Autobiography of Caroline Hansen Adams

I was born in Denmark January 14, 1849. My parents were Christian Hansen and Ingar Mortensen Hansen. When I was eight years old my parents and their children left Denmark to come to America. Father’s friend Ole Petterson and family wanted to come, but did not have the money. Father loaned them enough to make up their fare, they came with us. We left Copenhagen, Denmark with others for Liverpool, England. From there we boarded a sailing vessel named Westmoreland.

This ship sailed from Liverpool with 544 Saints, mostly Scandinavians. The Saints were under the direction of Matthias Cowley. The weather was unusually calm and our progress was very slow. We were thirteen weeks on the ocean. Many hardships were endured while on the water and a number of deaths occurred during the voyage. The dead were wrapped in sheets with a weight tied to their feet and placed on a board on their backs. One end of the board was placed on the side of the ship. The other was held level. After a short funeral service, the board was raised sliding the body, feet first into the ocean. The weights on the feet would sink the body almost instantly.

When we got good sailing weather we soon landed in the harbor of Philadelphia. We landed in a heavy rain storm. The next day we boarded a train and traveled west to Iowa City, arriving there on June the 9th, 1857. . . . [p.472]

. . . When we parted I bid farewell to my parents, sisters, and brothers, and other dear friends. I boarded a ship and sailed to Copenhagen. It was a pleasant day. We were many on board the ship. The people prepared for the journey to Zion on April 18, 1857. I left Copenhagen.

The 19th of April we passed Skagerrak [Skageract]. Though the sea was wrath and showed its great strength, slashing and foaming on the ship without mercy, the ship was steaming and puffing with all its might to battle against the uncontrollable waves, and glided triumphantly over the dreary and risky elements. I kept my eyes continually on the coast of Denmark until it got beyond my view. No longer could I see the land that gave me birth, so good bye to dear Denmark where my cradle once stood, where my Mother lived who took care of me when I could not myself. I nursed her breast, in her bosom I rested and slept my infant hours away. She watched over me when I was sick and when I first my breath. God knows if I ever shall see Denmark again, or see my dear friends anymore.

I arrived at Grimsby, England the 22nd of April. We were four days on the journey. It was rather rough to be called a pleasure trip. When we left Copenhagen everybody was dressed in their best to bid goodbye to their friends. While the ocean was calm and still everybody felt happy for they were leaving Babylon, singing the songs of Zion. But a very few of the company had ever been on the water before. Everything went on smooth until we got on the North Sea, then the sea and the waves did roar and beat on the ship and almost everybody became very seasick. There was groaning in every direction. Order was give for everyone under deck. There was nothing but the floor to lay on, and it was very crowded. It was a pitiful sight to see, and it would not have been endured very long. I did not get sick because I had been on water before. I had more than I could do to help others. When we landed we needed a good cleaning up. We were a hard looking set. We went by rail to Liverpool. There we boarded a large sail ship April 25 and for twenty-nine days we were tossed about on the Atlantic Ocean. We had a lucky journey. We had our [p.4] beds all around on the ship under deck. At first it was awkward. One time as we were eating soup a big breaker dashed on the ship so it turned almost on one side. Soup, boxes, people, and the whole business upset which made a terrible racket, and about the same thing happened when the ship went back. We soon learned to tie our things fast, and have something to hold to when the ocean was high. I suppose the steam ships they have now go more steady because they cut three or four waves at a time. I often thought how pleasant it was on land where we could eat and sleep in peace without so much rocking. There was a boy born on the ship, and was named after the ship Westmoreland. There were a few deaths. To me it seemed strange to see a person tied to a board with a rock tied to it, and after a little ceremony, shoved out into the ocean. Our food was not very good as many of us could not eat the hard crackers. I ate no bread on the whole journey, but there were some barrels of raw cracked peas. We could go and eat all we wished to, but they would not agree with our stomachs very well. By the blessings of God we landed safely at Philadelphia in America. Then we traveled by rail for nine days until we reached Iowa City.

After a few days we received our handcarts which we were to pull about fifteen hundred miles, over hills and valleys, and dry deserts. . . . [p.5]

. . . by the help of God, I did make the trip. And I always have and always will give him the honor, praise, and thanks for it. For weeks and months we pitched our tents on the wild prairies. There were thousands of wishes and prayers as well as dreams that we might endure the hardships and reach Zion where we hoped better days were in store for us, until we at length pitched our tents on Salt Lake City Square September 13, 1857. Our handcart journey took eighty-five days. . . . [p.6]

BIB: Christensen, Lars Christian. A short sketch of my life (formerly in Msd 2050), (typescript), (Ms 5831) pp. 4-6. (HDA)

Diary of Matthias Cowley

. . . Monday 20th - My health was very bad. Went to the office and had a conversation with President O. [Orson] Pratt. Received letter from Elder J. Woods Norwich, Sister E. Crompton, and from Sister Caroline Smith, Stockport, Cheshire. Wrote letters Elders Woods and Rockling, Sisters Smith and Baxter. Went to the Theater Royal and witnessed the performance of the great comedian, Charles Matthew as "Young Rapid" in the comedy of "A Cure For the Heartache" and as “Plumper” in the drama of "As Cool as a Cucumber." Took a glass of wine and went to bed.

Tuesday 21st - My health was a little better. Went to the office and had some conversation with Elder George Turnbull on the subject of ziletie [UNCLEAR] astronomy. Took a short walk and had tea with Mrs. Corkin, Christian Street. Got some of Doctor Coffin Indian Pills to take to avoid if possible being seasick which I dreaded very much. Wrote a letter to Sister Compton [p.64] and went to bed.

Wednesday 22nd - Wasn't very well. Wet day. Elder [Lorenzo D.] Rudd and myself went round the town considerable. Retired to rest.

Thursday 23rd - Rose rather early. Helped to get the Saints and their luggage on board the Westmoreland. Got my own box on board alright. Received several letters and answered some of them. Got ready to go on shipboard next day.

Friday 24th - Went to president's office where I received an appointment as president of the Saints on board the ship Westmoreland for Philadelphia, Captain Robert R. Decan. During the evening [p.65] four marriages were solemnized by Elder John Kay on board the ship. Elders Calkins, Haight, and Kay remained with us all night.

Saturday 25th - Started from the Mersey about six o'clock a.m. Fair wind. Received a present of a white kid pair of gloves from Sister Sarah Woods Norwich for a favor of President E. [Ezra] T. Benson. Wrote her an acknowledgment. When 15 miles at sea, I was busy organizing the company of Saints. Henry Lunt and Olaf N. Linenquist [Liljenquist] were my counselors. The ship was divided into four wards. G. [George] W. Thurston president of the 1st ward, Lorenzo D. Rudd president of the 2nd ward, Christian [Christen] Larsen president of 3rd ward, and C. [Carl] C. N. Dorius president of the 4th ward. Each ward had a prayer meeting every [p.66] morning and evening. Steward for the company was Carl A. Christinson [Christensen]; cooks Jens P. [Peter] Folkman and Gudmer Gudmanson [Gudmund Gudmudsen]; captain of the guard G. [George] W. Thurston; clerk of the company Carl A. Christenson [Christensen]. The Saints rose about 5 o'clock in the morning and retired again between 9 and 10 in the evening. Times of cooking, from 6 in the morning till 7 in the evening. I was taken very seasick.

Sunday 26th - Fair wind. A great [-] of sickness. I remained in my berth all day.

Monday 27th - Provisions were dealt out to the Saints. Fair wind. The captain and doctor were very good to the sick. Passed several vessels today. [p.67]

Tuesday 28th - A little better today. Very little wind. Heavy rolling sea. Many were seasick. With all my sickness, I enjoyed a good appetite.

Wednesday 29th - Fair wind. Water was served out today and every morning during the passage. A band of music was organized consisting of 3 clarinets, 6 violins, 2 harmonicas, &1 flute. Dancing on the poop deck in the evening.

Thursday 30th - The Saints enjoy themselves very much on deck with music, singing, and dancing. Classes for English education were formed which were to be continued during the voyage. Had some conversation with Dr. Henry Davidge, surgeon for the ship. [p.68]

Friday, May 1st - Fine fair wind and heavy rolling in the sea which caused a great deal of seasickness.

Saturday 2nd - Fine weather and favorable wind. Some provisions were served out to the company. The most of the sick were on deck.

Sunday 3rd - Some rain and wind. Fast day but no meetings owing to the rolling of the ship. Sister Marie [Marg] Garff of Denmark gave birth to a fine male child about ½ past 10 o'clock p.m. Latitude 46° 45. Longitude 26°23. It was named Decan Westmoreland after the captain and ship.

Monday 4th - Fine atmosphere, but the seas [p.69] were troubled very much. A great deal of seasickness.

Tuesday 5th - Not much wind. Beautiful fine day. I had to a great extent recovered from my sickness and was able to go on deck and enjoy myself with the rest of the passengers and sit at the table to eat my victuals.

Wednesday 6th - Beautiful fine day. The Saints were all on deck singing, music, and dancing. Amused myself in the evening with Captain Decan playing euchre.

Thursday 7th - Fair wind and a pretty rough sea. I employed myself in writing a little and teaching English to the Danes and Norwegians. Attended prayer meeting in the evening and spoke to the Saints on many things which I wished them to observe during their journey. [p.70]

Friday 8th - Very fine calm weather. The sea rolling very much. The sails remained as the pilot had set them on leaving the River Mersey up to the present day. Mrs. Agnes Henry mended my gloves and was very kind in waiting on me and presented me with a little box of carbonate ammonia. Mrs. H. address, 29 Swandon Street, opposite the Sweed church, Philadelphia. Latitude today 44°35. Longitude 37°.

Saturday 9th - Contrary winds. Rather squally. Health of company pretty good not as many on deck owing to bad weather. Retired to bed in good health and spirits. [p.71]

Sunday 10th - The weather unfavorable for holding meetings. Elder Henry Lunt was very ill. Had meetings in the several wards. Good feeling prevailed.

Monday 11th - Winds continued contrary. Running about 4 points out of our course; was busily engaged in learning the Saints English. Amused myself with Captain Decan in the evening playing euchre. Retired in good health.

Tuesday 12th - More pleasant day. Not much wind and what little there were, it was unfavorable. Health generally much better. Died at three o'clock p.m. of inflammation in the bowels infant daughter of Lars & Anna Peterson, Karen Larsen, [DAUGHTER WOULD BE LARSEN SINCE FATHER IS LARS] and who confined to the deep blue sea at 6 o'clock p.m. [p.72] with a solemn ceremony in Latitude 40°59, Longitude 45°48. Gave the Saints some good instructions. Retired to bed in very good health for which I thank the Lord heartily.

Wednesday 13th - Weather rough and stormy. Some of the Saints got seasick again. I was very unwell myself most of the day. Played euchre with the captain.

Thursday 14th - Comfortable weather. The Saints enjoyed themselves very much on deck. Music and dancing. It rained, hailed, and blew a great deal during the afternoon and evening. The captain & myself were amused in performing some tricks by cards. We thought it wisdom not to deal out any more pork to the Saints [p.73] as it we did not consider it conducive to health. Attended meeting in the Second Ward and we had a most excellent time.

Friday 15th - Mild, pleasant day until about noon when it commenced raining ant about 8 o'clock in the evening it blew a heavy gale and we had a rough time until 11 o'clock p.m. Retired rather unwell.

Saturday 16th - My health was not very good. Rough, uncomfortable day.

Sunday 17th - Rather stormy. Favorable wind part of the time. Conference in the morning. The different wards were represented in good condition. The Saints all felt well throughout the ship. Collected of the passengers $12 for each adult and $6 for all under 8 years [p.74] and over 1 year which amounted to five thousand $5580 for the purpose of expediting business in Philadelphia. Died of hydrocephalus (water on the brain) Ephraim G., infant son of Anders and Ingerling Jensen, at 7 o'clock p.m. Retired to bed rather unwell. Latitude 42°21. Longitude 55°0 ½.

Monday 18th - Pleasant calm day. The Saints were all well and enjoyed themselves very much on deck with playing, singing, music, and dancing. I attended prayer in the 3rd Ward. The first mate, Mr. Whall, came to the Saints of the 1st ward and told them to stop their. . . . singing. They were having prayers previous to going to bed. The captain, Mr. R. R. Decan, gave him a severe chastisement and afterwards apologized to us and told us to go on as [p.75] usual in our religious duties.

Tuesday 19th - Very wet. Uncomfortable day. Rained all day. The ship rolled a great deal. Many tumbles were had during the day but no serious accident occurred. About noon we passed the mail steamship “Ericsion” from New York to Liverpool. In the afternoon I was taken with a severe pain in the head.

Wednesday 20th - Cold uncomfortable day. My health not very good. I very nigh fainted at breakfast table. We were sail on our course very comfortably. Retired to bed very early. Passed another steamship. Very foggy.

Thursday 21st - Very uncomfortable, cold, misty day. My health was very fine. [p.76] Enjoyed myself very much with the Saints. Commenced writing my report to send to Liverpool. Gave the Saints some instructions in preparing to land. Enjoyed my tea very much with some oysters. Amused myself with the captain in playing euchre. Retired to rest with joy and satisfaction.

Friday 22nd - My health was very good. Head wind all day. The Saints enjoyed themselves very much on deck dancing, singing, and music. Attended the 4th Ward prayer meeting. Spoke to them on the principles of progress in perfection.

Saturday 23rd - Very pleasant. Calm day. The Saints were all on deck and done considerable [p. 77] washing and drying. The ship "Sir Robert Peel" in sight all day. My health good. Had some amusement [with] the captain. Retired to rest in good spirits.

Sunday 24th - Very pleasant, comfortable, calm day, but we would much rather the wind to blow as we have no time to lose in getting to the Valley. Meetings were held in each ward. I met with the 3rd Ward. A good spirit prevailed and many of the Saints testified. I spoke to them for some length giving them instructions in regard to preparing to land. Retired to bed in good health and spirits. A great many fishing boats in sight and at [p.78] anchor. We expected to have been in Philadelphia today.

Monday 25th - Calm wind day. Going very slow. The Saints are pretty well, singing and dancing on deck.

Tuesday 26th - Weather warm and comfortable. My health was very good. Saints very busy washing. Some enjoyment in the evening.

Wednesday 27th - Up to this day we have been six days in a calm. Spoke a Boston brig named "Caroline" bound for Wilmington, North Carolina. Administered to Elder L. [Lorenzo] D. Rudd and Camilla Jacobsen who pains in the head, making 6 times today of administering to the sick. Gave the Saints some [p.79] instructions in regard to landing at Philadelphia.

Thursday 28th - This makes the 34th day at sea. Rather cold, windy day, but the wind was pretty favorable. In the afternoon we got into a very thick fog so we were obliged to take in sail. Elders [Henry] Lunt, [George W.] Thurston, [Lorenzo D.] Rudd, and myself prayed in private for the removal of the fog and in a few minutes afterward it all disappeared and the light ship off Cape May came to our view with three or four other ships near the entrance into Delaware Bay. Administered to Elder H. [Henry] Lunt and Brother Liljenquist’s child. A Mr. Bennett, a pilot, came on board about 9 o'clock p.m. [p.80]

Friday 29th - Very calm day. Got up into the bay and anchored. Dr. J. H. Davidge went round sprinkling some liquid to purify the air between decks. He sprinkled some into the eyes of a few Saints which caused great soreness and eating holes in their aprons, ribbons, and dresses. We gave the people some instructions in regard to keeping themselves free from the sailors, &c., &c. Retired to bed in good health and strength, thank the Lord.

Saturday 30th - Got up in the morning very early. Eat a hearty breakfast. Weighed anchor and proceeded up the river. We passed a great many fine vessels among which were an American man of war, "Minnesota" bound for the East Indies. We gave them [p.81] three hearty cheers and they returned the compliment. Got a tug about half past 5 o'clock p.m. when I received the New York Herald of the 29th instant per favor of the captain in which I see all was right in Utah. Died about ½ past 7 o'clock p.m., Jurgen Schram [Jorgen Jensen Scram] of Denmark of old age. The scene up the River Delaware was most beautiful this evening. Retired to bed alright. [p.82]

Ship Westmoreland, Philadelphia, June 1, 1857.

President O. [Orson] Pratt.

Dear Brother,--It affords me no small degree of pleasure to have the privilege of giving you a condensed report of our passage between Liverpool and Philadelphia per ship Westmoreland. We arrived here yesterday about half past six o'clock p.m. making thirty six days from Liverpool, and when twenty-five days out, we were within two days of sailing of this place. We were kindly received by Elder Angus M. Cannon, emigration agent, in the absence of Elder John Taylor. Arrangements were made for us to proceed on our journey, which we do tomorrow at five o'clock p.m., per train to Iowa City, costing $10.50 per each adult, half price for all under fourteen and over six years of age; all under six years old nothing.

On the afternoon of the 24th of April last, while our mooring in the River Mersey, the ship was cleared by the government officers, and pronounced in very good sailing condition, clean, and comfortable. We were favored with the company of the presidency of the British Isles.

On the morning of the 25th of April, about six o'clock, we put to sea with favorable wind, and the sails remained as the pilot set them, up to the 9th ultimo. [p.445]

The most prominent items of our organization were as follows: The company was divided into four wards under the presidency of Elders G. [George] W. Thurston, Lorenzo D. Rudd, Christen Larsen, and C. [Carl] C. N. Dorius. The Saints retired between the hours of nine and ten, p.m., and rose again about five o'clock, a.m. Prayer meetings were held in each ward every night and morning, and at noon as far as could make it convenient. Each Sunday was set apart for fasting, praying, and preaching. Schools were organized in each ward for education the Saints in the English language. A musical company was formed, and for a change we sometimes had music and dancing. There are many other items included in our organization of the company, that might prolong my report more than necessary; such as the order of cooking, dealing out provisions, making fires, &c., &c. We occasionally had dialogues, anecdotes, and criticisms that were really interesting and amusing.

On the 3rd ultimo, Sister Marie Gareff [Garff], of Denmark, gave birth to a son about half-past one o'clock p.m., latitude 46.45, longitude 26.23. It was blessed and named after the captain of the ship, Decan Westmoreland. The mother and son are prospering in health and strength.

Died on the twelfth ultimo of inflammation in the bowels, Karen L., infant daughter of Lars and Anna Petersen, latitude 40.59, longitude 45.48. And on the 17th of hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, Ephraim G., infant son of Anders N. and Ingerline Jensen, latitude 42.21, longitude 55.0½ . They were both buried in the sea with solemn ceremony, such as is not often witnessed at sea. They were both ailing before leaving Denmark, and we did our best to prolong their lives.

We held a general conference on the 17th ultimo, and had a joyful time, the authorities were all sustained by unanimous vote, a good and cheering representation of each ward was given. We collected $5572.04 for the purpose of expediting business on the arrival in Philadelphia, and all that we do not expend in the fare of the Saints from here to Iowa City will be refunded to them; the reason we collected so large of amount was because we did not know the exact fare for each adult and it saves us considerable trouble on our arrival here. The manifestation of the good Spirit of Almighty God, that prevails among this people cannot be described, and they testify that they have been greatly blessed, and that their journey has been a heavenly one to them. They hardly know how to account for it, and it seems as though it was but yesterday since we were bustling in the Waterloo Dock, Liverpool. And we Scandinavian Saints, alle sammen forenede i us kromter kyerlighed to all the Saints left behind in Europe.

I never felt better in any position than I do in the one that I am now engaged in, and I continually pray God that I may fill it honorably. I entered upon it feeling my weakness and inability, but I trusted in my God for that which I needed. I am with a pure, honest-hearted people, and I consider it a blessing from Almighty God. I have rejoiced very much indeed in counseling with Elders [Henry] Lunt and Liljenquist. They are excellent, good men, full of wisdom and understanding, and I was greatly blessed by them, in word and deed. Elder [George] Thurston and Rudd also proved themselves to be faithful elders in Israel, and rendered great assistance in teaching the Saints English, in connection with other duties that devolved upon them. Elders Christenson and Dorius and all the officers gave heed to our counsel and discharged their duties with honor.

Captain R. [Robert] Decan has proved himself to be a whole-souled man, and deserves credit and praise for his manly forbearance, and gentlemanly conduct towards all his passengers. His abilities as a seaman cannot be surpassed by any; by his clever management, we had a delightful passage across the Atlantic, but it was our luck to be caught in calms and fogs the last ten days. Doctor J. H. Davidge, also acted the part of a father to this people, in attending to the sick and afflicted among us.

On our arrival in Delaware Bay, I received the “New York Herald” of the 28th and 29th ultimo, giving the particulars of the assassination of P. [Parley] P. Pratt. Oh, the sensation at that time was beyond description; it was the first news my eyes caught and I almost felt like telling the captain of the tug, I had rather not have seen him; I felt as though the news was true so therefore could not doubt it.

Died, Saturday evening the 30th ultimo coming up the River Delaware, of old age and debility, Jorgen Schram [Scram] of [p. 446] Denmark; he was interred today in one of the cemeteries of Philadelphia. The balance of the company are well and hearty and better looking than when they started. We have got all the sisters to wearing sun bonnets and hats instead of handkerchiefs tied about their heads. We were pronounced clean, comfortable, and good looking. The medical doctor only took a glimpse of us en mass [in mass] and said, "Alright there."

I remain your brother in the gospel covenant,

Matthias Cowley. [p.447]