Diary of Peter Madsen

The presidency of the whole company, President: J. [James] G. Willie; counselors, Millen Atwood, J. Ahmanson, and Moses Cluff; Captain of the guard: John Chislett; Steward: Edward Griffiths; Clerk: George May.

Sunday, May 4, 1856. Weather: beautiful. This morning at 2 o'clock the anchor was hoisted and there after the ship was towed out of the river by a steam tug. 10 o'clock the Scandinavian Saints gathered for worship. Elders Ahmanson, Svensen, and Larsen delivered sermons and encouraged us to preserve a good spirit in love and unity. Let us be an example in cleanliness and order for the English section. Next Hans Rasmusen [Rasmussen] was called to the office of a priest and ordained; Anders Jorgensen to a teacher. The good weather caused the company to be happy and they rejoiced in song. [p.3] Four brethren made music to which there was dancing on the deck. Allen M. Finlay [Allan M. Findlay], late of the Bombay Mission, and Sister Ireland, of Dundee, Scotland, were joined together in the bonds of matrimony.

Wednesday, May 21, 1856. Weather: unstable. Course: north; 7 o'clock west. During the night a fire broke out and burned between the decks, but the Lord preserved us so that the fire did not over power us. An English boy who had stowed away on the ship was discovered. He had accompanied us without permission and ticket. For this action he would have been punished and caused to bear a wooden jacket or barrel; but since he was member of the Church he was forgiven. The two pounds which Captain Collins required for his passage were collected by free-will offering. The Danish Saints gave three dollars. 5 o'clock the president held council and instructed the brothers who had watch at night to have close supervision over the young people that no unallowable association and coming together would take place. It was discovered that such had taken place among the English; and an unclean spirit was found which should be rectified. On the other hand such lewdness was not found at all among the Danish Saints. 10 o'clock Captain Collins commanded the whole company to go on deck a few hours while the rooms were cleaned and aired. This was a necessity which must take place in order to prevent sickness, such as cholera or other pesky diseases, that could be dangerous to the company. He will therefore be very strict with those who will not obey when they are able. Yes, he will even use the whip if it becomes necessary, but he does not wish to do so. The leaders of the company were observant with regards to this. In honoring the opportunity Elder Ahmanson talked to the council that was gathered and gave the strictest instructions on obedience which would lead to blessings for us. The account was read which showed a deficit that in the morning will be collected. The council closed with prayer at 9 o'clock. 2 o'clock provisions: meat and pork. Hannah (Johanna) Bayliss from Lye in Chelkatlnaa (perhaps Legh in Cheshire) gave birth to a stillborn child. At 6 o'clock in the evening communication was received from an American ship heading for Liverpool which was answered by Captain Collins.

Letter from Anna F. Tait - June 6, 1856

Dear Brother and Sister Turnbull--We are drawing near our first landing place. I have enjoyed myself first-rate crossing the great water. It has been like a pleasure trip all the time. I have been blessed with the living Spirit of our God all the time, and have never found the moment but what I could thank my God with all my heart for the privilege of going across the Atlantic on such a beautiful ship, under the guidance of so good a captain.

On the 4th May, married, by Elder [Millen] Atwood, Sister Jessie Ireland, to Brother Allan Findlay. It was done quietly in the cabin. On the 29th May, by Elder [James G.] Willie, Sister Sarah Hains [Haines], to Brother Samuel Crook. All the Saints were called to the upper deck. The young pair were taken to the captain's deck. We had a fine view of the ceremony. The American colors were hoisted. Elder Willie gave an address on the order of marriage, and read the order from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. After it was over there were three cheers given for the captain, three for the officers, three for the crew, and three for the young pair. The captain came forward and said he did not know what he had done to merit such thanks from the Saints - when he had shown them a great deal more kindness than he had ever yet done, he would then accept nine cheers, and feel that he had earned them. He said that we were under the American government, in an American ship - he was an American born, so were his father, grandfather, and grandmother before him.

June 11. the pilot came on board last night. It was a joyful sight to see an American pilot. It is a perfect calm, and a real warm day. The sun is so strong that the captain has got sails spread over the passengers to keep it from hurting them. This has been such a day of rejoicing. Brother Quinn was called on to sing a song which he had composed about the voyage. The "Working Bee" was then sung by Brother [Alexander] Burt. President Willie addressed the Saints on "What they were going to America for." There have been no restrictions on the brethren of the priesthood. They have been allowed to speak freely, and they have done so. The captain, doctor, and officers always listened attentively and respectfully. The captain often joined in the songs of Zion. He would not allow any of the sailors to disturb the Saints in any of their preaching or amusement meetings. I have often thought that President F. [Franklin] D. Richards must have breathed his spirit on him at Liverpool. Brother Willie read to the Saints two testimonials, one for the captain and one for the doctor, and took a vote upon them. They were adopted without a contrary [p.478] vote. He then presented to the captain the one for him. He received it with tears of gratitude, and came forward and addressed the Saints. He said that he had done nothing but his duty, that he never crossed the sea with so good a company of passengers before - they had always been willing to do anything he wanted, when he told their president, Mr. Willie, what he required. He wished the Saints prosperity in all their future works, and said he would remember them with the warmest feelings as long as he lived. He asked God to bless them. Here his feelings overcame him, and he had to stop speaking. He then presented a testimonial to President Willie, signed by himself, his chief officer, and surgeon. President Willie presented the surgeon with his testimonial. He came forward to speak, but the tears choked him, and he could not proceed. He asked God to bless the Saints.

Since I left you I have had all that I stood in need of, spiritually and temporally. May the God of Israel grant that you may be brought in safety to this beautiful land. I will write again from Iowa City.

Give my love to all my friends that may come within the sound of your voice or the reach of your pen. I remain your affectionate sister,

Letter from James G. Willie - June 11, 1856

SIR: I must take the opportunity, ere we separate to express to you the high respect I entertain for the passengers (760 souls) on my ship, who are immediately under your guidance and direction, and to affirm that they are the finest body of emigrants I have ever had the pleasure to convey across the Atlantic--they have always been willing to do and act according to my wish, expressed by myself through you, and to render me any assistance that I have required from time to time.

All this I am sensible has arisen from you excellent management. I must also thank you for you assistance rendered to my officers, more especially to my surgeon, to whom you have lent your aid during his arduous duties; owing to this I cannot doubt much suffering has been alleviated. And now, sir, as you are about to leave my ship in a few hours, allow me to express to you my best wishes and hopes that you will be enabled to reach your destination in perfect safety, and find all those near and dear to you in the enjoyment of perfect health--this I am sure will be sufficient reward for your four years of absence and toil in the cause.

Please to express my good wishes to you counselors, Messrs. Atwood and Ahmonson, wishing them like success and happiness [-] yourself. My officers, I believe, share [-] me in the above and will sign after me.

Sir, Yours very respectfully,