. . . Sep. 7. Breakfast at Perkins. Sister Jane Hardman bought me a watch guard and a book to remember her by. Brother T. Miller gave me a new hat. Left Perkins about 11:00 for railway, was obliged to get a cab in St. Ann's Square. Was a few minutes to late at the office. Went to Sister Thompsons where I took dinner. She gave me a glass of wine. Took first carriage at 2, arrived at Liverpool at little after 3 o'clock. When I arrived at the ship I found Elder Richards. He seemed to object to my going. This gave me some trouble. I was yet very poorly. That night preparations was made for sailing on the morrow. Ship North America, Captain Lowlar [Lowber].

September 8, 1840. This a.m. about 8:00 o'clock we was hauled out of dock and a steamer being attached we was tugged into the sea in the [-] of many spectators. The company cheerful. Elders Young, Richards and Taylor went with us and returned by the steamer. About this time many began to be sick. Myself amongst the number. Two brothers [p.73] was obliged to be put back on account of being over number. We was 207 men, women and children. One of those put back was in [-] Preston. I had no knowledge of having to go yet until Saturday afternoon and still not sent any letters to sick. Brother William Hardman promised to write for me, and my brother David was [-]. Soon after the steamer returned the mate came down and ordered all boxes fast as they expected a good rocking that night. It was even so the wind blew hard. Still vessel rock and many were sick all night. This was a new scene. Such sickness, vomiting, groaning and bad smells I never witnessed before. I add to this the closeness of the berths almost suffocated us for want of air.

September 9, 1840. This a.m. Elder [Theodore] Turley ordered all the company on deck to wash as weather was a little more calm. We had a pleasant view of the south of Ireland as we sailed on that side. In the afternoon the wind increased and blew a gale until Saturday morning. I was in bed nearly all this time and very sick and so was many of the company. Elder [Theodore] Turley was sick a little. Brothers. William and Robert and Schemiah [Nehemiah] Gneewhalyh [Greenhalgh], sister Marge [Margaret] Moon and James Crampton [Crompton] was not sick. These were very kind on waiting upon those sick. During all this gale, the whole of the company or nearly so was very ill and many confined to their beds. We were drifted back to the south and was 4 hours in one place and could not move. I have been told that we were in two whirlpools near to a rock and the captain expecting us to be dashed against it. We was in great danger some of the rigging was blown away. See Sept. 21.

Sept. 12, 1840. The storm is somewhat abated and the company begin to brighten up a little. Myself remains very feeble.

Sept. 13, 1840. [p.74] The captain requested Elder [Theodore] Turley to preach this p.m. He read John Chapter 1 excerpts about three-fourths of an hour. This night the child which was frightened died or rather in the morning.

Sept. 14. At the request of the captain, Elder [Theodore] Turley read the burial service and the body of the child was committed to the deep. The weather continued favorable.

Sept. 15. We have had another storm and many has been sick.

Friday 18th. Some of the company continue very sick, especially three of the children. Some have doubts concerning their recovery. Brother and Sister Homes [Holmes] of Herefonis [PROBABLY Herefordshire], we have given up their one to die. Elder [Theodore] Turley's mind is much grieved in consequence of these things. At night he called the Saints together in order to ascertain their feelings concerning the recovery of those sick. The sequel showed that there was some unbelief in our minds. He spoke considerable on the subject and asked the brethren to state their feelings and immediately said he believed Holmes' child would not recover. I said I did not believe it was the will of God we should lose one soul. Elder [Theodore] Turley said to the same effect. The Saints then began to be more cheerful and the journey of the darkness was in some degree banished. We prayed with the children and desired all to hold them by faith. But after all our exertion the Holmes child died same night. This was a grief to our minds but it was so.

Saturday 19th. Early this a.m. the mate came and ordered the child to be sewed up which was soon done and it was immediately thrown overboard without any ceremony. After the place was cleaned out. Gas was burned to sweeten the ship air and prevent disease. [p.75]

Sunday 20th. We were not requested to preach today but Elder [Theodore] Turley called the Saints together in the p.m. and we broke bread to the company. Many others much pleased with our meeting.

Monday 21st. Good sail. At night Elder [Theodore] Turley spoke considerable on cleanliness and afterwards went around the berths to see if all the company undressed. Some was found with their clothes on and some had never pulled their clothes off since they came on deck, but had done their dirt in their clothes. Others had dirt in the corner of their berth. This made the most awful smell when discovered, almost too much to bear. Elder [Theodore] Turley undressed and washed them and ordered the place cleaned out.

Continuation of Sept. 9. On Thursday night during the gale when the sailors had close reefed all the sails except about 4 and were endeavoring to reef these there came a gust of wind and took away 3 of the sails, one main sail. On Friday night we lost another sail and some of the blocks.

Tuesday 22nd. This a.m. we had a calm. About 11 o'clock I heard the chief mate cry out "all hands on deck" and buckets with water. It appears that some of the sisters was sitting near their berths watching what they considered to be the reflections of through a glass light until sparks of fire began to drop. They then cried out the ship is on fire. The mate heard and sang out as above. This caused considerable alarm and bustle for sometime. The sailors was speedily at work and water was poured on for sometime. It was soon discovered that there was not much danger the fire originated in the galley or cooking house. The wood underneath the stove had caught fire by some means and burned through the deck. After the fire was put out the captain ordered the stove [p.76] removed and the place examined. It was cleaned out and repaired and some improvements made. Some of the Saints smelled the fire last night. I told the mate but he could not discover anything wrong. We look upon this circumstance as another attempt of the adversary to destroy us but the Lord kindly preserved us. Some of us had wished in the morning that the wind would blow but it was well we had a calm or the consequences might have been awful. As soon as the battle subsided the wind began to blow and we were again on our way home. The Lord has been kind to us for which we feel thankful. Lord gives us much.

Same night above we had the painful task of casting overboard [a] Mormon son of Paul and Jane Harris of seasick. He was one of the three which had been sick for some days. He was thought to be dead sometime before he was and preparation was made to bury him. He died about 8 o'clock. Sister Jane Harris was very sick at the same time. There are several others also very sick. We attend to prayer every evening as well as our awkward circumstances will permit.

Wednesday 23rd. This a.m. the captain called upon all the heads of families to give account of the number of packages each one owned. He appeared vexed on account of some having so many boxes. Our family was one. We have reason to think that he is seeking some occasion against us from several expressions which dropped from his lips this a.m. We have had a little trouble on account of the peevish, selfish actions of some of the second cabin passengers. We have some difficulty in keeping things exist amongst us. Many things are lost and nobody finds them. Some are not Saints who profess to be. But considering our situation all things have passed off pretty well through the blessing of God.

Saturday 26th. [p.77] Today being our turn to attend the sick I took it in turn, but the smoke made me very ill. My head and limbs ached. Besides, Sister Naylor and I have had a few words concerning our boxes. They have trespassed on our privileges a little. They are but one family and have two boxes out. We are two families and have but one. I desired them to move one box out of our way but they would not. She railed a little at me and used some hard words.

Sunday 27th. Fair wind. One of the cabin passengers read prayers out of the church prayer book. They requested us to preach but Elder [Theodore] Turley was not willing and I did not feel at all fit for it and so it was neglected. We had no meeting. Some sickness.

Monday 28th. We have had a hard wind but a good days sail. Myself very sick. The infant child belonging to Brother and Sister [James and Elizabeth] Corbridge of Thowly died this p.m. and was cast overboard. At night Elder [Theodore] Turley spoke concerning some of the company having said he had a shilling a head for all the Saints and other such things. He showed his bills and accounts to satisfy them and rebuked them for their hardness of heart and unbelief.

Tuesday 29th. This a.m. we have a perfect calm. The captain and some of the cabin passengers have been swimming and afterwards took a short voyage in a small boat. The weather is extremely hot today. Almost too much for us to bear. Brother Samuel Bateman caught a young shark during the calm near a yard long.

The infant child [Mary] belonging to Brother and Sister [Thomas and Mary] Green of Manchester died this evening and was buried in the deep. We have spent this p.m. in arranging for payment of potatoes. The whole cost is about $28 which amounts to 3/1 per head or adult persons. Elder [Theodore] Turley has from time to time spoken much concerning the sisters keeping themselves [p.78] from the sailors. . . .

Thursday Oct. 1st. The wind begun to blow hard. During the day we crossed the fishing banks. We saw about 20 fishing boats anchored on the banks. While we were crossing the banks, we had a squall. The main top sail was torn from top to bottom and the vessel rolled much. Many were sick. Last night the captain and cabin passengers spent the night in dancing.

Friday Oct. 2nd. The wind hard this a.m. Sailing about 9 to 10 miles an hour. We discovered that the crew are mad with us and we judge it is because we are unwilling that the sisters should be so familiar with the mates and sailors. There has been some unpleasant feelings manifested from those who were in company with the mate and cabin passengers the other night. Philip, the captain's brother-in-law is proved to be an enemy to us and tells tales to the mates. He seems very kind to our face but it is to spy us.

Our little Margaret is very sick.

Saturday Oct. 3rd. This a.m. the mate says some of our company has been stealing water the last night. We don't believe they have. We have reasons to believe they have not as we had a watch appointed to see that the sailors did not come down as they have done before in [p.79] the dead of night. They saw no one but must have seen them if anyone had been at the water. We look upon it as another instance of Phillips madness and seeking to injure us. About this time Elizabeth Nilson [Nielson] was passing the sailors cabin and one of the sailors asked her to go down and have breakfast. She would not. He then asked if she would have a piece of meat. She saw he had not objections and accordingly took it. It appears the steward saw her and went and told the captain, who immediately came down and demanded it given back. He also asked who gave it to her. She said she did not know. On account of this the sailors are to have a pound a day less each and they are mad and swear revengence on the steward when they get to land.

This afternoon Joseph Jackson entered into an argument with some of the second cabin passengers upon religious subjects. The captain and some of the cabin passengers were listening. The captain went to the side of the ship and called [Joseph] Jackson to him to ask if he had said that he would go and take the water by force. He acknowledged to saying that he believed it right to take it as many were suffering for want of water and also that he believed those children's death was partly caused on account of being short of water. The captain ordered him down and told him if he heard him say anything like it again he would bind him down in chains and feed him on bread and water. [Joseph] Jackson answered the captain again that we were suffering for want of water. I rebuked him and got him to hold his head. He said he would defend himself. The captain said he might preach his religion as much as he liked but say nothing more like that. He also said he would like to kill about a dozen of us. This myself heard. The captain afterwards came to Elder [Theodore] Turley and asked if he understood the laws of mutiny. Elder [Theodore] Turley answered yes and the laws concerning water too. The captain said "You must know we lost six barrels of water during the storm soon after we left Liverpool." It seems the captain thought Brother [Turley] was ignorant concerning the laws but when he saw to the contrary he softened. [p.80] He said he would bind [Joseph] Jackson if he heard him use the same expressions. Yes says Elder [Theodore] Turley and I will help you. It is more and more evident that Satan wants to destroy us or throw us into confusion. After dark the chief mate came to Elder [Theodore] Turley and said "Some of your [-] crew has upset the water tub." It was found to be some of the Scotch people in the second cabin.

Sunday Oct. 4th. This a.m. we have a good wind. Are sailing from 9 to 11 miles an hour. We have had our full allowance of water again. We have only had quart since Sept. 20th. We had no meetings today only as usual at night. My mother-in-law is very poorly. Also Eliz Ravenscroft [Elizabeth Ravenscoft].

Monday 5th. We are not sailing much today. I feel myself very poorly. Mother-in-law and my wife yet were sick. Elder [Theodore] Turley and some of the cabin passengers along with the captain have had a long argument this night concerning the ministration of the angel to Joseph. They treat it with disdain especially the captain.

Tuesday 6th. This day Elder [Theodore] Turley went to prove to the cabin passengers the rationality of prophecy and administration of angels. They will not admit it reasonable evidence. They found themselves confounded at night Elizabeth and William Poole spoke in tongues. He prophesied of the death of his child [Mary Poole].

Wednesday 7th. Early this a.m. William Poole's child died and was committed to the deep. Some at Nottingham had said it would die before it got over the waters and Betsy had been troubled on this account. I wish they would not do so for Satan takes advantage of such things to discourage the minds of the Saints when surrounded by trouble and difficulty. [p.81] This a.m. the chief mate saw Cape Cod on the American coast. The line was heaved and found 55 fathom. We were a few hours becalmed. About 12 o'clock we was much pleased to hear the mate speak to a ship captain. The "Condor" of Halifax bore down to us and they spake to each other. She was from Jamaica 24 days homeward bound. My mother-in-law yet very poorly.

Thursday 8th. Last evening being my turn for prayer I felt to ask the Lord for a fair wind and I rejoiced to see that he has answered my prayers. The wind is very favorable near 10 miles an hour. This is the third instance of the Lord answering my prayer for fair wind in a calm.

Friday 9. Fair days sail. The crew are very busily engaged in cleaning the ship and making preparations for landing. At the night the anchor chains was fastened to the anchor.

Saturday 10. About 8 a.m. land was discovered by the sailors from the five mast and in about 2 hours we had a pleasant view of the land. About past eleven we spoke to the "Tuscany" - New York, 56 days from Gibraltar. About 5 o'clock the pilot came on board. We saw the lighthouses on the Island.

Sunday 11. This morning early we cast anchor and a little after 4 o'clock I went on deck and found that we were between two islands. We had a pleasant view of the sailors hospital and many beautiful white houses and fine trees. 'Twas indeed a pleasant sight. The doctor came on board about 8 o'clock and about the same time the child belonging to Brother [John] Parry from Herefordshire died. All the rest passed the doctor [p.82] without difficultly. The doctor ordered him to be sent on shore which was done in a small boat. Here I may say that we struck a sand bar last night and had it not been calm we might have gone to pieces. This was off Sandy Hook. After the boat returned the ship was turned land in a short time we was on our way for New York. Considering the wetness of the morning we had a very pleasant night of fowls and islands. After about an hours sail we arrived in New York exactly at a quarter before twelve. It was truly delightful to see the multitude of shipping in the harbor. There is no docks here but a very good harbor. The buildings look elegant. When our vessel came to harbor she pressed against a small schooner and struck at her bulwarks and broke some rigging. After the ship was made fast, Elder [Theodore] Turley and me and Joseph Jackson left the ship and set our feet on land exactly at 10 minutes past 12 o'clock. This was another treat to us to set our feet on terra firma although the streets was dirty in consequence of rain. In taking a slight glance I must confess I was delighted to see the superior neatness and tasty state of the buildings. Many painted white, others brick and some have the doors step painted yellow. We bought some large red apples for a cent each which was truly delicious. The streets are wide but not so well flagged and paved [as they] are in England. The first house we entered was Brother Delongs where we took dinner, from here we went to meeting at the Military Hall in the Bowery. The first thing that struck my attention was all the men and women I saw sitting cross legged and all the left leg over the right. Elder Adams preached on the principles of the gospel, after preaching we took bread and wine. We went to Elder Forsters and took tea with Brother Simmons. After tea Elder [Theodore] Turley went on business and I went to writing. We slept on board the ship. Many of the Saints went to meeting and was much pleased. We learn nothing of Brother Herline nor the other brethren who were turned back at Liverpool.

Monday 12. [p.83] This p.m. a lighter came to the ship side into which we put our luggage. We slept on board the North America again.

Tuesday 13. Having finished loading our luggage, those of the company who were present went on board a steamer the "Congress" and sailed to the Albany Basin. We bid adieu to the North America at 12 o'clock. The captain seemed very friendly and said he should wish to bring another company of us over. He inquired if we had a church in New York and where they met. Elder [Theodore] Turley introduced him to Elder Foster. I gave Elder Adams 25 letters for England for which I paid 25 cents. The agreement which Elder [Theodore] Turley made with the proprietors of the "Congress" was that we should sail this day but they have broke their bargain and Elder [Theodore] Turley is much troubled. We slept on board the "Congress." I feel struck to see the horses and carts even to see the light harness and small carts and light loads drawn by them. The Saints all ride. The fruit is quite delicious to English people. I sleep in best cabin.

Wednesday 14. About 9 o'clock this a.m., H.C. Greenholgh [Greenhalgh] died after being ill 8 or 9 days. The city coroner came and sat over him. I was one of the jurors. Verdict - died from unknown cause. A coffin was provided and he was taken into the city to be buried. At 5 o'clock p.m. we had a very beautiful sight of steam boats all left the harbor at once. It seemed as though the harbor was on a move. We left about 20 minutes after 5:00. The company is in good spirits. As we left New York we had a pleasant view of the north part of the city. The buildings chiefly white and very neat. The several stories towering towards the sky bore a majestic appearance. On one part there was a large lot of wood which we was told was provided for the folks against winter. We had not gone far before it began to grow dark and we could only discover by moonlight the [p.84] lofty rocks or earth since the river which is Hudson River specially west side which was indeed beautiful with here and there a beautiful white house scattered on the banks. Before we started from New York we learned that Mary Hingsland was arrived in New York and that Brother Herline and the other families was arrived. Someone went over to get them away with us but is found impossible. We left Brother Richard Bell at New York. He got work there and was likely to do well.

Thursday 15. This morning I arose to behold again the beautiful white houses and banks on the river's side. We passed the village Catskill which looked very beautiful and a little further we passed a village called Colonel Youngs village. He settled in this place and established a foundry and got a number of workmen along with him where they now have houses built which forms the village. As we proceeded we saw many fields of grain which was cut, we saw in one field a great number of pumpkins quite yellow and pretty. On one farm we saw about 140 cows and sheep in different places. After proceeding sometime we passed the beautiful town of Hudson on the east side of the river. This seems to be a town of about ten thousand inhabitants. Still passing along we continued to be delighted with the houses and in some places we saw fruit on the trees. As we got higher up the river the land appeared to grow richer but yet very rocky. Close to the banks of the river about 15 miles from Albany we passed a coal wharf which is a scarce thing in this country. The fuel is almost all wood and this article is exceeding plentiful. About past 5 we arrived at Albany. We left a boat with a number of passengers here. This is a large town on the west side, the river, containing perhaps 40 thousand inhabitants. We would see the court house and prison and the different churches interspersed here and there. Here is also a pleasant harbor for a few shipping. The coast is almost [p.85] covered with timber. We saw a large iron foundry and workshops of different kinds. We soon left Albany and at 7 o'clock arrived at the city of Troy where we now are stopped for the night. We also passed the city Athens while before Albany.

Friday 16. This a.m. Elder [Theodore] Turley bought a sheep ready dressed for 1 dollars. This was divided amongst some of the company. We got our luggage off the steamer by 10 o'clock and soon after we were tugged to the canal. We were obliged to hire another boat into which some of us got with much difficulty. It is evident Mrs. Benbow wants one boat for their company and they have made choice of one with a best cabin. This has caused a little feeling. Elder [Theodore] Turley had again considerable trouble with the proprietor and had to pay more than he might at last. About 1/4 to 4 we left near Troy.

Saturday 17. We are now passing through a very pleasant country. Many fruit trees loaded with fruit and loads scattered on the ground. I took up a large handkerchief full. There are a great quantity of wild fruit in this region. We have passed the upper aqueduct which is a tremendous work. Soon after this we arrived to the beautiful town of Schenectady seated close to the canal or rather the canal passed through it. Here there is a railway. We buy our milk at the grocery shops for 4 cents a quart.

Sunday 18. We are now standing still as the owner of the boat is religious and will not allow it to run on Sundays. Some of our people went to washing as we had not had the privilege of washing since we left England. Last night William Greenhalgh's family came into our [p.86] boat not having room to sleep in the other one. I and several others went to the top of a very large hill and George Foster and I went up the top most tree from whence we hade a pleasant view. As we returned we met Elder [Theodore] Turley and some of the sisters going up to the hill to pray. We returned with them and united our hearts together.

Monday 19. We passed a town called the Little Hulls.

Tuesday 20. About 2 o'clock this a.m. we passed Utica in the midst of heavy rain. One of our horses fell into the canal and was near being drowned. A horse belonging to another boat was drowned a little before. We passed the city of Rome.

Wednesday 21. Before sunrise this a.m. we passed Syracuse a place where a great quantity of salt is daily made. I got today a 2 dollar bill which I cannot pay also a coin for a quarter dollar which only pays for 14 cents. At night we passed a very pretty town called Montezuma. I have wrote a letter which I intend to send from Buffalo to Brother John Moon. (10,000 bushels of salt per day.)

Thursday 22. William Pools [Poole] paid my 2 dollar bill loaning 12 cents. We have passed the city of Palmyra and soon afterwards about 11 o'clock Elder [Theodore] Turley and myself left the Silver Arrow and took packet for [-] have 4.12 each. About hour we landed at Rochester which appears to be a place of considerable business of different kinds. Here we changed packets and in about 15 minutes started off again.

Friday 23. About 11 this a.m. we passed the town of Lockport at this place, there are 5 locks which raise the canal 60 feet. These locks as well as about it 2 miles of the canal westward is cut out of solid rock and present a stupendous appearance. The wind [p.87] arose very high and in our place opposite the river from the lake drive us against the shore. Several were thrown down and somewhat frightened. As we passed along the side of the river we saw the large drifts of sand like mountainous drifts of snow. We arrived in Buffalo about 6 o'clock and soon met with some of the brethren from the first boat the "I.D. Hawks." We went to her and found that 3 children had died since we left them. Sister Benbow manifested a bad spirit as she has often done and has given Elder [Theodore] Turley many complaints. After this we went to meet the second boat "Chatanssen" which had been detained at the second bridge on account of the canal being high. In this boat all were pretty well but had been short of provisions. The first boat arrived here about 9 this a.m. and the captain immediately ordered the company to get their luggage out of the boat which they did to great disadvantage into a warehouse. They had to pay 5 cents for this privilege.

Saturday 24. Me got the luggage of two boxes weighted and engaged to Chicago on board the "Wisconsin," at 10 dollars each person. Some went on board same day, we waited at night on the other boat until 2 o'clock Sunday morning but did not come. Then I bought a pair of mittens for 5/6 York money. On this day, Elder [Theodore] Turley's mind was much cast down in consequence of being obliged to leave some of the poor in our company at Buffalo. While he was reflecting upon the best manner of accomplishing this and were almost heartbroke, the President Elder of the stake at Kirtland, Kellog, came by and I knew him. After they had saluted each other he made his call known to Elder Kellog who immediately advised to take the company to Kirtland as they would winter more comfortable there than in Commerce. This was a total deliverance to Elder [Theodore] Turley's mind and a relief of his burden. The reason why some must be left there was a want of money. Elder [Theodore] Turley had been given to understand that we might go from Buffalo [p.88] to Chicago for 5 dollars a head and had agreed so all the company would no doubt have gone through but when he engaged the fare it was found to be 10 dollars a head instead of 5 and there was no privilege of altering it for there was only one boat appointed to go this season. The "Wisconsin" had lately come in and was not to go any more only short voyages. Elder [Theodore] Turley went to the captain and endeavored to charter the boat but to no purpose. After some time consulting between Elder [Theodore] Turley and R. it was concluded that all who wanted and could raise means should go to Commerce and the remainder to Kirtland which proved highly satisfactory to the majority of the company. The weather was at this time very cold as a large quantity of snow had fallen and whitened the streets. One boat load of the company went on board the "Wisconsin" expecting we should go on that boat. The other boat load having nowhere to go, William Propers partner kindly offered them the counting house to sleep in which they gladly accepted and immediately went there.

Sunday 25. This a.m. Elder [Theodore] Turley and myself went to meet the "Silver Arrow" which we came in sight of after walking about 3 miles. When we went on board the Saints rejoiced greatly. They had had some very ill treatment from the captain and crew since we left them and we found them with scarce room to stand. We arrived in Buffalo about 12 o'clock. I spent the remainder of the day in making up accounts for those who were going to Kirtland. While I was doing this Sister Elizabeth Poole's son Edward fell into the canal and was near drowned when got out. This mother fainted and was very ill sometime. This evening the Greenholghs [Greenhalghs] concluded either to go to Kirtland or stay at Buffalo which grieved me much.

Monday 26. The weather very wet and cold. It was concluded that the "Wisconsin" steamboat [p.89] should not go consequently the company had to embark on board the "Illinois," Captain Blake.

Tuesday 27. This a.m. the boat should leave off Buffalo but could not on account of storm. The Grenhalghs [Greenhalghs] have took a house and two of them got work. I have bought a cap for 2 dollars and a pair of boots for 4, a kill for 16, powder 11. We also bought saw and plane.

Wednesday 28. The weather continues stormy. At night we moved from amongst the shipping to the bed of the creek. The others brethren Hulersy have gone.

Thursday 29. About 1 this a.m. we left Buffalo for Chicago. The names of those who are gone to Kirtland are T. [Thomas] Green and family, Joseph West and family, Alice Whip [Wipp] and family, M. Blake and wife, Joseph Jackson and wife [Mary Ann] from Manchester, T. [Thomas] Featherston, Martha Shelmerdim [Shelmerdin] and Jane Fyldes [Field] from Stodkport, J. Crampton [James Crompton] and wife [Elizabeth] from Bolton, G. Hutchinson and family, Brother [Walter] Crain and family, Ralph Thompson and family from Amberland, George Slater and family from Penwood, then Samuel Bateman and family from Pendlebury, Thomas Hooper and family from Herefordshire, George Naylor and family from Bolton, Jane Harris from Manchester, These all had their names on a recommend except T. [Thomas] Hooper whose conduct has been very bad. This company generally appeared cheerful and rejoiced in the prospect of soon having a place to rest. Some was inclined almost to wish they had not left England rather than be left out of Commerce. We proceeded on our way pretty well until we arrived at Fairport partly to take in wood and part on account of a strong wind. Here some of us went on shore and had we time Elder [Theodore] Turley and myself would have gone to Kirtland as we were then only 11 miles [p.90] from that place. Sometime in the night we started forwards again.

Friday 30. We had a pleasant sail, at night we anchored at the mouth of the river between Lakes Erie and Huron.

Saturday 31. This a.m. about 7 o'clock we arrived at Detroit. This is a very pleasant looking place of about 20,000 inhabitants. Here we took on some more passengers which crowded us up very much. We left Detroit after taking in wood and proceeded up Lake St. Clair where we saw many hundreds wild duck. Some amused themselves by shooting at them with their rifles.

Sunday Nov. 1st. We are on Lake Huron in the p.m. we called at Pesgu Isle to take in wood. Here I picked us some curious pebble stones. The lake is bounded by gravel of the whitest and hardest kind. At night we arrived at Mackmaw were we again took on wood.

Monday Nov. 2. We are on Lake Michigan and for sometime could not see land. We called at the Maniton Islands to take in wood. Here I took up some more pebbles, some of the company shot a few rabbits and small birds. We continued here some hours on account of strong head wind.

Wednesday 3rd or 4th. About past 1 this a.m. we arrived at Chicago. Very early in the morning we moved our luggage from the boat and Elder [Theodore] Turley went to seeking teams to go to Dixon's Ferry as that was considered to be the best route. We engaged two teams for our family but after loading both and weighing one we found it necessary to have another. I went back to where the boat landed and after a little time met with another. [p.91] We got loaded about 2 o'clock and proceeded on our way. After leaving Chicago we entered a wide prairie which was to us a new scene. We traveled about 12 miles and rested for the night. We made our fire and cooked our food out of doors. We slept on the floors of the tavern. We had no beds, but some bedding.

Saturday Nov. 7. This day we arrived at Dixon after traveling about 100 miles. We saw a wolf on our prairie and many prairie hens. At one house we saw a wild cat which had been shot in the woods. It was as large as a common sized dog. We have several times had one of the teams fast in the sloughs. During this journey, Brothers [Samuel] Cope and Benlow [John Benbow] weren't with their teams for most and thus secured to themselves the best accommodations and provisions etc. We was obliged to submit to it and take what we could get. When our teams of our 3 and Copes 14 and Benlows [Benbows] 2 and Walter Crain 1 arrived at Dixon the others being considerable behind we made inquiry as to the probability of boats going down the river. We was told that some boats had gone a week previous but it was not likely that any more would go this season. We then asked if there was any boat we could buy, but of this we could get no satisfaction. We were advised to take our teams and go over to Fulton and there take steamboats. To this I objected on account of [Theodore] Turley not being arrived. S. [Samuel] Cope was disposed to, so I would not unload his wagon. I engaged a house for the whole company at a dollar 24 hours. We went to the house and unloaded our wagons myself being determined not to move until the others arrived. I paid the teams men 45 dollars for the 3 teams but desired them to wait till morning to see what course Elder [Theodore] Turley would pursue. It appeared that at this place I offended Brother [Samuel] Cope from what he said afterwards. In the building was 3 rooms. One small room which would scarce hold our folks. Into this we moved our boxes and laid down our bedding (except beds). During this time Mr. [Samuel] Cope brought [p.92] some of their luggage in saying they would go in there for they had as much right as anyone else on something like this, but when they saw us lay our bedding down they took their things out apparently much grieved but I would not submit to move out as we had submitted to the worse fare all the way from Chicago and I had took the house and considered myself at liberty to go into any part I chose.

Sunday Nov. 8. This morning Walter Crain engaged his team and started for Fulton Mr. [Samuel] Cope wanted to do likewise and asked my intentions. I told him I would not move any further until the remainder of the company arrived. He seemed a little vexed and would rather have gone on. In order to pacify him and others I started back with our teams to meet the others. We met them about 7 miles from Dixon. I gave [Theodore] Turley a statement of things as I had found them and that I believed it was possible to go down Rock River. Brother [Samuel] Cope still desired to go by land to Fulton. I told him I had no disposition to go and leave the poor behind as was evident we should have to do if we went that way. He then manifested anger and said he had not either, etc. We arrived back about 2 o'clock.

Monday Nov. 9. This day Elder [Theodore] Turley purchased a boat bottom for 75 dollars and engaged 2 men to fit it up ready for sailing.

Friday Nov. 13. During this week the boat has been got ready myself and many of the brethren assisted. We got out luggage on board to start but it being late and beginning to snow it was decided not to move until morning. While loading the boat Brother [Samuel] Cope and I had a few words again. I had fixed some of our boxes in one corner of the boat and [Samuel] Cope brought his and was determined to have them fixed up to ours so that we could get no more of ours up to them. I told him what I had intended to do. He was vexed and [p.93] said, "You nasty scamp I pay as much as you." We had not many more words but seemed much vexed. I told him to use his pleasure and I would be satisfied.

Saturday Nov. 14. This a.m. Brother [Samuel] Cope declined going with us in the boat and would not pay his share according to his agreement. I paid down one half of the expenses and we got loaded and prepared to start. We left, wood got at Dixon and started about 10 o'clock. We went about 12 miles and tarried overnight at Stirling. The weather was very cold.

Friday Nov. 20. This day we passed over the rapids. The greater part of us walked while the boat went over. It stuck fast once but was not damaged. Soon after this we entered the Mississippi River which caused us to rejoice much.

Saturday Nov. 21. This night we had to camp at a wood, there being no houses near. Was some rain. Elder [Theodore] Turley and some others camped in the wood. He spoke much to them and called upon those who had had quarrels to forgive each and manifest it. Many acknowledged their faults and asked forgiveness. Some spoke in tongues and William Poole interpreted. It was a time of rejoicing.

Sunday Nov. 22. We arrived at Burlington this evening and as we anticipated landing at Commerce on the morrow, many of us wash ourselves and changed our clothes. Many of our family slept on a carpet on the floor.

Monday Nov. 23. This a.m. Elder [Theodore] Turley and myself had some unpleasant words in consequence [p.94] of his taking the boat around some islands which appeared to me and others to be considerable out of our course. I spoke to him about it but he would not listen. I then turned my conversation to C. [Charles] Price. Elder [Theodore] Turley then said if I did not cease to agitate the minds of the company he would put to shore and leave the boat. This was said in the unpleasant spirit. In the p.m. we got the boat fast on a tree and lost considerable time. After Elder [Theodore] Turley had tried his own way to move the boat along time, but in vain, I begged of him to let him have my plan. After much request he partially consented and finding it likely to answer he yielded to my plan and the boat was soon loosed. We sailed until after dusk almost determined to go to Commerce that night, but seeing a light on shore we made towards it and hearing a man we asked how far we were from Commerce. He said 9 miles, at which report we concluded to stay for the night.

Tuesday Nov. 24. This a.m. Elder [Theodore] Turley having been in company with a man from Commerce said that if we choose to walk that man would conduct them at which William Poole myself and several others went along with him by land to Commerce, where we arrived at about 12 o'clock. We called at the upper store house and found Sister Garner from Manchester. They had arrived about one week previous having been 6 months on their way. We then went to Sister Hyrum Clarks' and on our way called at Francis Moons. After we had been here a little while we perceived Elder [Theodore] Turley and some others coming. Knowing then that the boat had arrived we returned to the boat and after taking a little dinner we proceeded according to the appointment of committee to move our luggage to a new house on the banks of the Mississippi River. Thus ended a journey of over 5000 miles having been exactly 11 weeks and about 10 hours between leaving Liverpool and arriving at our journey's end. We had been much exposed to cold weather and suffered many deprivations and disconveniences yet through the mercy [p.95] of God we landed safe and in good health with the exception of 2 persons one of whom died soon after landing. We were pleased to find ourselves once more at home and felt to praise God for his goodness. . . . [p.96]

BIB: Clayton, William Diary (Ms 2843), pp. 73-96. (CHL)
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