Log Book passage in the International, from Liverpool to New Orleans.

Saturday 19th February 1853. Left Glasgow for Liverpool 8 o'clock p.m. per steam ship "Princess Royal." In company with a few Saints bound for Great Salt Lake City.

Sunday 20th had a good passage and landed at 8 p.m.

Monday 21st removed luggage to the ship and slept on board. One birth of a child.

Tuesday 22nd preparations for fasting luggage. One birth and one death of a child.

Wednesday 23rd Still lying in Stanley Dock. Passengers mostly on board and the passengers inspected by the government agents. [p. 1]

Thursday 24th Wind unfavorable for sailing. In the evening we held a meeting and was addressed by Elders Marsden, McDonald & Lyon. Elder Christopher Arthur was appointed president and Elders Lyon & Waddington to be his counselors.

Friday 25th was tugged out of Stanley Dock into the River Mersey & cast anchor for a fair wind. A meeting of the priesthood was called in the forenoon to counsel together for the best means to be employed for the comfort of the Saints. Wind north, northwest fair.

Saturday 26th Still lying at anchor; another council meeting was held today when the [p. 2] [-] berths were divided into 6 wards, and president appointed over them with other six brethren to act under them for cleaning etc. A heavy gale from the South West. An old brother from Wales died.

Sunday 27th. Wind still unfavorable. Held a meeting in the forenoon. The body of the old man was taken on board of a steamer to Liverpool, to be interred. This morning a ship was seen on her beam ends about a mile distant from leeward several persons lost.

Monday 28th. A good day. The wind turned in our favor and we set sail, being tugged out by a steamer for 20 miles. [p. 3] Sent 3 letters with the pilot; one for my son Thomas, and another George Spiers, and one for D. Drummond. By the evening many of the Saints were sick. Wind northeast. Counselor Waddington sick.

Tuesday 1st March a very fine day. Wind still favorable. Most of the Saints sick. Wind northwest.

Wednesday 2nd. Still favorably dealt with, with the exception of sickness. Wind northwest.

Thursday 3rd. A most delightful day with a dead calm, which gave many who were sick an opportunity of opportunity on deck. A ship in sight. Wind north, northeast. [p. 4]

Friday 4th. Nothing particular, this being the forty eight anniversary of my birthday. I had many reflections on the varied scenery of my checkered life. Porpoises were seen for the first time. Waddinton still sick.

Saturday 5th. A strong breeze from the North West with rain, two ships passed us.

Sunday 6th. Fine weather, we held our fore and afternoon meetings on the poop deck. Addresses were delivered by Elders Finch, Waugh & Lyon. The captain, mates & crews were present. All seemed to go off first rate. Wind northwest. [p. 5].

Monday 7th. An excellent, good day. Morning calm, a smart breeze in the afternoon. Wind unfavorable.

Tuesday 8th. Fine day. Many of the sisters were on deck, sewing knitting etc. Prayers in the evening for Elder Waddington.

Wednesday 9th. Sailing at a quick rate, but in a wrong direction. West wind. In the evening it blew an infant hurricane. Waddington still sick.

Thursday 10th. Strong gale from the east for five hours. Ship rolling tremendously. Sea was like mountains on each side of the ship. Most of the luggage on the larboard side broke their moorings [p. 6] and willed to the entries of the steerage. None were hurt however, neither did show any signs of fear. This day the priesthood met to supplicate God to still the winds & waves which prayers were almost immediately answered. The captain announced shortly after the better condition of the weather.

Friday 11th. The wind was [-] during midnight when we were chased under hatches. Again our boxes were knocked about, and many pots and tins were smashed and broken, and many articles lost. The [p. 7] scene was even more terrific than on the preceding night. About 3 o'clock the hatches were opened, which brightened the hearts of the Saints. North wind. Great swell.

Saturday 12th. Weather a little better. Wind still unfavorable. North, northeast wind.

Sabbath 13th. Rather gloomy day with slight showers, which prevented our meeting on deck. Held our meeting in the steerage and had a pleasant time in our fellowship. North wind. Two children blessed.

Monday 14th. Pretty fair day. 2 vessels have in sight in the evening about dusk [p. 8] who threw out their lights, and were answered in return. Northeast wind.

Tuesday 15th. Fair weather. Most of the Saints recovered from sickness. Some of the brethren practicing musical instruments, and others of the young brethren are employing themselves picking [-]. West wind.

Wednesday 16th. A meeting of the priesthood was held today, when the presidents of the wards gave in their reports of the Saints under their charge. All were reported in good standing. We had a good testimony meeting in the evening. [p. 9] North west wind.

Thursday 17th. Fine day strong wind. Passed a [-] west. [-] bound for Biscay who spoke to us by hoisting her colors, which was duly returned. She was in full sail. Another hove in sight in the afternoon. West wind.

Friday 18th. Wind unfavorable. A few ships seen in the distance. The sun sank most beautiful, portraying all the glory of the western world, as he dipped his burnished forehead in the western ocean. Wind west, northwest. [p. 10]

Saturday 19th. Forenoon very warm. Sea calm. Many of the passengers were on deck, and all seemed to enjoy themselves, when the captain saw a storm in the distance when we were all ordered below. But happily it passed away with a heavy shower of rain, accompanied with a few peals of thunder and flashes of lightning. In the evening two persons were baptized. Wind East northeast. Elder Waddinton very sick.

Sunday 20th. This being a pleasant morning, we held our meeting on the poop deck. In the afternoon we held meeting in steerage, when a child [p. 11] was blessed by Elder Lyon. Two brethren were confirmed by Elders Arthur Lyon & Waugh, when sacrament was dispersed. We held another meeting in the evening. Southwest wind. Rather rough weather. A prophesy by a sister of the Lord being well pleased with P. Arthur.

Monday 21st. Still stormy. In the evening it sunk to a calm. Southwest wind. Elder Waddington still sick.

Tuesday 22nd. Stormy in the forenoon, afternoon calm. One birth. Southwest wind.

Wednesday 23rd. Morning cold & stormy, and continued during the whole day. A council meeting was held at 3 o'clock, when [p. 12] the reports were given in of the different wards. Saints all reported to be in good standing. No sickness, quarrelings, nor complaints of any kind. A census of the whole ships company were taken with the number of elders, priests, teacher, & deacons. Latitude 48 Longitude 37.52. SS west southwest wind.

Thursday 24th. Cold & rainy rather dull had a good testimony meeting in the evening. West, southwest wind. [p. 13]

Friday 25th. Fine weather, alternately with showers. Confusion in the galley. Much ado about cooking. Quietness after dinner. West, northwest wind. A fast proposed on Sabbath.

Saturday 26th. Rather stormy. Strong gale during night turning the ship nearly on her beam ends. Some fish appeared seen; a council meeting held to settle a cooking dispute. West, northwest wind.

Sunday 27th. Great swell on the sea. Strong wind & sunshine. During the day meetings forenoon, afternoon, & evening were duly attended. The Satins fasted to 4 o'clock p.m. in thanksgiving to God for their preservation and supplications for [p. 14] favorable weather, and fair wind to waft them to New Orleans. A child was blessed this day by Elder Lyon; another child born. Again our prayers were wonderfully answered for fair winds, and smooth seas. Our captain is a comfortable man & gives the Saints almost every privilege their hearts could desire. The mates & crew are also very friendly. Northwest wind.

Monday 28th. Fair day. Nothing of importance today except two brothers carrying a barrel of brine up the hatch way when near the [p. 15] the [sic] top of the ladder they both fell, barrel & ladder to the landing in the steerage and [-] to relate altho the place was crowded with people none were hurt. Thanks be to God. In the evening we held a testimony meeting wherein the power of God was greatly manifest. A sister prophesied concerning myself and wife, that we would be blessed to see and enjoy the good of Zion. One person was baptized in the evening, after which I desired a short address on the necessity of baptism for the remission of sin. Many of the crew present. Northwest changed to southwest. [p. 16] Wednesday p.m. visions all night.

Tuesday 29th. Stock taken of [-]. Rather breezy, many of the passengers on deck. The first mate to ok the longitude today and said that we were two thousand and nine hundred and thirty miles from St. Louis. We had a good meeting in the evening. Two baptized. West by south.

Wednesday 30th. Strong gale and great swell on the water. Ship heaving very much. Many of the passengers sick, and some hurt in consequences of things rolling about. Strong head wind. In the evening the [p. 17] the [sic] wind calmed, and we held a preaching meeting. Brother Finch gave a brief and [-] explanations of the first principles. Three were baptized.

Thursday 31st. West, southwest. A council meeting to concoct a more convenient plan to provide water for the galley. After a long dissertation on the pros & cons of the [-] element, it was finally brought to a conclusion to provide the cooks with water to supply [p. 18] them every evening [-] with as much as would give each person a proper quantity for ten. Porridge etc. for evening and morning.

A report was given in by the presidents of each ward, that the Saints were generally in good health, and wholly in good standing. The morning being pretty rough, it cleared up by mid day and most of the Saints were on deck. Strong head wind [-] but the whole day. Four were baptized. Elder Waddington was not among the Saints. Morning north wind. 11 a.m. northeastern wind. [p. 19]

April 1st. Friday. The morning of this day blew a strong gale but by 12 o'clock it cleared up and the sun shone brightly. A ship was seen towards the larboard side. Most of the Saints were on deck. Wind still unfavorable.

In the evening we held a testimony meeting. This evening three were baptized, among which number was the captain of the ship. This gave the Saints much joy. May of the sailors seem in love with the [p. 20] work. May the Lord incline all their hearts to the obedience of the truth. Wind rather favorable. Southwest. Latitude 54 degrees, 53 miles. Longitude 48. [-] heavy sea.

Saturday 2nd. Wind still unfavorable. Captain thought it might be advisable to shorten our provisions. 4 sailors baptized. A testimony meeting in the evening. Much of the Spirit of God was made manifest. Tongues & interpretation. A ship seen in the distance. West by south. A whale was seen.

Sunday 3rd. Wind & rain held our meeting in the steerage. 16 persons were [p. 21] confirmed. One child blessed by President Arthur. Meeting held in the evening in steerage; vessel rocking very much. Many testimonies were born. A proposition was made that we should pray through our president for favorable winds. When remarkable to relate the Lord almost immediately answered our prayers. Two ships passed us this day. One in the morning & the other in the afternoon. The captain said had it been night, she might have cut us right through the middle. Great squall which continued till 4 o'clock p.m. A [-] southwest. [p. 22]

Monday 4th. Fair morning with fair wind. Rather cold, many of the Saints on deck; some sick. Arrangements entered into for the celebration of the 6th of April. Committee chosen. 4 was agreed to have 12 young men, and 12 young women to sit on the right & left hand of the president & his council. Also a program of the singing music, songs, recitations, etc. Sacrament to be taken in the morning afterwards the festival. Some were baptized for their health. Meeting in the evening. Some bore their testimony. North, northeast. [p. 23]

Tuesday 5th. This day fair wind & smooth sea. This afternoon arrangement were made for the festival. Before evening meeting [-] were baptized. Two whales were seen; flying fish seen. North, northeast.

Wednesday 6th. Beautiful day. Half past nine o'clock. [-] round of musketry was given to hail in the auspicious anniversary of the church. At half past ten, the president took his seat upon the poop, with his counselors on his right & left hand, and Captain Brown on [-] side but twelve young men & 12 young women [p. 24] opposite to him sat 12 venerable old men with father Waugh at their head who acted as chaplain. They held each a Bible and Book of Mormon in their hands.

The forenoon was occupied, by taking the holy sacraments and marrying 4 couples. In the afternoon we assembled at past one o'clock, when the services were opened by prayer & praise after which songs, recitations, instrumental music etc. filled up the time of meeting. After supper they again [p. 25] met on the main deck and went through a few country dances. Others of the Saints took the privilege of retiring to the steerage, where they again renewed their singing & reciting until 10 o'clock p.m. It was a day of great harmony & mirth, such as many of the Saints never before experienced. Each of the authorities had a white rosette upon their left breast & white sashes, also the young men and women and the 12 fathers were adorned in the same uniform. Father Waugh read [p. 26] a portion our of the [-] psalms & end of the Book of Mormon relative to this latter day work. Another maiden sang a song commemorative of our leaving Liverpool & other circumstances in connection with our voyage which brought him much praise from all the company. A American ship passed us as we were [-] ourselves. Elder Finch acted as Marshall to order the companies. Southeast. [p. 27]

Thursday 7th. Fair wind, pleasant day. Some flying fish seen. All in good spirits.

Friday 8th. Priesthood meeting at two o'clock, when the presidents of the wards reported all in good standing. In the evening Brother Waddinton addressed the Saints for two hours, in a very serious discourse, wherein he showed that many of the Saints had been foolish in their conduct. President Arthur baptized some for their health. Wind still favorable. President Arthur's daughter baptized. South, southwest [p. 28] A vote of thanks was proposed to Brothers Bullock, Moise & Booth, for keeping order on deck & seeing the Saints into their berths by 10 o'clock p.m. All dogs on board ordered to be chained up. Southeast. [Meeting in the quarter with Brother Waddington IS CROSSED OUT HERE IN THE TEXT.] [p. 29]

Saturday 9th. Fine day, passengers all enjoyed sewing. Held our meeting for a short time. Afterwards, four were baptized; 3 of the crew and Arthur's son. Very warm. Northeast. [p. 30]

Sunday 10th. This morning one of the sailors were baptized. Beautiful mild morning. Held our fore & afternoon meeting's upon the poop deck but owing to as many as sixteen having to be confirmed and is coming on a wet, drizzly rain, we had to give over after confirmation until evening when we should take the sacrament. The rain still continuing. We postponed till Monday. In the evening 2 more sailors were baptized. Northeast. [p. 31]

Monday 11th. This day was ushered in, with a beautiful clear sky, and as the sun ascended to its meridian, it beamed warm & bright. Most of the passengers were on deck sewing and knitting & singing; we did not experience a finer day since our starting from Liverpool.

A whale was seen in the distance. In the evening we held our meeting, on the poop deck and took the sacrament, when we had many testimonies to the ward; also, tongues & interpretations. 2 delivered a short address. This evening more were baptized; it was altogether a pleasant day. With [p. 32] fair wind. High were the hopes of all the passengers of seeing land on the morrow. Smart breeze during night. Two balls of fire gleamed in the distance; 3 of the crew confirmed. Northeast.

Tuesday 12th. Fine morning fair wind & smart breeze. No land seen as yet, many on the forecastle on the lookout for what the sailors call "The hole in the rock". By 12 o'clock the sky over cast and some rain fall, ship rolled much. In the evening we had a first rate testimony meeting. Some of [p. 33] sisters sang in tongues and gave interpretation. Northeast by east, northeast.

Wednesday 13th. Ship rolled much over night, calmed by 11 o'clock. Saw a ship on the horizon. Saw some flying fish. No land to be seen as yet. Wind still fair. Still on the lookout for land. 6 o'clock p.m. land in sight. Great rejoicing. Held our meeting [p. 34] for a short time and then closed so that the passengers might look about them. First mate baptized. Dancing on the quarter-deck and singing in the forecastle. Abaco Island light house passed about 6 o'clock p.m. East trade wind. [p. 35]

Thursday 14th. Beautiful day very warm. Most of the Saints on deck, little or no sickness. A few flying fish seen. Passed the little & great Isaac's, [UNCLEAR, POSSIBLY rocks] on the larboard side at 12 noon. Held our testimony meeting on the quarter-deck, tongues & interpretations. 4 baptized: 3 sailors, and one woman. About 4 o'clock p.m. came in sight of [-] Key light house. Had some fish fried, which was caught yesterday; they were dry & husky. They looked something like mackerel. Northeast. [p. 36]

Friday 15th. Weather still fine. Smart breeze during night, found the vessel sailing by the edge of the gulf stream A steamer seen in the distance. Many of the passengers washing etc. Preparations for catching fish. A shark seen. Firstrate testimony meeting in evening. Cuba light house seen about 11 o'clock p.m.

A council meeting was held in the afternoon when the presidents of wards gave in their report that all the Saints were in good health & standing. Wrote a letter for my son to be sent from New Orleans. East, southeast. [p. 37]

Saturday 16th. Weather still fine, fair wind. Most of the passengers on deck. Very warm. Held meeting on the poop deck a great many of the saints were present. Had some teaching on the principles of being liberal. Passed the light house at Cape Florida about midnight. Sea fouls flying about. A few ships passed us in the distance. Provisions given out. Great expectations of reaching the Balize by Sunday evening, where steamers are generally in waiting to tow up vessels to New Orleans. East, southeast. Forty five persons baptized during the voyage. [p. 38]

Sunday the 17th. South, southeast. Morning fine, little wind now. We are crossing the gulf. The Saints are all in good health. Heat excessive. Firstrate meetings during the whole day.

Monday 18th. Wind varied, ship rolling. Fair wind in the afternoon. Shift breeze. Evening meeting kept by the priesthood giving addresses. Captain gave a salutary exhortation to the Saints to keep from making to free with fresh victuals when they arrived at New Orleans also to keep a sharp lookout for sharpers. Five ships in sight. One old man baptized. Dancing till 11 o'clock. A couple [-] married. [p. 39]

Tuesday 19th. Very warm, fair wind, & strong tide. Held our testimony meeting on the poop deck, when the captain advised the sailors to speak out what they felt. A few of them bore their testimony and one woman spoke in tongues revealing the mind of God that they would be made great men in his kingdom if they were faithful. One sailor was baptized. [p. 40]

Wednesday 20th. This morning the president called me into the captain's bath room, when he (the captain) was baptized. This caused us greatly to rejoice before God. The sun beams very hot; calm sea & little wind. A young dolphin seen swimming round the ship. Fishing on forecastle. Meeting in the evening; addressed by Elders Arthur, Waugh & Lyon. A child fell from the [-] hatch-way nearly 18 feet in depth, and was taken up by it's parents unhurt. "Southwest pass lighthouse" seen, lay to all night. [UNCLEAR] Dancing among the Saints. Great rejoicing & thankfulness expressed; captain confirmed & other persons baptized. [p. 41][END OF LOG BOOK PASSAGE ACCOUNT.]

BIB: Jones, Joseph S. Diary (Special Collections & Manuscripts, Mss 2558), pp. 1-41 (Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.)
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