23rd. We obtained some hot drink and was soon busy in getting our luggage ashore and o board the railroad train. I administered to Sister Tolman, who had a fit or convulsions. I had to do some business with Mr. Berting agent for the Morris-company.
24th At seven o'clock in the morning we started for the city of Glückstadt, arriving there at 11 a.m. We were all hustled into a large hall, where we were given some hot drink and later we brought our luggage on board the steamer "Advin of Skablund". I wrote a letter to Pres. Van Cott, giving an account of our journey so far. Elder Daniel Garn brought 33 German Saints to join our company, which brought our number up to 354 souls.
25th At 7 a. m. we started down the river Elbe and encountered some difficulty with the ice, but got out all right.
26th The wind was favorable when we started for Hull in England at 7 a.m. A baby boy, nine months old, son of Brother Anderson, died that day.
27th A child of Jens Anderson died and was buried in the sea that day. Between 5 and 8 p.m. we reached Hull. Brother Sven Larsen and I went ashore and took lodgings for the night. Brother Peter Jensen from Hals died and the ship company attended to his burial.
December 28th After getting our luggage on board the train we left Hull about 2 p.m. and arrived in Liverpool at 11 p.m. After getting a bowl of warm soup, we all went to bed, which was a [p.90] sweet rest for all.
Dec. 29th I called on President F. [Franklin] D. Richards, at the Mission Office and later in the day, I took a stroll out in the city. In the evening we had a meeting and Elder Daniel Cearns [Garn] moved that the 33 German emigrants should be included in the company under my charge, which was agreed to. Johaunes Bohn was proposed and sustained as clerk and recorder for the company. Several of the brethren spoke in that meeting, giving good advice and council. From that time till January 1st all were kept busy in getting their luggage and themselves on board the big sailing vessel: Jesse Munn.
Dec. 30th & 31st I wrote a letter to President Van Cott and also to my brother C. G. Larsen, in Bornholm. This day all the emigrant came onboard the ship. An aged woman, mother to Christen [Christian] Kjar [Kjaer] died here.[p.91]
Jan. Sun. 1st & Mon. 2nd 1854 In company with several others, I made a stroll up in town. Later in the day, provisions were issued according to the number of persons in each family, and the ship was brought of the docks and anchored in the river.
Tues. 3rd A steam tug pulled our ship out to sea this day. According to instructions from President Van Cott, I divided the company into wards, appointing an elder to have charge over each. Brother A. Berthelsen was ordained a priest. In the evening, we had a very good prayer meeting. The following ten days are not recorded.
Fri. 13th We had a very interesting meeting- the Spirit of God was in our midst- I united in marriage, Sister Sophia Larsen to Brother Anders Petersen [Pedersen], and, in connection with Elder Iven Larsen, ordained 3 elders, 3 priests and one teacher; we also blessed children, belonging to Brother Eriksen [Ericksen]. My wife and I fasted.
Feb. Wed. 8th We held a council meeting with a view to raise some means for some people, who had not the money to pay for their passage up the river, and it was unanimously agreed, to not leave anybody behind, and to this end, a savings-box or bank was established, into which anybody might contribute according to means to spare and their charitable dispositions; the funds to be used under direction of the president. [p.92] We had a very much blessed day, enjoying ourselves by songs, speeches, and prayers, and the Spirit of God was over us all. The day before, we had passed the island of Santa Domingo, and in the evening we had the island of Jamaica to our left and Cuba on the right of us.
Sun. 12th We held a meeting, beginning at 10 a.m. and several of the brethren spoke- the Spirit of God was with us. I joined Sister Sophia M. Christensen to Brother Laurity Smith in marriage. Re-covering our meeting at 2:30 p.m. I spoke at some length on the theme of the powers and gifts of the priesthood, and we then partook of sacrament, and I then ordained one elder and seven priests, and we all gave praise to our Heavenly Father.
Thurs. 16th Thursday We arrived at the mouth of the great Mississippi River, and anchored about 4 p.m. We all gave praise to God, that he had so well preserved us across the great Atlantic Ocean. Each one of the presiding elders had had regular prayers meeting in the ward, every week, and we held two public meetings every Sunday and partaken of the sacrament. We had five adult persons die on the voyage, and 7 small children had died. 3 of these had died before we came upon the Atlantic, and two of them were very old people.
Sat. 18th A steamer pulled our ship up tho the telegraph station, where we anchored for two hours; then [p.93] another steamer took us in tow, but that slow progress. I wrote a letter to President Van Cott and also one to Brother Widenborg in Norway.
Sun. 19th We held our meetings as usual and I ordained Brother Hans Jensen, Hals, an elder, and married him and Maren Eriksen [Erickson], making them man and wife.
Mon. 20th We readied New Orleans this morning, but we were disappointed in not finding the emigration agent, and none of us could express ourselves much in the English language, consequently we took up the Danish counsel, but he gave us very little encouragement, but as we were leaving him, we were followed into the street, by his secretary who seemed in sympathy with us, and asked us where we wished to go next, and we then told him, that we were Mormon emigrants, and he then told us that he was himself a Mormon, but that it was not known, and he believed that he was the only Mormon in the city, and he was afraid of being discharged, if it became known. He gave us information about the place where the Mormon emigrants had bought their provisions the previous year and the next thing was to find a steamer to take us farther up the river, to St. Louis, and we succeeded in making a bargain with a Mr. Brown, who was the captain of the very large steamer, by name: "St Louis." Our company had the second [p.94] cabin, which consisted in a number of small rooms, outside the great saloon, but yet on the same deck as the first cabin passengers had place, and our accommodation we very satisfactory, except for the slow progress made by the steamer. The brethren were made busy in getting all the luggage onboard this steamer, from the sailing vessel, while Brother Sven Larsen and I made arrangements for and bought the provisions to take with us up the river and also for our further journey across the desert plains.
Wed. 22nd By 6 p.m. we had everything belonging to our company on board the steamer, and the next day, Elder James Brown, who was appointed by Apostle Orson Pratt, to be the agent this year, and it was a great relief to us. I informed him our situation and of our arrangements and bargains, and he said, that it could not have been made better, if he had made them himself- it was the hand of God, who has done it for us.
Sat. 25th About 11 a. m. we left New Orleans- all were in good spirit and felt well.
Sun. 26th We held meeting in the afternoon, and I married Nora Weinberg to A. Berthelsen.
March Wed. 1st We held a council meeting at which Sven Larsen and I gave an account of all our expenditures for the company. I took occasion [p.95] and say to the assembly to be patience and forbearance with one another and making it as convenient for all as circumstances would permit.
Sun. 5th We held a meeting in the afternoon and partook of the sacrament.
Wed. 8th We held a private council and settled some difficulties, that existed between some brethren from the Aalborg Conference and their president. After some talk and explanations, everything was made straight. Thanks to God for it!
Sat. 11th In the forenoon six of our company were attacked by "Cholera Morbits", and were taken on board the Quarantine Boat, a few miles before we reached St. Louis. Five of them died, but one, Sister Kjor [Kjaer], got well and joined us in St. Louis, three days later. We reached the city before night, and called on Brother H. [Horace] Eldridge, at his office, and I there received two letters, one of them from Zion.
Sun. 12th I attended the English (American) meeting, and spoke a short time. My wife and I were invited for supper to an English family, and we returned on board the steamer, we found that my wife's brother had been attacked by "cholera" and we watched over him all that night.
Mon. 13th He, Waldemar [Valdemar] Olsen, died at 6:30 that morning- passing away quietly in the Lord. Assisted by a Brother Buchland from Zion, I tried my [p.96] best all day to rent a house for the company, but in vain, and the sick people were therefor under the necessity of making beds of their clothing on the floor of the pier by the river. We could proceed no farther, on account of ice in the river at that time. After much persuasion, I succeeded in renting a small room for my wife and I, and also one for Christen Hansen and his wife the owner was a Brother Gjare (?). It was a very quiet night.
Tues. 14th After much effort on my part and assisted by Brother Buchland, we had all of the emigrants comfortably house before night that day, for which all felt very thankful. We had rented two large halls; one in the Mounds Hotel, for the emigrants from Copenhagen, and another with the Ullaget Hotel, for the rest of the emigrants. I had much to do by administering to the sick, during that week, as several had been attacked by cholera and some died after we had reached St. Louis.
Sun. 19th I attended meeting with Saints from Copenhagen, and spoke to them and administered to some of the sick. In the afternoon I and my wife attended English meeting, and at 5 P.M. I attended meeting with the Saints in Hotel Ullaget. Several of the brethren spoke in that meeting, and we all tried to cheer up and encourage one another, and we realized that the Lord recognized our prayers; [p.97] for many of the sick were healed, although some died.
Tues. 21st This day I filled my 23rd year, and Horace Eldrige, Empey, Buckland, his wife, and Brother Folkman took dinner with us. During the week, I was much taken up with waiting upon and blessing the sick. One day I was across the river to find work for some of the brethren. I wrote a letter to President Van Cott.
Sun. 26th I was to meeting with our people in the Mound Hotel and administered the sacrament to them, and at 5 p.m. I met with the Saints in Hotel Ullaget and we enjoyed the presence of the Spirit of God in our midst, and we were almost free from sickness- Thanks be to God!
Fri. 31st We had this day a special council meeting, . . . A company of English speaking people, numbering 460 persons past St. Louis this day. [p.98]
April 2nd We had fast day and meetings in both the hotels- partook of the sacrament and thanked God, that all sickness had left us, and the spirit of peace prevailed among us, for which gave praise to God.
Mon. 3rd This day, the emigrants in charge of H. P. Olens arrived, and I conducted him to President Eldridge's office. Afterwards, I went on board the steamer, that had brought them and there I found my parents and my brother and sister, who had come in that company, and they were all well. My parents then remained with me until we left St. Louis. In the evening we had a special council meeting at which complaint was presented against Jeppe Christensen for drunkenness and some thieving also, he felt very humble and asked forgiveness, and promised to do right. At the same meeting the subject of raising means for those who were deficient, so that all could go together, that wished to , if there were means that could be spared, and, after a lengthy discussion, it was voted unanimously that all would help as much as in their power, and some of the brethren who had donated at the former meeting, donated again. During the week, I was busy assisting the people in various ways. [p.99]
Sun. 9th I attended meeting in the Mound Hotel and spoke there and confirmed two brethren who had been baptized here. We partook of the sacrament and had a very blessed day. Eight adults and eight children had died from cholera, since we left New Orleans.
Thurs. 13th This day we went on board the 'Houdauson" the steamer that was to take us to Kansas, leaving St. Louis at 6 p.m. arriving there in safety.
Tues. 18th We landed at the same place that H. P. Olsen's company went ashore; and as usual, according to our instructions and customs, while we were on the sea and traveling on the steamers on the rivers, I called the company together for prayer, but soon after, Elder H. P. Olsen, who had been in charge of the other company, and who we expected to be our captain across the plains, came and forbade us to assemble for prayers and for any religious meeting as long as we remained encamped in this locality- for, said he, we were now only a few miles away from the very people, who had persecuted and driven the Saints from their homes, but our company felt very much disappointed by this order. I answered, that as he was now in charge, I would submit and do as he wanted.
Wed. 19th I collected the money from the company, where with [p.100] to pay the freight for our provisions and luggage on the steamer, and settled my accounts with the company and also with the captain, and from that day and till the 9th of May.
May Tues. 9th I was kept busy, by assisting the Saints in their preparations for their journey across the plains. I administered to many of the sick, also in Olsen's company and wrote several letters, etc. We moved in small parties, or by families, to Westport- eight miles from Kansas- and when we all had gathered there, then the company was more fully organized by Brother Empey, in the following order: H. P. Olsen, captain; C. J. Larsen, chaplain; Brent Nielsen, wagon master; Peter Thorseu, captain of the guard; Jens Hansen, captain of the camp; Jens Jorgensen, captain for 10 Wagons; A. Weinberg, captain for 10 wagons; Peter Beckstrom, captain for 10 wagons; A. Anderson, captain for 10 wagons; C. Capson, captain for 10 wagons; Valentinensen, captain for 10 wagons; Captain H. P. Olsen was to have a wagon and two yoke of oxen for himself, besides a horse to ride or else a mule, and that the company should also have 4 or 5 horses for their use. Each wagon might have eleven persons and not more than 25 hundred pounds of luggage and provisions to carry.
Wed. 10th Assisted by Brother A. Weinberg and A. Andersen, I consecrated some oil and blessed Sister Hansen and Brother Paterson's children, and wrote in my journal. In the [p.101] evening, a meeting was held, to take under consideration what use should be made of the 900 dollars which were surplus, after all the wagons and oxen had been paid for and it was decided, that 90 dollars was given Captain H. P. Olsen, to buy a horse; 300 dollars for horses to the company; 200 dollars set apart to pay for being ferried across some rivers, and the remaining 310 dollars to be kept in reserve, to buy provisions with when needed. This latter provision was with the understanding, that the money should be refunded, as soon as they circumstances would permit, by the parties borrowing such money, after their arrival in Zion. I blessed some oil and the next thing I was to solicitate for some more money for Captain Olsen from such parties, who had surplus means.
Fri. 12th I had collected 60 dollars and five cents for Captain Olsen, which I handed over to him, which it 150.00 to buy his horse for. From this day, I and some other brethren were made to make trips back and forward, to buy provisions for the company, to take across the plains, I kept accounts of all this business, besides blessing a number of children nearly every day.
Wed. 10th Brother A. Winberg, this day, baptized a man and in connection with him, I confirmed him a member of the church. [p.102]
May Sun. 21st I married Brother Jens Black and Baletta and on the 22nd wrote in my journal. A Brother Jens Petersen died this day.
Fri. 26th This morning at 8 o'clock, I had the people together for the first time, since we left Kansas, and we attended to prayer and singing, as we where years do before, and we did likewise in the evening at 6 o'clock. Jepppe Christensen's wife died.
Sun. 28th This day we held meeting in our camp; both fore and afternoon and observed it as a fast day, partook of the sacrament, and we rejoiced in the opportunity that we thus had, again to sing, pray and speak openly.
Mon. 29th & June 3rd I wrote a letter to President Van Cott in Copenhagen, and to my brothers in Denmark. During the week, I made a list of names of all the emigrants, and also made account for our expenditures for provisions and other items bought for the company, and, in company with H. P. Olsen and Brent Nielsen, met the agent, Brother Empey, to whom we presented the accounts, between us and him, which was satisfactory on both sides. This had taken up the whole day.
Sun. 4th We held a council meeting at which complaint was entered against Brother Hans Jensen Straud, for unchristian-like conduct and for apostasy against certain principles in the gospel. His certificate of priesthood was remanded, and he was warned [p.103] and advised to repent, and ask God for forgiveness, that he might get the good spirit again. In the afternoon we held meeting and partook of the sacrament, and I spoke to the people for some time, and the Spirit of God seemed inspire and cheer every heart. As the time was now near for our start on the plains, it was decided to draw lot for the animals. Our captain informed us that he had been advised or ordered to take the companies over a new road for several days-but by whom so ordered, I never learned- but, said he, there would be found better grass that way, and he then enquired if the company was willing to do so- all agreed to this proposition.- He farther stated, that it would be necessary to equip five men with arms, like soldiers, to be on guard on that road, and the following brethren were selected: William Walentnsea, A. Andersen, Frederick Nielsen, Peter Madsen, and Brother Rüs.
Sun. 11th We held meetings, both in the forenoon and in the afternoon, and partook of the sacrament. Brother C. Schou and I occupied the time speaking, blessed some sick persons and consecrated two bottles of oil.
Thurs. 15th After prayer in the morning and breakfast, we started and traveled. . . . [p.104]
. . . Tues. Sept. 12th A company from Salt Lake Valley brought us some flour, and from that time on, we were not left in want for anything, as teams would come out to meet us with provisions.
Oct. Thurs. 5th We, this day, reached the end of our journey-making our final camp in Salt Lake City at 6 p.m. I then settled my account with the brethren. . . .[p.110]
BIB: Larsen, Christian J. Journals (Ms 1090), vol. 4 (manuscript translation) pp. 90-104, 110. (CHL)
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