. . . Sat. [May] 28. [1864] I went on board Hudson & met President G. [George Q.] Cannon, cousin Jesse N. Smith, John McKay & about a dozen of the Valley brethren. Br. W. W. Riter bought 30 double beds & took the German Saints on board in the evening. I went to the office & signed ship & railway tickets & remained a couple of hours. Visited several friends & on arriving at Sun Court found the German Saints all away to sleep on the ship.
Sun. 29. I searched in several quarters for opportunity for baptizing some of the Dutch emigrants but found none. Went to Lambeth to p.m. & evening meeting. [p.160]
Mon. 30. I spent the day on board Hudson. Got things out of bond & made arrangements for several items for the Saints. Signed the Swiss Tickets; busy all day. Jolly busy.
Brother Fowler gave £1. Several more of the Dutch Saints arrived per Feynord & went on board. About 30 all told.
Tues. 31. Settled up with Mr. Wyght for board & lodgings of the Dutch Saints & part of them went on board. I spent the most of the day on board Hudson.
June 1864. London Docks Hudson
Wed. 1. I went on board with my trunk &c also the luggage of the Dutch Saints was removed from Sun Court. Brother George Q. Cannon gave me a ticket. I got a bed place in the 2nd cabin where I sleep with Elder Thomas O. King. His blankets & mine together make a very comfortable bed.
Thur. 2. I spent the time so busily in making all comfortable & assisting in passing the doctor, that I found the ship had left the dock & the tug hitched on & we were cleared at 12:30. [IN THE LEFT HAND MARGIN IS WRITTEN, Fri. 3] Hundreds [p.161] following the wharf & cheering until be were out of sight. [IN THE LEFT HAND MARGIN IS WRITTEN, Continued Fri. 3] At 5:30 p.m. last anchor 3 miles below Gravesend. Many returned per tugboat. The government officers came on board and the Saints, tickets in hand, passed by according to ship regulations to prevent any stowaways. After all had passed & other business matters were settled President George Q. Cannon, cousin Jesse N. Smith, & a few others who had remained took the tug and amid the heart felt cheers of the Saints. Left us for Gravesend or London. Not that they were leaving us, but that we were leaving for Zion. The day being wet prevented a meeting being held on board as is customary for the organization of the company. Notwithstanding this all felt that they had President G. [George] Q. Cannon's heart felt blessings with them. Captain Pratt informed President J. [John] M. Kay that now the ship had cleared he would do all in his power for our comfort. The Saints on board were now in council divided into 14 wards. Elder John M. Kay, president; Elder George Halladay [Hallday], John L. Smith & Mathew M. McCune councilors. Alex Ross, clerk; James Brown, steward & Charles Goodwin, captain of guard. No. 1 Ward Elder William Moss. No. 2 Ward Elder John Tudonham [Tuddenham]. No. 3 Ward Elder Thomas Clifton. No. 4 Ward (Dutch) Elder Timothy Mets. No. 5 Ward Elder Ulrich Farrer (Swiss). No. 6 Elder James Howard. No. 7 Elder Samuel Neslen. No. 8 Thomas C. Patten. [p.162] No. 9 Elder Ludwig Woth [Ludvig Wolf]. No. 10 Elder George Webb. No. 11 Elder George Harison [Harrison]. No. 12 Elder William Sanders. No. 13 Elder Thomas O. King. No.
14 Elder John H. Miller. In each ward the instructions necessary to be carried out for the comfort convenience of the Saints were given by the brethren & a ready response made by all which shows an appreciation of the interest taken in their welfare by the elders.
Sat. 4. At 3 a.m. the tug came along side & towed us our of the Thames while the sailors with their merry songs are getting the canvass to rights. There are 160 emigrants on board that do not belong to our people. They occupy the fore part of the vessel and by order of Captain Pratt by our request are being partitioned off to themselves. The cooking arrangements not moving very satisfactory. A council of presidents of wards met in the evening to receive instructions from the presidency. The tug left us off the town of Margate where the passengers of the "Amazon" were landed last year as she took fire; the 1st trip after taking out the Saints last June for New York. All well & happy on board the Hudson.
Sun. 5. English Channel. During the night it fell calm. At 8 a.m. breeze from the west. Opposite Folkstone Sandgate [p.163] At 12:30 all on board assembled on deck. President Kay call to order. First hymn sung. Elder [George] Haladay [Halliday] engaged in prayer. Another hymn was sung. Elder McCaven [Matthew McCune] spoke nearly an hour comforting & cheeringly to all. Secretary [Alexander] Ross read the letter of appointments from President G. [George] Q. Cannon, its acceptance was unanimous. I followed a short time in German to the German & Swiss Saints also a few remarks to the whole exhorting all to be Saints on board ship as well as on land. Elder Halladay [George Halliday] gave expressing to his feelings in his usual style as to what was as necessary for every day life. President J. M. Cay [John M. Kay] made a few concluding remarks. A hymn was sung & closing prayer by Elder S. [Samuel] Neslen. Captain Pratt seemed well pleased & expressed himself as ready to do all in his power for our comfort. In the evening Brother Halladay [George Halliday], Mc'Cuent [Mathew McCune], myself with others finished the arrangements of giving our provisions, &c. The wind being contrary, we were obliged to tack ship every few hours.
Mon. 6. During the night it came on calm with heavy fog. After a breeze of 2 hours which cleared off the fog, it turned calm & fog settled down. Foggy again. [p.164]
Tues. 7. Calm till 10 a.m. Light breeze from north, northwest. All well. I collected the German choir on deck & they sang several pieces which seemed to delight all. Brother [George] Careless got the English choir together in 2nd cabin & sang many pieces which added much to the days past time. During the p.m. a son of C. [Charles] Goodwin, captain of guard fell down the air pipes to the lower deck into the hold. He was more scared than hurt although he fell 30 feet.
Wed. 8. About 3 a.m. we fell in with a pilot boat from the Isle of Wyght [Wight] to take our pilot onshore. William Pesaby our pilot, seemed a nice man. Entering in to conversation freely with all. At 12:30 p.m. he took leave of us carrying many letters &c to the shores we had left with him. President Mc'Cuen [Mathew McCune] spends much time among the sick as he is a regular practitioner of the homeopathic primal.
Thur. 9. Some few seasick. Presidency busy all day looking after the welfare of all.
Fri. 10. Met some fishing boats from Plymouth from which Captain Pratt bought some fish. Passed or met packet "Adriatic" belonging to same company. Cheers were exchanged. She comes from New York. Reports from presidents of wards [-].
Sat. 11. At 12 the 2nd dealing out of provisions issued. Ships now rolls & pitches & many are seasick. None wish to return that we [-]. [p.165]
Sun. 12 June 1864. The rolling of the ship causes some to feel very sick. Nearly calm. At noon met on the poop deck & were addressed by President [John M.] Kay, Haladay [George Halliday], Smith, & Mc'Cuen [Mathew McCune] addressed them a short time each. The sick were mostly on deck & the fresh air & good instructions seemed to do all good. Numbers were administered and all seemed much benefitted.
Mon. 13. At 11 a.m. passed Mounts Bay & during the day Lands End & Five Rocks called "Long Ships." On the summit of one is a splendid lighthouse. The English Channel is 320 miles long & finishes at this point. We pass the Scilly Isles. These Isles tho small are inhabited by a race who are but little known. We are now on the broad Atlantic & the roll of the long waves make the Hudson pitch and toss about like a nut shell. 10 p.m. strong wind from southwest with rain. Top sails stowed.
Tues. 14. At 5 a.m. wind changed to northwest. Owing to the drowsiness of the man at the helm he lost control and got drawn over the wheel & considerably bruised. The increased roll & pitch caused many to be quite sick. In the p.m. a shoal of porpoises followed the ship some distance. It made me think of a heard of buffaloes as they leap from wave to wave. [p.166]
Wed. 15. Met with the president's council of wars. Reports that the sick are improving. The presidency spoke to the brethren about the changing of money at New York & other matters.
Thur. 16. Wind northwest. A ship in sight, the first seen for 3 days. A man from the fore part of the ship was seized suddenly with heart disease & died at 1 p.m. His family on board are wife, 2 sons, 1 daughter, & 3 grand children, en route to join friends & children in America. He is 54 years of age. At 6 p.m. many of the passengers assembled to witness a burial at sea. On the larboard side of ship under the direction of 1st mate Mr. Charles H. Knight. The body was brought to the midship, laying on the plank, having been sewn up in canvass & a weight sufficient to sink it attached to the feet. One of the sons of the deceased lead the burial service in conformance with the Church of Rome and the remains were launched feet first over the side of the ship & disappeared immediately beneath the blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Latitude 22 and Longitude 9. Mr. Captain Pratt, President [John M.] Kay, Mr. H. J. Rodgers, M.D. & Mr. C. [Charles] H. Knight sympathized with the bereaved family & kindly administered to their wants. A quantity of fine soup was made today from preserved meat which has been the voyage to the Arctic Region. 25 gallons was distributed among the sick & duly appreciated by all. Thanks to Captain Pratt. [p.167]
Fri. 17. Wind in our teeth. After breakfast the Saints gathered on deck & seem much improved. They were again supplied with 28 gallons of the same kind of soup; per kindness of Captain Pratt. This has marvelously strengthened & cheered the sick. At 6 p.m. the English barque "Isabella Blythe" of London passed us to leeward. Latitude 13.30 north 83 days from the Isle of Frame on the Arabian Coast. Mr. [Charles] Knight conversed with her thru the medium of flags & gave her Greenwich time loaded with sugar for London. In the evening ward presidents met in 2nd cabin. Reports are cheering. President [John M.] Kay & Halladay [George Halliday] enjoined it upon the presidents of wards to instruct all to pray for a fair wind. They were all desired to be united & see that nothing should be neglected that would be for the general good of the whole.
Sat. 18. The ocean seems toned down & quite calm only an occasional puff of wind from the west. Captain Pratt again sends to the sick a large quantity of the soup which has so materially strengthened the sick. P.M. a number of the London Choir met on the poop deck & spent the p.m. singing. At 3 p.m. a shark was reported to leeward. At council report was made of numbers of things were missing & that the people from the forepart climbed the bulkhead reports! Our is manifested. [p.168]
Sun. 18. 7 a.m. wind fresh from northwest. At 11:30 a.m. public meeting. M. [Mathew] M. Mc'Cuen [McCune] spoke 1 hours on the 1st principles of the gospel dragging in polygamy &c. The first part was good but the later to my mind were out of place. Coming on to rain. Brother Hallady [George Halliday] dismissed by a short benediction. 7:30 p.m. council reports: all improving. President [John M.] Kay, Halladay [George Halliday] & Smith spoke upon the [-] of a long voyage & the necessity of being sharing of our medicinal stores, &c. President [John M.] Kay said he had as much freedom in the gospel as any on board & considered that any who undertook to lead astray young women would most decidedly have to answer for the same. Brother Mc'Cuen [Mathew McCune] remarks were out of place though they might be all true.
Mon. 20. Latitude 47.51 North. Longitude 16.47 West. Thermometer 60º Fahrenheit. Water [-] 7 a.m. wind northwest ship standing southwest by north. Most of people on & feeling fine. P.M. a shoal of porpoise passed. 7:30 p.m. council & reports all moving well. Time of evening prayers changed from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. I gave instructions to Brother Wath to set a guard each night at the lower deck at the ventilator to prevent interlopers or trespassers from descending among the people & taking things not their own. Brother T. [Tomotheus] Mets has been very sick with fever for some days but is improving too; still very weak. [p.169]
Tues. 21. Wind northwest. President [John M.] Kay was seized with a severe billious attack & is confined to his room. President Halladay [George Halliday] also indisposed brought on by overexertion. The most of the Saints on deck feeling well. Brother C. [Charles] Goodwin who was appointed captain Of guard requested to be released as he could not get that obedience from the people that he thought he should receive & was dissatisfied with the treatment received from some of the brethren. Council meeting: President K. [Kay] improving. Said we are in a school & it would not do for one of Gods servants to back water [UNCLEAR] & thought Brother Goodwin had better keep his position. Was sorry he had asked for a release still if he desired he could have it. It was considered the 1st step to apostasy. Brother Goodwin retained his place. I then asked Brother Goodwin if he felt hurt because I had collared and him in the morning. He said I had made that all right & that he had been hasty & did not blame me.
Wed. 22. Wind fresh northwest Today the principle part of the bedding was got on deck & had a good airing & also most of the people. Council meeting: T [Tomotheus] Mets still very sick: 2 cases of measles reported. Presidency made some remarks on care of provisions & not wasting. 8 p.m. wind changed more in our favor. Latitude 46º 20" Longitude 18º 4". Air 61. Water 61. Barometer 30.30. [p.170]
Thur 23. Nearly calm, made small progress during the day. 3:30 p.m. Carl K?mel [POSSIBLY Kamerli], aged 1 year & 2 month & 21 days, son of Brother & Sister K?mel [POSSIBLY Kamerli] from Switzerland in the 5 Ward died of inflamation of the bowels. A number of cases of bowel complaint were reported in council in the evening. President Kay & the council gave instructions to the presidents of wards to look to their people & see that all were on deck sometime of the day & have a little fresh air. At 8:30 p.m. the body of the child was brought to the leeward stern of the vessel followed by the friends & relatives & some from the Holland Ward, about 50 in all.
I made a few comforting remarks appropriate to the occasion referring to the hope the Saints had of again receiving their children & that it made but little difference whether we were buried at sea or land, with some words of admonition to live godly lives upright & true, faithful & just. As declared the corpse was dropped into sea at 8:50 p.m. Longitude. 21º10" west. After which I engaged in prayer. Captain Pratt, President [John M.] Kay, an officers [-] the thanks & feelings of the parents & friends for their sympathy in their bereavement both of which I translated.
Friday. 24. I spent the day doing as little as possible all day with severe headache. A child of of [SIC] Sister [Ann] Downham from South Hampton Conference fell off out of the boats & broke its arm. Md. [Doctor] Rodgers attended promptly sit & bandaged the same. [p.171] Council at 7:30 p.m. Instructions given for children not to be allowed on the boats or poop deck & trusted the accident which had just occurred would not be repeated again & be warning sufficient for the future.
Sat. 25. Fair light wind. Top mast stunt sails set for the 1st time. Provisions were dealt out. Brother T. [Timotheus] Mets some better, walked out on deck a little. 7:30 p.m. council: Instructions by the presidency not to crowd the poop deck.
Latitude 44º11". Longitude. 22º29" Air 65. Water 66. Barometer 30.60
Sun. 26. At 11 a.m. Saints met on the main deck. President K. [John M. Kay] called on me & I opened by prayer. Brother Halladay [George Halliday] spoke in a spirited manner for some time. I followed for a short time bearing testimony to Brother Halladay's [George Halliday] remarks & gave out an appointment for the French & German Saints in the p.m. Elder Mc'Cuen [Matthew McCune] closed by prayer. 12:30 p.m. met with German Saints & spoke to them for some time. Brother Farrer spoke for a while & had a goo time. All felt to rejoice together. Brother [L.A.] Bertrand spoke to the French Saints for a time & had a good time.
7:30 p.m. council meeting. President K [Kay] not present on account of sickness. After reports & necessary instructions by Halladay [Halliday] & myself Brother Farrer closed by prayer. Air 60. Water 65. Barometer 30.50. [p.172]
Mon. 27. At 1:30 p.m. Sister Elisabeth Reiser of 9 Ward died suddenly of disease of the heart. Age 40 years & 2 months born Zurich Switzerland. She leaves a husband on board, but no children. She has been a faithful Latter-day Saint & died in good standing-was a member of the Church for 4 years.
2:30 p.m. the Saints came on deck & the lower deck was renovated by sprinkling tar oil which changes the smell. It being a thorough renovator. Two vessels were seen in the northwest nearly all day. Twenty years today since the Prophet Joseph & Patriarch Hyrum Smith were murdered in Carthage Jail. A day long to be remembered by the Saints. 7:20 p.m. council assembled: many reported sick. President K. [John M. Kay] said he was sorry to learn that another death had occurred among the Saints & gave some good instructions. Wished all to be on their guard & report sickness. He said Captain Pratt had kindly offered the use of the poop deck that the sick might get the benefit of the air & exercise during the day. Air 68. Water 58. Barometer 30.55. Latitude 43º55. Longitude 26º20.
By kindness of Capt Pratt the friends of deceased on the after part of the ship. When I prayed & spoke a few words comforting all to the best of my ability when the body was launched into the blue waves at 9 or 10:00 p.m. Longitude 27º30 east. [p.173]
Tues. 28. 6 a.m. light wind & rain from southeast. At 12 noon, air 66. Water 67. Barometer 30.53. Latitude 47º22. Longitude 27.49
Clerk A. J. Ross by request of President K. [John M. Kay], a bulletin of the general affairs Saints health, sickness, & death &c. was writ out & posted on a board when all who wished could read it.
7:30 p.m. council. President K. [John M. Kay] spoke warmly on the sickness of the Saints & the necessity of constant watchfulness to see that all were cared for. Dismissed by the Brother Mc'Cuen [Matthew McCune].
Wed. 29. Cloudy & dull-wind more favorable. Several cases of diarrhea reported. Sister Kay with a motherly hand administered to many of the sick below decks which is highly appreciated by the Saints. 7:30 p.m. council meeting as usual.
Thur. 30. Wind from east. Captain Pratt & Mr. Massey part owner of the ship with President K. [John M. Kay] went thru every part of the ship. The German & Dutch received the premium for cleanliness. This pleased me as they have been called the dirty ones. 12 noon. Air 67. Water 67. Barometer 30.50. Latitude 42º32. Longitude. 32º43 west. 7:30 p.m. Council reports all improving. [p.174]
Fri. 1. Wind northeast A sailor was discovered below deck among the people & when ordered to go on deck by the Boatswain, refused when a scuffle ensues. Mr. Knight 1 mate appeared & soon brought it to a close. 12 midday wind north Air 65. Water 67. Barometer 30.50. Latitude 41º54. Longitude. 35º39.
The majority of Saints on deck among whom a decided improvement is taking place. Some advice given with regard tot he Saints changing their moneys into American change upon arrival at New York.
Sat. 2. 6 a.m. Wind hauled to southwest. Tacked ship & stood northwest. A whale seen to leeward & several ships in sight. 7:30 p.m. council meeting. Reports that all were improving. Some [-] instructions from President K. [Kay] dismissed by Elder Halladay [George Halliday].
Sun. 3. 11:30 a.m. Saints met on deck in front of 2nd cabin. Prayer by Elder Ross. Elders Tuddenham, Howard, & Harrison president of 2nd, 6th, & 11th wards. Sister Beck being taken suddenly seriously ill. I had her brought on deck. President K. [Kay] spoke a short time giving some excellent instructions. Did not like to see some going to the captain & doctor & draw a long face & tell a pitiful story that they had nothing they could eat &c. to get some pity. [p.175] At 3:30 p.m. Gotfried [Godfred] Adam Beck son of Godfreed [Gotfred] & Eva Beck from Eickelberg Kingdom of Wurtemburg Germany died of teething. I called a few of the German Saints on deck & spoke to them a short time. Brother Farrer followed comforting the parents much. At 4:15 p.m. the body was brought on deck. On this occasion a few of the English Saints by request & permission were present. Elder U. [Ulrich] Farrer under my directions offered a few remarks & & [SIC] I offered prayer. The sympathy of captain & officers with the presidency were extended, which were thankfully acknowledged & the remains were committed to the deep. At 9:30 p.m. Longitude 39.45 west.
Council as usual: nothing of importance. Air 70. Water 70. Barometer 30.55. Latitude 41. Longitude 39.11 west.
Mon. 4. Wind southwest. At 3:35 a.m. Emma Matlida daughter of Brother & Sister Singleton from Portsmouth Southampton died of marasmus. Aged 6 months & 14 days. At 5:30 a.m. the body was committed tot he deep under the presidency of President K. [John M. Kay] & Halladay [George Halliday] in Longitude 39. 3 west.
Although it is the anniversary of American independence there is no demonstration on board the American ship Hudson. Some have suggested that she was a rebel. Many of the Saints singing songs of Zion & enjoying some games on deck.
7:30 council as usual: Sister Sarah Ann Ellis was taken with cramp & visited by Dr. & Captain Pratt. He ministered to her & requested to be called if she got worse. [p.176]
Tues. 5. At 3 a.m. a small brig running with the wind came near being run over, it being so dark it could scarcely be seen. Was seen & the helm put down just in time to save her & a collision. 12 noon. Air 73. Water 74. Barometer 30.20. Latitude 41.13 Longitude 41.54 west.
At 1:20 a.m. Amelia White Clifton daughter of Thad & Keziah Clifton died of apthoea aged 3 months & 5 days. At 1:50 p.m. a squall with rain. Some of the Sails were reeled & others stowed. At 3 p.m. the body of the child was committed to the waves under the direction of Elder Halladay [George Halliday].
In the p.m. a few flying fish were seen. Numbers of passengers sick owing to the motion of the ship. Sea rough & wind strong. 7:30 p.m. council: I spoke of the conduct of Brother Harrison, volunteer cook, of the complaints of his roughness & driving them from the galley & setting their things one side & putting others in their places. President K. [John M. Kay] said if such were the facts Brother Harison [Harrison] was wrong most decidedly as all should be kind.
Wed. 6. Strong wind southwest. Sister Winkler wife of Ulrich Winkler from Zell Conton Zurich Switzerland, gave birth to a fine son at 1 a.m., both doing well. I was called upon at 1:30 a.m. & gave notice to the Dr. who assisted her. [p.177]
At 8:30 a.m. a heavy squall took the ship aback before she could be put round. The jib sail was carried overboard. Mr. Knight 1 mate in the heat of the moment, supposing it attributable to the neglect of the 3rd mate Mr. Harding seized him & both fell on the deck. Mr. Knight falling underneath requested to be released which was instantly granted. But coward like seized a belaying pin struck Mr. Harding 2 severe blows on the head. By this act Mr. Knight lost much of the good opinion of the sailors & passengers who saw the affray crying out for shame. Captain Pratt had to settle the affair.
7:30 p.m. Council as usual: several cases of measles were reported.
Thur. 7. Wind southwest. At 11 a.m. all the Saints were called on deck & the floors were sprinkled with tar oil as a renovator.
7:30 p.m. council: several things reported removed from their places & not returned. Brother Halladay [George Halliday] said to Brother Goodwin if he could not properly guard the ship & see that things were not stolen, that he with his brethren of the 2nd cabin would take full charge & go & watch the whole affair ourselves, to which a hearty response of amen was given.
Fri. 8. Fog wind west. Early in p.m. a confederate schooner have in sight & passed to leeward very slowly, the movements seemed rather strange. Council at 7:30. Ship stearing [-]. [p.178]
Sat. 9. I spent most of the day dealing out provisions very [-]. Council 7:30 p.m. 21 cases of measles reported not very heavy. H. King benediction. Several whales seen during the day.
Sun. 10. No meeting on deck owing to the cold damp weather. Council at 7:30 p.m. Reports show that the measles are increasing among the children. Several complaints of Brother Harison [Harrison]. Cook of his insulting conduct in the galley, which he denied. A vote of the council was called to know whether they had met with such conduct when visiting the galley. The vote was unanimous that he had been justly censured.
Mon. 11. Wind light but more favorable. At 10 a.m. a special council was called of 12 elders . . . But few of the Saints were allowed on the poop deck today as Captain Pratt was confined to his bed with sickness. 7:30 p.m. council. Elder Henry G. [George] Jemmett] [Jemmet] of captain of guard. The funnel of the condensing engine caught fire. Extinguished without damage. [p.179]
Tues. 12. Died at 5:15 a.m. Emily Francis [-] from Chettenham aged 1 year 2 months, 25 days. Buried at 6:20 a.m. Longitude. 55.11 west. President K [Kay] officiated. Died at 8:30 a.m. John Ulrich Winkler aged 6 days of [-]. Buried at 12 noon in Longitude. 55.30 west. J [John] L Smith officiated. Died at 1 p.m. Ellen W. Clifton from London of Menrasmus, aged 1 year 5 months. Buried at 8:30 p.m. Longitude 56.1 west.
7:30 p.m. Council meeting as usual. At 8 p.m. wind increased with heavy rain. 10:30 p.m. after I had got comfortably in bed the watch on the fore castle called out light ahead. Although the fog was very thick so that the vessel was nearly into us before she was seen & we came near running foul. We acknowledge the kind care of the Lord as preserving us. Air 62. Water 63. Barometer 30.18. Latitude 42.54. Longitude 55.11 west.
Wed. 13. Head wind. Deaths: At 7 a.m. Bastian de Keyser aged 3 years 1 month 4 days from Hullin. Timothy [Timotheus] Mets officiated. 12 noon sounded for [-] but found none. 7:30 council as usual.
Thurs. 14. Died of measles at 10:10 a.m., Margret Papworth from Cambridgeshire, England aged 1 year 4 months, 1 day. Buried at 8:40 p.m. Elder McCuen [Matthew McCune] officiated. Saints all called on deck & the below decks were sprinkled with lime and tar oil. 7:30 p.m. Council as usual. [p.180]
Fri. 15. Wind fair tho light. I made [-] & passed into President K. [Kay] my account of moneys to be exchanged. At 1:30 p.m. Sister Mary Baxter from Scotland gave birth to a fine daughter. 7:30 p.m. Council as usual. Reports: improving.
Sat. 16. I commenced before breakfast & dealt out to the passengers 3 barrels of sugar before breakfast was both tired & hungry when I had finished. P.m. foggy. 7:30 p.m. council as usual.
Sun. 17. Wind favorable still foggy. I assisted in blessing the infant daughter of Sister Baxter in company with President K. [Kay], Halladay [Halliday], & Ross named it Ellen Kay Bokler. P.M. meeting on main deck at which instructions were given concerning the traps & snares set to lead the unwavy [-] at New York upon their arrival. 7:30 council as usual. Previous to which I met the German & Dutch wards below & spoke to them for some time as to the counsel to be pursued by them upon their arrival at New York to avoid trouble [-] & danger.
Mon. 18. Weather fine, wind favorable. 4:30 a.m. Pilot came on board. He brought papers from New York of the 11th instant giving news of the war with the Rebels. Report of the sinking of the Confederate vessel "Alabama" by the Federal steamer "Courage." I know I spoke hour to German ward No. 9. Mother Caren's chickens caught. [p.181]
Tues. 19. At 7 a.m. a tug boat took Packer ship Hudson in tow and we are nearing port. I finished letters for Bullock H. Debenhasn London also one for my wife at B. Smith & Mary A. Smith Salt Lake City. Packing & cleaning, making arrangements for landing in New York. The wind is dying away & the sailors are busy stripping the ship.
The captain tells me he has to pay the tug 150$ to tow the ship into dock. We passed Sandy Hook Lighthouse & up through the narrows & cast anchor at 3:30 p.m., opposite Castle Garden. When Elder W. [William] C. Staines came on board, and at 5:30 p.m. & addressed the council meeting in the evening & spent the night on board.
Wed. 20. Elder P. A. Schettler came on board early this morning & the lighter came alongside at 8 a.m. & the luggage was transferred from ship Hudson by the brethren in a few hours. 12 noon the people left the ship & were landed at Castle Gardens. The Lighter was taken along side the steamer St. John & put on board & the Saints came on board at 5 p.m. & steamer "St. John" started up the river for Albany, 150 miles distant at 6 p.m. [p.182]
Thur. 21. Arrived at Albany at 5 a.m. The steamer leaving 1406 persons on board. On the lower deck it was very much crowded & a poor chance for sleeping. The luggage was taken to the railway station & weighed 65 tons & the people went on board the train of 24 carriages which started for Buffalo at 1 p.m. Distant 260 miles & rode all night.
Friday. 22. 3 p.m. arrived at Buffalo crossed the end of Lake Erie in a steamer. Bought some crackers & cheese. The luggage was transferred to the cars of the Grand Trunk Railway & the people got on the train & started for Port Huron at 8 p.m. 240 miles rode all night one carriage reported disables it was left & a baggage car taken its place.
Sat. 23. Arrived at Port Huron on St. Clare River at 12 noon. After riding through lower Canada where most of the forests remain uncleared. The Grand Trunk Railway line men are very ungentlemanly. After crossing the St. Clair River by steam ferry. We changed to the cars of the Central Michigan Railroad & started at 5 p.m. for Chicago on Lake Michigan 260 miles. Soon after leaving the woods on each side the track were seen on fire for miles making it unpleasantly warm & dangerous of them to pass. [p.183]
Sun. 24. 5 p.m. arrived at Chicago. Staid on train all night. Some of the Saints went out to look for bread shops shut up & but little found.
Mon. 25. Left Chicago for Quincy on the Illinois Centennial Rail at 9 a.m. Much inconvenience was experienced by the frequent change of cars on this line, one of which took place at midnight.
Tues. 26. At daylight this morning we arrived at [-] while the engine was taking in water at the tank Cousin Arthur Millkin & wife called me to the fence. She was Joseph the prophet's sister Lucy. They expressed great pleasure at seeing me & asked me to stop with them a week. This was pleasing to me to hear them express, but with which I could not comply. I stayed just as long as possible & had barely time to reach the train when she started. I spent the night on guard. On the arrival at Plymouth I enquired of the station master & was informed that my wife's brother Alexander D. Cleveland had been to the war but had returned & moved away with his family, but did not know where to.
Wed. 27. Train arrived at Quincy at 12 noon. The luggage was ferried across the Mississippi & the passengers crossed at 6 p.m. when we received word that on dispatch that that Salt River Bridge [p.184] had been burned, also Shelbina Station on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad been burned by the guerillas & in consequence we had to camp in the woods, but a thunder storm coming on they race to the Station for shelter but offorded poor accommodation & much exposed & remained here all day.
Thurs. 28. At 8 a.m. 3 trains were got in readiness to convey the Saints on the St. Joseph Railroad to the neighborhood of the burnt bridge which we reached at 12 noon. Passengers left the rain forded the River & camped again in the woods to await the removal of luggage which was carried over 3/4 of a miles over very rough ground. Much of it our mens backs as only 3 wagons were available for the heavier boxes. I had charge of the loading of the cars with the assistance of the German brethren.
Fri. 29. The luggage was over the river & reloaded by 3 p.m. & 3 trains of goods cars & cattle trucks very filthy & crammed to excess by Saints were started at short intervals for St. Joseph, Missouri. The effects of the current raid being very apparent in the burnt buildings. The excitement of the inhabitants & the number of armed men seen at the stations who had been sent to protect the line aha the route. [p.185]
Sat. 30. Arrived at St. Joseph Missouri at 7 & 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. after a terribly rough ride. One engine & several carriages getting off the track we all assisting to push the trains in sidings & some other mishaps. The last train brought in 2 dead children who had been sick for some time. We stayed at the railway station for the night.
Sun. 31. The Saints occupying a large shed belonging to the railroad company. A number of soldiers & others came down to the place to converse & in some cases tried to create disturbance. A Dutch girl understanding but little English being questioned by a number of the soldiers & they not understanding her represented that we were forcing her to go to G. [Great] S. [Salt] L. [Lake] City against her will & we were under the necessity of sending for the Provost Marshal (The country being under Marshal law.) To disperse the rabble after the case was examined by the aid of an interpreter being had satisfying himself that it was all a misunderstanding, commanded the soldiers to leave the ground. The rabble then declared they would have her if they had to burn the building, but by disguising her she was got on board the steamer "Colorado" leaving them watching her hat laying in the room where she had been & all passed off quietly to our no small satisfaction. At 3 p.m. I left St. Joseph on board steamer Colorado with wagons & foreign Satins for "Wyoming" & goods for intermediate ports & stations. [p.186] J.W Young, Joseph A. Young, & P.A. Schettler accompanied us. The boat tied up at a wood yard for the night.
August Monday 1, 1864. Missouri River.
Mon. 1. Started at daylight. Brother J. A. Young left the boat at the 1st station below Brownsville taking a horse with him. During the day I had some trouble to get the people to understand that it was best to keep a respectful distance from strangers. We tied up for night at a wood yard.
Tues. 2. 5 a.m. started again raining for 2 hours and after rubbing over Sandbars & feeling our way from bank to bank & running over Shags we arrived at
Wyoming at 2 p.m. I found 2 letters at this place from home. The Foreign Saints with myself were placed to travel in Captain William. Hydes Company & repaired to the camping ground a mile from Wyoming. The steamer "J. F. Lacy" arrived with the English Saints at 5 p.m.
Wed. 3. Spent the day in getting up luggage from the landing & putting together wagons all hard at work all day. [p.187]
Thursday 4. Still at work fitting up wagons & gathering up oxen filling in & getting ready the train for starting across the plains. [Fri 5 IS WRITTEN AFTER getting ready AND BEFORE the train.]
Sat. 6. I purchased the provisions for the German independent wagons. Brother J. Beck offered place in his wagon for my trunk which I accepted.
Sun. 7. I was taken with the cholera at 11 p.m.
Mon. 8. Continued with vomiting & diarrhea every 15 minutes until noon with severe cramping spells in bowels wells & limbs being a rather severe attack. I lost 45 pounds in weight in 48 hours. Some of my friends had but little hopes of my recovery. I had no fears. I took some medicine which checked the diarrhea. Sister [UNCLEAR, POSSIBLY, Eliza Karhui] waited on me faithfully for which the Lord reward her. I called some of the brethren to administer to me & took some nursing medicine from Brother T. [Tomotheus] Mets. The brethren seemed almost faithless. I told them they need not look to leave me. I was going home if I went on foot.
Tues. 9. Some better. Rode to the office in Captain Hyde's carriage in the p.m. In the p.m. the train moved. . . [p.188] [NOTE: THE COMPLETION OF THIS JOURNEY IS ANOTHER VOLUME WHICH IS NOT AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, CHURCH ALMANAC 1997-98 P.175 NOTES THAT THE COMPANY OF WILLIAM HYDE ARRIVED IN THE SALT LAKE VALLEY SOMETIME BETWEEN OCTOBER 26-30, 1864]
BIB: Smith, John Lyman, Autobiography and Journals of John Lyman Smith. MS 1122, pp.160-188.
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