Saturday, May 3, 1862. A.M. writing and preparing to go by rail to Liverpool. At 10 o'clock took train with the Burmingham Conference Saints. Arrived in Liverpool about 3 p.m. Went to the office. Found Presidents Lyman, Rich, & Cannon. Accompanied them to the ship Manchester, Waterloo Dock. Was introduced to Captain G.[Gustave] D. Trask. Busy with the Saints getting in luggage during the darkness of the night. Brother [William] Pearsall fell overboard. Was in the water about 15 minutes (was rescued by a German sailor). He was taken to the receiving office, got into a warm bath and went to bed and slept. At 12 o'clock we hired a carriage and took him to a lodging house. I returned to the ship about 2 o'clock the next morning. Went to bed. [p.2]

Sunday, May 4th. A.M. busy with the passengers. P.M. shipped some stores. Evening attended meeting. Liverpool Branch. Preached to the people. Returned to the ship & slept.

Monday, 5th. Regulating passengers. Married David Nelson [Neilson] and Harriett Yates. About midnight we went out of dock and anchored in the Mersey.

Tuesday, 6th. A.M. cleaning ship, getting ready to pass government officers. Served out provisions. At 12 m. [midday] the government officers came on board and passed us. About 3 p.m. we raised anchor. The tug towed us out of the Mersey. We organized the Saints in wards, 1st, 2nd & 3rd. Previously I had been appointed President of the company & Samuel L. Adams, & Mark Barnes, my counselors. At 8 o'clock we had prayer and the guard posted. [p.3] During the night the ship rolled very much.

Wednesday, May 7th. Very many seasick. Wind ahead.

Thursday. Doctor Stanley Buchanan, our surgeon, was called upon for opening medicines. Many seasick.

Friday, 9. Wind ahead. Seasickness abating. Our surgeon making himself generally useful. Ship not making much headway.

Saturday, 10th. Saints lively. A few still sick. Ship running about six knots.

Sunday, 11th. A.M. Prayers as usual at 8 o'clock. Ship going easy. At 2 p.m. we held meeting. [p.4] I addressed the Saints on everyday duties. At half past seven we held meeting again when several of the brethren spoke. During the night ship rolled and pitched heavy.

Monday, 12th. Wind ahead. Very heavy head sea. Ship labored hard. Many sick. The brethren around ministering. Three of the brethren fell and got hurt, but not seriously. Very rough all day. During the night the sea went down.

Tuesday, 13th. A beautiful morning. Passengers feeling better. Served out provisions. Towards evening the weather thickened. Commenced to rain. During the night a gale.

Wednesday, 14th. Weather and wind favorable. Passengers on deck enjoying themselves in the dance & song. Sick improving. [p.5]

Thursday, 15th. A.M. Sick very much improved. Ship going easy. Saints on deck dancing, singing, knitting, sewing &c. Violin and concertina in full blast. Evening held meeting. The Saints used the time. Had a very nice time together.

Friday, 16th. Head sea & wind ahead. Saints enjoying themselves as well as they could on deck. Evening a gale running on our course about two hours.

Saturday, 17th. Sea rough. Not making much headway. The sick improving.

Sunday, 18th. Very rough all day. Held meeting between decks. Evening Saints enjoying songs & recitations. [p.6]

Monday, 19th. Served out provisions. Evening the Saints enjoyed themselves between decks singing, &c.

Tuesday, 20th. Ship very near her course. Wind light. Sea smooth. Saints enjoying themselves on deck. The captain gave the use of the quarter deck to the little ones who amused themselves with their childish sports. Evening dancing on the quarter deck. At prayer time I addressed the Saints.

Wednesday, 21st. Wind ahead. Weather foggy & damp. Cold, chilly atmosphere. Not many on deck during the day. The sick improving. At 8 o'clock p.m. guard posted and prayer as usual after which Saints amused themselves in recitation & song. [p.7]

Thursday, 22nd. Not making much headway. Heavy head sea. Several folks falling about. One sister received a severe hurt, nose mashed up. P.M. At 25 past 3 o'clock Sister Annie Adamson was delivered of a son. She was in labor about six hours. Our surgeon with her all the time. She was in convulsions part of the time. At 10 o'clock she went in convulsions again and remained about 2 hours. The doctor and I with her during the time. Then she went off in a quiet sleep.

Friday, 23rd. Very fine morning. Whale spouting not far from the ship. Sister Adamson better. Child [p.8] well. The Sister whose nose was hurt better. Swelling gone down considerable. The Saints on deck enjoying themselves. The day passed off very pleasantly. Evening Captain Trask invited our singers in the cabin to partake of wine, &c.

Saturday, 24th. Weather cool and many on deck. Head sea running high. Wind unfavorable. Sick improving.

Sunday, 25th. A.M. meeting on deck. Fine morning. We had all the Saints on deck with one exception, the young mother. I addressed them. Brother Adams followed with some good remarks. P.M. weather cool and cloudy. Evening sunset, clear. Meeting between decks. Read to Captain Trask, Joseph Smith's views on the policy and government of U.S. [p.9]

Monday, 26th. Served out provisions. Saints enjoyed themselves in the dance & song. Weather favorable.

Tuesday, 27th. Very fine morning. At breakfast time about half past 8 o'clock, a squall from the northwest, struck the ship and one of the top gallant sails was bust with the wind. It was squalling all day. A tremendous sea running. Towards evening it became calmer. Saints enjoying themselves below in the song and recitation.

Wednesday, 28th. Very fine morning. Continued fine all day. The Saints enjoyed themselves very much. [p.10] Evening after prayer all was upon deck singing the songs of Zion & marching to music. Captain Trask made the following speech from the quarter deck:

"Assembled soldiers of Zion. Assembled because you are mustered. If not soldiers in reality, you are soldiers in embryo, hence you are seed mustard. Seed of Zion, to you I would say be strong and steadfast."

After a few more songs all returned below.

Thursday, 29th. Very rough damp day. Very few on deck. Towards evening it moderated. The Saints enjoying themselves below this day. Several were seasick owing to the rolling of the ship caused by heavy sea that was running. [p.11]

Friday, 30th May. A very fine morning. Wind blowing fresh. Ship heading northwest. P.M. weather cold. Wind ahead.

Thursday, 31st. Weather cold.

Saturday, 31st. Weather cold. Crossing the Banks of Newfoundland. Head wind. Evening the captain invited our choir in his cabin to supper. They sang & recited. Had a very pleasant time.

Sunday, June 1st. Nice morning, but cold. Too much to do for meeting on deck. P.M. held meeting below. The officers of the ship were present. I blessed Henry John Trask Adamson and addressed the Saints. My counselors & clerk also took part in the meeting. Evening [p.12] we held a fellowship meeting. The Saints used the time. The gift of tongues was manifested in speaking and singing. The good Spirit of God was with us. We had a heavenly time.

Monday, June 2nd. Very cold. Head wind all day. Saw 11 icebergs. They or some of them were like great mountains.

Tuesday, 3rd. Calm and inclined to be foggy. Iceberg in sight. Served out provisions. P.M. very foggy. About the middle of the afternoon one of the brethren discovered an iceberg ahead of the ship. It was the largest yet seen. The fog so thick we was almost on to it before we saw it but by the blessings of the Lord and the energies of the captain, we passed it safely. Weather damp & cold all day. [p.13]

Wednesday, June 4th. A.M., fog still hanging around us. Very cold & damp. P.M., fog cleared up. At night, clear and cold. Moon shining brightly.

Thursday, 5th. A very fine morning. Weather moderating. Sea smooth. Ship sailing very near her course with a good breeze. Towards evening quite cool at 8 o'clock we held a meeting between decks when I instructed the Saints how to arrange matters when we should reach New York. The following testimonials were read to the Saints for their approval.

Sir, we the Saints through our presidency desire to present this testimonial to you as a token of our feeling of thankfulness for the kindness, care & attention manifested by you to us while crossing the Atlantic. Through [p.14] this medium we give expression to the wish that though our future may be different and pursuits place us far away, that the recollection of this present voyage may cheer you when tempests howl around and ourselves through life's toils, with this assurance on your part that many prayers ascend for your welfare and that we carry with us the good wishes of a gentleman and a friend. This small token of respect in itself possess no worth but we trust its value consists in the regard it conveys, the gratitude it bespeaks and those sentiments of good feelings that gush from hearts, warm, impulsive and true. Our wish is also through you to return thanks to the officers under your command for their readiness to assist in making this voyage so agreeable and pleasant. With prayers for your contrast [p.15] welfare we remain on behalf of the passengers, sir, yours most respectfully,

John D. T. McAllister
Samuel L. Adams
Mark Barnes
George Reeve, Clerk
Captain G.D.S. Trask

Ship ManchesterJune 5, 1862

Sir. We the passengers on board the ship Manchester, desire in this manner to return you thanks for your thoughtful consideration and willingness to assist by advice in every matter pertaining to our comfort and well-being, and while we fully recognize the value of that assistance rendered, permit us to say that the name of Dr. Stanley Buchanan will not be forgotten [p.16] or erased from the memory of a grateful people. In behalf of the passengers, we remain yours respectfully,

John D. T. McAllister
Samuel L. Adams
Mark Barnes
George Reeve, Clerk

Friday, 6th. A very pleasant morning. Saints enjoying themselves on deck. Sea smooth. Winds high but fair. It continued fine all day.

Saturday, 7th. It rained all day. Wind fair and going steady.

Sunday, 8th. Turn all the males on deck so that the sisters could wash their bodies. P.M. held meeting between decks. Addressed the Saints. Several of the brethren [p.17] spoke. We had a good time. Evening meeting again. Brother Adams & I addressed them and the Saints used a portion of the time in a fellowship meeting. We had a glorious time. Wind fair & steady.

Monday, 9th. Served out provisions. Presented the testimonials read last Thursday evening to the captain & doctor. About noon received the following reply:

Ship Manchester 9th June, 1862

To The Saints on Board through their presidency, Mr. John D. T. McAllister and others. I beg leave to thank you for the testimonial of your respect and regard which was this morning presented to me. The few kindnesses [p.18], the little attentions that may have been shown are more than amply rewarded by the appreciation so handsomely expressed in your testimonial which will be preserved with feeling of pride and gratitude equaled only in degree by the fervency of my desire for your future happiness and prosperity.

It is an additional pleasure to know that the conduct of my officers has met with your approval. Through me they would present their thanks and grateful acknowledgment for your esteem that your greatest burdens through life may be the weight of your enjoyments and your greatest troubles the reckoning of your blessings of [p.19] of [SIC] is the wish of yours, very respectfully,

G. [Gustav] S. Trask

Ship Manchester, 10 June, 1862

My dear sir, I beg to return my very grateful thanks for your kind letter. I can assure you that the present passage has been to me one of the great pleasures and satisfaction such as I have not before experienced and long to be remembered by me. Sincerely wishing you all safe and pleasant journey to Utah. I am yours respectfully,

Dr. [Stanley] Buchanan

To the passengers through John Daniel Thompson McAllister [p.20]

Cleaned up the ship between decks as usual. Saints enjoyed themselves on deck. Wind fair all day.

Tuesday, 10th. Fine day. Wind fair. Saints enjoyed themselves on deck. Whales playing around us spouting up the water like great fountains. Showing all their backs.

Wednesday, 11th. a.m. Land in sight early this morning. Past Shinycock Lighthouse. Just after the wind came out ahead of us. About 10:00 o'clock we took a pilot from number 8, ("Isaac West"), pilot boat. Wind ahead all day. Could not do much and continued so all night. Evening, held meeting between decks. [p.21]

Thursday, 12th of June. Wind still ahead. Saints commenced to prepare for shore. Towards night we made the highlands on the Jersey shore. The day was very fine. It feels a little like summer. At sundown we passed the quarantine officer and between 8 & 9 o'clock we cast anchor opposite Castle Garden.

Friday, 13th. a.m. Brother Horace S. Eldredge came on board. Brother Adams & I went ashore and took breakfast with him. Then we returned to the ship and continued passing the luggage and at noon all were comfortable quartered in Castle Gardens. p.m. Busy collecting fares &c. Evening Brother Adams & I went to Williamsburg. Stopped at Sister Greens. [p.22]

Saturday, 14th. Called at Sister [-] and Brother Nobles. Posted letters for President B. [Brigham] Young and my family. Went to Brother Eldrege's office & done some business. Went to Castle Garden, finished our reports for the Millennial Star. Made arrangements for starting. Was very busy all day. At 5 p.m. we went to the Hudson River Railroad Station and took a train for Albany where we arrived on Sunday morning about 6 o'clock. Crossed the river and found comfortable quarters at the New York Central Railroad Depot. At 3 p.m. we held a meeting. Brothers P. Adams, Barnes, & myself addressed the Saints. Evening passed as usual and all retired to rest. Had a comfortable nights sleep. [p.23]

Monday, June 16th. All in good spirits. A nice cool morning. At 12:40 we took train on the New York Central Railroad. We traveled on it to the Suspension Bridge hung with lines across the river below Niagara Falls, 303 miles where we arrived Tuesday, 17th at 10 a.m. Stayed there two hours & a half and took train on the Great Western Railroad CW for Detroit.

Arrived at Windsor at 7 o'clock on Wednesday morning. Waited there until 9 when we crossed the river by ferry boat to Detroit. 229 miles from Suspension Bridge. At 2 p.m. we took train on the Michigan Central Railroad 264 miles to Chicago where we arrived Thursday, the 19th at 4 p.m. We then took train to [p.24] Quincy at 5 p.m. on the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad where we arrived after traveling 269 miles at 4 o'clock p.m. on Friday the 20th. At half past 5 p.m we went on the steamer "Blackhawk" down the Mississippi 22 miles to Hannibal, Missouri where we arrived at half past 6 o'clock and on board the cars and stayed all night.

Saturday, June 21st. At 4 a.m. we started on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railway to St. Joseph, 207 miles where we arrived at 5 p.m. Found comfortable quarters in the freight house by the river. A child, son of Simon and Elizabeth Web [Webb], died of teething and diarrhea just as we landed in St. Joseph. Made arrangements for a coffin and for the child. Found William Thompson and John Bell and families in St. Joseph and after prayer all retired to rest. [p.25]

Sunday, June 22nd. At 10 a.m. we buried the child in Mount Moriah Cemetery. We returned to freight house and I was busy with the Saints all day. Weather very hot. During the night the steamer Omaha arrived from Florence.

Monday, June 23rd. Went on board the "Omaha"waited for the Saints gathered up from different parts of the Omaha and states to arrive. They reached St. Joseph about 10 o'clock p.m. and camped in the Great House.

Tuesday, June 24th. We came on board. Our number was upwards of a thousand persons at the middle of the afternoon we started for Florence. Weather very hot. [p.26]

Wednesday 25th. Weather very hot. Saints as comfortable as the Circumstances would admit of during the night a Sister Wife of [-] was delivered of a son-a fine boy.

Thursday 26th. Not quite so hot. Getting along very well. At 9 o'clock at night we reached Florence. Was met at the landing by hundreds of Saints who greeted us with cheers and a warm shake of the hand. Brother Joseph W. Young, [-] Brown, E. H. Blackburn & others were there ready to assist and council for the best that the Saints might be comfortable under the circumstances. [p.27]

Friday 27th. Moved up to the camp ground. Sunday very hot. Many were overcome. One child killed with sun stroke.

Saturday 28th. Early in the morning we held meeting. President J. W. Young addressed us and made known to the camp the regulations of the Saints and what was expected of them. I was appointed to assist Brother Blackburn in the bishop's office & also Bishop of the Saints who landed with us. All day [-] the camps. Evening prayer at 8 o'clock. Married John Barker & Susan [- -].

Sunday 29th. We held meeting in the morning. J. W. Young, [-] Brown, Blackburn, [-] [p.28] Brown, and myself addressed the people. We had a glorious time.

Monday June 30th. A.M. Cool and pleasant all day. Busy with the Saints all day. Several children sick. One, a child of Brother William Rowell, died of teething and whooping cough. Evening prayer as usual.

Tuesday July 1st. A.M., visited every tent. Found the Saints comfortable and improving.

Wednesday 2nd. Very busy with duties of camp. The Saints left behind in St. Joe joined us.

Thursday 3rd. The Saints feeling well. Very busy all day, evening Stars & Stripes raised, then married Edward Hensley & Miriam Simmond.

Friday 4th. In camp all day & quick. Evening. Saints enjoying songs played. [p.29]

Saturday July 5th. Several children & a few grown persons sick with loosnip of bowels. Busy ministering to the wants of the people & moving camp two miles farther up the creek.

Sunday 6th. Moving camp.

Monday 7th. A.M. About one o'clock 850 more Saints arrived. I was appointed to camp them. About the middle of the afternoon a severe storm came on. Two brethren were stuck with lightning. One Brother Whithal was killed instantly. His head split open. Another, Swift Day, who had a silver watch chain on his neck which was melted by the [-] had his head split open and died during the night. A sister was delivered of a daughter during the storm. [p.30]

Tuesday 8th. Early in the morning went to see Brother Joseph Young (who was very much injured during yesterdays storm a severe gash in the head, nose broken & stomach hurt with wagon timber blowing on him). Found him easy and able to talk to me. Went to camp, collected what Saints were there, held prayers and arranged for their provisions. Then went to the portion of camp moved up the creek. Found them (the Saints) drying cloths and fixing up broken down tents. All seemed to be in good spirits measuring. A child of Sister [-] had died during the afternoon. More Saints moved up. Evening, returned to old camp ground. Visited Joseph W. Found him very low. [p.31]

Thursday 10th. Went up to new camp, found Brother Richard Ramsdale very ill. A few move up to camp. Evening, return to old camp ground.

Friday 11th. Moved our tent up to new camp ground. Brother Ramsdale died this morning, buried in the evening. A few children still sick.

Saturday 12. Busy in camp all day. Evening re-baptized & baptized 51 persons.

Sunday 13th. Commenced confirming those who were baptized last evening. A storm came on. We stopped. Brothers Lyman and Rich drove [p.32] up after the storm was over. I went to meting in J. M. Lyman's Camp. Went to Sister Phebe Brown's for dinner. Returned to camp & at six o'clock held meeting. Brothers Rich & Lyman addressed us after which continued our confirmation. A child of Brother [-] died of worm fever during the night. Sister Rebecca Crwother's child died of canker.

Monday 14th. In camp all day , busy with the Saints.

Tuesday 15th. Went to Florence; had a chat with Brother Joseph W. Young pertaining to emigration matters. P.M., returned to camp.

Wednesday 16th. Raining in camp all day. Sister Evans was very ill; with her during the day. At half past six o'clock p.m. she died of [-]. Brother Daniel Wyland [-] her [-]. [p.33]

Thursday July 17th. Wrote a letter to Brother George Q. Cannon. Buried Sister Mary Evans. She was 54 years of age. The rest of the day busy in camp. At night a storm came on. It rained all night very fast.

Friday 18th. Was informed that Brother Richman died last night at half past eleven o'clock [-]. The weather fine. Wrote letters to Brother Jno Warrilbern, Thomas Edghile & William Jasber of Birmingham England. Sent Brother Olyshant to town for some more leather to mend our company's shoes. Buried Brother Richman's body. He had been afflicted with piles for several years. Finished day in camp.

Saturday 19th. Reorganizing camp. Sent off a few families in Captain John Murdock's camp [p.34]

Sunday 20th. A.M. went to Moreau. Chatted with Brother J. [Joseph] W. Young & brethren about camp matters. Dined with sister May & Conrad. Returned to camp. P.M. meeting President Lyman & Rich addressed us.

Monday 21st. Wet. Busy with camp. Took several names for clothing to the applicants had theirs burned by fire or the cars. A child of Elizabeth Darton died of Measles & Diarrhea, aged 2 years. His name was Samuel Heber. Charles Plant & wife was re-baptized by Thomas Potts.

Tuesday 22nd. Buried the child. Ansil Harman's company from Salt Lake City rolled into camp. He was to take a portion of our camp. Busy all day in camp. [p.35]

Wednesday July 23rd. Preparing to start some of the Saints off.

Thursday 24th. In camp al day, very busy. Evening, celebrated the day with a dance.

Friday 25th. Went to Florence. Chatted with Brother Joseph W. Young & brethren with him. Evening, returned to camp. Send down a list of persons and number of tents in camp.

Saturday 26th. Commenced weighing up luggage. Started off eleven tents.

Sunday 27th. Visited Brother Harman's Camp. P.M. held meeting in our own. Wrote to My Brother Richard in S. S. """Litz""". Confirmed & re-ordained Charles H. Plant an elder. Brother Mark Barns confirmed Plant's wife. [p.36]

Monday 28th. Wrote to my wives. Busy in Camp balance of day.

Tuesday 29th. Weighed the luggage of all the camp. Visited Captain and Haman's company. Returned in time for prayers. About 9 p.m. Napthale Inglet's son died of diarrhea.

Wednesday 30th. Went to Florence & turned over to Brother Blackburn my [-] bake kettles, camp kettles, coffee pots & fry pans returning & transferred. Returned to camp. The child who died last night was buried. We moved camp up on the lull side setting the tents so as to load there in two wagons & renumber all the tents. Our camp from 97 tents was reduced by some going away to 50. Sent a report of camp (number Of personas & wagons needed) to Brothers J. W. Young & H. Blackham. Saw the guards posted & prayers as usual. [p.37]

Thursday July 31st. A.M. busy in camp. P.M. Captain Henry Miller drove some wagons in camp and loaded [-] tents. Tents holding 36 persons. Evening, I went to Florence, talked with the brethren & learned that I was to go home with Captain Ansil Harmon's company. Returned to camp.

Friday August 1st. Brother Miller came to camp and took 25 more tents. Brother Horton Haight 3, which finished our loading & cleaned camp. I went to Brother Harmon's camp. Traveled about four miles & camped on the hill near spring creek. I went to Florence 7 returned over some [-] to Henry Parker for Joseph W. Young. Returned to camp with Brother Charles Rich. We [p.38] called a meeting & he addressed the Saints concerning their duties while crossing the road. He returned. I stayed in camp.

Saturday August 2nd. About 7 o'clock a.m. we called the Saints together when I was chosen as president of the company & Chaplin. . . . [p.39]

Thursday 2nd Oct. . . . One thousand & sixteen miles traveled from Florence Great Salt Lake City. When I entered the city, made my way to President B. Young's. Reported myself, received his God bless you & his own, then made my way home. Found my wives & children well & doing well. Returning home this time game me more joy than ever for I had the privilege of meeting my mother, brother, sister & their family. In Zion all well & rejoicing in truth.

BIB: McAllister, John Daniel Thomson. Journal (Ms 1257), reel 1, vol. 4, pp. 3-39, 72. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)