. . . 25th of March. . . in the evening I delivered a short address thanking the Saints for their kindness to me, and so forth. I then took my leave of them the next morning. S number of the Saints accompanied me to the railway station where I took train for Derby and from there to Liverpool. And [PROBABLY MEANING ON] the way Elder William Pitt got in the cars at Etruria. The next day we went to the office and settled for our passage. We went on board ship on Friday and sailed on Saturday. After passing the doctor, we were towed into the Mercy by a steam tug. In the afternoon we passed a final inspection, we were then towed out of the river about six o'clock in the evening. The weather was very pleasant. Very few of the [p. 28] company was sick the first few days. We had 570 souls on board. The ship was a two decker, both decks were occupied with passengers. In a few days we had a head wind and most of the company was sick. The weather was pleasant. generally, until we arrived on the Banks of Newfoundland.

On Saturday the 21st of April the wind blew a perfect hurricane, we could not have out an inch of canvas. The vessel was driven about at the mercy of the wind and waves. The company were quite calm knowing their trust was in him who holds the wind and the waves. The captain said he never saw but one severer storm in his life. Many of the sailors shrunk from duty and hid themselves. The weather was very cold in this region, but as we neared Philadelphia it was much pleasanter. I was very sick during this voyage and my nose bled much, and I got very weak in consequence. We arrived in Philadelphia on the 5th of May about 9 o' clock in the evening. The next day, Sunday, I attended meeting in Melodien Hall. Elder John Taylor gave the Saints some good instructions, also Elder Clinton upon their present duties and prospects.

Monday the 7th our goods were inspected by the Custom House officers. They were then moved to the railway station, fare 4.50, a passenger, and 1.25 per hundred for our luggage. We left Philadelphia on Tuesday the 8th of May and arrived at Pittsburgh in 40 hours.

On the morning of the 10th our luggage was moved into the steamboats. Same day we went on board the "Washington City" for St. Louis, fare 2.62 and 40 cents per cwt. for our luggage.

Saturday May 12th We left Pittsburgh.

Sunday 13th We held a meeting in the cabin, Brother [James F.] Bell preached.

14th Came to Cincinnati. Here I bought some watch materials.

15th Came to Louisville. Same day passed through the canal.

17th We arrived at Cairo, mouth of the Ohio. [p. 29]

19th We arrived at St. Louis. The same day we moved our luggage on board the "Equinox," which was engaged to go to Atchison the outfitting place for the plains. On Sunday I attended meeting in the Saints Chapel on 4th Street. Monday we were busy purchasing things and our fit out [outfit] for the plains. The same evening the boat started, some few of the Company were sick with the Diarrhea, Tuesday we were called together by Brother [William] Glover, president of the company, who gave some instructions how to preserve the health of the company afterwards there was a council of elders. President Glover instructed us to attend to the company to preserve their lives, that the destroyer was upon the waters. He believed by our united exertions we might preserve the lives of the Saints by the blessings of the Almighty.

Wednesday 23rd A few cases of diarrhea. One child died in the afternoon. Before one of the deck hands was taken sick with the cholera, but through the attention of the brethren he got better. Soon after Brother [James] Tyrer was taken sick but through the prompt attention of the brethren he got well.

24th Brother Hurst was taken sick and not with standing the exertions of the brethren, he died in a few hours and was buried near the river a little above Independence Landing. Another child also died. We arrived at Atchison on Sunday 27th of May. Our luggage was landed the same day, we had on the boat about sixty. We fixed them for the night to sleep in. I was on guard with ten of the brethren until twelve o'clock.

28th Brother George Simpson was taken sick with the cholera and died in a few hours. In the afternoon our luggage was moved out to the camp ground. During this week we were busy fixing for the journey. Several of our company died this week with the cholera.

Sunday June 3rd We attended meeting, Brother Erastus Snow spoke to the Saints in the morning. In the afternoon there was a sacrament meeting. During the intermission [p. 30] 20 were baptized. In the evening I assisted in their confirmation. While at Mormon Grove I was chosen a captain of ten, and clerk of the company J. F. Secrist was captain of the company. We moved our camp ground out about two miles. This company consisted of 54 wagons, 33 of which were Danish. . . . [p. 31]

. . .Thursday 6th We came over the Big Mountain and camped on the brow. On the 7th we arrived in Great Salt Lake City and camped on Union Square. From here the company moved to different points to settle. After leaving the company at Fort Bridger, we arrived in the Valley on Saturday evening . I found my family all well.

On Sunday . . . after an absence of three years , my little girls didn't know me. . . . [p.42]

BIB: Smith, Charles. Reminiscences and diary (Ms 1912) pp. 28-31, 42. (CHL)
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