Brother Higginson, Brother Jones and Sister Lloyd. [see note accompanying this page. J. W. Young]. [p. 20] It was brought on board by a child of Brother [omitted] from the Bradford Conference. When it was discovered steps were immediately taken by President Young and the captain to provide a suitable place for the 4 persons. A meeting was called in the afternoon at 4 o'clock when the Saints were called upon to sustain President Young and his counselors as they had previously covenanted to do. A vote was taken which was unanimous, some good council was given the Saint. Exhorted to prayer and humility. At 12 o'clock in 21º30' North latitude 45º40' West longitude. Run in 24 hours, 192 miles. [p. 21]

Friday, March 4th Beautiful morning fine breeze during the night. Sailing 10 knots per hour. Those sick with the small pox in the hospital doing well, except Brother Jones who is much worse. Prayer meeting in the morning as usual at 12 o' clock in 20º55' North latitude 47º26' West longitude. Run in 24, hours 222 miles. Meeting at 4 p.m. the Saints covenanted to fast next Sabbath that the sick may speedily recover. Advice was given to the Saints to avoid the hospital much as possible. [p. 22]

Saturday, March 5th Fair wind during the night. Fair this morning, smooth sea, Saints all well except those in the hospital, 3 of which are doing well, Brother Jones very dangerous, prayer at 9 a.m., and 12 o'clock in 20º24' North latitude, 50º44' West longitude. Run in 24 hours, 189 miles. Prayer on deck at 4 p.m. Brother Jones growing worse.

Sunday 6th It is our painful duty to record this morning the death of Brother Jones who departed this life about 15 minutes to 1 a.m.. He died without a struggle, although insensible most of the time. He would frequently in a [p. 23] collected moment ask for the ordinance of the laying on of hands and to be prayed for. He died in good faith and with a joyful hope of a glorious resurrection. Name Charles Jones from Dever, Kent. He was buried down about 2 a.m. after all necessary preparation and prayer by President Young, in 20º15' North latitude and 52º West longitude. A mournful sight to consign a brother to the silent deep at the dead of the night. A conference was to have been held today, but through the above circumstance, we postponed it until Sunday week and spent the time in fasting and prayer. [p. 24]

At the morning meeting Elder Midgely [Midgley] preached a beautiful sermon on the death of Brother Jones. In the afternoon the sacrament was administered and many of the Saints bore testimony. Spent a good time. 12 o'clock 20º6' North latitude, 54º5' West longitude. Run on 24 hours, 188 miles.

Monday, March 7th A quiet breeze this morning, quite pleasant. Passed a French brig from Marseilles bound to Havana. Our sick are doing well, no new cases. Thermometer at 80º and 85º for the last 4 days. The Saints are well except the cases of small pox. 2 o'clock in 19º46' North latitude 57º12' West longitude 177 miles. [p. 25]

Tuesday March 8, 1853 Beautiful breeze all night. Fine morning, after prayer this morning Elder Young and Elder Midgely [Midgley] spoke to the Saints at some length relative to the liability of their falling unto evil light-mindedness, licentiousness. The sick doing well. At 2 o'clock in 19º39' North latitude and 60º40' West longitude. Run in 24 hours, 196 miles. Good testimony meeting in the evening.

Wednesday 9th Fair wind through the night. Passed an English brig 40 days out from London, the sick doing well and prosperity seems to attend us, the weather very warm. Thermometer [p. 26] 85º heat. Prayer meeting this morning at 12 o' clock in 19º35' north latitude 64º west longitude. Run in 24, hours 189 miles.

Thursday, March 10th Good run all night, showery this morning. Sick doing well. Prayer meeting this morning, the 1000 companies organized for the plains. At 12 o'clock in 19º34' North latitude, 64º10' West longitude. Run in 24 hours, 179 miles.

Friday, March 11th Fair morning, very hot. The thermometer at 85º heat, opposite St. Domingo Island at 12 o'clock 16 miles off Bahia Escosesa. The Saints rejoiced to see land again, the sick doing well. [NOTE AT THE TOP OF PAGE 28 IS WRITTEN: Sister Twist of Liverpool was safely delivered of a fine son about [-] o'clock this morning.) Unfortunately [p. 27] we have another new case. Brother Tucker from [--]. He is doing well. At 12 o'clock 19º50' North latitude and 70º West longitude. Run for 24, hours 108 miles.

Saturday, March 12th Fine breeze all night, smooth sea this morning. Moving gently along, [-]St. Domingo still in sight on our left. The captain says the Saints are the best company of people he ever saw. Sick doing well, weather very warm. At 12 o'clock, in 20º 10' North Latitude 42º 5' West Longitude Run in 24 hours, 130 miles. 2 meetings today on deck morning and evening. [p. 28]

Sunday, March 13th Fine breeze all night, still good this morning. Running along beside the island of Cuba quite a pleasing sight. Meeting on deck in the capacity of a conference this morning. Another young man by the name of Done is gone to the hospital with the small pox. 3 of the first have left the hospital this morning quite recovered. Brother Tucker is doing well, Elder Joseph W. Young was appointed to preside over the conference. Present 1 seventy, 40 elders, 24 Priests, 5 teachers, 4 deacons 142 members, 52 children , 14 not in the church. Total 314. All the authorities of the church [p. 29] were presented and sustained unanimously, much good counsel was given by various elders on various subjects. At 12 o'clock in 19º48' North latitude and 45º West longitude. Run in 24 hours, 147 miles, met on deck in the afternoon at 2 o'clock when the sacrament was administered and many bore testimony and all were rejoicing and praising God for his goodness in thus prospering us on our journey. Two children were blessed. One the daughter of Brother George Higginson named Elvira Jane, the other a son of [-] named Joseph Owen both born on board. [p. 30]

Monday, March 14th Very hot this morning quite a calm. Thermometer standing at 89º heat in the shade. Some of the Saints feel the heat much. The sick are doing well, no new cases. Meeting on deck as usual this morning at 12 o'clock in [-] North latitude west longitude. Run in 24 hours, 90 miles. Met on deck at 4 p.m. when Mr. Hammond, a Jew, one of the cabin passengers addressed the Saints, by permission. He spoke about the Saints being obedient and keeping the commandments etc., etc. But what little effect the word has without the power of the holy priesthood President Young replied to [p. 31] some of his remarks in a masterly and conclusive manner much to the satisfaction of the Saints on board. At 8 o'clock last evening we were abreast of St. de Jago this evening about 40 miles westward of it. Still very hot. Many of the Saints sleeping on deck.

Tuesday, March 15th Today for the first time we have a head wind but not very strong. Obliged to tack ship, close along the Island of Cuba. The heat very oppressive. Thermometer standing at 88º in the shade. The sick doing well no new cases. At 8 a.m. opposite Cape St. Clear at 12 o'clock in 19º42 North latitude [p. 32] and 46º45' West longitude. Run in distance about 15 miles, meetings on deck as usual morning and evenings.

Wednesday, 16th March Fine breeze during the night and is still up. This morning President Young and his counselors administered to an aged sister, Ann Spencer, of the Lincolnshire Conference aged 82 who had been sick some time, they prayed the Lord to take her to himself as she was become quite infirm. Soon after she died without a single groan. She was sewn up in canvas and brought on deck when a short prayer was [p. 33] offered up and at 12 o'clock she was lowered into the water in 19º 7' North latitude and 49º West longitude. God grant that she may come forth in the first resurrection. The sick are doing well and the Saints generally are in good spirits. Run in 24 hours, 131 miles.

Items omitted. At a meeting some days since it was unanimously resolved to present the attendants on the sick and the 2 cooks with something to purchase some clothing to recompense them for their valuable service during the voyage. 2 elders were appointed to collect donations [p. 34] from the Saints. At the same time it was also unanimously resolved to purchase a horse for President Young to ride across the plains. Elder Picton was appointed to receive voluntary subscriptions for the above purpose.

Thursday, March 17th Some squalls and rain during the night, fair and fine breeze this morning. The sick doing well, no new cases. Meeting on deck at 9 a.m. at 12 o'clock in 20º31' North latitude 81º5' West longitude. Run in 24 hours, 145 miles. Breeze continues favorable going on towards New Orleans. [p. 35] Meetings at 5 p.m. at 6 p.m. President Young married the following couple in the cabin viz. George Giles and Ellen Benin. The captain voluntary provided wine cake and etc. and was present during the ceremony.

Friday, March 18th Fine run through the night the sick doing well no new cases of small pox. Meeting in the morning as usual. At 12 o'clock in [-] had the Isle of Pine on the north of us 5 miles apt in the evening the things belonging to Brother Charles Jones, deceased, was disposed of by auction. The amount realized was $43.56 which was disposed of as follows: Paid to Brother Middleton for cash [p. 36] loan to Brother Jones $30.79 to the nurse $6.58. The remainder given to Sister Geddes. Meeting on deck as usual.

Saturday, March 19th No more cases of small pox. Sick doing well. Fine breeze through the day, weather very warm at 12 o'clock off Cape St. Antonie 4 miles to the westward steering north by northeast in [-] North latitude, [-] West longitude Run in 24 hours. [p. 37]

Sunday, March 20th Had a fine breeze during the night and all day. Sick improving and no new cases. The motion of the ship causes some seasickness among the Saints. Met in the morning 9 a.m. Elder Winder spoke upon letter writing, not to write anything but what they would be willing to have printed and published to all the world. At 12 o'clock in 25º11' north latitude and 89º0' west longitude run in 24 hours, 216 miles. Sacrament administered in the afternoon at 3 p.m. again in the evening at 5 p.m. [p. 38] Memorial presented to Captain Charles Owen, captain of the ship Elvira Owen, by upwards of 300 Latter Day Saints, who sailed from Liverpool on board the said vessel Feb. 15th and arrived at New Orleans on their way to the valley of the Great Salt Lake, March 1853. Run in 24 hours, 216 miles.

Captain OwenDear Sir,

Permit us the representatives of the above named company to present you this expression of the grateful feelings of our hearts, for the many marks of kindness shown to us during our passage across the Atlantic Ocean. [p. 39] You have truly acted the part of a man and a Christian towards us. When we call to mind the liberal and benevolent spirit you have manifested to all on board but more especially to the sick and that every comfort afforded by your noble ship, has been at their command that when loathsome disease (small pox) had made its appearance in our midst you feared not to act the part of the "good Samaritan." The warmest affections of our hearts are drawn out towards you. When we held our religious meetings you have spared no trouble in making us comfortable- [p. 40] even in giving us the entire use of your cabin; you have mingled with us in prayer, mourned with us when we have mourned, and rejoiced when we have rejoiced. All these things are duly appreciated by us, and now that we are about to separate probably not to meet again this side eternity, we pray God our Eternal Father to let his blessings go with you wheresoever you abide, and bring you at last to sit down with us in habitations of the just there to dwell forever. Amen. [p. 41]

Signed on behalf and with the full approbation of the said company this day of March AD 1853.

Joseph Young, presidentJonathan Midgley [Midgley], counselorJames Picton, counselorJohn R. Winder, secretaryHenry Pugh [clerk]

The foregoing memorial was presented to Captain Owen by the committee and duly received and appreciated by him.

Monday March 21st The wind rather light through the night. Almost calm, currant drifting to the eastward. All hands on deck at past 5 a.m. Prayer at 6 a.m. The sisters began washing immediately after prayer, the ship's deck looked like a laundry, it caused some amusement when [p. 42] an occasional shower of rain came on to see the running in all directions. The sick still doing well. No new cases. All are full of anticipation on the near approach to New Orleans. At 12 o'clock in 29º9' North latitude and 86º40' West longitude. Run in 24 hours. [-].

Tuesday March 22nd Had a gentle breeze through the night and at 6 o'clock were within 50 miles of Orleans, when the wind became unfavorable and drove us from our course through the day. This connected with a strong current running against us has driven us further away than we were in the morning- the weather [p. 43] very showery and threatened to be stormy, have seen great number of porpoises this afternoon. The sick are recovered and no new cases. May God grant there may be no more. The Saints all in good spirits. At 12 o'clock in 29º5' North latitude and 87º40' West longitude. Run in 24 hours, 120 miles. 30 miles from the bar. Rather discouraging to get within 5 or 6 hours of our destination and then be driven back to [-] about for as many days. [p. 44]

Wednesday, March 23 Wind favorable during the latter part of the night reached the bar about 12 o'clock, water being low we kept our course on to the south west pass. Pilot came on board about 10 o'clock, calm during the day, no tow boat, the pilots report of the [-] is rather unfavorable but we hope for the best had meetings on deck as usual. [p. 45]

Thursday, March 24th Some showers during the night. Fine morning still laying at anchor. Poor prospect of getting a steam boat. Water on the bar very low. Surrounded with vessels of all sizes. The sick doing well, no new cases. Meetings on deck in the morning at 9 a.m., very delightful evening moonlight. Some music and dancing on the deck, which the Saints all enjoyed much. At 8 p.m. we held a meeting. After prayer President Young gave some timely instructions. What a blessing to have the living priesthood in our midst. [p. 46]

Friday, March 25th Another beautiful morning, quite warm. Saints in good spirits, sick doing well. Steam boats all around us but will not take us over this great barrier. Meeting on deck as usual.

Saturday 26th Some rain during the night. Very foggy morning cannot well see across the ship. Steam boats not able to work unfortunately, as this will hinder us. Fog cleared away a little in the afternoon and the captain took President Young and his wife on board a stream boat for New Orleans that he might prepare for us. [p. 47]

Sunday, March 24th Fine morning, Saints all well and in good spirits. Met at 9 a.m. again at 10 a.m. J. R. Winder spoke met again at 3 p.m. administered the sacrament and had a good time together.

Monday, 28th Fine morning. Tug boat came about 9 a.m. Took us right over the bar without stopping. Although ships drawing less water was hours getting over. Thank the Lord for his goodness unto us in all things. We are now waiting to be taken in. The doctor and government officers have been and passed us by as an excellent company. [p. 48]

Tuesday, March 29th Fine morning, Saints all well and happy. Waiting patiently for a tow boat. Meeting on deck morning and evening. A pleasant little village close at our side which makes it very pleasant.

Wednesday 30th We have passed a pleasant night, fine morning, Saints all well. Very anxious to be going on. Cannot yet succeed in getting a steam boat. Meetings morning and evenings as usual. Sister Holden was safely delivered of twins about 8 p.m. boy and girl. [p. 49]

Thursday, March 31st Passed a comfortable night, all well this morning. The steam tug "Mary Kingsland" has come alongside to tow us up. Start at 9 a.m. The scenery on both sides is delightful. Quite new and enlivening to the Saints. Had meeting in the evening below at each end of the ship.

Friday April 1st Everything has passed off comfortable during the night. The scenery as we pass along is delightful. Busy this morning all hands getting boxes out of the hold got to New Orleans about 3 a.m. Immediately the [p. 50] ship got alongside about 200 fellows jumped on board and attempted to get down below but were luckily prevented. It caused some alarm to the Saints for a time. J.W. Young came on board and requested the Saints to be careful and not go on shore, a good guard was put on for the night.

Friday, April 1st All have been quiet on board during the night, some few went ashore contrary to council and got abused. Busy getting boxes up to be examined by the officers all in good health. [p. 51] The splendid steamer "James Rob," come alongside about 3 o'clock to take us up. Got the luggage and ourselves on board by 6 p.m. and started. Saints not quite so comfortable amongst the engines.

Saturday, April 2nd Fine morning, all has been pretty comfortable during the night. Busy weighing the luggage. Amounting in all to about 38 tons. Had a prayer meeting this morning in the steerage. The officers on board are very kind. Saints are getting quite comfortable, scenery on both sides quite is cheering. [p. 52]

Sunday, April 3rd The night has passed away comfortably, Saints appear quite well. Called a meeting for 10 a.m. Several ladies and gentlemen from the cabin attended. President Young preached upon first principles and gave general satisfaction. In the afternoon a Mr. Perkins, Presbyterian minister, preached in the cabin. All the Saints were present to hear him upon the doctrine of faith, quite inspired. After this we had Sacrament Meeting down in the steerage. Several from the cabin present. [p. 53]

Monday, April 4th Fine morning all going on well. Busy settling with the Saints, for passage and luggage. The Saints were exhorted to pray secretly at their berths, as we had so many strangers on board.

Tuesday, 5th Fine morning all well. A deputation has waited on President Young requesting a [-] to preach in the cabin this evening to explain some of the peculiarities of the doctrines taught by the Mormons, he has consented to do so, may the Lord be with him is my prayer. [p. 54]

Wednesday, April 6th Thank the Lord we are permitted to see the anniversary of [-] 6th day of April. Saints are all comfortable. President Young gave us an excellent sermon last evening in the cabin to the joy of the Saints, satisfaction of the honest, and chagrin of the hypocrite. I believe good will result. Many of the cabin passengers are inquiring after our principles. Although the gospel has been taught for so many years there are still many quite unacquainted with what we believe. [p. 55]

Thursday April 7th Fine morning the Saints in general good health and in good spirits considering the position in which they are placed. Mr. Perkins is very desirous to preach in the cabin in reply to J. W. Young, the majority in the cabins are against it. Also the captain on account of the bad spirit manifested. The Saints on this as on all other occasions are willing to hear all he has to say and to adopt any truth he may have which they have not got. [p. 56]

Friday, April 8th 1853 Mr. Perkins preached in the cabin last evening, as usual, very dry and insipid. We have been stopping all night on account of a heavy thunder storm. The morning is fine and pleasant. Saints in general good health.

Saturday, 9th Fine morning going on well, the scenery around very cheering. Saints in good health. Arrived at St. Louis about 5 p.m. The captain consents for us to remain on board all night. [p. 57]

Sunday, April 10th Fine morning, very busy getting the luggage on to the levee. Brother Haight has got consent for us to go on board the steamer for Keokuk tomorrow. Many of the Saints attended the meeting today to hear Pratt preach.

Monday, 11th The Saints spent a comfortable night on board the "Dee Vernen." Busy this morning getting in provisions for the journey. Most of our company left St. Lewis for Keokuck about 4 o'clock, pleasant afternoon. [p.58]

Tuesday, April 12th Fine night, have made good progress. Pleasant morning. Saints generally pretty comfortable. Arrived at Keokuk about 7 p.m., got our things landed in the shed about 11 o'clock. Stopped in the shed through the night.

Wednesday, 13th Some rain during the night which has made the roads very dirty. Fine morning all very busy removing luggage to the camp. The wind very high which makes it rather uncomfortable for us preparing wagons, tents, etc., etc. [p.59]

Thursday, April 14th Very cold during the night in the wagons and tents, the Saints felt it much, however all in good spirits and in pretty good health. The camp has a very lively appearance, many very busy preparing for those to follow after us shortly.

Friday, 15th Again cold during the night. Fine dry morning. I believe the Saints are in good health and spirits, a meeting was called and some instructions given about setting watch and also 4 captains of 50 were chosen. viz. Elders [-], [-], Picton, Whitworth,. [p. 60]

Saturday, April 10th Cold during the night. Fine dry morning but rather thick. Saints all about as usual, very busy fitting up tents and wagons. [p. 61]

. . . [Monday, Oct. 10th] Occupied about 2 hours when we proceeded again at 12 o'clock. Halted several times afterwards to repair the road where at all dangerous and arrived at the mouth of the canyon about 3 p.m. where we were met by Elders J.C. and Hector Haight. . . ascended the hill and to the joy of all came in sight of the city where we arrived at 5 p.m. and encamped on Union Square in peace and security.

Tuesday, Oct. 11 This morning the company was aroused by trumpet sound at 6 o'clock to prepare for[-]. About 9 a.m. a meeting was called when President J.W. Young spoke well to the Saints, [p. 155] enjoining upon them faithfulness, diligence, etc. They were also addressed by President Brigham Young with power and the manifestation of the Holy Ghost, teaching the Saints that which was essential for their future destiny, also welcoming them to this delightful vale. By request of the company's president[-] he then broke up the organization, blessed the people in the name of the Lord Jesus and retired. Good council was afterwards given by Elders J.C. Haight, Wallace, and Lorenzo D. Young, the latter of whom pronounced the final benediction and the meeting broke up about 11 o'clock. The testimonial resolved upon on the 3rd instant was here presented [p. 156] to our beloved president who acknowledge it in a brief but powerful speech.

This ends the journal of this company's journey to Zion, and unto God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost we ascribe as is justly due for his mercies vouch safe to us all honor, power, and glory, worlds without end. Amen.

Henry PughClerk [p. 157]

BIB: Joseph W. Young Emigrating Company. Journal (Ms 643) pp. 1-61; 155-157. (CHL)
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