[p.1] February 5, 1841. Left Preston, Lancashire, England, in company my wife, three children and 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 Lancashire about 1/2 past 10, went directly on board the ship where we found a number emigrants ofthe ship all in an uproar, luggage, men women and children all huddled together. A number of us went to the Hargraves 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.
February 6. 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 me prospertoward dark, Elders [Brigham] Young, [John] Taylor, [Willard] Richards, which three gentlemen had the superintendency of the storing for the company, arrived as [did] 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. [pounds] towards their provision would be put on shore, luggage and all. Those that had not done so was ordered to go immediately to 72 Borlington St. They would have to abide the consequences. There were several that were compelled to borrow. Proctor was forced to pawn his clothes.
Sunday, February 7, [1841]. About 8 o’clock Elders B. [Brigham] Young, [John] Taylor and [Willard] Richards in company with [Hyrum] 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 spectators with a fine breeze soon [p.2] carried us down the River Marcy. Soon we was out of sight of Liverpool. Many of the company now made for their berths feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Wind continuing fine all day and night.
February 8, [1841]. Weather fair, nothing particular. Stores delivered unto the camp. Most sick in berths.
February 9. Wind brisk about 6 o’clock wind changes from N.E. to S.W. Blow fresh all night saw a sail.
February 10. A sloop in sight her bulwarks chattered hove too. Inquiring her road having been at sea eleven days, laid too five 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.
February 11. Some passengers received aboard towards evening. One of the passengers from Preston, a woman dangerous ill, died about half past 12 o’clock. Several of the ship’s crew came to look at her as it [she] 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. [Hyrum] 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.
February 13, [1841]. Wind continued ahead. Blows fresh, rain.
February 14, [1841]. Able prayer at evening.
[February] 15. Fine wind. Ships in its proper course. All cheery and merry. Heavy squall.
[February] 16. Wind continues favorable, changes towards evening, blows fresh all night.
[February] 17. Wind favorable. Cook neglecting his duty got flocked 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.
[February] 18. Fine morning, favorable all day, night calm.
[February] 19. Fine morning, wind S.E. continues all day.
[February] 20. Becalmed some uneasiness respecting the fire. Calm all day wind changes toward evening, wind ahead continues all night.
Sunday, [February] 21, [1841]. Fine morning ahead windcalm towards 11 o’clock, the whole company ordered on deck by Elder [Hyrum] Clark. Meeting commences, Elder T. [Thomas] Walmsley opening [p.3] the service by singing a hymn, prayer, another hymn. Brother Flym then addressed the company for a short time, Elder Riley following, then Elder [Hyrum] Clark. Singing again then breaking the bread and handing the cup. It was truly a time of refreshing whether 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.
[February] 22. Calm wind ahead foggy. Towards 1 o’clock a shower all day towards evening wind changes favorable S.W. all night.
[February] 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.
[February] 24. Weather continues favorable. One child’s foot scalded. Some murmuring respecting the price of provisions being charged too high.
[February] 25. Weather continues fine heavy rain at night.
[February] 26. Fine morning, wind continues favorable. Superintend the fire. Murmuring continues. A vessel in sight. Some dispute between Mrs. Nightingale and Mrs. T. [Thomas] Walmsley. Wind changes at night to S.W.
[February] 27. Rainy morning. No wind. Changes towards noon. One lad is partly scalded. Favorable continues all night.
Sunday, [February] 28 [1841]. 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] Rumly following; another hymn; then the bread and wine, Elder H. [Hyrum] Clark addressing the Church. Harvey Bills Vorough being scorched by the sun.
March 1, [1841]. Fine morning; hot sun; at night fine moon, shadows of the moon right down under the moon. Showery, no calm, windgallant mast up, sky sail mast.
[March] 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.
[March] 3. Fine morning, hot sun, little breeze. Ship in sight at a distance.
[March] 4. Hot morning, more than any hot summer’s day in England. Ship in sight, draws near, her flag half mast high. Discernable through the glass. The Captain [p.4] 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 [William Henry] Harrison, taking the chair. When he discovered his mistake, he ordered the sail up again, almost dead calm. Quite calm at night.
[March] 5. Fine morning, no wind, dead calm, ship steering S.S.E. Proctors child dies, the captain saying to Br. Miles Rumly [Romney] 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, Elder [Hyrum] Clark being charged with behaving himself unseemingly to Sister Marie Harmon and other females, some hard words passing between the parties. This is the first day that my wife missed being sea sick. Weather continues calm.
[March] 6. Becalmed. Fine morning. Wind N.N.W. Uneasiness continues. Toward evening vessel in sight at a distance. Wind changes N.E. little breeze. Fine night.
Sunday, [March] 7. 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 Hyrum Clark. After preaching, a hymn, then the bread and 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. [Hyrum] 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 any one that had to say anything against any one before the sacrament. The meeting broke up about 4 o’clock. Wind blows fresh from W.N.W. Towards night wind brisk. About 6 knots a hour. About 2 o’clock blows fresh. Mission sail hoisted. Sailors busy.
[March] 8. Fine morning. Wind brisk. Ship going between 8 and 9 knots a hour. Hot day. [p.5] Heavy rain at night.
[March] 9. Fine morning. Ship on her course. Ship in sight ahead. [Traveling] about 18 knots.
[March] 10. 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, [an] infant died about 5 o’clock.
[March] 11. Fine morning. Several rainbows; ship in sight N.E. Squally about 11 o’clock. The child was committed to the deep. Very squally.
[March] 12. Fine day, blows fresh, the previous night about 12 o’clock.
[March] 13. Fine day.
[March] 14 [1841]. Sunday morning, fine morning. About 8 o’clock Dissay Island to the south just discernable at the distance. Drawing very nigh. Towards 11 o’clock the Church preparing for meeting. About 12 o’clock discovered Gau de hope S.W. and a ship ahead on us. Richard Whittnell and T. [Thomas] Walmsley delivered some admonitions. The Sacrament. About 1 o’clock St. Dominique N.E. about 2 o’clock Antigua to the S.S.W. on us just visible at a great distance. Mountserrat passing it about half past 11 at night.
[March] 15. Early in the morning St. Christopher [Kitts] to the North on us. Fine morning. Beginning to paint the outside of the ship. This the first day that 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.
[March] 16. Fine morning; breeze; ship at 9 knots a hour. Alice Standing and John Alston having words. Fine breeze all night.
[March] 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 off him, and Alice Standing, a young woman from Preston. 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.6] 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 and children’s life is in danger.” He then went to the cabin, called for Elder [Hyrum] Clark. Elder Clark came but 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. Hyrum Clark said he was willing to take up arms, Richard Whittnal followed, Thomas Walmsley, James Bennett, John Hardman, William Gour. They, all six of them went up to the Captain’s cabin when six 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 restored then a number of the passengers finding fault with the parties that have taken up arms for doing so.
[March] 18. Fine morning. Mrs. Witnall delivered. Squally. Mrs. Standing, Nelling Arlin Standing and several more having hard words on deck about 11 o’clock at night.
[March] 19. Fine morning. Toward 9 o’clock heavy squall. Wind S.E. turning N.W.W. Towards 2 wind abroad at night. Sea heavy, ship heaving. Santo Domingo to the N. W.
20. Squally, wind N.W. by W. and S.E.E. Brigg in sight, comes up close, spoken too, her beam end dipping in the water. Jane of Halifax from Demarary Jamaica toin sight N.W. two ships for Jamaica. About 4 1/2 a cry was raised, ship on fire, many of the passengers and crew hastening abaft 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 [Hyrum] Clark drawing some Spirits, wanted to see how much there was, and so the accident happened. One man, George Scoles by endeavoring to put it out had his face very ill burnt. At night, close reefs being opposite Jamaica.
[p.7] Sunday [March] 21, [1841]. 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 Barracuter (barracuda) resembles a Pike. Church meets at 1/2 past 10. Meeting opened by Elder Miles Hodson giving out a hymn, then praying and addressing the Church. Robert Borscough followed; then singing, Elder Hyram Clark addressing the Church, while the bread and wine is handed around. Toward evening squalls.
[March] 22. Fine morning. Spoke the Julius of Plymouth, am [America] from Rio de Janeiro bound for New Orleans , cargo coffee. Miles Hodgson’s wife delivered of a boy.
[March] 23. Fine morn. No wind. Towards 4 o’clock a steamer N.E. Toward 5 o’clock something like trees in sight N.W., a island called Grand Command and Little Command, a Turtle Fishery. Two ships ahead, towards 8 o’clock, mate caught a dolphin, 4 feet 10 inches long. Calm at night.
[March] 24. Fine morning. Saints on the two ships, left them about 7 o’clock.
[March] 25. Fine morning. Mate caught a dolphin. Some hard words passing between James Proctor and Standing families. Passing the island of Cuba and Port Anthony at night.
[March] 26. Fine morning. Entered the Gulf of Mexico. Mate caught a dolphin. Began to divide the provisions.
[March] 27. Fine morning, great uneasiness, the price of provisions.
[March] 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.
[March] 29, [1841]. Cool morning. Toward 6 o’clock described the steamer coming out; toward 7 [o’clock] 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 light house S.S.W. The pilot steamer close us tocast 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.8] River, passed for Jacson [Jackson] about 10 o’clock at night.
[March] 30. 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 Withnall, myself and many more went on shore. A number of men came on board. Several of the passengers made purchases on provisions. At night as there was many strangers on board we agreed amongst ourselves two men to watch at each hatchway for two hours in their turn.
[March] 31. Fine frosty morning, it was quite a change having been melted with heat for the last four weeks. Now many complained about cold. The day passed away in going into the city making purchases, looking about, etc. Cleaned both mates teeth. Provisions and 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. [Hyrum] Clark having been with the captain to the costume house brought permits to pass us.
April 1 [1841]. A heavy rain, thunder and lightning. No fire on board, no breakfast. At 9 o’clock all the heads of families went to the costume house to get permits [ ], pay 10. About noon the costume 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 [ ] or sleeping places. We had iron rails for Bedstead all being huddled together, some slept in hammocks, others was forced to sit up all night having no place some six and seven sleeping in a bed. Rainy day and night.
April 2. Soon in the morning all was life, a number going on shore making purchases, bought a tongue for 15 pecans. Three 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.9] Many fine houses and gardens presented themselves to our view. Toward 7 o’clock wood was taken in again.
[April] 3. Rainy morning, thundering and lightning passed a fine settlement close to Plauemine River, about 150 miles N.W. 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, [April] 4, [1841]. Fine morning. Stayed to take in wood, also about 11 took in wood. 6 o’clock passed Fort Adams, a neat little town on the right bank situated under a hill.
[April] 5. 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 town littlewood at evening.
[April] 6. 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 two yards long.
[April] 7. Fine morning, wood twice, Negroes with eggs.
[April] 8. Fine morning, passed several plantations fine 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 holt to ascertain if there was any damage done, but it was soon known there was no danger. About 8 o’clock a town Helena landed. Bought some provisions. David Harrison falling overboard is caught up by a bucket being drawn to him.
[April] 9. Fine morning, took wood, passed Fort Pickering, a new town on the east side of the river. Two miles above is Memphis, a neat little place on a hill. Went ashore; boat discharged some salt stayed about two hours. Toward 9 o’clock the sky began to lower. At midnight it thundered and the lightning illuminating the objects around us [p.10] 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 storage. 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 (wheelhouse).
[April] 10. A cool morning. Randolph, a small town on the east side of the river. I saw several houses down, uprooted trees, etc.
[April] 11 [1841]. Very cool. Many were forced to put their winter clothes on.
[April] 12. Sunday, fine, cool day. At night the wheels were repaired.
[April] 13. Very fine sunny morning. Cleaned four passenger’s teeth. Landed at Cairo, a English town where Mr. and Mrs. Gregson, 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. [Learned about] Mr. [William Henry] Harrison’s, the President of the United States, death. At night passed Cape Girardeau, a neat town on the left in Missouri.
[April] 14. Fine morning, passed a rock largethe devil’s oven in the midst of the river, high hills on the left bank.
[April] 15 [1841]. 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 two 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 cleary, passengers now went on shore. One sister from Preston having left England the summer before having heard that a 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.11] 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 ft. 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 where forced to sit up. It was a very cold night. About twenty of our company went on shore, many engaged for various employments.
[April] 16 [1841]. 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 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 and lightning with heavy rain.
[April] 17 [1841]. Rainy morn. At 11 o’clock reached a neat little town on the left bank in Missouri, Hannibal, discharged some goods land at a Missouri, LouisianaQuincy, Illinois, a driving places, Le Grange, Missouri, Warsaw on the right bank at the foot of the rapids of the Mississippi, Kiokuk [?], 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.
[April] 18, [1841]. Fine morning, no boat, began to rain. [Hyrum] Clark went up to Nauvoo. Returned on Sunday in company with his wife and daughter. A steamboat, the Aster, came along [p.12] 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 Brethren was ready to receive us; they kindly offered their houses, many slept in a large stone building belonging to one of the Brothers. Myself and Wm. [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 comfortably with a Brother.
[April] 20. After having made some arrangement in our luggage went to see several of the Brethren.
[April] 21, [1841]. Was in company at Br. Thompson’s with Joseph Smith, came to order some false corals for his wife, asked about some land, if I had means could get plenty. Saw Sister H. Smith Thompson, &c.
[April] 22. Went to see Br. Thompson about some land, promised I should have some.
[April] 23. Fine day. Went to the office of Thompson where some of the Br. Kings was to be tried for felony. A wagon having been taken from the premises of the marshall of the city which he had secured from King. King was taken in custody for the same, but after being examined before the mayor was discharged. Prepared some wood for fencing.
[April] 24. Fine day, went to see a Bro. Kramer [Kreymer], a German. Thunder toward afternoon with heavy shower. Militia trained. Rain, thunder and lightning at night.
[April] 25. Showery forenoon; went to the preaching in the open air, a fine spot of land near temple thea platform for the speakers, seats prepared for the congregation. Br. [John C.] Bennett spoke first in respect to his profession, all character being injured by some of those who professed to be Saints. Br. Law followed on the principles of righteousness and unrighteousness, there having been some depredations being committed by some that once had been saints but was cut off from the Church for misconduct. Elder Joseph [Smith] the Prophet followed in very strong language determined to put down all iniquity. About one o’clock the meeting broke up for about an hour in the [p.13] afternoon. Assembled again. The meeting was addressed by Elder Green on the principles of the gospel until 4 o’ clock when the meeting broke up. After the meeting the Nauvoo Legion was called to come and volunteer for Secret Service in detecting thiefs, &c.
[April] 26. Cool day. Went to work for J. [Joseph] Smith casting up a train.
[April] 27. Fine cool morning. Got some pigs heads with many more of the Brethren from Brother Snider’s smoke house.
[April] 28. Fine morning. Saw Thompson got 1/4 of a lot to fence in and build. Heavy rain, thunder and lightning all afternoon and all night
[April] 28. Rainy morning, cold night.
[April] 29 and 30 fine day.
May 1, [1841]. David Wilsing and company came.
[May] 2. Fine day, heard Lyman Wight preach on election and approbation.
[May] 3. Cool day. Br. Miles Hodgson died.
[May] 4. Cool day.
[May] 6. Cool day.
[May] 7. Fine day, James Nixon died.
[May] Sunday, 10. Fine day. Elder Joseph Smith preached from 9th [chapter of] Romans on the principles of election.
[May] 22 [1841]. Eight minutes to 8 o’clock in the morning my wife was brought to bed of a girl.
[May] 25. Sewed corn, planted potatoes, beans.
[May] 29. Wm. [William] Moss and Company arrived from England.
[May] 30. J. [Joseph] Smith preached from the last two [chapters of] Chronicles.
June 1. Moved into my house. Brother Joseph Smith in company with Br. [John C.] Bennett, the mayor, accompanied Elders Hyrum Smith and Wm. [William] Law to Quincy, when the High Sheriff of that county arrested having a writ from the Missourian government. On Saturday evening when word reached Nauvoo many of the Br. went on horseback to see him. When Br. Joseph [Smith] in company with the officers came up to Nauvoo as he was to have his trial before circuit Judge [Stephen A.] Douglas who lives 60 miles up the county but there was a flaw in the indictment and so the devil was disappointed.
June 3. Was forced to leave work on account of very severe sickness in the course of a few days went almost to a skeleton but faith in the Almighty and the strong cries of some of the elders I feel myself out of danger. Blessed be the name of the Lord God of Israel.
[p.14] June 21 [1841]. Br. Wm. [William] Blackhurst and a number more from England arrived by New York about the latter end of this month. Elders [Brigham] Young, [Heber C.] Kimball, and [John] Taylor arrived. Many of the English Brethren sick, and a number died.
July 4, [1841] the day of American independence. On the 1 and 2 a number of strangers from a distance came into the city, some on horse back others in large wagons drawn by oxen, others in very fine teams, early on the 4th all was live, the [Nauvoo] Legion mostly draped and equipped in full uniform, met at the place of rendezvous. About 3 o’clock the artillery announced the arrival of the Lieutenant General. On the whole it was a grand muster.
August 7. Elder D. [Don] C. [Carlos] Smith was interred with military honor.
August 12. A tribe of Indians came over the Mississippi with their chief Keokuk at their head; they were in their full dress; also their squaws. They were received by the mayor of Nauvoo with a bank of music, the chief officers of the Nauvoo Legion in their uniform, and a number of the citizens joining in procession.
October 1. Conference.
November 27 [1841]. Snow and frost. English landed.
1842
March 15 [1842]. Installation of Nauvoo Masonic Lodge, Grand Master Jonas [present].
[March] 27. English landed.
April 6 [1842], special conference, English landed, whitehead.
May 7. Grand parade.
May 17. English landed.
May 18. English landed.
July 4 [1842]. Celebration of American Independence. Grand Parade of Nauvoo Legion. Four companies from Burlington come down on a steamboat.
[July] 15. Reported Orson Pratt, one of the Twelve missing. All the citizens turned out in search of him.
1844
1844, 27 June Joseph and Hyrum [Smith] murdered in Carthage jail.
1845
January 18 [1845]. Ordained under the hands of Elder W. Russell and Elder John Taylor to be one of the Seventy.
January 9th to 11th. The letter from my parents.
1845, May 24. Top stone of the [Nauvoo] Temple laid.
1844
[p.15] May 24, [1844]
Called at J. [Joseph] Smith 10 o’clock found . . . took dinner, read German.
After dinner met the Fox and Sac Indians, danced their war dance.
Called at Brother J. S. [Joseph Smith’s]. Met Mr. Bonnie. Brother Joseph [Smith] told us the first call he had a revival meeting. His mother, brother and sisters got religion. He wanted to get religion too; he wanted to feel and shout like the rest but could feel nothing. [He] opened his Bible of the first passage that struck him was [James 1:5.], “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not.” [He] went into the woods to pray, kneels himself down, his tongue was closed, cleaving to his roof, could utter not a word, but felt easier after awhile. [He] saw a fire toward heaven, came near and nearer. [He] saw a personage in the fire, light complexion, blue eyes, a piece of white cloth drawn over his shoulders, his right arm bare. After a while another person came to the side of the first. Mr. [Joseph] Smith then asked, “Must I join the Methodist Church?” “No, they are not my people. [They] have gone astray; there is none that doeth good, not one, but this is my Beloved Son, harken ye him.” The fire drew nigher, rested upon the tree, enveloped him. Comforted, I endeavored to arise but felt uncommon feeble. [I] got into the house and told the Methodist priest [who] said this was not an age for God to reveal himself in vision. Revelation has ceased with the New Testament.
Told about Wm. Law [William]wished to be married to his wife for eternity. Mr. [Joseph] Smith would inquire of the Lord, answered no because Law was a adulterous person. Mrs. Law wanted to know why she could not be married to Mr. Law. Mr. [Joseph Smith] S. said [he] would not wound her feelings be telling her. Some days after, Mr. [Joseph] Smith going toward his office. Mrs. Law stood in the door, beckoned to him the once did not know whether she beckoned to him, went across to inquire. Yes, please to walk in, no one but herself in the house, she drawing her arms around him, if you won’t seal me to my husband seal myself unto you, he said, stand away and pushing her gently aside giving her a denial and going out. When Mr. [William] Law came home he inquired who had been in his absence, she said no one but Br. Joseph, he then demanded what had passed. Mrs. L. [Law] then told Joseph wanted her to married him to
Read German, went to dinner; after dinner read again while 3 o’clock.
[p.16] May 25. Being engaged all day.
[May] 26, Sunday [1844]. Saw him in the morning preached about false Br.
[May] 27. Went to Carthage for trial.
[May] 28 [1844]. Saw Mr. [Joseph] Smith at 9 o’clock. Read while dinner. Dined and then went up in the buggy to the [Nauvoo] Temple.
June 2, saw Mr. S. [Joseph Smith] all forenoon, wife sick. Read German all forenoon.
[June] 3. Engaged city council.
[June] 4. Read all forenoon.
[June] 7. Read.
[June] 8. City council. Mr. Peck stated Jackson wanted him to engage in the Bogus Business. Refused. Joseph Smith would be the last man he would name it to.
[June] Sunday 9. Read all forenoon, took dinner with __________.
[June] 10. City council order the [Nauvoo] Expositor press to be destroyed. Consider it a nuisance.
[June] 12 [1844]. General Smith tried on a writ issued by Mr. Morrison of Carthage at the instance of F. [Francis] M. Higbee. Trial before municipal court on a writ of corpus habeasproved to be a malicious persecution, acquitted.
[June] 13-17 [1844]. More tried for assisting in a riot, David Norton taken up on a charge of firing the Expositor press. A gentleman from Missouri stated David Whitmer bore testimony to him in private of the truth of the Book of Mormon. Joseph read German in the afternoon.
[June] 15. Engaged.
[Sunday, June] 16 [1844]. [Joseph Smith] preached from 1 Revelation on the plurality of God.
[June] 16. Trial before Sqr. [Daniel H.] Wells, a county magistrate on charge of riot.
[June] 17. Joseph Smith and others charged before Sqr. [Daniel H.] Wells on a charge of riot. Discharged.
[June] 19. [Nauvoo] Legion ordered out.
[June] 20-21. Legion trained in the afternoon messenger arrived from Carthage.
[June] 22 [1844]. [Nauvoo] Legion dismissed. Messenger arrived from the governor [Thomas Ford] to demand Joseph, Hyrum and others. Messenger said could be bailed. Joseph and Hyrum [Smith] gone. Returned.
[June] 23. Went to Carthage to be tried.
[June] 25 [1844]. [Nauvoo] Legion trained.
[June] 26. Trained.
[June] 27 [1844]. Governor [Thomas] Ford come to Nauvoo. Joseph and Hyrum Smith assassinated.
[June] 28 [1844]. Both corpses brought in to Nauvoo.
[June] 29 [1844]. Both corpses exhibited from 10 1/2 to 3 1/2. Removed to the burial ground at 5 o’clock.
1846
January 5, 1846. Received endowment.
January 22, 1846. Sealed to my wife.
January 24, 1846. Mrs. Seibel received endowment.
Address Joseph Widfield Gritta Mills Huttersfield Yorkshire, England.
1845
[p.17] City of Joseph September 10, 1845. Reported by some of the Brethren from Lima, the mob having commenced to destroy property by burning houses and driving them from their possessions.
[September] Monday 15 [1845]. Brethren with their teams going to fetch grain in from the Brethren.
[September] 16 [1845]. Sheriff [Jacob B.] Backenstos issuing proclamation calling a posse to suppress riot the sheriff pursued by the mob. Frank [Franklin A.] Worrel, one of the mob (Carthage) shot.
[September] 17 [1845]. One hundred men turned out from the city with the sheriff against the mob. Two killed, one wounded of the _______ myself with twenty-nine more of the Br. volunteered as a guard. Br. Stephen Markham with fifty more men turned out. Sheriff’s 2nd proclamation. Twenty-nine Br. turning out with the sheriff 3rd proclamation.
[September] 19 [1845]. Preparation for war.
[September] 20. Camp going to Warsaw, myself amongst them. Returned the same night mob fleed to Missouri.
[September] 21 [1845]. Preaching by Br. [Brigham] Young. At evening white flag hoisted, signal guns fired, stood guard.
[September] 22. John Scott going to Carthage with a company. Stood guard.
[September] 23. Guard gun repaired 75 cents.
[September] 24 [1845]. The Twelve going out to Carthage to trial on a writ of treason, returned being discharged, the witness against them a Dutchman, not knowing anything about them being persuaded to it by the mob party. Stood guard.
[September] 25 [1845]. Reported the governor being on his way to restore peace. Mormons to leave for California the coming spring.
[September] 26. Sherif’s 5 proclamation. Father Cahoon taking names for formation of companies going to California. Stood guard.
[September] 27. Went to see President [Brigham] Young, said none should be left that wanted to go. Stood guard.
[September] 28. Reported governor’s troops are at Carthage.
[September] 29. Nothing particular.
[September] 30. Governor’s troops under command of General Harding.
October 1. Troops parading in Nauvoo. Governor Ford in town.
[October] 2. Troops left Nauvoo after viewing the Temple.
[October] 3. Nothing transpired.
[October] 4. Put my name on Captain Peter Haws’ list for to go with the Church wither the Lord intends us to go.
[p.18] [October] 5, Sunday. Preaching in the [Nauvoo] Temple. Prayer by President [Brigham] Young making a few remarks, Father John Smith following him advising the Saints in regard to health. P. [Parley] P. Pratt and W. [Willard] Richards on the same subject. Elder John Taylor speaking on the persecution, sufferings and trials of the people of God. Names of the first, 2nd, third list read; meeting adjourned 1 1/2 hour met in the afternoon, names called of the first list the 12 and others agreed to give up all to help on the Saints that are poor. 1-2-3-4 list made out every camp to furnish 5 teams to work on the temple during the winter.
[October] 6. Conference commenced, those brethren that were burned out by the mob made affidavit before Js. Higbee Esqr. The Presidency tried before the Church. Br. Brigham Young, President of the Twelve accepted H. C. [Heber C.] Kimball, O. [Orson] Hyde, P. [Parley] P. Pratt accepted Wm. Smith opposed by P. P. P. because he was a aspiring man and don’t favor the Doctrine of _______ . Not a hand lifted in his favor. John Page, Willard Richards, W. [Wilford] Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith accepted L. White, Br. Almon Babbitt opposed the case to be laid over. Amasa Lyman accepted. Williard Richard confirmed as Historian of the Church. Father John Smith continued president of this stake, Charles Rich counselor; the other officers Bishop [Newel K.] Whitney and [George] Miller, trustees continued.
[October] 7. Discourse by P. P. P. [Parley P. Pratt], G. [George A.] Smith and others, the Church covenants to help all the Saints along. The Seventy met; addressed by Elder [Heber C.] Kimball and Amasa Lyman. In the afternoon horsemen coming in town to search for stolen property; took Br. Benjamin Gardner and Br. Smith as prisoners for stealing.
[October] 11. Regiments ordered to meet. Met at Col. Hale, preaching and imploring the Lord to have mercy upon us and protect us from the hands of our enemies; dismissed at 9 o’clock in the evening.
[October] 19 [1845]. O. [Orson] Hyde preached, letters read of Wm. [William] Smith, cut off from Church.
1846
February 8, 1846. Br. [Brigham] Young, H. C. [Heber C.] Kimball, P. O. [Parley P. and Orson ?] Pratt, John Taylor, O. [Orson] Hyde preached their farewell address in Nauvoo previous to their departure for the west, exhorting the Saints to be faithful and have patience those that are left behind the Lord would bless and they soon should follow.
[February] Monday 9 [1846]. They intended to cross the Mississippi.
May 1, [1846]. Dedication of the [Nauvoo] Temple.
[p.19] June 9 [1846]. Mob commencing again.
[June] 12 [1846]. Brethren called together in [Nauvoo] temple. Returned from camp. Thirteen and fourteen training brethren to watch day and night the Temple. Mob retired to strengthen themselves. Br. and citizens dismissed for time being.
July 3. Mob again.
[July 4] [1846]. Mob lynching some of the Brethren and a new certain harvesting for Amos David Br. A certain going out as a posse to arrest mob. Sqr. Meauly and F. [Francis] Higbee with thirteen others brought in prisoners. Br. Phineas Young, Brigham Young his son, Br. R. [Richard] Ballantyne and a new certain being taken prisoners by the mob. Br. going out to search for the Br.
[July] 20. Sheriff from McDonough County coming to make arrests for trespass.
[July] 23 [1846]. Reported Phineas Young to be dead.
August 30 [1846]. Temple bell rings.
September 1. Training up to 9th.
[September] 10. Mob advanced toward Joseph’s farm fire three cannon. Shots at night quartered at Sqr. [Daniel H.] Wells.
[September] 11. Mob moved north toward Wm. Laws field firing thirty-five cannon balls myself being placed in a corn-field opposite Hyrum’s farm to spring a mine. Two forts erected in the night.
[September] 12 [1846]. Mob makes a attack to get into Nauvoo. Br. Wm. [William] Anderson and his son and Br. Morris belonging to the 5th quorum of Seventy being shot; Br. Whitehead and two others wounded, the mob being repelled with a number of wounded.
[September] 13-14. Quit Committee from Quincy a proposal of peace.
[September] 15, 16 [1846]. Peace made the Mormons to deliver up arms and clear in five days the trustees and clerks to stay while next spring.
[September] 17, [1846]. Crossed Mississippi River to Montrose, Iowa. Stayed one week. Brother Fuller taking us 1 1/2 miles west of Farmington. Stayed four weeks. Moved to Bonaparte. Stayed until June 24. Br. Staking taking us on to Bluffs Council journeyed first day four miles on the prairie. Brother Rodeback let us have a yoke of steers to help us along as we had not team enough. Got some jobs at Benten’s Point. Left on [June] 29 [1846]. Jobs at Stringtown Soap Creek, Greys Mill. Reached Mount Pisgah July 9. Br. held a celebration, stayed until [July] 11. Started in company with Br. Billington and Coffin. Br. Tidwell and Widfield overtook us, met some Pottawatomie Indians. Got venison. Reached Father [p.20] James Allred’s camp.
July 21-22 [1846]. Rested.
[July] 23. Went to treading point Indian settlement.
[July] 24. Br. Tidwell and myself went up to Winter Quarter; stayed while after meeting next day being Sunday.
[July] 25. Moved to Winter Quarters lived in Br. Bullock’s house.
September 30 [1846]. Indians taking horses, a number of the Br. following in pursuit unsuccessful.
October 3, [1846]. Phineas Young returned from the West.
[October] 21. The pioneers with the ox teams return.
[October] 24. A Br. bringing report the Twelve would be in the course of the day.
[October] 25 [1846]. Br. John Pack preached giving a description of the valley of the Saints.
[October] 28 [1846]. Amasa Lyman one of the Twelve returns to Winter Quarters with intelligence that the pioneers wanted some provisions and corn to be sent to them as their horses were spent for want of feed.
[October] 30. Some teams going out with corn and provisions meet the camp on the horn about sundown.
[October] 31. Pioneers came into Winter Quarters. I went to see President [Brigham] Young and the Twelve.
November 2, [1846]. A number of the brethren by especial invitation met at Br. Willard Richards. Br. Richards gave a description of the journey to the valley, the name of the city the great city of the Great Salt Valley.
November 30. Meeting at Br. W. Richards [Willard]spoke on the principle of Adoption.
December 12 [1846]. My wife confined, child dead, the power of God and the Priesthood made bare in a wonderful manner praised be the Lord God of Israel for his mercies towards me and mine. I want my children to remember this day.
1848
February 19, [1848]. Started from Winter Quarters on a journey to Missouri to get a fit out for the mountains. Went to St. Joseph. Returned by Savannah and Oregon, reached Winter Quarters April 1.
[April] 12. Went to Fort Kearny, returned April 30. Prepared for the journey to the great Salt Lake, got two wagons, one yoke of oxen from Widow Knight, one yoke of oxen of Br. Joseph Young.