Brother H. Luff & myself went to the Dundee Docks & met two of the Dundee Saints and assisted them on board of the American Congress.

Tuesday the 22. Fine day. Wrote letter to Brother McFarlane. Yesterday I was surprised at what I saw at the Highburgburns a place of amusement which was the most beautiful sight.

Wednesday the 23rd of May. The Saints was on board and the American Congress moved to another dock. This evening Brother [Brigham] Young Jr. in company with Brothers Felt, Hatch, [Charles] Penrose and others came on board and organized the company and had the regulations read before the Saints. After Brother Felt had made a short speech, & then Brother [Brigham] Young Jr. spoke a short time very encouraging to the Saints and bid them goodbye & told them if they would be faithful they should reach their destined port in safety. This evening Brother Felt came on board [at] 8 o'clock, held a meeting & spoke to the Saints [p. 90] to [- -] the vessel for the first time.

Thursday the 24, Brothers Felt, [Charles] Penrose, T.B.W. Kimball & one or two others of the brethren stepped on board until near noon, until we got opposite to Gravesend, where we bid them goodbye & they went ashore. The boat has been being towed out by the steam packet. This evening thunderstorm, the wind was high, the Saints all seem happy. This evening convened a council meeting to organize the cooking & other things. I was was [SIC] mouth in dismissing by prayer, tonight administered [to] two persons with Brother [John] Nicholson.

Friday the 25 of May, fine day, moved on. I felt a little squeamish for the first time on this vessel. There was a heavy head wind all day which was the cause of the vessel casting anchor at 10 o'clock a.m. Laid by during the day.

Saturday the 26 of May at 4 o'clock a.m. the anchor was hoisted and the vessel moved on a short time being towed by the steam packet, and [p. 91] shortly left. Then the sails was hoisted, the wind being favorable. The vessel sailed on to a good speed & many was seasick during the day. The sea being a little rough, in fact, I have thrown up a little today for the first time. During the day Brothers [John] Nicholson, [John] Rider & myself was the authors of a letter sent to Brother [Brigham] Young Jr. stating the condition & good health of the Saints on board. This evening the Saints seem to feel quite cheerful having got over their sickness.

Sunday the 27th of May, I was up in good time. It was a fine morning. I have been seasick during the day. There was a meeting held on board at 9 a.m. Brother John Nicholson addressed all on board the first principles of the gospel. Brother Ralso [PROBABLY MEANING: Rider] added a few words at 2 p.m. The presidents of wards & all the Saints gathered together below for meeting, where the ward presidents of wards addressed the Saints at evening. There was meetings held in each ward [p. 92] during the day. There have been two- third of the Saints seasick. At bedtime they were all much recovered.

Monday the 28th of May, fine day. We moved very slow, as there was very little wind. The Saints all feel well, some are dancing & others are singing and the day passed off well.

Tuesday 29th, at 4 a.m. The pilot returned to London leaving us this side of the Island of White [Isle of Wight]. The wind is quite brisk today, but not much in our favor, it being a head wind. Notwithstanding all feel well.

Wednesday the 30th, fine day. All is moving on well. The vessel is sailing 5 miles a hour. Today I administer the ordinances to two of the brethren who has been unwell. This evening we had a high wind which caused the ship to pitch about; which was the cause of most of all the Saints to be seasick.

Thursday the 31 of May, fine wind in our favor. Sailed at the rate of 10 miles per hour. The Saints continued to be sick, that is many of them. I was [p. 93] sick all day.

Friday the 1st of June, we had good wind which was in our favor. The Saints got a little over the sickness.

Saturday the 2nd of June, we still are moving on at the rate of 5 miles per hour. All the Saints seemed cheerful although they have hardly recovered from the storm that happened on Wednesday.

Sunday the 3rd of June. [-] calm still day. We have been making very little progress today. Two meeting was held today on deck, both in the morning & afternoon, where Brothers [John] Nicholson & [John] Rider addressed the Saints. The day was a cheerful one. All feeling tolerable well this evening. I administered to several of the Saints who was sick. Today I have felt very dizzy.

Monday the 4th of June. Fine day all day and very calm & still, there being no wind, as but little. We have been going very slow, & the Saints all seem in good spirits. Some are singing & others reading & [p. 94] enjoying themselves different ways.

Tuesday the 5th of June. Had a good wind, some was seasick.

Wednesday the 6th, fair wind, a little stormy.

Thursday the 7th, had a rough sea & a head wind. Quite a number on board was seasick, myself not excepted.

Friday the 8, fine day, very still & calm sea. So much so that we have only been going about 2 miles per hour during the whole day. The Saints have been on deck during the day, that is the most of them. This evening I administered to Sister Rachel [Taylor] with Brother Nicholson who was quite sick.

Saturday the 9, very calm & still during the day. Made little progress.

Sunday the 10th, very rainy & wet all day. At half past 11 o'clock a.m. tended meeting between decks where I spoke a short time. All seemed to enjoy the meeting well. Also tended a meeting [p. 95] in the afternoon in the same place where Brothers Rider and Nicholson, Anders addressed the Saints. The day was well spent. During the day we have been making very little progress, there being but very little wind. Today the captain of the vessel issued out some tracts to the Saints and also presented a few small testaments to the brethren.

Monday the 11th of June, fine still day. All seemed well and happy this afternoon. In company with Brothers Nicholson and Rider, administered to a couple of sick persons between decks. We have been making about two or three miles per hour progress today, as the wind has been very low. Notwithstanding the slowness of the vessel all full happy.

Tuesday the 12, the sea was rough which made the pans & kettles rattle from one side of the ship to the other. Quite a number was sick on board.

Wednesday the 13th of June, had a [p. 96] good wind in our favor during the day. Sailing about 10 knots per hour the most of the day, some was a little seasick.

Thursday the 14th of June, fine day. Wind in our favor sailing from 10 to 5 miles per hour. During the day, the sea was quite rough & the kettles & pans played their own tunes from one side of the ship to the other. I have felt rather squeamish all day.

Friday the 15 of June, fine day. The sea is quite still some of the time. We have been going at the rate of two miles per hour during part of the day, & the latter part, the vessel made a little better progress making from 2 to 6.

Saturday the 16, fine day. We have been going from 2 to 4 miles per hour during the day. It has been very foggy today, as well as a few days back, as it generally is by the banks [p. 97] of the Newfoundland. This afternoon there was a man come to us in a small boat fetching two large fish, something like 1 hundred weight a piece. The captain give him a bottle of whiskey & Brother Nicholson give him one of brandy in exchange for them which was very pleasing to him. This evening I administered to Brother John Smith who was very bad in his lungs.

Sunday the 17 of June, foggy, wet morning. In company with Brother Nicholson, administered to Sister [-] [POSSIBLY: Wakefield] who was ill. At 11 a.m. attended meeting which was held between decks of this vessel where, Brother Childs and Cambel [Campbell] & Grover & myself addressed the Saints. Had a good time, there being a good spirit, prevailing. In the afternoon at 3 p.m. [p. 98] meeting convened at the same place where where [SIC] Brother [John] Nicholson occupied the time in addressing the Saints. Had a good time, meeting lasting one hour & a half, then dismissed. Prayer by Brother [POSSIBLY: Grier].

Monday the 18, fine day, but very little wind. We have only been sailing about 2 knots per hour during the day, take it all day through. The sea has been very still and calm all day. The Saints are all cheerful & are feeling tolerable well. Some are enjoying themselves at different games & singing on the deck.

Tuesday the 19, fine morning. The sea very calm, made very little progress during the day, the wind being still in the afternoon. At half past 5 had a concert on board where recitations & songs were given which seemed to please the captain & the [p. 99] cabin passengers, & if the rain had not interfered it would have lasted longer. [One] thing I forgot to mention and that is the numerous school of porpoises that passed the vessel this morning which was a fine sight; in fact it was the first thing of the kind I ever seen. This evening in company with J. [John] Nicholson & Cunningham administered to Sister Young & R. [Robert] Cushon [Cushing] which was soon better.

Wednesday the 20th, a little rainy. Tolerable good wind. Some of the time sailing about 5 miles per hour. . . . .

Thursday the 21, fine day, but rough sea & a head wind. Some feel a little seasick. I have felt a little sick at times during the day.

Friday the 22nd, rough sea, rather a head wind the most of the day. The sick on board are improving and take it all together, all is doing well.

Saturday the 23rd of June, foggy day. The vessel from 5 to nine knots per hour during the day, although out of our course. This evening in company with Brothers Nicholson & Rider took my vessel tour around among the Saints, administering to those of them that was sick.

Sunday the 24th, a little damp this morning on deck. The sea was quite still and we have been moving on gently. [p. 101] At 11 a.m. meeting convened between decks where we had a good time, Brother Rider addressing the Saints suitable for the occasion. The afternoon was particular fine. The Saints assembled on the upper deck and the captain and the cabin passengers all took seats on the quarter deck while Brother [Joseph] Andrews addressed them for a short time on the first principles of the gospel, followed by Brother [John] Nicholson. . . .He further continued on with the gospel and all give good attention. In fact, Captain Woodman is very favorable to us. Meeting dismissed at 5 p.m., benediction by myself. This evening before bed time administered to the sick with Brothers Nicholson & Rider as usual. During the day we have been going very slow.

Monday the 25, fine day, been going about 5 miles per hour during the day, but not in the right direction.

Tuesday the 26, fine day, had a head wind which made the ship rock considerable in the afternoon. About 3 p.m. the [-] concert was held on deck which went off well, there being a good number of recitations & a variety of songs given on the occasion. The captain and the cabin passengers give good attention & to wind up, the star spangled banner was given at the request of Captain Woodman & as it was started the stars and stripes was hoisted by the captain. Then to my astonishment captain and John Nicholson called for the American Congress to be sung, which was responded to by Brothers Rider, Andrews and Denney & after that there was three cheers by all hands for the American Congress.[p. 102]

Wednesday the 27, a little stormy, & we are sailing a little out of our course. The sea is quite rough today. Two vessels to be seen at a distance which looked cheering. This afternoon a concert was got up by the young men in between decks, in the bow of the vessel, which lasted from 4 o'clock p.m. until 7 p.m. Many recitations and songs was given & among that number, Doctor Crop sang one, & to compliment him three cheers was given by the company for his song. This evening Brother Rider and myself took our usual tour around among the Saints. Between decks administered the ordinance to one of the sisters.

Thursday the 28, stormy morning. At 4 a.m., the sails was changed for another task which was not altogether in our favor. This afternoon at 4 o'clock had a favorable wind. If continues, will take us in New York in two days.[p. 103] This evening it has been very rainy and wet during the night.

Friday the 29th of June, very rainy & wet morning, but the sea is rather calm, & we have made very little progress during the night. It has been a little unpleasant during the day. It has been raining all the time. At noon, took dinner with some of the Saints between decks. At times it has been very foggy. This evening took my usual tour among the Saints between decks in company with Brothers J.[John] Nicholson & [John] Rider administering the ordinance to some who was sick, & notwithstanding the closed quarters in which they're placed, they all feel well.

Saturday the 30th of June, wet foggy morning. Some of the day the vessel has been sailing 5 knots per hour. At 4 p.m. the fog began to clear off & the pilot come on board which caused the hearts of the Saints to Rejoice as this was a certain proof that we was near the [p. 104] Port of New York. This afternoon it has been extremely fine weather & all feel well. Being buoyed up with the thought of soon seeing New York, some are dancing others are singing and all seem light in their spirits.

Sunday the 1st of July, fine day. We are sailing about two miles per hour, & have been during the day. . . .Then the assembly was addressed by Brother [Joseph] Andrews and [Adam] McGill. Meeting dismissed, benediction by myself. At 3 p.m. meeting was held at the same place where Brother Nicholson addressed the assembly occupying the whole time meeting, dismissed benediction by myself. This evening took my usual tour among the Saints between decks.

Monday the 2nd of July, we are making very little progress.[p. 105] I administered to three of the sisters who was ill. This afternoon at 3 p.m. Brother Nicholson and Doctor Crop had a short debate on the subject that is well-known to myself, but it did not last long as it was interrupted by 3 of our sisters who fainted on the deck, at the time they being in quite a weak state. This evening took my usual tour between decks visiting the Saints with the brethren.

Tuesday the 3rd, fine day, the sea was calm this afternoon. According to the request of Captain Woodard [Woodward], had a concert on deck where many recitations & songs was given & take it all together, it went off well which pleased the captain and the cabin passengers. In the evening I was in company [with] Brother Nicholson & the captain & a few others on the quarter deck enjoying ourselves in recitations & songs.[p. 106] According to the request of the captain I sung "John Brown Caught A Little Indian" which pleased them & made the ladies laugh. Today I have been delighted in seeing Long Island & plus places as we passed along.

Wednesday the 4th of July, arrived here opposite New York in the Hudson River early this morning which made the Saints feel well. Having accomplished their voyage in safety across the Atlantic. This afternoon the officer over the Saints was invited in the cabin by Captain Woodard [Woodward] out of respect to take a glass of champagne, which was accepted. He will be long remembered for his gentlemanly conduct to us as a company. This afternoon Brothers John N. [Nicholson] & [Joseph] Andrews, myself, [James A.] Cunningham, [John] Rider chartered a small boat, went ashore to [p. 107] New York, which cost us 50 cents apiece but as it was the 4 month business was being done owing to this [UNCLEAR]. After walking around we returned to the American Congress. The trip costing us 7/" shillings apiece. This evening has been very fine & the sight has been truly delightful as the fireworks has been plain to our view from the city of New York to our vessel.

Thursday the 5, fine day. The Saints have been very busy moving their things up on deck. This afternoon the government officers came on board and our goods was passed & not examined & were soon taken off by the steamer [-] & just as all hand was moving off three cheers was given for Captain Woodard [Woodward] & the ship American Congress. We was conveyed to the Castle Garden in New York where the passengers [p. 108] were all required to have their names registered according to law. After this some of the Saints remained there as they had not means sufficient to pay their way any further. While some two hundred & twelve moved on in the Hudson River this evening just after the changing of our luggage from one packet to another in New York; Brother R.[Robert] Pike stepped overboard as it was dark. The person that saw him give no alarm until 10 minutes after & then it being too late nothing was done and he sank no more to be seen. It created a gloomy feeling among us as we thought much of the young man. We looked for him with a light but all in vain & soon was obliged to leave & was soon moving along in the Hudson River. We passed through many fine places & among them was the Canadas. Chicago [p. 109] [is] where I was left in full charge over the Saints during the night in a old sheet as Brother Nicholson went up in town to lodge. That night Brother Denny & myself on one of the truck cars on the bare boards, rather than lay among the fleas on the floor. The next morning all started on by train except a few that was left but soon caught up again in a short time. We passed through or rather along side of Quincey and crossed the river called the Mississippi & traveled through Illinois & Missouri. Arrived at St. Joseph on Friday the 13th of July, all in good spirits at near 8 p.m., having only one death on the cars which was Sister Wakefield, who has been ill ever since she left London. I left the cars & went up in town [p. 110] for provisions for the Saints that was very much in need. On my return to my astonishment the boat had left & the consequence was that I stayed there at Mr. [POSSIBLY: Wetheskien] apostate Mormon, who treated me well & made me welcome. Brother Denney and the two Brothers [Francis and William Sells] and [Charles] Denney [Jr.] was with me and Brother Rider stopped in another place
. We Remained here until Sunday 15, morning at 5 o'clock, when we started off after traveling 200 miles. Arrived at Wyoming on Monday evening 16th. Found the company alright although they was sorry to have to leave me in the way they did. Found quite a number of acquaintance here.

Tuesday the 17, fine day here all day. Commenced to board with the brethren at H. [PROBABLY Shurtliff]. [p. 111]

Wednesday the 18th of July, fine day here all day. Left in charge of the boarding house by Brother H. Surtliff [Shurtliff] in his absence.

Thursday the 19, fine day here all day. Sister Wakefield was internal who died at 3 a.m. She has been ill all the way from London. Today balanced up on journal.

Friday 20th, fine day, quite warm. During the day my time was occupied here among the Saints.

Saturday the 21, fine day. Assisted Brother G. Hill in the store during the day.

Sunday the 22, fine day. At evening the Saints convened together & was addressed by Brothers Bullock and Thomson & Rollins on their duty that was required of them on the plains.

Monday the 23rd, fine day. In company with Brother Nicholson all day. Drove a mule team to Nebraska [p. 112] City, the distance of 7 miles to get a load of articles for the Church. I also bought myself a trunk which cost me $10.50.

Tuesday the 24th, fine day. 50 wagons left here & started west some 7 miles under the charge of Brother Thomson.

Wednesday the 25th, fine day, here all day at the store house.

Thursday the 26th, went to Nebraska City, attended court.

Friday the 27th, attended another court-in-Nebraska City at 9 a.m., concerning the Church.

Saturday the 28th, I attended Brother Mousley who has been sick for some time.

Sunday the 29th, instant [UNCLEAR] fine day. Between 9 and 10 am. the steamboat "Denver" landed some 7 hundred Saints mostly from Denmark. Brother L. Hauge [Hague] was in charge. Brother Cunningham came with them from New York. [p. 113]

BIB: Whitney, Joshua K. Diary (September 26, 1865 - July 29, 1866) (Special Collections & Manuscripts; Vault, Mss 76, box 7, fd. 8), pp.9
0-113. Harold B. Lee Library Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.
(source abbreviations)