Thursday, [March] 20, [1856] - A.M. Went to the Enoch Train and received a berth. Visited the Saints in the "Emigrant Home." Bought some things for the voyage. Dined at Brother Perks. P.M. Accompanied Brother Ferguson to the ship, Enoch Train. Spent the afternoon with him. We took tea at Brother Perks. Evening, we called at the Conference House and finished packing up. Met Brother Joseph A. Young, William G. Young, Edward Martin, Jesse Haven, and T. [Truman] O. Leonard, William C. Dunbar, John Kay, James A. Little, and Daniel D. McArthur, all from the Valley. We spent a good time together. About
past 2 o'clock we retired to rest. [p.103]

Friday, March 21, 1856 A.M. Went on board and assisted in serving out provisions. P.M. Went to Brother Perks along with Brother McArthur. Took tea. Evening attended meeting at 36 Islington. Brother Franklin presided. Present of Brethren from Zion. James Ferguson, Cyrus J. Wheelock, W.C. Dunbar, Jesse Haven, E. [Edmund] L. Ellsworth, L. D. Rudd, J. [John] A. Hunt, T. [Truman] O. Leonard, G. Martin, [-] Spicer W. Crandall, and Nathan T. Porter. James Ferguson was unanimously chosen to preside over the Saints on the Enoch Train. Edmund Ellsworth and Daniel D. McArthur, his counselors. The brethren felt well and spoke their feelings which were good. Brothers Franklin and Wheelock blessed us in the name of the Lord. The Holy Ghost was with us and we rejoiced exceedingly after partaking of wine and cake prepared by President Richards. We separated at midnight. Brother McArthur and I slept at Brother Perks. On board the ship at past 9 o'clock. Sister Thomas Lyon was delivered of a daughter named Christina Enoch. She was waited upon by Sister Janet Hardie from Edinborough. [p.104]

Saturday, March 22, 1856 A.M. Went to the office and received 5£ from President Richards. Signed a promissory note for the same. At 10 o'clock went on board the ship with President Richards, Brothers Wheelock, Ferguson, Ellsworth, McArthur, Hunt, Dunbar, Rudd, Porter and many others of the brethren. The ship's company of emigrating Saints was assembled on the quarter deck and received us with cheers. All passed the doctor and government officers, after which Brother Franklin, Cyrus Ferguson, and several other brethren left the ship while the band under Brother Ellsworth's direction played "Auld Lang Syne" and we gave three times three cheers. At a quarter to 3 p.m. Brother Ellsworth called us together and after a short address, I was chosen clerk of the company. On motion of Elder E. [Edmund] Ellsworth, seconded by Elder D. [Daniel] McArthur that the ship's company be divided into five wards and that Elder John A. Hunt preside over No. 1 ward, that Elder N. Porter over No. 2, Brother Andrew Galloway over No.3, Elder S.[Spicer] W. Crandel [Crandall] over No.4, Elder T. [Truman] Leonard, No. 5, also was chosen captain of the guard. The foregoing motions was carried unanimously. After a few remarks by Elder Ellsworth, we numbered off the wards, prepared the [p.105] guard list and posted the guard at 8 o'clock. Prayers were then attended to by presidents of the wards and all retired to rest. I was called upon to accompany Brother Wheelock and Ferguson ashore. Returned between 9 and 10 and at 1 I retired to rest.

Sunday 23rd, A.M. At 6 o'clock the horn was blown, the decks were cleaned and at a past 7, the different wards assembled for prayers. About 8, we weighed anchor. Wind north, northeast, weather fair, was towed down river by the steamtug "Independence." At half past 9, all the company was mustered to see if there were any stowaways found none. While the inspection was going on, a steamer came alongside with a Mr. Hodgetts and some detective officers to search the ship for the former's family. Mrs. Hodgetts did not wish to go back although Mr. Hodgetts promised to sell his property and go to Zion with them, but by the persuasion of Elder Wheelock, Ferguson, and others, she consented to do so. Took three of her children with her and left two behind, age 17 and 15. At midday, water was served to all the company, about 5 p.m. Brothers Wheelock and Dunbar left us, in the [p.106] tug that had been towing all day. They gave us three cheers and we all returned it and the band played a lively air. At 8 o'clock the guard was posted. past 8, prayers were attended to. All went to rest. A fresh breeze filled our sails and we glided merrily.

Monday 24, A.M. At 10 minutes to 2 o'clock, Sister Agnes, wife of Samuel Hardgraves, was delivered of a son named Enoch Train. Waited upon by Sister Janet Hardie. 8 o'clock. The wind southeast. Weather fair. Going at about 5 knots per hour. Several of the company very sick. P.M., all feeling better. Served water to all the company. Posted the guard at 7 o'clock. Prayers offered up near 9. At 15 minutes past 9, Sister Elizabeth, wife of William Johnston, was delivered of a son named Hamilton. Waited upon by Sister Janet Hardie. About midnight, the ship rolled heavy going at the rate of 11 knots.

Tuesday 25, A.M. 6 o'clock the horn was sounded. A great many to very sick. Could not rise. At 7 prayers were called, very few attended. Ship still rolling, going 10 knots. Wind east, southeast. Weather [p.107] cloudy. Ship making 10 knots. 8 o'clock raining very fast and squally. P.M. Water was served as usual. I was very sick all day, but kept about. Many of the sick were administered to by the elders. Some of them got better immediately. Posted the guard at 7 1/4. Prayers were attended to. About this time we cleared the channel and sailed on the broad Atlantic.

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 1856 A.M. The horn was sounded at past 6 o'clock. The Saints felt better and turned out. Wind south, southwest. Weather fair. Ship making 6 knots. Decks were cleaned as usual. 7 o'clock attended prayers. During the day, we were visited with squalls of rain. P.M. At past 7, posted the guard. Attended prayers. Ship rolled heavy all night. The tinware danced merrily.

Thursday 27th , A.M. Ship making 6 knots wind east. Weather fair. At past 5 o'clock, the horn sounded the rise. The brethren turned out and scrubbed decks. [p.108] After breakfast, the day was so fine many of the sick got up on deck and enjoyed themselves in chatting and singing. The day passed off very pleasant. P.M., posted the guard at half past 7 o'clock. And half past 8 attended prayers. Spent the evening with Brothers Ferguson, Grainger, Spiers, and Sister Hardie's family and Brother Leonard.

Friday 28th , A.M. Half past 5 the horn was sounded. The ship nearly becalmed. Wind baffling. Weather cloudy with rain. At half past 7 o'clock attended prayers. The brethren prayed for a favorable wind which came immediately from the northeast. The ship sailed at the rate of 8 knots. The weather faired so that the Saints could enjoy themselves on deck. P.M. Potatoes were served to the company and water as usual. Posted the guard at past 7. Attended prayers at 1/4 past 8. [p.109]

Saturday 29th, A.M. The rise was sounded at past 5 o'clock. Wind north, northeast. Weather fair. Ship sailing 10 knots at half past 8 attended prayers. The band favored us with several lively airs. P.M., attended to the serving of provisions to all the company. The ship was becalmed about 5 hours. Posted the guard at past 7. Attended prayers at past 8.

Sunday, March 30th, A.M. The horn was sounded at past 5 o'clock. Wind southwest. Cloudy and raining very fast. Making about five knots. Attended prayers as usual. The day was so very wet could have no meeting on deck. P.M., water was served. Posted the guard at past 7. Attended to prayers at past 8.

Monday 31st, A.M. The horn sounded at 5 o'clock. Decks were cleaned as usual. Prayers at 8. Ship nearly becalmed. I drew out a list to serve provisions by [-] 2 o'clock. Attended meeting on deck. E. [Edmund] Ellsworth and [James] Ferguson addressed the Saints for a short time. [p.110] Had a very good meeting. Towards night the wind blew pretty fresh. Ship about three points off her course. Posted the guard at past 7. Prayers at past 8. During the night, Sister Esther, wife of John Devereux, of the Herefordshire Conference, died of consumption of the lungs.

Tuesday, April 1, 1856 - A.M. Blowing a gale. Ship about 4 points off her course. At 6 o'clock the horn was sounded. Prayed at past 8. P.M. So rough, no water could be served. At 5 o'clock, the body of Sister Deverux was carried up on deck. Put in the hospital until calmer weather. The guard was posted as usual. Prayers at past 8.

Wednesday 2nd, A.M. The horn was sounded at 5 o'clock. At 6 the body of our sister was committed to the deep.* [INDICATES NOTE AT BOTTOM OF PAGE WHICH STATES, Latitude 41-32 North. Longitude 24-44 West.] Water was served to the company. Prayers at 8. Wind southwest. Rough, cloudy, raining. Continued so all day. Posted the guard at 7 p.m. Attended prayers at past 8. [p.111]

Thursday, April 3rd, A.M. The horn was sounded as usual. Prayers at past 7. Water served to the company. Ship about one point off her course. Wind light. Weather fair. All the Saints on deck. P.M. Several songs were sung. The band favored us with several tunes. Toward evening had a little dance. Posted the guard at past 7 o'clock. Prayers at 8.

Friday 4th, A.M. The horn was sounded at 5 o'clock. Prayers at 7:30. The day being fine. The Saints got upon deck. Two ships passed us yesterday. Homeward bound. P.M. Potatoes were served to the company. Posted the guard at past 7. Prayed at 8 o'clock.

Saturday, April 5th, A.M. Wind north, northeast with weather fair. The horn was blown at 5 o'clock. Prayers as usual. Served water and provisions to the company. Towards evening had a dance on deck. The band favored us with their music. Posted the guard at past 7. Prayers at 8 o'clock. [p.112]

Sunday 6th, A.M. The horns sounded as usual. Prayers at past 8. Nearly calm. Sea smooth. Sun shining, beautiful. The sperm whales blowing and playing around us. Water served to the company. P.M. 2 o'clock according to appointment the company assembled in a conference capacity. Elder [James] Ferguson presided. All the authorities of the church were unanimously sustained. Elder Ferguson, Ellsworth, McArthur, and the authority on the Enoch Train were unanimously sustained by the rising of the right hand and hearty "aye" from the company. Ferguson and counsel addressed the Saints. All rejoiced in the teachings given by the servants of God. At the close of the conference, I was called upon to sing the "Merry Mormon." Posted the guard at 7 [and] attended at 8 prayers.

Monday 7th, A.M. The horn was blown as usual. Prayers at 8 o'clock. Served water to the company. Wind west. Ship heading north, northwest. Making 6 knots. The boxes &c were unleashed and ship got a thorough cleaning. Posted the guard as usual. Prayers at 8 p.m. [p.113]

Tuesday 8th, A.M. The rise was sounded as usual. Prayed at 7 o'clock. Not much wind. Sea smooth. Weather fine. Water served as usual. Brother Ellsworth assisted me in drafting and cutting tents. The Saints commenced their tent making for the plains. Evening all assembled at the main hatch when Brother Ferguson addressed us. Gave some counsel and instructions necessary for our circumstances.

Wednesday 9th, A.M. The usual duties of the ship were attended to. Water and potatoes served to the company. Wind unfavorable. Posted the guard at 7 o'clock. Attended prayers at 9. Administered to several of the sick who were relieved immediately.

Thursday 10th, A.M. Wind more favorable. The ship making 6 knots. Squalls with rain. The Saints arose and attended prayers as usual. Served water to the company. Felt unwell. P.M. Better. Posted the guard as usual. Attended prayers at 9 o'clock. Spent the evening with Sister Hardie's family. Her birthday was celebrated with wine and cake. Ferguson and several others present. [p.114]

Friday 11th, A.M. The horn sounded at 5 o'clock. Prayers at 7. Water served to the company. Wind northwest. Ship making 6 knots. Weather fine. P.M. The wind hauled more favorable. Evening, attended meeting and in connection with others addressed the Saints.

Saturday 12th, A.M. 5 o'clock the horn was sounded for the Saints to rise. Prayers as usual. Ship becalmed. Wind baffling. Weather cloudy. Served water and provisions. P.M. Assisted in cutting out some tents. The wind hauled fair towards evening. The ship made 9 knots per hour, right course. The guard was posted as usual. Prayers at 9 o'clock.

Sunday 13th, A.M. Wind southwest. Ship making 9 knots. Weather rainy. The Saints arose and attended prayers as usual. Served water. P.M. Passed the English Bargue Architect of Windsor. 21 days from Aberdeen, bound for Halifax. 3 o'clock attended meeting and addressed the Saints. Posted the guard as usual. Prayers at 9 o'clock. Wind northeast. Ship sailing fine. On her right course. [p.115]

Monday April 14th, A.M. Wind fair. Weather fine. The horn sounded at 5 o'clock. Prayers at 8. Served water to the company. P.M. Ship nearly becalmed. Had a dance on deck. Posted the guard at 7. Prayers at 9 o'clock.

Tuesday 15th, A.M. The horn sounded at 5 o'clock. Prayers at 8. Ship becalmed. The Saints worked at tents. Served water and potatoes. P.M. Posted the guard as usual. 9 o'clock assembled for meeting. Was addressed by the president and council.

Wednesday 16th, A.M. The horn sounded at 5 o'clock. Prayed at 8. Not much wind. Sea smooth. Served water. P.M. The wind blew strong and fair. Ship making 9 knots. Posted the guard as usual. Prayers at 9 o'clock.

Thursday 17th, A.M. At 4 o'clock Sister Mary, wife of James Sheen Junior was delivered of a son named [-]. She was waited upon by Sister Janet Hardie. [p.116] At 5 the horn sounded the rise. Prayers at 8 o'clock. Served water. Wind light, but fair. At noon today, about 13 hundred miles from Boston by the chart. P.M. Posted the guard as 7. Prayers at 9. Ship making 6 knots.

Friday 18th, A.M. The horn sounded at 5 o'clock. Prayers as usual. Served water and provisions to the company. Wind still fair averaged since last night until today noon, about 6 knots per hour. P.M. Saints worked at the tents. Posted the guard at 7. Attended meeting as usual. Elder Crandall and Ellsworth addressed us.

Saturday 19th, A.M. The horn sounded. Prayers were attended to as usual. We sailed since yesterday noon until 7 o'clock this morning. 123 miles. Water was served to the company. Was writing for the captain all day. Dined with him. P.M. Posted the guard at 7. Attended prayers at 9 o'clock. [p.17]

Sunday, April 20th, A.M. The rise was sounded and prayers were attended to as usual. Served water to the company. P.M. Attended meeting on the main deck. Elders Galloway, Leonard, and Ferguson addressed us. Wind still continuing fair. Today noon our latitude was 39-26; longitude 51-02. 940 miles from Boston by the chart. Posted the guard at 7. Prayers at 9 o'clock.

Monday 21st, A.M. The horn sounded at 5 o'clock. Prayers at 8. Water was served as usual. A general cleaning took place. Towards noon the wind freshened, and hauled a little a head. Spoke to ship "Typhoon" bound for Liverpool. Posted the guard at 7. Attended prayers at 9 o'clock.

Tuesday 22nd, A.M. The horn sounded and prayers were attended to as usual. Water was served and busy in the cabin writing for the captain until 3. P.M. Posted the guard as usual. Attended prayers at 9 o'clock. Today non 651 miles from Boston. [p.118]

Wednesday 23rd, A.M. Horn was sounded at 5. Prayers at 8 o'clock. Wind ahead but very light. Ship nearly becalmed. Water and potatoes served to the company. The Saints worked at the tents. Wind ahead all day. Posted the guard at 7 p.m. Prayers at 8 o'clock.

Thursday 24th, A.M. Between 2 and 3 o'clock, Jane, daughter of Hugh and Jane Clotworthy, died of consumption of the bowels, age 2 years, 1 month, and 24 days. At 5, the horn sounded the rise. Prayers at 8 o'clock. Water served as usual. 2 p.m. the Saints assembled on the main deck to witness the burial of Brother Clotworthy's child. The hymn on page 183 was sung. Prayer by Elder Ellsworth. Elder Ferguson made some very appropriate remarks. The body was then launched into the deep. Latitude 42-52; longitude 59-32. Distance from Boston, 513 miles. Posted the guard as usual. Attended prayers at 8 o'clock.

Friday 25th, A.M. Horn sounded and prayers as usual. Wind fair. Ship company making 11 knots. Weather cold and rainy. P.M. Posted the guard as usual. Prayers at 8 o'clock. [p.119]

Saturday 26th, A.M. At past 4 o'clock we struck a far and aft schooner. Her main top mast caught in our [-] yard and was carried away. The horn sounded as usual. Prayers at 8 o'clock. Served water. P.M. Served provisions. Distance from Boston today noon, 185 miles. Weather very cold. Wind fair. Ship making about 5 knots. Posted the guard as usual. Prayers at 9 o'clock.

Sunday 27th, A.M. Horn sounded at 5 o'clock. Ship nearly becalmed. Scarcely making any headway all night. Weather fair. Prayed at 8 o'clock. Engaged most of the day with the Saints receipting for the passage to Boston. Posted the guard as usual. At 8 all attended meeting between decks. Elder Ferguson, Elder Ellsworth, and McArthur, and several others addressed us. A note of thanks was tendered to Captain Rich through Ferguson.

Monday 28th, A.M. The horn sounded and prayers attended to as usual. Water and potatoes was served to the company. Distance East of Boston today noon, 95 miles. I handed the [p.120] following letter to the captain:

Ship Enoch Train95 M. E. of Boston, U. S. A.April 28, 1856

Sir,I have much pleasure in having been selected as the medium through whom to communicate the gratitude of the whole of our company for the multiplied displays of your kind attention to them and solicitude for their health and comfort during our voyage from Liverpool. By a unanimous vote of the company, I am requested to tender you the thanks of their hearts and their prayers most since that God may reward you by administering according to the richness of his bounty. Health, peace, and enduring happiness to you and yours.

Respectfully your sincere friends,

James Ferguson,President of Company of Latter-day Saints aboard the ship Enoch Train [p.121]Captain A. S. Rich
Ship Enoch Train
Posted the guard at 7 . Prayers at 9.

Tuesday April 29, A.M. The horn sounded and prayers attended to as usual. About 6 o'clock, a buoy was discovered on the larboard side. It was not noticed on the chart and bothered the captain a little. He stood off and on until noon. P.M. Spoke the schooner, "Flag of Truce," of Gloucester, who informed us we were 24 miles form Cape Ann and 12 from Boston. 4 o'clock, the pilot boat, "Jane of Boston," came alongside and put a pilot on board of us. The band and all the company of Saints were on deck and gave three hearty cheers. The band played "Yankee Doodle." Land in sight. Water served today as usual. Posted the guard at 7 o'clock. At 9 we cast anchor. The company assembled between decks for meeting. Elder Ferguson and counsel addressed us and gave some very good instructions after which we felt to shout hosanna. We done so three times. The presidents are instructed to look after the Saints of their several wards. [p.122] While journeying to frontier. The following letter was then read by Brother Ferguson, which had been handed to him by the captain:

To Mr. James Ferguson and elders on board the ship Enoch Train bound from Liverpool to Boston.

Gentlemen: Boston lights are in view and soon we must part, but we hope not forever. But providence allowed us to tender you our thanks for the spirit of kindness manifested by you all during the present voyage tending to the health and comfort of our passengers under your charge. If such rules and regulations could be followed by all emigrant ships, we should have far less of sickness and distress at sea. Cleanliness is part of your religion and nobly you have carried it out. May your trip across our States be one of pleasure and when this is passed and you encamp upon western prairies, may your thoughts wonder back with pleasure to your ocean voyage. Gentlemen, farewell. May health, peace and prosperity go with you. And when your pilgrimage is accomplished on earth, may a bright immortality be yours in that world which is to come.Most respectfully,

Henry A. Rich, Master of the Enoch Train.Charles B. [-], Surgeon [p.123]

Wednesday 30th, A.M. Was visited by the owner's of the ship, "Quarantine," and other officers. They considered us the best passengers that ever arrived in Boston. The doctor passed us all in about 15 minutes. P.M. I accompanied Brother Ferguson ashore. Met Elder N. H. Felt in the train company office. He returned to the ship with us in a small boat. We all spent the night on board.

Thursday May 1st, A.M. Weighed anchor at 6 o'clock. The steam tug Enoch Train pulled us up to the Constitution Wharf by 8. The Custom House Officers came on board and examined our luggage. We passed without any trouble. Attended to our prayers and daily duties as usual.

Friday 2nd, A.M. Very early, arose and attended prayers. All bustle preparing to leave. Served half rations of provisions. P.M. At 4 o'clock, left by omnibus for the railway station. The American flag waved from the top of the leading bus. We left Boston by the 5 train. Arrived in [-] at 9 o'clock. Took steamer "Plymouth Rock" to New York. Arrived at 6 a.m. of [p.124] Saturday the 3rd. Got our luggage onto a barge and all the passengers sailed up to the wharf foot of Chamber Street. The band played "Auld Lang Syne," "Home Sweet Home," and "Yankee Doodle." Three cheers by the whole company. I accompanied Brother George Taylor to the office of the "Mormon" where I finished letters to President Richards and Taylor. Thought I had commenced at the Quarantine Ground of Boston returned to the steamer "Erie" where I found the Saints snugly stowed away. She was kindly lent by the captain. He also furnished us lights at night. I expect to start in the evening for Philadelphia to see my parents but was told by Brother Ferguson I could not go. All right, said I, and put down my luggage.

Sunday 4th, A.M. All got ready to leave New York at 5 o'clock p.m. Took steamer on the Hudson to Piermont. Arrived at 10 o'clock. Train to Dunkirk. Arrived on the 6th. Changed cars and rode to Cleveland. Arrived on the 7th, and took train to Toledo where we changed cars as usual and rode to [p.125] Chicago. Arrived on the evening of the 8th. Stopped in the cars all night.

Friday 9th, A.M. Brother Daniel Spencer overtook us on his way to St. Louis. P.M. At 2 o'clock we took express train to Rock Island. Arrived at 10. Stopped in the cars all night.

Saturday 10th, A.M. Moved the company to a large commission house, kindly loaned by the Railway Company. Commenced receipting for passage to Iowa City. At 9 o'clock p.m. the horn sounded for prayers.

Sunday 11th, A.M. Finished receipting the company to Iowa.

Monday 12th, A.M. Brother Ferguson and Ellsworth went with half the company by ferryboat to Davenport and by rail to Iowa. I was detailed to accompany the balance. We left at 2 p.m. and arrived in Iowa at 10 o'clock. We were all housed in the depot and remained there until the 14th. [p.126]

Wednesday 14th, A.M. Commenced hauling our luggage to camp by wagons and handcarts. All was safely lodged in camp by 11 o'clock. Many wet to the skin, for it rained very fast. Brother Ferguson and I overtook a family and carried two of their little fellows into camp. It was located on a beautiful hill about 3 miles from the center of the city. Plenty of wood and water. . . . [p.127]

. . . We arrived Saturday, 4th, 3 p.m. Was welcomed home by the Presidency and many acquaintances. We then separated and went to our families with hears of gladness. . . [p.137]

BIB: McAllister, John Daniel Thompson. Journal (Ms 1257), reel 1, vol. 2, pp. 103-27, 137. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)