. . . February 16, 1858, I bade goodbye to my native land and boarded the ship Empire bound for America. The grief of my parents, brothers, and sisters was very touching at my determination to not only adhere to the doctrine of Mormonism, but to leave my home and native land. But I felt it my duty to do the will of the Father and assist in the great work of redemption, hoping the time would come when my loved ones would do likewise.

On the ship we were organized in companies with officers in charge. I was appointed cook, but my labors were very light for several days, as most of the passengers were seasick. The kettles were continually upsetting and like their owners rolling about the cabins. Several persons were thrown out of their beds. The water gushed into our cabins wetting our luggage, which was hard to get dried.

The headway made by the vessel depended on the way the wind happened to be blowing. However, the spirits of the elders were kept good by singing the songs of Zion. After tossing twenty-seven days on the sea we came in sight of land, America "The Land of Zion," which caused the hearts of all to leap with joy. A few hours later the ship was safe in the port of New York. . . . [p.474]

BIB: Bunting, Lovett, [Autobiography] Our Pioneer Heritage comp. by Kate B. Carter, vol. 12. (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1969), p.474. (CHL)
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