Willford Woodruff's
Daily Journal & travels in the ministry
Commencing at Montrose Lee County Ioway Terr
Aug 8th 1839
~ Thursday
The time had come for me to take my
departure from my family to carry the gospel
of Jesus Christ to the nations of Europe in fulfill
ment of the commandment of God accordingly I
left a parting blessing with my wife & took my fare
well of her & other Saints on the morn of the 8th Day
of OctAug 1839 & left Montrose & crossed the Missisippi
River for the purpose of commencing my mission of
of four about six thousand miles & I started without
purs or scrip & that to with the fever & ague rest-
ing upon me every other day. I left in company with
Elder John Taylor. We were the first of the quorum
of the Twelve that started out on this important
mission but the rest expect to follow us immediately we
rode from Commerce across a 16 mile prairie & spent
the night at Brother Merils distance of the day 18 [miles]
~ Friday
OctAug 9th rode 10 miles to Brother Perkins, we passed
through Carthage I spent the day at Br Perkins untill 12
oclock during which time I was suffering under the power
of the ague & fever & immediately after the fever came
upon me I got into the waggon with Br Perkins & rode to
McComb from thence to Br Carloss Smiths this was
over a rough road of 25 miles & I truly suffered mu
ch this day it seemed as though I should shake to peaces in
the waggon with a heavy fever upon me I spent the night in
company with Br Taylor at Br Carloss Smith's {shorthand} 35 [miles]
~ Saturday
10th I commenced taking a box of Sappington's Anti-
fever pills which are so highly recommended for the ague
& fever as I do not wish to carry the desease any further
with me. I attended meeting in the grove Elder Taylor
Preached & I followed him & although I was weak in body
yet the Lord strengthened me spent the night with Carlos
~ Sunday
11th Sunday this is my day to be sick with the ague &
fever according to its usual course but blessed be the Lord I
have esscaped it this day. I have taken 14 of the sappington
pills & they have cured me intirely of the ague to all app
earance. I attended meeting in the grove & herd a discourse
from Elders J Tailor, C. Smith & S. Smith & communed with the
Saints & inasmuch as we were without purs & scrip they con
tributed to our necessities to the amount of $9. One Mr Miller
offered himself for baptism after meeting I rode to McComb fro
m thence to Father John Coltrin's & spent the night was
weak & feeble with the exercises of the day. Distance 14 miles
~ Monday
Aug 12th Elder Taylor Baptized Mr Miller I spent the
day with Br Zebedee Coltrin I am gaining in strength I
spent the night at Brother John Vance
~ Tuesday
13th I am still gaining strength I feel thankful to the
Lord for his mercies unto me in this thing I spent the day at Coltrin
we have now concluded to accompany Father Coltrin by
land who is going with a two hors waggon to Ohio & has
offered to carry us which will assist us so much on our journey
~ Wednesday
14th Brother Miller gave us a horse & we started on our jour
ney travled to the Ill River & crossed the River at Beardsto
wn continued 4 miles thrugh the sand & spent the night with
Mr Rew the distance of the day 38 miles
~ Thursday
15 Passed through Virginia from thence to Spriengfield
& attended meeting with the Saints. I addressed the
Church in fiew words & was followed by Elder Tailor
I felt wearied with my Journey as I had ownly partially
gained my strength Distance of the day 40 mi[les]
~ Friday
16th Elder Taylor engaged a printer at Springfield to print
for him fifteen hundred copies of a brief sketch in pamphlet
form of the persecutions & sufferings of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints by the inhabitants of the saintstate of
Missouri I spent the day in Springfield
~ Saturday
17 I rode to spring Rochester with father Coltrin &
once more had an interview with some of our fox
Island friends we stoped at Mr Carvers I was
pleased with an interview with mother & Sister
Carver but esspecially with Brother & Sister
Thomas who had arived at Rochester since
I left I had not seen him before since we part
ed in india last winter I also saw Sister Brown
who was called to mourn the loss of her husband &
oldest Daughter Sister Brown was perfectly resi
gned I spent the night with Br Thomas {distance of the day} 8 miles
~ Sunday
18th Sunday I preached the funal sermon of the
wife of Brother Zemira Draper who Died at 5 oclock
PM on Saturday the 17th of Aug aged 22 years.
(Brother Charles Brown and his daughter Rebecca
both died on the eve of the 6th day of Aug 1839
Brother Brown Died at 11 oclck & Rebeccaa 12
& were buried the next day ^both in one grave^) I accompanied the
corps of Sister Draper to the grave I had an interview
with most all of the fox Island friend. I spent the
night with Elder Stephens {distance of the day} 4 miles
~ Monday
19th I spent the day in visiting the Saints or most
of it I rode to Br J. Coon's at my old haditation. I had some
peculiar feelings while visiting this place W I
next visited Brother Oudercark & Sister Smith &
their families Brother Smith had gone East on a mis
sion menbers of those families were sick I lade
hands upon them & asked the Lord to heal them
Sister Brown was present She accompanied me to
the grave of her husband & Daughter they were
both buried in one grave I then went to the house
whare she resided with Brother Luce I spent several
hours with them I left a blessing with Sister Brown
& her children also with Brother Luce & family I
then returned to Brother Stephens from there to
Mr Allay's & preached the gospel of Jesus
Christ unto them I a congregation I was
strengthened in body & mind many were affected on
parting with me I returned to Elder Wm
Draper's & spent the night distance of the day 7 mi[les]
~ Tuesday
20th I was suddenly called upon in the mor
ning to return to Springfield to attend an
Elders Co^u^rt accordingly I returned to Springfield
& met with the council of Elders at 11 oclock AM
Elder John Taylor prefered a charge against
Elder Almon Babit for rejecting his teaching in
public when it was correct & for other improper
conduct. I was called to the chair & opened the
meeting by prayer We herd the testimony on the
subject & with other remarks the Day was occ
upyed untill the sitting of the sun the testimony
was against Elder Bapbbit & he finally made
a confession & the subject was settled. We
had much other matters to perform &c but
little time to do it in Elder Taylor settled
with the printer for printing his history of the
persecution of the Saints. We also sold our
horse saddle & bridle for $23 dollars & we had
some Donations made us by the Saints to assist us
on our journey We took the parting hand with
the Saints & rode to Rochester & spent the night
with Brother N Thomas I [FIGURE] wrote a letter
to my wife & requested her to write to me in
Buffalo & New York Distance 16 miles
~ Wednesday
21st I took the parting hand with Mr
E Carver & his family & Brother & Sister Thomas
& left Rochester & rode to the end of the 7
miles prairie & stoped several hours as father
Coltrin was vary sick from thence we
rode to Brothe Chen^i^a & spent the night
Distance of the Day 28 miles.
~ Thursday
22 We crossed a 12 mile prairie & also a 14
mile prairie we found the flies bad upon the
horses we spent the night at the house of
Mr Shaw's on the main branch of the Okaw
an Indian name & a hebrew frase {distance of the day} 40 m[iles]
~ Friday
23 crossed an 18 mile prairie & took break
fast & then rode across the 14 mile prairie to
Paris from thence to Mr G Moke's Inn & spent
the night Distance of the Day 40 miles
~ Saturday
24th We left the state of Illn & passed into the
state of Ia. We crossed the Wabash &
spent the day of& night at Doct Modesett's
a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints I
was much fatigued & had a fever I had an
interview During the evening with a Mr Adams
Adams that had been a constant compan[ion]
of Brother Asahels for several years & appeared
to be the most capable of giving me a correct
account concerning him in evry point of view
of any man in the west. He informed me that
in the main point he was vary steady & temporate
in his habits & did not believe in the principle of
white lying or misrepresenting on order to carry on
his business or merchantdise & got along well in
his business untill the last year of his life he had
bought a large quantity of Books & they Did
not sell as well as he expected & he was not able to
meet his payments this was a source of much regret
to him, & the main cause of his estate becomeing insolvent
During the last year of his life he manifested a
great Desire to more fully improve his mind than
he ever had done he read many of Thomas pains
writings & they more fully esstablished him in the
gospel of Jesus Christ although those writings were
against it. he considered his arguments easily to be
refuted. Asahel was more free in opening his mind to
Mr. Adams than to any other man consequently he more
capable of judging of his views & feelings upon spirit
ual subjects he informed me that his mind was deeply
engaged in the subject called Mormonism at first
he said but little upon the subject but before
his death he warmly contended for the principle
& Defended the cause of the Latter Day Saints wherever
it was assailed. Asahel (in one sens of the word) was not
himself but another man During the last four months
of his life he was vary absent minded & overwhelmed in
Deep study & thought for hours together. at times he wo
uld ride half a day by the side of Mr Adams & not
utter a word & at other times he would speak to him
two or three times before he would notice him or
speak to him he lost his former cheerfulness & during
those four months he more freequently spoke of
his friends & relatives than before esspecially myself
& most of Fathr family he was making preparations
to go east & was ownly hindered by his sickness &
Death. he freequently spoke of Death & of the uncer
tainty of life he was teacher in the sunday school
of the prysbeterian church for a length of time in
Terre Haute though not a member of the church
by any means he had freequently argued against
the principle of dancing schools but yet he attended
a part of a quarter During this peculiar state of
mind & also some parties but Mr Adams thought
he would not have done it if he had been perfectly
himself. Mr Adams was absent from Terre Haute
(During Asahels sickness & Death) selling Books
for him. Asahel wrote him towo letters & Mr Adams
judging from the contents of the letters that Asahel
was growing wors Immediately returned to Terre
&Haute & on his arival found that Asahel one of
his most intimate & best friends on Earth was
Dead & buried he immediately inquired into his
sickness & death & he thinks that he would have been
more comfortable if he had been in a private [family]
& been kept from exposing himself to cold & damp
air as he was in some Degree while under the opera
tion of medicine. Mr Adams also confirms the
statement that his loss was deeply felt in the
west by all of his acquaintance & that those peculiar
traits which Asahel possessed that interested so ma
ny in the East had the same affect in the West
Asahel maintained ^that^ the cause of the Latter
Day Saints was worthy of a thurough investig
ation & ought to be carefully searched into. Mr
Adams was in Asahels employ untill his death
& at the Administrators sale he purchased
$1000 Dollars worth of his Books & is now
supplying Asahels former customers.
Mr Adams gave me some letters Directed from
Asahel to him Distance of the Day 20 mi[les]
~ Sunday
25th Sunday I was exceding feeble & weak
the weather was hot & it had an affect upon
me the Thermometer stood 90 in the shade 112
in the sun I walked to the grave yard to visit
Brother Asahels grave, it exhausted me much
I spent the day at the Doctors [FIGURE] I wrote two
letters one to Sister Sarah Foss & the other
to Sister Eunce I had a vary restless night
~ Monday
26th I rode out of Terre Haute 5 miles to
Mr John Coltrins & spent the night I felt
some better in health 5 miles
I mailed John Taylor's pamphlets to
the following persons
Maine Ezra Carter, Ezra Carter jr
Sarah Foss, Luther Scammons,
Tennessee Col Solomon Copeland
& Seth Utley. N Y. Azmon Woodruff
~ Tuesday
27th We rode through Williamstown & plesent-
garden & other Towns & spent the night {distance of the day} 33 [miles]
~ Wednesday
28th We passed through Stilesville, Bellville, & Bridge
port & spent the night at Mr Jesse Coombs a
vary generous {shorthand} man distance 31 miles
Elder Taylor had a poor turn & fainted to the
ground he soon recovered & was well at evening
~ Thursday
29th We passed through Indianapolis the capitol of
the State & rode two miles & stoped But this was
a gloomy day to my Soul & Body both The enemy
made a powerful grasp upon the life of Elder
John Taylor he fainted several times & it
seemed as though he would die consequently
we were obliedged to stop. We called for a few hours
in a house by the way side. we then took him into
the waggon & drove to Eldridge Elder Eldr-
idge & spent the day nursing Elder Taylor he
took a course of Tomsonian medicine
~ Friday
Aug 30th Father Coultrin exchanged horses
with Elder Eldridge Brother Taylor let
brother Eldridge have 100 of his pamphlets
& through the mercy of God Elder Taylor
with the rest of us was enabled to
continued our journey we passed through
Comberland, Greenfield, Knitstown,
Middletown & to Louisville & once
more had the privilege of once more
seeing the family of Elder James Tow
nsend Brother Townsend was not at
home himself we spent the night with
his family Elder Taylor & myself was
both about sick for we had rode 40 miles
over a rough road & we were terribly
shaken in our weak state
~ Saturday
31st We still felt disposed to try to continue
our journey we passed through Cambridge &
Dublin at which place Elder Taylor procured
some medicine of Doct Farnham he was vary
sick we continued to Germontown & was
obliedged to stop & spend the day & night in
consequence of Elder Taylors sickness he suffe
red much he appears now to have the billious
fever & we fear settled upon him I felt
quite Ill myself this was a Dark & gloomy
Day may the Lord have mercy upon us & not
suffer our way to be hedged up I pray {distance of the day} 14 [miles]
~ Sunday
Sept 1st 1839 This is the first Day of fall
Sunday Elder Taylor felt much better we
concluded to spend the day in the place &
preach to the people, it was a Germon settlement
I delivered unto them a discourse on the first
principles of the gospel & other subjects Elder Taylor
followed me & spoke untill he was quite exhausted
not realizing his bodily weakness & I became
chilled myself & returned to Mr Waltz Inn &
I immediately was taken with a shake of the
ague & was followed by a high fever which
lasted me mostly through the night
~ Monday
2nd This was a paneful day to my feelings in
some respects Elder Taylor is wors, has a high
billious fever, & cannot journey it is now
evident that he will have a course of the fever
father Coultrin is to continue his journey &
Elder Taylor must be left & it was painful
to think of parting with him & leave him sick a
thing that I should not do was I able to take
care of him myself but as my health would
not permit of this being vary feeble in body
Elder Taylor advised me to continue my jou
rney with father Coltrin & make the best of
my way to New York, & accordingly I did so
& after commending him to God I took the
parting hand with him & left him in Germentown
Wane County, Indiania, in the hands of
a merciful God, & a kind & benevolent family
who promised to do every thing in their power to
make him comfortable untill his recovery
which I have full confidence to believe they will
do. this place is within 12 miles of Elder J
Townsend in Louisville. We rode from Mr
Waltz Inn to Richmond & out of the state
of Indiania into the state of Ohio I passed through
the state ^town^ of Eaton whare my wife suffered much
(as we journied west last winter) with the brain
fever I noticed the house in particular
whare we spent four days in & whare Phebe
was healed by the power of God & of faith.
We passed through Eaton & spent the night at Mr
David Hecks Distance of the day 45 miles
~ Tuesday
Sept 3rd I rode through Dayton 14 miles to Springfield
24 miles to Briton 13 & put up for the night at the
Inn of Mr Buckhards I am again delivered
from the ague & fever I have had none of it
since the shake on sunday Distance 46 [miles]
~ Wednesday
4th We rode to Columbus the capitol of the
state of Ohio here we left the National rode
& continued to Blendon & spent the night
at the Inn of Osborn ^whare Phebe was taken sick on sunday^ Distance of the day 41 [miles].
~Thursday
5th passed through Mt Vernon & spent the night
at Monroe distance of the day 41 [miles]
~ Friday
6th passed through Woster & Loudenville &
spent the night at the Inn of Wm Elliot 41 [miles].
~ Saturday
7th passed through Jackson & Guilford &
Brunswick & to Stronsville in which tow
n resided father Coltrins family of sons &
daughters & their was much rejoicing on
their return which ends my journey with
them as they are at home spent the night with Brother P Body 30 m[iles]
~ Sunday
Sept 8th
I spent the day at Brother P bodies I wrote
a lengthy letter to [FIGURE] Brother Thompson Woodruff
& requested him to write to me at N. Y.
~ Monday
9th I spent the day at Father Coltrins folding my
pamphlets & I found on numerating them
that I had 460 of Elder Taylors pamphlets
that I receieved from him spent the night with P body
~ Tuesday
10th I left Stronsville & rode with father Coltrin
to Cleaveland & went on board the Robert Fulton,
bound for Buffalo we had a severe gale & a vary rough
lake most all were sick on board We run into
fairport harbour & spent the night amid a hard storm
I rode 17 miles by land & 30 by water the whole distance 47 [miles]
~ Wednesday
11th The storm continues & the lake foams with such
violence that we could not move out of the harb
our with any safety it was a dul day to me while cro
wded in the midst of a company of deck passengers
~ Thursday
12th The captain left the harbour with his boat at
6 oclock AM. the wind still was high & the lake rough thro
ugh the day we could not make any harbour untill
we reached Buffalo which was at midnight the Steam-
boat run unto a schooner (before entering the harbour)
which tore the gangway fenders to atoms of the Fulton,
& instantly broke of the gibboom of the schooner; But
I was truly glad to reach Buffalo after being three days &
nights from Cleveland to Buffalo $3.50 {distance of the day} 163 miles
~ Friday
13th I took passage at Buffalo for Albay on board the Col
Worth of the New York & Buffalo line on the Erie Canal at
1 1/2 cts per mile for 365 miles viz from Buffalo to Albany
We left Buffalo at 5 oclock AM & rode to Brockport distance 90 [miles].
~ Saturday
14th Rode to palmira near the place whare the book
of Mormon was found I was sick with the chills
& fever distance of the day 50 m[iles]
~ Sunday
15th Rode to Canton We had 4 preachers of the
day on board the boat they spoke of the Book
of Mormon & misrepresented it & also the char-
acter of the Saints I had the chills & fever to
day & was feble in body 56 [miles]
~ Monday
16th Rode to Sarycuse & to Rome & had the
chills & fever to day 60 m[iles]
~ Tuesday
17th Rode to Utica & to fort Plain had fever 53 [miles]
~ Wednesday
18th Rode to the Acquaeduct. I had an exceding sick
day of chills, fever, faintness, &c distance 58 [miles]
~ Thursday
Sept 19th Rode to Abbany mostly through
locks I felt feble had the chills & fever I called
at the Hartford & Albany stage house & took the
stage at 10 oclock in the evening & rode all night
& untill 11 oclok next day & arived at Newmut
borgough 50 miles the whole distance 64 m[iles]
~ Friday
20th rode to Avon & spent the night with Aunt
Wheeler I suffered much in the stage with
the fever & Ague Distance 40 [miles].
~ Saturday
21st rode from Avon to Farmington Ct
& once more had the happy privilege of behol
ding a father, Mother, & sister, in the flesh
face to face & spent the day at fathers
house I had no chills nor fever to day
but spent the day pleasently 6 mi[les]
~ Sunday
22 Sunday spent the day at fathers house
in the evening I took a walk with Sister
Eunice to Mr Chancey Hills he had lost
his wife Mary Ann was much out of health
~ Monday to ~ Wednesday
23, , 25. I spent these days at fathers I was still qu-
ite ill I had an interview on the 25 with Aunt
Bulah Hart
~ Thursday
26th I rode with Mother & Aunt Bulah to
Uncle Adna Hart's & we found Adna sick
& night unto death & probably will not live
but few days. I here had an interview with
Sister Cossett I felt quite ill while at Adnas
we returned home & Sister Cossett accompanied
us. Brother Dwight Webster was at fathers house
had called to have an interview with me I
was truly glad to see him he tarried about
three Days & when he left he was more esstab
lished in the faith & determined to go forth
& do his duty & honor the priesthood which was
confered upon him {distance of the day} 7 [miles]
~ Friday to ~ Saturday
27, 28 I still continued at fathers house was
quite Ill I took the parting hand with Brother
Webster
~ Sunday
29 Sunday spent the day at father's I had
an interview in the evening with Brother
Ozem Woodruff I was truly glad to see
him he was strong in the faith & determined to
do the will of God & desireous to go to Zion
he was expecting to work for father several days
~ Monday
Sept 30th
[FIGURE] I wrote a letter to Phebe I spent the
day at fathers I have a light turn of the
chills & fever dayly
~ Tuesday
Oct 1st I spent the day at fathers & wrote
a letter to Elder [FIGURE] John Taylor & Mr
Waltz We had a number of friends in
the evening called to see us ie cousin Betsy
Cossett Jennet Stedman, & among the number
was Mr Chancy Hills {shorthand}
~ Wednesday
2nd I [FIGURE] wrote a letter to Philo Vining & one
to Sister Hannah Woodruff & spent the time
at fathers
~ Thursday
3rd I spent the day at Fathers I was blessed
with the happy privilege of once more
administering the ordinance of baptism
to one of my friends. I repaired to the
water about the setting of the sun acco
mpanied by a few friends & I administered
the ordinance of Baptism to cousin
Betsey Cossett in Farmington River
in the same place whare father & his hou
sehold & other friends were Baptized the year before
~ Friday
Oct 4th I spent the day at fathers
house I walked in the evening to Jennett
Stedmans & spent several hours in conv
ersation. Chancy Hills is some delirious
& it is feared that he will live but few
days & it is some feared also that the storms
of Adversity that are falling upon Mary Ann
Hills will carry her to the grave soon,
& while speaking of the afflictions of others I
will return to ourselves on the 27th day of Sept
my Grandmother Anna Thompson wife of Lot Thompson
departed this life. Aged 84 years
[upside-down text]
Singular. Mercy Thompson, Samuel Thompson & Lot Thompson
allot one family & Anna Thompson all died at 84 years
[end of upside-down text]
Also on this 4th day of Oct Uncle Adna Hart
died at 2 oclock PM. Aged 43 years
So our relatives go into Eternity one after
annother & truly may all such admonitions
teach us to be ready for the coming of the Son
of Man
~ Saturday
5th I was called upon to attend the funeral
services of uncle Adna Hart when I arived at
his house (accompanied by Mother & Sister Eunice)
the Neighbours soon began to assemble &
I had an interview with many friends that I had not
seen before for a long time such as Sister
Hannah Woodruff, Ezra Hart, Philo Vining,
besides a large congregation of the Neigh
bours in the regions round about. Adna felt
before his death that he had not lived as he ought
for the last few years of his life, but yet before
his death he felt to repent of all his sins & said
& felt that he was perfectly willing to die & his friends
felt a great evidence that it was well with him.
After singing & prayer I addressed the congregation
with such remarks as I thought the subject
required & dissmissed the congregation &
I took the last look of the corps which was
vary plesent & it was conveyed to the graveyard
to the graveyard & buryed from the sight of
many friends & Neighbours. But I did not
attend myself, but after conversing a few
moments with Philo Vining upon the things
of the Kingdom of God & also learning Sister
Betsey Cossett express her joy at having recieved
baptism for the remission of her sins I
took the parting hand with those friends & returned
with Mother & Sister E to Farmington {shorthand} 8 mile
I thank the Lord for his goodness to me this day for delivering
me from the chills & fever for this is the first day I have missed of late
~ Sunday
Oct 6th Sunday spent the day at fathers. I had
a plesent walk with Sister Eunice in viewing
the river & fields of my youth &c.
~ Monday
7th I took the parting hand with father, Mother, & Sister,
& took the stage to Hartford, & went on board
the steamer Cleopatra for the city of New York
at 2 oclock P.M. & we arived at the City N Y. at 6 ocl
ock next morning the whole distance of the day 170 [miles]
~ Tuesday
8th I called at the store of my Brother in Law
Ilus Carter in Bleecker street 118 corner of woster
from thence to Brother Richard Burgdge 41 King street &
to Br William Acker, Charlton streat No 65. I spent
the day with Brother Burdge I had an interview with
Elder's Mullener & Wright I was glad to see
them.
~ Wednesday
9th I visited Brother James Pratts family
in wats streat 69. I also visited Elder Jacob
W. Jenks, the captain & owner of Sloop Sea
gul, that plays continuely between New York
& singsing. Thus we begin to find the Saints
among the Slips &c. Elder Jinks informed me
that a letter had just arived from Jerrusalem to the
Jews in New York stateing that there is now stading
in Jerrusalem 144000 of the Jews {shorthand} 3 [miles]
~ Thursday
Oct 10th [FIGURE] I recieved a letter from Elder John
Taylor. I left the city of N Y. & took steam Boat
Francisko for Singsing, Sisters Cr Wandell & Sister
Lucy Eager accompanied me to Singsing We dined at
the Inn of Mr Thomas Eager. I had the chills
& fever I had every attention paid me by
Sister Eager. I called on Brother John Royce
& spent the night distance of the day 36 miles
~ Friday
11th I spent the day with Brother Royce I
had a hard turn of the chills & fever I was
with the Saints in prayer meeting at Br Royce
house Elder's Jacob Jenks, & Samuel Mu
llener I had a plesent interview with those Saints
~ Saturday
12th I visited Elder Jenks at his Sloop & then
walked up a hard hill (as Singsing is a vary hilly place)
& visited Brother Washburn & brother Cox&
spent the night with Br Washburn (chills & fever)
~ Sunday
13th Sunday the Saints met at Br Washburn
I addressed them in the fore part of the day I
had the chills & fever in the afternoon but met
with the Saints in the evening & broke bread
unto them. My mind is much interested these days
in the gathering of the Jews for they are now fast
fulling the scriptures by returning to Jerrusalem
~ Monday
Oct 14th I walked down the Hill to Brother Royce &
spent the day I again had the chills & fever [FIGURE] my
mind was unusally impressed this morning about
my family but I pray the Lord to support them in
all their trials, sickness, or afflictions.
~ Tuesday
15th I spent the day at Brother Royce it being Tuesday
I missed my chills and fever I visited Br Dlenory
~ Wednesday
16 I spent the day at Br Royce in reading the
Church History of Jhnohn Lawrence Mosheim, D.D. I read
all under the fourth century During the regin of
Constantine & also the 1st & part of the 2nd cent
~ Thursday
17th I spent the day reading history I am fast
improving in health I have not had the
chills & fever for three days. Sister Roycae has
nourished me up with stregthening things much
to my advantage
~ Friday to ~ Saturday
18, 19th after taking the parting hand with the Sai
nts in Singsing I went on board the Sloop SeaGul
owned by Elder J. Jinks captain of the same
at 8 P.M. & arived in New york at 11 oclock
being but 3 hours on the way, they tore the sail
against the boom of a ship. I had a pleasent
conversation with Capt Jinks distance 36 [miles]
~ Sunday
Oct 20th Sunday I met with the Church in
New york & spoke in the fore part of the day
I felt thankful for once more meeting wit[h]
the Church in this city I again met in the eve
ning I had a pleasent interview with Elder
Fosster he presides over the Church
~ Monday
21st I called upon Br Ilus Carter from
thence I went to Sister Ellen Grahams
^[FIGURE] I recieved a Letter from Phebe^
in Bowery street 88 spent the night 351 Broom ^st^
~ Tuesday
22 I crossed the East River or Sound & preached at
night at the house of Elder Stones & spent
the night at Brother Sniders
~ Wednesday
23rd [FIGURE] I wrote a letter to Phebe & spent the
night with Br Foster at 351 Broom street
~ Thursday
24th I was feble in Body I spent the day at
Sister Grahams!!!! To my great joy I have
just herd that Elder P P Prat has arived in
this city to day with his family & a number
of the Twelve are expecting to be here soo[n]
~ Friday
25th I had an interview with Br P P Pratt
& also with Brother Clark who arived in the
city to day & also with other Brethren
~ Saturday
Oct 26 I spent the day at Sister Grahams
[FIGURE] I wrote a letter to Sister Eunice, & in the
evening I attempted to visit Brother Burge in King street
41. I walked from Bowery to Broadway & took stage to
stop at King st but the driver did not understand me
& he left me a mile from Brother Burge & in
walking to the place being weak in Body I was
flung into a great perspiration & I took a severe
& dangerous cold which setteled upon my lungs I
spent the evening at Brother Burge Brother Parley &
a number of other Elders was present
~ Sunday
27th Sunday I attended meeting at the Green
wich Academy in King street 93, which is
the general place of meeting of the Saints. Elder
P. P. Pratt preached 3 discourses during day & eveni-
ng which was plain & interesting
~ Monday
28th I spent the day at Br McClains my cough
is still severe. Three men called in the evening
(one of which was lame) to have Elder Pratt
heal him that they might have a sign in order
to believe the work of God but a sign thay
did not get I had an interview with Brother
Lane I spent the night at Brother Albright King ^94^
~ Tuesday
29th Oct I spent the day at Brother Albright's I
sent a package to Ilus at his store By Brother Clark
that was put into my hands by Brother Parley from
Phebe. My cold is still severe but the fever & Ague
appears to have left me
~ Wednesday
30 I walked to Elder P. P. Pratts abiding place for
a season Charlton Street 109 in the rear from
thence I walked to Brother Mc'Clain's in Spring Street
to Ilus F Carters 118 Bleacker corner
of woster from thence to Brother Burge, King 41,
& made some arangements with three Brethren that
were to ship for England on the morrow viz Elder's
Clark, Wright, & Mullener, & then to Brother
Albright's 94 King st & spent the remainder of the
day
~ Thursday
31st [FIGURE] I wrote a letter to Brother Luther Scam
mans & sister Sarah Foss
~ Friday
NOV 1st I accompanied three Elders viz
Clark, Wright, & S. Mullener on board
the packet ship Tarolinta Capt Smith, bound for
Liverpool, they took steerage passage & looked
quite comfortable. After committing these Dear
Saints unto God I took the parting hand with
them I was expecting to go with them but finally
thought it wisdom to wait untill more of the
quorum of the Twelve came so that we might
hold a conference in New York before we crossed
to England. May the Lord grant those brethren a safe
passage I pray. I travled over the city much
During this day Sister pratt had a sick day with
the chills & feverr his towo children have it also
~ Saturday
2nd [FIGURE] I wrote a letter to Brother Nathaniel
Thomas. I copied a short extract from a paper
as follows Moses Montifier's Brother in Law to Rothchild
lately visited Egypt & made three proposals
to the pacha of Egypt 1st to esstablish
a bank in Egypt with a capitol of $10,000,000
of dollars. 2nd to purchase lands in Syria
for the Jews. 3rd to make the oath of the
Jews admitable through Syria & palestine
~ Sunday
3rd Sunday I met with the Saints Br Pratt prea
ched fore & afternoon, the evening was spent in
hearing from a Number of Elders Brother Benedict
was presant from Connecticut
~ Monday
4th I visited Ilus, Parley, & a number of
other friends it is elections to day
~ Tuesday
Nov 5th I left N. Y. crossed the South ferry
Brooklin & took the rail car & passed thro-
ugh Gamacee & on to Hempsted at which
place the car stoped I walked 2 miles to
the toll gate kept by Brother Selah Lane
I spent the night with Brother Lane. I
had a fair view of the country during this
days travel which was on Long Island the
surface of the earth is vary level some
resembling the Illinois prairies. We
had a heavy storm during the night {distance of the day} 23 [miles]
~ Wednesday
6 I spent the day at Brother Lanes
I held a meeting in the School house in South
Hempsted & spent the night at Benjamin Reymons
~ Thursday
7th I spent the day at Brother James Whaley
~ Friday
8th I held a meeting in Hempsted at the Inn
of Mr John Ackley & returned to Br Whaley 6 m[iles]
I saw Phebe in affliction {shorthand} in a dream I did not see Sarah Emma
~ Saturday
9th [FIGURE] I wrote a letter to Elder Milton Holmes
& spent the day at Brother Whaley's
~ Sunday
10th Sunday I rode to Rockway & preached in the
fore part of the day at Mrs D. Mott's & in the after
noon at the house of Lawrence Bond & in the
evening again at Mrs D. Motts 6 miles
~ Monday
Nov 11th I spent the day at Mrs D. Motts & in the eve
ning I walked to Mr Jacob Brower's & spent the eve
ning a number of the family belonged to the chu
rch. I had a dream During the night I had an inter
view with Phebe but did not see Sarah Emma. I travled
some distance with Judge Higby in a hard storm I
also saw David Patten {shorthand}
{shorthand}
~ Tuesday
12th I walked to Mrs D. Mott & spent the day. Mrs D. Mott
is a Widow but a Lady of the most splendid talents
& extensive information She had lost 5 sons and
a kind husband & had herself been may times to the
gates of Death but was miracilesly spared as a stady
monument alone for some purpose she manifested
a gareat degree of interest in spread of the fullness of the
gospel {shorthand} As I returned this mor
ning Mrs Mott was morning the loss of a young lady
that died last night by the name of Elizabeth Smith
two years ago her marrage day was set but
on that day her companion Died by the name
James Piersalls & his Brother visited her & had
her marriage day again set & she died aged 18
I rode to Benj Reynons preached at his house
& returned to Mrs D' Mott & spent the night 12 [miles].
~ Wednesday
Nov 13th I took a walk this morning in the
Rockway Burying ground & my mind was lead
to many serious reflections this burying
ground contains one certain grave eight rods
in length in which was lade 125 ^Also 30 found after the war^ ^total 155^ bodies all
at the same time they lost their lives by being
wrecked on Rockway beach by the Ship Mexico
on the 1st day of January 1837 And were intered on
the 5th day. In viewing the Burying ground I also
say the grave of Mr David D. Mott jun which stone
bore the following lines. Sacred to the memory
of David D. Mott Jun who Died March 19 1838 in the
60 year of his age [FIGURE] The memory of the Just is blessed prov 10:7
Fare the well my Dear & loving wife! Fare thee well my friends!
What gone forever! Seen no more' forever I thy loss deplore [FIGURE]
I spent the day at Widow D' Motts. The Lord is again
restoring unto me my health for which I feel exce
ding thankful, praise the Lord o my soul for all his
loving kindness unto the sons of men. I had
the happy privilege of an interview with Elder
Orson Pratt he spent the night with me
~ Thursday
14th IWe visited Mr Browers & preached at night
at the house of Mrs D. Mott
~ Friday
Nov 15th We preached at night Mrs D. Motts to a
large congregation many are believing
we spent the night at Mrs D. Motts
~ Saturday
16th I left Mrs D. Motts at Rockway & walked
with Brother Pratt to John Pettets from thence
we took a boat & had a sail to the main beach we
saw a wreck of a ship that was flung upon the shore
after returning Mr Pettets conveyed me to Greenwich
p[o]int & I spent the night Distance of the day 12 m[iles]
~ Sunday
17th Sunday I preached three times at Mr Reymonds &
rode to Mr John Acklay & spent the night I had
an interview with Mr Edward Doughathy 3 m[iles]
~ Monday
18th rode to New York with Mr Ackley. I spent the
night or evening at Brother P. P. Pratts with a n
umbers of Elders Benjn Winchester among the
number & also a Gentleman from England a mem
ber of Joanna Southcoats Society &c. I recieved
a Letter from Eunice distance of the day 23 [miles]
~ Tuesday
19th CONFERENCE in New York I had an inter
view in the morning with Elders James & Albert
Brown I met in Conference with the Elders
& Church according to appointment & after spending
the day in transacting such business as was
necessary {shorthand} I spent the daynight at Albrights
~ Wednesday
Nov 20th I again sat in conference with my Brethren
in the first part of the day but at 2 oclock Elder O Pratt
& myself left the conference & in company with
Elder James we took the steem Boat Monmouth for
Middletown at which place we landed being 30 m[iles] We
then took the stage & rode to Freehold 10 m[iles] & spent the
night the distance of the day 40 m[iles]
~ Thursday
21st We walked 8 miles & rode 8 to Brother James Ivins
from thence to New Egypt 7 miles & stoped at Mr Thomas
Harrison's I preached in the school hous to a large con-
gregation from Hosea 3:2 last virses I spent the night at
the house of Abram Vintice {distance of the day} 23 m[iles]
~ Friday
22 Elder Pratt & myself attended a Debate in the methodist
meeting house between Mr Spear {a methodist preacher} and
Elder James it was the 5th day of the debate & it
closed I rode 7 miles & spent the night with J. Ivins 7 m[iles]
~ Saturday
23 I rode 3 miles & held a meeting in the cream
ridge Brick School house & also in the evening
Elder O. Pratt preached & I followed him I spent
the night at the house of Mr James S. Lawrence
the whole household were believing {Lawrence and Tilton were of the first class} 3 m[iles]
~ Sunday
224th [FIGURE] Sunday I held meeting at the school house
I also wrote a letter to Phebe quite lengthy {shorthand}
$1 {dollars in money} We had a severe storm I spent the night
at the house of Mr George Woodward
~ Monday
25th [FIGURE] I wrote a letter to Sister Eunice I preached
at the Cream Ridge Brick School house at night & rode
home with Brother James Ivins & spent the night with him ^4 m[iles]^
~ Tuesday
Nov 26 I preached at the Brick School house, & returned
& spent the night with J Ivins 6 miles
~ Wednesday
27th I preached at the Brick School house & spent the
night with Elder James at the house of Mr Daniel Tilton
I had another attack of the chills & fever During the nig
ht it was brought on by being vary warm while preaching
& immediately chilled afterwards 4 miles
~ Thursday
28th I spent the day at Mr Tiltons & also the night & had
a dream while upon my bed, & in my dream I saw phebe my
wife & notwithstanding we rejoiced much at having an inter
view with each other yet our embraces were mixed with sorrow
for after conversing with her awile about her domestic affairs
I asked whare Sarah Emma was (our ownly child) Phebe says (weeping
{and kissing me}) she is dead. We sorrowed a moment & I awoke {shorthand}
{shorthand}
~ Friday
29th I spent the day & night with Brother John
Woodward reading a Debate between a Un
iversalist & Prysbeterian
~ Saturday
30th in company with Elder James I held a
meeting at Mr George Myres
~ Sunday
Dec 1st Sunday I preached at the brick school house
& communed with the Church & rode to
Horners Town & Elder James Baptized two
I spent the night at Mr. Wm Woodward 5 m[iles]
~ Monday
Dec 2nd I spent the day at Mr Woodwards I
[FIGURE] wrote a letter to Sister Betsey Cossett &
spent the day & night in Hornerstown
~ Tuesday
3rd Stormy day I spent the day at Wm S. Woodward, walked
to the school house at night through the mud {shorthand} I
spent the night at {shorthand} John Woodwards {distance of the day} 3 m[iles]
~ Wednesday
4th Attended a meeting at the Brick school house Elder
P P Pratt preached to a large congregation I spent the
night at Brother Samuel More's 32 miles
~ Thursday
5th [FIGURE] I wrote a letter to Elder John Herrett & walked
to New Egypt & preached to a large congregation
& spent the night with Mr. Abram Burtis. 3 [miles]
~ Friday
6th I walked to Hornerstown & spent the night
with Brother James Curtis {distance of the day} 3 m[iles]
~ Saturday
7th [FIGURE] I wrote a letter to Brother Dwight
Webster I walked to the school house & attended
a proper meeting
~ Sunday
8th Sunday I preached at the school house {shorthand}
rode to James Ivins & spent the night 4 m[iles]
~ Monday
9th I spent the day conversing with Doct Ells ^{shorthand}^
~ Tuesday
10 I spent the day in reading the Researches and Missionary
labours among the Jews Mohamedans & other sects by the
Rev Joseph Wolff
During his travels between the years 1831 AND 1834. (it is interesting
~ Wednesday
Dec 11th I took the parting hand with Elder
James & {shorthand} James Ivins & left at one
oclock A.M. & rode 16 miles to Freehold I there
took the stage & rode to Middletown point
12 miles & then the steem Boat ware to
New York. I called upon Elder Parley P.
Pratt in Mott street No 58 whare I had an inte
rview with him & also Elder Ball. I then wal
ked to the post office whare I obtained three
letters two for myself & one for Elder
O. Pratt from his wife Sister Pratt stated
[FIGURE] that my wife & child were both get
ting better. One letter was from Sister Eunice
Dated Dec 7th {shorthand} The other letter was
from Elder M. Holmes Nov. 17th. I found the streets
of New York full of soldiers preparing to go
to the Albany war to fight some of the cit
izens of their own State, thus wars & rumours of
wars are heard. I attended meeting in the evening
in Grand Street in the Columbian Hall, (rent $9 dollars
per Day) & herd a lecture from Elder P P. Pratt
on the authenticity of the Book of Mormon &
the origin of the American Indians (distance {of the day} 58 [miles]
~ Thursday
Dec 12 I mailed papers to Father Woodruff, Father
Carter, & ^2^ my Wife. I attended a conference in
Mott strt 58 at P. P. Pratt on the case of Elder
Joseph Ball & as a number of accusations were
brout against him & spent the night at Brother
Symons. I had an interview with Ilus Carter 4 [miles]
~ Friday
13th [FIGURES] I wrote a letter to Phebe & marked
it ({shorthand}) Elder Turley
also wrote to his wife. I again met in confer
ence at 7 oclok at Elder Pratts in 58 Mott street
We had an interesting time in our conference
I spent the night with Elder Taylor at Brother
Symons 3 mile
~ Saturday
14th [FIGURE] I wrote a Letter to Sister Eunice
& answered an important question. Walked
to Brother Albrights & spent the night however
before retiring to rest I walked about 1 1/2 miles into
Cedar Street in order to view (for the first time in my life)
a city fire, the fire was great it commenced in 45 cedar
street & consumed it with all its contents & also No 49th
both of which were large buildings filled with
cotten & dry Goods the loss estimated at $300,000
it was rainy. I left the fire raging at 12 at night & retired to rest 5 miles
~ Sunday
Dec 15th Sunday I met with the Saints in the Columbian Hall
No 263 Grand Street & preached in the fore part of the day &
Elder Taylor preached in the afternoon. Elder Pratt
preached in the evening I spent ^the night^ with Elder Taylor at
Brother Holmes 3 miles
~ Monday
16th [FIGURE] I went on Board the Oxford a packet ship
& engaged my passage to Liverpool on the 19th inst
I also [FIGURE] wrote a letter to Father & Mother Carter
I spent the evening in making preperation for
our departure {distance of the day} 6 miles
~ Tuesday
17th [FIGURE] I wrote a letter to Phebe containing a
short address to Brother & Sister Smoot I attended
meeting at night at the house of Brother Nizbot
in Houston Street. we had a spiritual meeting
P P Pratt prophesied that the history of the obstacles
that the twelve in filling this mission should
be known to all nations. I spent the night
at Broth Simons. We went on board the
packet ship Oxford & secured our passages
for Liverpool as it would sail on the 19th
~ Wednesday
18 I laboured hard all day to prepare for
our sailing voyage three of us carried our
Oct Dec
baggage on board viz Elders Taylor, Turley,
& myself. Elder Turley & myself slept on
board
~ Thursday
19 The ship moved out into the stream & anchord
& the day was spent amid the greatest conf
usion bustle & fuss that ever I witne
ssed for they had taken on board many
more passengers than births [berths] to lodge in
& the cabin was store full of chests &
Boxes, trunks, barrels, & beds &c & many
quarrelling for what they called their rights
~ Friday
20th Bustle & confusion commences
the ship is still at anchor. at 12 oclok she spre
ad her canvass & set sail assisted a few miles by
a steem Boat She sailed well through the night
^[FIGURE] with 64 passengers in the steerage while 40 was her lawful number
she had 15 cabin passengers, Also Capt John Rathbone 1st mate
Yates, 2nd mate Jones, one carpenter & 26 sailors making 109 souls
in all. Fare for steerage $15, for cabin fare $140 including wines
$120 without^
~ Saturday
21st A stiff breeze & fair wind but most all on
board are sea sick. We see a sail south of us
She left New York at the time we did She is bound
for London
~ Sunday
22nd Sunday most are still sick a high wind through
the day, & a high gale at night the Boat reeled &
pitched Badly
~ Monday
Oct ^Dec^ 23rd Sea vary rough & winds high many
still are sick our cabin is crouded & unholesome
~ Tuesday
24th The sea runs mountains high & look
like the Hills & valies of Kirtland. While pitch-
ing from the top of the mountain waves into the
troath of the sea she would ship water. I got
wet, yet I sat upon deck untill late in the
evening but though it was winter it was
not vary cold
~ Wednesday
25th A calm in the morning but the ship rocked
bad upon the dead swells the wind soon rose
& we sailed fast through the day & night
~ Thursday
26 A rough sea & strong breeze we sailed fast
~ Friday
27th Fair winds sail fast a number of short squalls
we had got over our sea sickness & had good appetites
~ Saturday
28th A vary rough sea most of the day. We saw a large
school of porposes & Blackfish all around the ship.
We had a calm in the evening
~ Sunday
29th Sunday a plesant morning ^thugh the day^ & a light Breeze
~ Monday
30 A rough sea a severe gale at night, the ship rocked
& pitched to such a degree it was with difficulty
that we kept our births [berths] while at the same time trunks,
Boxes, & barrels were tumbling about the cabin this with
the noise of the officers & sailors reefing & taking in sail
with the help of the wind over the riggn made much confusion
~ Tuesday
31st Sea still vary rough sails under closs reef cloudy
weather this is the last day of 1839 their is not much
to interest the mind while taking a voyage at sea
excepting the rolling Billows which are majestic for one
is freequently many Days without the sight of land, or sun,
or even a sail at sea & must be crouded together with
many passengers in a cabin like logs or stay upon
Deck in the spray wind or storm &c.
~ Wednesday
JAN 1st 1840. So time rolls along
vary rough sea, high winds, Blustering & cloudy
~ Thursday
2nd The sun rose clear it being the first time we
have seen it for five days. We had a calm. We saw
a vessel for the first time since we left New York it
was stern of us. Elders Taylor, Turley, & myself
sat down on the anchor & had a cruck of Buternuts
~ Friday
3rd A good day faor sailing a fair & go[o]d breeze.
We were in full view of two sail one fore & the
aft of us, we soon overtook the one before us &
spoke to her, as we past her at a rapid rate as we
were going about 10 or 12 [k]not an hour. The Oxford first
raised the union colors ie British & American & she raisd
the British colors we then raised the American colors in
the Oxford & made out our Longitude & presentd it to her
which was 34.40. We found her to be a British Brigg
sailed from Halifax 20 days at sea Bound for
Liverpool She made out her Long to be 33.30 noting
one Decpel & .10 miles difference from the Oxford
~ Saturday
4th Fair weather, wind right aft & a stiff Breeze we
sailed fast. They butcher hogs & sheep on board
~ Sunday
5th Sunday rough sea, High winds & rain in the morn-
ing, sea & winds more calm at noon. We saw a large
school of porposes, a calm & plesent evening which we
spent on Deck viewing the stars & ocean
~ Monday
6th A plesent morning & a calm, but having 12
sails spread we travled about 3 miles an hour
~ Tuesday
7th We have a dead calm to day in Long 17.40
We spoke a Scottish Bark named Georgeana from Leith
Scotland, bound for Granada a west India Island, this her 7th day
at sea, her Long 17.40. A number of Birds such as sea-
guls, ^were flying around our ship^ the passengers shot several of them & they fell dead
into the water. We saw a large school of porposes and
Black Fish some of the Blackfish were supposed
to be 20 feet in length they would roll on top of water
all around the ship
~ Wednesday
8thA good stiff breeze arose about 1 oclok A.M &
we sailed well through the day. A lighted tar Barrel
was set afloat from the ship at night which appeard ^brilliant at see^
~ Thursday
Jan 9th Cloudy & cold, smooth sea & fair breeze
it grows coldier as we draw near to land
We are about entering the St George channel or
the mouth of it & of course we are not far from
land!! Ho!! Ho the cry of land, land is herd from mast
head. We rushed on to the fore castle & after strain-
ing our eyes to look a few moments we got sight
of it. It was the Irish caissot ^coast^ laying three points to ouor lee bow
this is the first land we have seen for 20 Days or in other words
we have been 20 Days out of sight of land. At 8 oclock P.M. the
revolving lamp at the lighthouse at cape clear came in full view
The whole company of passengers were much disturbed
at night by the quarrelling of several wicked women
~ Friday
10th The mountains of the Irish coast are in full view
& Also 6 or 7 sail. The weather is cloudy & rather cool
we have a good wind & sail fast We have a plesant
evening we walked the decks untill 9 oclok & view^ing^
the light houses &c
~ Saturday
11th We had a heavy gale commencd about 1 oclok
in the morning & we were in danger having
the Welch coast on one side & the Irish on the
other their was a great bustle on board & noise
on board from the captain mates & sailors
& wind & waves alltogether, they reachd the pilot
ground at daylight & raised colors for a pilate a
pilate boat soon appeared & came along side
& gave us a pilote & he informed us that the
Steem Ship Liverpool had not yet arivd & their
was a tremendous shout from one end to the
other of the Oxford for the Liverpool started 5 days
before the Oxford & the Oxford had beat her & the
Independance ownly arivd yesterday & she left
New York 10 days before us, but the pilate had no
sooner got on board than the Steem Ship Liverpool
hove in sight over our stern the pilate ordered
the sails to be spread notwithstanding it was blowing
a gale as soon as the canvass was spread
we gained of the Liverpool & their was many sail
upon our right & Left hand their was much
bustle among the passengers in shaving, washing &
preparing to go on shore &c. Liverpool soon was
in sight & we reachd the Liverpool deck a few minutes
before the Steem Ship Liverpool & also the packet ship
Independance soon came in all thes all arived
within the term of 30 minutes We went into
the city & visited several Noted places such as Liverpool
^[FIGURE] I wrote 3 Letters one to Phebe one to P. P. Pratt one to I Carter^
New Market costom House, Lord Nelsons Monument
&c. we spent the night in Clarks Street at the Birmingham arms
~ Sunday
Jan 112 ^Sunday^ We took Breekfest {shorthand} it is true we eat & used
used a peace of Bread for a plate & our fingers for knives
& forks & charged high for it at that. I attended church
at St Pauls church & St Thomas church I also
attended meeting in pitt street Methodist chapel. I spent
the night at M Seymour No 7 in Rotunda Place
Waterloo Road. Distance from New York to Liverpool 3,500 miles
~ Monday
13th This day was attended with great confusion as the
contents of our trunks had to go through the hands of
the custom House Offices which was attended with
expense & trouble, after going through this bustle
we took the cars to Preston {shorthand} where to our
great joy we greeted Elder Willard Richards & other
Saints We spent the night with Eldr Richards
distance of the day 32 miles
I am now In the field prepered to go about
my FMasters business I pray God to arm me
for the Battle & give me the spirit of my mis-
sion the procedings of my travels in the minis-
try in England I shall record in another Book
from this time forth
Distances between far west Missouri & the city of nNew york
From far west to Quincy ^Ill[inois]^ 200 miles. Quincy to Springfield, 110 miles
Springfield to Terre Haute [Is], 121 miles Terre Haute to Indianapolis ^[FIGURE]^
70 miles. Indianapolis to Richmond 70 miles. Richmond to Columbus
Ohio 110 miles. Columbus to Mount Vernon 40 miles Mt Vernon
to Woster 40. Woster to Stronsville 45 miles. Stronsville to
Cleveland 17 miles. Cleveland to Buffalo 190 miles Buffalo to Albany
365 miles. Albany to the city of New yYork 160 miles (& to Hartford
Ct 906 miles Hartford to nNew York 100) miles. the whole distance
from far west to New york 1511 miles
[upside-down text]
me that he was serious in
telling me after I was on
the Boat and could not get off
that he should not be respon-
sible for the result of the
cruise and that I must catch
the Landing at a Jump
Fortunately however I was saved
from total loss by almost a mira-
cle of good luck. Asahel's Journal
[end of upside-down text]
[upside-down text]
and Allen Playing cards
Mrs Dole presuming I was
hunting fun and not the bed
gave me leave ^to^ be at home so
I got into business once more
Played Batchelor with them
untill 10
Jan 12th
The Ferry Man at Clinton took
especial care to impress me
with the fact that he was happy
to treat strangers and particularly
those who were civil with every
variety of impolitness. If I had
been a Dog I could have yelped
or a Hog I could have grunted
as it was I bit my lips and
attended to my Horses and
Carriage which were in
imminent danger from his
seeming determination to convince
[end of upside-down text]
[upside-down text]
he lacks confidence and holds
his tongue.
This is one of the comforts in
partnerships.
I left Town in time to drive
to Doles where I put for the
night. On the way I stopped
to warm at Pecks and received
some very wholesome advice
to get benighted somewhere
near Lyons for an excuse to
spend the night in company
with Miss Lyon his daughter
This was ingenious but as I could
not discover the propriety I rejected
the idea.
Early in the evening in attempting
to go to bed I got into the Kitchen
where were Mrs Noble Miss
Harriett Dole Mr Newman
[end of upside-down text]
[upside-down text]
Jan 11th This morning finds
Smith unsociable I left the Store
last night unlocked expecting his
return soon as he had gone
out while I was preparing to
go visiting, and did not mention
that he would be absent through
the evening. I left when I got
ready. He was in bed when
I returned and arose to let
me in chiding me for not telling
me him that I was going away
Doubtless his mood to day originated
in this incident. he probably
either blames me for not telling
him that I was going out at the
same time that I had not been
in the store an hour during the
day or she he thinks I blame
him for leaving without in time
[atr[ibut]ing] it to me and hence
[end of upside-down text]
[upside-down text]
Mr Mullen, an auquaintance was
kind enough to favor me with an
introduction to his Sister to Miss
Lyon and to Misses McKinsley's by
which good fortune I was enabled
to pass the night pleasantly
I returned to Town in the morning
highly gratified with an entertainment
which had cost me so little emb-
arrasment and left me this side
up.
The evening of Jan 10th I spent
at Mrs Coles. Misses Catharine
and Dorothe entertaining with
all possible good will. We told
each others fortunes. Played cards
talked sentiment, a little sense and
more nonsense concluded we liked
each other pretty well and
should be glad to see each other
now and then and quit.
[end of upside-down text]
[upside-down text]
of hearts for sighs, or rather
more likely of sighs for hearts
and I am quite sure that one
sweet kiss from one of the fairest
of damsels went forth begging
sympathy where it should not.
I did not choose to dance
but none of my companions (it
was William) thot to trip the
fantastic toe with a Young Belle
of a neighboring Town and
accordingly we find our Young
Hero at a suitable time bowing
most obsequiously before the fair
one and with breast swelling
high in expectation we behold
him extending his arm with the
modest request that Miss would
dance with him. No—I thank
ye I jest has been dancing!!
[end of upside-down text]
[upside-down text]
Friday ensuing the first of Jan. 7
I went up to Doles, in company
with Horace Blinn William
Warren and Smith to attend
a Ball in honor of the Glorious
Eighth. The company was large
and quite miscellaneous. The
object appeared to be, the great-
est possible quantity of Amusement
estimated by the greatest gross
amount of dancing squeezed out
of the occasion, and it was
attained, for during the Twelve
hours I remained there, there
was no cessation of hop skip
and jump excepting the hour
allotted to supper.
No hearts I believe were lost though
there was a good deal of flow of
soul. There might indeed have
been some exchanges made.
[end of upside-down text]
[upside-down text]
In the course of the ensuing week
I changed my place of boarding to
the Table of my friend Mr Irish
I was induced to do so partly on accord
of my convenience, but mainly because
I was pleased with the society of the
family. Mr Irish did not wish
boarders but took me out of regard
for my wishes and perhaps be-
cause he did not choose to deny my
request. He said "there seems to
be a perfect understanding between
you and Mrs Irish" and I accepted
of his a place at his Table because
I had then pressed the matter
too far to recede. I have since
regretted this step for I fancy
that I am considered as acting
upon the principle that "It is
useless to have a friend unless we
use him."
[end of upside-down text]
[upside-down text]
Jan 1 1837
New Year happened on Sunday.
F. M. Irish came the the Store
and proposed going to church with
me and to this singular circumstance
was added another, still more surprising,
in the fact that Mr Smith my
partner offered to join us! And we
all went to the court House and
heard Elder Bennett from N. Y.
but alas poor Smith! he was
so stricken in conscience for his
presumption that he found no peace
untill he made atonement at the
Dutchmans Coffe House.
I passed the evening at the house
of Mrs Coles mostly in the company
of Catharine & Dorothea.
[end of upside-down text]
4319 + 150 = 4469