. . . In March 1854 we started on our journey for the United States. Owing to the ship with which we were sail being taken by the English government to carry troops [p. 4] to Russia to serve in the Crimean War, we were forced to remain eleven days in Liverpool and take ship "Marshfield" April 1, 1854. She moved out of dock in to the river and there anchored eight days and then left for New Orleans U.S.A.

The first two weeks we had very rough weather. Other complications set in with me besides seasickness and I was nigh unto death. But the Lord was with me and heard and answered my prayers and I was healed of my sickness. The other 5 weeks the weather was beautiful and all enjoyed themselves there were no deaths on the trip. Two children were born to the company.

The Saints numbered 400 souls and were under the direction of President William Taylor. We held regular meeting upon the ship board and there were a number of the sailors converted to the gospel on the trip. They were baptized and remained with the Saints and came to Utah. We landed at New Orleans May 29 where many crowded on to the boat to see the peculiar Mormons. From the appearance of the intruders I judge they were not of the best class of men.

June 1 we sailed up the Mississippi [p. 5] and June 7 we were landed at quarantine quarters 3 miles from St. Louis. Here we were retained 6 days on account of a false report being circulated that the Saints had taken the cholera. We landed in St. Louis June 13 where my father in law met us. . . . [p. 6][HE WORKED IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA FOR SEVERAL YEARS, THEN HE WRITES]

. . . The month of June 1859 found us on the old trail of the Latter-day Saints going from Coalchester to Florence where we found the company of Edward Stephenson and crossed the plains landing in Salt Lake City on the 16th day of Sept. 1859. . . . [p. 7]

BIB: Jones, John G. Autobiographical sketch (Ms 4379), pp. 4-7. (CHL)
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