Monday, April 10, [1865]. I loaned Elder Priestley eight pounds sterling to pay his passage to New York. Elders Noon and Smith also loaned him five dollars each. He gave us his note. The emigrating Saints went on board the ship Mexicana. I hired Mr. Strong to take him to the vessel for two schillings per head. All got on board very quietly and without accident. The company paid five hundred and sixty nine pounds on the passage account to New York. I gave Mr. Simms two pounds sterling as he and his family were very destitute of clothing. Brother Smith paid one pound over his passage which he gave to me. I called the Saints together and had prayer with them. The brethren also had prayers in their compartments. All felt well and satisfied with their situation on board. One or two of the passengers were sick. Brother Francome and Brother Slotter stopped all night on board. I had my passage in the cabin free. I loaned to David J. James four pounds sterling and took his tools for security.

Tuesday, April 11. The captain, Mr. Bailey, came on board the ship. Brother Noon and myself said that the remainder of the money for the passage, namely three hundred and thirty five pounds sterling. Brother Slotter and Francome took leave of their families and went on shore promising to call next season. Brother Glanfield went to shore to purchase some things for the passengers. A strong wind blew off the land. We met in the after compartment and had prayer. I paid to Mr. James Strong five pounds sixteen schillings for boat hire and thirty schillings for Brother Priestley to get on board. I gave ten schillings to Brother Newsom, five schillings for Brother Kemp, and four schillings to Brother Smith. Mr. Strong brought two [-] and five fowls from Brother Slotter. I stood guard. [p.12]

Wednesday, April 12 [1865]. The ship Mexicana sailed from Algoa Bay, South Africa for New York with the following named passengers: Aolphus [Adolphus] H. Noon, his wife Emma; Catherine Slaughter [Slotter], Martha and Sarah Slaughter [Slotter], Henry Smith, his wife Martha; George Smith, Anna [Anne] Smith, Harriet Smith, William Smith, Martha Smith, Sarah Smith, Rosa [Ross] Smith, Caroline Smith, James Knight, John Driscal, Alonzo A. Noon, David J. James, John Kemp, Thomas Kemp, his wife Caroline; Sophia Wakeford, Henry Kemp, William D. Newsome, his wife Catherine; John C. Glanfield [Gainfield], George Kershaw, his wife Eliza; Joseph Kershaw, Anna [Anne] Kershaw, Liddia [Lydia] Kershaw, Jebez [Jevez] Kershaw, Samuel Kershaw, Amy Francome, John Francome, Samuel Francome, Maryane [Marianne] Francome, James Francome, William Priestley, his wife Joanna; Phena Priestley, Sophia Priestley, Alexander Sim [Simm], his wife Elizabeth, and James Sim [Simm], and two Kaffir servants. The company paid five hundred and sixty nine pounds for the passes to New York and gave to Brother Simm two pounds sterling as his family were very destitute of clothing. The following is extracted from President Miner G. Atwood's journal: "Brother Smith paid one pound over his passage which he gave me. He called the Saints together and had prayers and the brethren had prayer in their respective compartments and all felt well and satisfied with their situation. One or two a little sick. Brother Francome and Slaughter [Slotter] stopped all night on board. I had my passage in the cabin free. I loaned to David J. James four pounds sterling and took his tools for security. The captain, Messieurs White and Bailey came on board about 11 o'clock this morning, (April 12th.) I called the Saints together and all answered to their names. The captain then searched the vessel as someone had told him that we had some stowed away but he found none. Yesterday the court captain and district officer came on board. We were all examined. They also examined the stores and were very well satisfied with everything hoping that we would have a pleasant passage. We weighed anchor at 12 o'clock noon and left Algoa Bay, passed the lighthouse at Cape Recife about 6 o'clock p.m. Many of the passengers were seasick, myself included. The passengers all feel well in spirit. No public prayers were held this evening. Last evening Elder Noon arranged the guard.

Thursday, April 13. The passengers were all able to assemble for prayers this morning. A few were a little sick. The captain, in making out the list of rations counted only twenty four adults when there are thirty and it was sometime before he could see it but did when I showed them that they were here and must be fed. In the evening met as usual for prayers, and a few of the brethren bore their testimony. Had a head wind during the night.

Friday, April 14. Head wind. The passengers all sick except one or two. The captain not well. Very rough sea. Passed Cape Agulhas. Met in the morning for prayers. -- Numbers sick. The ship was off her course. [p.13]

Saturday, April 15. The passengers are much better this morning. Brother Smith and myself divided out the rations. Met this morning as usual in the brethrens compartment at half past six and had prayers. Met at half past nine in the sisters compartment, also had prayers. Gave some advice about keeping their places sweet and clean about ship at noon. Captain did not like to give out the amount of rations that he agreed to but after some talk he did do it. Had prayers this evening in both compartments. A few were sick. Some rain during the night.

Sunday, April 16. Met this morning and had prayers. The Saints appear to be much better. Not much wind. Almost a calm. Met again in the evening for prayers when I talk a little to the Saints; also Brother Noon and Kershaw. All felt well in spirits. Made but little progress today. Brother Glenfield [Galnfield] lost his hat.

Monday, April 17. The Saints are all much better this morning. Ship on course. A little rain. A good feeling among the Saints. Sister Newsom quite sick. Met with the captains of messes to arrange about the cooking as a great many complaints were made to me. Found that the cook was not so much to blame as the passengers. Not much wind today. Met in the evening and had prayers. All felt well. Sung a number of hymns.

Tuesday, April 18. Appointed that Brother Thomas Kemp [-] the four compartments were kept clean. He set two of the brethren to work and made a thorough clean out. We made a law that no smoking was allowed below. A calm day. The captain and mate caught two albatrosses and let them loose on the deck which made some sport for the children. Not well today but stood guard the forepart of the night. All the Saints were able to eat their meals. Met for prayers as usual.

Wednesday, April 19. After prayers we met in the forward compartment with the children and organized a school, myself and Brothers Noon and Priestley teachers. We came in sight of land near Capetown this morning. A strong breeze and a rough sea. Very rough during the night.

Thursday, April 20. A very rough sea this morning but the ship is on her course. Met for prayers. Many of the sisters sick. Met with the children again in school. It was cold this evening. Met for prayers. All felt well. A good breeze during the night and the vessel is off to a good deal. I lost my hat in the sea.

Friday, April 21. Met with the children. Also met with the Saints for prayers. A light breeze during the day. Met again in the evening for prayers. Spoke a short time to the Saints. All felt well. Sister Francom [Francome] took the [p.14] office of chief grumbler.

Saturday, April 22. Met in the brethrens compartment as usual for prayers. Met again in sister's compartment for prayers. All felt well. Met with the children, the young brethren, and read in the scriptures. Spent the day in teaching the children. Met in the evening for prayers. A good spirit was with us. A fine day.

Sunday, April 23. Met with the brethren and had prayers. Met with the children and a number of the brethren and read the Bible. We all assembled at 11 o'clock for worship in the sister's cabin. Elder Noon and myself preached. Much of the spirit of the Lord was enjoyed and all felt well. Met in the evening for prayers. A fine breeze. Ship on her course. All feeling well on board.

Monday, April 24. Met for prayers this morning in both compartments. Also met with the children in school. Many of the large boys attended. There is a good spirit among the Saints and the children are anxious to learn. A good breeze all day. Ship on course. Running from seven to eight knots per hour. We are in the trade winds. Met in the evening for prayers.

Tuesday, April 25. Met for prayers this morning, also met with the children in school. A fine day and a fine wind. All are feeling well. Met again in the evening for prayers. I stood guard until 12 o'clock at night.

Wednesday, April 26. Met this morning for prayers. Not well today. A good breeze. Running from seven to eight knots an hour. Had a light shower of rain. Elder Priestley looked after the school. Met in the evening for prayers and I administered to Sarah Slaughter [Slotter] who was sick.

Thursday, April 27. I am some better today. Met for prayers this morning. Before the meeting was over Brother Kershaw came down in a passion about the conduct of Samuel Francome. I soon settled it. Attended the school. A fine day. Ship on her course. Very warm. Met for prayers again in the evening.

Friday, April 28. Met this morning as usual for prayers. Also met in school. Samuel Francome was a very bad boy. We were obliged to tie him up to the ship's post. On promising that he would be a good boy he was released. A good breeze. Ship on her course. Met in the evening for prayers. All felt well.

Saturday, April 29. Met for prayers this morning, also attended the school. Samuel Francome was again tied up because he would not obey. Not much breeze today. A warm day. Met again in the evening for prayers. All felt well.

Sunday, April 30. Met for prayers. It was a fine day. Met this evening [p.15] for prayers when a few of the brethren bore their testimony. I administered the sacrament and all felt well. I also bore my testimony and requested the Saints not to go to the captain's galley to cook their food.

Monday, May 1. Met for prayers as usual. All the Saints feeling first rate. Also attended the school with the children. A light breeze and a warm day. We are four hundred miles from St. Helena which is seventeen hundred miles from Capetown. Met again in the evening for prayers and Elders Noon and Priestley administered to Liddia [Lydia] Kershaw.

Tuesday, May 2. Not well today. A fine breeze. Ship on her course. Saw a whale. Met for prayers as usual this morning, also in the evening. Stood guard from one until five.

Wednesday, May 3. A number of the Saints are writing letters to send back when we get to St. Helena. Had prayers this morning. Good breeze but light trade winds. It is three weeks today since we left Algoa Bay. This evening we passed St. Helena. The captain spoke to another captain from the "Mauritius" who had been out forty-two days. Met for prayers this evening and administered to Amelia Wakeford. All felt well. I talked for a short time to them.

Thursday, May 4. Met this morning for prayers. Elder Noon is not well today. A light breeze. Ship on her course. I attended school. Saw some flying fish. Met again for prayers this evening. All felt well.

Friday, May 5. Met for prayers this morning as usual. Elder Noon is much better. I met with the children. The captain is sick. A light breeze. A number of the Saints unwell. Very warm. Met for prayers again this evening. I gave some counsel to the Saints as the brethren objected to cleaning the forward compartment. I told the steward, Brother Sim [Simm], to do it.

Saturday, May 6. Met for prayers when Elder Noon and myself made a few remarks about order and cleanliness and requested the Saints to ask a blessing on their food. Met with the children in school. Light breeze during the day. Met for prayers this evening. All well. It was very warm day. I advised the Saints to fast on the morrow.

Sunday, May 7. Met with the children and read the scriptures. Also met with the Saints where Elder Noon preached them upon marriage. Some of the Saints did not fast. Met with the Saints in the evening and preached for a short time. Light breeze all day. Sailing about three knots per hour. Very warm. The captain put up an awning for a shade.

Monday, May 8. Met for prayers this morning and I administered to Sister Smith. The captain's cook and steward had a quarrel this morning. The devil was on board and endeavored to kick up a fuss but did not accomplish much. [p.16] There was a light breeze. Met for prayers this evening. All feeling well. We are six hundred miles from the line. [MEANING THE EQUATOR]

Tuesday, May 9. Met for prayers. Sister Slaughter [Slotter] is sick. Attended school. Almost a calm and very hot weather. Met again this evening and had prayers. A very pleasant evening. David James stood my guard.

Wednesday, May 10. Met for prayers. Administered to Sister Slaughter [Slotter]. Holly Priestley and Liddia [Lydia] Kershaw attended the school with the children. A very light breeze. Met in the evening for prayers. The sick are much better.

Thursday, May 11. Met for prayers in the morning. Also met with the children in school. A light breeze. Met in the evening for prayers. All feeling well.

Friday, May 12. Assembled for prayers this morning. A good breeze during the day. Attended school. In the evening Elder Noon and myself preached on the quarter deck. The captain and sailors were much pleased with the meeting.

Saturday, May 13. Met for prayers. John Francom [Francome] called Elder Noon a liar in meeting and would not ask his pardon until he was tied up for several hours. He then did so and promised to be a good boy. A good breeze during the day. Very warm.

Sunday, May 14. Met with the children and read in the Bible. Met for prayers. Administered the sacrament and then assembled on the quarter deck when Elders Priestley and Noon preached on the first principles. All felt well. In the evening held another meeting on the quarter deck when Elder Noon and myself preached. A fine breeze during the day.

Monday, May 15. Met for prayers. The brethren were obliged to turn out of the beds during the night on account of bedbugs. Showers during the day. Not far from the line. Very warm. Some are sick. Met again in the evening as usual for prayers.

Tuesday, May 16. Met this morning for prayers. Had a shower of rain. Saw a vessel but too far off to speak. Very warm. The cook (George Kershaw) sick. Elders Sim [Simm] and James took his place. Met again in the evening for prayers.

Wednesday, May 17. Met for prayers and administered to Brother Kershaw. A very warm day. A good breeze. No school because of so many bugs. Met in the evening for prayers, etc.

Thursday, May 18. Met together for prayers. Last evening administered to Sister Priestley. This evening administered to Sister Kemp. Old Neptune [p.17] came on board [MEANING THEY CROSSED THE EQUATOR]. Saw a vessel from South America and spoke to her by flags. Met for prayers. All feeling well. No rain. The brethren had a clean out.

Friday, May 19. Met as usual in the brethrens compartment for prayers and as some were absent I told the teacher, Brother Newsom, to visit them. He did so and was told by them to mind his business. They were Brothers Glanfield and George Smith. We also met for prayers in the sisters compartment. A very warm day. We are near the line. Brother Kershaw is still very bad and some others not feeling very well.
A light breeze.

Saturday, May 20. Met for prayers. Brother Smith attended but Brother Glanfield [Galnfield] did not. We had a thorough clean out in the sisters compartment. Some did not like it but we thought it necessary and had it done. The captain gave the passengers some sulfur and molasses for their children. He also cut a place through the partition which gives a current of air though he did not like to do it. A very warm day. Light breeze.

Sunday, May 21. Met for prayers when Elder Priestley made a few remarks. A light breeze during the day and very warm. We had some pork pie for supper which made us all sick. Met in the evening for prayers. Had a shower of rain. There was a little trouble with Sisters Kershaw and Priestley but they made it alright. We are three thousand and sixty miles from New York.

Monday, May 22. The cabin passengers, captain, and first mate are all sick this morning. Had a shower of rain. Met for prayers. All feeling pretty well. Bugs are still very bad so that the brethren can't sleep in their berths. A good breeze and cool. In the evening met for prayers. Sister Newsom remained on deck and would not come down.

Tuesday, May 23. Met for prayers this morning when I counseled the brethren that if their wives would not come down in the evening to attend prayers for them to stop up and watch them and also for the saints to eat their food below. Met this evening on the quarter deck and held meeting when Elders Noon, Priestley, and myself preached. We had a good time. A good breeze today. Trade wind; A shower in the night. Brother James Knight stood guard for me.

Wednesday, May 24. Met for prayers; most of the Saints feeling well. Ship running nine miles an hour. Sea rough. This evening while at supper the captain said that his feelings were hurt the night before at what Elder Noon said concerning the Queen being the head of the church, etc. Brother Kershaw found his shirt which had been lost for a number of days. Met for prayers. A good breeze.

Thursday, May 25. This morning I administered to Sister Noon who was [p.18] very sick. She was restored to health. I counseled the saints last evening to keep their children off the quarter deck as there was danger in their getting thrown overboard. There has been a number of hats and bonnets lost in the sea by the passengers. Met for prayers this morning. A good breeze. Running eight knots per hour. Met for prayers this evening.

Friday, May 26. Met this morning as usual for prayers. A good breeze during the day. Brother Kershaw is still very sick. Met in the evening for prayers.

Saturday, May 27. Met in the brethrens' compartment as usual for prayers this morning but did not in the sister's. The devil has been very busy today. Trouble with the cook, the house of Queen's and about sleeping, etc. A good breeze. Running eight knots per hour. Met this evening for prayers. I had a bath.

Sunday, May 28. Met for prayers. I administered the sacrament but Sister Newsom did not partake. The rest felt well. This evening held meeting on the main deck. Myself and Elders Noon and Priestley spoke. The sailors were all present. We had a very good time. Sister Newsom made things alright. The Saints are all feeling well. Elders Noon and Priestley administered to Brother Kershaw who is yet very sick.

Monday, May 29. Had some trouble between [John] Driscal and John Francom [Francome] and so it is, no sooner is one difficulty over than another begins, but through the blessings of the Lord we have thus far been able to put all things right. A good breeze during the day. Met in the evening for prayers. I stood guard until one.

Tuesday, May 30. Met for prayers in the sisters cabin but not in the brethrens on account of the bugs. A fine day and a good breeze. Ship on course. The first mate said to me that he had never seen so steady a wind for so long a time before, that if it continued much longer they would forget how to handle the sailors. We have certainly been greatly blessed of the Lord thus far in all things. We met again this evening for prayers. Brother Kershaw is some better. The rest are all feeling pretty well.

Wednesday, May 31. Met for prayers. I called for some of the brethren to volunteer to help Brother Sim [Simm] to clean the fore cabin but there were none to do it but myself. Some rain. This is the forty ninth day of sailing. Good breeze. Captain and sailors are painting. Met in the evening for prayers. All feeling well. Brother Kershaw better.

Thursday, June 1. Met for prayers. All felt well. A good breeze. Running eight knots per hour. Brother Kershaw not so well today. Saw a vessel [p.19] a long distance away. The crew are all painting. Met again this evening for prayers when Elder Priestley and myself talked for a few minutes.

Friday, June 2. Met for prayers. We are right under the sun. A pleasant day and a light breeze. All the sailors say that this beats all the passages they ever had. We have had no head winds neither calm since we left Port Elizabeth. Certainly the Lord has heard and answered our prayers.

Saturday, June 3. Met for prayers. Brother Kershaw somewhat better. All of the other Saints are well and feel well. A light breeze. Met again in the evening for prayers. Some of the brethren are making wagon covers.

Sunday, June 4. Met for prayers. Spent the day in reading. The first mate, Mr. Bates, gave us some tracks to read. Met in the evening for prayers. We held no meeting. A warm day and a light breeze.

Monday, June 5. Met for prayers. It is eight weeks today since we came on board the Mexicana. A light breeze. We are eleven hundred miles from New York. Brother Kershaw is very bad. Captain has been giving him some laudanum and white vitrol. I counseled the Saints not to go to the captain for medicine or if they did to let me know what they got before taking it. There was a bright circle around the sun today and it was the same yesterday and the day before and also around the moon. The captain said that it denotes a cyclone so they are preparing for rough weather but have seen none as yet. Met for prayers when I spoke to the Saints for a short time. I stood guard until one o'clock. Brother Kershaw is very low. A light breeze during the night. Running four knots per hour.

Tuesday, June 6. Met for prayers. Elders Noon, Smith, Priestley, and myself administered to Brother Kershaw at his request. We administered to him again about noon. At four o'clock p.m. George F.W. Kershaw died in latitude 25º, 16 minutes north and longitude 66º degrees, 25 minutes west. Distant from New York 908. Age 42 years. Born at Clerkenwell in the county of Middlesex, England. We held meeting at seven o'clock. Prayer by Elder Priestley. Elder Noon and myself made a few remarks. Brother Kershaw was sewn up in a piece of canvas and a bag of sand tied to his feet and was put overboard at 10 o'clock p.m. The captain, mates, and sailors were all present at this meeting. Brother Kershaw has left a wife and six children. The eldest daughter gathered to the valley last season. Sister Kershaw is very destitute and grieves very much for the loss of her husband.

Wednesday, June 7. Met for prayers. Saints all able to attend. A gloom seems to pervade over all on account of the sudden death of Brother Kershaw. A light breeze. Sea smooth, ship on her course, running six knots per hour. The sailors are scraping the mast, tarring, and painting, etc., which keeps the vessel besmeared from one end to the other. We should be happy when we can get out of [p.20] it. Met in the evening for prayers. All pretty well on board. The bugs are very bad in the sisters compartment so that they get but little rest at night.

Thursday, June 8. Met for prayers. All being able to attend. Light breeze and a smooth sea. Ship on her course. Met again in the evening for prayers. Had some lightning and thunder during the night and a good breeze all night. The captain served out only half rations of sugar to the passengers.

Friday, June 9. Met for prayers. I counseled the Saints to make their arrangements and let me know who could go through to the valley and who would have to stop in New York, etc. A light breeze. Ship on her course. 720 miles from New York. The captain made up the sugar with treacle. The carpenter is very sick. We assembled for prayers while a number of the brethren bore their testimonies. All felt well and determined to continue to do the best they could.

Saturday, June 10. Met for prayers. Sister Kemp is not very well. A light breeze and a smooth sea. The Saints are very anxious to see New York. There are indications of a storm. The captain has been expecting a gale for some time. The sea has been very smooth for the last week or ten days. Met this evening for prayers and administered to Sister Kemp.

Sunday, June 11. We held a meeting this morning at 10 o'clock. Elder Noon and myself doing the preaching. I administered the sacrament and the Saints all felt well. Met again in the evening. Elder Priestley and myself being the speakers. There was a shower of rain with lightning and thunder. I stood guard until midnight when Brother George Smith took it. Not very well today. We are 430 miles from New York.

Monday, June 12. Met for prayers. The brethren had a hard night of it as they were obliged to keep on deck. Their bedding got wet and they do not feel in the best of spirits this morning. The bugs are so bad they cannot sleep in their berths. The bugs are also very bad in the sisters compartment. Almost a calm this morning. Today at 12 o'clock noon is sixty days since we left Port Elizabeth. Many of the Saints have guessed and prophesied that we would be in New York today, some tomorrow and next day. But according to all appearances they will be mistaken. The captain caught a shark and hauled him alongside the ship until he bit the line in two and got away. There are a great number of fish to be seen about the vessel. Sister Kemp is much better. We saw an old mast of a ship standing erect in the water all covered with barnacles. The carpenter continues sick. We saw a piece of a vessel. Met for prayers. Run only one knot per hour.

Tuesday, June 13. We saw a vessel and the captain hoisted a flag but got no answer. She was an American brig. A light breeze and a fine day. Met for [p.21] prayers this morning. All feeling well. Saw a whale, a number of ships. The captains of them do not feel inclined to answer many questions. Met in the evening for prayers. I advised the Saints to be careful about each others feelings and do right and go off of the vessel with as good a feelings toward each other as they had when they came on board. The devil has been busy for a few days but so far all is well.

Wednesday, June 14. Met for prayers as usual. It is a wet morning. Saw a number of vessels. A light breeze. Ship off her course. About 2 o'clock there was a fair wind and a good breeze. We called the brethren together in the forward compartment to learn their feelings about giving the captain a testimonial. They felt that he had not done his duty and they did not feel to give him one but desired that the chief officer and second mate should have one and it was agreed that a testimonial should be presented to Mr. Russell Bates, chief officer, following is a testimonial presented to Mr. Edward Roberts, second mate of the Mexicana brig.

Brig Mexicana off New York, 14th of June.To Mr. Edward Roberts, second mate of the above brig:

Dear Sir, On behalf of ourselves and the company we represent we would like to thank you for the kindness you have shown towards the passengers during this voyage and to express our desire for your welfare and success. M.G. Atwood, president of the company, A.H. Noon, Henry Smith, counselors.

This evening met for prayers. I gave the Saints (those who had done wrong) the privilege of confessing their faults. They did so and were forgiven. We had a very good time. Ship off her course and strong wind and rain. The captain is not very good-natured knowing that tomorrow he will have to issue provisions again.

Thursday, June 15. Met for prayers this morning. The sea rough and head wind. Some of the Saints rather seedy. Elder Noon and myself wrote a letter to President Wells. I presented the testimonial to Mr. R. Bates and also a Book of Mormon as he appears to be interested in the work. He has read quite a number of "Stars" [MEANING ISSUES FROM THE: Millennial Star] and pamphlets and desires to learn more. We saw hundreds of porpoises all together. We are a hundred miles from New York. This evening Mr. Bates presented me with a reply to the testimonial. Elders Noon, Smith, and myself thought it best not to present a written testimonial [p.22] to Mr. Edwards. The sea has been rough today with a head wind. We have done nothing but walk about. Met for prayers. All feeling first rate. I gave them a little counsel about landing at New York. The week's rations were given out to the passengers.

Friday, June 16. Met for prayers. Advised the Saints to begin to pack up such things as they did not need and to clean out the compartments which they did. Saw a number of vessels. Almost a calm. The carpenter some better. Met for prayers and read the letter to the Saints that we had written to President Wells.

Saturday, June 17. Saw a portion of a wreck. The body of a man was seen by some of the passengers in the water. They got some of the wreck on board. Saw a mast which had been cut away. Also saw a great number of steamers, a lighthouse at one p.m., and land. We are about 80 miles from New York. Wrote a few lines to Brother William Francom [Francome], Senior. We saw land this afternoon. A pilot came on board about 5 o'clock p.m. A light breeze. All feel well. Met for prayers when I gave the Saints some counsel about landing, etc. A good spirit is with all the Saints. I had a bath.

Sunday, June 18. Met for prayers and administered the sacrament. All feeling well. New Jersey is on the west. I gave David J. James ten schillings. The Saints were much taken up with the scenery on shore. At half past two o'clock p.m. the steamer tug hitched onto the Mexicana. He charged forty five dollars. Arrived at New York Harbor and cast anchor about 5 o'clock p.m. Remained on board all night.

Monday, June 19. Went on shore with Elder Noon and the captain and landed at Castle Garden. I informed them that I had a company from South Africa. They said I could not land them there supposing they were negroes but when I informed them that they were Mormons they showed us every attention. We inquired for Elder Thomas Taylor but could learn nothing concerning him. Elder Noon and myself went to Williamsburg and while there we learned where his office was and returned to the Garden where we found him. He accompanied us to the vessel and gave the Saints some information covering the emigration and also some good counsel. I then visited another vessel with Elder Taylor which had a few saints on it. Went on shore with Elder Taylor to his office where I met with Brothers E.R. Young and Miles. I stopped all night with Brother Young at the Warren house.

Tuesday, June 20. Went to the saloon with E.R. Young and got breakfast. We then visited Elder Taylor's office where I met with Elder C.B. Taylor. We went on board the Mexicana to take the Saints on shore. The captain refused to let the baggage go on shore until the head money was paid but what he found [p.23] [was] he could not compel us to pay. He gave his consent to let them go. We passed through the Gardens. The first mate gave me an overcoat. About a dozen of us went to the Star Hotel and got dinner. Brother A. [Alonzo] A. Noon was appointed to look after the baggage. We left New York in the cars about eight o'clock p.m. for Albany.

Wednesday, June 21. Arrived in Albany this morning at five o'clock. Put up at the emigration depot where we stopped until 2 o'clock when we left on the cars for the suspension bridge.

Thursday, June 22. Arrived at the bridge this morning at 10 o'clock. In changing the baggage we found that Brother C.B. Taylor had lost a bundle and carpet sack. We crossed that bridge for which we paid twenty-five cents each and telegraphed to Albany for the lost baggage as we believed it were lost there. Elder Noon paid me $13.10 for dinner and bus ride for the company. I met and went with some of the Saints to visit the falls. Left this evening on the cars at six o'clock for Detroit.

Friday, June 23. Arrived at the ferry at noon. Crossed over the river to Detroit and went with a few of the Saints and got dinner. Paid fifty cents. We are 800 miles from New York. Left Detroit at 6 o'clock this evening for Chicago in the cars.

Saturday, June 24. Arrived in Chicago at 6 o'clock a.m. Left the above place at 10 o'clock p.m. The saints slept all night in the cars. There was a shower of rain and the telegraph was struck by lightning. I went with Brother Taylor and stopped all night at a hotel.

Sunday, June 25. Went with Brother Taylor and took breakfast with Brother Richard Gills' brother-in-law. Returned and helped to get the baggage onto the ferryboat in which we crossed over the Mississippi River where we remained during the day. Here I met with Brother Godbe's brother. We could get no place to go into and we took up our abode on the platform of the depot.

Monday, June 26. Had a talk with a man who had been to Salt Lake on the subject of religion. We left on the cars for Palmyra at 3 o'clock p.m., a distance of fourteen miles. Here we changed cars again for St. Joseph. It was a wet night.

Tuesday, June 27. This morning I lost my hat out of the car. Arrived at St. Joseph at 12 o'clock noon; went uptown and bought me a hat. Paid $4.25. Returned and got the saints into a baggage room. Gave Brother A. Simm one dollar. Went to the Huckley house and got dinner. Met with some of the brethren and took supper with a man by the name of Davis, who had once been a Mormon. He married Sister Nowel's daughter. Stopped all night at the Huckley house.

Wednesday, June 28. We went on the steamboat "Colorado" at ten o'clock a.m. [p.24] for Wyoming. In the evening had a shower of rain. We were on the upper deck. Not well having a severe cold.

Thursday, June 29. Still on the boat. A clear morning. We stopped during the night. I slept on deck with nothing over me but my overcoat and nothing under me.

Friday, June 30. A fine morning. The boat left this morning at three o'clock and arrived at Nebraska City at half-past eleven a.m. Went with Brother William Godbee's brother and got dinner at the Seymour house. Saw Brother Nisbet and Chispet and Benjamin Hampton. When Brother Taylor and I returned to the boat it had just left so Brother Nisbet hired a buggy and a man to take us to Wyoming where we arrived soon after the boat. Here I met with the returning missionaries [-] the saints had to pay five cents a pound for extra luggage. Brother A.A. Noon was taken very sick." Elders Holman, Willis, Walker, Sims, Winberf, Swenson, Cox, Pixton and Lee, we had our luggage weighed and hauled up. [p.25]

BIB: Atwood, Miner G., Diary, IN South African Mission, Manuscript History, April 12, 1865, pp. 12-25. (CHL)
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