London, June 27th , 1876. . . [p.42] Charley off to the meat market. Breakfast, cab, and off to Euston Station passing the immense St. Pancras Station on the road. We were about the first on the grounds being there at nine a.m. Fine warm day. By ten, our little company of nineteen were all present with twice as many to see us off. Waited for the 11 o'clock train and amid the goodbyes of friends, we started. Received the following injunctions: Paxman to family, Jenny to Tom, her friend to Tom, Sister Farren to Sister Ellis, Harris to A. M. Cannon, Mrs. Teasdale to husband, Udal to Squires, Brother Adams to Slight & daughter, Rosa to Uncle Slight. Brother Binder was active in the interest of the company. At Rugby we found Spicers accompanied by Mrs. Billings and daughter. Our compartment was occupied by Brothers Binder, Spicer, Hull, and Charley and self and Mrs. Teasdale & daughter. The ride to Liverpool was hot, rapid, and dusty. At the station, met Arta who took Spicer & self to # 42 Islington, there meeting a large number of elders & others. Returned to station and loaded up luggage. Bill & I called [p.43] in for tinware & beds for several arriving. At Princess Landing [we] found luggage in streets. All hands set to and moved it down to the tender as the Idaho was anchored out in the stream. At 8:15 we were alongside. Got boarded, found the decks crowded with emigrants. Lots of scenes to note but no time. Got temporary quarters. Had supper & to bed.

Ten hats, knitters, teaspoon, coal heavers, wc grumblers [unclear], singing, singing against singing, noise, twilight. At 11 p.m., berth occupied by the Whites. Negotiations with cook for biscuits. Remnant of [-] and plumb cake for supper. [p.44]

On board S.S. Idaho, Mersey River, Wednesday, June 28th 1876 - Noise & tumult the order of the day. Both Spicer and I felt disappointed with the prospect of our inferior quarters, all parts of the ship crowded. The tug coming along side. We went ashore and had breakfast, posted letters & papers and felt much better. The large number of men idling around was fearful. Visited the Cotton Exchange, a market, bought some comforts for the voyage. Liverpool is dirty and disorderly, large numbers of barefooted women & girls, many with bruised faces. On our return, the passengers were all preparing to medical examination. Took our place and were soon passed. Then came the ships' companies turn. Some little stir was made by the rejection [p.45] of the child of Brother White whose acquaintance I made in London, the matter was finally adjusted satisfactorily. At 2 p.m. the bells of the ship & tender rung, the warning of separation and amid various contending emotions, the last link to shore was sundered & at 2:30 we were moving down the river with the steamer "Spain" for New York just ahead. Joy with Spicer & self now took the place of chagrin as we discovered our position on ship. A nice compartment together and saloon accommodations. Our company numbers about 615 Saints, some 21 returning elders and about 90 or 100 others, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Ireland, Scotland, England, and America were represented. [p.46] A grand walk around and singing of hymns and others amusements made the time pass pleasantly. The weather is beautiful and the sea calm, wind ahead and the Isle of Man and coast of Wales in sight. The yarn of "When I Make's Tea", &c. was referred to. Spent the late evening with a few brethren in the saloon singing. I have met Mr. E. Stevenson's brother of Salt Lake who is on board returning from Gibraltar. Went to number 20, took possession of berth number 43, Spicer in 54. All well, clean, and nice, and slept well.

S.S. Idaho off coast of Ireland, Thursday, June 29th 1876 - Clear fine weather. Sailed pleasantly along the coast of Ireland until our arrival at Queenstown at 10 [p.47] o'clock a.m. Laid there one hour receiving water and mails and delivering some mail. We were boarded by Irish selling newspapers, oranges, strawberries, milk, lace goods, etc. The "Spain" sailed out as we sailed in. Just before dinner at 4:30 we passed Fastnet Rock lighthouse and soon after the wind increased and commenced to rain. Our condition is much better than when coming. About 60 set down to the tables and we are now fairly settled down to the voyage; some feeling a little queer. A large canvas tunnel is hoisted to give air to the lower decks. The Idaho is rather a slow sailer, but steady. The captain, Mr. Beddoe, is a kind, pleasing speaking man and the other officers are generally unostentatious [p.48] in their conduct. Shuffleboard and courts of rope are the favorite game on the saloon deck.

S.S. Idaho at sea, Friday, June 30th A good comfortable sleep. Washed, dressed, and a comfortable Christian-like breakfast at 8 o'clock, lunch at 12:30 with dessert, dinner at four thirty and tea at 7:30. Such is the order of our meals. All hands spent a great deal of time in singing, a few discussing religious topics. Some of the brethren laying it down rather cast-irony [unclear]. The subject of time is still an interesting one. At four p.m. ship's time, our watches showed 5 o'clock, nearly Liverpool time. Took a walk with Brother Hull in the various steerage departments, and found them generally very comfortably fixed. On deck, much of the [p.49] time is spent in singing hymns in which I noticed Charley seems to be coming quite proficient. Winds blowing briskly with occasional mists. The subject of the Apocrypha was named [SIC]. Days run, 287 miles.

S.S. Idaho at sea, Saturday, July 1 - Rolling badly. Our getting up felt rather uncertain. Retched 2 or 3 times, laid down and felt better. Washed, and up on deck, no breakfast for Tom. Weather quiet, cold, wind stiff and nearly ahead. The decks have been covered with almost lifeless forms. Ate a little for lunch, sat down to dinner but got up soon. The tables are poorly patronized. The soup and potatoes, kettles in the galley are immense. Days run, 249 miles. Prayers and singing with the British Saints. [p.50]

S.S. Idaho, Sunday, July 2, 1876 - Cold and raining. Blew a gale all day causing the ship to roll and pitch badly. Felt very queer all day. No appetite, very few on deck. Great majority sick, dismal sounds in all directions. Service held in the saloon cabin at 10:30. Days run, 261 miles. Weather cleared a little in the evening. Felt miserable, went to bed early having some crockery ware handy in case of an accident.

S.S. Idaho, Monday, July 3, 1876 - The gale has gone down leaving a bad roll. Weather fine with a cold breeze. A general layout on deck. Some being quite lifeless. The wind more favorable. The day ending with an interesting sunset and rainbow. 246 mile run. [p.51]

S.S. Idaho at sea, July 4, 1876 - The "Glorious Fourth" dawned with a brisk breeze, cool & pleasant, the sun shining agreeably. The stars and stripes and union jack floating from the flagstaffs; An improved feeling among the passengers. Captains note in chart, date July 4: Latitude at noon 46.32 north, longitude at noon 40.51 west. Distance made, 265 miles. To Sandy Hook New York, 1511 miles. Moderate to light unsteady winds with rain at times and smooth sea seems to be our prospect. Barometer 29.90. Thermometer 59º. Yours faithfully, Captain BeddoePlenty of ships and porpoises and singing made the day pass pleasantly. [p.52]

S.S. Idaho at sea, Wednesday, July 5, 1876 - A cold wind dead ahead with a hasty fog; The whistle in constant use. Our comfortable cabin, in # 20, about 3 1/4 feet wide at one end, and 6 feet the other, 7 feet long, 7 and high. 2 berths, number 43 and 44 with a certain cupboard, each duly furnished, & a rack with water bottles, glasses, tooth and soap dishes, wash stand complete, mirror, carpet, and well-cushioned seat at stern end, a bulls eye admitting light, 5 hat hooks & lamp case, bed with linen sheets & cases, 2 pillows each, & a blanket a piece. Days run, 270 miles. Water 52ºF. Cleared a little in the p.m. then foggy again. Spicer got one on me most effectively by introducing me to "Choice" & others. [p.53]

S.S. Idaho at sea, Thursday, July 6 - One of the beautiful days. The following are some of the "institutions" of the Idaho: saloon, wheel house, W.C.'s, bridge, engine rooms, mess ditto, binnacle, gratings, bar room, ladies saloon, captain room, steerage. Prayers a.m. & evening. Inspection steerage tables, bells, clocks, log [-] pantries, cook house, library, knitters, rats, and "boots". Days run, 245 miles.

S.S. Idaho at sea, Friday, July 7 - Very rough & windy. Many seasick. Again cleared off in the latter part of the day but ship rose fearfully. Days run, only 214 miles. The pitching of the vessel threw the propeller out of the water so much producing an almost constant jar which was very disagreeable. [p.54]

S.S. Idaho at sea, Saturday, July 8th, 1876 - Clear, smooth, and mild. Everybody well again. Barber opened shop so had my hair cut. Some black fish in sight. An outward bound steamer passed near. Found something in my berth not quite as large as a grasshopper but as good on the jump. Days run, 281 miles. Are now south of Nova Scotia and Sable Island.

S.S. Idaho at sea, Sunday, July 9th, 1876 - Awoke at "4 bells", found the moon shining beautifully. Laid and thought of home until aroused by the crying of Tommy. Was again aroused at 5 o'clock by the stopping of the machinery. Hurriedly dressed and went on deck in time to see the pilot of number 4 come aboard which was the cause of our stoppage. Sounded and found 45 fathoms of water. Now on the St. [p.55] George's banks. Clear & pleasant. Black fishes, whales, & sharks around. Washed & dressed. On deck again. The captain remarked that this was the 119th trip of the Idaho and that the trip from New York to Europe was almost a matter of ferriage. Some 14 steamers sailing weekly each way. At 1:30 the various companies assembled in their quarters and held Sacrament meetings. At 3, a general meeting was held on the saloon deck and addressed by Elders H.C. Fowler, George Farrell, & [William H.] Maughan. It is now quite warm. Days run, 287 miles. Expect to arrive at 7 a.m. tomorrow.

New York, Monday 10th 1876 - A very warm night. Arrived off Sandy Hook about 5 a.m. At 6 doctor came [p.56] aboard and soon passed the company. Officers handed blanks for saloon passengers to sign. At 8 was safe in dock. Now commenced the excitement which has continued the whole day. With Brother Hull, ran along to steam house, received letters from Jeanette, mother, Smith, & Reeves, and telegram from J. Beer. Returned to ship by elevated railroad, then back with Spicer to [William] Staines' office. Purchased through tickets. Telegraphed to Uncle Tom. Went to post office, then by street cars and back again. [-] work. Found the baggage all gone, having been passed by customs officers. Felt relieved. Went by barge with balance to Castle Garden which were partly burned yesterday. It was an immense hive all in a hum. Wrote postal home. After some [p.57] delay landed at pier # one. Found the balance of our folks, hot, hungry, and sweating. Ran up town several times making purchases. Also met Brothers Junius Wells & John Winder. The drought here is very severe. At 8 p.m. crossed to Jersey City on the tug and barge and amid "confusion worse confounded", were finally settled in a train of 16 cars of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and off at 10:15 all hands soon settled down to sleep.

En route, Tuesday, July 11, 1876 - Lightning & rained very heavy. At 3 a.m. were at West Philadelphia with the Centennial building. Lighted up and about mile off watered at Columbia. 8:40, the Susquehanna nearby. Passed extensive [p.58] fields of tobacco plants. Iron works & rolling mills. Weather extremely hot with thunder showers. Around at Harrisburg at 11:30. Watered, stopped an hour, & on for Altoona where after some delay we proceeded with 3 engines up the mountains and around several horseshoe bends with fine views. A doze and [-]. [unclear]

En route, Wednesday, July 12, 1876 - At about 2 p.m. arrived at Pittsburgh where we turned out on the platform and remained there in two divisions in a most uncomfortable condition until about noon. The cause of the detention was attributed to washouts. About 130 miles, the ten hours spent here were about as pleasant as it would have been in Purgatory. [p.59] We soon crossed the Ohio River and were among the extensive iron works very numerous here. Passed a number of unimportant towns and the washouts. The inhabitants of this section are rude & impertinent. Arrived at Columbus at 11 p.m. where there is a fine large depot. A short delay and rumors of thieves, &c. on train, necessitated a guard in each car. Quite hot & sultry.

En route, Thursday, July 13, 1876 - Slept first rate. Arrived early at Union on the eastern edge of Indiana. A fine rather level and well-timbered country with scattered towns, not much seeming enterprise. We were entertained by a tussle between Brother Erying and Maughan. Arrived at state line (Indiana and Illinois) at [p.60] 4 p.m. where we changed cars, making 2 trains. All along our route large numbers were out to see the "Mormons" in about the same spirit as they would turn out to see a menagerie and their rudeness and want of civility were alike. Passed the towns of Chatsworth & El Paso, at the latter place the engineer jerked the train until he broke the coupling, etc. and it seemed as though he wanted to break our necks if he could. My turn to go on guard. Had a sweet time at Peoria where we crossed the Illinois River and found a very large crowd, some of whom had been waiting about 3 hours to see the 300 Mormon elders with [p.61] their 8 wives each. This is eminently the land of swearers and blasphemers. Time 11 p.m. It rains nearly every afternoon, a very heavy shower falling today. Laid down at twelve thirty.

Friday, July 14, 1876 - At six a.m. arrived at Burlington, Iowa on the Mississippi River where we changed to the Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad, the change being quiet advantageous to us. Our course now lay through a more interesting country than Illinois. This p.m. the monotony was varied by a discussion on towns and sovereign. Nooned at Ottumwa, several of our passengers who had been left behind [p.62] came up by express. We are amused at Brother Halladay's sun bonnet. Yum! Yum! And "there is a happy land". Wrote a postal card and posted it at Creston, Iowa where there was an unusual turnout of the populace to see the "Mormons."

Saturday, July 15, 1876 - Early dawn found us at Council Bluffs where we changed to Union Pacific Railroad cars and passed over the Missouri River Bridge and soon reached Omaha where we sought in vain for Uncle Tom. All aboard and off at 6:30 a.m. having written a postal to Jeanette at Gilmore. Telegraph for tickets as the company was not supplied. Spicer and I settled our daily accounts. Here we had a [p.63] most disagreeable time having to vacate two of our cars, one stretch of the route was 50 miles without a curve. Weather a little cooler. Good crops on all sides. At Grand Island Station received a telegram from Uncle Tom at Kearney Junction telling us he was waiting there for us. Made arrangements with the conductor to stop which we did and soon recognized Uncle who came on board and rode to North Platte with us. He was pleased to meet us and inquired particularly into grandma's death and about his sister and his father's watch Methodism & Mormonism, family affairs Jas Beer, visit to Salt Lake &c., [p.64] by midnight we were nodding to each other.

En route Sunday July 16th, 1876 Soon after 2 a.m. we bade Uncle goodbye and I laid down to sleep, awakening just as the sun rose on a line with the rear of the train. At 6:30 we were at Ogallalla 342 miles from Omaha. We travel quite slowly with any amount of switching off which makes it quite tedious to those with home & friends in mind. A newspaper man here boarded us for information which was given to him. Had a few words with an insulting Irishman. Quite a number of antelopes in sight. Snow fences are plentiful. Near Cheyenne [p.65] where we arrived at 8 p.m. we past through our first snow shed. With two engines we now commenced the ascent to Sherman.

Monday July 17th, 1876. At 5 a.m. found ourselves at Lookout station. Breakfast and then a hugging, slobbering entertainment by a love sick couple. Got a threatening from a wild Irishman because I remonstrated with him for his vulgarity and profanity. Rawlins Station I think is near the site of grandma Foreman's grave at least so it appeared to me on our arrival there at noon. We are fatigued with rest, also dirty and lazy. The train travels [p.66] fearfully slow. Had a fair supper at Bitter Creek. Cold again tonight. Charley caught a prairie dog for his menagerie.

Tuesday July 18th, 1876. At Carter at daybreak. Quite cold. At Evanston the second divisions of our train came up from that point we traveled together exchanging greetings very cordially after our separation. Telegraphed home to the folks and partook of "Mormon" milk and cakes, here offered for sale. All interested in the scenery and walking the length of our train as it passed the numerous curves. Nooned at Echo City near Coalville, every [p.67] body washing up and putting on their clean shirts and fixing up generally. Saw Brother Dye at Uintah and got late home news. Arrived at Ogden at 6:30. Found large crowds of people in waiting of some few personal friends there from the City. After some delay a large portion of the company proceeded to Salt Lake City arriving there about 9:30; a perfect multitude in waiting, any amount of hand shaking and then home, having been met at the depot by Mother. [p.68]

BIB: Griggs, Thomas C. Journal (Ms 1593), reel 2, 1st group, book B, pp. 42-68. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)