Wednesday, Sept.7- (Cloudy and Chilly) 7:00 a.m. We crossed over to Liverpool. Had breakfast and then we went up to the office, wrote to Brother [UNCLEAR, POSSIBLY, Brewton] & to [[UNCLEAR] left a letter for instruction in the office. Afternoon went on board for good. 5-10 p.m. sailed down the Mersey. We had a very good dinner or supper. During the night, Brother [UNCLEAR, PROBABLY Nebeker] was taken very sick. [Seasickness] I came pretty near following suite. I forgot to say that our company was organized with Frank Hyde as president & Peter Neibecker [Nebeker] and George Romney as counselors.
Thursday, 8- (Sea rather rough.) Wrote to Brother John [UNCLEAR, PROBABLY Bomuesden]. Taken quite sick while writing when up on deck, but had to return and lay down. Vomited freely and felt a little better. Directly after [-] o'clock, we arrived at Queenstown. 3:15 p.m. the tug came along side. 3:30 p.m. we were off again. Had a very boisterous night.
Friday, 9- Stiff breeze, sea mountains high. Ship pitching and tossing in a very disagreeable manner. Nearly everybody sick. George Romney kept up all the time and was like a father to the whole company. Eight hours in the engine would not work.
Saturday, 10- Quite an improvement in the weather, but the good ship Idaho still giving us a ride that would beat the highest of the high flying boats in the Farr's of old England. [UNCLEAR] Evening the people feeling better and singing the songs of Zion. I heard one of the cabin passengers (a lady) asking a gentlemen a question in regard to our people. He told her they were Mormons on their way to Utah and that Salt Lake City was the best conducted city in the United States. Fine moonlight evening. After prayers we retired to rest, feeling well. I heard another question asked of the captain during the evening (by a lady passenger) that I think is worth writing. She asked if our people [p .151] were Fenians [a member of a secret Irish organization] (referring to the Mormons) and if he was not afraid to have them on board. He answered, "Oh no, the Mormons and the Fenians were a very different people." The captain has taken over a good many Mormons and feels well towards our people.
Sunday, Sept. 11th - (Fine.) The company feeling better, nearly everybody on deck. Morning there was service in the cabin. Afternoon we had meeting below. The Spirit of God being with us, with its rich good influence. It think all the returning elders spoke. One thing I particularly noticed in the remarks of Brother G. [George] Reomny [Romney], and that was the number of vessels that have crossed the sea baring Latter-day Saints there has never been one lost and never will if the people will be faithful and live the lives that Saints should. [He] exhorted the people to faithfulness and promised that we should land in safety. While listening, my reflection were something like the following: Yes we shall land in safety, but if old Satan does not convince us before we do land that he has got some power yet, then I miss my guess.
Monday, 12th - (Changeable.) Got up with a sick headache. The wind becoming more favorable, the sails were unfurled sailing at the rate of 13 knot per hour. (During the day) saw two ships, both sailing east. Eat scarcely anything sick all day. Went to bed early, sick all night.
Tuesday, 13th - (Cloudy & windy.) Felt better, heavy sea. Ship rolling considerably as the day advanced. The wind increased in violence until the sea became fearful to look upon heaving, swelling, scaving, and boiling. The waves rolling mountains high trying fearfully to metal of the iron ship Idaho, but in the midst of it all she rides majestically always like a water bird on the breast of the sea. [p. 152] A very stormy night, wind blowing. A perfect gale all (quite and well.) Once during the night came near being thrown out of my berth.
Wednesday, 14th - (Squally) ...high wind, heavy sea. (Saw sailing vessel today. Nearly all her sails furled.) Very disagreeable day. Seven days from Liverpool and we are scarcely half way to New York. Have had headwinds nearly all the time since we left Queenstown. (Not feeling well.) Were it possible to describe the scene as we ride along plowing the waters, the description would be a very interesting one. Imagine a grand expanse of waters apparently round extending [as] far as the eye can reach (in every direction.) The whole dashing, roaring, seething, and boiling. The waves sometimes looking like the rolling hills of our western prairie, and at other towering higher and higher while with foam looking like the crowns of our snow-capped mountains. And slept on board our good ship Idaho hear the wind whistle and roar through her canvas. See her mount that towering wave. Now she dips her bows and slides down the mountain of water. Skims across that liquid valley, meats that wall of water, strikes it with her noble front and sends the salt spray flying glittering with the beauty of the fairy scene. Again she ascends the mountain wave and her stern sinks and the liquid element rides around as if she was going to be engulfed, swallowed in that maddened, bubbling blowing cauldron of liquid water, but not so like a graceful waterfall of life. She rides majestically along as if there was no danger in her path, and while the elements and the noble vessel [-] for a master ship. The Latter-day Saints trust in the arm of the Almighty and realized that "God moves in mysterious way His [-] to perform. He plants His footsteps on the sea and rides on the storm." We feel perfectly [p. 153] safe and have full confidence that in we own due time the of Lord we shall land in safety at our destination. For we feel with the poet, this "Behind a frowning providence he hides a smiling face." I write this by candlelight in the cabin while everything is on the move. Rattling, squeaking and groaning I sometimes feel as if I was going to be tilted, heels upwards. It seems as if the good ship was being tried in every part [of] what she can endure and not go to pieces. But for myself I might as well conclude, "That is a ship? Is a thing that you can never be in and those endure you may be sure that go to the sea." I will quit and go to bed before I get seasick for thus I feel to be a first rate opportunity.
Thursday, 15- (High wind.) Quite sick all day. Pleasures of dining at sea, here we are all sit at the table and each casting glances around as if he or she was afraid that the ship might sail away and leave there alone without even a chance to save their plates. All is ready for the grand and interesting occasion. The white aproned waiters in place (about the only ones that seem in place). [-] goes the bell and off goes the cover, but the motion of ship and the moment spoils the dignity of the affair and creates rather more noise than is becoming amongst the tinware. The ship now moves with a rocking motion. The people in line on one side [of] the table sit (both upright with stately dignity), those on the opposite, bend forward and gracefully incline the head with [a] friendly bow. The ship rocks, the other passions [passengers] change and the compliment is return. Now things are righted and the table stops square. If it was a dance the caller might now call balance all, but it is not a dance but a dinner, and the food appears on the table with [-] speed through the hands of the white aprons, mean waiters. Knives and forks are now taken in hand [p. 154] and the company at the table look in earnest, but ship Idaho gives a [-] and down go knives and forks and each one tried to seize their tea or coffee and keep cups right side up if possible. Now look at the comical performance taking place on the table. Carving knife and fork chasing the roasting fowl as if determined it to catch and carve vegetables following up the meat. Milk pitchers running after the sugar bowls and dancing attendance where they are not wanted. Such a rocking, rolling, gangling, shuddering, offer, [-] but as I wrote before, "A ship is a thing that you never can be quiet in & c. Those that think different have better try it, and I fancy they will become convinced evermore." Concert in the saloon; sea a light green showing shallow water.
Friday 16- (Cold and windy.) Making good speed. Felt very sick, but got up and out on deck and remained up all day. Saw several whales. Met one sailing vessel. Evening there was concert in the saloon, did not attend.
Saturday 17- (Heavy fog.) Feeling some better than yesterday. The Saints nearly all on decks singing and enjoying themselves. Sea smooth and even as a pond, making good speed. Afternoon, one of the engines broke and now we lay idle upon the placed waters, the scene being one of calm, quiet beauty. The people are trying to pass the time pleasantly chatting, singing, reading, playing, etc. Got to sailing again about 7 p.m. Evening and entertainment in the cabin.
Sunday 18- (Heavy fog.) Soon cleared off. Morning service in the cabin. Afterward we had a meeting below. Three steamers in sight supposed to be French war vessels, making good time. Canvas unfurled to the breeze. Later in the day three sailing vessels in sight, also one small craft & a steamer following us up. About one o'clock p.m. steamer caught up with and signaled our ship. Captain Price sent up the English National flag, the of the Idaho & c. While at dinner, about 5 p.m.; quite a breeze sprung up. Brother Frank Hyde & George Romney (during dinner) had quite a discussion on Mormonism. Evening, the wind had increased [p. 155] in violence. It was a terrible stormy night. Was quite sick again & many others the same.
Monday Sep. 19- 5 a.m., blowing a fierce gale; sails torn to shreds. Sea running mountains high, the roar and din of the contending elements fearful to hear. It was said that during the night the captain had feared for the safety of the ship, and once during the morning, for a second; I thought the brave Idaho was gone. A great many of the folks sick again. During the day I saw three sailing vessels. Evening the wind was less fierce and the angry waves began to calm down. Cold, but pleasant night.
Tuesday 20- (Clear & cold, but fine morning.) Engine out of order and ship laying idle. Pilot boat in sight. Pilot came on board just after breakfast. After a little while got in order and ship again onward. This is the finest day we have had since we left Liverpool. A clear, cloudless sky, sweet refreshing breeze, and a smooth beautiful sea seeming to inspire with renewed hope and life. During the day saw several vessels. One captain signaled for the longitude. I think Captain Price gave by show of flag 69. The evening was serene, calm, and lovely. The sun setting in the west seemed to sink gradually in the waters and lit up the sea like a sheet of gold. How little is man and how great and mighty are thy works o Lord. Evening service in the saloon. Dark, the steamer "China" passed us. It was a pretty sight in the starlight. Her bright lights shining and gliding swiftly along. (Had the best nights rest of the passage.)
Wednesday 21st - Lovely morning, not a cloud to be seen. Went on deck about 7:15 a.m. Long Island in sight, lighthouse, fishing boat, etc. What feelings stir my soul as we draw near the land of promise, [p. 156] Zion of our God. About 2:00 p.m. we stopped at quarantine in sight of New York. The green trees fine; buildings, etc. at each side. The bay was a sight to cheer and gladden the heart after our stormy passage. About 5 p.m. started forward and soon reached New York. We hired a conveyance and were driven to the Stephen house and took rooms for the night. After seeing our baggage safe we visited the theater, a very fine building. Miss Lotta was playing. The piece was (Heart's ease.)
Thursday Sept. 22- (Fine and pleasant.) Early in the morning George Romney & myself rode out on the street cars to Central Park. Made a short visit, found it a most beautiful place. Returned again to the cars, got breakfast, helped the saints get their luggage alright, and Sister Collier of Ashton had lost a large box containing her and her boys clothing. We hunted through the luggage of our own company and got permission to look through the luggage of another company of emigrants laying at Castle Garden at the same time but could not find them. I thought of the ship and got one of the brethren to go back with her to see there. The box had been left on board and they brought it along on the street cars. George and I then visited Dr. [--]. We had but time to glance at things as we slowly walked through, but it is a place where a lesson could be learned that would last a lifetime. I could not write upon the place with any satisfaction, but bought a catalog that gives a person an idea of what may be seen. 5:30 p.m. we crossed the river and got in the cars. About 7 p.m. the train started. Cars dirty and uncomfortable travel all night.
Friday, 23- (Lovely day.) Morning, traveling through a beautiful country river canal & railway running near each other for scores of miles. About [p. 157] noon passing through a hilly country, something like Derbyshire, England, or a cross between that and Utah. Passed several small towns, amongst the number noticed Mineral Point, Portage, John's Town & c. The business of these places seem to be mining and the manufacturer of iron. Arrived at Pittsburgh about 10:30 p.m.; no train leaving until seven next morning. We had to crowd into two dirty rooms at the station and wait. A glance into those rooms was a sight to look upon. The floor covered with tired people, men, women, & children. Bundles, bedding, tinware, boxes, &c &c. Such a mixing up. It looked as if when day comes around somebody would be picking up somebody else instead of themselves. Noticed two boys (not of our company) laying together. Creepers visible running over their clothing. Did not wish to get mixed up so kept guard all night.
Saturday Sept. 24th - (Cloudy.) Felt sick and wore out. 7 a.m. left Pittsburgh, crossed a river. Soon as we got started made good speed until noon when we stopped for dinner. Traveled again until 5:00 p.m. & stopped, got a good tea for 50 cents and felt much refreshed. Slept some during the night.
Sunday 25- (Wet day.) 7:30 a.m. arrived at Chicago. Had to have our baggage hauled and walk ourselves through the rain and mud, packing what we could from one station to another. After getting our things in the station out of the rain, went to a restaurant and got breakfast. The lady of the house was the heaviest woman I ever saw. Her arm above the elbow was like a ham, yet she was as quick on her feet as a girl. She weighed 450 pounds. 12:30 we got started forward. Crossed the Mississippi River after dark. Did not make much headway during the night.
Monday 26 - (Cloudy rain.) Morning [p. 158] stopped at Bell Plain. Went to a restaurant and got a good breakfast. While the train was stopped heard some men talking to a little boy. Their language would have been a disgrace to the brutes. During the day passed Marshall Town, Boone and several other places. 10:20 p.m. arrived at Omaha, no accommodation for us. Had to sweep out coal cars and huddle together in those until morning. (Was very sick during the night) and what made things still worse was mothers with little children subjected to such treatment. One woman had a very sick child.
Tuesday 27 - (Wet & very, very muddy). Very bad with sick headache. We remained around the depot until late in the day. Noticed that amongst a good many of the people there is a devilish, wicked feeling against the Latter-day Saints. One gentlemen spoke out and defended our people. Said he had known hundreds of them and been well treated by them, & that they were a good honest people. Afternoon, got a little refreshment and felt some better. Got started west between five and six in the evening. The company seemed quite comfortable, feel bad for want of sleep.
Wednesday 28-(Cloudy). Feel better this morning traveling along slowly but comfortably. Passed a camp of Indian soldiers, saw several Antelope. Crossed the Platt Bridge by moonlight. Got scarcely my sleep during the night.
Thursday 29-(Cold morning but clear & fine). Day break. Stopped at Sidney. 3 p.m. got to Cheyenne stopped thirty minutes a fire at Cheyenne last Sunday nights damages $200,000,00. Saw three Trains on the new line to Denver. Today saw hundreds of Prairie dogs. 5:30 p.m. struck the black hills the company enjoying themselves singing & c.
Friday 30-(Clear frosty morning). Day break stopped at [-] for breakfast [-] started forward. At [-] several Chinese labourers the first Chinamen I ever saw during the day saw three wolves. Arrived at Bitter Creek 3-10 p.m. [-] Green River about 9:00 p.m. Was so wore out for want of sleep that I lay down on the floor of the car & got quit a nap. [p. 159]President Young, President George A. Smith, Br. Cannon B. Hooper, & others met us at [-] Ward and walked through the cars shaking hands with all filling the Saints with delight & joy while their voices made the air ring with those beautiful words "We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet" &c. [p. 160]
Saturday [-] 1st-(Fine clear day). Early morning arrived at Wasatch, James Stoddard came into the cars and invited me to breakfast. I went with him and drank a cup of tea with Sister Stoddard but could not get a comfortable [-] for fear the cars would start & I be left. Traveled down Echo and Weber Cannons admiring the beautiful scenery. The clear stream flowing along twisting and curving in its rocky bed. Devils Gate is a grand sight worthy of its name. One would think it would have been a fine old place for the devils of [-] witched with its high towering rocks black as midnight through which rush the waters of the Weber as if they had been hanging back a little and after having passed [-] along with greater force as if [-] some Warlook or Witch that might be peering out from behind some of those black rocks. Arrived at Uintah 11:50 a.m. and at Ogden 8:30 p.m. What with George Romney to his Brother-in-laws to dinner ([-] brother). 5:15 p.m. we started on the cars for Salt Lake City. Paid my fare and the last two dollars I had got for two children belong to a sister who had paid her last money for her own passage. President Young, President. George A. Smith, Br. Cannon B. Hooper, & others met us at [-] Ward and walked through the cars shaking hands with all filling the Saints with delight & joy while their voices made the air ring with those beautiful words "We thank O God for a Prophet" & c.
BIB: Taylor, William Whitehead. Diary (Ms 1544), pp. 151-60 (CHL).
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