Left Sheffield, Yorkshire, England March 18, 1856 by rail to Liverpool under the charge of Elders [Edward] Frost and [John] McDonald. A pleasant journey under their charge always in good order and all happy and rejoicing, numbering 31 in all. Comfortable with my wife and five children in good health and spirits; all rejoicing and going to help the building up of the Lord's kingdom in the boundaries of the Rocky Mountains.

19th All in good health, for which I feel thankful to my Heavenly Father. All went to look at the ships laying in the Waterloo docks. The name of the ship is Enoch Train. Then went to the office 36 Islington to be booked. Returned to rest by tired.

Friday, March 20, 1856 - Did not sleep very well being the first night. Rose up about 6 o'clock. The ship was towed out about 8 o'clock. Rations served out on the river. All went very well. Patience tried a little but had no place in me. The best Good Friday I ever saw in my life. A band of music abroad and all as merry as crickets, and the sailors and captains busy at work. Send a letter to Brother Harrison, Sheffield. This ends Good Friday, the 21st.

Saturday, March 21, 1856 - Rose about 6 o'clock. A child born during the night. Sister sleeps well. Brother F. D. Richards came on board and the doctor. The brethren took all the male names for watch and began to organize their wards with Brother Ferguson present. Wards number 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Sunday, March 22, 1856 - Brother Wheelock and Dunbar came on board. Brother F. D. Richards sent us his blessings. Brother Wheelock gave us some good instructions. Names of families called over. Cell confusion by a man coming for his wife and children. The young folks are with us. I guess he has shut the gate, but as soon as she sees it open, she will be out. This only strengthens her faith in this work. This took place about 10 or 15 miles from Liverpool. A beautiful day. Twenty miles from Liverpool and the ship still tugged by the steamer. Can see no land. Brother Wheelock left at 6 o'clock with some good cheers.

Monday, March 23, 1856 - Trumpet blew at 6 o'clock. All got up as could. My wife and children all sick, but I got them on deck and at 12 o'clock was all better. Towards night all sick, more or less, besides myself.

Tuesday, March 24, 1856 - A good strong wind. The ship heaved and worked and nearly all sick. Very queerly myself. Got out of the Irish Channel about 6 o'clock. Got still on board.

Thursday, March 26, 1856 - Sickness not so bad. I am better and am thankful. My wife, Henry and Harriet and Lydia and Sarah still sick. Ship going at good speed. Wind nearly south. Harriet very sick. Rained hard towards night. All went to bed. Could eat nothing for we had no salt nor vinegar and we could not eat pork. The ship rocked all night. Was very poorly. No appetite. Rough breaker. Sea wind blowing south east, east.

Friday, March 27, 1856 - All better, except Harriet, for which I thank my Heavenly Father. Wind blowing briskly after a wet night. Now toward the clock and all well and merry. Most are getting over their seasickness. The ship is in sight bound for England. Trumpets sounded for prayers and we laid down in peace committing our souls to the care of our Heavenly Father.

Saturday, March 28, 1856 - A fine morning and many better of seasickness. On our rations served out salt and vinegar, beef as we have had none before. Many on deck, not many in bed. Band played on deck. All rejoicing, etc. Songs, etc.

Sunday, March 29, 1856 - Cold, wet day. All busy cooking. Trumpet blew for prayers. We had a good deal of singing in the ward until late at night.

Monday, March 30, 1856 - Plain morning. Wind blowing west. The ship not making three miles an hour. We hope the wind will change. A few sick, but all busy cooking and many on deck in the afternoon. Some of the brethren spoke. We retired to rest committing our cares into the hands of Heavenly Father.

April 1, 1856 - A sister died during the night named Esther Deveruth, Herperture Conference, age 60 years. Rough day. Ship rolled and boxes rattled. Bottles upset. Bedsteads broke down and cooking did not please all for the sauce pans upset in the jelly. Some scolded and some fell and hurt themselves. A thing to try the patience of some. Went to bed. Ship rocked and rolled about. Did not sleep well, but all night the President and captain from different wards do their best for all and all good Saints feel well. Second, the dead sister's body committed to the sea. It was the first I ever saw buried to sea and I never want to see another. A rough day all day. Third, a fine morning. Almost all on deck. Some few below sick. My family all well for which I am thankful. The band Huberminghand is playing in merrily. The ship rocking now and then Simson scrawling and makes them laugh. If one fell on top of another or four or five together. Eleven o'clock and then we are out of a days water and no extra water for cooking at all, but all night we are happy. Several songs during the afternoon by Mrs. McAllison, Frost, Walters, etc. Band playing and dancing until dark when all went below. Trumpet for prayer, slept well. Sister Leasly fell and hurt herself during the night, but is better this morning.

April 4, 1856 - All well. Some good boiled rice for breakfast, but cried for gruel and Mother did not like it. And Sarah grumbled, but if they grumbled now what will they do before they get to the valley. Nearly 12 o'clock, the wind blowing nearly west. Not going very fast. Waves keep splashing on deck. Wind blowing against us. Four o'clock, blowing at a good speed. Two ships in sight. All merry on board. Henry's sick and mother and Harriet crying because there is no sugar. Once Sarah not well pleased and mother scolding. Henry got some preserves given him. He went to bed, but was very sick. Songs up and downstairs. Bugle sounded for prayers. We went to bed committing our souls in good care or our Heavenly Father, then bid each other good night.

April 5, 1856 - All arose at 6 o'clock. A beautiful morning. Many on deck with cheerful countenances. Henry better. Some potatoes for breakfast and gruel [-] working. Tomorrow being the 6th of April, rations served out. Both beef and pork. Henry well. Saw two ships sailing slowing. The finest we have had since we left Liverpool. All was sick on deck. Band playing, dancing and singing. Joel lay down cooking until 12 o'clock at night. Tomorrow being the anniversary of the 6th of April.

April 6, 1856 - A beautiful morning. No cooking, only tea kettles boiled. Seven o'clock. Washing and preparing for a good time today. All my family are all well and I thank my Heavenly Father for it. I do not know how to feel thankful enough. If I was a Methodist, as I was professed to be, I should shout glory and hallelujah. Two porpoises were seen, but they were thought to be whales. Soon a whale made its appearance and threw the water into the air at great height. All eyes looking at it and my children all astonished and asking a thousand and one questions to which I could not answer. The sea is very calm and the ship almost standing still and the sun shines with the beautiful clear sky. Water served out to the different wards. Two more fine whales seen rolling about on top of the water. Meeting called to order by President Ferguson and he said we might as well hold it as a conference as it is the 6th of April as it is held this day in Zion. The authorities were then represented and carried by their uplifted hands and we all say aye at the same time. Brother McAllister opened by prayer. Band played God Save the King. He and Brother McArther spoke on the Kingdom of God and of being one law in all ages and his people one in all things and a song by the congregation. Brother Ellsworth spoke upon cleanliness. A song and a prayer. A children blessed that had been born on board. The first name David, the second Enoch Train. The other, a girl, Rebekah Enoch. Conference adjourned until the 6th of [-] next in Utah. A beautiful day. All retired to rest cheerful and happy. Trumpets sounded for prayer.

April 7, 1856 - Wind blowing contrary. Rather cold and windy. Saw no ships. Quite dull and wet at times. Most grumbling about cooking. One man said if he had his money and could get to Liverpool, he would go to hell. If he would not, but it takes very little to prove some. Their spirits soon show what they are. Went on watch from 8 o'clock to 11.

April 8, 1856 - Rather wet morning. Wind ahead and has been for a week past. Still some are grumbling about cooking. Ten gallons of water for every 100 persons, but none did we get. My children dissatisfied about habituals. Some could eat one thing and some another. Could not please all, but expect they will get better as they get used to it. But a biscuit and water with help is a blessing for which I feel thankful. Dancing at night on deck.

April 9, 1856 - A wet morning. Not gaining much wind ahead all day.

April 10, 1856 - Windy and wind more favorable. Grumblers about cooking. Lost my Tomilimer hat. Henry very poorly and he says that he will never come on the sea again. Feel not very well myself, but I'm thankful. All things will work right and be for our good. The wind still in the west. Ship rolling on [-]. A deal of tacking about, which makes plenty of work for the sailors.

April 11, 1856 - Cold windy morning. Wind still in the west. Felt better this morning, thank God. Henry very sick all night. My head ached after breakfast. Went to bed until 4. Still no better. Was a deal better after prayers and the presidents addressed us upon cleanliness, cooking, etc. Went on watch 11 o'clock till 2. Ship rocked until morning. Henry better. All better this 12th day of April.

April 12, 1856 - Revisions served out today. The change of diet is worse for all of us than the sickness of the sea. Henry almost sick if you mention rice. Little Lydia, the best amongst us all. A calm day up to 3 o'clock. The children glad to have some sugar. No sooner than we got our port than Harriet wanted the frying pan. Busy on deck making and sewing tents. Dancing commenced at 6 o'clock. Prayers at 8 o'clock. Then it being a moonlight night, another half hour was given on deck. Dropped handkerchiefs, songs and went to bed. Ship sailed fast all night.

April 13, 1856 - Wet windy. Ship rolling ahead. Wet all day. All well and in first rate spirits. A ship in sight some hours and going the same way and all looking at it and all have something to say or ask. A great many porpoises. The water seems all alive with them. I saw many round with small heads, round bodies. A little instruction from Brother Hunt, McAllister, Ferguson, etc. Trumpets sounded for prayer. Sleep well. Henry seems a good deal better of his sickness.

April 14, 1856 - Ship ran well all night and is going well this morning. Rather a dull day. We hope to be in Boston next Monday if all is well. The brothers want me to shave. I do not know what to do. My top lip is so tender and I have not shaved myself for this 16 years past. Then I have determined in my own mind, long since, as soon as I got aboard a ship, I would never shave again until I reached the valley, and not then until I was told. Band played. Trumpet for prayers. Moon shined and the lads and lasses were playing on deck until nearly 11 o'clock.

April 15, 1856 - Ship rocked all night. Quite a calm. Some grumbling by a brother. Many spirits. The body of a man seen floating past the ship. A many very poorly principally old folks. Some counsel and instructions given by the brethren about tobacco smoking, obedience, etc.

April 16, 1856 - Wind began to blow. And we have sailed middling today.

April 17, 1856 - Good strong wind. Went on watch 2 o'clock. Sister Mary Sheen from Herperture Conference was confined half past 4 o'clock this morning of a son. My wife very poorly and we feel no great shakes. The diet being do different and cooking so badly managed. Having only the ship allowance. No preserves, butter, cheese, ham, as a many have. But thank God we shall, by his blessings, get through.

Friday, April 18, 1856 - Sailing very slowly. Rations served out. A better allowance of sugar. All very well this morning for which I am thankful. From 1200 to 1300 miles from Boston. The ship has rocked since 1 o'clock this morning. Upset water bottles and is still rocking up to 12 o'clock. A beautiful fine day. Wind blowing east. Have seen no ships for some days. Have as much bone as beef today. Hope to be at Boston next week by this time. Meeting below deck and some counsel and instructions by the elders. Ship sailing very fast.

April 19, 1856 - Sleep well all night. The ship still sailing very fast. Wind changed about 10 o'clock and not sailing so fast. Some hard feelings with Sister Parker and my wife about the children. [-] is my counsel to my wife. We are all well and I feel truly thankful to my Heavenly Father.

Sunday, April 20, 1856 - Beautiful morning. Ship going slowly. Sister Leasly was talking and I asked her is she was not restored to health by the power of God and she said she was. For she went on deck very sick and fell back on her head and was brought to her bed. But it was soon thereafter that the others had laid their hands on her. About 950 miles from Boston. 12 o'clock. The Saints were not even a bitter spirit is amongst the whole of us. My wife quite well. Had to sing a cuckoo and my song at the request of captain last night. Meeting held on deck. Brother Galaway spoke upon obedience to the gospel. Brother Leonard gave us a short history of his mission and President Ferguson spoke upon cleanliness. And a committee appointed "Louse Committee" singing until 11 o'clock by Mrs. McAllison and company. Ship sailing fast.

April 21, 1856 - Claude de Mon all out of bed soon and our bed clothing all looked to if clean. Some lice found on several. A ship. The pilot wanted to go back to Liverpool. It could not take him. Seven hundred and ninety six miles from Boston. 12 o'clock.

April 22, 1856 - Wet day. Sewing and making tents. My wife and Sarah sewing. Ship rocked. The sailors all cleaning the ship. Expect to be in Saturday.

Wednesday, April 23, 1856 - Wet morning. Ship sailing about six knots. Sarah not very willing to rise. Singing, shouting and laughter until nearly 12 o'clock. Last night on watch at half past 7 o'clock until 11 o'clock. Very cold night and the coldest it has been since onboard the ship.

Thursday, April 24, 1856 - Very cold morning. A child died at 4 o'clock. The son of Sister [-] from [-] Conference. 12 o'clock. The ship still quite a calm. A little boy committed to the deep. Brother Ferguson spoke before the plank was drawn. Quite a solemn tone to hear the children and parents as well. Indeed all sailors look straight down their noses.

Friday, April 25, 1856 - Wind blowing north and we had been going fast since 11 o'clock last night.

Saturday, April 26, 1856 - Ship still sailing while provisions served out. Expect to see land tomorrow. Three quarters of the pan of pork each. No rice nor peas. A very cold day indeed.

Sunday, April 27, 1856 - Quite a calm morning. Very cold. Wind gone up and continued to blow until night. General meeting below in middle hatchway. Some good instructions. A brother wanted to sell his passage and stop at Boston. Good counsel how to act when we landed at Boston. And no blessing to any that disregarded that counsel. A vote of thanks to the captain for his kindness towards us. For he had been very kind to all and made us as comfortable as he could. And also a vote of thanks to our President, Brother Ferguson, counselors and presidents of wards. And all who took any active part. Signed our bonds in Boston. Went on watch half past 7 until 11 o'clock. Harriet was sick and very poorly. Time of the meeting.

Monday, April 28, 1856 - Harriet much better. Quite a calm morning and a deal warmer. They say about 50 miles from Boston. All look cheerful and happy. Some few sick, but hope all will be able to go forward when we land.

Tuesday, April 29, 1856 - A very fine morning and the captain and crew rather troubled about a buoy being in a place they never saw before, and he hoist a flag for a pilot. Spoke to a fisherman and found plenty of water and only 15 miles from Boston. A pilot soon came on board. We soon anchored on quarantine 9 o'clock in the evening three or four miles from Boston. A general meeting below deck and a thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for his protecting care over us while many perish on the sea at the same time.

May 1, 1856 - Landed at Boston, Constitution Wharf. Ladies came to visit us and sent oranges for the children. New Testament to all heads of families and many little cards and books for the children.

May 2, 1856 - Band played songs, etc. Left Boston for New York and arrived at New York May 2nd. We went to see George at Mayland, and he was very kind to us, the III. All of us went to dinner with George and left New York at 5 o'clock for Iowa. Traveled by rails. Then was very short of bread for children and they cried for something to eat from May 4th until Friday, the 9th of May. And then my wife went into town. She had 2 cents and 2 slices of bread and meat. And bread was plentiful and Brother Frost gave us 15 cents. Left Chicago 11 o'clock at night. Arrived at Rock Island 9 o'clock morning, May 10th.

May 10, 1856 - Had more bread allowed us and got some rice from our box that was left from our ship allowance. And the children were more satisfied. Slept in the storehouse Saturday night and Sunday night went on watch 8 o'clock until 12. Crossed the river Missouri 8 o'clock Monday 12th of May. Arrived at Iowa at 3 o'clock. Dragged our luggage about two miles to campground. Fixed some tents that were made aboard at ship. It rained and was cold. My wife and daughters got into a tent. Henry and me slept in a tent, but it was very cold and should've been worse if Brother Webb had not covered us up.

May 13, 1856 - Got up very cold. Still raining. Very uncomfortable.

May 14, 1856 - Fine day. Helped Brother Webbs supply some tent poles. Slept in tent with Brother Lee. His children down with fever.

Thursday, May 15, 1856 - Went to the same tent. Fine day. Still slept with the children that had the fever and could not be removed. I found it hard, but took it patiently.

May 16, 1856 - Went to Iowa to seek work.

May 20, 1856 - Went to work to make handcarts. Was not very well. Worked 10 hours. Harriet very poorly.

Wednesday, May 21, 1856 - Went to work. Harriet not so well. Very hot. All well considering the heat and change of diet.

Thursday, May 22, 1856 - Harriet worse with what we are told is the American Fever, sometimes like the Ague. Sarah went to Lindley's farm to work and sent for Harriet some milk and a crust of bread.

Friday, May 23, 1856 - Harriet still very ill. Still very hot. All the rest well and I thank my Heavenly Father.

Saturday, May 24, 1856 - Harriet still very ill. Still at work at the carts. Rations served out and got more sugar.

Sunday, May 25, 1856 - Morning meeting. Brother Godsall from Birmingham addressed the meeting. Meeting half past 2. Brother Webb spoke and someone had been speaking against us. He roared out like a lion and would've slain them with the look of his eyes and if any were honest in heart and had been guilty, they must have trembled, for he spared none.

Monday, May 26, 1856 - Went to work. Harriet still very bad. Lightning very bad. Began at about 8 o'clock until 11 o'clock. Never saw it so in my life and it rained hard and our beds began to swim. I was wet on my side as I laid until I found it out.

May 27, 1856 - Went to work at the handcart shift tent on a hill and was scolded for it.

May 28, 1856 - At work.

May 29, 1856 - At work. Harriet still very bad. A child born in our tent half past 1.

May 31, 1856 - Martha began to be ill. Still at work at the handcarts. A meeting at night and we are to prepare for off period. At the June 1 meeting at half past 10, Brother Blank spoke and Brother Webb. Sarah still at the farm, Mr. Lindley's. Henry went on watch to the cattle. The band played several times after the meeting...

Wednesday, June 4, 1856 - Martha Poorly made a coffin for her child dead in camp.

Friday, June 6, 1856 - Made another child's coffin and a rough table for the elders to eat upon. Brother Spencer said as I had been working my extra luggage to go through.

Saturday, June 7, 1856 - Camped for the night and remained Sunday, June 8th. Meetings were held as usual. Harriet dreamed about eating fish and Henry went and caught one and she ate it all. I rode Harriet in the handcart around the camp. Very bad night, owing to camping so late and the dew being on the grass.

BIB: Walters, Archer. Diary. pp.1-7. (CHL)
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