(Diary of a voyage from Liverpool to New Orleans, on board the ship International, commanded by Captain David Brown, with a crew 26 in number, and a company of 419 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, under the presidency of Elders Arthur, Lyon and Waddington.)

February 21, 1853. Got some luggage on board. Birth of a male child. Slept on board.

22. A Female child born. Brother Timothy Cox fell about 10 feet and hurt his head and shoulder, was administered to and soon recovered.

23. Eliza Gover died, age 1 month, from Aberystwyth, [Wales]. A brother hurt in consequence of a fall, was administered to and recovered. Passengers inspected by the Government Agents. Most of the Saints employed in making purchases and arranging boxes, bedding, &c.

24. Wind unfavorable for sailing. In the evening we held a meeting and was addressed by Elders Marsden, M'Donald, and Lyon. Elder Christopher Arthur, having been appointed President by Elder Samuel Richards, was at this meeting introduced to the Saints in that capacity, when he appointed Elders [John] Lyon and [Richard E.] Waddington as his counselors, and Elder [George] Sims to act as clerk.

25. Was tugged out of Stanley Dock into the River Mersey, and 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 still unfavorable. In the evening a prayer and fellowship meeting.

26. A council held today, when the 88 berths were divided into six wards and presidents appointed over them according to their seniority, [p.1] G. [George] P. Waugh as their president, with other six to act under their direction for cleaning, &c. David Davies, died aged 81, from Aymestray, Herefordshire.

27. Wind still unfavorable. Held a meeting, in the forenoon, when Elders Arthur, Lyon, and Waddington delivered addresses; the meeting well attended; good spirit prevailed. The body of Brother Davies taken on board of a steamer to interred in Liverpool.

28. Tugged out by a steamer for 20 miles. Wind northeast. Birth of a Female child, daughter of John and Ann Williams from Aberystwyth, Wales. Prayer meeting for a favorable wind. Counselor Waddington very sick.

March 1. A fine day. Most of the Saints sick. Wind favorable, northeast. Prayer meeting in the evening, and thanks returned to the Lord for fair wind and weather. Elders Arthur, Lyon, Sims, and [Henry] Maiben addressed the meeting; and exhortation, by Elder Arthur, to have the lamps put farther from the berths to prevent fire.

2. Northwest, strong wind; heavy sea on; ship laboring hard. Passed the Tuscan Lighthouse. In the evening a prayer meeting, but few attended in consequence of seasickness.

3. A most delightful day, with a dead calm in the afternoon, which gave many who were sick an opportunity of coming on deck. A ship in sight. In the evening a meeting, when Elders Arthur and Lyon gave an address.

4. West wind. Porpoises were seen. Passed a vessel at a quarter past 7, a.m. General recovery from seasickness. A prayer meeting for a more favorable wind. Elder Waddington sick.

5. Northwest wind with rain, two ships seen. Strong breezes.

6. West, northwest wind. Fine weather: this day there were three meetings, [p.2] the sacrament administered in the afternoon on deck. Captain, mates, and crew were present, all seemed to go on first-rate.

7. North, northwest wind. Fine day: smart breeze in the afternoon, wind unfavorable. A meeting in the evening.

8. Fine day; many of the Sisters sewing, knitting, &c. Prayer, in the evening, for Elder [Richard E.] Waddington's recovery.

9. Strong west wind: heavy sea; afternoon, wind still increasing. A prayer and fellowship meeting in the evening.

10. Strong gale from the east for five hours--ship rolling tremendously--sea like mountains on each side of the ship. Most of the luggage on the larboard side broke their lashings and rolled to the center of the steerage. None were hurt; neither did any show signs of fear. This day the priesthood met to supplicate God to still the winds and waves, which prayers were almost immediately answered. The captain announced, shortly after, the better condition of the weather.

11. The wind rose again during midnight, when we were closed under hatches, again our boxes were knocked about and many of our pots and tins were smashed, and many articles lost. The scene was even more terrific than the preceding night. No fire in the galley stove; females and children not allowed to be out of their berths. About 3 o'clock p.m. the hatches were open. A meeting in the evening.

12. North, northeast wind; strong breezes and favorable weather. Remarkable dream of Captain Brown that himself, mates, and crew were all baptized in the Mormon faith, and when he awoke he found himself at prayers.

13. North wind; very calm; light rain; three meetings were held during the day; sacrament administered; many testimonies borne by the Saints, and exhortations by the presidency. [p.3]

14. Northeast wind; very calm mild weather; 2 vessels hove in sight about dusk who threw out their lights and were answered in return. Our evening meeting was held and addressed by Arthur and Lyon.

15. Wind west--very fine weather--about 120 miles from Western Isles--light airs, and baffling, some of the brethren practicing musical instruments, others picking oakum--good meeting in the evening.

16. Northwest wind attended with thick misty weather-- a meeting of the priesthood held today. When the presidents of the wards gave in their reports, all were reported in good standing--meeting in the evening, a good spirit prevailed.

17. Headwind--fine weather--many Saints on poop deck in good health and spirits--spoke with a Dutch Bark--testimony meeting in the evening, tongues and interpretation expressive of our blessings from God if we continued as faithful as we had been.

18. Head (or contrary) wind--a few ships seen in the distance-- a meeting, in the evening, addressed by Elders Arthur, Lyon, and others.

19. Forenoon very warm--sea calm--many of the passengers on deck, all seeming to enjoy themselves—captain perceiving a storm in the distance ordered us 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 a meeting--two baptized--Counselor Waddington still sick.

20. Pleasant morning--held our meeting on the poop deck--afternoon, we met in the steerage--a child blessed--two confirmed--sacrament dispensed--a sister prophesied that inasmuch as Brother Arthur retained his integrity that he should be gathered to the Valley and stand as a king over his generations, and that the Lord was well pleased with his conduct [p.4] and conversation hitherto--a meeting in the evening, closed with addresses from the presidency.

21. Fine weather--all drawing sail to best advantage--meeting in the evening, addresses by several of the elders.

22. Stormy in the forenoon--afternoon calm--birth of a male child of William and Elizabeth Tremayne from Deanshanger, Bedfordshire--evening meeting—prayer for Elder Waddington's health.

23. Morning cold and stormy, and continued during the whole day--a council meeting was held at 3 o'clock when the reports were given in by the presidents of the wards, all were reported to be in good standing, no sickness, quarreling, nor complaints of any kind--a census of the whole ship's company were taken with the numbers of elders, priests, teachers, and deacons--meeting in the evening, when Elders Arthur and Lyon exhorted the Saints.

24. Cold and rainy--had a good testimony meeting in the evening.

25. Good Friday--fine weather mixed with showers--confusion in the galley--much ado about cooking--quietness after dinner--in the evening a meeting addressed by President Arthur, several testimonies, and a tongue exhorting to faithfulness, and a fast proposed to be held on Sunday.

26. Stormy--heavy squall during night, turning the ship nearly on her beam ends--some fish seen--a council meeting held to settle a cooking dispute, which was settled amicably--a meeting in the evening, and a fast proclaimed on the coming Sabbath.

27. Great swell on the sea--strong wind and sunshine--during the day meetings forenoon, afternoon, and evening were duly attended; Saints fasted till 4 o'clock p.m. in thanksgiving to God for their preservation, and supplications for favorable weather and fair wind to waft them to New [p.5] Orleans; a child was blessed this day by Elder Lyon, and another child was born, son of Daniel and Catherine Stewart. Again our prayers for fair wind and smooth seas, were wonderfully answered. Our Captain is a comfortable man, and gives the Saints almost every privilege their hearts could desire.

28. Fair day; nothing of importance, except two of the brethren carrying a barrel of brine up the hatchway when near the top of the ladder they both fell, barrel and ladder, to the landing of the steerage, and marvelous to relate, although the place was crowded with people, none were hurt. In the evening we held a testimony meeting wherein the power of God was manifested. A Sister prophesied concerning Elder Lyon and wife, that they would be blessed and be gathered to enjoy the good of Zion: three persons baptized in the evening, after which President Arthur called upon Elder Lyon, who delivered a short address on the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins; many of the crew were present.

29. West, southwest a headwind; took stock of our provisions, and found it sufficient for any moderate length of time on our voyage, this was suggested by the captain in consequence of unfavorable winds; longitude being taken today it was found that we were 2930 miles from New Orleans; good meeting in the evening; a tongue interpreted that we should have a speedier voyage than we anticipated, as the Lord was well pleased with our fasting and had heard our prayers.

30. Strong gale; great swell on the water; ship rolling very much; many of the passengers sick, and some hurt in consequence of things rolling about; strong headwind; in the evening it calmed, and we held a [p.6] preaching meeting. Brother [William] Finch gave a brief and lucid explanation of the first principles; five were baptized.

31. This evening a report was given in by the presidents of each ward that the Saints were generally in good health and wholly in good standing; strong headwind throughout the whole day, a testimony meeting, in the evening, with tongues and interpretations; Elder Waddington sick.

April 1. West, southwest wind; this morning it blew a strong gale; about 12 o'clock p.m. it cleared up and the sun shone brighter; a ship seen towards the larboard side; most of the Saints were on deck; wind still unfavorable; a testimony meeting in the evening at which Brother Waddington attended, but still very weak, afterwards three were baptized, amongst which number was the carpenter of the ship, this gave the Saints great joy; many of the sailors in attendance. Latitude 54 degrees, 53 miles; longitude 46 degrees; heavy sea.

2. Wind still unfavorable; captain thought it might be advisable to shorten the provisions; a testimony meeting in the evening, much of the spirit of God made manifest by tongues and interpretations; a ship passed in the distance; a whale was seen.

3. Wind and rain; held our meeting in the steerage, when 16 persons were confirmed, one child blessed by President Arthur; a meeting in the evening held in the steerage; vessel rocking very much; many testimonies were borne; a proposition was made that we should pray through our president for favorable winds, in which we all united, when, remarkable to relate, the Lord almost immediately answered our prayers; two ships passed us this day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, which the captain said had it been darker she might have cut us right through the middle; heavy squall which continued till six the next morning. [p.7]

4. Fair morning, with fair wind, rather cold; many of the Saints on deck, a few sick; a council meeting held, when arrangements were made to hold a Festival on the 6th instant. Captain's cook baptized.

5. Remarkable fine weather; ship sailing 10 knots an hour, two whales and many flying fish seen; at the evening meeting Elder Lyon made some suggestions (which were approved of ) in connection with the coming festival.

6. A beautiful day; at half nine o'clock six rounds of artillery were given to hail in the auspicious day, military service conducted by Christopher Arthur, Jr. At half past ten the president and his counselors took their seats with Captain Brown, with their backs to the main mast, upon the poop deck; on the right side were seated 12 young men, on left 12 young women, and opposites 12 venerable old men, headed by Father [George P.] Waugh who acted as chaplain, they held each a Bible and Book of Mormon in their hands. The forenoon was occupied by taking the Holy sacrament and marrying four couples; in the afternoon we assembled at half past one o'clock, when after the usual services of prayer and praise; songs, speeches, recitations, instrumental music &c. filled up the time of meeting. After a repast of every delicacy the ship could afford, or pastry cooking could invent, they again met on the main deck and went through a variety of country dances, others of the Saints retired to the steerage, where they again renewed their singing and reciting till 10 o'clock p.m. It was a day of great harmony and mirth, such as many of the Saints never before experienced. Each of the authorities had a white rosette upon their left breast, and wore white sashes; the women and the 12 fathers were adorned in the same fashion. Father Waugh read appropriate [p.8] portions from the Bible and Book of Mormon relative to this Latter work. Brother Henry Maibin (from Brighton) composed and sung a song commemorative of our leaving Liverpool and other circumstances in connection with our voyage, which brought him enthusiastic burst of applause from all the company. Elder Finch acted as Marshall, to order the ceremonies of the day. A vessel spoken with.

7. A fair wind; pleasant day; flying fish seen; a testimony meeting in the evening.

8. Wind still favorable; very hot; priesthood meeting at two o'clock, when the presidents of the wards reported all to be in good standing, a vote of thanks was passed to Brothers [John] Bullock, [Nathan] Moyes, and [James] Tooth for keeping good order on deck and seeing the Saints into their berths by 10 o'clock p.m.; all dogs on board ordered to be chained up in the evening; Brother Waddington addressed the Saints, for two hours, in a very serious discourse wherein he shewed that many of the Saints had been foolish in their conduct; President Arthur baptized some for their health, President Arthur's daughter baptized.

9. Very fine and excessively hot; a pretty strong breeze sprung up; passengers all engaged sewing, &c.; meeting held on deck, in the evening, after which Christopher Arthur, Jun. (son of the President), with the second mate and two sailors were baptized.

10. Beautiful mild morning; held our fore- and afternoon meetings on the poop deck, but owing to as many as 16 having to be confirmed, and it coming on a wet drizzling rain, we had to give over after confirmation, purposing to take the sacrament in the evening; the rain still continuing we postponed till Monday; three sailors were baptized.

11. This day was ushered in with a beautiful clear sky, and as the [p.9] sun ascended to its meridian, it beamed warm and bright; most of the passengers were on deck sewing, knitting, and singing; we did not experience a finer day in our passage from Liverpool; a whale was seen in the distance. In the evening we held our meeting on the quarter deck, and took our sacrament, when we had many testimonies to the work, also tongues and interpretations. This was altogether a pleasant day with 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; three of the crew confirmed.

12. No land seen as yet, many on the forecastle on the lookout for what the sailors call the "Hole in the Wall." By 12 o'clock the sky oe'rcast and some rain fell; the ship rolled much in the evening; some Sisters sung in the spirit of prophecy that the spirit of darkness was raging in Great Britain, that we were to pray for the Saints of that nation as they were now being much persecuted.

13. Ship rolled much overnight; calm by 11 o'clock. A ship seen in the horizon; some flying fish seen; no land as yet seen; still on the lookout for it; six o'clock p.m. land in sight; great rejoicing; held our meeting for a short time and then closed so that the passengers might look about them. First mate baptized; dancing on the main deck and singing on the forecastle. Abico Lighthouse passed about 6 o'clock p.m. Some horse mackerel caught; a child of Joseph and Sarah Day (from Bethnal Green) died.

14. Passed the little and great Isaacs at 12 noon. Held a testimony meeting on the quarter-deck, tongues and interpretation; four baptized (three sailors and one passenger). About 11 o'clock came in sight of Gun Quay Lighthouse. [p.10]

15. A council meeting was held this afternoon, when the presidents of the wards gave in their reports that all the Saints were in good standing. Smart breeze; vessel sailing by the edge of the gulf stream. A steamer in the distance, many of the passengers washing, &c., preparations for catching fish. A shark seen. Cuba Lighthouse glimmered in the distance about 11 o'clock p.m. A first-rate testimony meeting in the evening.

16. Very warm; held meeting on the quarter deck, great many of the Saints present. Sea fowl flying about. A few ships passed, outward bound; great expectations of reaching the mouth of the river by Sunday evening. A shoal of herrings, supposed to cover half an acre of water, passed us, chased by a shark. Passed Cape Florida Lighthouse about midnight.

17. Sunday; very fine; little wind; excessive heat. 110 degrees crossing the gulf stream. First-rate meetings during the whole day; in the evening the ship carpenter, captain's cook, and two sailors bore testimony to the truth of the work.

18. Northeast strong breeze; ship rolling; some of the Saints sick; An American ship in full sail passed us named "Parthemia," from New Orleans, bound to Liverpool. A couple married in the afternoon; meeting in the evening, at which Captain Brown gave an address, exhorting us to be careful in the selection of our food on our arrival, he had crossed the seas many times but never felt so happy with any people as he had with the Latter-day Saints, and that he felt he should be one of us before he reached New Orleans, as he was convinced that the work we were engaged in was from God. Two passengers baptized.

19. Very warm and fine; smart breeze. 6 p.m. testimony meeting on quarter deck; six sailors bore testimony, and after service one sailor baptized. [p.11]

20. Half past 4 a.m. Captain David Brown baptized by President Arthur in presence of Elder Lyon. During the day a dolphin caught; in the evening the captain and two others were confirmed, after which the captain and ship's carpenter were ordained to the office of elder. The first and second mate to the office of priest, and the captain's cook to the office of teacher. After the meeting two sailors were baptized.

21. Southeast wind, light breezes; bending cables and getting anchor ready. About 30 miles from land, Brother Tucker's child fell down the mizzen hatchway, a distance of 16 feet. A most providential escape, as the child was not hurt. Saw south-west pass lighthouse in the evening.

22. A Mississippi steamboat took us in tow. We got our boxes out of the ship's hold, to be ready for landing. Held a meeting in the evening, when Captain Brown gave us an address.

23. Still being tugged by a steamer in the Mississippi River; sugar and cotton plantations in sight, on each side of the river. Arrived in New Orleans Port at 5 p.m. A doctor came on board to examine us; James Preece, had been ill for many years, and was then in a dying state. Many of our brethren were appointed guards by Father [George] Waugh to protect our boxes, and to keep strangers from coming on board, while many went on shore to buy fresh provisions. This was a time of rejoicing.

24. James Preece died, and was buried in New Orleans.

Births, 6. Deaths, 5. Marriages. 5. Baptisms, 48, inclusive of rebaptisms.

We stopped in New Orleans for four days, then started in two companies to St. Louis, the former superintended by President Arthur, the latter by Counselors Lyon and Waddington, on board of the "St. Nicholas" [p.12] and "Liah Tuna," where we arrived eight days thereafter, and the same evening embarked on the "Jeanne Deans," and in 24 hours landed in Keokuk all in good health and spirit, and joined the camp of Israel.

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An original song, Written and Sung, by Henry Maiben [Maibin] (of Brighton) on board the ship International, on the occasion of a Festival, held April 6th, 1853, in commemoration of the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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TUNE--YANKEE DOODLE

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On board the International
All joyful, and lighthearted,
Bound Zionward, four hundred Saints,
From Liverpool we started.
We're English, Irish, Scotch, and Welsh
Assembled here together;
Resolved to do the will of God,
Whate'er the wind and weather.

CHORUS
Then, sing aloud, ye Saints of God,
In one united chorus;
Old Babylon we'll leave behind,
For, Zion is before us.

We had a noble president,
You'll scarce find such an one, Sirs,
He stands near six feet six, in height, [p.13]
And weighs near twenty stone, Sirs.
But, best of all, he's full of love,
He's frank, and open-hearted;
And as sincere as any that
From Bab'lon has departed.

Now, Elder Arthurs' counselors
(I wish you all to know it)
Are, Elder Lyon (from Glasgow),
The celebrated Poet:
And, Elder Richard Waddington,
(From London's famous city)
Who's been sick almost all the way,
Which has drawn forth our pity.

And Elders are appointed to
Take charge of wards and sections,
And do all things according to
The president's directions.
Thus ev'ry regulations made
Which is found to be needed;
So that, there's not a soul on board
Whose welfare is unheeded.

Then, of such fact, or incident
That's worthy of remark here;
We have a faithful record kept,
By Elder Sims, our clerk here. [p.14
]
Amongst which you'll find, two deaths, five births,
And twenty-five baptisms.
Likewise (today) four marriages,
But no such thing as schisms.

The Captain name is "David Brown,"
My muse cannot refuse its
Verse, in reference to him;
He comes from Massachusetts.
Of course, he is tarnation 'cute,'
Yet, he is honest, "rather,"
And must, ere long, become a Saint,
And serve our Heav'nly Father.

The first mate's name is "Alfred Howes,"
The second mate's "Arch. Campbell,"
The third mate's is "John Marston," and
Then, comes a sort of scramble:
That is to say, a motley crew,
Called sailors, or ship-riggers;
Amounting to about eighteen,
Swedes, Germans, Dutch, and Niggers.

The Captain's "Steward, and his wife,"
Next and forth our attention;
Then "Richard Foulton" Captain's cook,
I can
't omit to mention.
And last (not least) the carpenter,
"Calle Westerlind," a Swede, Sirs [p.15],
The first of the ship's company
T' embrace our Holy Creed, Sirs.

We've been on board five weeks and more,
And have endured much sickness;
We've also had headwinds and storms,
T' impede the vessels quickness.
Yet, we have cause, and do rejoice,
Thanks to the God of Heaven!
For unto us, his blessings have
Abundantly been given.

Today's the 6th of April, and
We now, are celebrating
The glorious anniversary,
With gladness unabating.
And who? that could but witness now,
Our festive, happy faces;
But would obey the truth, to share
The joy our faith embraces.

BIB: Lyon, John. Diary. (Ms 4687), pp.1-15. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)