. . . March 30 [1855]- According to instructions of President Glover [I] went and baptized George Nesham and Thomas Sutherland and on the next day at evening we set sail from Liverpool on board the noble ship, Juventa, having on board about 500 souls bound for the land of Zion.

And after a prosperous voyage across the mighty Atlantic Ocean of 5 weeks, we landed at the port of Philadelphia on the 5th of May, about the same time on a Saturday night as we left Liverpool. And we had reason to be thankful for we had no deaths on board, but 2 births, and some 4 marriages, and scarcely any cases of disease. I left all my acquaintances of the Saints or was separated from them, they having all left for other places with one or two exceptions.

I stayed in Philadelphia until July and out of three months stay in the "City of Brotherly Love" I only employment 1, but we never were in absolute want though we wanted both food and raiment and but we were thankful unto our God for we knew we would be delivered and rejoice that our feet were on the promised land.

We left Philadelphia about the latter end of July for Minorsville, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles distance, having been assisted thither by Brothers Sewell and Borthwick and thus a partial deliverance was affected for us. The saints received us kindly [p.60] and blessed us and on the 5 of August I was appointed secretary of the Minorsville Branch which numbered about 100 under the Presidency of James Sewell, who came on the ship with us and from the same conference here I found many of my acquaintances who ere kind to me and whose kindness will ever be remembered. I was likewise appointed to take the lead in the singing department and on the 24 of August 1856 I was appointed 2nd counselor to the Presidency. On the 18 of November I removed to Pottsville on account of my employment and on the 23 I was appointed President of the Pottsville Branch. And on the 7 of Dec. The president of the St. Clair branch having removed I received that Branch under my watch care.

And here let me say that since I came to this land I have felt more impressed with the necessity of living up to the requirements of my Religion. And consequently I am engaged more energetically in the warfare against my own failings. And if any thing causes my soul to rejoice it is the consciousness that I am gaining an absolute victory. On the 3d of October I accompanied President Swell to Conference at Philadelphia. We returned to Pottsville on the 7th ???? much cheered and strengthened with the teachings of Presidents Appleby, Clinton, and Cannon, having spent a pleasing time with them. And having received their approbation of our labors, for Israel to come home, and be taught the principles which will purify and exalt the upright, and now all Hell is mad and boiling with rage at the Advancement of eternal principles, and seem ready to spill the blood of the Saints, and annihilate the least vestige of the "Kingdom of God" but the Lord will rescue his people, and make bare his almighty arm and teach the Gentile Nations he is God. In the [p.61] general destruction of the Nations so long as we are in a scattered position we must partake of their sorrows in a measure, and even this will act as a stimulus to the faithful, for they will more willingly bestir themselves to go to Zion, and help to establish this Kingdom for we ought not only believe it its establishment, but realize we live in the very age it shall be accomplished, and be willing to engage actively in it, come life and death, poverty or riches, frowns or smiles, in the money panic which now o'er a spreads this nation, the Saints will suffer. I have now been without employment 3 weeks and very dull prospect for the coming winter but I [trust] in God that we will not be left behind, but will be enabled to obey the decree, which has been sent forth, and go to Zion next spring. October 19, 57. . . .[p.62] [NO FURTHER INFORMATION IS GIVEN CONCERNING THE CONTINUATION OF HIS JOURNEY TO ZION]

And here let me say that since I came to this land I have felt more impressed with the necessity of living up to the requirements of my religion and consequently I am engaged more energetically in the warfare against my own feelings and if anything causes my soul to rejoice it is the consciousness that I am gaining an absolute victory...

BIB: Hazen, Robert. Reminiscences and journal (Ms 7559), pp. 60-62. (CHL).
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