. . . I went to Liverpool, spent the time in preparing for the trip until the evening of the 30th when we were all on board of the ship Juventa owned by Captain Watte.

On Sunday April 1st [1855] the American elders 11 in number - with Elder Glover at their head who was appointed by Elder Richards. We divided the ship into 12 wards and appointed men to preside over the same, the total number of the 74 - we had a fine voyage--many were seasick.

On Tuesday, the 3rd, a storm.

On the evening of the 21st one child born this evening. Cold weather while crossing the banks of Newfoundland, saw many whales and porpoises and very large fish.

We landed at Philadelphia on the 5th day of May all in good health. This evening another baby is born.

Sunday, the 6th I went to the Saints Room and spoke to the Saints. Here we met Elders Taylor, Clinton, and Fullmer, who with the Saints, all met us with a pleasant smile on the continent and welcomed us to their home, the land of the free. I was then appointed to take the care of 123 of the Saints while in the city. I took them to Mr. Fishers for food and lodgings.

On Tuesday we started for Pittsburgh, where we landed on Thursday, and on Friday we started with the Saints, composing the poor for company, on board the boat "Equanok" and those that had their own fare went on the boat called the "City of Washington." We got to the city of Cincinnati on Sunday, all well and in fine spirits The captain and crew felt well towards us. The country looks pleasant, times are hard, provisions were high.

May 16th - started up the Mississippi River.

On the 17th we got to St. Louis. Here I left the Saints and went up the Illinois River and made my friends a good visit. Some wished to be re-baptized by me but I thought best to send them a good faithful elder from St. Louis. I then returned to St. Louis, found Elder Blair.

May 27th I entered into arrangements to go home with Brother Blair. [p. 5]

May 30th - Elder Spencer has just come from England and will go with us this day. We are now on the boat, called the "Alma," with about 30 good Saints. We had a good voyage up the Atchison. Here we found many of the Saints sick and some dead and others dying. Among the number were Elder G. Simpson and Elder Bill and wife.

June the 7th - Elders Snow and Spencer organized our company, being the third Sixty. Elder Seth M. Blair is our captain. Elder East Church--I was appointed counselor and also captain of one ten and also chaplin. We started our camp on the 11th of June - traveled eight miles when we camped and staid until the 17th. This is a sickly place. Most of the camp left this day but I had to stay until the next day, when I left with the remainder of the camp. When I got within about one mile of the camp, a messenger run to me stating that Brother Jones was taken the colary and wished me to hasten to his relief by administering the ordinance of the house of God to him, but having a very hard river to cross I was detained sometime. I found Brother Jones cold and cramped. I called Brothers J. Myer, George E. Riser, and Oscar Tayler to my assistance, for they were men who had had their endowments. We approached the sick and dying, for by this time four more were taken. But the spirit forbade me rebuking it at this time, yet I felt to pray the Almighty to stay the plague if it be his will. Brother Jones soon died and in the evening Sister Leungford died. This night Brother East's child also died. Brother Lankford and some others on the 18th. We buried six persons. This is indeed a doleful time to us all.

This day we met the brethren from the valley on missions. They were under Captain Hait. We started our camp - a number of the missionaries returned with us to where we nooned. Sister Eliza Poast died this forenoon in the wagon. We buried her the same hour and did not stop the train. At noon we had a good meeting during which time several more died. We parted with the missionaries and hauled our dead until night, when a number more were dead. Some, however, were taken and when I administered to them they got well immediately. We continued to travel a little every day and still bury the dead.

Sunday, the 15th we camped on a small stream called the Hermileon where we buried old Father Greer and several more died and were buried. I then spoke to Brother Blair of the propriety of re-baptizing those who wished it and baptizing those that had not been baptized. Accordingly I went to the persons. We then traveled six miles. This evening Elder Stenson came to us from the Mormon Grove with some brethren to help us. In the morning I called the saints together. Captain Blair then read a letter from President Ballentine, stating that Brother Stenson was appointed to take charge of our company.

E. Stenson then chose myself and Brother Barlow to be his counselors. . . . [p. 6]

. . . We arrived into the valley on the 10th of September, being 3 years lacking 5 days absent from my family and home. I find them all alive and well and all in fine spirits, and with joy to my soul I feel to thank the Lord for his parental care over me and my family while I was on my mission. . . . [p. 8]

BIB: Earl, Sylvester Henry. Diary. (Ms 147) pp. 5-6, 8. (CHL)
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