Journal of Johann F. F. Dorius

Journal of Johann F. F. Dorius

. . . Thursday, April 23. In the afternoon we went on board the large sailing vessel Westmoreland which was destined to land us in Philadelphia, America. We were shown our berths on board, each of which were to accommodate two persons. We remained on board near the land that night.

Friday, April 24. In the forenoon a tender hauled us out into the River Mersey, where we remained at anchor. In the afternoon we were visited on board by Apostles Orson Pratt and Ezra T. Benson and other English brethren, who gladdened us with their presence, and as far as myself is concerned I could not tire by looking at these worthy men of God. When they left us, we on board the ship in our joy cried hurrah repeatedly, and our greeting was responded to by them. In the evening, after some of the Saints had gone to rest, something happened that was of great interest to some of us: My brother Carl and his girl, Ellen, Brother Christensen with his girl Elise, Lauritz Larsen with his girl, Maria, and I with my girl, Karen, were married by Elder John M. Kay, who pronounced each pair man and wife. It was a most significant affair. Hymns were sung and prayers offered, and the ceremonies were done according to the pattern shown in the Doctrine and Covenants. My feelings [p.3] on this occasion were peculiar, and I felt the importance of the position that I had entered. Late in the night we all retired to rest, and we were very happy indeed.

Saturday, April 25. In the morning anchor was weighed and we commenced our voyage with good weather, a favorable wind, and a calm sea, the whole day and night. Our president on board was brother from Zion by the name of Elder [Matthias] Cowley, and three other brethren from Zion, namely Elders [Henry] Lunt, [George W.] Thurston and [Lorenzo D.] Rudd, together with our dear brother Ola N. Liljenquist from Copenhagen, who, owning to his knowledge of the English language was eminently fit to occupy the position he was chosen to fill as a counselor to President Cowley, and truly Brother Liljenquist was a loveable man. He was continuously on the watch for an opportunity of showing his kindness and assistance to his brethren and sisters, for which we ask God to bless him with his family.

Sunday, April 26. The day being beautiful and the wind favorable, a meeting was held on board on the deck, where timely instructions were given, and we all rejoiced.

Monday, April 27. During this day there was scarcely any wind, in consequence of which the ship made slow progress. The weather was beautiful and the air clear.

Tuesday, April 28. It blowed gently the whole day, so that the ship made good progress, but I felt troubled with seasickness, as well as a number of the other passengers.

Wednesday, April 29. In the forenoon we had fine weather, and the rest of the week passed with a good wind and weather; the wind was only a gentle breeze.

Sunday, May 3. We fasted this day, and we intended to hold fast meeting on board but it happened to rain and there was considerable heaving of the ship, which was thrown from side to side by the waves. Everyone on board had all they could do to hold fast, and at times our trunks and other belongings, our water buckets and cups and saucers, and what else we had on board, rolled to and fro causing much alarm and noise.

Monday, May 4. The wind continued to blow hard and the waves rocked the vessel continuously.

Tuesday, May 5. On this day we had good weather, and clear air. Nothing of importance took place this week. We had favorable winds every day and made pretty good progress towards the point of our destination. There was very little sickness among the emigrants, excepting that which was caused by the movements of the vessel. We received instructions and advice from day to day by the brethren who presided over the company. The emigrants were divided into four districts or wards, and each of these had its own president; thus Brother [George W.] Thurston had charge of the first ward, Elder [Lorenzo] Rudd of the second ward, Christian Larsen of the third ward, and Brother Carl C. N. Dorius of the fourth ward. Ever night and morning the Saints in each of the districts were called [p. 4] together for prayer, and on these occasions we enjoyed ourselves like Saints can. General satisfaction prevailed among us, and we were in many ways singularly blessed. The provisions which were distributed every week to each family, consisted of biscuits, potatoes, meat, bacon, flour, rice, peas, tea, sugar, etc., and each one received the food in sufficient quantities. Brother C. [Carl] C. A. Christensen was appointed general commissary. A Sister Goff [Maria Garff] gave birth on Sunday, May 3rd, to a son, who was named after the captain of the ship, namely, Decan Westmoreland Goff [Garff].

Sunday, May 10. The weather was not very favorable, and the sea was somewhat turbulent, owing to which no meeting was held on the deck that day, most of the Saints spending the day on the underdeck.

Monday, May 11. The wind continued contrary, but otherwise the weather was clear and pleasant.

Tuesday, May 12. The wind was contrary, but the weather fine. During the rest of this week we had pretty good wind, but much rain and cold. A child, one year and three months old, died during the week and its body was assigned to a watery grave, with the usual ceremonies on board. Everybody was filled with the solemnity of the occasion.

Sunday, May 17. According to appointment a conference for the whole company was held in the first ward, Elder Cowley presiding. The respective ward presidents gave their reports about the condition of the Saints, and the president and other brethren spoke in a very edifying and timely way in regard to the Authorities in Zion, and the priesthood generally. As these were mentioned by name, the Saints voted for them unanimously. The day passed away very pleasantly, although a strong wind prevailed, but it blew in the right direction. In the evening we listened to the announcement that another child, 9 months old, had died; the remains being dropped into the watery grave on the 18th in the presence of some of the brethren. The week passed away under favorable weather conditions, and we as we got nearer to America we rejoiced in the hope that we should see land. Our wish in that regard was gratified and on Friday, May 22nd, though the wind was against us, and the ship was obliged to tack, both Friday and Saturday.

Sunday, May 24. The weather was fine, but the wind continued contrary. In the afternoon meeting was held on the lower deck in the different districts.

Monday, May 25. Contrary winds but otherwise good weather. The wind continued to blow against us until Thursday, then we had so much wind that we, in the evening, saw the first lighthouse which stands where the flat land at the mouth of the river, which leads up to Philadelphia. It caused great rejoicing among us, that we had arrived in America. In the evening the pilot came on board.

Friday, May 29. In the forenoon of that day we saw for the first time the shores [p. 5] of America, which caused our hearts to beat with joy. In speaking for myself I must say that I felt better. I was possessed of peculiar feelings as my eyes beheld the land where the most important part of my life's activities should be exhibited and carried out. This day we sailed up the river for some distance, but owing to a little wind, anchor was cast in the evening, and thus we passed the night.

Saturday, May 30. In the afternoon we were towed up the river with a steamboat, and we had land on both sides, which was very interesting, being laid quietly all night.

Sunday, May 31. Whitsuntide. We enjoyed to behold the great city Philadelphia after we had sailed the whole day up through the river, and now to place our feet upon this beautiful country, which on both sides of the river appeared most beautiful. The weather was good though the heat was somewhat oppressive.

Monday, June 1. We had the privilege to step upon the land of America the first time, but we returned to the ship to spend the night.

Tuesday, June 2. In the afternoon the whole company left Philadelphia traveling by rail. We traveled eight day and nights, a distance of about 1500 miles to Iowa City. We passed through many towns and places, and it was certainly enjoyable to ride through this beautiful country, which exhibited fertility and blessings, conveying the idea to us that is was a land blessed by the Lord.

Tuesday, June 9. We arrived in Iowa City in the afternoon, and were at once guided to the camp place about two or three miles and here we raised our tents which were pitched in a circle like fashion, each tent was intended for 18 persons; each family obtained a handcart from the railroad station. Here I saw, among others, Brother Christian Christiansen who had brought me into the Church by baptism and had emigrated to Zion in 1852, and had been sent out from Utah on this mission (two years) to the United States, and he was here to assist in the emigration.

Friday, June 12. In the afternoon we broke up our encampment and commenced our journey westward with our handcarts. . . . [p.6]

After many trials and exertions we arrived in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1857, about 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Our joy was full, when our eyes rested upon the place about which we had with longing had spoken about so many days, even before we left our native lands. While we were traveling thru the streets of the city, my dear father and his wife (he had married after his arrival in the Valley) greeted us. Ho, what joy! They walked with us to the campground and after we had placed our handcarts in order, we followed father to his residence in the south part of the city, namely, I and my wife, Carl and his wife, and her mother and sister. It was joy that cannot be described, for us. . . . [p.7]

BIB: Dorius, Johann F. F., [Journal] in Church Emigration Book (1855-1861) pp. 3-7.

Reminiscences and Journal of John Frantzen

. . . We went from Christiania by steamer to Copenhagen, staying at the latter place about two weeks and then went by steamer again to Grimsby, England. The majority of the passengers in crossing the North Sea took down with seasickness, the vessel being very small to accommodate the number of passengers on board beside the weather being quite stormy. I remained on the deck all the time and was not affected with sickness so prevalent among most of the brethren and sisters.

From Grimsby we went across England by railroad to Liverpool where we arrived late in the evening, and were immediately taken on board the sailing vessel which was going to take us across the great Atlantic. I am not quite sure whether we went on board in the evening or waited till the next morning, but of course this is immaterial.

We remained in the city of Liverpool a few days. While staying there several of the young brethren and sisters were [p.27] married, most of whom were native missionaries among which was John Frederick Ferdinand Dorius who became the husband of my sister Karen. So far as I can remember were the following: J. [John] F. F. Dorius to Karen Frantzen, C. [Carl] C. U. Dorius to Ellen Rolfsen, C. [Carl] C. A. Christiansen to Else Haarby, Lauritz Larsen to Maria L., one more couple whose names I cannot remember. The marriage ceremony was performed on board the vessel by Elder John McKay, I believe on the 24th day of April.

The name of the vessel was Westmoreland. The weather across the Atlantic was quite favorable and in about five weeks we were safely landed in Philadelphia. It was with some peculiar feelings I first cast my eyes on this great American continent which land is a blessed land above all other lands on the face of the earth. The Lord has decreed and promised it to his people who will serve him and keep his commandments and if they will do right it will finally be given to them as an everlasting possession. May I be one among the number to obtain these blessings. [p.28]

We remained but a short time in Philadelphia and soon started on our journey westward, traveling on railroads from there to Iowa City. Here we stopped several days until arrangements was made to proceed farther as the mode of traveling was to be performed in a different style. In a few days all were furnished with a handcart or as many as were necessary from five to seven persons to each cart. The whole company consisted of some upwards of 200 souls divided into four departments of ten carts in each with a captain to take charge of the same. Elder Parkes, one of the returning missionaries, was appointed as leader or president of the whole company. . . . [p.29]

. . . After about 9 weeks arduous toil we reach Salt Lake City on the 13th day of September 1857. . . . [p.39]

BIB: Frantzen, John. Reminiscences and Journal (Ms 8953), pp. 27-29, 39. (HDA)

Reminiscences of Louis Garff

Louis Garff. I was Born January 13th 1855 in Eskebjerg, Sjelland, Empt. Denmark. My parents names were Nils Jorgen Garff & Maria Jacobsen Garff. They joined with the church known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mar. 31 1855 and in [-] 1857 Emigrated with my 2 older brothers P. N. Garff & Christen Garff, also my sister Josephine Patrina and I to America. Sailed from Copenhagen on the great 1857 ship Westmoreland. After a dreadful and tedious voyage of six weeks on sea, landed at New York. My younger brother, Dicken [Decan] Westmoreland, was born on Atlantic Ocean. When arrived at Fort Laramie my sister died, shortly after my father died and was buried on the plains. The rest of our family barely escaped death, and arrived at the Great Salt lake City Sept. 18, 1857. The untold sufferings and hardships that we as a family and the company of Saints suffered during this long journey from Denmark would require more time and space then will ever e taken in this life, at least, much less in a space like this. [p.58]

BIB: Garff, Louis. Reminiscences (Ms 1754), p. 58 (HDA)

Autobiography of Ola Nielson Liljenquist

. . . Apostle F. [Franklin] D. Richards, president of the European mission, visited Copenhagen during the summer, and I will here relate a prophecy delivered by him in my house. One day, as we sat at dinner, Mr. Richards said to me, “Brother Liljenquist, you shall stay here two or three years longer, and help Brother Van Cott, or whoever presides; you and your family shall all live and come to Zion; you shall make a personal acquaintance with President Brigham Young, his counselors, the twelve and many thousands of the Saints, receive your washings and anointings and stay two years and then return to this country and take up your labors again. This prediction was fulfilled to the very letter. The year of ‘54 passed in preaching, baptizing and attending to all the duties pertaining to the office and presidency of the Copenhagen Conference. In the year of ‘55, the blessings of God were richly and abundantly poured out upon our labors, followed up at intervals with considerable persecutions; in this year we had a very pleasant visit from Daniel Spencer and Joseph A. Young; at the end of the year, President Van Cott was released with the privilege of returning home, after having filled with dignity and honor, one of the greatest missions ever performed in those countries, by any one man, Hector C. Haight succeeded him in the presidency of the mission, on the first day of June, 1846. In the summer of ‘46, President Haight, Carl Widerborg and myself paid a visit to England on an invitation from President F. [Franklin] D. Richards, Orson Pratt and E. [Ezra] T. Benson having just arrived to take the presidency of the European Mission and succeed F. [Franklin] D. Richards. My difficulty at this most pleasant time was that I did not understand much English. I made, however, some very pleasant acquaintances, of which I will name, Pastor Dana, James bunting and the Novle family in Manchester, James M. Brown and William Budge, E. L. T. Harrison of London, William S. Muir and Charles F. Jones of Birmingham, Thomas Williams, William Perkes and Edward W. Tullidge of the Liverpool office. Later in the summer, President E. [Ezra] T. Benson and Elder John Kay paid us a visit in Scandinavia. E. [Ezra] T. Benson preached in the large hall called Colosseum to some 1,500 or 2,000 people, and John Kay sang, “O, ye mountains high,” and “Dear Zion.” Several reporters were present who understood English and they made very fair reports and comments on the apostle’s preaching and Kay’s singing. It was indeed an extraordinary time. Mr. Widerborg was the interpreter. The last sermon preached by E. [Ezra] T. Benson in those lands was at Haugerup Sjolland; he called on me as his interpreter, which was my first effort of the kind. I must now leave these pleasant scenes of childhood and youth in Mormonism and turn my face towards the Promised Land.

In the latter part of April, 1857, I left Copenhagen with my wife and four children, Theodore, Oscar, Josephine and Harold; the last named just three months old. When stepping into a cab to drive down to the steamboat landing, the mob attempted to take the children away from us, and would have succeeded had it not been for the timely interference of the police. I was put in charge of the company to England, and three [p.570] days later we arrived, all right, at Grimsby, where we were met by our genial friend, John Kay. Our company numbered 540 souls.

At Liverpool, we embarked on a sailing vessel called, Westmoreland, belonging to Philadelphia. After seven weeks at sea, we arrived at Philadelphia, and the first news we learned was that Parley P. Pratt had been assassinated, and President Buchanan had sent a large army against the Mormons. From here we took the railway to Iowa city; here I was appointed to go with the handcart company to Florence and my family to go with the wagon company. From Florence, I had the privilege of going with my family to Salt Lake City, where we arrived, September 13th, passing Buchanan’s army on the plains, they traveling on the south side of the Platte and we on the north. We did not see them, but on the plains we met Joseph W. Young on his way to Europe, calling all the missionaries home. Myself, wife and four children arrived all right and well in Zion, according to the prediction of F. [Franklin] D. Richards. . . . [p.571]

BIB: Liljenquist, Ola Nielsen, [Autobiography] Tullidges Quarterly Magazine 41 (July 1881) pp. 570-71.

Journal of Matthias Cowley Emigrating Company

On the 29th of April the emigrating Saints Scandinavian were on board the ship Westmoreland. Capt. [Robert A.] Decan destined for Philadelphia. Number of emigrants

Adults-males [-]

[-] -females

Child-males [-]

[-] -females

President for the company Matt [Matthias] Cowley. Counselors Henry Lunt, E. N. Lilenquist together with two elders who were appointed to go along with the company to Zion via G. W. [Thruston] & Lorenzo [D. Rudd].

Some of the authorities from Liverpool visited us, via Elders Orson Pratt, Ezra T. Benson, John [Kay], Calkins, Williams and W. C. Haight president for Scandinavian.

[- -] came and took our ship in tow, with which O. [Orson] Pratt, E. [Ezra] T. Benson. C. Williams returned to [p.1] Liverpool. During John [Kay] Calkins and W. C. Haight remained on board the ship.

In the night the following brethren and sisters were married by Elder John [Kay] viz.

Brother Jacob [Bastian] with Gertrude Pedersen

Elder Carl C. N. [Dorius] with Elen G. [Gurina] Rolfsen

Elder Carl C. A. Christensen with Elise K. S. Schiel

Elder Laurizt Larsen with Ane Mary Thomson [Anna Maria Thomson]

Elder John F. F. [Dorius] with Karen [Franksen].

24. Early in the morning, the brethren John [Kay] Calkins and H. C. Haight went onshore and the ship set sail, having favorable wind.

Some bread and water was served out by the steward.

25. Good wind and fine weather. Bread was served out by the steward. In the evening the Saints was called together and a letter from Elder Orson Pratt was read aloud, which informed us of the appointment of Elder Matthias Cowly [Cowley] as president for the company.

After this Elder M. Cowly [Matthias Cowley] [p.2] moved as President of the Saints on board the ship Westmoreland all united.

Henry Lunt & O. [Olof] N. Lilenquist [Liljenquist] his counselors-united. Moved that the ship was divided in four wards, and the 1st Ward is in the second cabin. President G. [George] W. Thurston.

2nd Ward, President Lorenzo D. Rudd.

3rd Ward, President Christen Larsen

4th Ward, President Carl, C. H. Dorius

President Cowly [Matthias Cowley] wished the Saints of every ward to be attentive to everything which should be told them from the presidency.

The lamps should be lighted as soon as it is dark, and put out between 9 and 10 o’clock in the night.

Elder Jens Jensen was appointed to take care of them.

Every ward will meet together to prayer every night before they go to bed and every morning [p.3] after they are rised [risen].

The Saints will go to bed at 10 o’clock in the night and get up at 6 o’clock in the morning. The cooks will have made fire at 6 o’clock in the morning and put out at 7 o’clock in the night.

The cooks are [Folkman] & G. [Gudmund] Gudmundsen.

C. [Carl] C. A. Christensen, steward. All these instructions must be punctual fulfilled.

When they get up in the morning, they must clean themselves and round about their berths. No one is allowed to go behind the 2nd cabin, and in case of storm, not go upon the poop.

Sufficient of fresh air must be in the cabins, but the windows must not be opened at the weather side.

G. [George] W. Thurston, captain of the guards. [p.4]

No one of the Saints are allowed to associate with the sailors, and none of those are allowed admittance below. No bare light must be burned but in camp. One ward will boil at time and then boil for the whole day.

26. Sunday-Water served out. The wind favorable.

At 2 o’clock in the afternoon was held meeting on the deck, and a good spirit prevailed. Some good instructions were given by the Elders O. N. Lilinquist [Olof N. Liljenquist], C. [Carl] C. A. Christensen & Henry Lunt concerning order, faith, obedience, cleanliness, patience, etc.

In the night was held prayer under guidance of the presidents.

President Cowly [Matthias Cowley] was ill and could not partake in our meetings.

27. This day was it fine weather. The rest of the provisions was served out by the steward. [p.5] In the night the Saints played on the deck. Some few more sick. Prayer in the wards.

28. Water served out. Favorable wind and rolling in the sea so that someones were seasick. It was appointed that the Saints should get up at 5 o’clock in the morning. Prayer in the wards.

29. Favorable wind. Water was served out. Many were seasick. In the evening was danced upon the poop [deck]. Prayer in the wards. Some good instructions were given by Henry Lunt and it was appointed that there should be organized English schools among the Saints because it would be a necessity after their arrival in America.

30. Some ones were seasick but not much in generally. Prayer in the wards. [p.6]

May 1. Fine weather and some wind whereby great many were seasick.

2. Fine weather and favorable wind. Provisions were served out to the company. The most of the sick persons were brought up on the poop which made them very good. In the night it was appointed to have a fast day next day and meetings too. Prayers in the wards.

3. Some rain and wind, which made the ship rolling very much. After the testimony last night the Saints did fast but no meeting was held on account of the weather.

A sister Maria Garff gave birth to a male child who was called Deacon [Decan] Westmoreland Garff, born about 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Latitude 46.45. Longitude 26.23.

Rolling in the sea, wherefore the provisions could not be served out. Some ones were suffering of [p.7] seasickness.

5. No wind and fine warm weather the most sick persons were up on deck. Provisions served out.

6. No wind and fine warm weather.

7. Wind-north. The Saints are well as could be expected. Not many sick persons.

8. The wind from the east. It was said that we had gone half the way of our voyage. Very fine weather. In the [-] by request of Brother [Henry] Lunt we all prayed for a stronger wind. In the course of the night it freshened up and blew strong from the south.

9. In the morning the wind was strong from the south and we were on our course going about 10 miles an hour. The wind kept increasing until it blew quite a gale and for the first time since leaving Liverpool we were obliged to take in sail. About 10 o’clock the wind turned round to the west in which place it remained all the [p.8] day, blowing quite strongly. In the night it blew from the southwest very strong. Some were sick, and were blessed.

10. Sunday. The wind continued high from the southwest coming as pretty heavy sea. It was a fine day, but many were sick. Among those were Brothers [Henry] Lunt and Rudd.

11. Fine weather, but the wind remained unfavorable. All the provisions were served out. Many of the sick was convalescent.

12. The wind was unfavorable and our course was towards the north. At 3 o’clock p.m. the first child died on board the ship. Name Karen Larsen, born in the Falster in Denmark, February 21, 1856. Sex: female. Her mother’s name, Ane Petersen. It was buried in the evening at 6 o’clock.

13. Favorable wind, but cold weather wherefore not many could be on the deck. In the afternoon the [p.9] musicians played in the cabins. In the meeting to prayer in 1st ward, some good information were given by its President Brother [George W.] Thurston, and also by Elder O. [Olof] N. Liljenquist.

14. Fine but cold weather in the morning. At noon it rained and hailed. The wind favorable but not very strong. In the night was held a good meeting in the First Ward and also in the other wards. The Spirit of the Lord prevailed in our middle. Not many sick.

15. Soft wind and rain in the forenoon. In the evening the wind shifted to the east. The Saints were well in generally.

16. The wind weak from the east. This increased to a pleasant breeze. The wind had blown strong last night. This day it was very changeable, sometimes very strong and at others weak. In the evening the wind was strong form the west. The Saints were pretty well. [p.10]

17. Sunday- a tolerable fair day. The ship sailed well all the day. A conference meeting was held this day, in which, Elder Mathias [Matthias] Cowly [Cowley] presiding. The meeting opened with song and prayer by Elder O. [Olof] N. Liljenquist.

President M. Cowly [Matthias Cowley] made some introductory remarks in opening the meeting. After which he called for the presidents of the wards to give in a representation of their respective wards.

1st. Elder G. [George] W. Thurston reported that the Saints in his ward were pretty well in generally. They kept their floor clean as far as possible and wished they should do progression.

2nd. Elder Lorenzo D. Rudd reported that some ones had been suffering in his ward of sickness which they had brought with them on board, but they were now convalescent and hoped that all sickness soon would leave them. He bore testimony about [p.11] the truth of the work of the Lord in these the latter days.

3rd. Elder Christen Larsen reported that had been sick in his ward, but the Lord had blest and raised them up. He had divided his ward in four parts and appointed an elder to have inspection in each of them. The brethren were faithful in discharging their duties. Only 3 or 4 persons were very sick. The Saints were feeling well according to the circumstances.

4th. Elder Carl C. N. Dorius reported that the Saints in his ward were blest, though it in the most unhealthy place on board this ship. Many in his ward had been sick, but were soon well. They were willing to attend to his councils and the Spirit of the Lord was among them.

Elder O. [Olof] N. Lilinquist [Liljenquist] gave some good instructions at the close of the meeting.

The meeting closed with song and [p.12] prayer by Elder Mathias Cowly [Matthias Cowley] until at 2 ½ o’clock in the afternoon, opened with prayer by Elder O. C. Olsen and song.

Elder O. [Olof] N. Liljenquist raised and told that President Cowly [Matthias Cowley] could not be with us at present, because he had been ill, but that he (Liljenquist) was authorized to lay before the conference those things which were upon his mind.

Elder O. [Olof] N. Liljenquist moved therefore, that Brigham Young and his two counselors were sustained as the First Presidency for the Church in all the world and also the Twelve Apostles in their place and Orson Pratt as president over the mission in Europe and his counselors and all the authorities in all the world. All united.

Mathias Cowly [Matthias Cowley] was sustained [p.13] as president for the Saints on board this ship and Henry Lunt and O. [Olof] N. Liljenquist as his counselors, and all the presidents of the wards likewise sustained. Elder C. [Carl] C. A. Christensen as clerk.

President Cowly [Cowley] had collected 12 dollars for every adult and 6 dollars for children between 1 and 8 years of age to pay their journey on the railway in America.

Being called upon, the Saints sustained what he had done by an unanimously vote. The meeting was then left to the brethren and sisters to express their feelings. 7 elders bore their testimony by the Spirit of the Lord. Elder O. [Olof] N. Liljenquist gave some instructions and Elder L. [Lorenzo] D. Rudd closed with prayer.

In the evening at 7 o’clock an infant died by name Ephram Gottfred Jensen. Born in [p.14] Copenhagen on 22nd of July 1856. Name of his father Anders Jensen. It was brought upon deck where it remained in the night.

18. In the morning the death [dead] child was buried. It was very fine day and all the Saints were well as might be expected. The wind continued in the east or a little south of east all the day. Music and dancing on the deck. In the night, good meetings in the wards.

19. Wind fair from the east. Had been strong all the night.

20. In the forepart of the day foggy and wet. Wind from the east. There was little change in the wind or weather during the day till in the evening, when a breeze struck up blew fresh from the south-west.

21. The wind was good but yet unfavorable as it blew from the south, [p.15] west by west. The weather pretty fine and the Saints were well in generally and were mostly on the deck. The provisions were served out this day.

22. Fine weather but the wind continued unfavorable all the day. Provisions were served out this day. In the evening music and dancing on the deck and afterwards meetings in the wards.

23. Fine weather, but unfavorable wind. The Saints were mostly on the deck.

24. Fine weather but the wind unfavorable. In the afternoon at 2 o’clock was held meeting in each ward under guidance of the presidents. Good instructions were given concerning the landing in Philadelphia and as further. The most of the Saints were on the deck and were very well in generally. [p.16]

25. Fine weather, but no wind. The Saints used this day in preparing for the landing.

26. Fine weather, but the wind against us. In the evening it changed a little more in our favor, so that we in the night were going rather fast. The Saints were nearly all on the deck.

27. Fine weather and the wind continued as last night so that we soon passed another vessel, which was going in the same course as we. A sister had got fever and was administered to by the elders. The Saints were preparing for the landing yet.

28. Fine wind, but foggy. In the evening did we see a light ship and in the night we received the pilot on board.

29. A pretty fine day but little of wind. In the morning passed by “Cape May” and in the forenoon did we see the coast of [p.17] both sides of Delaware Bay, and the Saints were rejoicing by this sight. The music played and the Saints danced on the deck.

30. A pretty fine day. The Saints were rejoiced by the beautiful sight of the land on both sides of Delaware River. A steamer took us in tow, which was later changed with two other ones and we went forth until it got dark and we anchored. About at [-] o’clock died an old man, 82 years of age. He was born on the [-] in Jutland in Denmark and had no relations along with him in this company.

31. A fine day. In the morning our two steamers continued their journey with us up the Delaware River, and passed great many towns and villages. [p.18] [NO RECORD OF ARRIVAL INTO SALT LAKE CITY IS PROVIDED HERE.]

BIB: Matthias Cowley Emigrating Company. Journal. (Ms 5479) pp.1-18. (HDA)

Journal of Isaac Sorensen - Utah State University

. . . on the 18th day of April 1857, bid our last farewell to dear old Denmark. We arrived in Grimsby 8 days after, and after resting a day or so, crossed England [p.31] to Liverpool where we embarked on the sailship Westmoreland, and seven weeks after landed in Philadelphia harbor. The time crossing the sea was spent in a quite pleasant way when not too seasick, which we escaped pretty well. We danced on the deck. The captain would often amuse himself by throwing nice small cakes and see us scramble to see who would get them. We were divided into four wards on the ship and a president for each. We held general meetings as also meetings in wards. We was often amused by watching the big fish or animals rolling in the waters. Our worst trouble was the appetite. Father was the only one that could eat the sea biscuits so when we reached America we had lots of them. I think we sold them when we got ashore.

It was very awkward for us to do our trading as we could not speak English, but we got along and bought quite a few things in this town. I got a new suit of clothes. We soon was on the railroad speeding west and arrived at Iowa City 7 or 8 days after we left Philadelphia. Here we was very busy for a time. I don’t remember but not more than a week or 10 days, and then we started still west with our wonderful (at least to us) new outfit. Many of us had never seen an ox before, and now we would be privileged to look at them every [p.32] day for a long time. The scene to be witnessed the first few days can scarcely be portrayed. One must be there themselves & take observations, but suffice to say it was indeed comical, as well as somewhat sorrowful, for driving oxen must, like everything else, be learned and it took some time and sometimes they would be piled up on top of each other in spite of the efforts of men on both sides of them for many of them had never been worked. Hence anyone who knows anything about oxen will easily wonder how they could get along, but we did get along anyway and no one was hurt. And in 3 weeks we arrived at Florence or Omaha which is 6 miles apart, here we found a handcart company and with them we traveled most of the way to Utah often camping together for night. Up till now our oxen had not been unyoked since leaving Iowa. The reason was the captain was afraid we couldn’t get them yoked up again, but now we started to yoke them up and unyoke them every day. We stayed at Florence a short time and fitted out for our long journey across the plains and after 9 or 10 weeks’ travel arrived in Salt Lake City September 15th. . . . [p. 33]

BIB: Sorensen, Isaac [Journal], (Special Collections and Archives, 920, So 68), pp. 31-33, (Utah State University).

Journal of Isaac Sorensen - Utah Historical Quarterly

. . . We bade farewell to uncles, cousins, aunts, friends, many of them, who seemed to feel very sorry for us, but we felt sorry for them who might, if they would, have believed our testimony and rejoiced in the glorious gospel, and been happy in leaving all for the same. We were happy in leaving the fatherland and traveling over seas, railroads, plains, rocky mountains, sandy hills in all kinds of weather, braving the danger of Indian attacks, buffalo herds and much else in a wild wilderness. We had great faith in the Lord and his prophets and inspired servants and on the 18th day of April, 1857, said a last farewell to dear old Denmark. Arriving at Liverpool, England, we embarked on the sailship Westmoreland, and seven weeks later docked in the harbor of Philadelphia.

The tedium of crossing the ocean was relieved to some extent when we were not too seasick. We danced on the deck. The captain amused himself by throwing small cakes on the deck and watching youngsters scramble for them. The Saints on the ship were divided into four wards, each with a president. We held ward meetings, also general meetings. We often amused ourselves by watching the big fish and sea animals rolling in the water. Our worst trouble was that of appetite. Father was the only one of our family who could eat sea biscuits, so when we reached America we had lots of them. I think we sold them when we got ashore.

In Philadelphia it was awkward for us to do our trading because we could not speak English, but we bought a number of things. I got a new suit of clothes.

We soon were on a train speeding west, and arrived in Iowa City seven or eight days after leaving Philadelphia, and were very busy picking out our outfits for crossing the plains. These outfits seemed wonderful to us, for many of us had never seen and ox before. The scenes to be witnessed the first few days [p.52] are difficult to portray. You had to be there to appreciate them. It was indeed comical as well as pitiful. Driving oxen must, like everything else, learned, and mastering the art took time. Sometimes the oxen would be piled up on top of each other in spite of the efforts of men on each side of them, for many of them had never been worked. However, we got along in a sure way. We left the yokes on until we reached Florence three weeks later. No one was hurt. There we found a handcart company and traveled with them most of the way to Utah, often camping with them for the night. We soon learned to yoke and drive our oxen and I was picking up English expressions. After 9 or 10 weeks we arrived in Salt Lake City on September 15. . . .

BIB: Sorensen, Isaac, Journal, Utah Historical Quarterly 24 (1956) pp. 52-53. (HDL)

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