Feb. 5th, 1841, left Preston, Lancashire, England, in company my wife, 3 children & a number of others for Liverpool to embark on board the ship the Sheffield bound for New Orleans. We left Preston by the 20 minutes past 8 o'clock train, reached Liverpool about 10-1/2 past went directly on board the ship where we found a number of emigrants - the ship all in an uproar, luggage, men, women & children all huddled together. A number of us went to the Hargreaves Railway Office for our luggage, got this on board, got something from the cook shop for our families as it was very cold. Went to bed at dark.

Feb. 6th as soon as daylight began to grow all began to be live again. The passengers began to stir, some went to purchase provisions, some lemons, some salt fish, soap, candles, &c. I went to see a friend of mine, Mr. Hauk. He was very glad to see me and particular so that I had made up my mind to emigrate, he gave me a present for my wife, a boa, a muff for my daughter, and a pair of fur gloves for myself; wished me a safe arrival, that the Lord might prosper me - toward dark, Elders Young, Taylor, Richards, which 3 gentlemen had the superintendency of the storing for the company arrived as Elder Hyram Clark, the president for the voyage. After the emigrants were called to order by B. [Brigham] Young and silence being attained the company was ordered to be on board by 8 o'clock on Sunday morning, and all those that had not paid their full passage money or deposited 2 L. [PROBABLY MEANING: 2 pounds] towards their provision would be put on shore, luggage & all. Those that had not done so was ordered to go immediately to 72 Borlington Street. They would have to abide the consequences. There were several that were compelled to borrow. Proctor was forced to pawn his clothes.

Sunday, Feb. 7 about 8 o'clock Elders B. [Brigham] Young, [John] Taylor & [Willard] Richards in company with Clark came on board, all was now in an uproar, the Captain, R. K. Porter, a very nice little man gave his orders about 10 o'clock the ship was on her move, the shore was lined with spectators - a fine breeze soon [p.1] carried us down the River Mersey. Soon we was out of sight of Liverpool. Many of the company now made for their berths feeling some what uncomfortable. Wind continuing fine all day & night.

Feb. 8 Weather fair nothing particular. Stores delivered unto the camp. Most sick in berths.

Feb. 9 Wind brisk. About 6 o'clock wind changes from northeast to southwest. Blow fresh all night saw a sail.

Feb. 10 A sloop in sight her bulwarks chattered hove to inquiring her road having been at sea 11 days laid to 5 days driven to the lands end bound from Liverpool for London in the course of the day a fine American showed her colors from New Orleans for Liverpool.

Feb. 11 Some passengers received aboard towards evening one of the passengers from Preston a woman dangerous ill died about 12-1/2 o'clock. Several of the ship's crew came to look at her as it was the first that died on board the Sheffield. One of our own company sewed her up in a sheet. Buried about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Towards 6 o'clock wind ahead blows fresh increases to a hurricane. Elder H. [Hiram] Clark just making some remarks on the burial of our beloved sister the ship heaving most tremendously tubs rolling about, pans, kettles and cans all in a uproar , women shrieking, children crying, all hastening to their berths. Wind continued all night right ahead, very strong.

13 Feb. Wind continued ahead. Blows fresh, rain.

14 Feb. Able prayer at evening.

15. Fine wind. Ship in its proper course. All cheery & merry. Heavy squall.

16. Wind continues favorable, changes towards evening, blows fresh all night.

17. Wind favorable. Cook neglecting his duty. Got flogged 24 lashes having too much liquor given him by the company. Toward evening wind changes right ahead. Ship heaving all night 3 o'clock changes favorable.

18. Fine morning favorable all day. Night calm.

19. Fine morning wind southeast continues all day.

20. Becalmed some uneasiness respecting the fire. Calm all day wind changes toward evening, wind ahead continues all night.

Sunday, 21. Fine morning wind ahead - calm towards 11 o'clock. The whole company ordered on deck by Elder [Hiram] Clark. Meeting commences Elder T. [Thomas] Walmsley opening [p.2] the service by singing a hymn, prayer, another hymn. Brother Flym then addressed the company for a short time, Elder Riley following, then Elder Clark. Singing again then breaking the bread and handing the cup. It was truly a time of refreshing. Weather particular calm some of the ships crew drawing the darts at some fish. Towards 2 o'clock ship in sight. Very little wind right ahead.

22. Calm wind ahead foggy. Towards 1 o'clock a shower all day towards evening wind changes favorable southwest all night.

23. Wind favorable fine morning. Royal mast up foremost top sail 9-1/2 knots per hour. Two of the company chosen to superintend the fire. Wind continues favorable all night misting rain.

24. Weather continues favorable. One child's foot scalded. Some murmuring respecting the price of provisions being charged too high.

25. Weather continues fine. Heavy rain at night.

26. Fine morning, wind continues favorable. Superintend the fire. Murmuring continues. A vessel in sight. Some dispute between Mrs. Nightingale & Mrs. T. [Thomas] Walmsley. wind changes at night to southwest.

27. Rainy morning. No wind, changes towards noon. One lad is partly scalded. Favorable, continues all night.

Sunday 28. Fine morning. Hot sun. After breakfast church assembles for preaching. Meeting opened by Elder Miles Rumly (Romney) giving out hymn. Edward Martin preaches. M. [Miles] [Romney] Rumly following; another hymn; then the bread & wine, Elder H. [Hiram] Clark addressing the church. Harvey Bills Vorough being scorched by the sun.

March lst. Fine morning; hot sun; at night fine moon, shadows of the moon right down under the moon. Showery, no wind, calm - gallant mast up, sky sail mast.

2. Fine morning, sun hot, no wind, dead calm at night. Sailors beginning to paint the ship, calm towards evening. Drawing a tooth for the steward.

3. Fine morning, hot sun, little breeze. Ship in sight at a distance.

4. Hot morning, more than any hot summer's day in England. Ship in sight, draws near, her flag half mast high. Discernible through the glass. The captain [p.3] thinking she is in distress orders the sails down to wait for her, tacking about. Toward 4 o'clock, as she came nearer, the captain discovered his mistake, she being an American having her color out in honor of the new President, General Harrison, taking the chair. When he discovered his mistake, he ordered the sail up again, almost dead calm. Quite calm at night.

5th. Fine morning, no wind, dead calm. Ship steering south southeast. Proctors child dies, the Captain saying to Br. Miles Rumly there must be some unfortunate Jonas on board as the ship is so becalm which is quite a strange thing in this latitude. In the course of the day, some serious things took place, . . . .some hard words passing between the parties. This is the first day that my wife missed being seasick. Weather continues calm.

6th. Be calmed. Fine morning. Wind north northwest. Uneasiness continues. Toward evening vessel in sight at a distance. Wind changes northeast, little breeze. Fine night.

Sunday, 7th. Fine morning. After 10 o'clock the church meets. The captain having been so kind to order a sail to be spread for a covering against the sun which made it very comfortable. The meeting was opened by Elder Francis Clark giving out a hymn. John Hodgson addressing the meeting, Francis Clark following on the principles of righteousness and unrighteousness, particular alluding to the case of Elder Hyram [Hiram] Clark. After preaching , a hymn, then the bread & wine, before the bread was handed round Elder F. [Francis] Clark admonished if there was any that had to make any confession not to partake of the sacrament until they was reconciled. Elder H. [Hiram] Clark rose, said if there was any that felt offended at any thing that he had done or said he begged their forgiveness. Many shed tears at his humility. His case was not put to a vote. It was asked whether there was anyone that had to say anything against anyone before the sacrament. The meeting broke up about 4 o'clock. Wind blows fresh from west northwest. Towards night wind brisk. About 6 knots a hour. About 2 o'clock blows fresh. Mizzen sail hoisted. Sailors busy.

8th. Fine morning. Wind brisk. Ship going between 8 & 9 knots a hour, hot day. [p.4] Heavy rain at night.

9th. Fine morning. Ship on her course. Ship in sight ahead about 18 knots.

10th. Fine Morning, left the same ship that was 15 knots ahead, past her about 10 o'clock the previous evening 15 knots behind. Weather continues fine. Ship heaving, many sick. Robert Borscough infant dies about 5 o'clock.

11th. Fine Morning. Several rainbows, ship in sight northeast. Squally about 11 o'clock. The child was committed to the deep. Very squally.

12. Fine day, blows fresh, the previous night about 12 o'clock.

13th. Fine day.

14. Sunday morning, fine morning. About 8 o'clock Dissay Island [LOCATION UNCLEAR] to the south just discernible at the distance. Drawing very nigh. Towards 11 o'clock the Church preparing for meeting. About 12 o'clock discovered Gau de hope [LOCATION UNCLEAR] southwest and a ship ahead on us. Richard Whittnell & T. [Thomas] Walmsley delivered some admonishes. The sacrament. About 1 o'clock St. Dominick northeast about 2 o'clock Antigua to the south southwest on us just visible at a great distance. Montserrat passing it about half past 11 at night.

15. Early in the morning St. Christopher to the North on us. Fine morning. Beginning to paint the outside of the ship. This the first day my wife moved about the fire. Some uneasiness amongst the sailors respecting some words the 1st mate use of to some passengers respecting the inability of the crew as seamen.

16. Fine morning; breeze; ship at 9 knots a hour. Alice Standing & John Alston having words. Fine breeze all night.

17. Fine morning. About 8 o'clock as the first mate came to the men to give orders about the painting, one of the men struck at him 3 times, the mate having threatened the previous night to split his skull for having pulled the sheet of him, . . . . The captain came up with handcuffs to confine the offender, but some resistance being offered to him, he went to the cabin, fetched a sword and said he was determined to support his authority, and any of the men resisting him he would split him in two if he had strength in his arm. The offender went down to his place refusing to come up. The [p.5] captain then said he would not hurt the hair off the head of any man except he was forced. He said, "Passengers, the ship is in a state of mutiny, look out, your wives & children's life is in danger." He then went to the cabin, called for Elder [Hiram] Clark. Elder [Hiram] Clark came out calling the passengers on the after deck; he then said, the captain wishes some to come forward as volunteers to stand by him in securing the offender. Hyram [Hiram] Clark said he was willing to take up arms, Richard [W.] Whittanl [Whithnell] followed, Thomas Walmsley, James Bennett, John Hardman, William Gour [Gore]. They all 6 of them went up to the captain's cabin when 6 stands of arms was brought out, charged and given to them they then went up to the men's cabin, and the captain ordered the men to come to the quarter deck, when he again addressed them, and said it would be better for them, and he would advise them and the offender (as a friend) to deliver himself up peaceably. The offender then delivered himself up, when he was put in handcuffs and ordered to the long boat, which served as a place of confinement. Order was then restored - a number of passengers finding fault with the parties that have taken up arms for doing so.

18th. Fine morning. Mrs. Witnall [Elizabeth P. Whithnell] delivered. Squally. Mrs. [Alice] Standing, Nelling Arlin Standing and several more having hard words on Deck about 11 o'clock at night.

19th. Fine morning, Toward 9 o'clock heavy squall. Wind southwest turning northwest west. Towards 2 wind ahead at night. Sea heavy, ship heaving. St. Domingo to the northwest.

20th. Squally, wind northwest by west & southeast east. Brig in sight, comes up close, spoken to, her beam end dipping in the water. Jane of Halifax from Demarary to Jamaica — in sight northwest 2 ships for Jamaica. About 4-1/2 a cry was raised, ship on fire, many of the passengers and crew hastening about woman coming. Running to the forecastle, some crying, some almost fainting. This ship is on fire; some hastening with Buckets and cans of Water. It was soon discovered that there was no danger, the brandy cask having caught fire by Elder [Hiram] Clark drawing some spirits, wanted to see how much there was, and so the accident happened. One man, George [Scholes] Scoles by endeavoring to put it out had his face very ill burned. At night, close reef being opposite Jamaica. [p.6]

21, Sunday. About 6 o'clock, fine morning, close to Jamaica, very fine view of some coffee plantations. Ship in her course 1 o'clock. The mate having caught a fish called a barracuda resembles a pike. Church meets at 1/2 10 past. Meeting opened by Elder Miles Hodson [Hadgsen] giving out a hymn, then praying and addressing the church. Robert Borscough followed, then singing, Elder Hyram [Hiram] Clark addressing the church, while the bread & wine is handed around. Toward evening squalls.

22. Fine morning. Spoke the "Julius" of Plymouth America from Rio de Janeiro bound for New Orleans, cargo coffee. Miles Hodgson's wife delivered of a boy.

23. Fine morn. No wind. Towards 4 o'clock a steamer northeast. Toward 5 o'clock something like trees in sight northwest: a island called Grand Comand & Little Comand, a turtle fishery. 2 ships ahead, towards 8 o'clock mate caught a dolphin, 4 feet 10 inches long. Calm at night.

24. Fine morning. Saints on the 2 ships, left them about 7 o'clock.

25. Fine morning. Mate caught a dolphin. Some hard words passing between James Proctor & Standing families. Passing the Island of Cuba & Port Antony at night.

26. Fine morning. Entered the Gulf of Mexico. Mate caught a dolphin. Began to divide the provisions.

27. Fine morning. Great uneasiness, the price of provisions.

28. About 2 o'clock the anchor chain was brought out, preparations being made for anchoring. The remainder of the provisions being divided; toward evening wind brisk. Midnight wind ahead.

29. Cool morning. Toward 6 o'clock decried the steamer coming out; toward 7 another steamer coming; also a pilot belonging to the first steamer. About 8 o'clock steamer and pilot close too, the pilot came on board the steamer, "Tensey," taking in tow. Wind right ahead, passed the bar about 12 o'clock, 1 o'clock the shark steamer brought a fine ship out, a lighthouse south southwest. The pilot steamer close to us - north cast anchor. About 2 o'clock, the Government officer coming on board calling the names of the seamen. We went up the Mississippi in Grand style, majestic [p.7] river. Passed Fort Jackson about 10 o'clock at night.

30th. Fine frosty morning, passed the English-turn many fine plantations, Negroes at work. About 3 o'clock passed the barracks, cast anchor about 4 o'clock in the afternoon as soon as the ship was fastened Richard, [W.] Withnall, myself and many more went on shore. A number of men came on board. Several of the passengers made purchases in provisions. At night as there was many strangers on board we agreed amongst ourselves two men to watch at each hatchway for 2 hours in their turn.

31. Fine frosty morning, it was quite a change having been melted with heat for the last 4 weeks now many complained about cold. The day passed away in going into the city making purchases, looking about, &c. Cleaned both mates teeth, provisions & every other article being remarkable dear. In the afternoon, it was reported the steward had the cook taken up to sell him, New Orleans in Louisiana being one of the chief slave states. Mr. [Hiram] Clark having been with the captain to the custom house brought permits to pass us.

April 1. A heavy rain, thunder and lightning. No fire on board, no breakfast at 9 o'clock all the heads of families went to the custom house to get permits signed, paid 10. About noon the custom house officer came to inspect the luggage. All was now in uproar every one hastening to secure their luggage, the rain coming down in torrents. The luggage and passengers all were on board about 6 o'clock as soon as all got on board the steamer "Moravian" for Quincy, she began to blow her steam to go up the river to take in some salt having had nothing warm all day the company was preparing for cooking. About 9 o'clock the mate came around to order our berths or sleeping places. We had iron rails for bedsteads all being huddled together, some slept in hammocks; others was forced to sit up all night having no place some 6 and 7 sleeping in a bed. Rainy day and night.

April 2nd. Soon in the morning all was life, a number going on shore making purchases, bought a tongue for 15 pecuns [A MONETARY UNIT FROM THE LATIN WORD "PECUNIA, MEANING MONEY]. 3 of the brethren from Nauvoo came on board. About 2 o'clock in the afternoon the steamer was loosened from her moorings and Orleans was soon lost to our sight being a foggy day. We went on pleasantly. [p.8] Many fine houses and gardens presented themselves to our view. Toward 7 o'clock wood was taken in a long worm [-] about 4 feet long, about 11 o'clock wood taken in again.

3rd. Rainy morning thundering and lightning passed a fine settlement called Donaldonsville, passed Plaquemine town, a neat settlement close to Plaquemine River, about 150 miles northwest of the Gulf of Mexico. About 8 o'clock at night being very foggy stayed to take in wood. Several Negroes coming on board some with vegetables, eggs, apples, pies, etc. a fire kindled on shore.

Sunday 4th. Fine morning. Stayed to take in wood, also about ll took in wood. 6 o'clock passed Fort Adams, a neat little town on the right bank situated under a hill.

5th. Fine morning. Passed Natchez about 6 o'clock, a neat town, took wood. About 7 o'clock Rodney, a small town on the left bank of the river, a grand gulf on the right side, a very neat little town - wood at evening.

6th. Fine morning. about 6 o'clock landed at Vicksburg, onto a pier of the river, an imposing town built upon rising ground; court house built upon a hill. Numerous turtles upon the shore. One of the company killed a serpent 2 yards long.

7th. Fine morning, wood twice, Negroes with eggs.

8th. Fine morning, passed several fine plantations - wood. Towards 7 o'clock at evening passengers came running from the foredeck aloft, all were hastening to the top crying the boat is sinking, some of the crew draw buckets full of water for the pumps, the boat having been snaked, the mate hastening with a lantern in the hold to ascertain if there was any damage done, but it was soon known there was no danger. About 8 o'clock a town, Helena [Arkansas]. Landed. Bought some provisions. David Harrison falling overboard is caught up by a bucket being drawn to him.

9. Fine morning, took wood, passed Fort Pickering, a new town on the east side of the river. 2 miles above is Memphis, a neat little place on a hill, went ashore, boat discharged some salt, stayed about 2 hours. Toward 9 o'clock the sky began to lower. At midnight it thundered and the lightning illuminating the objects around us [p.9] for many a mile. At the same time a terrific storm shook the boat, the captain and his men being frightened almost out of their wits, sparks of fire flying about in the steerage. Many of the passengers were awakened by the fear of fire. The captain gave orders to stop the engine and make for the land until daylight appeared, the cooks window being blown out of the kitchen. It was terrifying. Broke all the windows in the tophouse (wheel house).

10th. A cool morning. Randolph, a small town on the east side of the river. I saw several houses down, uprooted trees, etc.

11. Very cool. Many were forced to put their winter clothes on.

12. Sunday, fine, cool day. At night the wheels were repaired.

13. Very fine sunny morning. Cleaned 4 passengers teeth. Landed at Cairo, a English town where Mr. & Mrs. Gregson [George & Alice], a Miss Nightingale left the boat for Cincinnati. A young man Harrison, one of the passengers being taken for murder. Cleaned a gentleman's teeth. Mr. Harrison, the President of the United States death. At night passed Cape Girardeau, a neat town on the left in Missouri.

14. Fine morning, passed a large rock - the devils oven in the midst of the river, high hills on the left bank.

15. A fine morning, passed many delightful places, some mills (hewn in the rock) for the manufacture of shot. As we went up the river, St. Louis presented itself to our view with 2 large spires on the churches, one building ranging above the rest; it was a hotel called the American Hotel. About 12 o'clock at noon we reached the city, a truly pleasant place. Such a confusion was now on board, merchants clerk coming inquiring for letters for their houses, drovers coming with their whips wanting to carry luggage, but the chief mate of the "Moravian" gave orders none to come in among the passengers. Negroes on like business, boys with apples, fruit, hardware, jewelry, eggs, &c., &c. In the course of an hour the boat was more cleared, passengers now went on shore. One sister from Preston having left England the summer before having heard that boat had arrived with passengers from England came on board. It was a time of rejoicing to many to meet with old acquaintances in [p.10] a foreign and distant land. She invited many of the sisters to her habitation her husband a mechanic being in employ here. In the course of the day many hastened to the various stores for provisions and other articles. A boat for the upper trade was engaged for to carry us to our destination. About 3 o'clock the "Goddess of Liberty," a fine new built boat carrying 400 tons, drawing 2 feet of water came alongside of us. Our luggage was carried from the Moravian into her. Again there was confusion, all being crowded together more than ever. Berths being prepared, but as there was not room for above half the number of passengers, many were forced to sit up. It was a very cold night. About 20 of our company went on shore, many engaged for various employments.

16. A delightful spring morning. About 8 o'clock preparations were made for starting the boat taking in her cargo. At 11 o'clock the fire was kindled, and at 1 o'clock the engines were in motion. We went up the Mississippi in fine style. Many a fine village lay in the way. At 3 o'clock we came to Dalton, a driving neat town with 2 churches with spires and another place of worship beautifully situated on a hill; also the town has a States prison, a neat building of white limestone. We stayed here a few minutes, and then went on, took wood. About 4 o'clock on the right side of the River Illinois, fine Rocky Mountains. Toward 11 o'clock the sky began to lower. Thunder & lightning with heavy rain.

17. Rainy morn. At 11 o'clock reached a neat little town on the left bank in Missouri, Hannibal, discharged some goods land at a Louisiana, Missouri — Quincy, Illinois, a driving places, Le Grange, Missouri, Warsaw on the right bank at the foot of the rapids of the Mississippi, Keokuk, opposite Warsaw, where we met some of those who had emigrated some time before; when we reached here the captain here ascertained that he could not go higher up the Mississippi. He engaged a keel boat to take us up with the first steam boat that was coming up. All goods was now discharged, the boat being cleared.

18th. Fine morning, no boat, began to rain. [Hiram] Clark went up to Nauvoo. Returned on Sunday in company with his wife and daughter. A steamboat, the "Aster," came along [p.11] side; she carried us up to Nauvoo, the place of our destination. All the goods belonging to the company was here discharged. A number of the brother was ready to receive us; they kindly offered their houses, many slept in a large stone building belonging to one of the brethren, myself & William Gross, with some others kept up a large fire all night and stayed with our luggage. Some of the brethren that had come here before us kept us company. Early in the morning a number of the brethren came to Inquire whether all of us had obtained habitations. We got in very comfortable with a brother.

20th. After having made some arrangement in our luggage went to see several of the brethren. . . . [p.12]

BIB: Neibaur, Alexander. Journal, typescript. (MSS 438 folder #2) pp. 1-12 (Brigham Young University Special Collections).
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