We went on board the new sailing ship International and started on our voyage February 28th, 1853. During the night we had a gale and in the morning we noted several wrecks. The next day the ship's company was organized. Father president, John Lyon his first and Brother [Richard E.] Waddington his 2nd counselors. Brother [George] Simms secretary and C. [Christopher] J. Arthur, Assistant Secretary, although I was not in the Church.

I found a great friend in John Lyon and we were like father & son during our trip to Keokuk. We had a calm for nearly 6 weeks, only traveled about 2000 miles up to that time. Father and his counselors called a special prayer meeting, while at prayers the wind changed in our favor and we had fair winds the rest of the journey of a little over 2 weeks.

All the crew except the boatsman, the carpenter and his wife were baptized including the Captain and mates. Also several of the passengers were baptized including my sister and myself. We were baptized April 9th , 1853 in a large vat on the deck. Elder William Green baptized us and Father confirmed us.

I enjoyed my voyage exceedingly. We had good times, weddings and births [p.4] occurred and only 2 deaths. Arriving in New Orleans Father left the 10 Pound Company with money to pay their passage from New Orleans to Keokuk in charge of Elder John Lyon and myself. Counting out the package of money delivered to Brother Lyon we found it short, which made us feel very bad. Brother Lyon could hardly get over it.

We steamed up to St. Louis and from there to Keokuk and found Father under the weather. Our trip up was a pleasant & enjoyable one. We camped on Keokuk on the hill 6 weeks. . . . . . . .The company for Liverpool assembled at the Abersychan Railroad station, early morning of February 23rd 1853 as follows: Christopher Abel Arthur, Christopher Jones Arthur, Benjamin Abel Arthur, Mary Ann Arthur, Cousin John Jones, Mark Cook, wife and children, Luke Cook and wife, Phillip Tucker and wife, William and Thomas Williams, George Jones and wife, Morris Gover and wife and others. These peoples passage to Salt Lake City by the 10 pound [p.5] company was paid by my father. John Jones, my cousin & Phillip Tucker and wife stop off in the States.

The train started for Newport, where we changed for Birmingham. During our stay in Newport father took me into a Jewelers shop and bought me a solid Gold Hunting English lever watch and I then gave him my large open face, solid silver English lever watch, that I bought of Mr. Brown, Supt of British Iron Co. Store. Father was pleased with the gift and prized it. We soon moved on for the next change of cars Birmingham to Liverpool. Reached Liverpool early in the evening. Put up at a hotel.

Feb. 20, 1853- Boarded the New Ship. First trip made International. David Brown Captain. Over 400 passengers organized the company. Father president, John Lyon 1st counselor, Geo Simms clerk. C.J. Arthur assistant 23rd. Weighed anchor, started on the voyage.

April 9th. 1853. Father baptized me in a large tank.

April 10th. 1853. Father baptized Mary Ann in a large tank.

Voyage across delightful, ended on the 20th of April 1853 and landed on New Orleans 53 sailors, captain mates, passengers baptized. Meetings held often. 6th April 1853, celebrated. Company divided. Father took charge of the Independent part for St. Louis Mo. John Lyon and C.J. Arthur the 10 pound Co. to follow next day. Father left a package of money to pay expenses of the Co. Bro. Lyon and I went into the cabin, counted the money, and found 20 pound short. Reported to father, who reported to head trustees, Liverpool, but eventually fathers loss.

Arriving at St. Louis all well and was soon on our way to Keokuck Camp. Arriving, pitch our tent near a river. The camp was lively, scattered over many acres. Some in tents others in new wagons. Cousin John left us. I spent some time shooting game. Father employed a cook. [p.6]

May 26th 1853, fourteen wagons started on the journey West with father, and joined Claudius V. Spencer's camp at Montrose. In the afternoon meeting held to organize the company, father was appointed captain of the company, Nestice, Hayes, Walker, Gailey and Evans Captains of ten wagons, who were instructed by Pres. Spencer in their duties. See that every family attended to morning and evening prayer, in their tents or wagons. Also see that guard duty was kept up every night, which was approved of by all present.

27th. Early start. Pleasant weather. Drove to and camped at Sugar Creek. Father had 3 wagons and a buggy, 8 yoke of oxen, 1 span of horses, 3 colts, weaned, 1 black horse colt for Benjamin, 1 sorrel mare colt to Mary Ann, 1 grey mare colt to me. We reached Salt Lake City Sept. 26. . . .[p.7]

BIB: Arthur, Christopher Jones. Autobiography (Ms 8620 reel 1 #4), pt. 1, pp.4-5 and pt. 2, pp.6-7 (CHL)
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