I went and paid for a berth on the ship John J. Boyd. John Scowcroft went with me to Bury. He said, "Oh, I wish I had the money -- I would secure a passport and go with you." At this time I had not let my father know that I was leaving for Utah, but my mother knew all about it and told Father while I was away. On going into the house Father said, "I think you had better stay here another year, then we will go with you." I told him that it was too late, that I had given up my job at the factory and had secured my ticket. I also told him that I couldn't think of remaining. I would go now and wait for them to come later.

The Walsh family had arranged to give a farewell social before I left. The members of the Church and some friends were invited, and the night before I began my journey they all gathered and we had a jolly time together singing, chatting, and dancing. All wished me a pleasant voyage and a safe arrival. They kept the party up until quite late but I was advised to retire about midnight as I was to be ready to leave at five o'clock in the morning. A number of those present at the party went to Liverpool with me to see me set sail. Among those as I remember were my father, brother-in-law, William Atkinson, Mrs. James Walsh and her daughter May Ann. As Mrs. Walsh shook hands with me she left three pounds, equivalent to fifteen dollars , in my hand. I asked her what that was for and she said it would help me on my journey to Utah. I thanked her and [p. 243] asked when she expected it back and she said, "Don't mention it, but if I ever come to Utah you might return the favor."

The John J. Boyd set sail from Liverpool on April 22, 1862, with seven hundred passengers on board. During the six-week voyage, we had some very rough weather and I was seriously ill and could scarcely eat anything for almost four weeks. I became very weak and pale. I met a young sister who suggested that I put my rations with hers and take them to the cook room and prepare them and eat together. This I did and soon began improving. A friendship sprang up which lasted through the years, and on my visits to Salt Lake, I always called on her and we had man pleasant visits together. We knew her as Mrs. Haslam [POSSIBLY, Hassall]. [p. 244]

BIB: Grimshaw, Duckworth, [Autobiography], Our Pioneer Heritage,
comp. By Kate B. Carter, vol. 12 (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1969) pp. 243-244. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)