"DEPARTURE. -- The ship Hudson, Captain Isaiah Pratt, master, sailed from Shadwell Basin, London, with 863 souls of the Latter-day Saints on board, on Friday, the 3rd instant, for New York. On the night of Friday she anchored a little below Gravesend, and, as we learn, hoisted anchor and pushed out to sea from there at 3 a.m. on Saturday. The Saints on board, when we parted with them on Friday evening, were feeling very well, and were indulging in sanguine hopes of a pleasant and prosperous voyage. We trust that their hopes will be fully realized, and that their voyage to New York will be as speedy as the most sanguine can reasonably desire. The ship has sailed about seventeen days later than the time we wished to have the last of the emigrating Saints go, and that number of days later than we arranged, in the beginning, for her to depart. When we concluded the arrangement for her in the first place, it was expected by the parties of whom we chartered, that she would be in London in time to sail on the 16th of May, and with that understanding we settled upon her. She was delayed in New York, however, much beyond the time that had been assigned for her departure. Much as we were averse to this delay we had no alternative but to submit to it, as ships were so scarce that another could not be obtained that would answer our purpose any better, either as to price or the time of departure, than the Hudson. Our prayer is that the winds and the waves may be so propitious that this goodly ship, with its precious freight of souls, may be wafted so speedily on its voyage, that no serious detention may occur to the Saints and the teams which are to carry them, in consequence of the vessel's departure being delayed. The company was placed under the presidency of Elder John M. Kay, with Elder George Halliday, John L. Smith (brother Smith having charge also of the Swiss and Holland Saints,) and Matthew M'Cune, as counsellors. Elder Alexander Ross acted as clerk. Besides the elders named, there were on board Elders Louis A. Bertrand, Samuel Neslen and Thomas O. King, who were returning to the Valley after finishing their missions in these lands, and Elders Alexander Ross, William Sanders, James C. Brown, George Webb, Thomas C. Patten and John Miller, who had been released from the ministry in this country to emigrate to Zion; also Elder Peter C. Neilsen, late president of the Bornholm Conference in Denmark, but who has been laboring in this country for two or three months past. . . ."
"June. Fri. 3. [1864] -- The ship Hudson sailed from London, England, with 863 Saints, under the direction of John M. Kay. The company arrived at New York July 19th, and at Wyoming [Nebraska] Aug. 2nd."
Autobiographical Sketch of Eliza Ann Lamborn Murphy
I was born April 16, 1858 in the Clarmont Buildings, Bathe, England, the daughter of John and Ellen Bailey Lamborn and the granddaughter of Ann Smith Bailey who was responsible for our coming to Utah and in whose home we resided for several years after our arrival.
My father, who was a mason by trade, died when I was six weeks old, leaving my widowed mother to care for her three remaining children, Edwin, Joseph, and me. Grandmother Bailey had come to Utah in 1854 or 1855 and she took my oldest brother, William, with her.
Our family continued to reside in Bathe until 1864, when plans were completed for us to join grandmother in Utah.
We left Bathe and traveled to Liverpool where we boarded the Hudson, the boat on which we came to America. We spent seven long weeks on the ocean, and several times the water was so rough that the dishes were scattered about the vessel. The ship was overloaded, and Mother was forced to throw many of her belongings that she was bringing with her, overboard.[p.193]
Our first serious mishap occurred to us while we were on a boat on the Missouri River. It was Sunday morning, and mother and I were attending Sabbath school, when the word came to us that my youngest brother Joseph, who was then eight years old, had gone to the kitchen on the boat and had fallen into a barrel of hot water. He was so seriously burned that when the ox team and covered wagon train left Omaha, Nebraska a few days later, mother had to walk and carry him on her back because he could not stand the pain incurred by the jolting wagons.
When we arrived in Salt Lake City, in October, mother’s shoes were worn out and her feet were sore and bleeding from the endless days of walking. . . .[p. 194]
BIB: Murphy, Eliza Ann Lamborn, [Autobiographical Sketch], "Utah Pioneer Biographies," vol. 20, p. 193-194. (FHL)
Autobiography and Diaries of John Lyman Smith
Wed. 1 - Went on board the ship Hudson & took the luggage of the Dutch Saints on board, also my own. The most of the Saints came on board. Many were visiting their friends from the town. Brother George Q. Cannon gave me a ticket; got a bed place in the 2nd cabin where I slept in company with Thomas O. King, his blankets and mine making a very good bed. Brother George Halladay [Halliday], Henry G. Jemmet, and William Sanders occupied the same room.
Thurs. 2 - I spent the day getting things on board & in getting the Saints' berthed & arranged.
Fri. 3 - I fully expected to find an opportunity of going onshore to make some small purchases but was busily engaged in all the morning in assisting about getting the Saints on deck & having all pass around the 2nd and first cabin where they were visited by the doctor & no interlopers allowed except they had tickets. Before I was aware of it, the ship had left the dock & swung around & the tug hitched onto her & the Hudson was underway, being drawn through the gates of the dock at about 12:30 p.m. assisted by a tugboat. A strong wind blowing from north by east. Number of strangers & many friends of the Saints on board & hundreds followed the ship along the wharf & docks cheering &c. until we were out of sight. [p.60]
- About 3 p.m., miles below Gravesend, we cast anchor at 5:30 p.m. Numbers of the brethren returned per tug steamer to Gravesend, as well as many strangers. The brethren being principally elders from the Valley. The government officers came on board & the Saints, ticket in hand, passed by according to ship regulations to prevent any stowaways. After all had passed & other business matters were settled, President Cannon, cousin J.[-] Smith,& a few others who had [-] behind the others took the tug & amid heartfelt shouts that came from the hearts of the Saints left us for Gravesend on their return to London. Not that they were leaving us, but we were leaving for Zion’s shores. The day being wet, prevented a meeting being held on board as is customary for the organization of the company. Notwithstanding this, all felt that President Cannon had left his heartfelt blessing with us. Captain Pratt informed J.[John] M. Kay that now the ship had cleared he would do all in his power for our comfort. The Saints on board were then in council divided into 14 wards. Elder J.[John] M. Kay, president; George Halliday, John L. Smith, and M.[Matthew] N. McCune counselors; Alex Ross clerk, James [-] as steward, and Charles Goodwin, captain of the guard. [p.61] Names of presidents of wards: 1) Elder William Moss, 2) Elder John Luddenhan [Tuddenham], 3) Elder Thomas Clifton, 4) Timothy Mets (Dutch Ward), 5) Elder Ulrich Farrer (Swiss Ward), 6) Elder Joseph Howard, 7) Elder Samuel Neslen, 8) Elder Thomas C. Patton, 9) Elder Ludwig Woltz [Wolf], 10) Elder George Webb, 11) Elder George Harrison, 12) Elder William Sanders, 13) Thomas O. King, 14) Elder John H. Miller. In each ward the instructions necessary to be carried out for the comfort & convenience of the Saints were given by the brethren and a ready response made by all which shows an appreciation of the interest taken in their welfare by the elders.
Saturday, 4 - At 3 a.m. the tug came alongside & towed us out of the river while the sailors with their merry songs are getting the canvas to rights. There are 160 emigrants on board that do not belong to our people. They occupy the fore part of the vessel & by order of Captain Pratt and by our request they are being partitioned off to themselves. The cooking arrangements not moving very satisfactorily. A council of presidents of wards met in the evening and received instruction from the presidency. The tug left us off the town of Margaret where the passengers of the “Amazon” were landed last year as she took fire the first trip after taking out the Saints left last June for New York. All well & happy onboard. [p.62]
Sunday, 5 - English Channel. During the night it fell a calm. At 8 a.m. a breeze sprung up from the westward. All well. We are opposite the town of Folkestone, Vandgate, & Hythe walking places. About 12:30 p.m. the Saints and all on board assembled on deck together. President Kay called to order. 1st hymn was sung. Elder G.[George] Halliday engaged in prayer. Another hymn was sung. Elder McCune spoke nearly an hour comforting & cheering the Saints in his usual style. Elder Alex Ross read the letter of appointment from President George Q. Cannon for the appointment of the presidency of the ship's company. Its acceptance was unanimous.
I then spoke a few moments to the German Saints in their own language & also made a few remarks to the whole, exhorting all to be Saints on board as well as at home on the land. Elder Halliday gave expression to his feelings as to the duties of the Saints & what was necessary to everyday life &c. in his usual jovial style.
President J. [John] M. Kay made a few concluding remarks endorsing what had been said and gave some excellent instructions with regard to obedience, faithfulness, &c. Another hymn was sung & was dismissed by Elder Samuel Neslen. Captain Pratt & officers seemed well pleased & expressed himself as ready & willing to do all in his power for our comfort. [p.63] In the evening, Brother Halliday, myself, McCune, and others, finished giving out the provisions. The wind being contrary we are obliged to tack every few hours.
Monday 6. During the night it came off calm & heavy fog. At 9 a.m. a breeze sprung up from the east which lasted about 2 two hours when it came off calm again with fog.
Tuesday 7. - Calm until 10 a.m. when a breeze sprung up from the north, northwest. All well. I collected the German-Swiss choir on deck & we sung several hymns which delighted the Saints generally. After which, Brother George Careless’s part of the English choir met in the English 2nd cabin & sung several pieces which added greatly to the day’s pastime. During the p.m. a boy belonging to Brother Charles Goodwin, captain of the guard, fell down the air pike about 30 feet to the lower deck into the hold. Was more scared than hurt. Contrary winds compelling us to tack often, to keep from running out to the English or French Coast. [p.64]
Wednesday 8. - About 3 a.m. a pilot boat from the Isle of Wight fell in with us to take the pilot, Mr. Peshby onshore. He seems a nice man & very communicative, entering freely into conversation with all. At 12:30 he took leave of us & went on board the pilot boat carrying with him many letters from the Saints to inform friends in Great Britain & the continent of their welfare. I wrote a few lines to Brother J. L. Barfoot, also a note to Brother Debbenham. [Debenham] Elder McCune spends much time among the sick in administering to their medicine on the home apothec principle of which he has been a practitioner for a number of years.
Thursday 9. - A few of the Saints seasick, the presidency have all been busy today attending to those who are poorly. In the evening the presidents of wards met in 2nd cabin to be continued each evening to see if anything worth of journalizing has transpired in their wards & if any improvements can be suggested for the increase of the comfort of the Saints. The captain & officers seem very kind and obliging. [p.65]
Friday 10. - Met some fishing boats from Plymouth from which the captain got some fish. President Kay wrote per. Brother Ross a note to Brother Cannon. About 5 p.m. the emigrant ship “Adriatic” passed us. We cheered her which she returned. She belongs to the same company & is en route for London from New York. 7 p.m. wind freshened with rain. This drives us near our course. The reports at council are that the cooking operations are working better. General instructions by President Kay & others. Wind changed suddenly at 9 p.m. taking the sails all aback.
Saturday 11. Today at 12 the 2nd lot of provisions were dealt out. The ship rolls & pitches considerably & many of the Saints were sick. We sighted Lizard Point 3 p.m. Many of the sick were administered to today. Members fancy for a moment that they wish they were back but after the seasickness wears off a little they feel different & could not be hired to return. [p.66]
Sunday 12. - The rolling of the ship causes many to feel very sick. Nearly calm. At 12 noon the Saints gathered on the poop deck through the kindness of Captain Pratt. President J.[John] M. Kay, George Halliday, [John] Smith, & [Matthew] McCune addressed them. Brother Hewitson also spoke a short time. The sick of the Saints were mostly brought on deck & with the fresh air & good instructions, were much refreshed & benefitted. Numbers of sick were administered unto.
Monday 13. - At 11 a.m., passed Mounts Bay & during the day passed Land's End & 5 rocks called [UNCLEAR, POSSIBLY Sorry]. On the summit of one is a splendid lighthouse. The English Channel is 320 miles long & finishes at the point. We passed here between the land and the Scilly Isles & although they are small they are inhabited by a people that are almost entirely unknown. We are now on the wide Atlantic & the long waves makes the vessel pitch & toss considerably. At 10 p.m. the wind is strong from the southwest with rain. The topsails were all stowed & some of the others also.[p.67]
Tuesday 14. - During the night the wind from southwest. & we progressed finally until 5 a.m. when the wind changed to northwest. In consequence of the heavy swell & the drowsiness of the man at the helm lost control of the same & got thrown over & is considerably bruised. The roll of the ship causes many of the sick to be quite seasick. In the p.m. a shoal of porpoises followed the ship a considerable distance putting one in mind of a band of buffalos on the plains as they leap from wave to wave.
Wednesday 15. - Wind still northwest. At 2 p.m. tacked & kept as close to the wind as possible. About 5 p.m. a drizzling rain commenced which continued only a short time. At the councils of the presidents of wards the reports of the people’s health were that they were improving. President Kay, Halliday, Smith, & McCune gave some instructions with regard to changing money at New York & other matters.[p.68]
Thursday 16. - A beautiful morning. The wind at 10 a.m., northwest. A ship hove in sight being the first seen for three days. An elderly man belonging to the passengers in the fore part of the ship named William Fitzgerrald, age 54 years, from Limerick, Ireland, was suddenly seized with disease of the heart while on deck about 11 a.m. and died at 1 p.m. His family on board consisted of wife, two sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren en route to join others of his children and friends in America. About 6 p.m. many of the Saints & others gathered on the larboard side to witness for the first time a burial at sea under the direction of 1st mate, Mr. Charles H. Knight. The body was brought to the midships, laying on a plank, having been sewn up in canvas & weight sufficient to sink the body attached to the feet. One of the sons of the deceased read the burial service in conformance with the Church of Rome & the remains were launched into the watery grave & disappeared immediately beneath the blue waves of the Atlantic, latitude 52 and a half degrees and 9 degrees longitude. Captain Pratt, President Kay, Mr. Henry James Rodgers, M.D. of the ship, & Mr. C.H. Knight sympathized with the bereaved family and kindly administered to their wants. A quantity of fine soup was made today from preserved meat which had been [from] the voyage to the Arctic regions. About 25 gallons which was presented by the captain & was distribute among the sick which was duly appreciated by all.[p.69]
Friday 17. - The wind still in our teeth. After breakfast the Saints gathered on deck & appear much improved. Through the kindness of Captain Pratt they were again were supplied with about 28 gallons of soup which has strengthened the sick materially. At 6 p.m. the English barque "Isabella Blythe" of London passed us to leeward in latitude 13-30, north 83 days from the Isle of France on the Arabian Coast. Mr. C.H. Knight conversed with her through the medium of flags, gave her the Greenwich time &c, learned she was loaded for London with a cargo of sugar. In the evening the ward presidents met in the 2nd cabin where we meet each evening at 7:30 to report the condition of the ship's company. The reports were cheering. President Kay & Halliday gave good instructions to the Saints through the presidents of wards enjoined it upon all to pray for a fair wind. Requested the presidents of wards to be one with the presidency & do all in their power that none should be neglected of the Saints who were sick. I laid hands on several that were sick.[p.70]
Saturday 18. - The ocean is calm & all is quite still. Only some slight puffs of wind from the west. Captain Pratt manifested his kindness & good feeling by supplying a large quantity of soup for the sick. Soon after dinner, several of the London choir met on the poop deck & spent the pleasant p.m. singing different songs. At 3 p.m. a shark was seen to leeward. At council meeting (held every evening) a complaint was made that numbers of things were missing, also that the people in the fore part of the ship climbed over the bulkhead. Orders were given to have it fastened up. Reports show the health of the company improving. 10:30 p.m. below decks among the motley crew of Zion's homeward travelers, her children’s' songs are hushed & prayers are over & the majority have laid down to rest & repose. On deck the scene is lovely as the silver moon sheds her silver light on the calm ocean & the sailors spinning their yarns are watching the coming breeze.[p.71]
Sunday, 19. - The wind at 7 a.m. freshened from the northwest. At 11:30, public meeting. Elder M.[Matthew] N. McCune spoke 1 ½ hours on the 1st principles of the gospel, dragging in polygamy &c. Part of his remarks were very good, the latter part [-] adapted to the situation of the strangers & people on board. Is coming on to rain. Brother Halliday dismissed by short benediction. 7:30 p.m. council. Reports all improving. President Kay, Halliday, & Smith spoke upon the prospects of a long voyage & the necessity of being sharing of our medicinal stores. & President Kay also said that he had as much freedom in the gospel as any man on board on the subject of polygamy, but knew that there was “death in the [-]” to those who tampered with it & went to making love to women before they got home & had the privilege of doing so from the right source & considered Elder McCune's remarks on the plurality was rather premature although all true.[p.72]
Monday 20. - Latitude 47-51 north, longitude 16.47. Temperature of air 60°, Fahrenheit. Water 60°F. Barometer 30.10. 7 a.m. wind northwest. Tacked ship. Standing southwest by west. Most of the Saints on deck looking well & feeling fine. P.M., a school of a porpoises passed. Council meeting 7:30 p.m. Reports all improving. The presidency gave some instructions. The time of prayers was changed to 9 p.m. instead of 8 p.m.
I gave instructions to Brother Wolty to set a guard each night at the ventilator in the lower deck to prevent interlopers from descending among the people & taking things not their own as some remarks had been made that they could go below without our knowing anything about it. Brother Wolty reported that he saw a man enter the lower deck via the ventilator & return in the morning early. Brother Thomas Mets has been very sick for several days with fever but he now gaining slowly, but is still very weak.[p.73]
Tuesday, 21 - Latitude 46.18, longitude 17.30. Wind northwest. President Kay was seized with a severe bilious attack in consequence of which he was confined to his room. Elder G.[George] Halliday also indisposed brought on from overexertion. The most of the Saints on deck & feeling well. Brother Charles C. Goodwin who was appointed as captain of the guard requested to be released as he could not get that obedience from the people he thought he ought to have & felt dissatisfied with the treatment he had received from some of the brethren. President Kay, improving, said in council meeting that we were in a school & it would not do for one of God's servants to [-] water. Thought Brother Goodwin had better keep his position but if he still wished releasing, it could be done. Was sorry that he should have asked for a release for it was generally the 1st step to apostasy. Brother Goodwin retained his place. I asked if Brother Goodwin felt hurt because I had collared him in the morning. He said I had made that alright & he had been hasty. Latitude 48°-18" Longitude 17° 30", Air 60°, water 61°, Barometer 30.115. [p.74]
Wednesday 22. - Wind northwest blowing fresh. Drizzling rain in the evening. The principle part of the bedding of the Saints was got on deck & had a good airing & most of the people. Brother T.[Tomotheus] Mets very sick. At the council in the evening, one or two cases of measles were reported. The presidency made some appropriate remarks pertaining to taking care of provisions & not having so much waste. At 8 p.m. the wind changed somewhat in our favor which caused all on board to rejoice. Latitude 46°20". Longitude 18°4", Air 61. Barometer 30.30.
Thursday 23. - Nearly calm. Made but little progress during the day. 3:30 p.m., Karl Kamerli, aged 1 year 2 months, & 21 days, son of Brother and Sister Kamerli from Switzerland in the 5th ward, died of inflammation of the bowels. A number of cases of bowel complaint were reported in council in the evening. Brother Kay & the brethren gave instructions to the presidents of wards to look to the people that they were at some time of the day on the deck & get a little fresh air.
At 8:30 p.m. the body of the child was brought to the leeward stern of the vessel followed only by the friends of its parents from Switzerland & a few others from Holland, about 50 in all. [p.75] I made a few appropriate remarks comforting the relatives suited to the occasion in the German language referring to the hope the Saints of God had of receiving their children again, not only the hope but the knowledge we possessed concerning the departed ones. That it made but little difference whether we were buried at sea or on land. With some words of admonition to live justly, holy, & uprightly that in case any of us should lose friends that we might be worthy of receiving them in a future state of existence. & as I finished, the corpse of the little one was dropped into the sea, at 8:50 p.m. in longitude 21°, 10'1 west, after which I engaged in prayer. Captain Pratt, President Kay, & all the officers received the thanks & kind feelings of the parents & friends for their sympathy in their bereavement both of which I translated.
Mourn not the loved one now it is gone.
Beneath the deep blue wave to rest.
Away from earth's scenes in its primeval home, it is the song of the blessed.
If faithful to truth on earth you remain
When time's circling years shall have fled,
The child of love's union shall join you again
When the proud ocean gives up its dead. Signed A.[Alexander] Ross. [p.76]
Latitude 45°45". Longitude 20°44". Air 58° - Water 60° Barometer 30°55.
Friday 24. - A light head wind. I was sick in bed all day with headache. Was called upon many times to attend to business. Some provisions were served out today. Just previous to council, a child of Sister Durham from the Southampton company fell through or off one of the boats into the upper deck and broke its arm. Both bones were broken, some of them stuck through the skin. Mr. Rodgers, M.D. attended promptly to setting & bandaging it up properly. Council at 7:30 p.m. and instructions were given for no children to be allowed upon the boats or poop deck. Trusted the accident which had just occurred would be a warning for the future. Latitude 45°15". Longitude 21°45". Air 59°, water 61°, barometer 30-55.
Saturday 25. - Wind fair but light. Top mast, stunt sails set for the 1st time. The remainder of the provisions were dealt out. I attended to the sugar, the amount being 2 ½ barrels. Brother Mets got on deck & walked around a little for the 1st time. The mate endeavored to harpoon a porpoise but failed. 1:30 p.m., council. Instructions given by the presidency with regard to crowding the poop deck. Latitude 44°11" Longitude 22°29". Air 65 water 66. Barometer 30.60. [p.77]
Sunday 26. - Wind hauled to the northeast but owing to the light breeze the ship scarcely moved. At 11 a.m. the Saints met on the main deck. President Kay called on me & I opened the meeting by prayer. Elder [George] Halliday spoke in a very spirited manner and a good spirit prevailed. I followed a short time bearing testimony to Brother Halliday's remarks & gave out an appointment for the p.m. for the German & French Saints to assemble. Elder [Mathew] McCune dismissed by prayer. I called the German Saints together at 12:30 & spoke to them a short time. Brother Farrer also addressed them [-] had a good time & all felt to rejoice. Brother Bertrand spoke a few words to the French Saints. An excellent spirit prevailed all day. Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. President [John M.] Kay absent owing to sickness. After necessary instructions by Elder G. [George] Halliday, the council was dismissed by Brother Farrer in the German language. Air 60. Water 65. Barometer 30.50. [p.78]
Monday 27. - All calm & on the sea scarcely a ripple. At 1:30 p.m. Sister Elizabeth Reiser of the 9th ward died very suddenly of disease of the heart, age 40 years & 2 months. She was born in Canton Zurich, Switzerland. Leaves a husband on board but no family. She has been a faithful member of the church 4 years & died in good standing. At 2:30 p.m. the Saints came on deck & the lower decks were sprinkled with tar oil which changed the smell materially. Two vessels were seen in the northwest nearly all day. Twenty years ago today the Prophet Joseph Smith & Brother Hyrum Smith, patriarch, was murdered in Carthage Jail which makes it a day long to be remembered by the Saints. 7:20, council meeting. Many reported sick. President [John M.]Kay said he was sorry to learn that another death had taken place among the Saints & gave some excellent instructions & requested all to be on their guard & report sickness before it had gone so far that nothing could be done for them. He said that Captain Pratt had kindly offered the poop deck for the Saints during the day, especially the sisters & sick that they might enjoy the fresh air. Dismissed by Elder [George] Halliday. By the kindness of Captain Pratt, the friends of Sister [Elizabeth] Reiser assembled on the after part of the ship. I prayed & spoke a few words comforting the friends when the body was launched into the blue wave. The brethren & Captain Pratt sympathized with the people & they returned their thanks for this kindness. Buried at 9-10 p.m. in longitude 27-30 east. [p.79]
Tuesday 28. - At 6 a.m., slight winds. Rain from southeast at 12 noon. Air 66- water 67 Barometer 30.53. Latitude 43.22, Longitude 27.49. Elder A.[Alexander] Ross, by request of President [John M.]Kay, wrote out a letter giving information to the Saints concerning the general affairs of the Saints health, deaths, &c., which was posted on a board where all could read. Council in the evening. President Kay spoke warmly on the subject of sickness & the necessity of keeping a watch care over the Saints & see that they did not want. Dismissed by Elder [Mathew] McCune.
Wednesday 29. - Wind favorable, cloudy & dull. Numbers of cases of diarrhea. At 6 p.m. wind from the east with rain. Sister [Ellen] Kay, with a kind & motherly hand, administered to many of the sick below decks, which is highly appreciated by the Saints. Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Several cases of diarrhea were reported. Brother Kay gave some instructions. Dismissed by Elder Halliday. [p.80]
Thursday 30. - Wind from the east. Captain Pratt and Mr. Massey, a part owner of the ship, with Brother Kay went through every part of the ship expecting to find all much more dirty [than] they were. The German and Dutch Saints received the best name of the whole which pleased me as they had been called the dirty ones. 12 noon. Air 67. Water 67, barometer 30.50. Latitude 42.32 Longitude 32.43 west. Council at 7:30 p.m. The health of the Saints reported improving.[p.81]
Friday 1. - Wind northeast. A sailor was discovered below deck among the people & when ordered by the boatswain to go on deck, refused, and a scuffle ensued. Mr. Knight, first mate, soon appeared & brought it to an end. 12 noon. Air 65. Water 67. Barometer 30.50. Latitude 41.54. Longitude 35.39. The majority of the Saints were on deck, among whom a decided improvement has taken place. 7 p.m., wind hauled to westward. Council at 7:30 p.m. 2 cases of serious illness reported. General instructions given &c. Dismissed by A. [Alexander] Ross. Arrangements made for the Saints to change their monies. After prayer, several of the Saints came on deck & sung some of the songs of Zion.
Saturday 2. - 6 a.m. wind hauled to southwest. Tacked the ship [-] northwest. A whale seen to leeward. Several ships in sight. 7:30, council meeting. Generally improving. After a few instructions from President [John M.] Kay, dismissed by Elder [George] Halliday.[p.82]
Sunday 3. - Very warm & quite calm. 11:30 a.m. the Saints met on the deck in front of the 2nd cabin. Elder Ross prayed and Elders Luddenham [Tuddenham], Howard, & Harrison addressed the Saints, presidents of [wards] numbers 2, 5, and 11. Sister Beck being taken very suddenly seriously ill. I had her brought on deck. President Kay followed a short time giving some good instructions &c. Did not like to see the Saints going to the captain & doctor with a long face & tell a pitiful story that they had nothing to eat. At 3:30 p.m., Gotfried [Godfred] Adam Beck, son of Gotfried [Godfred], and Eva Beck from Eichelberg Kingdom of Wurtenberg, Germany, died of teething during which time I called a few of the German Saints together on the main deck & spoke to them a short time. Brother Farrer spoke to the parents, comforting them considerably. At 4:15 the body was brought on deck. On this occasion, a few of the English by request and permission were present. Elder U. [Ulrich] Farrer, under my directions, offered a few remarks & offered by prayer. The sympathy of Captain & officers with presidency were extended which were thankfully received. The remains of the child were committed to the deep at 9:30 p.m in Longitude 39-40 west. Council was usual. Nothing important. Air 70. Water 70. Barometer 30.50. Latitude 41.[-] Longitude 39.11 west.[p.83]
Monday 4. - Wind southwest. At 3:35 a.m. Emma Matilda, daughter of Brother & Sister Singleton from Portsmouth, Southampton, died of marasmas, age 6 months and 14 days. At 5:30 a.m. the body was committed to the deep under the direction of President Kay and Halliday in Longitude 37.3 west.
Although it is the anniversary of American Independence, there is no demonstration on board the American ship Hudson. Some have suggested that she was a rebel. Many of the Saints enjoying themselves, singing & with some games on deck. Council at 7:30. Presidency gave some instructions as usual. At 11:30 p.m. Sister Sarah Anne [Ann] Edis [Ellis] was taken seriously ill with cramps in the stomach. Was visited by the captain & doctor. The captain administered to her with his own hand. On retiring to rest he requested the watch to call him if anything should change for the worse & if she required anything more. [p.84]
Tuesday 5. - Wind southwest. At 3 a.m., came a small brig running with the wind. Came near being running over it being so dark that it could scarcely be seen. The helm was put down just in time to save her & a collision. 12 noon, air 73, water 74 Barometer 30.20 Latitude 41.43 Longitude 41.54 west. At 1:20 a.m. Amelia White Clifton, daughter of Thomas & Kezia Clifton, died of apthaea [UNCLEAR], age 3 months & 5 days. At 1:50 p.m. a squall came on with rain. Some of the Saints were reefed and others stored. 3 p.m., the body of the child was committed to the deep under the direction of Elder Halliday.
In the p.m. a few flying fish were seen. Numbers of the Saints seasick owing to the motion of the ship. The sea rough & wind strong. At 7:30, council meeting. Some instructions given. I spoke of the conduct of Brother Harisen [Harrison] volunteer cook, & of the complaints made by the foreigners of his roughness & driving them from the galley & setting their things to one side & placing others in their place. President Kay said if such was true, Brother H. [Harrison] was decidedly in the wrong & such should not be done by him or anyone & wished all to be kind. [p.85]
Wednesday 6. - Stormy, wind southwest. Sister Winkler, wife of Ulrich Winkler, from Fell, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, gave birth to a fine son at 1 a.m., both doing well. I was called out at 1:30 & gave notice to the doctor who visited her.
At 8:30 a.m. a heavy squall came on which took the ship aback before she could be put round. The jib sail was carried overboard. 1st mate, Mr. Knight, in the heat of the moment, supposing it attributable to the neglect of the 3rd mate, Mr. Harding, when he seized Mr. K. [Knight] & both fell on the deck, Mr. Knight falling underneath requested to be released which was instantly granted but on getting up cowardlike seized a belaying pin & struck Mr. Harding 2 severe blows on the head. Mr. Knight lost much of the good opinion of the sailors & passengers, many crying out for shame. Captain Pratt had to settle the affair. 7:30 council as usual. Several cases of measles reports. [p.86]
Thursday 7. - Wind southwest. At 11 a.m. all the Saints were called on deck & tar oil was sprinkled on the floors to kill the smells. Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Several cases of measles reported, also of several things being removed from their places & not returned. Brother G. [George] Halliday said to Brother Goodwin if he could not properly guard the ship & see that things were not stolen that he with his brethren of the 2nd cabin would take full charge & go & watch the whole affair themselves to which all responded "Amen." 8:30 p.m. Rained very heavy.
Friday 8. - Thick fog, wind west. Early in the p.m. a Confederate steamer hove in sight & passed to leeward very slowly. Her movement seemed rather suspicious. Tonight, cold wind from the west. Council at 7:30. Nothing special. All quiet and pleasant but cold. At 9, steering direct north. [p.87]
Saturday 9. - The 19th anniversary of my wedding day. I tried to get an opportunity of writing a few lines to send home upon arriving at New York, but could not get time as I spent the greater time of the day dealing out provisions, three pounds sugar I dealt out in one pound cup's full, & at even was tired & my wrist quite lame. Council meeting 7:30 p.m. 21 cases of measles on board. Nothing particularly newsy. T. O. King dismissed. During the day several whales were seen, also at an unknown age porpoise. 3 p.m., a fresh breeze from the northwest.
Sunday 10. - No meeting on deck owing to the cold damp weather. Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Reports show that the measles are increasing among the children on board. Several complaints were made of Brother Harisen [Harrison], cook, of his insulting conduct in the galley, which he denied. A vote of the council was called to know whether they had met with such conduct when visiting the galley which was unanimous that he had been justly censured. [p.88]
Monday 11. - Wind light, but more favorable. 10 a.m., a special council was called of 12 elders . . . 12 noon-Air 50-water 55-Barometer 30.20. Latitude 43.2. Longitude 52.37. But few of the Saints were allowed on the poop deck today as Captain Pratt was confined to his bed in consequence of sickness. Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Elder Henry G. Jemmett was appointed captain of the guard in place of Brother Goodwin, released. Some conversation ensued with regard to Doctor Rodgers & Brother [Matthew] McCune. During the evening, the tunnel of the condensing engine caught fire but was extinguished without damage. [p.89]
Tuesday, 12 - Deaths= Emily Frances Kellow from Cheltonham, age 1 year 2 months and 25 days, buried at 6 a.m., Longitude 35.11 west. President Kay officiated. At 8:30 a.m., John Ulrich Winkler, aged 6 days died of convulsions, buried at 12 noon, in Longitude 55.30 west. J. L. Smith officiated. At 5 p.m, Ellen W. Clifton from London of marasmus, age 1 year 5 months, buried at 8:30 in Longitude 56.1 west.
Council meeting at 7:30 as usual. At 8 p.m. wind increased with heavy rain. 10:30, after I had got comfortably in bed, the watch on the forecastle called out "Light ahead" although the fog was very thick so that the vessel was nearly into us before she was seen. We came near, running afoul as it was but the kind care of the Lord preserved us again for which we feel thankful. Air 62. Water 63. Barometer 30.18 Latitude 42.54. Longitude 55.11 west.
Wednesday 13. - Wind ahead. Deaths at 7 a.m. Bastian de Keyser [Basqeer Kuiser], aged 3 years 1 month 4 days, from Holland, buried at 8:52 p.m. in Longitude [-], Brother T. [Timotheus] Mets officiated. 12 noon. Sounded but found no bottom. Council as usual at 7:30. [p.90]
Thursday 14. - Wind light. Weather fine. Died of measles at 10:10 a.m. Margret [POSSIBLY Margaret] Papworth from Cambridgeshire, England, age 1 year 4 months 1 day. Buried at 8:40 p.m., Elder M. [Matthew] McCune officiated. The Saints were all called on deck & the below decks cleaned & sprinkled with lime & tar oil. Council meeting as usual at 7:30 p.m. I went & got the 2nd mate to go & examine a leakage which proved to come from the captain's bathroom through the deck into the berths of some of the Swiss Saints. The carpenter repaired it. Some of the Saints then spent an hour dancing in the evening. Air 55, Water 58. Barometer 30.18 Latitude 41.39. Longitude 62.18.
Friday 15. - Clear & pleasant with a light fair wind. I made up & passed my account of monies required for exchange to Brother J. [John] M. Kay. At 1:30 p.m. Sister Mary Baxter from Scotland was delivered of a fine daughter. Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. as usual, reports favorable. [p.91]
Saturday 16. - I commenced in the morning before breakfast and dealt out 3 barrels of sugar to the passengers. Was both tired & hungry when I had finished. P.M. foggy which continued all night. 7:30 for council meeting as usual.
Sunday 17. - Wind favorable. Still foggy. I assisted in blessing the infant daughter of Sister Baxter in company with President Kay, Halliday, and Ross. Named Ellen Kay Baxter. P.M. meeting on the main deck at which instructions were given concerning the traps & snares set to ensnare the Saints at New York upon their arrival. 7:30 council as usual. I met the German wards & preached in the lower deck 3/4 of an hour on the course they should pursue on arriving at New York & en route to Wyoming. At 11:30 p.m., the wind freshened & we were moving through the water about 11 knots.
Monday 18. - Weather fine & clear. Wind favorable. At 4:30 a.m. the pilot came on board. He brought papers from New York of the 11th. Gold high. The Confederate steamer, “Alabama,” reported sunk in a battle with the Federal steamer, “Courage.” During the day several of Mother Carey’s chickens were caught by way of amusement & released again.[p.92] They are very much like the swallows in size & appearance. Lines of thread were thrown out the stern in which they tangled themselves while flying about by thousands & in fluttering to get free tangled themselves so they were hauled on board. The sailors fable says they are the spirits of departed seamen. They never kill one. I packed trunk. Council at 7:30 as usual. Health improving. I went below & spoke ½ an hour to the German ward number 9.
Tuesday 19. - At 7 a.m. a tugboat took the ship Hudson in tow & we are nearing the port. I finished letters for a I. Bullock, H. Debenham [at] London, & for my wife, A.B. Smith, and to Mary A. S. [at] Salt Lake City. Packing & cleaning. Making arrangements for arrival at New York. The wind dying away. The hands are stripping the ship and we expect to be in dock by 4 in the evening. The Captain gives $1.50 to the tug to take us into dock. We passed Sandy Hook Lighthouse and up the Narrows and anchored off Castle Garden at 3:30 p.m. W. [Williams] C. Staines came on board at 5:30, addressed the council meeting in the evening, & spent the night on board. [p.93]
Wednesday, 20th - Brother Scheffler came on board early this morning. The lighter came alongside at 8 p.m. and the luggage was transferred from the ship by the brethren in a few hours. At 12 noon the people got off the ship & were landed at Castle Garden. The lighter with the luggage was then taken alongside the steamer, “St. John,” & put on board. The Saints came on board at 5 p.m. and the steamer started for Albany at 6 p.m., 150 miles.
Thursday, 21st - Arrived at Albany at 5 a.m., the steamer having 1400 persons on the lower deck. It was uncomfortably crowded and there was a poor chance for sleep for any. The luggage was taken to the railway station and weighed 65 tons and the people went aboard the train, consisting of 24 carriages which started for Buffalo at 1 p.m., 260 miles. Rode all night.
Friday, 22nd - Arrived at Buffalo at 3 p.m. Crossed the end of Lake Erie in steamer. Bought some crackers & cheese. The luggage was transferred [p. 94] to the cars of the Grand Trunk Railway. The people got on board the train and started for Port Huron at 8 p.m., 240 miles. Rode all night. One carriage reported disabled and had to be left, shipped a luggage van in place.
Saturday, 23rd - Arrived at Port Huron on the River St. Clair at 12 noon after riding through lower Canada, where most of the forest remains uncleared. The Grand Trunk Railway line men all very ungentlemanly. After crossing the River St. Clair in steam ferry we changed to the cars of the Central Michigan railroad and started at 5 p.m. for Chicago on Lake Michigan at 260 miles. Shortly after leaving Port Huron, the track laid through a wood which was on fire for several miles and the wind carried the flames unpleasantly close to the train. Cattle feeding at the side of the wood were unable to escape from the flames, rode all night.
Sunday, 24th - Arrived at Chicago at 5 p.m. & stayed on board the train all night. The Saints set out to look for bread; very little was found. [p.95]
Monday, 25th - Left Chicago at 9 a.m. for Quincy on the Mississippi on the Illinois Central Railroad. Much inconvenience was suffered by the frequent change of cars on this line, one of which took place at midnight.
Tuesday, 26th - At daylight this morning we arrived at Colchester while the engine was taking in water at the tank, cousin Arthur Millkin and wife called me to the fence and expressed their gratification at seeing me and asked me to stay with them a week which pleased me for them to express, but I could not comply. I stayed as long as possible with them & had but just time to reach the train before it started. On guard all night.
(Wednesday, 27th Arrived) On the arrival of the train at Plymouth, I inquired of the stationmaster and was told that my brother-in-law, A.D. Cleveland, had left for the war, but had returned and had moved away with his family. He did not know where he had removed to. Train arrived at Quincy at 12 noon where luggage [p.96] was ferried over the River Mississippi and the people crossed over at 6 p.m. when we were informed that a dispatch had been received at Salt River Bridge & Shelbina Station, on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad had been burned by the guerrillas, and in consequence the people had to camp in the woods, but a thunderstorm coming on, they run to the railway station for shelter which afforded but poor accommodation and was very exposed to the weather.
Wednesday, 27th - Remained all day at West Quincy.
Thursday, July 28th - At 8 a.m. this morning 3 trains were got in readiness to convey the Saints on the St Joseph Railroad as far as the neighborhood of the burnt bridge which was reached at 12 noon. The people then left the train, forded the river, and camped again in the woods to wait the removal of the luggage which was carried over 3/4 of a mile, of very rough road mostly on men's backs, only 3 wagons available for the heavier boxes. I had charge of the loading of the cars, with the assistance of the German brethren. [p.97]
Friday, July 29th - The luggage was got over the river, and into the cars by 3 p.m. and 3 trains of goods, cars, and cattle trucks very filthy were crammed to excess by the Saints and started at short intervals for St. Joseph. The effects of the recent raid being very apparent in the burnt buildings, the excitement of the inhabitants and the number of armed men at the stations who were sent to protect the line.
Saturday, 30th - The trains arrived at St. Joseph, Missouri at 7 & at 8 a.m. & 3 p.m. after a dreadful rough ride one engine and several carriages getting off the track, the brethren having to get out to push the trains into sidings and other mishaps. The last train brought in 2 children dead who had been sick for sometime. Stayed at the railway station all night.
Sunday, August 31st - The Saints occupying a large shed belonging to the railway company a number of soldiers and others came down to the place to converse and in some cases tried to create a disturbance. A Dutch girl [p.98] named Jacobchis Smuling understanding but little English, being questioned by a number of soldiers, they not understanding her, represented that we were forcing her to go to the Great Salt Lake against her will. We were under the necessity of sending for the provost marshal, (the town being under marshal law) to disperse the rabble. After he had examined into the case with the assistance of an interpreter, satisfying himself that it was a misunderstanding, commanded the soldiers to leave the ground. The rabble then declared they would have her if they burnt the building, but by disguising her she was got safely on board the steamer “Colorado” leaving them watching her hat lying in the room where she had been and all passed off quietly to our no small satisfaction. At 3 p.m. I left St. Joseph on board the “Colorado” with wagons & the foreign Saints for Wyoming also with goods for intermediate stations. J. S. Young, J. W. Young, & P. A. Schettler accompanied us. Tied up at the wood yard for the night. [p.99]
Monday 1st Started at daylight. Brother J. A. Young left us at the first station below Brownsville taking a horse with him. During the day I had some little trouble to get the people to understand the necessity of keeping their distance from strangers. Stopped at wood yard & tied up for the night.
Tuesday 2nd At 5 a.m. on the move. Rained for 2 hours in the morning. After rubbing over sandbars and snags feeling our way from bank to bank. We arrived at Wyoming at 2 p.m. and found 2 letters waiting for me from my family. The foreign Saints, with myself were set apart to travel in Captain Hydes’ Company and accordingly repaired to the camping ground ½ mile from Wyoming. The steamer “J. F. Lacy” containing the English Saints arrived at 5 p.m.
Wednesday 3rd Spent the day in getting up luggage from the landing and fitting up wagons. All hard at work. [p.100]
Thursday 4th Still at work fitting up wagons, gathering up oxen, filling in, and getting ready the train for starting across the plains.
Friday 5th The same as above.
Saturday 6th I purchased the provisions for the German independent wagons. Brother J. Beck offered to take my trunk in his wagon, which offer I accepted.
Sunday 7th & Monday 8th Taken very sick at 11 p.m. with vomiting and diarrhea which continued every 15 minutes until noon of Monday. With severe cramps in the bowels and limbs, being an attack of Cholera, during which time I lost 45 pounds in weight. Some of my friends had but little hopes of my recovery. I had so fears. The brethren administered to me and I took some me diune which checked the diarrhea. Sister Elite Hukne attended me faithfully for which may the Lord reward her. [p.101]
Tuesday Aug. 9th Somewhat better, got up and drove down to the office in the captains carriage; in the afternoon, the train moved, from the camp at Wyoming with 60 wagons, and traveled 1 ½ miles & camped. Elder William Hyde, captain; J. L. Smith, chaplain; L. Neslen, assistant chaplain; A. Ross, commissary. A number of persons were sick with the diarrhea. Meeting in camp in the evening, which was addressed by Captain Hyde & myself. . . .[p.102]
. . . Wed. 19. At 6 a.m. Mr. Bromley started. We drove to Bishop Hardys & took breakfast & drove to the city stopping a few moments at the cotton factory on Kanyon Creek & then drove to my brother George A.’s in the city who welcomed me warmly. . . .[p.118]
BIB: Smith, John Lyman. Diaries (Ms 8719), vol. 2, pp. 60-102, 118. (HDA)
Autobiography and Journals of John Lyman Smith
. . . Sat. [May] 28. [1864] I went on board Hudson & met President G. [George Q.] Cannon, cousin Jesse N. Smith, John McKay & about a dozen of the Valley brethren. Br. W. W. Riter bought 30 double beds & took the German Saints on board in the evening. I went to the office & signed ship & railway tickets & remained a couple of hours. Visited several friends & on arriving at Sun Court found the German Saints all away to sleep on the ship.
Sun. 29. I searched in several quarters for opportunity for baptizing some of the Dutch emigrants but found none. Went to Lambeth to p.m. & evening meeting. [p.160]
Mon. 30. I spent the day on board Hudson. Got things out of bond & made arrangements for several items for the Saints. Signed the Swiss Tickets; busy all day. Jolly busy.
Brother Fowler gave £1. Several more of the Dutch Saints arrived per Feynord & went on board. About 30 all told.
Tues. 31. Settled up with Mr. Wyght for board & lodgings of the Dutch Saints & part of them went on board. I spent the most of the day on board Hudson.
June 1864. London Docks Hudson
Wed. 1. I went on board with my trunk &c also the luggage of the Dutch Saints was removed from Sun Court. Brother George Q. Cannon gave me a ticket. I got a bed place in the 2nd cabin where I sleep with Elder Thomas O. King. His blankets & mine together make a very comfortable bed.
Thur. 2. I spent the time so busily in making all comfortable & assisting in passing the doctor, that I found the ship had left the dock & the tug hitched on & we were cleared at 12:30. [IN THE LEFT HAND MARGIN IS WRITTEN, Fri. 3] Hundreds [p.161] following the wharf & cheering until be were out of sight. [IN THE LEFT HAND MARGIN IS WRITTEN, Continued Fri. 3] At 5:30 p.m. last anchor 3 miles below Gravesend. Many returned per tugboat. The government officers came on board and the Saints, tickets in hand, passed by according to ship regulations to prevent any stowaways. After all had passed & other business matters were settled President George Q. Cannon, cousin Jesse N. Smith, & a few others who had remained took the tug and amid the heart felt cheers of the Saints. Left us for Gravesend or London. Not that they were leaving us, but that we were leaving for Zion. The day being wet prevented a meeting being held on board as is customary for the organization of the company. Notwithstanding this all felt that they had President G. [George] Q. Cannon’s heart felt blessings with them. Captain Pratt informed President J. [John] M. Kay that now the ship had cleared he would do all in his power for our comfort. The Saints on board were now in council divided into 14 wards. Elder John M. Kay, president; Elder George Halladay [Hallday], John L. Smith & Mathew M. McCune councilors. Alex Ross, clerk; James Brown, steward & Charles Goodwin, captain of guard. No. 1 Ward Elder William Moss. No. 2 Ward Elder John Tudonham [Tuddenham]. No. 3 Ward Elder Thomas Clifton. No. 4 Ward (Dutch) Elder Timothy Mets. No. 5 Ward Elder Ulrich Farrer (Swiss). No. 6 Elder James Howard. No. 7 Elder Samuel Neslen. No. 8 Thomas C. Patten. [p.162] No. 9 Elder Ludwig Woth [Ludvig Wolf]. No. 10 Elder George Webb. No. 11 Elder George Harison [Harrison]. No. 12 Elder William Sanders. No. 13 Elder Thomas O. King. No. 14 Elder John H. Miller. In each ward the instructions necessary to be carried out for the comfort convenience of the Saints were given by the brethren & a ready response made by all which shows an appreciation of the interest taken in their welfare by the elders.
Sat. 4. At 3 a.m. the tug came along side & towed us our of the Thames while the sailors with their merry songs are getting the canvass to rights. There are 160 emigrants on board that do not belong to our people. They occupy the fore part of the vessel and by order of Captain Pratt by our request are being partitioned off to themselves. The cooking arrangements not moving very satisfactory. A council of presidents of wards met in the evening to receive instructions from the presidency. The tug left us off the town of Margate where the passengers of the “Amazon” were landed last year as she took fire; the 1st trip after taking out the Saints last June for New York. All well & happy on board the Hudson.
Sun. 5. English Channel. During the night it fell calm. At 8 a.m. breeze from the west. Opposite Folkstone Sandgate [p.163] At 12:30 all on board assembled on deck. President Kay call to order. First hymn sung. Elder [George] Haladay [Halliday] engaged in prayer. Another hymn was sung. Elder McCaven [Matthew McCune] spoke nearly an hour comforting & cheeringly to all. Secretary [Alexander] Ross read the letter of appointments from President G. [George] Q. Cannon, its acceptance was unanimous. I followed a short time in German to the German & Swiss Saints also a few remarks to the whole exhorting all to be Saints on board ship as well as on land. Elder Halladay [George Halliday] gave expressing to his feelings in his usual style as to what was as necessary for every day life. President J. M. Cay [John M. Kay] made a few concluding remarks. A hymn was sung & closing prayer by Elder S. [Samuel] Neslen. Captain Pratt seemed well pleased & expressed himself as ready to do all in his power for our comfort. In the evening Brother Halladay [George Halliday], Mc’Cuent [Mathew McCune], myself with others finished the arrangements of giving our provisions, &c. The wind being contrary, we were obliged to tack ship every few hours.
Mon. 6. During the night it came on calm with heavy fog. After a breeze of 2 hours which cleared off the fog, it turned calm & fog settled down. Foggy again. [p.164]
Tues. 7. Calm till 10 a.m. Light breeze from north, northwest. All well. I collected the German choir on deck & they sang several pieces which seemed to delight all. Brother [George] Careless got the English choir together in 2nd cabin & sang many pieces which added much to the days past time. During the p.m. a son of C. [Charles] Goodwin, captain of guard fell down the air pipes to the lower deck into the hold. He was more scared than hurt although he fell 30 feet.
Wed. 8. About 3 a.m. we fell in with a pilot boat from the Isle of Wyght [Wight] to take our pilot onshore. William Pesaby our pilot, seemed a nice man. Entering in to conversation freely with all. At 12:30 p.m. he took leave of us carrying many letters &c to the shores we had left with him. President Mc’Cuen [Mathew McCune] spends much time among the sick as he is a regular practitioner of the homeopathic primal.
Thur. 9. Some few seasick. Presidency busy all day looking after the welfare of all.
Fri. 10. Met some fishing boats from Plymouth from which Captain Pratt bought some fish. Passed or met packet “Adriatic” belonging to same company. Cheers were exchanged. She comes from New York. Reports from presidents of wards [-].
Sat. 11. At 12 the 2nd dealing out of provisions issued. Ships now rolls & pitches & many are seasick. None wish to return that we [-]. [p.165]
Sun. 12 June 1864. The rolling of the ship causes some to feel very sick. Nearly calm. At noon met on the poop deck & were addressed by President [John M.] Kay, Haladay [George Halliday], Smith, & Mc’Cuen [Mathew McCune] addressed them a short time each. The sick were mostly on deck & the fresh air & good instructions seemed to do all good. Numbers were administered and all seemed much benefitted.
Mon. 13. At 11 a.m. passed Mounts Bay & during the day Lands End & Five Rocks called “Long Ships.” On the summit of one is a splendid lighthouse. The English Channel is 320 miles long & finishes at this point. We pass the Scilly Isles. These Isles tho small are inhabited by a race who are but little known. We are now on the broad Atlantic & the roll of the long waves make the Hudson pitch and toss about like a nut shell. 10 p.m. strong wind from southwest with rain. Top sails stowed.
Tues. 14. At 5 a.m. wind changed to northwest. Owing to the drowsiness of the man at the helm he lost control and got drawn over the wheel & considerably bruised. The increased roll & pitch caused many to be quite sick. In the p.m. a shoal of porpoises followed the ship some distance. It made me think of a heard of buffaloes as they leap from wave to wave. [p.166]
Wed. 15. Met with the president’s council of wars. Reports that the sick are improving. The presidency spoke to the brethren about the changing of money at New York & other matters.
Thur. 16. Wind northwest. A ship in sight, the first seen for 3 days. A man from the fore part of the ship was seized suddenly with heart disease & died at 1 p.m. His family on board are wife, 2 sons, 1 daughter, & 3 grand children, en route to join friends & children in America. He is 54 years of age. At 6 p.m. many of the passengers assembled to witness a burial at sea. On the larboard side of ship under the direction of 1st mate Mr. Charles H. Knight. The body was brought to the midship, laying on the plank, having been sewn up in canvass & a weight sufficient to sink it attached to the feet. One of the sons of the deceased lead the burial service in conformance with the Church of Rome and the remains were launched feet first over the side of the ship & disappeared immediately beneath the blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Latitude 22 ½ and Longitude 9. Mr. Captain Pratt, President [John M.] Kay, Mr. H. J. Rodgers, M.D. & Mr. C. [Charles] H. Knight sympathized with the bereaved family & kindly administered to their wants. A quantity of fine soup was made today from preserved meat which has been the voyage to the Arctic Region. 25 gallons was distributed among the sick & duly appreciated by all. Thanks to Captain Pratt. [p.167]
Fri. 17. Wind in our teeth. After breakfast the Saints gathered on deck & seem much improved. They were again supplied with 28 gallons of the same kind of soup; per kindness of Captain Pratt. This has marvelously strengthened & cheered the sick. At 6 p.m. the English barque “Isabella Blythe” of London passed us to leeward. Latitude 13.30 north 83 days from the Isle of Frame on the Arabian Coast. Mr. [Charles] Knight conversed with her thru the medium of flags & gave her Greenwich time loaded with sugar for London. In the evening ward presidents met in 2nd cabin. Reports are cheering. President [John M.] Kay & Halladay [George Halliday] enjoined it upon the presidents of wards to instruct all to pray for a fair wind. They were all desired to be united & see that nothing should be neglected that would be for the general good of the whole.
Sat. 18. The ocean seems toned down & quite calm only an occasional puff of wind from the west. Captain Pratt again sends to the sick a large quantity of the soup which has so materially strengthened the sick. P.M. a number of the London Choir met on the poop deck & spent the p.m. singing. At 3 p.m. a shark was reported to leeward. At council report was made of numbers of things were missing & that the people from the forepart climbed the bulkhead reports! Our is manifested. [p.168]
Sun. 18. 7 a.m. wind fresh from northwest. At 11:30 a.m. public meeting. M. [Mathew] M. Mc’Cuen [McCune] spoke 1 ½ hours on the 1st principles of the gospel dragging in polygamy &c. The first part was good but the later to my mind were out of place. Coming on to rain. Brother Hallady [George Halliday] dismissed by a short benediction. 7:30 p.m. council reports: all improving. President [John M.] Kay, Halladay [George Halliday] & Smith spoke upon the [-] of a long voyage & the necessity of being sharing of our medicinal stores, &c. President [John M.] Kay said he had as much freedom in the gospel as any on board & considered that any who undertook to lead astray young women would most decidedly have to answer for the same. Brother Mc’Cuen [Mathew McCune] remarks were out of place though they might be all true.
Mon. 20. Latitude 47.51 North. Longitude 16.47 West. Thermometer 60° Fahrenheit. Water [-] 7 a.m. wind northwest ship standing southwest by north. Most of people on & feeling fine. P.M. a shoal of porpoise passed. 7:30 p.m. council & reports all moving well. Time of evening prayers changed from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. I gave instructions to Brother Wath to set a guard each night at the lower deck at the ventilator to prevent interlopers or trespassers from descending among the people & taking things not their own. Brother T. [Tomotheus] Mets has been very sick with fever for some days but is improving too; still very weak. [p.169]
Tues. 21. Wind northwest. President [John M.] Kay was seized with a severe billious attack & is confined to his room. President Halladay [George Halliday] also indisposed brought on by overexertion. The most of the Saints on deck feeling well. Brother C. [Charles] Goodwin who was appointed captain Of guard requested to be released as he could not get that obedience from the people that he thought he should receive & was dissatisfied with the treatment received from some of the brethren. Council meeting: President K. [Kay] improving. Said we are in a school & it would not do for one of Gods servants to back water [UNCLEAR] & thought Brother Goodwin had better keep his position. Was sorry he had asked for a release still if he desired he could have it. It was considered the 1st step to apostasy. Brother Goodwin retained his place. I then asked Brother Goodwin if he felt hurt because I had collared and him in the morning. He said I had made that all right & that he had been hasty & did not blame me.
Wed. 22. Wind fresh northwest Today the principle part of the bedding was got on deck & had a good airing & also most of the people. Council meeting: T [Tomotheus] Mets still very sick: 2 cases of measles reported. Presidency made some remarks on care of provisions & not wasting. 8 p.m. wind changed more in our favor. Latitude 46° 20" Longitude 18° 4". Air 61. Water 61. Barometer 30.30. [p.170]
Thur 23. Nearly calm, made small progress during the day. 3:30 p.m. Carl Kämel [POSSIBLY Kamerli], aged 1 year & 2 month & 21 days, son of Brother & Sister Kämel [POSSIBLY Kamerli] from Switzerland in the 5 Ward died of inflamation of the bowels. A number of cases of bowel complaint were reported in council in the evening. President Kay & the council gave instructions to the presidents of wards to look to their people & see that all were on deck sometime of the day & have a little fresh air. At 8:30 p.m. the body of the child was brought to the leeward stern of the vessel followed by the friends & relatives & some from the Holland Ward, about 50 in all.
I made a few comforting remarks appropriate to the occasion referring to the hope the Saints had of again receiving their children & that it made but little difference whether we were buried at sea or land, with some words of admonition to live godly lives upright & true, faithful & just. As declared the corpse was dropped into sea at 8:50 p.m. Longitude. 21°10" west. After which I engaged in prayer. Captain Pratt, President [John M.] Kay, an officers [-] the thanks & feelings of the parents & friends for their sympathy in their bereavement both of which I translated.
Friday. 24. I spent the day doing as little as possible all day with severe headache. A child of of [SIC] Sister [Ann] Downham from South Hampton Conference fell off out of the boats & broke its arm. Md. [Doctor] Rodgers attended promptly sit & bandaged the same. [p.171] Council at 7:30 p.m. Instructions given for children not to be allowed on the boats or poop deck & trusted the accident which had just occurred would not be repeated again & be warning sufficient for the future.
Sat. 25. Fair light wind. Top mast stunt sails set for the 1st time. Provisions were dealt out. Brother T. [Timotheus] Mets some better, walked out on deck a little. 7:30 p.m. council: Instructions by the presidency not to crowd the poop deck.
Latitude 44°11". Longitude. 22°29" Air 65. Water 66. Barometer 30.60
Sun. 26. At 11 a.m. Saints met on the main deck. President K. [John M. Kay] called on me & I opened by prayer. Brother Halladay [George Halliday] spoke in a spirited manner for some time. I followed for a short time bearing testimony to Brother Halladay’s [George Halliday] remarks & gave out an appointment for the French & German Saints in the p.m. Elder Mc’Cuen [Matthew McCune] closed by prayer. 12:30 p.m. met with German Saints & spoke to them for some time. Brother Farrer spoke for a while & had a goo time. All felt to rejoice together. Brother [L.A.] Bertrand spoke to the French Saints for a time & had a good time.
7:30 p.m. council meeting. President K [Kay] not present on account of sickness. After reports & necessary instructions by Halladay [Halliday] & myself Brother Farrer closed by prayer. Air 60. Water 65. Barometer 30.50. [p.172]
Mon. 27. At 1:30 p.m. Sister Elisabeth Reiser of 9 Ward died suddenly of disease of the heart. Age 40 years & 2 months born Zurich Switzerland. She leaves a husband on board, but no children. She has been a faithful Latter-day Saint & died in good standing-was a member of the Church for 4 years.
2:30 p.m. the Saints came on deck & the lower deck was renovated by sprinkling tar oil which changes the smell. It being a thorough renovator. Two vessels were seen in the northwest nearly all day. Twenty years today since the Prophet Joseph & Patriarch Hyrum Smith were murdered in Carthage Jail. A day long to be remembered by the Saints. 7:20 p.m. council assembled: many reported sick. President K. [John M. Kay] said he was sorry to learn that another death had occurred among the Saints & gave some good instructions. Wished all to be on their guard & report sickness. He said Captain Pratt had kindly offered the use of the poop deck that the sick might get the benefit of the air & exercise during the day. Air 68. Water 58. Barometer 30.55. Latitude 43°55. Longitude 26°20.
By kindness of Capt Pratt the friends of deceased on the after part of the ship. When I prayed & spoke a few words comforting all to the best of my ability when the body was launched into the blue waves at 9 or 10:00 p.m. Longitude 27°30 east. [p.173]
Tues. 28. 6 a.m. light wind & rain from southeast. At 12 noon, air 66. Water 67. Barometer 30.53. Latitude 47°22. Longitude 27.49
Clerk A. J. Ross by request of President K. [John M. Kay], a bulletin of the general affairs Saints health, sickness, & death &c. was writ out & posted on a board when all who wished could read it.
7:30 p.m. council. President K. [John M. Kay] spoke warmly on the sickness of the Saints & the necessity of constant watchfulness to see that all were cared for. Dismissed by the Brother Mc’Cuen [Matthew McCune].
Wed. 29. Cloudy & dull-wind more favorable. Several cases of diarrhea reported. Sister Kay with a motherly hand administered to many of the sick below decks which is highly appreciated by the Saints. 7:30 p.m. council meeting as usual.
Thur. 30. Wind from east. Captain Pratt & Mr. Massey part owner of the ship with President K. [John M. Kay] went thru every part of the ship. The German & Dutch received the premium for cleanliness. This pleased me as they have been called the dirty ones. 12 noon. Air 67. Water 67. Barometer 30.50. Latitude 42°32. Longitude. 32°43 west. 7:30 p.m. Council reports all improving. [p.174]
Fri. 1. Wind northeast A sailor was discovered below deck among the people & when ordered to go on deck by the Boatswain, refused when a scuffle ensues. Mr. Knight 1 mate appeared & soon brought it to a close. 12 midday wind north Air 65. Water 67. Barometer 30.50. Latitude 41°54. Longitude. 35°39.
The majority of Saints on deck among whom a decided improvement is taking place. Some advice given with regard tot he Saints changing their moneys into American change upon arrival at New York.
Sat. 2. 6 a.m. Wind hauled to southwest. Tacked ship & stood northwest. A whale seen to leeward & several ships in sight. 7:30 p.m. council meeting. Reports that all were improving. Some [-] instructions from President K. [Kay] dismissed by Elder Halladay [George Halliday].
Sun. 3. 11:30 a.m. Saints met on deck in front of 2nd cabin. Prayer by Elder Ross. Elders Tuddenham, Howard, & Harrison president of 2nd, 6th, & 11th wards. Sister Beck being taken suddenly seriously ill. I had her brought on deck. President K. [Kay] spoke a short time giving some excellent instructions. Did not like to see some going to the captain & doctor & draw a long face & tell a pitiful story that they had nothing they could eat &c. to get some pity. [p.175] At 3:30 p.m. Gotfried [Godfred] Adam Beck son of Godfreed [Gotfred] & Eva Beck from Eickelberg Kingdom of Wurtemburg Germany died of teething. I called a few of the German Saints on deck & spoke to them a short time. Brother Farrer followed comforting the parents much. At 4:15 p.m. the body was brought on deck. On this occasion a few of the English Saints by request & permission were present. Elder U. [Ulrich] Farrer under my directions offered a few remarks & & [SIC] I offered prayer. The sympathy of captain & officers with the presidency were extended, which were thankfully acknowledged & the remains were committed to the deep. At 9:30 p.m. Longitude 39.45 west.
Council as usual: nothing of importance. Air 70. Water 70. Barometer 30.55. Latitude 41. Longitude 39.11 west.
Mon. 4. Wind southwest. At 3:35 a.m. Emma Matlida daughter of Brother & Sister Singleton from Portsmouth Southampton died of marasmus. Aged 6 months & 14 days. At 5:30 a.m. the body was committed tot he deep under the presidency of President K. [John M. Kay] & Halladay [George Halliday] in Longitude 39. 3 west.
Although it is the anniversary of American independence there is no demonstration on board the American ship Hudson. Some have suggested that she was a rebel. Many of the Saints singing songs of Zion & enjoying some games on deck.
7:30 council as usual: Sister Sarah Ann Ellis was taken with cramp & visited by Dr. & Captain Pratt. He ministered to her & requested to be called if she got worse. [p.176]
Tues. 5. At 3 a.m. a small brig running with the wind came near being run over, it being so dark it could scarcely be seen. Was seen & the helm put down just in time to save her & a collision. 12 noon. Air 73. Water 74. Barometer 30.20. Latitude 41.13 Longitude 41.54 west.
At 1:20 a.m. Amelia White Clifton daughter of Thad & Keziah Clifton died of apthoea aged 3 months & 5 days. At 1:50 p.m. a squall with rain. Some of the Sails were reeled & others stowed. At 3 p.m. the body of the child was committed to the waves under the direction of Elder Halladay [George Halliday].
In the p.m. a few flying fish were seen. Numbers of passengers sick owing to the motion of the ship. Sea rough & wind strong. 7:30 p.m. council: I spoke of the conduct of Brother Harrison, volunteer cook, of the complaints of his roughness & driving them from the galley & setting their things one side & putting others in their places. President K. [John M. Kay] said if such were the facts Brother Harison [Harrison] was wrong most decidedly as all should be kind.
Wed. 6. Strong wind southwest. Sister Winkler wife of Ulrich Winkler from Zell Conton Zurich Switzerland, gave birth to a fine son at 1 a.m., both doing well. I was called upon at 1:30 a.m. & gave notice to the Dr. who assisted her. [p.177]
At 8:30 a.m. a heavy squall took the ship aback before she could be put round. The jib sail was carried overboard. Mr. Knight 1 mate in the heat of the moment, supposing it attributable to the neglect of the 3rd mate Mr. Harding seized him & both fell on the deck. Mr. Knight falling underneath requested to be released which was instantly granted. But coward like seized a belaying pin struck Mr. Harding 2 severe blows on the head. By this act Mr. Knight lost much of the good opinion of the sailors & passengers who saw the affray crying out for shame. Captain Pratt had to settle the affair.
7:30 p.m. Council as usual: several cases of measles were reported.
Thur. 7. Wind southwest. At 11 a.m. all the Saints were called on deck & the floors were sprinkled with tar oil as a renovator.
7:30 p.m. council: several things reported removed from their places & not returned. Brother Halladay [George Halliday] said to Brother Goodwin if he could not properly guard the ship & see that things were not stolen, that he with his brethren of the 2nd cabin would take full charge & go & watch the whole affair ourselves, to which a hearty response of amen was given.
Fri. 8. Fog wind west. Early in p.m. a confederate schooner have in sight & passed to leeward very slowly, the movements seemed rather strange. Council at 7:30. Ship stearing [-]. [p.178]
Sat. 9. I spent most of the day dealing out provisions very [-]. Council 7:30 p.m. 21 cases of measles reported not very heavy. H. King benediction. Several whales seen during the day.
Sun. 10. No meeting on deck owing to the cold damp weather. Council at 7:30 p.m. Reports show that the measles are increasing among the children. Several complaints of Brother Harison [Harrison]. Cook of his insulting conduct in the galley, which he denied. A vote of the council was called to know whether they had met with such conduct when visiting the galley. The vote was unanimous that he had been justly censured.
Mon. 11. Wind light but more favorable. At 10 a.m. a special council was called of 12 elders . . . But few of the Saints were allowed on the poop deck today as Captain Pratt was confined to his bed with sickness. 7:30 p.m. council. Elder Henry G. [George] Jemmett] [Jemmet] of captain of guard. The funnel of the condensing engine caught fire. Extinguished without damage. [p.179]
Tues. 12. Died at 5:15 a.m. Emily Francis [-] from Chettenham aged 1 year 2 months, 25 days. Buried at 6:20 a.m. Longitude. 55.11 west. President K [Kay] officiated. Died at 8:30 a.m. John Ulrich Winkler aged 6 days of [-]. Buried at 12 noon in Longitude. 55.30 west. J [John] L Smith officiated. Died at 1 p.m. Ellen W. Clifton from London of Menrasmus, aged 1 year 5 months. Buried at 8:30 p.m. Longitude 56.1 west.
7:30 p.m. Council meeting as usual. At 8 p.m. wind increased with heavy rain. 10:30 p.m. after I had got comfortably in bed the watch on the fore castle called out light ahead. Although the fog was very thick so that the vessel was nearly into us before she was seen & we came near running foul. We acknowledge the kind care of the Lord as preserving us. Air 62. Water 63. Barometer 30.18. Latitude 42.54. Longitude 55.11 west.
Wed. 13. Head wind. Deaths: At 7 a.m. Bastian de Keyser aged 3 years 1 month 4 days from Hullin. Timothy [Timotheus] Mets officiated. 12 noon sounded for [-] but found none. 7:30 council as usual.
Thurs. 14. Died of measles at 10:10 a.m., Margret Papworth from Cambridgeshire, England aged 1 year 4 months, 1 day. Buried at 8:40 p.m. Elder McCuen [Matthew McCune] officiated. Saints all called on deck & the below decks were sprinkled with lime and tar oil. 7:30 p.m. Council as usual. [p.180]
Fri. 15. Wind fair tho light. I made [-] & passed into President K. [Kay] my account of moneys to be exchanged. At 1:30 p.m. Sister Mary Baxter from Scotland gave birth to a fine daughter. 7:30 p.m. Council as usual. Reports: improving.
Sat. 16. I commenced before breakfast & dealt out to the passengers 3 barrels of sugar before breakfast was both tired & hungry when I had finished. P.m. foggy. 7:30 p.m. council as usual.
Sun. 17. Wind favorable still foggy. I assisted in blessing the infant daughter of Sister Baxter in company with President K. [Kay], Halladay [Halliday], & Ross named it Ellen Kay Bokler. P.M. meeting on main deck at which instructions were given concerning the traps & snares set to lead the unwavy [-] at New York upon their arrival. 7:30 council as usual. Previous to which I met the German & Dutch wards below & spoke to them for some time as to the counsel to be pursued by them upon their arrival at New York to avoid trouble [-] & danger.
Mon. 18. Weather fine, wind favorable. 4:30 a.m. Pilot came on board. He brought papers from New York of the 11th instant giving news of the war with the Rebels. Report of the sinking of the Confederate vessel “Alabama” by the Federal steamer “Courage.” I know I spoke ½ hour to German ward No. 9. Mother Caren’s chickens caught. [p.181]
Tues. 19. At 7 a.m. a tug boat took Packer ship Hudson in tow and we are nearing port. I finished letters for Bullock H. Debenhasn London also one for my wife at B. Smith & Mary A. Smith Salt Lake City. Packing & cleaning, making arrangements for landing in New York. The wind is dying away & the sailors are busy stripping the ship.
The captain tells me he has to pay the tug 150$ to tow the ship into dock. We passed Sandy Hook Lighthouse & up through the narrows & cast anchor at 3:30 p.m., opposite Castle Garden. When Elder W. [William] C. Staines came on board, and at 5:30 p.m. & addressed the council meeting in the evening & spent the night on board.
Wed. 20. Elder P. A. Schettler came on board early this morning & the lighter came alongside at 8 a.m. & the luggage was transferred from ship Hudson by the brethren in a few hours. 12 noon the people left the ship & were landed at Castle Gardens. The Lighter was taken along side the steamer St. John & put on board & the Saints came on board at 5 p.m. & steamer “St. John” started up the river for Albany, 150 miles distant at 6 p.m. [p.182]
Thur. 21. Arrived at Albany at 5 a.m. The steamer leaving 1406 persons on board. On the lower deck it was very much crowded & a poor chance for sleeping. The luggage was taken to the railway station & weighed 65 tons & the people went on board the train of 24 carriages which started for Buffalo at 1 p.m. Distant 260 miles & rode all night.
Friday. 22. 3 p.m. arrived at Buffalo crossed the end of Lake Erie in a steamer. Bought some crackers & cheese. The luggage was transferred to the cars of the Grand Trunk Railway & the people got on the train & started for Port Huron at 8 p.m. 240 miles rode all night one carriage reported disables it was left & a baggage car taken its place.
Sat. 23. Arrived at Port Huron on St. Clare River at 12 noon. After riding through lower Canada where most of the forests remain uncleared. The Grand Trunk Railway line men are very ungentlemanly. After crossing the St. Clair River by steam ferry. We changed to the cars of the Central Michigan Railroad & started at 5 p.m. for Chicago on Lake Michigan 260 miles. Soon after leaving the woods on each side the track were seen on fire for miles making it unpleasantly warm & dangerous of them to pass. [p.183]
Sun. 24. 5 p.m. arrived at Chicago. Staid on train all night. Some of the Saints went out to look for bread shops shut up & but little found.
Mon. 25. Left Chicago for Quincy on the Illinois Centennial Rail at 9 a.m. Much inconvenience was experienced by the frequent change of cars on this line, one of which took place at midnight.
Tues. 26. At daylight this morning we arrived at [-] while the engine was taking in water at the tank Cousin Arthur Millkin & wife called me to the fence. She was Joseph the prophet’s sister Lucy. They expressed great pleasure at seeing me & asked me to stop with them a week. This was pleasing to me to hear them express, but with which I could not comply. I stayed just as long as possible & had barely time to reach the train when she started. I spent the night on guard. On the arrival at Plymouth I enquired of the station master & was informed that my wife’s brother Alexander D. Cleveland had been to the war but had returned & moved away with his family, but did not know where to.
Wed. 27. Train arrived at Quincy at 12 noon. The luggage was ferried across the Mississippi & the passengers crossed at 6 p.m. when we received word that on dispatch that that Salt River Bridge [p.184] had been burned, also Shelbina Station on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad been burned by the guerillas & in consequence we had to camp in the woods, but a thunder storm coming on they race to the Station for shelter but offorded poor accommodation & much exposed & remained here all day.
Thurs. 28. At 8 a.m. 3 trains were got in readiness to convey the Saints on the St. Joseph Railroad to the neighborhood of the burnt bridge which we reached at 12 noon. Passengers left the rain forded the River & camped again in the woods to await the removal of luggage which was carried over 3/4 of a miles over very rough ground. Much of it our mens backs as only 3 wagons were available for the heavier boxes. I had charge of the loading of the cars with the assistance of the German brethren.
Fri. 29. The luggage was over the river & reloaded by 3 p.m. & 3 trains of goods cars & cattle trucks very filthy & crammed to excess by Saints were started at short intervals for St. Joseph, Missouri. The effects of the current raid being very apparent in the burnt buildings. The excitement of the inhabitants & the number of armed men seen at the stations who had been sent to protect the line aha the route. [p.185]
Sat. 30. Arrived at St. Joseph Missouri at 7 & 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. after a terribly rough ride. One engine & several carriages getting off the track we all assisting to push the trains in sidings & some other mishaps. The last train brought in 2 dead children who had been sick for some time. We stayed at the railway station for the night.
Sun. 31. The Saints occupying a large shed belonging to the railroad company. A number of soldiers & others came down to the place to converse & in some cases tried to create disturbance. A Dutch girl understanding but little English being questioned by a number of the soldiers & they not understanding her represented that we were forcing her to go to G. [Great] S. [Salt] L. [Lake] City against her will & we were under the necessity of sending for the Provost Marshal (The country being under Marshal law.) To disperse the rabble after the case was examined by the aid of an interpreter being had satisfying himself that it was all a misunderstanding, commanded the soldiers to leave the ground. The rabble then declared they would have her if they had to burn the building, but by disguising her she was got on board the steamer “Colorado” leaving them watching her hat laying in the room where she had been & all passed off quietly to our no small satisfaction. At 3 p.m. I left St. Joseph on board steamer Colorado with wagons & foreign Satins for “Wyoming” & goods for intermediate ports & stations. [p.186] J.W Young, Joseph A. Young, & P.A. Schettler accompanied us. The boat tied up at a wood yard for the night.
August Monday 1, 1864. Missouri River.
Mon. 1. Started at daylight. Brother J. A. Young left the boat at the 1st station below Brownsville taking a horse with him. During the day I had some trouble to get the people to understand that it was best to keep a respectful distance from strangers. We tied up for night at a wood yard.
Tues. 2. 5 a.m. started again raining for 2 hours and after rubbing over Sandbars & feeling our way from bank to bank & running over Shags we arrived at Wyoming at 2 p.m. I found 2 letters at this place from home. The Foreign Saints with myself were placed to travel in Captain William. Hydes Company & repaired to the camping ground ½ a mile from Wyoming. The steamer “J. F. Lacy” arrived with the English Saints at 5 p.m.
Wed. 3. Spent the day in getting up luggage from the landing & putting together wagons all hard at work all day. [p.187]
Thursday 4. Still at work fitting up wagons & gathering up oxen filling in & getting ready the train for starting across the plains. [Fri 5 IS WRITTEN AFTER getting ready AND BEFORE the train.]
Sat. 6. I purchased the provisions for the German independent wagons. Brother J. Beck offered place in his wagon for my trunk which I accepted.
Sun. 7. I was taken with the cholera at 11 p.m.
Mon. 8. Continued with vomiting & diarrhea every 15 minutes until noon with severe cramping spells in bowels wells & limbs being a rather severe attack. I lost 45 pounds in weight in 48 hours. Some of my friends had but little hopes of my recovery. I had no fears. I took some medicine which checked the diarrhea. Sister [UNCLEAR, POSSIBLY, Eliza Karhui] waited on me faithfully for which the Lord reward her. I called some of the brethren to administer to me & took some nursing medicine from Brother T. [Tomotheus] Mets. The brethren seemed almost faithless. I told them they need not look to leave me. I was going home if I went on foot.
Tues. 9. Some better. Rode to the office in Captain Hyde’s carriage in the p.m. In the p.m. the train moved. . . [p.188] [NOTE: THE COMPLETION OF THIS JOURNEY IS ANOTHER VOLUME WHICH IS NOT AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, CHURCH ALMANAC 1997-98 P.175 NOTES THAT THE COMPANY OF WILLIAM HYDE ARRIVED IN THE SALT LAKE VALLEY SOMETIME BETWEEN OCTOBER 26-30, 1864]
BIB: Smith, John Lyman, Autobiography and Journals of John Lyman Smith. MS 1122, pp.160-188.
Autobiography of Charles William Symons - Symons source
. . . In the fall of 1863 our arrangements to leave London and emigrate to Utah were being consummated, although with many tears and heartaches, saying in our hearts farewell to our kindred and friends, visiting in Leigh, Surrey a few times, telling them (our relatives) of the Gospel, but not openly declaring our intentions of emigration for the reason that the law might have upset our plans. One year yet remained of my apprenticeship not completed, and my father was opposed to our leaving, so we had to be very careful or our plans of emigration would have been thwarted and our fares, which were paid in advance, would have been lost. Little by little were our plans completed, our meager outfit made ready, and on the 30th day of May, 1864, transferred to the docks and on board the sailing vessel Hudson which was to leave June 1st for New York.
It was a very interesting sight to witness the coming together of 900 Latter-day Saints, consisting of English, Scotch, Welsh, Germans, Hollanders, Swiss, Scandinavian, Danish, and a very few French. At the fore end of the ship, apartments and berths were arranged for 200 consisting of mostly Irish emigrants to the United States. These were partitioned off to themselves so that there was no association with them on the ship’s deck. Our people were very busy locating [p.4] themselves in their berths by day, fastening their trunks and belongings to the deck so that all would be firm and not be disturbed by the ship’s motion when at sea. At dusk, groups would gather and visit with each other, singing the songs of Zion and relating incidents that had occurred in getting to the big boat, and also of their history since becoming members of the Church. But oh! what a happy crowd, all bent on doing the will of the Lord and keeping his commandments.
On board ship strict discipline was necessary; rules were made to be observed by all. Officers were appointed to enforce them, and to see that there was no delinquency. Prayers were maintained night and morning, meetings held on deck every night, and lights were to be out by 9 o’clock p.m. Arrangements were also made for the distribution of food, certain days for certain articles of food. The galley or cook house with its arrangements was completed and certain hours designated for the cook to receive them, and for the distribution of fresh water; for remember all articles of food were in a raw condition except hard tack or ship’s biscuits, which were not very enticing, it being necessary to break them with a hammer, and frequently in breaking them you would see many jumpers or maggots roll out of the crevices in the biscuit. The ship’s rations consisted of salt beef, salt pork, potatoes, rice, split peas, and a very small quantity of flour; tea, salt, pepper, sugar, and we each had to be supplied with a linen bag to hold each of these articles, and at the time specified we were to be at the commissary to receive them.
On June 2, 1864, anchor was weighed, a pilot board attached to the boat by means of a heavy cable towed us down the River Thames into the English Channel; then the sailing vessel Hudson was left to make the journey across the Atlantic to New York City. There were many heavy sighs, and many a tear shed, when leaving the English Channel, for the last time, to take a glimpse of their native land, England, as it gradually faded from view to see no more land until reaching the shores of the United States.
My father and Mr. Pardoe (to whom I was apprenticed) heard the news of our leaving for Utah and came to prevent us, following us down the Thames and the English Channel in a tug board. But we had too big a start, so they gave up the chase.
The ride over the ocean was not very interesting, especially on a boat similar to the one we were now on. The only points to break the monotony of our condition were the occasional sighting of an ocean liner or some other sailing vessel which was enjoyed, especially if near, also the shoals of porpoise and the blurting of the whale, which threw up bursts of water many feet high. However at midnight when about in mid-ocean we were awakened by much activity of the crew on deck, and next morning we learned that we nearly had a collision with another sailing boat—so close that the rigging of each ship became entangled, and we felt, upon hearing the news, surely the Lord was mindful of us, and that he had protected us from dangers.[p.5]
The next point of interest to us was when we were nearing the shores of the U. S., when early in the morning the Confederate gunboat “Georgia” hailed us and brought us to a standstill, for be it remembered the War of the Rebellion was now in full sway. After inquiries from our captain we were permitted to move on for they ascertained that 1100 British subjects were on board. Consequently they had no means of handling that many persons and the would-be prize was given up, the gunboat’s band playing a farewell.
On our journey much sickness in our company was among us, such as measles, and many of the children died and were buried at sea. It was a custom that will always be remembered by us, and very sad to contemplate. The corpse was wrapped in a blanket and then placed upon a plank, and at a certain part of the ceremony the plank was raised and the body fell into the watery grave.
It was early in the morning of the 16th of July when the words, “Land Ahoy!” were heard and it was a lively rush on deck to witness the new land, and it was certainly a picture never to be forgotten. After our six weeks and over of an ocean life, to again witness land, it looked to us beautiful. In a few short hours a pilot had us in a tow and we were safely taken into the harbor of New York. Here we were interviewed by the customs officers and were placed in the Castle Garden, where all were examined as to health and inquiries made to comply with the U. S. laws as to our right to land. After passing a critical examination, we were passed and permitted to go ashore.
We were directed to railroad cars to convey us to the frontiers. It was no small job to locate a company with freight, but finally two sections were formed and we were on our way. Travel on cars was not very commodious and not very clean. It was also slow for bridges and railroad tracks were torn out by Confederate armies, and freight had to be carried across rivers and creeks were train crews awaited to convey us to our destination. At St. Joe we were placed on a Missouri River boat which carried us to Wyoming, Nebraska, an outfitting point for the journey across the plains.
For two weeks we lived in a little brush shelter awaiting preparations for the journey over the plains, the loading of wagons, with freight of 900 people being tedious and slow. It required 120 wagons with from two to four yoke of cattle. Finally one train of 60 wagons and oxen was in shape and Captain Hyde placed in charge. On account of Indian depredations they halted and waited for the next train to overtake them so that they would be stronger in case of attack from Indians.
I was engaged to drive on of the teams to Salt Lake, the agreement being my fare and board as well as that of my mother for my services. This was new work for me as I had never seen any oxen yoked before, but by watching old teamsters it soon became easy. Experience taught me that kindness to oxen availed much for the cattle came to know my voice. While many accidents occurred, I had no trouble from the Missouri River to Salt Lake. . . .[p.6]
BIB: Symons, Charles William [Autobiography], IN Meredith, Carley Budd and Anderson, Dean Symons, The Family of Charles William Symons and Arzella Whitaker Symons (privately printed, 1986) pp. 4-6 (HDL)
Autobiography of Charles William Symons - Whitaker source
. . . We were booked to leave London on the sailing ship Hudson June 1, 1864. It was a severe trial that we had to leave secretly, not letting our folks know we were going. We found consolation in the scripture which says, “He that will not forsake father and mother, houses and lands, for My sake, is not worthy of Me.” We boarded the ship but for some reason were delayed two days. During this time, 900 Saints were happy singing songs of Zion.
My father and a Mr. Pardoe heard the news of our leaving for Utah, and came to prevent us, following us down the Thames to the English Channel in a tug boat. We had too big a start, so they gave up the chase. I had one more year to complete an apprenticeship with Mr. Pardoe. I fully expected father to come to Utah, but he died in England, December, 1864.
Food rations were given on board, though it was not very palatable, and we had to cook our food ourselves, which was quite a problem. After a few weeks at sea, measles broke out among the children, and many deaths occurred, the bodies being consigned to a watery grave at sea. A storm came up which tore away part of the ship’s rigging. When about one week from New York, a Confederate man of war (gun boat) “The Georgia” halted us as the Civil War was in progress. After satisfying themselves our ship was not a prize, we were permitted to go. After six weeks we arrived in New York.
After inspection by custom officials we were directed to railroad cars to convey us to the Frontiers. It was very slow, for bridges and railroad tracks were torn out by Confederate armies, and freight had to be carried across rivers and creeks where train crews awaited to convey us to our destination. At St. Joe, we were placed on a Missouri River boat which carried us to Wyoming, Nebraska, an outfitting point for the journey across the plains. For two weeks we lived in a little brush shelter awaiting preparations for the journey over the plains, loading of wagons, with freight of 900 people being tedious and slow. It required 120 wagons with from two to four yoke of cattle. . . .[p.170]
BIB: Symons, Charles William, [Autobiography], IN The Whitaker Family in England and America, comp. by Wilford W. Whitaker, Jr., and Erma Whitaker Sorensen (privately printed), 1980, p. 170. (HDL)
Autobiography of Eva Christine Beck Zimmerman Harrison
. . . It was while in Stuttgart my brother, John, embraced the gospel, thereby becoming the first Latter-day Saint convert in Wurttemberg. Returning home, John explained the new creed to his mother, Sister Pauline Beck Naegle, brother George and myself. We all accepted the gospel in the year 1863, and my thirteenth birthday, May 12, 1864, my mother and her family left our native home, emigrating to America for the gospel’s sake. When we arrived at Hamburg we were met by the missionaries who formed us in a line, each holding the other’s hand, one missionary being at the head and another bringing up the rear to guard us, and thus we arrived at the hotel. The same formation was held in marching to the ship when we departed, lest we be stolen away and sold as slaves. Leaving Hamburg we sailed for London, England, where we were delayed for a period of three weeks while the ship Hudson, was being made ready for the journey to America. It was during our stay in London that I narrowly escaped being kidnaped. We were eating at one hotel and sleeping at another. One day while leisurely walking from the hotel where I had eaten to the hotel where we slept, knitting as I went, a crowd of women beckoned to me and coaxed me into a large room where mirrors were so arranged that I could see no one but myself. Just at this time a band passed by the house and attracted a large crowd, among them the women who had lured me into the room. At that instant, being very much afraid, I made my escape by ducking my head and slipping under their arms. I was later informed that had I stepped upon one of the trap doors, I would have dropped into a dungeon or cellar, this being one of the methods of obtaining slaves to ship to Africa.
The vessel was completed and we boarded her for our journey across the great Atlantic, six weeks being necessary to complete the voyage. While crossing the ocean, fire broke out on the ship, which created a panic on board. However, not much damage was done. Severe storms were encountered, causing much seasickness amongst the passengers. On another occasion, a hostile warship hove into sight and all persons, both passengers and crew, large and small, women, men and children were all rushed on deck to show how many souls were aboard. During the voyage the regular food gave out and all on board had to live on hard tack. Edward Harrison Sr., who later became my father-in-law, was a cook on board the vessel. Finally, the promised land was reached and the journey, mostly on foot, across the plains commenced, with the usual hardships and trials incident thereto. The only cooking utensils we had during the journey were a cast iron kettle, a frying pan with tin plates and cups to eat and drink from; the only fuel obtainable much of the time was buffalo chips. We arrived in Salt Lake City November 24th, over six months having elapsed since we left our native land.[p.49]
BIB: Harrison, Eva Christine Beck Zimmerman, [Autobiography], Our Pioneer Heritage, comp. By Kate B. Carter, vol. 8 (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1965) p. 49. (HDL)
Autobiography of Harriet Goble Bird
. . . at last we able to leave all . . . behind us and come to Utah. We left London on the 3rd of June, 1864. We sailed on the ship Hudson with 1100 Saints on board, down the River Thames, out into the ocean singing, "O, Babylon, O Babylon." We had a splendid voyage without storm or accident of any kind. We arrived in New York early in August. We went up the River Hudson to Albany and then took the train to Buffalo and on to St. Joe's [St. Joseph’s] and by boat to Wyoming [Nebraska] where we were met by the ox teams sent from Utah. We left Wyoming on the 17th of August and I with several others walked all the way to Weber as there was no room in the wagons for the healthy ones. We crossed the plains in Warren Snow’s company (the last company with ox teams for that season.) Part of the way a train of gentiles joined us, which made our train five miles long. They joined us for safety, which was of mutual benefit as the Indians were very aggressive at that time.
We stayed a day or two at Weber, where we were met by several of the Saints sent by Brigham Young with wagons and teams to carry the sick, aged and wary the rest of the way, and very welcome they were. We reached Salt Lake Nov. 2, 1864. My sister and her husband met us there . . .
BIB: Bird, Harriet Goble. Autobiography (formerly in Msd 2050), p. 4. (HDA)
Autobiography of James T. Sutton
In 1864, when I was sixteen years of age, my parents decided to come to Utah for the sake of their religion. We were all anxious to go but we met with a lot of opposition from all those who knew us. Mr. Wean tried to dissuade father by saying, “Henry, if you will change your mind, I’ll give you a better job and I’ll sen your three boys to school. They can learn all it is possible for them to learn and then I’ll apprentice them to any trade they want to follow. It won’t cast you a penny.” In spite of this my father adhered to his original decision and in the summer of that year we joined an emigration train and left London docks on the sailing vessel, Hudson, Jun 1st, 1864. There were 900 Saints on board. That was a sight to be remembered! Some were crying, some were laughing and others fainting at the thoughts of leaving their loved ones never to see them again. My father fainted on the deck as the ship began pulling away from the wharf. We thought for a few minutes that my brother Henry would not be with us. My cousin, James Thomas, was holding him on the dock trying to keep him from leaving but at the last moment he broke away and with a run and a big jump, caught hold of one of the ropes on the side of the boat and climbed aboard.
Captain Pratt, a cousin to Parley P. Pratt, was our captain. A fine man and a good sailor. He piloted our ship to Castle Gardens, New York safe in the harbour after battling head winds all the way across. There were 1025 people all told on board ship. We stood the trip fairly well. The fare was coarse but substantial. Hard ship’s biscuits, fat beef, pork, beans and rice were our chief foods. Mother brought a small coop of chickens, two hens and a rooster, across with her and the few eggs we gathered [p.296] were surely enjoyed. Mother was very sick on the ship and could not eat anything until we got an egg and made it into a custard. She was able to eat that and so gained strength. We had a few deaths aboard. When that happened the body was wrapped in a sheet, weighted, and laid on a plank. It was then taken to the side of the ship, the plank tipped, and the body slid off into the ocean. “The billows rolled as they rolled before; there was many a prayer did hallow the wave as they sank beneath in a traveler’s grave.”
At that time the Civil War was going on and as we neared our destination, the warship, Alabama, pulled alongside our ship to determine what kind of freight was aboard. The sailors cried out to us to “say your prayers, you Mormons, you are all going down!” But we were spared. We were all immigrants from other countries and they dared not sink us. It took us seven and one-half weeks to make the trip across and at the end our ship was piloted into the harbor. All our luggage was taken to the custom house and examined. We were all passed on by doctors. As the doctor finished with us boys he turned to mother and said heartily, “your three boys are all alright!” If there had been any suspicion by the doctor that we were not as we should be in regard to health, we would have been kept in quarantine.
After we were through there, we were all loaded on a steamboat and taken up the river for the distance. Finally we were unloaded from that and eventually found ourselves on a train ready for our overland journey westward. The cars were without decent accommodations. We had to sit on our luggage for seats. People were riding in cattle cars or any kind they could get. It was desperately hard on those who were sick and on the older people.
Now we reached the war zone. I was forcibly reminded of an occurrence in which I had participated before leaving England. A man by the name of Gillman, a ship’s carpenter, had taken a fancy to me and took me out one night to do some preaching. He was a local man--but he had some sheets of paper on which was printed the prophecy of Joseph Smith concerning the Civil War. I helped him distribute these sheets. When I began to get glimpses of the war I couldn’t help but remember that prophecy. We saw quite a bit of action by the soldiers and by the Indians. They were, of course, all on the warpath. Many times we saw smoke signals from the tops of the mountains. One of the railroad bridges was destroyed and we had to unload all the luggage, take it down through the creek, up the other side and into some cattle cars that were handy there--dirty or clean it made no difference. The next station we came to was burned to the ground. The train was fired at by soldiers and one of the cars was afire as a result. Often at night officers came through the train searching for deserters. At times the engine and tender were alive with soldiers shooting at rebels tearing up the track.[p.297] Of course fear and horror were experienced by all of us but we would not have turned back had we been given the chance.
We finally reached the end of the railroad tracks and had to prepare ourselves for the journey across the plains. At that time there was a perpetual emigrating fund. The people who were already settled and living here in Utah, in the various wards, used to send whatever they could in the way of wagons and oxen to bring the immigrants to Zion. Of course there were may provisions, not only for us, but also for the people living in Utah, and the wagons were loaded to the limit. Nothing in the line of food could come from the west and the price of foods brought from the east was too high for most of us. Tea and coffee sold for one to two dollars per pound. Flour and sugar were a dollar a pound.
We stayed about two weeds getting ready for the westward march. The provisions had to be divided and all arrangements made. . . .[p.298]
. . . We were between three and four months coming across the plains and one weary day we found ourselves traveling down Weber canyon within one day’s travel of our destination—Salt Lake City. Captain Hyde had gone on ahead when Bishop Cannon from Salt Lake met us. He inquired for Captain Hyde and on being told he had ridden ahead he tuned to father and said, “You are English?” “Yes,” replied Dad. “Well” said Bishop Cannon, I have a chest of tea in my buggy—take it—and when you reach camp tonight we’ll have some fine food ready.” It was in October and there was snow on the ground. We had all gone through a great deal of suffering and were very happy to pull into the 8th ward square, the immigrants camping grounds The City and county Building now stands on that spot. . . .[p.299]
BIB: Sutton, James T., [Autobiography], Our Pioneer Heritage, comp. By Kate B. Carter, vol. 17 (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1974) pp. 296-99. (HDL)
Autobiography of Mary Ann Ward Webb
. . . Early in life I left home to make my own living which I did until I left England. The years preceding this time I lived in London and vicinity. My future prospects were very bright so naturally I wished to remain there, but I could not still the urge of the spirit to go to Zion.
My sister, Jemima, and I decided to leave with the company going in the summer of 1864. We gave up our positions, visited our friends and went on board the sailing ship Hudson, June 3rd. This parting was a very sad one, and I shall never forget it. Of the dear ones we left behind, I have seen but one, my brother George, who visited me here some years ago. The voyage from London to New York was a long and tedious one lasting 47 days. The ship carried 1,100 passengers, 1,000 being Mormons from England and other European countries. The company was organized into fourteen [4] wards, with a teacher for each. Prayer was held on deck night and morning with meetings on Sunday and during the week. Professor George Careless was a passenger. He organized a choir which had plenty of time to practice, so became quite proficient. The ship’s officers enjoyed the singing very much, so the captain gave us permission to practice in his cabin. Due to the crowded condition of the ship, there was much sickness and death. An epidemic of measles broke out among the children. Unlike the great passenger ships of the present day, we were given our rations and made our own arrangements for cooking and serving our meals. Most of the cooking and serving was done in the large ship galley, in charge of George Harrison and Edward White, who were the ship’s cooks. Our rations consisted of tea, sugar, oatmeal, rice, split peas, potatoes, salt pork, salt beef and hard biscuits. We were given plenty. I saved some, which I brought with me to Salt Lake where tea was $10.00 a pound and sugar $1.00 a pound.
On shipboard I, with Dorcas Debenham, acted as nurses, helping many who were sick, as I had brought some medicine and provisions with me. The weather was fine, we were caught in but one storm which was not a severe one. With all flags flying we sailed up New York Bay and landed at Castle Garden on July 20th. In the afternoon we went on board a steamer as deck passengers for Albany. The boat was crowded. We had to find places for our luggage and a place to stand or lie down as we might choose. We were fortunate in finding a place to lie down on some bales of cotton. While daylight lasted we enjoyed the scenery up the Hudson very much. Next morning a steward showed us through the steamer. It certainly was a fine boat. We arrived in Albany the next morning and went ashore. Soon after noon we went on board a passenger train of 21 coaches and left for the west.
This was a pleasant ride across the central part of New York State, a hilly, rolling country with many wooded districts. Just before reaching Buffalo we had engine trouble and were delayed several hours. Some of the men left the train and got us some bread and some apples.[p.107] At Buffalo we changed trains. On account of the Civil War the railway equipment was depleted so we now had poor cars, some of them being cattle cars. From here we went into Canada. In passing through this country we ran into a forest fire. Trees were blazing on both sides of us so we were badly frightened. We had a narrow escape from a collision, some cars got loose but no one was hurt. We crossed Lake Huron, changed to another train and on to Chicago. On this train we had good cars again so enjoyed the ride as we passed through some beautiful country.
We arrived in Chicago on July 24th. This was Sunday and we remained here until the following day. Some army officers came on board our train to search for deserters and made some trouble. We were offered $14.00 in currency for one pound of English money. The trip from Chicago to Quincy, Ill., was a pleasant one. We arrived there on July 26th. We crossed the Mississippi River and had to walk from the landing to the railway station over a very rough road. We had to stay for two days waiting for a train. A heavy storm came up; there was not room for all in the station so we had a most miserable time. Some of us went down to the river where some men tried to drown us. They were very bitter against the Mormons. The second night we had to sleep on the damp ground. Two children died with the measles. On July 28th we started, going but a short distance. The bridge over a creek had been torn out, a result of the war. We had to wade the shallow creek and wait overnight for another train, which proved to be a train of open cattle cars. Not very comfortable riding with no seats and the cinders falling on us all the time. One car took fire. Alexander Ross crawled over the cars to the engine. The train was stopped and the burning car cut off. There were three sections to our train. One went over an embankment, one jumped the track, but we were all protected and arrived safely at St. Joseph, Mo., tired, worn out and dirty. We had to wash and wash to find our fresh English complexion. On July 31st we went on board a river steamer for a trip up the Missouri River. We were deck passengers again, and when a storm came up we got wet. All the water to drink was taken from the muddy river, so nearly everyone got sick; I had my share. As the weather was extremely hot we were afraid of cholera. When we landed at Florence on Aug. 2nd, Brother Bentley gave me a big dose of pain killer. I thought it was a real killer and felt like I would burn up. We camped here and helped get the equipment ready for the trip across the plains. . . .[p.108]
. . . Of the original company of 1,000 almost 100 died on the way. On Nov. 2nd we arrived in Salt Lake, cold tired, footsore, and weary, but happy for it was the land of Zion for us. Glad to get where we could rest once more. I went to live at the home of W. S. Godbe, a house and a home and a bed once more. [p.109]
BIB: Webb, Mary Ann Ward, “The History of Mary Ann Ward Webb and Her Diary of the Journey to Utah (1864),” in Robert R. King and Kay Atkinson King, Mary Ann Webb: Her Life and Ancestry (McLean, Virginia: America Society for Genealogy and Family History, 1996) pp. 107,109. (L)
Diary of Michael McCune
. . . Friday, Ship Hudson, Shadwell Bason, 3rd June 1864 - Wrote letters to Messrs. Hinchliffe, Lambert, & Hood, also Sister Chalmers. The Officers of Government came on board and inspected the people and at 2 p.m. hauled out of dock and steam tug took us in tow down the river. Went as far as Gravsend 30 miles from London and anchored there for the night. Previous to this the Government Commissioner & doctor came on board and inspected us again then left by the tug "Pemch". Brother G. [George] Q. Cannon, Jessy N. Smith & others leaving at the same time,[p.276] the Saints cheering lustily whilst the Brethren continued in sight on the Deck. Brother Cannon told me he had put me as Counselor to Brother J. [John] M. Kay, and wished me to try and keep things as straight for me as possible on board the ship.
Saturday 4th June 1864, Ship Hudson, off Folkstone - Under steam tug [-], wind against us. The tug cast us off, off Margate. We then proceeded under canvas. Served out provisions the whole of the afternoon until 9:30--very tired.
Sunday 5th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Held meeting about noon preached to the Saints & gentiles of the former about 850 of the latter about 150, felt well. Brother George Halladay spoke for a short time, then Brother John L. Smith, afterwards Brother John M. Kay spoke. The letter of appointment was read from Brother G. [George] Q. Cannon viz. Brother Kay to be president, G. [George] Halladay 1st Counselor, J. [John] L. Smith 2nd do. & M. [Matthew] McCune to be 3rd, a good feeling prevailed. Served out provisions during the afternoon.[p.277]
Monday 6th June 1864, Ship Hudson, off Brighton - Attending on the sick and administering all the comfort we could to them.
Tuesday 7th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Attended a great many sick today. We are quite becalmed in the British Channel, but the Saints feel well, and for a striking contrast with the gentiles who are on board. One poor sister from Kent of the town of Bromley is slightly affected in her mind, her name is Sarah Marshall. I seem to have some influence with her, as she will do whatever I want her.
Wednesday 8th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Got up a 4 o’clock and visited Sister Griffiths who is suffering from diarrhea also. Sarah Marshall, found her sleeping soundly. She talks of Brother Hoking Ensign E. The pilot boat following us to take off the pilot, discharged him about 1 o'clock p.m. Reading & attending the sick, administered to two persons today. Wrote a letter to Brother John Sharp Junior. and sent it to be posted by the pilot. Light winds and fine.[p.278]
Thursday 9th June 1864, Ship Hudson - A light leading wind this morning. Administering to the sick &c. Hold meeting with the presidents of wards every evening at 7:30 p.m. to hear reports & suggest whatever may appear for the best.
Friday 10th June 1864, Ship Hudson - A week today since we left the docks and not yet out of sight of land, off Falmouth. Attending the sick, &c &c.
Saturday 11th June, 1864, Ship Hudson - Still in sight of land, squally weather with rain, a great many seasick.
Sunday 12th June 1864, Ship Hudson - A fine day. The sick getting better, held meeting on the poop, quite a number spoke, myself amongst them. A calm prevails today, the people are singing and enjoying themselves.
Monday 13th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Two cases of measles in the ship, had it made known to the captain, the ship doctor did not come. Near light breezes all day, a good strong breeze tonight. [p. 279]
Tuesday 14th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Strong breezes, laying our course as usual. Attending the sick, and attending [UNCLEAR- POSSIBLY Mr. or William.] Pepper in taking account of the passengers. We are now fairly out in the Atlantic Ocean.
Wednesday 15th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Strong headwind all day. The people, many of them feeling prostrated & low, ordered more wine an porter today then hitherto, attending upon the sick.
Thursday 16th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Strong winds 3 ½ points out of our course. The most of the sick up on deck, an old man died today after taking a large dose of caster oil on a stomach weakened by retching. He was buried in the ocean in the evening.
Friday 17th June 1864, Ship Hudson - A light breeze & foul. Attending the sick a good part of the day, giving them wine and porter also arrowroot.
Saturday 18th June 1864, Ship Hudson - A fine day, a perfect calm, the sick all on deck. the Captain given a quantity of soup for the sick two days running, made from beef biscuit.[p.280]
Sunday 19th June 1864, Ship Hudson - A fine breeze from the West. Held meeting on the poop. Preached on the first principles to a most attentive audience of gentiles and Saints. The sick feeling better.
Monday 20th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Wind ahead of us, waiting on the sick.
Tuesday 21st June 1864, Ship Hudson - Foul wind.
Wednesday 22nd June 1864, Ship Hudson - Another case of measles today, also commenced the treatment of a case of typhoid fever, Brother Timothy Metz [Mets]. The wind changed to fair at 8 A.M. today.
Thursday 23rd June 1864, Ship Hudson - Wind one point foul.
Thursday 23rd June 1864, Ship Hudson - Light breeze, an infant child died today belonging to a Swiss family by name Charles Kamerel [Kamerli] aged one year, two months & twenty-one days of inflammation of the bowel, the body was buried in the ocean in the evening. Another case of measles in the same family as the other, both doing well. Very little progress being made on our course. Brother Kamerel [Kamerli] sent [p.281] for me when the child was dead, but sought no aid before though the child had been sick ever since coming on board.
Friday 24th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Wind light but fair, attending the sick.
Saturday 25th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Wind light but fair. Kept running all day in attendance upon the sick.
Sunday 26th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Wind light but fair. Held meeting about noon. I was part of the time below attending the sick. Brother Halladay [George Halliday] preached afterwards Brother J. [John] L. Smith another meeting of the foreigners was held at 3 o'clock p.m.
Monday 27th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Wind light but fair, almost a calm. A German sister of the name of Riser [Reiser] died today between one and two o’clock quite unexpectedly. Sent for me for the first time when she was dead, sent for medicine about half an hour before. She was buried in the evening. Latitude: 43.35 Longitude. 26-20. Attended a great many sick today. The weather very warm, the people all upon deck. Sprinkled the between decks with oil of tar as a means of purification.[p.282]
Tuesday 28th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Light wind but fair, very warm. Captain Chapman has ordered that the poop be at the service of the sick and the Women and children.
Wednesday 29th June 1864, Ship Hudson - Fair wind making about 4 or 5 knots.
Thursday 30th June 1864, Ship Hudson - A good breeze making 6 ½ knots an hour. Reading most of the day, the rest of the time attending the sick.
Friday 1st July 1864, Ship Hudson - Fair wind but light, reading most of the day.
Saturday 2nd July 1864, Ship Hudson - Light breeze but fair.
Sunday 3rd July 1864, Ship Hudson - Met at 11 o’clock a.m. The Presidents of the Wards occupied the time. Gofried [Godfred] Adam Beck, one year and eight months & five days died today.
Monday 4th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Emma M. Singleton Six months fourteen days of Marasmus. Wind ahead and light.[p.283]
Tuesday 5th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Light breeze rather foul. A child of Brother Cliftons died today, a baby, & was buried in the sea.
Wednesday 6th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Strong breeze and rain a good many people seasick.
Thursday 7th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Fair breeze but light.
Friday 8th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Foul wind. In the afternoon passed a Confederate Crauses [UNCLEAR] supposed to be the "Rappahanoch." She rundown upon very rapidly but on making us out she hauled her wind and lay to apparently waiting for ships. We believe she would have burned us, but seeing our ship crowded with passengers let us alone.
Saturday 9th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Good breeze and fair. A great many children having the measles, four or five fresh cases daily occurring.
Sunday 10th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Light breeze and foul, also very cold. Held no meeting in consequence. Some fresh cases of measles today.[p.284]
Monday 11th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Fair wind but light. About 1100 miles from New York, measles increasing.
Tuesday 12th July 1864, Ship Hudson - A child died this morning about 5 o’clock a.m. A fair wind about 7 knots an hour. Two more children died today.
Wednesday 13th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Fair wind. Many children weak and debilitated after measles.
Thursday 14th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Another child died this morning of gangrene of the head. A fair wind officiated at the burial of the child this evening. Administered to three persons this evening.
Friday 15th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Fair wind but light.
Saturday 16th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Fair wind, good breeze. People in good health.
Sunday 17th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Held meeting in the afternoon. Spoke to the Saints on the temptation that would beset them on landing.[p.285]
Monday 18th July 1864, Ship Hudson - Received the pilot this morning at 4 o’clock a.m. from pilot boat No. 14 170 miles from "Sandy Hook."
Tuesday 19th July 1864, Ship Hudson, New York - The tug steamer "Blanche Paige," a Screw (as most of the tugs now in NewYork are) took us in tow, and we reached our anchorage ground off Castle Garden at 4o’clock p.m. the health officers came on board at 2 o’clock and passed the people. The custom house officer came on board at 3 p.m. Forty Six days on our passage out from London.
Wednesday 20th July 1864, New York - Landed today at Castle Garden. About 11 o'clock a.m., a young of BrotherWilliams died of repercussion of measles after landing. Brother & sister Goodman drew away from us & stayed at New York. Brother Bateman also stayed, to come on next season. Saw the Saints off for Albany en route for Wyoming on the boat "St. John." I think the first boat I have seen.[p.286] Put up at the Stevens House, No. 21 to 29 Broadway, N.Y., with BrotherStickles & family and Brother Humphries & family, both from Africa. Went to post office with Brother Stains & the above Brethren.
Thursday 21st July 1864, New York - Took our meals in the hotel the brethren paying. Visited the ship Hudson at the foot of Wall St. Visited the British Consul relative to recovering my back pension, to call again tomorrow, accompanied the brethren to make purchases in New York. Bought in their chests 10 tea.[UNCLEAR] Brother [William C.] Stains took tea with us.
Friday 22nd July 1864, New York - Wrote to Lieutenant. Roberts, Staff Officer of Pensioners Hamilton, Canada. Visited Barnums Museum in company with Brother Stickles & Humphries, their wives and families.[p.287]
Saturday 23rd July 1864, In the cars between New York and Niagara Falls - Bought a revolver $16, & caps 3,000. Visited the British Consul. Mr.Edwards and took an affidavit before him which I forwarded with a letter to the Under Secretary of State for War for India, Pell Mell, London, England. Left by the New York Central Railway for Niagara Falls at 6 o’clock p.m., traveled all night in a sleeping car. Passed through Palmyra and also through Rochester City, reached the Falls at 11:30. Have a beautiful view of the rapids from my window in the International Hotel International.
Sunday 24th July 1864, Niagara Falls - Visited the falls on both sides, that the American & Canadian. Tis most stupendous and grand. Went down a steep incline in a seat lowered by pullies, and crossed over in a boat, put on waterproof dresses and went down behind the waterfall, walked round Goat Island, also Bath Island, also Luna Island. Ascended a tower built upon a [p.288] point of rock above the Horse Shoe Fall. The people here are given to imposing upon the visitors in their charges.
25th July 1864, Hamilton, Upper Canada - Left today by the express for this place. Visited Lieutenant Roberts, Staff Office of Pensioners in Hamilton Upper Canada, and drew my pension up to the 30 September 1864. --Remained half a day in Hamilton and half a night, left by the express at 2 o'clock a.m. Hamilton is a very fine town with some beautiful shops.[p.289]
[END OF JOURNAL]
BIB: McCune, Matthew. (HDA) Diary (MS 10952) pp. 276-89.
John H. Miller
In 1864 I was released from my work as missionary in the Norwich conference to come to Utah. I came alone, as my mother and myself were the only members of the family who united with the Mormon church and my mother remained at the old home in England.
I came over from Liverpool to New York on the sailing vessel Hudson. On board there were 1000 Mormon emigrants. John Beck was of the number as was also Professor Careless. I remember that John Beck and I made a deal. He could not speak English and I could not speak German. I agreed to teach him English and he agreed to teach me German; but unfortunately for me, I became so busy that I could not carry out the contract. I had charge of one ward on the ship, and had charge also of all the lost property. You may be sure that with 1000 men, women, and children crowded in to one vessel, this gave me plenty to do.
We arrived in Castle Garden; were taken up the Hudson and out to Buffalo on a vessel. At Buffalo we took train for St. Joseph, Missouri, and there we took steamer for a small place called Wyoming near Nebraska City. There our party was divided into two companies, one under Captain Hyde and the other under Captain Snow.
The balance of the trip from Wyoming to Salt Lake was made with ox teams and three whole months were consumed in crossing the plains. There was great suffering during this part of the trip. There was lack of food. Flour went to $1 a pound. Occasionally we would stop at a ranch and get fresh beef. Ivariably this made us sick as we would go for weeks without fresh meat and would eat too heartily of it when we did get it.
The trip across the plains was such a hard one, there was so much exposure, and the trip ran so late into the season that over 100 persons died between the time we left England till our arrival in Salt Lake. Those who died were mostly children or old people who were not strong enough to stand the rigors of roughing it on the plains. As for me. I enjoyed the outdoor life and thrived on it.
We encountered heavy snow in the Black hills and were forced to camp in the snow on more occasions than one. At these times the future seemed dark. Many in the company had left good homes and being deprived of all comforts, faded away and died.
I married my wife on the plains two weeks out from Salt Lake. We became engaged on the way over, but did not intend to marry till after our arrival in Salt lake. My wife was Serena Barnett, a young girl at that time. On the trip her mother, sister, niece and sister-in-law all died. She was left with no one to care for her or the little property falling to her and in order to secure authority to care for her we were married.
I remember one little incident of the trip as though it happened yesterday. Crossing the Platte river at Julesburg, we had to put twenty yoke of oxen to each wagon to pull it across. We had to ride on the backs of the oxen. I was riding one of them when one of my toes got caught in one of the links of the ox chain. I had my choice of having my toe broken or tumbling off into the river. I tumbled and it was the deepest part of the ford, too. . . .[p.35]
BIB: Miller, John H, “Forty Years in Zion,” Salt Lake Tribune (Apr. 5, 1903) p. 35. (L)
Journal of John L. Smith
. . . On the 7th I received notification from President George Q. Cannon that I was to sail with Saints on board ship Hudson for New York, U. S. A.
May 10th 1864, I received a list of 100 names of emigrants from Elder W. W. Riter, Geneva Office, Switzerland, to be in London on the 11th, and immediately arrange lodgings for them.
May 11th, met and took the company to their lodgings, and with Brother Riter went to the London office, where we found President Cannon just starting for Liverpool. Brother Riter accompanied him. I returned to Sun Court and took up my quarters there, and entered fully into looking after the welfare of our emigration. I get my trunk and bedding from the place where I have been staying and kept busy early and late to see all was right, occasionally changing foreign money for the people and generally saving from two to three pence per pound for them. Brother Ulrich Farrer assisting, we gt our lists of emigrants, and Brother Mets the Dutch 1st (thirty) all in order.
May 16th - Elder W. W. Riter returned from Liverpool and we get everything arranged for necessaries for the company, Brother T Mets was taken with high fever and was raving for some hours each day and would not be still only when I was by his side. Received many visits from London Saints to see the Saints of our company. A number of friends joined and brought an Enfield rifle which they presented to me, with the fixtures, for which I feel to bless and thank them heartily.
A number of friends joined and while waiting the preparations of the ship to receive the passengers, I took several of the Saints to [-] London meetings. I received letters from home and answered them.
May 18th- I went on board the ship Hudson and met President Cannon with several valley elders.
Wednesday, June 1st, 1884, London desks, ship Hudson, today I received from President George Q. Cannon a ticket of passage and berthed with Thomas O. King in the [-] cabin. Thursday,[p.68]
Thursday [SIC], 2nd- The three or four days last passed I have been so busy that I have not found an opportunity of going on shore to make a few light purchases and say a few adieus to friends, and upon looking up June 3rd, found the tug boat pulling us through the dock gates at 12:30 p.m., and continued onward until three miles below Gravesend, where Captain I. Pratt cast anchor at 5:30 p.m. The government officials came on board and ticket in hand each passed for examination as per regulations, to prevent stowaways. After all had passed the official officers, President Cannon and some of the brethren who were with him left the skip on the tug boat, and returned to London, amid the cheers of those on board. The constant downpour of rain all day long, and the crowded state of the ship’s deck, had suggested that it was not best to hold the usual farewell meeting on board, to present the emigrants with the officers proposed for their acceptance, and to receive the general instructions usually gives. The appointments were written with instructions to have them present to the Saints after the ship was under way at the first opportunity. A council of Elders was called and the ship’s company divided into fourteen wards; president, John M. Kay; first counselor, George Halliday; second counselor, John L. Smith; assistant counselor, Matthew M. McCune, and Alexander Ross, secretary; James Brown, steward, and Charles Goodwin, captain of guard. President of first ward, William Moss; second ward, John Tuddenham; third ward, Thomas Clifton; fourth ward Timonthy [Timothy] Mets (Dutch ward); fifth ward, Ulrich Ferrer (German ward); sixth ward, James Howard; seventh ward, Samuel Nelson; eighth ward, Thomas C. Patten; ninth ward, Ludwig Motts (German); tenth ward, George Webb; eleventh ward, George Harrison; twelfth ward, William Sanders; thirteenth ward, John H. Miller. Instructions were given necessary to be carried out for the comfort and convenience of all. Captain I. Pratt said to President Kay and council, “Now we are cleared I will do al in my power for your comfort.”
Saturday, the 4th- At 3 p.m. the steam tug came along side and towed the Hudson out of the River Tames, while the sailors are busy arranging the canvas, etc., for use. In the forward part of the ship are 160 emigrants not belonging to the Saints, mostly from Ireland,[p.69] whom Captain Pratt by our request had partitioned off to themselves. In the evening the presidents of wards met in council to report, which s to be continued each night until other arrangements are made. All seems to be moving satisfactory and feeling well. The steam tug left us off the town of Margate.
Sunday 5th- At 12:30 p.m. the Saints assembled on desk and an interesting meeting was held, and instructions were given by President Kay and council, when Secretary Ross read the appointments and instructions left by President George Q. Cannon, all of which were voted for without an opposing view. President Kay spoke cheeringly to the Saints, followed by other brethren, all giving counsel for each one to be faithful, humble and prayerful. Captain Pratt expressed his satisfaction at the company and his willingness to do anything he could for our comfort. On favorable days the different chairs meet on deck and pass some time in an singing songs of Zion in English, German and Dutch, which helps to pass the time agreeably.
On the 8th, we came across a pilot beat upon which our pilot, Mr. Peshby left us. I had considerable conversation with him and find him a gentleman without the stiff formalities usually put on. Numbers of the passengers wrote letters to friends left behind. Some are beginning to feel the effects of the waves and some think they are pretty sick. All seem ready and willing to assist one another. At noon on the 12th, all who could get out met on the poop deck and addressed by President Kay and council, directing all to be kind and assist all who were poorly and out for fresh air, and especially for all to keep as clean as possible. Many items were touched upon adulated to keep feelings of peace and union and to remember to serve the Lord truly whether sick or well. On June 13th we passed Land’s End, the English Channel, 320 miles in length, ends at this point. We now enter on the broad Atlantic Ocean.
John L. Smith [p.270]
Voyage of the Ship Hudson
June 16th, 1864, Onboard the ship Hudson. An Elderly man of emigrants of the [-] part of the ship fifty-four years of age. William Fitzgerald, from Limerick, Ireland, died of hear disease at one a.m. About six p.m. many of the Saints and others gathered on the larboard side to witness a burial at sea. Under the direction of the first mate. Mr. Charles H. Knight, the body was brought to midship lying on a plank, having been sown up in canvas and a weight sufficient to sink it attached to the feet. One of the sons of the deceased read the burial service in conformity with the church of Rome, and the remains were launched into the ocean by raising one end of the plank, until the body slid feet foremost into the deep blue sea and quickly disappear.
Many passengers, having lost all appetite for eating, felt truly thankful for a bowl of soup made from preserved meats that had been on a voyage to the Arctic regions; twenty-five gallons were made and distributed by Captain Pratt’s direction. It was much appreciated by all.
June 17th, through the kindness of Captain Pratt twenty-eight gallons of that strengthening soup were distributed. June 20th. T. Mets of Rotterdam has been very sick with a fever for some days since coming on board, is now improving. June 23rd- A son of Brother and Sister Kaemerlin [Kamerlin], aged one year, two months and twenty-one days, in the third ward, died of inflamation of the bowels. At 8:30 p.m. the body was committed to the waves. I conducted the ceremonies in German. Captain Pratt, President Kay and others extended their sympathy to the parents. They returned their hear-felt thanks, all of which I translated. Sunday 26th, at eleven a.m. meeting on the dock; the presidency gave instructions and much good advice. Monday 27th, sister Elizabeth Reiser (of the ninth ward), aged forty years two months, died suddenly of disease of the heart. She was born in Canten Zurich, Switzerland; leaves a husband on board but no children. She died a faithful Latter-Day-Saint of four years standing. The burial took place at 6:30 p.m.[p.71] London [Longitude] 27-30: I officiating
June 29th- President J. M. Kay’s wife visits the sick below deck and ministers to them in her motherly way, which causes many to rejoice and bless her. June 30th Captain Pratt, Mr. Massey, part owner of the Hudson, and President Kay visited every ward and find all in better condition than expected. They gave the German and Dutch wards the premium as being in the best condition. At council in the evening the report was that all were improving. Sunday, July 3rd, meeting on deck as usual. Much improvements among the entire company. Much advice given. Another child of the German ward died, and the service was held under my direction. Brother Ferrer spoke comfortingly to the parents. The body was committed to the waves at 3:30 p.m. London [Longitude] 29-45 West.
Wednesday, July 6th, Brother Ulrich Winklers’ wife, from Zell, Canton, Zurich, Switzerland, gave birth to a son at one a.m. Both doing well. At council in the evening several cases of measles were reported. Today the ship was thoroughly sprinkled with tar oil as a renovator. July 8th, A confederate steamer passed to leeward very slowly. She was watched very closely, as her movement seemed very suspicious. Tuesday, 12- Deaths: Emily Frances Kellin, from Cheltanham, England, age one year, two months and twenty-five days, buried at 6:30 p.m. President J. M. Kay officiated. John Ulrich Winkler, of convulsions, age six days buried at 12 noon; London [Longitude] 55-30 south. Ellen W. Clifton age done year five months, buried at 8:30 a.m. London [Longitude] 56-1 west. At 10:30 p.m. we came near running aboard a vessel, missing her by only a close shave. We feel that the Lord is watchful over His own.
Wednesday, 13- Deaths: Bastian DeKeyser age three years, one month and four days, Holland; buried at 8:52 p.m. T. Mats officiated. Thursday, 14, Margret Papworth from Cambridgeshire, England died of measles, age one year, four months, and one day, buried at 8:30 p.m. Below deck all was sprinkled with lime and tar oil.
Monday, July 18th- At 4:30 a.m. the pilot came on board, bringing newspapers.[p.72] In the afternoon I went to the German wards below deck and gave them instructions how to proceed, when the officers came on board and made all arrangements about money to be changed. Tuesday, 19th, A steam tug took the ship Hudson in tow at 7 a.m. and we anchored off Castle Gardens at 3:30 p.m. W. C. Stainers came on board at 5:30 p.m. He addressed our council meeting and stayed on board for the night. Wednesday, 20th, - P. A. Schettler came o boar early- A lighter came alongside and Saints with luggage went on board the steamer. “St. John” at five p.m. and started for Albany, 150 miles up to the Hudson River at 6 p.m.
Thursday, 21st- Arrived at Albany at five a.m. The steamer, having 1400 souls on the lower deck, was uncomfortably crowded and there were poor chances for sleeping. The luggage was taken to the railroad station and weighed 65 tons. The people went aboard a train consisting of twenty-four ears and started for Buffalo at one p.m. 260 miles.
Friday, 22nd.- Arrived at Buffalo at three p.m. Crossed the end of Lake Erie, per steamer, luggage was transferred to the cars of the Grand Trunk Railway and all start for Port Haron at eight p.m., 240 miles. Saturday, 23rd- Arrived at Port Haron on the River St. Claire at twelve noon. We crossed the river per steam ferry and changed to the cars of the Central Michigan railroad and started at five p.m. for Chicago, twenty-six miles. The track ran through a forest much of which was a fire, and the highwind carried the flames and make uncomfortably near our train. Sunday 24th- Arrived at Chicago at five p.m. Staid on train all night. Monday, July 25th- Left Chicago at [-] a.m. per Illinois Central railroad for Quincy on the Mississippi River. The changing of cars, one of which took place at midnight, on this line is a regular nuisance. Tuesday 26th- At daylight, while the engine was taking in water at Celchester I saw by the fence cousin Lucy, the Prophet’s youngest sister and her husband Arthur Milken, and ran across the road and passed a few words with them. They were glad to see me. On reaching Plymouth, I enquired of the station keeper and learned that my brother-[p.73]in-law, A. D. Cleveland, who formerly lived there, had moved to Iowa.
Wednesday, 27th- We arrived at Quincy at twelve noon. At six p.m. we ferried the Mississippi river. Here we received a dispatch that Salt River Bridge and Shelbina Station to the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad had been burned by guerillas and we had to camp in the woods near the station.
Thursday, 28th- Three trains were got in readiness and we reached the vicinity of the burned bridge at noon. We left the train ad forded Salt River and camped in the woods. Our luggage had to be conveyed across the river three-fourths of a mile, mostly on men’s backs, as only three wagons were obtainable for the heavier packages. I had charge of reloading the cars with the Germans. Friday, 29th- At three p.m. all were loaded into the trains of cattle cars composed of trucks of all kinds. These were started at short intervals. The country shows unsettled this portion is by the armed men soon and the blackened logs of burned buildings en route, and the armed men sent to protect the railroad line.
Saturday, 30th- We all arrived at St. Joseph, Missouri, the last train at three p.m. the roughest railroad ride I ever experienced. The last train brought in two children who had died on the rout. Sunday, 31st- After much delay, trouble and bother we left St. Joseph per steamer “Colorado” at three p.m. for Wyoming [Nebraska] with wagons and the foreign Saints. The boat had on board much merchandise and freight for intermediate stations. J. A. Young, J. W. Young and P. A. Schettler in the company.
Tuesday, August 2nd- we arrived at Wyoming at 2 p.m., where I found letters from home. Steamer J. F. Lacy with the English Saints arrived at 5 p.m. We moved to camp-ground, a short distance from the outfitting office, and all went to work with a will in fitting up wagons. I bought provisions for the independent company’s wagons. J. Beck offered to take my trunk in his wagon, which offer I accepted. Sunday, at 11 p.m. I was taken sick with vomiting and diarrhea, which continued until noon of the next day, with severe cramps during which time I lost forty five pounds in weight. I called on the brethren to come and administer to me. As they [p.74] entered the tent in which I lay, I saw them hesitate and look at each other, upon which I said; “Brethren, you have no need to look at each other in that way, or to think under what tree or upon what spot of ground I am to be laid. I tell you I am going home, if I go on feet. I will not lie in Wyoming soil, for Brigham promised me I should return safely home. I have done nothing to forfeit the promise, and I am going home.” The brethren then laid hands upon me, and though their voices trembled, I received the promised blessing, and with the kind nursing of Brother Timothy Metz [Mets] and the German brethren, assisted by the Dutch and German sisters, I grew stronger each day, I pray God to bless the sisters who were so untiring in their exertions in my behalf. . . .[p.75]
Wednesday 19th- Mr. Brenley drove to Bishop Hardy’s and took breakfasts and then drove to the Historian Office, where I met my brother George A. at the gate. He accompanied me to President Young’s office who welcomed me warmly and said; ‘Now you return home all right; go and see you family, they are all aright.”. . .[p.76]
BIB: Smith, John L., Journal (Ms 8620) (typescript) pp. 68-76.
Journal of Peder Christian Nielsen
May 1864- On the 21st, a ship left Liverpool for New York with 1,005 souls of the Latter- day Saints on board. On the 30th, I left Birmingham Conference and began my trip to Zion. I went to London and on the same day boarded an emigrant ship Hudson but we lay in the port until the 3rd of June.
June 1864 - On Friday the 3rd at one o'clock in the afternoon we left London, a steamship tugged us out.
On the 4th many were seasick.
The 5th, was a Sunday and the weather was beautiful. We had a meeting on the deck.
On the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th we were in a storm and many were sick.
On Sunday the 12th we had beautiful weather and had a meeting on the deck. All were on deck and the ship was fumigated in the lower decks.
Nothing special happened the 13th 14th and 15th. On the 16th an old man from Ireland died. He was not one of the Latter-day Saints.
On the 17th and 18th, all went well.
On the 19th, we had a meeting. A few of those who did not belong to our church were gathered to hear the Mormons preach. Brother McCune took all the time himself. In preaching, he gave testimony of the first principles and then mentioned polygamy in the gathering. No one contradicted him.
On the 20th 21st and 22nd all went well. On Thursday the 23rd the first of the Latter-day Saints died. It was a child from Switzerland, fourteen months old.[p.27]
On the 24th and 25th all was well. On Sunday the 26th at eleven o'clock we had a meeting in English and at two thirty one in German and French. On the 27th a sister from Switzerland died, age 42. She was sick before she boarded the ship. Her husband was there, but they had no children.
The 28th 29th and 30th all well.
July 1864 - Friday, the 1st and the 2nd, all went well.
On Sunday the 3rd at eleven o'clock we had an English meeting; at three o'clock a German: and at six o'clock a Dutch. During the afternoon a child died, age one and one half years from Switzerland.
The 4th 6th 7th 8th 9th all well.
Sunday the 10th, we did not have any meeting inasmuch as it was very cold.
On the 11th, nothing unusual happened.
On the 12th, two small children died, one from England and one from Switzerland.
On the 13th a little boy from Holland died, age three years. In the afternoon, we had a dance on the deck.
On the 14th, we danced again a little on the deck. In the evening, I talked for about an hour with one of the ship's sailors concerning the Latter-day Saint faith and doctrine. He said that he could understand. It would be good if he could follow with us but he said he lacked money and clothes. He was from Sjaelland in Denmark.
15th and 16th, all was well.
On Sunday, the 17th, I slept an hour until noon. I dreamt that I lost one of my molars. In the afternoon, we had a meeting on the deck.
On the morning of the 18th at four o'clock an official from New York came on board. On the same day, we saw the land of America.
On the 19th, at 6:30 a steamship came and tugged us into New York Harbor. There were 863 on board the Hudson.
On the 20th, another steamship came and took both us and our baggage to New York and in the afternoon, we boarded another steamship which left the same evening for Albany. We arrived on the morning of the 21st at four o'clock and at twelve o'clock, we left on a train which was the beginning of our overland trip to America.
On the 22nd, we came on a ferry which took us across a small river, about a half-mile wide, and again we boarded a train.[p.28]
On the morning of the 23rd, I met a Danish brother on the train, Peder Westenskov, [Westonskow] who had deserted from the war in Denmark. We both became extremely happy. On the same day, we came again to a small river, crossed it and again boarded a train.
On the 24th at six o'clock in the afternoon, we arrived in Chicago. We stayed there for the night and slept in the train cars.
On the morning of the 25th, at 9:30 we started again on our journey.
On the 26th we were not far from the place where the Prophet, Joseph Smith, was martyred. In the evening we were taken across the Mississippi River. When we were across, it was necessary for us to stay there two nights and a day because of the war. The soldiers had burned a bridge. A child was born the first night that we were there.
At seven o'clock in the morning of the 28th, we left on the train and after forty miles we came to the burnt bridge. There it was necessary for us to carry all of our baggage a half mile. Boards were laid across the canal to walk on. We stayed there until all the supplies and baggage were brought across. There stood the soldiers from the North and awaited any minute those from the South.
On the 29th Sister Fanny Poulten’s child died and another one also and they were buried there. In the afternoon, we took with train in three companies and came to St. Joseph. We arrived there the 30th and were taken to a large house. There, two children and a boy, age fourteen, died. We stayed at this place until the 31st, on which day at twelve o'clock, a ship sailed with half of us to Wyoming [Nebraska] and in the evening the last of us came on board but the ship did not sail until the 1st of August at three o'clock in the morning.
August 1864 - On the first we sailed up the Missouri River. On the 2nd at six o'clock we came to Wyoming [Nebraska]. On the 3rd I received a letter from Carolyn Lamp and from my brother Pf. Rasmussen. On the same day we brought up our baggage. On the 4th nothing happened. On the 5th I wrote a letter to Pfalster. On the 6th and 7th nothing unusual happened. On the 8th I wrote to Carolyn Lamp. On the 9th and 10th nothing recorded. On the 11th I had to try to drive the oxen which we were to use over the prairies. We stayed over in Wyoming on the 12th and 13th. On the 14th we [left Wyoming]. . .[p.29]
November 1864- . . . On the 2nd . . . at eight o’clock the company arrived at Salt Lake City. On the 3rd I left in the morning at four o’clock and arrived in Salt Lake City. There (I) met P. Westenskow. We were that day at Sister Kay’s house and took all of her baggage off the wagon. We stayed there. . . .[p. 30]
BIB: Nielsen, Peder Christian. Journal (Ms 1799), pp. 27-30. (HDA)
Letter from John M. Kay - June 8, 1864
Ship Hudson, off Isle of Wight,
June 8, 1864
President Cannon.
Dear Brother,—Knowing your desire to learn of the welfare of the Saints entrusted to our charge, we take this opportunity, through the kindness of the pilot, of forwarding to you an account of our proceedings since we saw you last at Gravesend.
After the vessel had passed the Government officers, and had effected a clearance for the voyage, and you, with the brethren, had proceeded to the shore, we had an interview with Captain Pratt, who said that he would do all that lay in his power for the comfort and benefit of the Saints; and, as there were a considerable number of emigrants on board who were not of our persuasion of faith, he was quite willing to make any necessary alterations for our mutual convenience. We then proceeded to organize the Saints on board into wards, appointing, as officers, the following elders: Ward, No.1, William Moss; No. 2, John Tuddenham; No. 3, Thomas Clifton; No. 4, Timothy Mets; No. 5, Ulrich Rarrer; No. 6, Joseph Howard; No. 7, Samuel Neslen,; No.8 Thomas C. Patten; No. 9, Ludwig Wolf; No. 10, George Webb; No. 11, George Harrison; No. 12, William Sanders; No. 13. Thomas O. King; No. 14, John H. Miller; Steward, James Brown; captain of the guard, Charles Goodwin. Necessary instructions were given to the Saints of each ward by the brethren, and the ready response given by the people to all that was advanced by them, evinced their appreciation of the counsels given.
On Saturday, the 4th instant, at 3 a.m., the steamtug took us in tow, and we proceeded down the river. Foreseeing that, unless regulations were entered into, there would be difficulties in the way of cooking, we spoke to Captain Pratt upon the subject, and he kindly placed the galley entirely at our disposal for the use of the Saints. The steamtug left us off Margate, a beautiful seaport town and fashionable watering place. The day being beautifully clear, we had some splendid views of the different watering places along the coast. During the night it was so calm that we progressed but about nine miles. Next day, being Sunday, we held divine service on board, when some excellent instructions were given to the assembled Saints, and we enjoyed ourselves in partaking of the genial flow of the Spirit of God. Elder John L. Smith also spoke to the Saints from the Continent, in the German language, and they rejoiced with us in the truth. This being our first meeting on board ship, the devotional feeling and associations were fully appreciated by the people. The singing sounded very sweetly to the ear and gladsome to the heart. Captain Pratt and several other officers of the ship attended. Good order and attention was paid by all.
The winds have mostly been light and variable since we left London, and yesterday there was a heavy fog, with but little wind. A French sister, baptized in London by Brother Bertrand, was confirmed, and as infant was blessed also. Although the day was heavy and cloudy, it was a day of enjoyment, the Saints singing in harmony, making the vessel alive with agreeable and enlivening strains of music.
We are now, Wednesday the 8th , off the Isle of Wight. The pilot leaves us here to proceed upon our voyage for the future without his assistance. All the Saints on board are tolerably well, and extremely thankful for their deliverance from Babylon; and we hope to progress favorably, under the blessing of the Almighty, on our journey Zionward.
Praying for your health and happiness, and for the progress of the cause of truth and of God, we remain your brethren in the gospel covenant,
John M. Kay,
George Halliday,
John L. Smith,
Matthew M’Cune
Alexander Ross, Clerk.
Off Darmouth, Friday, June 10th. Having an opportunity to send you a line by a fisherman, we embrace it.[p.414] We have been contending with head winds and fogs since our last, which we hope you have received. A great many have been sea-sick, and a few are yet sick among us; but, thank the Lord, we are as a company as well and as happy as can be reasonably expected.
Praying the Lord to bless you, I remain your brother,
John M. Kay[p.415]
BIB: Kay, John M., et. Al., [Letter], Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 26:26 (June 25, 1864) pp. 414-15. (HDL)
Letter from John M. Kay - July 19, 1864
AMERICA--Ship Hudson, New York, July 19, 1864
President Cannon.
Dear Brother,--Trusting you received our last communication sent on shore by the pilot on leaving the English Channel, we embrace the earliest opportunity to acquaint you with matters associated with the Saints on board the ship Hudson while crossing the waters of the broad Atlantic.
On various occasions we were becalmed, making no progress whatever for several days, and what wind we had was fickle, boisterous, and mostly [p.539] ahead, consequently our getting to New York has been principally accomplished by tacking frequently, and keeping as near to the wind as possible. The weather during the first three weeks of the journey was very warm, after which the temperature of the atmosphere cooled considerably which was more favorable to the general health. Considering the number of passengers, very few have suffered from seasickness, although, at times, from the increased motion of the vessel, the majority felt rather qualmish.
At 7:30 p.m., regularly every evening, a council meeting was held in the saloon of the second cabin, at which the condition of the Saints was reported, and such measures adopted as were deemed necessary and expedient to be carried out for the continued comfort of all under our watch-care. On Sundays we held meetings on the main and poop decks when the weather was favorable, at each of which valuable instructions were imparted by the elders to the English and foreign Saints, calculated to enlarge their understanding, brighten their hopes, and increase their faith in the principles of the gospel they had obeyed, also suitable for individual practice in the pent up position they occupied on board ship.
Captain Pratt kindly gave us the freedom of the poop deck, and on several occasions ordered large quantities of soup to be made from preserved meat, principally for the benefit of the sick, which from its tastefulness and quality, proved very nourishing. His anxiety for the comfort of all was evidently manifested, as by night and day he was ever ready personally to administer to their necessities. The many favors shown by him to the Saints, reflect the highest credit on his character as a gentleman possessing a generous disposition and kind heart, willing to bless on life’s crowded highway the needy soul with what he has to bestow. By such actions he has won the love and respect of all, while his name shall long live in familiar fondness with us, and his acts of kindness be spoken of in the family circles of Zion’s happy homesteads as that of a friend and benefactor. Assured that we express the heartfelt feelings of all on board, we say, “God bless Captain Pratt; may his years be many, happy and prosperous on the earth, and his actions ever worthy of praise from honest souls, and may the glad spring of each succeeding year find him employed in conducting across the great waters many hundreds and thousands of Zion’s sons and daughters, watching over their interests with that fatherly care and anxiety so conspicuously manifested in his disposition.”
The ship itself is the finest we ever sailed on. Her movements, even in rough weather, are easy and graceful, and the accommodations afforded for cabin and steerage passengers, are not to be surpassed. The water produced from the condensing engine is quite a luxury, far better than is got in many of the towns and cities in Old England. This boon, however, can only be fully appreciated by those who have crossed the ocean in vessels having bad water with no condensing engine on board.
The provisions, on every occasion when dealing them out, were found to be in good condition and of excellent quality, also the medical comforts provided by you for the Saints, have been liberally dispensed among the needy, as wisdom dictated from time to time. The supply allowed was equal to the demand, and the quality was first class. For your kindness in so providing for the sick on board all feel very thankful.
On three occasions we were nearly run into by other ships coming from windward, by their not using that caution so essentially necessary in the preservation of life and property on the deep. On the 8th instant a steamer, one of the Confederate privateers, supposed to be the “Georgia” or “Rappahannock,” passed us. Her movements were rather suspicious as she turned two or three times near us, as if surmising on the probabilities of success, by way of booty, did she intercept us. Her appearance created some excitement among a few timid ones on board, and their strange expressions of doubt concerning their safety, to the fearless and confiding, were very amusing.
Charles Downham, a boy of seven years, belonging to sister Downham, [p.540] from Basington Branch, Southampton Conference, falling, by his carelessness, from a boat on the main deck, had his arm broken; but being promptly attended to, and due care being taken, he is now all right.
We are sorry to say that the measles were brought on board by a Jewish family belonging to the other passengers. Before it was known, however, we were three days out at sea. On the 18th ultimate they first appeared among the Saints, seizing both old and young throughout the ship. The births and deaths on board are as follows:--June 1st, Sister Susannah Kaneguter [Susanna Kanniquke], from Holland, of a son; Wednesday 6th instant, Sister Ann [Anna] Winkler, from Switzerland, of a son; Friday, 15th instant, Sister Mary Baxter, from Crofthead Branch, Edinburgh Conference, of daughter.--Thursday, 23rd ultimate, Carl, son of brother John J. and Susannah M. Kammerli, from Switzerland, of inflammation of the bowels, aged 1 year, 2 months and 21 days; Monday, 27th ultimate, Elizabeth Reizer, from Switzerland, suddenly of disease of the heart, ages 40 years and 3 months; Sunday, 3rd instant, Gottfried Adam, son of Gottfried and Eva Beck, from Germany, of Diarrhoea, aged 1 year, 9 months and 5 days; Monday, 4th instant, Emma Matilda, daughter of Frederick and Matilda Singleton, from Portsmouth, Hants, of Maurasmus, aged 6 months and 14 days; Tuesday, 5th instant, Amelia, daughter of Thomas and Kezia White Clifton, from London, of Apthoca, aged 3 months and 5 days; also on the 12th, Ellen Clifton, of Maurasmus, aged 1 year and 5 months; Tuesday, 12th instant, John, son of Sister Ann [Anna] Winkler, from Switzerland, of convulsions, aged 6 days; also on the same date, Emily Frances Kellow, from Cheltenham, of measles, aged 1 year, 2 months and 25 days; Wednesday, 13th inst., Bastiaan, son of Anne de Keyser, from Holland, of measles, aged 3 years, 1 months and 4 days; Thursday, 14th instant, Mary Ann, daughter of James and Elizabeth Papworth, from Chesterton, Cambridgeshire, of measles, aged 1 year, 4 months and 1 day.
The bodies of the above were committed to the deep in due order, and with that solemnity appropriate, by the elders officiating. Their remarks were consolatory to the bereaved, showing the views of the Latter-day Saints pertaining to their departed dead. The ties that unite us are stronger than death, and the love that warms honest, upright hearts, lives and grows beyond the grave. The strength of parental affection is increased, and when earth’s fleeting joys and transient scenes shall have passed away, the links now broken in the family chain by death’s chilly hand, shall be again welded together, and home’s endearing associations shall be renewed with all the joys that animate the bosoms of immortals. It matters not materially where the body lays, whether beneath the green sward in its fatherland, or away far from the haunts of men in the deep, dark bed of the ocean.
Although we regret that so many of our number have died, still there are no sorrowful reflections on our minds that we did not perform our duty in paying them every attention to preserve them in life among us. The doctor of the ship, Mr. Henry James Rogers, was also attentive in administering to the sick.
Mr. Alexander Massey, part owner of the vessel, with whom you formed an acquaintance in London, proved a very pleasant and agreeable companion during the voyage. The other cabin passengers, with the officers of the ship, have also been very kind and obliging in their associations with us.
Although the passage has been somewhat long and tedious, it had been more or less one of pleasure. Unity, concord and good feeling have actuated all the brethren, with one or two exceptions, in laboring for the general welfare of all on board. Feeling thankful to the Lord for the protection and care extended toward us on our journey thus far, with confidence we move on, realizing he will still befriend us, and his bright smile of compassionate love and fondness will continue to gladden our hearts as we tread the extended prairies, or climb the mountain steeps, on our way to the hollowed home of the Saints.
The brethren are all well, and unite with us in sending kind love to you and all your associates in truth’s holy [p.541] cause. May the blessings of heaven ever attend you. We remain your brethren,
John M. Kay,
George Halliday,
John L. Smith,
Matthew M’Cune
Alexander Ross, Clerk
Wednesday, July 20th, in Castle Garden, died of measles, James Edward, son of George and Harriet Williams, from Calne Branch, Bristol Conference, aged 10 months and 6 days.
Albany, July 2, 1864
After a pleasant ride up the Hudson river we arrived here at 4 a.m. We leave by train at 12 a.m. Brothers Young, Staines and Schettler are well, and join in love to you. Your brother,
John M. Kay[p.542]
BIB: Kay, John M., [Letter], Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 26:34 (August 20, 1864) pp. 539-42. (HDL)
Reminiscences of Mary Ann Rawlings Aveson
. . . The boat rolled and tossed and, of course, we had a storm at sea. Indeed, what would a sea voyage be without one? The steerage passengers were all locked down and told to be comfortable and everything would be all right. We had no fear. We were Mormons and we said, "No ship would go down with such a precious cargo!"
When the ship Hudson docked at Castle Garden on the 19th of July, 1864, the Saints continued their journey to a place called Wyoming, Nebraska. It was August 2, 1864. From this point we crossed the plains in Warren S. Snow's ox team company. [p.98]
BIB: Aveson, Mary Ann Rawlings, [Reminiscences], IN A History of the Richard Rawlings Family, comp. by Gladys Rawlings Lemmon (privately printed, 1986), p. 98. (HDL)
The Hudson Poem
O, speed thee fair vessel, fly over the sea,
On pinions as light as an eagle’s would be;
Be proud of the burden thou bear’st on thy wings--
More precious than rubies--more sacred than kings!
As the eagle bears safely its young to its nest,
As the dove to its window flies home to its rest,
So, safely and swiftly, move over the sea,
With those whose abode in the mountains will be.
Ye winds and ye waves, who our Master obey,
Be careful to waft her in safety away,
To shores which are destined ere long to be free--
As free as the zephyrs--as free as the sea!
Our Father! thou hearest our prayers when our cheers
Ascended, as music, rejoicing thine ears;
Thou sawest how deep were our sympathies then,
O Bless them, and bring us together again!
J. L. Barfoot
BIB: Barfoot, J. L., “The ‘Hudson’ [poem],” Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 26:26 (June 18, 1864) p. 400. (HDL)