February 10th, 1853. This day I took passage on board the Elvira Owen for New Orleans. Charly Owen, Master. Our company consisting of 328 Saints, several elders, priests &c. Before leaving Liverpool I received an appointment to preside over the company sailing with me. Elders Richards & Wheelock laid their hands on my head & blessed me in the name of Jesus, after which Brothers R.[Richards] & W.[Wheelock] were blessed in turn. My health much better than it had been for some time past, but my wife's health very poor.

Sunday 13th We went out from the dock into the river & cast anchor. I called a council of 2 elders viz. Brother Jonathan Midgley & John R. Winder & entered into regulation for keeping order &c. In the afternoon we called [p.70] the Saints on deck & adopted the following resolutions. 1st. That we sustain Elder J. W. Young in his appointment to the presiding of the company, & Elders Jonathan Midgley president of the Manchester Conference & James Pickton [Picton] traveling elder in the same as counselors. 2nd That we organize ourselves into 8 divisions, that Richard Crankshaw, David James, Abraham Greenhalgh, John Kemp, John Ellis, James Belliston, Charles Longson, & Charles Prance, preside over them. 3rd That our company shall be on duty for 24 hours, whose business it shall be to clean out the ship in the morning, preserve order &c, &c. 4th That Elder John Winder [p.71] act as secretary to company & that he keeps a faithful journal of our passage. 5th That H. [Henry] Pugh lead the choir in singing. After organizing, some instructions were give to the Saints & were dismissed by prayer.

Monday 14th. The government officers came on board & passed the examination of the passengers when all were pronounced well & able to sail -our company received the name of being the most respectable looking company of emigrants that had left Liverpool this season. One birth on board, & one wedding.

Tuesday, 15th The captain came on board about half past 11 o'clock, & at a quarter to 12 we weighed anchor & the steam tug took us to sea. At 1 o'clock our tug broke down & we were obliged to cast anchor & remain until after 2 o'clock, [p.72] when another one came & took us on. At 4 o'clock the pilot left us, with a fair breeze & under full press of sail. The Saints sang hymns & rejoiced for about an hour when they began to be seasick & took to their berths. - The day was very fine & everything seemed to say that God was with us. - I was sick for some hour or two, but the Lord gave strength so that I was enabled to visit the sick & administer to them the holy ordinance of his house. In fact I may say I was best of all. At 7 we were abreast of point [—]. At 9 abreast Skerries 2 miles off. At 10, 2 miles off Holyhead. At 2 p.m. Bardsey Island. Light. [POSSIBLY, Lighthouse] South 10 miles [p.73].

Wednesday 16th - At 8 a.m. [-] 4 miles north. 5 miles off [-]. 11 a.m. at the Lookpoint of Waterford 4 miles north, 20 miles off, bid goodbye to Britain. At 12 o'clock were 220 miles from Liverpool. All as well as could possibly be expected. Of a ship load of people who had never before been to sea. Fair winds & pleasant weather was our constant blessing. The captain remarked that "out of some 1000 passengers he had taken across the Atlantic, he never saw so well & happy a company." My health continued remarkably good, & my wife continues to gain strength. In the evening passed Cape Clear at 8 o'clock. Sister Eliza Price was very ill, so that some though she would die. She said that I only held her. I administered to her after which she got better [p.74] & slept pretty well through the night.

Thursday 17th. This morning the sun rose beautifully. Winds fair, sailing 19 knots. Saints in comfortable condition, some not at all sick. I went below & prayer for them & blessed the sick & Sister Price much better. All seem comfortable & very little complaining. At 12 o'clock we were in 49º North latitude & 11º West longitude. Our run for the last 24 hours is 220 miles. We sat down to dinner at 2 o'clock & were conversing happily together, when the cry "A man overboard" was heard. We all ran out, & the captain & crew did all in their power to save the poor fellow, but all in vain. A life buoy was thrown over & a boat lowered, but he could not be saved. He went over [p.75] at 20 minutes to 3 o'clock, in latitude of 48º & longitude 12º. His name was Nathan Clark. I felt to praise the father of all good, that it was not one of our brethren & the father of a family. At past 4 o'clock p.m. we called the Saints on deck & held a short meeting, prayed & sang &c. A good spirit prevailed throughout the ship. The health of the Saints as good as could be expected.

Friday 18th. The morning beautifully fine. Some sickness through the night, but comparatively well. At 2 o'clock a.m. Sister Weaver of the Worchester Conference gave birth to a dead child, which was lowered over board at 12 o'clock. In 46º 14' latitude & 14º longitude. Run in last 24 hours 213 miles. I went below & visited all the sick, laying on hands with the [p.76] brethren &c. My health continues good. My wife not very well. Had prayer on deck at past 4 o'clock.

Saturday 19th. Not much wind through the night, & during the day. The weather fine & warm. Passengers pretty well & very happy up to this time. We have been very greatly blessed. At 12 o'clock were [-] 43º 50' North latitude & 16º West longitude. Run for the last 24 hours 165 miles. Most of the Saints came on deck. Had prayer at half past 4 p.m.

Sunday 20th. A fine breeze through the night. Some sickness during the night. Sister [Mary] Higginson gave birth to a fine child. In the morning we meet in the cabin at past 10 & had meeting. I preached for about one hour. At 12 o'clock were in 41º 11' [p.77] North latitude, and 18º 10' West longitude. Run for the last 24 hours has been 190 miles. In the afternoon met in the cabin & administered the sacrament of the Lord's supper. Had a good meeting & all felt to bless Captain Owen for his kindness.

Monday 21st. Rather high winds during the night, so that the main hatch had to be shut down. Some sickness. The wind continued high & the ship sailed speedily on her way as 12 a.m. in 38º North latitude & 21º West longitude. Run for the last 24 hours 260 miles. My wife's health very poor.

Tuesday 22nd. A fine wind blew all night through the day. Some of the Saints sick, but on the whole we are greatly blessed [p.78] & prospered on the way. The favor of the Lord has been manifest unto us all the way. My wife very ill all night, but by anointing with oil & laying on hands she is better. At 12 o'clock were in 40º North latitude & 24º West longitude. Our run for the last 24 hours has been 240 miles. Our run for the past week has been 1508 miles. The captain says he never knew so good a run by a sailing vessel before in his life. In the evening we met in the low ends of the ship & held meeting Elder Midgley presiding over own & I over the other. The good spirit presided in our midst. The winds more calm towards night.

Wednesday 23rd. The weather very fine. A pleasant night. With wind enough to sail 8 [p.79] knots an hour. After breakfast got all the Saints on deck to get the fresh air, & let the ship be cleaned out below. Many of the sick felt much recovered from the fresh air, & altogether seemed to improve. At 12 o'clock were in 32º 53' North latitude & 27º 20' West longitude. Run for the last 24 hours has been 220 miles. At 4 o'clock met on deck & heard a lecture delivered by Elder Jonathan Midgley on the principles of the gospel. After he was through I gave some counsel to the Saints. A good spirit prevailed in our meeting.

Thursday 24th. During the night the wind raised & changed into the south, still it is favorable to our course. The high sea makes many sick. My wife's health continues [p.80] poor. At 12 o'clock were in latitude 30º23' longitude 30º 26'. Run for the last 24 hours has been 216 miles. This forenoon we passed two ships both bound on the same course as ourselves. In the afternoon the rain fell in torrents. I found it necessary with my counselors to give some of the young sisters caution about being too free with the sailors. Had meeting below in which the Saints bore testimony of the work & the blessings which they had received.

Friday 25th. Last night at 8 o'clock the rain began to fall in torrents & continued so to do until morning. The wind fell & a perfect calm ensued. We lay for 24 hours in the wave rocking to & fro. This the first drawback on our voyage. The weather through the [p.81] day very warm & pleasant. In sight there are three large vessels & one bark in the same position as ourselves, not wind enough to fill the sails, or steer by. The rocking of the ship has made some of the Saints sick again. My wife's health a little better. At 12 o'clock were in 30º5' North latitude & 30º4' West longitude. Run for the last 24 hours [-] miles. At half past 4 o'clock we met on deck & had prayers. About 10 o'clock the wind freshened up & we sailed about 4 knots per hour until morning.

Saturday 26th. Morning beautifully fine. Many of the sick came on deck & were much revived by the pure sea air. At half past 8 o'clock Brother James Whitworth's little child (named Cyrus Lorenzo) died. [p.82] It had been subject to fits for some weeks before coming on board. This morning it was washed & appeared very cheerful, but soon after took a fix & died in a few hours. We buried it at half past 10 o'clock in [-] North latitude & [-] West longitude. I offered up a short prayer when it was lowered into the water by the captain. The wind grew a little stronger, about 10 o'clock a.m. & we began again to make progress. At 12 o'clock we were in 29º & 26' North latitude & 31º42' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours, or since the wind began to blow 64 miles. My wife's health a little better.

Sunday 27th. About 6 o'clock this morning the captain called me up to see a French ship sailing by our side or which we were passing. She was from Bardon, bound for the [p.83] Island of Guadeloupe. The captain spoke to her. At 9 a.m. met on deck for prayers. At past 10 called a meeting. Elder Winder spoke for a few moments, after which I made some few remarks, by way of counsel. I showed the Saints what would be the result of their meddling with things do not belong unto them. Among other things I spoke of their courting & making arrangements for vows &c. At past 2 we met again & had the sacrament administered. Brother Jonathon Midgley spoke very well for some time dwelling on the same subject that I was on in the morning. We blessed one of the children born on board, & named it Elvira Anne after the ship. At 12 o'clock were in 27º30' North latitude & 34º West longitude. Run for the last 24 hours has been 159 miles. [p.84] This morning had some fuss with the stewards because I would not allow them below among the passengers. One of them threatened to use his knife, but they, such mean principled men that I would not notice them. The day passed off to good advantage. The Saints seemed to rejoice during all the meetings.

Monday 28th. The morning beautiful & fine. A gentle breeze having blown all night. I went on deck about 6 o'clock, & soon after a vessel came in sight. About 8 a.m. she came along side & spoke with us. She was from California bound to London. We requested her to report us in England. It was truly a pleasing sight to see two fine ships with the stars & stripes flying at their jack. She was the "Great Britain of Boston." The Saints generally well & [p.85] in their journey. At 10 o'clock we were in 25º52' North latitude & 36º20' West longitude. Run for the last 24 hours 122 miles. My wife's health some better. Met in the evening & had prayers as usual.

March 1st, 1853. This morning the thermometer stood in the shade at 79º. This felt pretty warm to us, who had only 12 days ago been in the midst of snow & cold. The winds continue favorable. At 12 o'clock were in 24º25' North latitude & 38º20' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours 186 miles. In the morning had prayers as usual some counsel was given about learning things hanging below so as to stop the circulation of air, which was properly obeyed, by the Saints. Yesterday day I cut out a number of tents & wagons [p.86] covers for the Saints to make. It was truly a beautiful sight to see the Saints all over the decks working away like a lot of sail makers. At 4 p.m. we called a meeting on deck. Many of the Saints bore testimony to the work. Two spoke in tongues. A fine spirit prevailed, & all seemed happy. In fact I never witnessed more of the spirit in any meeting. Brother John Winder very poorly.

Wednesday 2nd. During the night we had a pleasant gale. About 9 a.m. the rain began to fall & continued so to do until night. In the afternoon the wind fell to almost a calm. Meetings below decks in the evening. My wife has been very ill all day. I called in the priesthood in the evening & had her administered unto after which she felt better. [p.87] Brother Winder some better. At 12 o'clock were in 22 º10' North latitude & 40º40' West longitude. Run for the last 24 hours has been 169 miles. The Saints generally well & a good spirit prevailing.

Thursday 3rd. Fair wind all night. This morning I was surprised to find we had the small pox on board. Elder Winder was broken out with it as also four others. It proved to have been brought on board by a child of Brother [-] from the Bradford Conference. We immediately set to work by the captain's advice to get them on deck. The captain in this as is everything else has spared us no pains to make the passengers comfortable. In the afternoon we called the Saints together & told them what we had on board & gave some general counsels. Brother Midgley moved that the Saints [p.88] sustain me as their president & listen [to] my counsel, as they had before covenanted to do. The vote was unanimous. I then proposed Elders Midgley & Picton as my counselors, which was unanimous. The Saints were exhorted to pray, & be humble. My wife's health some little better. At 12 o'clock were in 21º30' North latitude & 43º 40' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours 192 miles.

Friday 4th. Last night had a fine breeze, so as to sail 10 knots an hour. The morning very fine. Very little sickness except the cases of small pox. These were fully developed this morning. They are Elder John Winder, Brothers Jones, Higgenson & a young girl. Everything in our power was done to make the sick comfortable. [p.89] Yesterday we cleared a house on deck & made a hospital of it & got all the sick into it. Two brethren & a sister were appointed to nurse &c. The captain shares up pans to make us & all on board comfortable. About 3 p.m. I though Brother Jones was dying. Two of the brethren were sent to administer to him while I prepared some medicine. He began to revive soon after & I trust he will yet be spared to praise God in Zion. We had prayer & meeting in the morning & evening. In the later made a covenant to fast & pray on the coming Sabbath for the sick. I gave some general counsel to the Saints with regard to keeping clean &c. At 12 o'clock were in 20º51' North latitude & 47º 24' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours 222 miles [p.90].

Saturday 5th. Had a good wind during the night. This morning a light wind & smooth sea. All well except those who have the small pox. Those as well as can be expected, except Brother Jones who has been delirious all night. We make use of those things which we have & spare no pains to make them comfortable. The Saints seem willing to obey counsel & our faith is that this loathsome disease will be rebuked. At our meeting last night it was resolved that we should spend the coming Sabbath in fasting & prayer for the sick. We have prayer on deck twice in the morning day, at morn & evening. Brother Jones is in danger still we hope for his recovery. Great care is taken to preserve cleanliness in the ship. [p.91] At 12 o'clock we were in 20º 24' North latitude & 50º 44' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours has been 189 miles. Brother Jones still grows worse.

Sunday 6th. Last night I was called at half past 11 to see Brother Jones. I saw he could not last long, but called up Brother Richard Crankshaw to stay with him, with instructions to call me again if anything happened, at half past 12 I was again called & found Brother Jones had been dead about 15 minutes. We got four of the brethren to assist in burying him. We roped him in the blanket he had slept in, tied a bag of coal to his feet & lowered him into the water in 20º 15' North latitude & 62º West longitude, at a quarter to 2 o'clock. It was a mournful scene to consign a fellow creature to the silent deep at the dead hour of the night with only a few lonely witnesses. [p.92] Our object in burying him in the night was to prevent the disease from spreading. I made a short prayer when we bade goodbye to the last remains of Brother Charles Jones of the Kent Conference, native of Somershire, England. He had no relatives on board or any one in particular to mourn him except a fellow servant. These are the fondest hopes of human nature blasted in a moment. This young man had forsaken all to go into Zion & his heart burned with lively anticipations of the future, little thinking that he was to consign his earthly body to the hungry wave. However he died not as those who have no hope, for his peace was made with his God, & he had the full assurance of a glorious resurrection in the morning of the just. [p.92] This circumstance cause us to prepare our conference until another day & pay our time in fasting & prayer, & in hearing teaching from the elders. In the morning Elder Jonathan Midgley preached a beautiful sermon on the occasion. In the afternoon administered the sacrament, after which many of the Saints bore testimony to the work &c. A good [spirit] prevailed in all our meetings & we felt that it was good to fast & pray. At 12 o'clock were in 20º 6' North latitude & 54º 5' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours 188 miles.

Monday 7th. Today the wind has been gently blowing us towards Orleans & but for the little sickness on board it would seem like a pleasure trip. This morning we passed a French brig, from [-] bound to [-]. Our sick are doing [p.93] well, & we hope we shall not have any more cases of the small pox. The thermostat has stood at 80º & 85º for the last three or four days. The Saints are all well, except the cases mentioned, & one or two women. My wife continues to be ill, but I pray that she will soon be better. We feel the heat very much, having just left a cold country. At 12 o'clock we were in 19º 46' North latitude & 57º 12' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours has been 177 miles.

Tuesday 8th. We have had a fine breeze all night, & have run at the rate of 9 miles per hour. This morning after prayers Elder Midgley & I spoke to some length on the evils that the Saints are [p.94] subject unto, such as light-mindedness, & all kinds of folly, also of the results of fornication & the sick are getting on well, & we trust that all will be well with us. The wind continued good all day. At 12 o'clock were in 19º 39' North latitude & 60º 40' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours has been 196 miles. Had a good testimonial meeting in the evening.

Wednesday 9th. A fine breeze through the night. This morning passed an English brig 40 days out from London. We sailed by her as though she did not move, as we have done all vessels we have fallen in with our voyage. The sick are getting better & altogether prosperity seem to attend us. [p.95] No new cases of small pox in our midst, & I pray God there may be no more. The weather is very warm, the thermometer rising to 85º heat. At 12 o'clock were in 19º 35' North latitude & 64º West longitude. Run for last 24 hours, 189 miles. My wife's health some better.

Thursday 10th. Had a good run during the night, today the weather had been very hot with passing showers of rain. This morning I got all the Saints belonging to the 10 pound company on deck, & arranged them into companies of ten. My wife's health still improving. Our sick are doing as well as can possible be expected. At 12 o'clock were in 19º 37' North latitude & 67º 10' [p.96] West longitude. Run for last 24 hours has been 179 miles.

Thursday 11th. Light winds & fair weather. Thermometer standing at 85º heat. At 8 o'clock last night were abreast St. Domingo Island. At 12 today are 15 miles off Bahia Escosesa. It seems good to see land once more. The sick are getting better, but one other has been taken down today, I trust he will soon be well & that the disease will be stopped. At 12 o'clock were 19º 15' North latitude & 70
º West longitude. Run for last 24 hours has been 168 miles.

Saturday 12th. Had a good run during last night. The sea very still & just breeze enough to move us along. Today we have had St. Domingo on our left all day. [p.97] I heard the captain say that he never saw so good a company of people in his life, what he admired most of all in them was they do as they are told. The sick are better, & altogether we feel to rejoice before the Lord. The weather is very warm. At 12 o'clock were in 20º 10' North latitude & 72º 5' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours 130 miles.

Sunday 13th. Had a good run during the night. This morning have a fine breeze from the east. We have been all day just alongside of Cuba. The sight is very pleasing, the rugged hills contrast so beautifully with the smooth sea. At 12 o'clock were in 19º 48' North latitude & 75º West longitude. Run for last 24 hours 143 miles. [p.98] Another young man has been taken ill with the small pox. Those who have been down are better, three of whom have left the hospital as recovered. This morning we meet on deck in the capacity of a conference. The [meeting] opened by prayer, by Elder Midgley. I was appointed to preside. We took the report of officers which was as follows: 1 Seventy, [-] elders, [-] priests, [-] teachers [-] deacons. We then proceeded to present the authorities of the church for their approval. All the motions were carried unanimously. Much good counsel was given by various elders. In the afternoon had the sacrament. Blessed two children, both born on board the ship. One was named Joseph Owen & the other Elvira Jane. The day passed off profitable to all. [p.99]

Monday 14th. Today have had but very little wind, in fact it has been more like a calm than anything else. The weather has been very hot, the thermometer standing at 89 degrees heat in the shade. Some of the Saints feel the heat, one old lady of 82 years is rather weak. Elder Midgley, Weaver, & myself administered to her, & asked the Lord to either raise her to health, or take her to himself. The sick in the hospital are doing first rate. No new cases. This afternoon a Mr. Hamman, a cabin passenger spoke to us. He is a Jew. Some of his teachings were good but how widely they [p.100] contrasted with the pure teachings of God's servants. After he had finished I replied to him in a few remarks, which I trust were conclusive. At 12 o'clock we were in [-] North latitude & [-] West longitude. Run for last 24 hours has been 90 miles. At 8 o'clock last night were abreast St. [-]. This evening about 40 miles, 20 westward of it.

Tuesday 15th. Today we have scarcely any wind at all, not enough to make any headway. The little wind that has blown this afternoon has been right ahead, so that today we have tacked ship for the first time [p.101] since leaving Liverpool. The heat is very severe. The thermometer standing at 88 degrees in the shade. I pray that we may have a fresh breeze & continue our course in peace. The sick are doing first rate & no new cases. We are at 8 p.m. abreast of Capt de Cruze. At 12 o'clock were in 19º 42' North latitude & 76º 45' West longitude. Run in distance about 15 miles. Had a meeting on deck in the evening. Brother Midgley & I spoke & gave some counsel.

Wednesday 16th. About 10 o'clock last night, a fresh breeze blew up from the North, which has continued until now. This morning I was sent for [p.102] to see an old lady named Ann Spencer from the London Conference who was very ill. I went with Elders Midgley & Picton & we prayed over her asking the Lord to take her spirit into himself, as she was well stricken in years, being 82. Soon after we left her she died without a struggle or a groan. We had her sewn up in canvas & at 12 o'clock we met on deck & made a short prayer, sang a hymn & consigned her remains to the silent deep in 19º 47' North latitude & 78º West longitude. God grant that she may sleep in peace until the resurrection. The sick in the hospital are doing well & altogether we seem to be improving. My health has not been very good today, but trust I shall soon be better. [p.103] My wife's health about as [-] on the passage. No new cases of the disease. The old lady died with old age & general debility. Our run for the last 24 hours has been 181 miles. Weather very warm.

Thursday 17th. Light trade winds & showery. The weather warm. Steerage for Cape [-]. In the evening I was called on to marry a couple. Brother George Giles & Sister Ellen Benin of the [-] Conference, in which Brother Giles had been a traveling elder. The captain provided cake, wine &c free of expense. The nuptials were solemnized at 6 p.m. in the cabin. The sick improving and no more new cases. At 12 o'clock were in 20º 31' North latitude & [p.104] 81º 5' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours has been 145 miles.

Friday 18th. Firm run through the night. The sick doing well. No new cases of small pox. In the afternoon we had an auction & sold the effects of Brother Charles Jones deceased. The proceeds thereof amounted to $43.56 which was disposed of as follows, $30.79 paid on his passage money to Richard Middleton, $6.58 paid to the nurse. The remainder given to Sister [Elizabeth] Geddes. Brother Midgley was taken very ill in the evening, but through the ordinance was pretty much restored. At 12 o'clock had the Isle on Pines on the north of us, 5 miles off.

Saturday 19th. Last night about past 10 o'clock my wife [p.105] was taken very ill, with cramping under the collar bone. She called me up to rub it, I soon found she was very ill, & tried to get her to drink something to relieve her sufferings, but all to no purpose. She was so much put to for breath that she could not swallow. For some time it seemed she must die, but I felt to hold her by faith. I prayed constantly over her, not removing my hands from her body for near one hour when faith in God began began [SIC] the ascendance & she began to feel relief. I got into the cabin, & laid her on the sofa. She continues weak in body, but free from pain. No more cases of small pox. The sick recovering. Had a fine breeze all day, with warm weather. At 12 o'clock [p.106] were off Cape [-] Antonie 4 miles to the westward. Steering north by northwest. My health not very good.

Sunday 20th. Had a fine breeze during the night & all day. The sick improving & no new cases. The motion of the ship made a few sick last night. My wife's health some better. Had meeting in the morning. Elder Winder spoke on the subject of letter writing, & that the Saints should not write anything they would be ashamed to have published to all the world. At 12 o'clock were in 25º 11' North latitude & 87º 0' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours has been 216 miles. On the following page is a copy of a memorial to be presented to Captain Owen: [p.107]Memorial presented to Mr. Charles Owen, Captain of the Ship Elvira Owen by upwards of three hundred Latter-day Saints, who sailed from Liverpool, on board the said vessel February 15th and arrived at New Orleans, on their way to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake, March 31st 1853.

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. 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 [p.108] 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, even to 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 [of] eternity, we pray God our Eternal Father to let his blessing go with [p.109] you wheresoever you go, abide with you wheresoever you abide, and bring you at last to sit down with us in the habitations of the just, there to dwell for ever. Amen.

Signed on behalf, of with the full approbations of the said company this day of March A.D. 1853.

Joseph W. Young, presidentJonathan Midgley, counselorJames Picton, counselorJohn R. Winder, secretaryHenry Pugh [p.110]

Monday 21st. The wind rather light through the night, almost calm. Current drifting to the eastward. Had all hands on deck at half past 5 in the morning, prayer at 6. The sisters began to wash & to see the ship covered with wet clothes, made her look like a laundress woman's house. The sick as comfortable as can be expected. No new cases. Preparing for New Orleans seems to be the general topic. At 12 o'clock were in 29º 9' North latitude & 86º 40' West longitude.

Tuesday 22nd. Had a gentle breeze through the night, & at 6 this morning were within 50 miles of Orleans, when the wind changed into an unfavorable quarter, that continued the shift about during [p.111] the day. This connected with a strong current turning against us, has driven farther away than we were in the morning. The weather has been very showery & threatened to be stormy. Have seen great numbers of porpoise this afternoon. The sick are recovering & I know of no new cases. May God grant there may be no more. The Saints are in good spirits, & all things are as well as they well can be. At 12 o'clock were in 29º 5' North latitude & 87º 40' West longitude. Run for last 24 hours has been 120 miles. 70 miles from the bar. It seems almost too bad to get within 5 or 6 hours sail of our past, & then be driven back to cruise about for as many days. [p.112]

Wednesday 23rd. Wind favorable during latter part of the night. Reached the Bar at 12 o'clock, but as the water was too shallow at that place we kept on west to the southwest pass. Pilot came on board at half past 10. Calm during middle of the day. The sick recovering. No new cases. My health poor through the night. In sight of a great many ships, & the pilots report of the bar is rather discouraging. It is good to once more behold the land which God gave unto Joseph for his inheritance although it is as yet but dim.

Thursday 24th Calm all night & until near 12 this morning. Got a breeze in the afternoon & run up to the bar, where we found [p.113] several ships aground. Run as far as we could & stuck on the bar. In the evening had meetings, singing &c. I gave some counsel about guarding &c. The weather very fine. The sick improving, & no new cases of small pox. My health improving.

Friday 25th. Still remaining on the bar, but hope to get off this evening. The weather very fine. The sick recovering very fast, & no new cases. My health pretty good, wife improving. This afternoon were visited by two gentlemen, captains of vessels.

Saturday 26th. A very thick fog, so much so that no tugs are at work. In the evening Captain Owen took [p.114] a boat & four men, & rowed my wife & I a distance of six miles to the telegraph office where we found several tugs one of which we went on board of, & soon after took two large ships in tow & started for New Orleans. The wind was right ahead of us, & that with a strong current was so much against us that after 15 hours hard work we found ourselves only 12 mile from the place of starting. We found ourselves short of coal & had to return & get more, after which we proceeded on our way.

Sunday 27th. Today my wife & I found ourselves separated from the Saints, for the first time since our marriage [p.115] it was rather a lonesome one; however, the scenery on either side of the river was beautiful & cheering.

Monday 28th. After dinner my wife & I went on board the "Princeton" one of the ship in tow, & there found the Captain [Russell] to be a gentleman with whom I traveled once in England. We spent the evening with him, & finally the invited us to spend the night with him as he had plenty of room in his cabin & we would bet getting on in the right & would not be pleasant going inshore. We accepted his invitation.

Tuesday 29th. We worked this morning & found ourselves in the city of Orleans. [p.116] After breakfast I went into town & found Elders John Brown & George Holiday. The former being our agent, got my wife to a boarding house & then we began to look about us for a steamer to take the Saints to St. Louis. By telegraph dispatch I learned that the ship was over the Bar.

Wednesday 30th. Done nothing more than look about town.

Thursday 31st. About three in the evening the ship arrived & I found the Saints to be well since I left them. In the evening Brother Brown & I chartered the deck of the fine steamer "James Rob." [p.117]

Friday 1st. [NOTE AT TOP OF PAGE IS WRITTEN: 1853, April] About 3 p.m. the steamer came alongside & took the Saints & their luggage on board & we proceeded on our way rejoicing. While the custom house officer was engaged with our goods & within an hour of coming on board this steamer a sister gave [birth] to a child. This with a pair of twins born the night before makes us six births while on board the Elvira Owen. [p.118] [END OF ACCOUNT]

BIB: Young, Joseph Watson. Papers, bx. 1, fd. 1, vol. 3, pp. 70-118. (Ms 1529) (CHL)
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