The ocean trip aboard the S. S. Nevada of the old Guion Line must have been an experience of wondrous excitement for the boy of thirteen who was venturing outside his native island-country for the first time, but James' only journal mention of the ocean crossing is astonishingly brief, as is the description of the railway trip across the continent.

"Set sail on board the Steamship Nevada of Guion Line of steamers from Liverpool May 24, 1876. The acting president of our company was John Woodhouse, a returning missionary. Voyage lasted twelve days, during which one severe storm was experienced, though on the whole a pleasant voyage must be chronicled. June 5, 1876 landed in good health at Castle Garden, New York, U. S. America, and continuing our journey we started June 6 on board cars and arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 14, 1876, where we remained one week. June 21 we left for Provo City, Utah County, where my father purchased a house and lot and we made our home."

Thus condensed is the boy's account of what must have been the great adventure of his life to that time. Some of the explanation for the brevity of the account lies in the fact that it is part of the summary of his life to date when he began to keep a personal journal in December, 1879. But it is regrettable that he did not set down the details of his impressions of the trip, of the new land, and its occasion of his first return to his native England and on other special occasions throughout his life. . . . [p.10]

BIB: Talmage, James E, [Journal], In Talmage, John R., The Talmage Story (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1972) p.10 (CHL)
(source abbreviations)