5 May - Marriage of George Q. Cannon and Elizabeth Hoagland
20 May - Blessings to Cannons given by Brigham Young
31 May - Lacking water on the trail
6 June - Reached San Bernardino, California
13 June–3 July - Reached San Francisco; set apart on 25 June as president of “the affairs of the church in Northern California, Oregon & Washington Territories, and the British and Russian American possessions in the north”
4–8 July - “Getting the press in operation”
30 September - Sustained as president of the church interests in northern California
6–7 October - Semiannual conference in California
Source Note
Journal, 1855–1856
George Q. Cannon, Journal, 5 May 1855–5 Feb. 1856; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; forty-two inscribed pages; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Medium-size journal measuring 7¼ × 5 × ¼ inches (18 × 13 × 1 cm). The text block, which also measures 7¼ × 5 inches, originally consisted of twelve ruled leaves folded in half to form a single gathering of twenty-four leaves. The blue-green ruling is extremely faint. The gathering was hand sewed with thread to endpaper that was then pasted to a piece of brown leather, forming the cover. At some point, the text block became detached from the pastedown and the cover.
“Geo. Q. Cannon” is inscribed on the front cover of the journal in black ink. At a later point, a small red-bordered archival label was pasted on the upper left corner of the front cover. In black ink, the label reads: “No. 1 | G. Q. C. Journal | May 10, 1855– | Feb. 1856 | California”. The inside front cover has, in pencil, “1855”. The inside back cover has a notation in pencil: “@72/”.
At some point, two leaves were removed from the journal. One missing leaf followed the 4 July 1855 entry, which ends the fairly regular journal entries of the three-month span of May to July. The second missing leaf was the penultimate leaf of the record. Fragments of this leaf—as well as offsetting of ink on the facing page—indicate that the page may have contained an invoice, a list of supplies, or similar content. Inscriptions visible on the left-hand side of the verso read “½”, “fi[ve?]”, and “2” or “Q”; the offsetting on the facing page reads “7[?]½ cents” and “[1]/2 [illegible] 4 [illegible]”.
In 1932, Sylvester Q. Cannon, who was then serving as the presiding bishop of church, donated George Q. Cannon’s journals to the church’s First Presidency. The First Presidency transferred the journals to the Church History Department in late 2008.
5 May 1855 • Saturday
On Saturday, the 5th of May, I having been notified by Pres. Kimball, I took Elizabeth up to the endowment house, a new building just erected, to get her endowment. After the house had been dedicated by the brethren, they proceeded to give them, five men and three women, their endowment, they being the first to pass thro’ the house. Bro. Kimball afterwards gave them, with others who came in, a lecture which refreshed and strengthened me much. <We were then sealed by Pres. K. for time & all eternity> Before starting this morning my father-in-law, Bishop Hoagland, took Elizabeth and me into a room by ourselves and talked to us and gave us inst some items of instruction in regard to our duty to each other. He charged me to take <care> of Elizabeth and treat her kindly as she was going forth among strangers with no one to look to but me. He also charged Elizabeth to be obedient to me and to listen to my counsel in all things and she should be blessed. He said that he did not think that we would <neglect to> not do these things but it was necessary to give counsel. He then blessed us and promised us great blessings inasmuch as we would do right. We were all very much affected during this interview and felt melted down. It was a trying time parting with the folks, but they all bore it better than I expected, especially Elizabeth; I had thought it would be a sore trial to her and wished the parting over. Emily accompanied us, intending to go with us to the American fork and then stop with Bro. Robinson’s folks until she got a chance to return. We reached Willow Creek, twenty miles, about sun-down, and put up at Bro. Geo. Bankhead’s; he furnished us with supper and breakfast and his wench cooked a lot of biscuits for us to take along. for us to take along.
10 May 1855 • Thursday
Thursday, May 10th, 1855. According to the appointment made at conference on the 6th ult. I started <to day,> for California to take charge of the press in that country, publish a paper in the American language, and the Book of Mormon, and any other works that might be needed, in the Hawaiian. <(See letter of instructions)> Elders Jos. Bull and Matthew F. Wilkie accompanied me, having been appointed by the conference to labor under my direction. Bro. Brigham having heard in the month of Feb. that I was making calculations on building, sent Bro. Horne down to tell me not to build as it was the intention to send me back again and I would have to take my wife with me. And although my destination was afterwards altered, in consequence of the press having been removed from the islands to California, yet I received no instructions revoking the counsel which I had received been given in regard to taking Elizabeth along with me. We started with Bro. Rich. On Saturday, the 28th of April I was set apart for my mission under the hands of Bros. O. Hyde & Geo. A. Smith, Bro. Geo. A. being mouth. <(See copy of blessing)>
11 May 1855 • Friday
Friday, May 11th, 1855. We started after breakfast & passed thro’ Lehi City, on Dry Creek, where Bro. Karren lives and bade him good bye; then to American Fork, where we parted with Emily – this was a bitter parting for us all and I felt worse, if possible, at parting with her than I did at leaving the folks in the city as the bustle of leaving attracted my thoughts; in leaving her the last tie seemed to be severed and the full extent of the separation burst upon me. We came next to Battle Creek, or Pleasant Grove city, & found Bro. Rich & son Joseph; they had crossed the divide between the two vallies, Utah & Great Salt Lake. He concluded to go on as he wanted to reach Payson by night. We stopped to wait for Bro. Wilkie who had been thrown from his horse and had stopped behind to try and catch him. We eat dinner at Father &Wm. Seeley’s. About four o’clock Bro. Wilkie came up with his horse, and we started and camped on the bench between Battle creek and Provo. The feed was excellent.
12 May 1855 • Saturday
Saturday, May 12th, 1855. Started pretty early, passed thro’ Provo and called on Sis. Silas Smith; they were all well. After six miles travel reached Springville and called on Bro. Jas. Oakley. In six miles more came to Spanish Fork & stopped at Bro. Berry’s & eat dinner; we also called on Esther Ann, my father-in-law’s wife, who was down here on a visit. Started about five o’clock & reached Payson after six miles travel, & found Bro. Rich there. We stopped at Bro. B. F. Johnson’s. In evening we hel attended meeting & Bro. Rich, myself and Bro. Johnson were called on to speak. The meeting was pretty well attended.
13 May 1855 • Sunday
Sunday, May 13th, 1855. We started, and reached Nephi city, Salt creek, about three o’clock. It was about the time of afternoon meeting and Bro. Rich and myself were called upon to speak, which we did. We eat supper at Bro. Ed. Ockey’s & then visited Bro. Love and Sis. Bentley; she wished to help us to what she could and proffered to bake some biscuits for us.
14 May 1855 • Monday
Monday, May 14th, 1855. We eat breakfast at Bro. Pitchforth’s who had returned last evening from a visit to San Pete where he had gone with the President to visit a coal bed, which proved to be ten feet deep, of enormous extent, and of excellent quality. After starting and travelling about eighteen miles we came to Chicken creek, where we watered our animals; the crossing is very bad. From there we went nine miles to the Sevier river, where we stopped until the President and his company came up from San Pete valley, when we started again and went about three miles to good feed, taking our water with us, and camped for the night. It rained somewhat in the evening. We had a guard round the animals.
15 May 1855 • Tuesday
Tuesday, May 15th, 1855. Started pretty early, passed thro’ Round Valley, where we found water; ascended an open kanyon to the summit of the ridge dividing <of> the Pauvan valley; good road descending to the Cedar Springs, where we stopped and nooned. About nine miles from these springs to Fillmore, the capital of the Territory; before reaching there we were met by <a> good many of the brethren who came out to meet Bro. Brigham and company. At Fillmore <we> I eat at Bro. Hiram Bennet’s; Sis. Bennet is a sister of Bro. Elias Smith’s. Meeting was convened at five o’clock and Bros. Brigham, Heber & Jedediah preached. We had an excellent meeting. They have one wing of the State House up; it is a fine building.
16 May 1855 • Wednesday
Wednesday, May 16th, 1855. Bro. Bennet let us have some flour to take with us. We passed Corn creek & camped at the point of the mountain to noon. Passed up the kanyon into Dog valley; up the hill and over into Pine valley and camped up the creek; it is called Cove creek. We had to go up a long distance for water for ourselves and animals.
17 May 1855 • Thursday
Thursday, May 17th, 1855. Left early this morning, before breakfast, and travelled five miles to the next creek in the valley, where we turned out our animals and breakfasted. We met a company of several wagons, sixteen men in all, from San Bernardino. Bros. Hy Rollins, and Thos. Bingham, Starling Driggs, & others were along. Leaving this, we soon came to the divide, which was quite steep ascending; from this the road descended gradually for several miles & passed thro’ a kanyon into another valley, down which we traveled until we came to a small creek; from thence up a hill and over a bench four miles to Beaver creek, where we camped; making twenty-eight miles in to-day’s travel; in seven days 208 miles.
18 May 1855 • Friday
Friday, May 18th, 1855. We were on the move by seven o’clock, and had hilly road for about ten miles; the road has, however, been greatly improved under the government contract for a military road through the Territory to San Diego. <the boundary lines of Utah.>1 We then descended into the valley of the Little Salt Lake, and, after a few miles travel, came to some marshy springs; from thence, about seven or eight miles to water, where we nooned. The roads are very dusty; it has been a very dry spring. After leaving this place we reached Parowan in five or six miles travel. The mail from California had arrived here yesterday; the post master opened it, and all the letters and papers that belonged to any one in the company, were taken out. I got three letters: one from Bro. Kapahi, which Bro. J. T. Caine had finished in English; one from Bro. Rice, and one from Bro. Kaleohano. I also received three no’s of “the Mormon” from Uncle, in New York. By the invitation of the President, I was present when his letters were read which he had received per mail; among the rest he had one from Bro. Parley, containing a prospectus for a monthly periodical, octavo form, to be called “the “Mormon Herald.” He requests Bro. Brigham, if according to the will of the Lord, to send me to take charge of the press; he had written the last mail to the same effect, but was afraid it might have miscarried. Visited a splendid mill belonging to Bro. Geo. A. Smith & J. C. L. Smith. Attended meeting in the evening, Bro. Brigham preached on consecration; it was an excellent discourse. We eat supper at Bro. Wm. C. Mitchell’s.
19 May 1855 • Saturday
Saturday, May 19th, 1855. Eat breakfast at Bro. Nelson Hollinshead’s. A dreadful windy, disagreeable morning; the wind blew the dust in clouds. We left Parowan, and reached Cedar City about 1 o’clock; twenty miles. Elizabeth & self busily engaged arranging wagon &c. Rode up with the Presidency, by their invitation, to visit the Iron Works. It was a cheering sight to see them running out the metal, moulding various articles. They have at last produced the iron, and the prospect is good for manufacturing all kinds of articles and supplying the whole of the Territory with all their iron ware. If we are permitted to remain here in peace, and the Works are prosecuted with vigor, this county is bound to be the richest of any in the Territory, as it abounds in natural wealth. It is the richest ore in the world, producing 92 per cent. Eat at Bro. Jonathan Pugmire’s.
20 May 1855 • Sunday
Sunday, May 20th, 1855. Eat breakfast at Bro. John M. Higbees. Attended meeting, Bros. J. M. Grant and H. C. Kimball preached. The choir at in this place is excellent and there is a good spirit prevalent; this people have been very industrious in building and walling in a city with comfortable dwelling houses, meeting house, &c. There were a good many of the missionaries here from Fort Harmony, a station about 30 miles south. Bro. Rufus Allen is their president. They are doing much good among the Piedes and other Indians around. Bro. Brigham Young preached in the afternoon; he, <on motion,> organized the meeting into a special conference for the purpose of choosing a president and high council. Bro. Isaac C. Haight was chosen president. I spoke to Bro. Brigham about having him bless myself and Elizabeth before we parted; he told me he would, and to come down to Bro. Haight’s in the evening. We went down, and listened with great pleasure to his remarks elicited during an evenings visit. He blessed us, <Bro. Grant & himself laying on hands,> and said, they thanked the Lord for the wisdom the Lord <He> had given me already even in my youth, and that he would still continue to give me wisdom and I should be blessed in writing and publishing, and <when I should take up the pen to write I should be blessed with wisdom and the Lord would inspire me with thoughts and ideas> that what I should write and publish should be acceptable to the people of God. <To open my mouth and lift up my voice and not fear for I should be borne off victorious.> I should be prospered greatly and have all the desires of my heart; should accomplish a mighty work, and return again to enjoy the society of my friends in the midst of the mountains. Elizabeth also received an excellent blessing. He said she should be sustained and delivered, and furnished with every <thing> necessary to make her comfortable. She should be blessed and accomplish a good work in conjunction with her husband inasmuch as she would be a helpmeet to him; and as she had gone forth, when counselled, with her husband and left her parents and the valley, she should be a comfort to him and should be spared to return and meet with her parents and friends in the valley. He sealed her up to eternal lives. And blessed us both with all the blessings that had been promised us, and said we should receive all that were in reserve for the most faithful. Inasmuch as she would hearken to the counsel of her husband and seek it under all circumstances she should be delivered and prospered and come off victorious. We bade them all farewell and the brethren and sisters manifested quite an interest in our welfare. Bro. Brigham told me to practice writing as much as I possibly could. Bro. Jedediah told me to let them know I was a Cannon & to roar.
21 May 1855 • Monday
Monday, May 21, 1855. Eat breakfast at Bro. White’s. Started and passed Iron Springs and travelled very fast intending to stop at Mountain Meadows <a distance of about 50 ms.> for the night. Just before reaching the meadows we had some ridges to pass over which were very hard for our animals to pull up; one of them, a mule I had <traded>2 with Bro. Covington for, acted very strangely and seemed to have strained herself in pulling. Soon after we took the harness off her, she lay down and when we started her up she could scarcely hobble a step or two, or stand on her hind feet; she seemed crippled in the loins. I prayed over <her> and [three erased and illegible words] on her, twice; for if she failed, being the best animal in the team, I did not know scarcely how we would get along. We arrived here about sundown. The feed is excellent. The boys caught a mule that had broke away from the U. S. troops. They rode him.
22 May 1855 • Tuesday
Tuesday, May 22, 1855. The mule is somewhat better this morning. <Bro. Rich let me have a spare mule of his to put in the place of mine.> We started about 8 o’clock; road tolerably good at first, but got more hilly after passing the summit of the Basin, especially in passing over on to the head of the Santa Clara, where we nooned. Passed down the Santa Clara; quite a pretty stream, tolerably timbered; crossed several streams times; road, in places, very heavy. Indians plentiful; passed several streams fields that had been cultivated. Camped in the bottom, about 8 miles from where we leave it. Feed good on the bench. My mule had improved very much.
23 May 1855 • Wednesday
Wednesday, May 23, 1855. Started a little after 6 a.m. Crossed the stream several times; sand heavy. Where we left the Santa Clara, the missionary brethren had built a house; they were absent. About a mile further passed a spring. From this had a few miles <of> tolerable road & then had it very heavy for 8 or 10 miles till we got up to the summit when we travelled down hill for some 18 miles; road stony. Camped on a small creek – Cottonwood – feed poor.
24 May 1855 • Thursday
Thursday, May 24, 1855. Started before breakfast; very heavy pulling thro’ sand on the bench for 2 or 3 miles until we descended a hill on to the Rio Virgin. Stopped and breakfasted. <One of the boys put rode my mule that I had turned out & I put the U. S. mule in his place.> Crossed the stream nine times. Sandy road, very heavy pulling for animals. Travelled about 35 or 36 miles. <Bro. Rich, with his usual kindness & generosity, proffered Elizabeth a seat in his carriage to save her walking & to lighten my load. >
25 May 1855 • Friday
Friday, May 25, 1855. Started before breakfast crossed five times & camped at the last crossing for breakfast. Climbed a very heavy hill of nearly ½ a mile in length to leave the Virgin for the Muddy, very trying on our animals; we ascended from the bottom to the top of the bench in forty minutes. Tolerably good road on the bench, some 16 miles, then down a steep hill and passed thro’ heavy sand for about three miles to the Muddy. Indians plentiful; some stopped with us all night. Water of creek very warm; I took a bathe.
26 May 1855 • Saturday
Saturday, May 26th, 1855. Started tolerably early; crossed the creek; travelled about ten miles up a sandy kanyon; very warm & hard on the animals. Stopped about 3 p.m. at some feed about half way across - 27 miles. No water. Started again and travelled to <the> summit, road level – then down hill about 16 miles & came to the Los Vegas where we found a detachment of about 60 <men> under Lieut. Mowry, camped; they are on their way to Cal[ifornia]. Passed up to the upper crossing – 4 miles – and camped, about break of day, making about 60 miles from where we started.
27 May 1855 • Sunday
Sunday, May 27, 1855. Laid by to-day. There was a company of men camped by us who were en route for the valley with 15 wagons and a carriage loaded with goods for Alexander & Banning of San Pedro. They have been on the road since the 24th ult. I think from all appearances it will prove a losing speculation.
28 May 1855 • Monday
Monday, May 28th, 1855. After breakfast started; road tolerably good; passed the <first> Cottonwood Springs, 10 miles and camped two miles beyond on the upper springs. Rather dangerous in consequence of the Indians.
29 May 1855 • Tuesday
Tuesday, May 29, 1855. Started at daylight and traveled over very rough, rocky road about 9 miles to the Mountain Springs, where we breakfasted and stopped until noon; we then started for the Kingston Springs. Road tolerably rocky the first part of the way but descending; we stopped at 11 p.m. for two hours, on a little grass[.] We were all very weary.
30 May 1855 • Wednesday
Wednesday, May 30, 1855. Started at the expiration of the two hours; the moon shone with brilliancy. Crossed over the divide to the head of the <a> dry creek down which we traveled about 12 miles and camped at a short distance from the feed; water two miles distance, at the springs, to which place we had to take our animals. A man by the name of Thompson had been murdered by the Indians close to the springs, a short time previous. His body was found by Alexander & Banning’s train and had been by them covered with a slight coating of dirt. He had started to go through alone. We kept strict guard here. Bro. Wilkie was bitten by a scorpion while on guard in the night. Bro. Rich laid hands on him and he experienced instantaneous relief.
31 May 1855 • Thursday
Thursday, May 31, 1855. We started early and stopped at the springs, without unharnessing, and eat breakfast. From the camp ground to the springs it was a little up hill and rather hard pulling. After leaving the springs we travelled down a kind of kanyon in what seemed to be the dry bed of a creek; heavy road, being a gravelly sand; we were favored in having it down hill; it lasted from two to three miles. We then passed on to hard, rocky road, <which lasted> with little exception, for about eighteen miles or over, when we struck the old road. Before striking the old road, however, one of my wagon tire[s] ran off, which took us some little time to fix; Bros Rich & Fairbanks gave me their assistance. While we were engaged in fixing this, Bro. Alfred Bennet, one of our company, concluded to leave his wagon here and some of his things and pack the remainder of the way, in order to save his animals, one of whom was about give out. Travelling on we came to the point of a mountain jutting out towards the road, said to be about eighteen miles from the Bitter Springs, where we stopped and rested about an hour without unharnessing. When we stopped here we were about give out, both men and animals; the heat had been so intense that all had suffered in consequence; the very air seemed almost suffocating; the rocks, surrounding mountains and the sand reflected the heat with such intensity that if the air had been blown from heated ovens it seemed as if it could not <have> been more oppressive. The men belonging to the other wagon, which they had left, drank up all their water before noon, and I was convinced in my own mind that, unless we were very sparing indeed with what Bro. Rich and myself had, we must suffer as the water was yet a long distance off and we, as well as our animals, were tired. These were Bro. Rich’s feelings also, and he accordingly rationed out what he had, which was only sufficient to satisfy for the time being; it was drank greedily as all were excessively thirsty. The water in our keg was afterwards distributed, my share of which I saved, for I did not wish to be entirely without. When we started in the morning I felt feverish, having been unwell for several days, this with the fatigue of walking which had caused me to perspire <considerably,> freely made me drink more freely than is customary with me, especially in starting on a desert, and in the after part of the day I needed it more than I would have done had I used it more sparingly; we had made no calculations whatever on any body else using out of our supply but ourselves. The majority of the men, <after the water was used up,> went ahead, and we toiled slowly along with the teams over several miles of rocky road and thro’ a kanyon which was quite gravelly and all of which was a little up hill. Our animals were all very weak and one of mine – a mule Bro. Bull & myself had bought of the church thro’ Bro. D. H. Wells and which had been of but little account for some time back – gave out, and instead of him being an assistance to the others he was a drawback. When we stopped, which we did every little while to let the mules rest a little, I would throw myself at full length on the ground, feeling, in consequence of fatigue and being unwell, almost exhausted; my tongue was dry and parched, and it felt as though it was as large as my hand, and if it I had not saved my allowance of water, with which I kept moistening my mouth at intervals, it seems to me it would have cracked. Our sufferings were intense, and from what I saw, I judged that my sufferings were not near as excruciating as some of the others. Elizabeth appeared to suffer less than any one of the company for which I felt thankful. There were several young men along who had never crossed a desert before and who had never known the want of water, who, by their remarks, amused us extremely; they thought if they were only back in Payson along side of the creek, with their present experience, they would never leave there unless they were sent off. After ascending the kanyon we came up on to the table land, where the road was good and over which we travelled easily; we called it seven or eight miles from the head of the kanyon <to> the Bitter Springs, which place we reached a short time before day break. Men and animals drank immoderately – my feelings were and all felt that the Lord had preserved and delivered us.
1–2 June 1855 • Friday to Saturday
Friday, June 1, 1855. Encamped until sun down when we again hitched up and started, being desirous of getting over the worst of the road in the night. We reached the summit of the divide – a distance of from twelve to fifteen miles, all up hill & some of it quite heavy – a little while before break of day. Bro. M. F. Wilkie’s horse gave out & he had quite a time with him. We travelled down the kanyon a few miles and stopped at a patch of excellent bunch grass, but no water, to take breakfast. We then started, it being Saturday, the 2nd, for the Mohave, about eighteen miles distant, most of the road down hill, and reached there with the teams about 2 o’clock p.m. This water was very acceptable to many of the men and the animals, who seemed as though they never would be satisfied. We had travelled thirty-five miles, and the latter part of the journey was oppressively hot; what little breeze there was, was heate hot that it brought with it a suffocating sensation, and the heat was more endurable out of the breeze than in it. Bro. Wilkie suffered extremely having stayed with his horse to bring him in. It was truly delightful to get once more under the shade of trees; we had a fine camping ground, it seemed positively lovely in our eyes after passing thro’ the arid, sterile wilderness thro’ which our road had ran for some hundreds of miles, and we enjoyed it much.
3 June 1855 • Sunday
Sunday, June 3, 1855. Started about 2 o’clock a.m. and travelled about ten miles and stopped and breakfasted. Road very heavy and sandy. I worked three mules having turned out the church mule; he had “give out.” Started again and travelled about five miles further, and camped for the night; feed excellent.
4 June 1855 • Monday
Monday, June 4th, 1855. Started about 2½ a.m. and travelled about eight miles and stopped in a beautiful grove to breakfast; feed excellent, clover being plentiful. Caught some fish in an adjacent hole. Started again & travelled to the last crossing of the Mohave, where we leave it, and camped; a drive of about thirty five miles. Bro. Rich was met this morning by two young men from San Bernardino, who brought him a mule. We found several wagons encamped here being part of Bro. Mc Bride’s company on their way to the valley. I was agreeably surprised to in meeting them as we heard they were returning on the northern route, and more especially when I learned that there were so many <along> whom I wished to see: Bros. Mc Bride & Bro. Hy W. Bigler were here; and Bros C. W. West, Wm. Farrer, R. N. Allred and N. Tanner were between this place & San Bernardino, on their way to join the company. We spent a very pleasant evening in conversation. I was glad to see Bro. Hy on his way home from his long mission, and my prayer is, that he and his brethren, who are also returning, may be blessed and prospered.
5 June 1855 • Tuesday
Tuesday, June 5, 1855. Bade the brethren adieu, and we started for the pass and they homeward. Bro. Rich left us and went on ahead. We ascended gradually to the pass about twenty miles; road good; then descended a very bad and dangerous hill, both hind wheels locked and a lariet fastened to the hind axle tree to which three men held on to keep the wagon from hurrying the mules too fast. Descended the kanyon, six miles, road gravelly sand, heavy pulling, and camped among the willows; feed rather poor scanty but water excellent.
6 June 1855 • Wednesday
Wednesday, June 6, 1855. Started at daylight and went several miles down the kanyon to good feed and breakfasted. Started again and after emerging from the kanyon into the open country, we met Bros. Amasa, Charles C. & R. R. Hopkins <in a carriage;> they were well. We drove rapidly into the city and just as we entered we met the brethren coming out with their teams: Bros. West, Farrer, Allred & Tanner, I was sorry that we had so little opportunity to converse. By the invitation of Bro. Rich I drove up to his house. Lucas, Elizabeth’s oldest brother, was on the mountain hauling, but got home that night; he has no house of his own, merely boarding out. We were very glad to see him, as he was us. He intends returning to the valley this fall.
10 June 1855 • Sunday
On Sunday I attended meeting, Bro. Rich and myself spoke. During my stay of a week in this place I <we> visited many, but, for want of time, were not able to visit a great many who had invited us. <Wheat> Crops are almost a total failure here this season in consequence of the rust. I am told that it is doubtful whether they get enough of grain to seed the same amount of land again. – I sold my wagon, harness, fifth chain, stretcher, &c, also my gun, for $102; the wagon alone would have sold, a short time ago, for $125 at least, but money is so scarce that missionaries coming in, or those compelled to sell immediately, have to sell at a sacrifice.1
13 June–3 July 1855 • Wednesday to Tuesday
On Wednesday, June 13th, 1855, We left San Bernardino[.] Lucas Hoagland, my wife’s brother, took us down to the coast with his team; we took provisions along, and camped out at night. We reached San Pedro, the roadstead where the steamers and other vessels landed – a bleak, exposed place – on Friday afternoon. We camped here until Wednesday, <Thursday> the 25th, <21st>, waiting for the steamer. Lucas stopped with us until Tuesday, when, his <business> compelling him, he left for home. Mr. Alexander, of the firm of Alexander & Banning, who carried on an extensive business here, told me that I could use what wood we wanted from their pile, and what water we wanted from their barrel – there was no fresh water within two or three miles of this place and they hauled what they used in a barrel on a wagon. I took cabin passage for myself and Elizabeth; the brethren, Bros. Bull, Wilkie and Fairbanks, took passage in, what is called, the second cabin. We were all troubled with sea-sickness. I was not very bad, but Elizabeth suffered considerably; she had been complaining, for nearly a week before we came on board, of being unwell. On Friday morning we anchored for a short time at Santa Barbara – quite a pretty place composed of Spanish and American buildings. On Saturday about noon we anchored at Monterey, the old capital of California, and remained a few hours; this is a very pretty situation; the pine-clad hills are close to the edge of town; their gardens are very fine. Business, they say, is very dull. At sunrise on Sunday <June 24th,> we were sailing into the heads of San Francisco and we landed between seven and eight o’clock a.m. I started immediately up town to hunt Bro. Parley, but after running around for some time to places where some of the saints used to live without finding him or any person that could give me any intelligence of him; it struck me that Father Mowry, or some of his folks, might be over on this side of the bay, and so I called there, and found them at home, and from them I learned that Bro. Parley had started for the Valley, which surprised me very much, as I had calculated on finding him here. He was spending the Sunday at Bro. Naile’s, about forty-five, or fifty miles, from here, and was intending to leave in the morning (Monday) to proceed on his journey. By the invitation of Bro. & Sis. Mowry, I brought Elizabeth and our things up to their house. She was quite unwell from the <combined> effects of her sickness and the sea-sickness, which made her <scarcely> unable to walk up. I thought I would try and see Bro. Parley before <he> I left, and, therefore, I crossed the bay and took the stage to Union city, and from there I walked to Bro. Naile’s, and met with Bro. Parley who was very glad to see me. It was an unexpected meeting to him, and he was he was very glad [one illegible word] indeed to see me. <agreeably surprised.> Bros. Hawkins and Rinaldo Mowry were also going with him. From Bro. Parley I obtained a general detail of the affairs <of the church> in this country; and found, what I had already made calculations on, that prospects were not bright in this country, either for establishing the press or anything else. The press was <stored> in San Francisco, and the expenses attendant on bringing it from the islands, with <storages,> cartage, wharfage &c, &c, amounted to about $100, which Bro. P. had used out of tithing money, and which he wished me to make <refund> good <to the church> when I could. The morning before I left Bro. Parley set me apart to preside over the affairs of the church in Northern California, Oregon & Washington Territories, and the British and Russian American possessions in the north; he gave me a very good blessing indeed. On Tuesday morning, <June 26,> I bade Bro. Parley and the folks, good bye; as I left, Bro. Naile gave me $5 to pay my expenses. Never in my life did I feel the weight of responsibility as at present, and, to speak figuratively, it seemed as though the weight of a world rested on my shoulders. My former experience, on the islands and elsewhere, of the power of God exerted in behalf of his people when they seek it, comes in very opportunely at the present time, for there is a great work to be done, and but very little on hand at present to accomplish it. The numerous instances of the deliverance wrought by the Lord in my behalf, stimulate me to believe that in this, my present situation he will not leave me unaided. Stopped at Bro. Nash’s, Union city, until Wednesday morning <June 27/55>. I arrived in San Francisco about noon, and found all well. Elizabeth<’s> <health> had improved; and as it had been the longest separation we had experienced since our marriage, there was quite a little demonstration of feeling at the reunion. Landing, as we did, in a strange place, and among<st> those who were entire strangers to here, and it being the first time to be ever away from her relatives, made it a little trying to her, especially in her weak state. On Sunday, July the 1st, 1855, we held meeting in Bro. Crosby’s house, about twenty-five met together; I laid before them the object of my mission to this country, and also spoke on principle, and there was a general feeling manifested <by those present> to do all in their power to aid in this work. Bros. Bull and Wilkie also spoke. We looked for Bro. Hyde to have been here to day, as we heard he was in Sacramento, but in vain. By the invitation of Bro. Horner, Elizabeth and I accompanied them – himself and wife – out to their place, about four miles out of town. On the night of Monday, the 2nd, Bro. Hyde arrived. On the 3rd of July, Tuesday, I went into town and was heartily glad to meet with him. He had seen Bro. Parley, and they had concluded, inasmuch as Bro. P. was returning and Bro. Hyde’s duties in Carson county being such as to preclude his residence for any length of time in this country – to defer publishing the paper <for the present, until something is heard from home;> but to secure a suitable building at a low rent, and proceed to publish the Book of Mormon in the Hawaiian language. Bro. Hyde wrote a letter home, detailing the situation of affairs and his own fix; and also setting forth that San Francisco is the most suitable place, in preference to Sacramento or Carson valley, for the establishment of a newspaper. they <(Bros. H & P.)> had written <jointly> an epistle to me, setting forth my duties as president, in the absence of one of twelve, in this country, and also in relation to the press &c. Bro. H. went out with me to Bro. Horner’s.
4–8 July 1855 • Wednesday to Sunday
On Wednesday, July 4th, 1855, Bro. Hyde, Elizabeth and myself walked into town. It was a grand gala day; powder was burnt by the hundred weight; the streets were filled with people. The independent companies and the firemen with their engines, were out & marched in procession. In the evening we held a meeting, Bro. Hyde preached. Having but a short time to stay Bro. H. concluded to return on Thursday by the steamer leaving at 4 p.m. I accompanied him and felt lonely when he left. On Sunday, July 8th, 1855, held meeting[.] I spoke on the first principles and was followed by Bro. Horner, Curtis, &c. Met again in afternoon. I have been busily engaged for a few days back in doing what I could towards getting the press in operation. The ribs are broken and they have to be recast.1
30 September–4 October 1855 • Sunday to Thursday
Sunday, Sept 30th, 1855. Held meeting; Bros. Amasa preached in the morning an excellent discourse of about two hours length. In afternoon Bro. Rich spoke and Bro. Amasa followed. They took a motion of the saints in relation to sustaining me as President of the interests of the Church in this Northern California; they having took an action of this kind at the Conference held on the 22 & 23rd inst at Sacramento City. The vote of the Saints was unanimous. Thursday, the 4th of Oct. was fast day[.] I, however, was so busy in reading proof and getting the form ready that I was not able to attend meeting in the day-time, although I fasted, in the evening I attended a meeting and spoke at Bro. Jone’s.
6–7 October 1855 • Saturday to Sunday
Saturday, Oct. 6, 1855; Was our Semi-annual Conference. Bros. Lyman & Rich were busy getting ready to leave by the Senator this afternoon. When the Conference I had to explain the nature of this Conference as there seemed to be a misunderstanding in the minds of some in relation to the nature of this conference, and in relation to my office as President. In the course of the Conference I felt moved to make a good many remarks on this subject and to be very explicit. I was unanimously chosen as President of the Conference and Bro. Bull as Clerk. The authorities were unanimously sustained. The representation was necessarily imperfect in consequence of the unorganized state of some of the branches. We divided what had formerly been the San Francisco Conference into two: San Francisco and Alameda, and appointed Bro. Crosby to preside over the first, and Bro. Horner the latter. I felt impressed to give the saints a great deal of instruction in relation to the course they ought to take to sustain their officers; and set before them the danger of tampering with and complaining against authority. Bros. Lyman & Rich made some farewell remarks, replete with good instruction and counsel. We then adjourned until Sunday, the 7th. I accompanied the brethren down to the boat; before leaving the house they laid their hands on me and blessed me, Bro. Amasa being mouth, and gave me an excellent blessing. Bro. Lyman intends returning to the Valley this fall and will probably remain there a year. All the brethren have now returned home leaving us to ourselves; the loss of their society will make us feel lonely as we have had a constant succession of visitors since our residence here, somebody arriving and leaving all the time. Soon after Bro. Lyman’s arrival, July 15, Bros. N. V. Jones and Fotheringham arrived from Calcutta, via Hong Kong, and shortly afterwards Bro. Paul Smith and wife arrived from Australia, via Honolulu. They were a portion of a company that left Australia under the Presidency of Bro. Burr Frost, bound for San Pedro, but, through the incapacity of the vessel, leakage &c, were obliged to put into Honolulu to repair; she was, however, finally condemned, and as there were a good many charges against her, the brethren lost their passage money, and had to get away from there as best they could. About the time that Bro. Smith arrived, Bros. Hugh Findlay, Tait and Davis with his family, arrived from Bombay, en route for the Valley. On the 16th of Sept. Bros. E. Green, Jas. Keeler and Reddin A. Allred, my old fellow laborers on the islands, arrived here from Honolulu; and the next day, Bros. Woodbury and Frost arrived from the same place, in company with the majority of the Australian Saints who had been left there; they had started some time before Bros. G. K. & A. but they had been detained by head winds. A day or two after this Bro. Rich arrived from San Bernardino. All these foreign arrivals, with the constant passing to and fro of elders already in the country, many of whom had come up from San Bernardino by land, kept us lively, and we never lacked for company. The brethren from the islands, with the Australian Saints and many of the San Bernardino elders, left on the the 22nd of Sept., and several more left on the 1st of Oct., taking steamship for San Pedro.
Conference again convened at 11 o’clock a.m. on the 7th. I preached and then called on Bro. Horner; we had a very good meeting. In afternoon attended to the Sacrament and various items of business, and I gave the conference considerable instruction in relation to organization and their duties as Saints. We also appointed two teachers – Bros. Eveleth & Wilkie – for this branch, and Bro. Curtis was still supported as presiding elder of the branch. We then adjourned until the 6th of April, 1856. Although there has been no very extraordinary manifestation of the spirit, nothing more than a good, steady flow, filling our hearts with joy and satisfaction, yet I feel much pleased with our Conference, more pleased than I anticipated, and I am perfectly satisfied that beneficial results will grow out of it and a better feeling be engendered. My position is more properly defined and understood.
28–31 January - Finished Hawaiian translation of the Book of Mormon; first child born
5 February - Blessing of baby George Quayle Cannon
28–31 January 1856 • Monday to Thursday
The Book is finished, the last form went was worked off on Monday, the 28th <of Jan. 1856.>; it was a 12 mo form, composed of the title page, preface and index. The body of the Book was finished two or three weeks before this, but we could not finish it <the remainder> until the type arrived – Brevier &c – that we had sent for to New York. While waiting for the type, I wrote an eight-page pamphlet, giving an epitome of the history of the discovery of the plates, their contents, and the applicability of the Book to them as a people, with a few words of exhortation to them. After the Book was finished, we had two copies bound in morocco – one for Bro. Brigham and one for Bro. Dennis – and sent Bro. B’s by the mail which left for the Valley on the 31st of Jan., 1856.
I went up to Salmon Falls on the 25th of Jan. to spend Sunday and hold meeting. While I was gone, Elizabeth, my wife, was safely delivered of a fine boy, weighing 11 lbs. He was born at 20 minutes to 8 o’clock in the morning of Tuesday, the 29th of January, 1856. His mother had not a very hard time, and when I got home – 11 o’clock p.m. Tuesday night –they were both doing well.
5 February 1856 • Tuesday
On Tuesday, the 5th of Feb., 1856, it being the eighth day from his birth, we made a feast and invited the brethren and sisters of the branch and we attended to the blessing of the boy. After we had eaten dinner (about thirty being present) we assembled in the sitting room and sang a hymn, the 66th, “O Lord, our Sovereign King, Our infant charge now bless;” &c. I prayed, and, after speaking for a short time on the principle of blessing children, illustrating my remarks by reference to the Scriptures, I took the babe up in my arms and blessed him as follows: George Quayle, in the name of Jesus Christ and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood which I have received, and by the right which I possess as thy father, I take thee up in my arms to administer unto thee a father’s blessing; and I pray unto thee, O God the Eternal Father, that I may possess thy Holy Spirit, even the spirit of revelation and prophecy, by which I may be enabled to speak and pronounce such blessings upon this infant as shall be approved and ratified by thee, and as shall hereafter be realized by him; I ask these mercies in the name of thy son Jesus Christ. And I say unto thee, dear George, that thou shalt be blessed, for I do bless thee; and thou shalt be filled with the Spirit of the Lord from thy childhood up, and thou shalt grow and increase in body and in mind; and the visions of eternity shall be made made manifest unto thee even in thy youth, for thy mind shall be carried away in the visions of eternity, and thou shalt see and understand the things of the Kingdom of God, and the Lord will be with thee, and will bless thee, and His Holy Spirit will fill thy heart, and His Holy angels will be round about thee continually, for He will have respect unto the cries of thy fathers. Thou shalt be an honored instrument in the hands of the Lord of doing much good in thy day and generation, and shalt hold the Holy Priesthood to which thou art <heir,> being a descendant of Israel. Thy voice shall be lifted up in defence of the principles of salvation which the Lord has revealed in these days, and thou shalt go from land to land, and from nation to nation, declaring and bearing testimony to the truth of these principles; for thou shalt be mighty, and none shall stay thy hand. Thou shalt behold the face of thy God, and walk and converse with him, and delight in His presence; His angels shall minister unto thee, and thou shalt behold them, and they will delight to honor thee with their presence. Thy seed shall be innumerable, and thou shalt be the father of multitudes. Thy parents, and all the people of God, will rejoice because of thee and thy goodness, and the correctness of thy walk, conversation and works before the Lord, and before his people.1
[Undated miscellaneous notes]
Pres. John A. Ray of Fillmore wishes to get 20 copies of P. P. Ps. Key which if he will forward to him he will vouch for the pay & shall be paid over to whom he wishes.
Bro. Lorenzo D. Young sent $10 by me to John R. Young on the islands. Also Bro. Brigham told me that if I found he needed any more at any time if I would send it to him he (Bro. Brigham) would refund it to me by draft or otherwise.
27 July Suffering from influenza
31 July Travel to Salmon Falls, California
2 August Spoke on “the spirit of the reformation”
5 August Disturbances in meetings
1 December Meeting with Orson Pratt and Ezra T. Benson in San Francisco
3 December Leaving San Francisco; comment on “nothing in common between the Gentiles and the Saints”
5 December Spoke with postmaster of Los Angeles about religious freedom
Source Note
Journal, 1857
George Q. Cannon, Journal, 27 July–7 Dec. 1857; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; twenty-three inscribed pages; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Narrow journal measuring 6¾ × 3⅞ × ½ inches (17 × 10 × 1 cm). The text block, measuring 6¾ × 3¾ inches (16 × 10 cm) and currently made up of fifty-three leaves, originally consisted of six gatherings of a varying number of blue-colored leaves with blue ruling, though many leaves were removed from the journal, making an analysis of the number of gatherings and leaves difficult. The marbled pastedowns feature a shell pattern with brown body and veins of blue and red. The outside covers are red leather with minimal blind debossing along the outside edges. The front cover has the name of “Elizabeth Kn♢♢♢” debossed in the Deseret Alphabet, likely indicating she was the original intended user of this notebook. At a later point, a small red-bordered archival label was pasted to the upper left corner of the front cover. In black ink, the label reads: “No. 2 | G.Q.C. Journal | July 24, 1857– | Dec. 7, 1857 | California”.
The first flyleaf has the characters for the Deseret Alphabet. The recto of the second leaf has a note of payment written in pencil. The text of the journal begins on the verso of the second leaf. Beginning on the third page of the journal, someone subsequently added pagination in pencil on the top or bottom of each odd and even page, respectively.
In 1932, Sylvester Q. Cannon, who was then serving as the presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated George Q. Cannon’s journals to the church’s First Presidency. The First Presidency transferred the journals to the Church History Department in late 2008.
[Undated note]
Paid to Richard M on tax bill one pint brandy dollar and half on dollars window glass two handkerchif one dol green silk bruge 75 cts one silver thimble 50 two pair socks 50 three yds <an al> cal quarter 65 white 25 thread 30 thread 45¢1
27 July 1857 • Monday
Monday, July 27/57 Left Elizabeth and John Q. at Bro. Riser’s, Centreville, and took stage for San Antonio, where I crossed on the steamer to San Francisco. Elizabeth did not feel well neither in body nor in mind. Grief, occasioned by the prospect of a separation of two or three weeks from me, made her feel depressed in spirit, and a pain in her chest and a cough caused her to feel unwell in body. Her symptoms were those of the prevailing epidemic – influenza – from which so many have suffered, and I with the rest. May the Lord my God bless her and the boy, and preserve them both from all evil. When I reached San Francisco I was tired out and felt quite unwell. My cough troubled me very much. Bro. Shearman undertook to sweat me and break up the cold; but it was quite difficult. Burning brandy under a chair in which I sat with a blanket wrapped around me, had the effect after some little time in throwing me into a profuse perspiration. The second attempt to sweat me by this means made me feel so faint that we had to desist. I was wrapped in a wet sheet twice, but it did not have the slightest effect. These operations occupied the greater part of the night.
28 July 1857 • Tuesday
Tuesday, July 28th/57. I was bathed in perspiration nearly all day to-day and was quite unwell. I was confined to my bed. David and Bro. Woodbury were similarly situated; both affected with the influenza, etc. Bro. Shearman was very attentive, and done all in his power to help us, nursing us with brotherly kindness.
29 July 1857 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 29th, I felt very weak this morning. I attended to various items of business. Paid Goddard & Co. $150 for Bro. Hanks. On Monday I also paid Pioche, Bayerque & Co. $4,500 on the Ranch a/c. This money was brought up by Father Rolfe from San Bernardino and lacked $10 of being as much as I was informed by letter that it was. I think it was miscounted; Bro. R. did not count it when he received it. Held meeting this evening.
30 July 1857 • Thursday
Thursday, 30th, Wrote to Bro. Hanks. Requested Bro. Wandell to write to President Orson Pratt, Liverpool, about books, etc. for me. Visited Sister Corwin, who has been a long time afflicted with a rheumatic affection in her arm, which has deprived her of the use of it. At 4 o’clock p. m. started to Sacramento in company with Bros. Willard Bingham and Henry Morgan, missionaries to the Sandwich Islands, who were going up into El Dorado Conference to labor in the ministry and to raise means to pay their passages to the Islands. Being an editor, I had a free passage there and back granted unto me. We reached there a little after midnight, and were met at the wharf by Bro. Shearman, who had preceded us the previous evening. We lodged at Sis. Warner’s.
31 July 1857 • Friday
Friday, the 31st. Ate breakfast at Sister Warner’s, and at ½ past seven A.M. took <passage on> the cars to Folsom. We met Isabella and Mary Orr on the cars and Minda Crow, a daughter of Father Crow’s. They had been at Sacramento at a wedding party. From Folsom I took passage on the Stage to Salmon Falls; the brethren had their carpet sacks and a large package of books, and as they could not be conveniently carried if we walked, we thought it best for me to go up in the Stage and take them with him while the rest walked – distance ten miles. I received a hearty reception from Father and Mother Orr. Bros. John Thatcher and Clement Hurst also arrived to-day. Bro. Farrer was already there.
1 August 1857 • Saturday
Saturday, Aug. 1st/57. Bro. Fred. Hurst and Aaron Thatcher arrived this morning, and in the course of <the day> a good many of the Saints gathered together. We held <council> meeting in the afternoon, and in the evening had a testimony meeting.
2 August 1857 • Sunday
Sunday, the 2nd/57. Conference convened this morning. I spoke; votes were then taken to sustain the various authorities; the expression was unanimous. In afternoon I again spoke, and dwelt on the reformation, the object of it and the necessity of it being partaken of by all. I spoke to them in great plainness and energy upon the duties which they ought to discharge and the course they ought to take to show that they had the spirit of the reformation. I had come up purposely to see them and lay these things before them, that I might be clean from their blood, and that they might know the mind and will of the Lord concerning them. Several of the saints had to return home after this meeting; I was sorry that they could not stay, as Conference had scarcely commenced. It required two or three meetings to warm them up and interest them so that they could be taught. In evening had an excellent meeting; a good many strangers were present; I spoke.
3 August 1857 • Monday
Monday, August 3/57. Held prayer meeting, and at 10 o’clock Conference commenced. I spoke, and was followed by Bro. Shearman. I spoke on the subject of building up the kingdom of God, our Father, on the earth, etc. and touched upon the measures which we had deemed wisdom to adopt relative to a press for the Sandwich Islands and the passage <money> of the Elders. In afternoon Elder Shearman spoke and I followed. We held another meeting in the evening. I spoke on the nature of the evidence in favor of “Mormonism” and the proper and infallible method of testing its truth. I had the Spirit and felt well. All the Elders followed in testimony and we had a good time. A good many strangers were outside. Conference adjourned sine die.
I omitted to mention that on Saturday <evening> we were joined by Bro. Wilkie who had just arrived from Carson Valley whither he had accompanied Bro. &Sis. Curtis and Sis. King. They arrived there all right, and Sis. King had been taken along by the Company; one taking one portion of the family; another, another portion; and another, herself and babe. She was in good spirits.
4 August 1857 • Tuesday
Tuesday, August 4th/57. Bro. Shearman and myself left Salmon Falls for Union Town; and after travelling about nine miles reached Mr. Hicks’ where we stopped all night. Mr. H. was absent; his wife is a daughter of Ezra Chase. We were treated kindly.
5 August 1857 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 5th, Started after breakfast for Union Town. Turned off to visit Father Wimmer’s; but could not find it. After wandering some time among the hills, somewhat bewildered and lost, we at last found the road again. This deviation cost us several miles travel. We reached Sister Plumtree’s, Union Town, by about ½ past 12 Noon, and were heartily glad to have so good an opportunity of resting and refreshing ourselves. The weather is very warm up here, the roads dusty, and I being unaccustomed to trudging around on foot, it worries me much. Sister P. is married; but her husband does not belong to the Church. She was baptized by Bros. Stewart and Shearman. She attended our late conference at Salmon Falls, and while there was taken sick; we administered to her, and she was immediately made whole. Bro. Dykes anointed her and I was mouth in administering.
After our arrival Bro. Shearman wrote out notices for public preaching in the evening, and stuck up round town. Previous to John Hyde’s trip through the mining region, oppos<ing> the work, the people in this place were favorably inclined; but he came, and told his abominable and damnable falsehoods, and the people were turned from the truth and filled with prejudice. Since that time they have in nearly every instance that meeting has been held here by the Elders, disturbed the meetings by making noises, thumping the sides of the house and throwing beans etc. at the speakers. Last This evening, however, whether in consequence of the absence of the rowdies who had produced these scenes, or their enjoyment of a better spirit, we were undisturbed, and in speaking, I had liberty. The congregation paid very good attention. Another meeting was appointed for to-morrow night.
6 August 1857 • Thursday
Thursday, August 6/57.1
Cows went with Carloses heard from 18 June
Mrs Edington comenced getting milk 16 June
1 pint
1 ~ ~ ~ ~
1 ~ ~ ~
1 ~ ~ ~2
1 December 1857 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Dec. 1st/57. This morning I was surprised to meet at the Office door Bro. John Scott who started on a mission to Great Britain from the City of the Saints at the same time that I came to this country. He informed me that Bros. Orson Pratt, Ezra T. Benson, John A. Ray, John Kay, Wm. Miller and himself arrived in San Francisco on the Sonora yesterday from England, via New York. They were travelling incog. They left England on the 14th of Oct., five days after receiving the news of the trouble at home by Bro. Saml W. Richards. Bro. Richards stopped, and calculated on leaving early in the Spring for the Valley. The brethren thought it best, when they received permission from the President, to return as speedily as possible, and as the eastern route would be closed by snow and troops, they thought the southern route by San Bernardino was the most feasible under the circumstances. In the evening I had an interview with Bros. Pratt & Benson; they came to the Office. They counseled me to settle up my business and accompany them home. Bro. Pratt said I could go through with him.
2 December 1857 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Dec. 2/57. Busily employed all day in making preparations for our departure; storing our press, type etc. and settling up all my business concerns. I left the press etc. in charge of Bro. Eveleth and all my unfinished business, taking receipts from him for all that I left in his hands.
3 December 1857 • Thursday
Thursday, Dec. 3rd. I was up all night getting ready, and had barely time to get down with my things to the Steamer by the hour of departure. I leave San Francisco without a sigh of regret; my only regret is that <all> the brethren and sisters who have the desire to leave but have not the means, are not also able to leave, and my prayer is that their way may be opened. I feel clear from the blood of this people; I have labored – diligently labored to lay before them the principles of salvation by means of the press and public preaching, but to all the offers of salvation they have turned a deaf ear, and they have treated all our testimonies and warnings as idle tales. I feel thankful for the privilege of leaving them, and returning once more to the society of the saints in Zion. It has been no pleasure to dwell in their midst; nothing but the knowledge that it was a duty sustained me; there was <is> nothing in common between the Gentiles and the Saints, the north and south, light and darkness are no farther apart than are the ways, views and practices of the people of God and the <people of the> world.
The brethren were before named were all on board as well as Bros. Bull, McEwan & Cowley. I was quite seasick. Passed Monterey in the evening. I spat blood in the night, caused, perhaps, by violent straining in vomiting.
4 December 1857 • Friday
Friday, Dec. 4th/57. Seasick in morning, better towards afternoon. Passed San Luis Obispo. We stopped there several hours discharging freight.
5 December 1857 • Saturday
Saturday, 5th/57. Touched at Santa Barbara, landed freight and passed on. This evening myself and Mr. Waite, the Postmaster of Los Angeles and formerly editor of the Los Angeles Star got into conversation on Mormon topics and the present attitude of the people of Utah and we became so interested and talked so loudly that all the cabin passengers gathered around to listen. He finally acknowledged that I had the best of the argument. I talked plainly and pointedly on the subject of our troubles, defended the course of Gov. Young and the people of Utah as being perfectly constitutional and proper, and asserted that any other people, whether of California or any other State of the Union, who had any of the spirit of freedom burning in their bosoms, would take a similar course under the circumstances. We talked for a length of time on these subjects, and it seemed to be quite an easy matter to rebut all his arguments and assertions. A U.S. Officer who, with a detachment of men, was on his way to San Diego, listened very attentively both while talking on our rights as American citizens and afterwards while conversing on our principles.
Reached San Pedro at about 10 o’clock p.m.
6 December 1857 • Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 6/57. Engaged <in> landing our things this morning. Had to remain all day to wait for teams to take Bro. Pratt’s carriages and the other brethren’s wagon up to San Bernardino.
7 December 1857 • Monday
Monday, <Dec.> 7th. <1857>1 Loaded up, and about noon started and travelled about 14 miles and stopped at a Spanish house for the night. Very cold and disagreeable.2
9 September Appointed “to go on a mission to the east”
14 September Set apart for mission and began journey east. “My family had no place to live in and would have to rent.”
16 September Echo Canyon, Utah Territory, “adapted for fortification” during Utah War
17 September ff. Travel east
22 September Account of dream of hosts of heaven
16 October Temporarily lost near Beaver River, Nebraska Territory
21 October Reached Florence (Winter Quarters), Nebraska Territory
25 October Reached St. Louis
5 November Submitted article to the editor of the Missouri Republican
Source Note
Journal, 1858–1861
George Q. Cannon, Journal, 9 Sept. 1858–20 Dec. 1861; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 286 inscribed pages; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Medium-size journal measuring 7½ × 5¾ × 1 inches (19 × 15 × 3 cm). The original text block, measuring 7¼ × 4¾ inches (18 × 12 cm) and consisting of eighteen gatherings of eight leaves each, was made up of blue-colored paper ruled with twenty-five blue lines. Cannon or someone else added three additional gatherings to the volume. These three gatherings—made of irregularly cut blue-colored paper ruled with twenty blue lines—consist of 14, 12, and 2 leaves respectively, making the total number of leaves within the volume 172. The front of the volume has three flyleaves, while the back of the volume has one flyleaf (of different paper than that found in the front). The outside covers are red leather with a gold-leaf tooled border. The spine includes four raised bands with some minor gold-leaf tooling. Also debossed on the spine (between the first and second raised band) is “RECORD”. At a later point, a small red-bordered archival label was pasted to the upper left corner of the front cover. In black ink, the label reads: “No. 3 | G.Q.C. Journal | 1858–1861 | Utah & England”.
The first flyleaf bears an inscription in black ink: “9 – 1 hr”. At a later point, someone paginated the inscribed pages in the journal with pencil. At significant gaps in the journal, Cannon left blank pages, presumably to fill in information at a later time. There are seventeen blank pages following page 77; nine blank pages following page 102; twenty-eight blank pages following page 110; and two blank pages following page 286 (before the end of the volume). The year is written at the top corner of each page in black ink, often set off by lines. These notations seem to have been made at a later time.
In 1932, Sylvester Q. Cannon, who was then serving as the presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated George Q. Cannon’s journals to the church’s First Presidency. The First Presidency transferred the journals to the Church History Department in late 2008.
9 September 1858 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 9th, 1858. Left Filmore City and traveled along without anything of particular note happening until we reached Payson, about 68 miles from G. S. L. City. At this place, and a while stopping at Bro. Preston’s for noon, we were met by Bro. John M. Bollwinkel, this was on Monday, the 13th. He had left the City on Sunday evening about 9 o’clock and had traveled all night and the next morning until he met us. He brought a carriage to ride in, and <had> been told, when he started, by Pres. Brigham Young to travel day and night until he met me. He brought a letter written by Bro. Carrington which explained the object of the hurry. I had been appointed to go on a mission to the east and the company were waiting at the City for me: they had appointed Monday, the 13th, (the day that I received the note) as the day to start. It had been expected that I would arrive at the City much earlier than I did. Bro. Brigham supposed that Bro. Carrington had written me a letter telling me why I was wanted; and did not know any did anything to the contrary until the day when I was expected when upon inquiry he learned that Bro C. had merely told David, who was coming down with the team to bring me up, that I was wanted and to tell me to come right up. I did all in <my> power to get up speedaly, but I made slow progress, as my wagons were heavily loaded, and I did not suspect that I was wanted to go off. When I learned what was wanted of me, I put a few things in a carpet sack, took a little bedding, my arms, etc: and taking Elizabeth and John Q. in the carriage with me, started in half an hour after I received the note, for the City. We travelled all afternoon, ate supper at Provo and again started at nightfall and reached the City at five o’clock in the morning of the 14th.
14 September 1858 • Tuesday
Tuesday the 14th of Sept 1858. After breakfast I went to see Bro. Brigham. His first remark after the salutations was “Are you ready?” I was told him I was. He then turned to one of the breathern who was standing bye, and said “I told you it would be so.” After a little conversation, he told one of the clerks to hand me my letter of instructions to read, and could ask any questions in relation to it that might suggest themselves to me. (See letter of instructions and other papers) Though I felt very much the responsibility of such a mission, yet I knew that the Lord would give me, if I should be humble and diligent, strength to perform it. I received a blessing and was set apart for my mission under the hands of Bro’s Brigham, Heber, Daniel, C C Rich and Erastus Snow, Bro. Brigham being mouth. Brother Leo Hawkins took down the blessing (See Copy)
Before starting, I prayed with and blessing blessed Elizabeth and John Q. committing them and Sarah Jane1 and all belonged to me into the hands of the Lord. I had not time to give way to my feelings, the call was so sudden and the business entrusted to me so important and so many things to be thought of that my feelings, which would naturally be sorrowfull at leaving family and friends and the society of the saints were kept down. My family had no place to live in and would have to rent; I had not time to do anything in relation to a house and they were left to shift for themselves aided occasionally by Angus and David and my other relative. I ate dinner at Uncle John Taylor’s with Angus and family, and on Tuesday afternoon we started. We camped that evening near the head of Killyon’s Kanyon, a small kanyon leading out of emigration kanyon, and said to be a better road over the little mountain. We fed our animals grain, after they had ran on the side hills till nearley dark, and then tied up for the night. The brethern who were along were Horace S. Eldredge, Fred Kesler, Joseph W. Young, Horton D Haight and Harlow Redfield and family the latter going to the states on his own business. Bro Eldridge had one of his wives and their little girl with him. The brethern expected to return to the valley in the Spring. There were several other brethern, some of whom were ahead and some behind, who were expected to travel with us.
15 September 1858 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept 15th 1858 Started about eight o’clock in the morning crossed the little mountain into Big Kanyon, ascended the Big Mountain without difficulty and there the two brethern who had come along with two church teams to help us, took their teams. and returned. We put on our own teams and descended the mountain and down a little kanyon to east kanyon down which a noble stream ran into the weber. We travelled down this creek about nine miles, crossing it several times and camped near where we leave it. We again tied up our animals for the night, not deeming it safe to let them run for fear they would go back
16 September 1858 • Thursday
Thursday Sept 16 1858. We were joined this morning by Brs. Edwd Stevenson and Dr Whitmore. A large train with six yoke of oxen on a wagon, passed us this morning while we were in Camp. Hitched up and started about eight o’clock, passed up a little kanyon, a little water running in it, fed on the side hills. Crossed some ridges, quite rockey and rough travelling and came into a rather open valley, leading down to the Weber. Crossed the Weber, nearley four miles above where we struck it and soon after camped for noon. Fed flour mixed in water to the mules, that being the feed we had along for our animals. After hitching up we travelled up the Weber a short distance and entered Echo Kanyon, so famous in the history of the late Utah war. It was in this Kanyon, about three miles from its mouth, that the formidable preparations for the defence of the Territory against the attempted invasion by the U S forces, were made by our people last fall and Winter. The Kanyon is admirably adapted for fortification, and our people took every advantage of its natural facilities to make it an almost impregnable barrier in in the way of the advance of an invading foe. Ston[e] Forts were built on the heights commanding the Kanyon, from which bullets and all kind of missiles could be showered without the least danger of their being stormed. Huge Rocks were piled up that with the slightest pry of a handspike could be precipitated into the Valley below. In the Kanyon or Valley trenches were dug clear across from one side to the other which could easily be filled with water, making the road impassable to the enemy and while they would be bridging them or getting across they would be fired upon from the heights above and from covered entrenchments in the Kanyon. A little below these trenches a large dam had been thrown across the Kanyon which was intended to flood the entire Kanyon for some distance up, and, our men had ditches and places of shelter constructed from which they could pour a deadly fire upon the enemy as they advanced. These preparations had the effect last fall of deterring the army from advancing. The road up the Kanyon is ascending, but we found it better than expected. We camped ten miles up the Kanyon and found good feed on the hills. Bro Iverson with a company of Danish Saints numbering probably twenty five in all, on their way to the Valley, camped close by us
17 September 1858 • Friday
Friday, Sept 17th/58. The mail from the States passed us this morning. The principal item of news, we were informed, was the successful laying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable and the transmission of messages between the two continents – a truly wonderful achievement. We travelled up the Kanyon road pretty good for ten and a half miles, came to a large hill which we ascended and crossed some rolling country two miles to Cache cave, a little stream and good feed close by. Thence we travelled over ascending ground three miles to a small spring called mountain Spring close to the base of the divide or ridge which separates the waters of Weber and Bear rivers. This Spring is close to road on the right-hand side as we ascend and might be passed unnoticed; feed is good on the hill sides. We nooned here. Stopped about two hours and hitched up and ascended the hill: quite steep: after from two to three miles travel we reached Yellow Creek. Thence we travelled eight and three quarter miles to Bear River passing through a valley containing many springs and good feed. Feed poor at Bear river and we travelled beyond about a mile, ascending the rocky bench from Bear River Valley, and camped at a creek to the left of the road with water standing in pools in its bed, feed on the hills to the right of the road pretty good.
18 September 1858 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept 18th/58. Started at about ¼ of eight, passed sulphur Springs about one mile from where we camped, left the creek an[d] ascended a hill, travelled over rolling ground and ascended a steep hill on the side of which and not far from the top and on the right hand side of the road we found a Spring, known as “Quaking Aspen” Spring, said to be eight miles from Bear River. The top of this hill is the rim of the Great Basin. After we reached the top of the hill or divide we travelled on a ridge called Quaking Asp Ridge for some distance, road tolerable; and then travelled over descending ground to Soda Spring, eight miles from “Quaking Aspen” Spring. The old pioneer trail leaves “Quaking Aspen” Ridge and Spring to the left, or rather right, traveling as we do to the east. of the springs called Soda is very strongly impregnated with Soda, the other is pretty good water. We noon here & feed tolerably good in the hills. Stopped two hours. Started and traveled four miles to Big Muddy Creek, road up hill considerable of the way. Two miles thence to Little; feed not very good on these creeks. A very steep and rocky hill from this latter creek to the bench. Traveled about one mile to a little creek: feed eat off. Thence over pretty good descending road for about nine miles to Fort Bridger: we camped about a mile below on the other side of the Fort. Windy and disagreeable. Had to carry our water about a mile.
19 September 1858 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept 19th/58. Started a little after eight. Traveled six miles to the bend of Black’s Fork, road rather rocky. Thence six miles to the ford of Smith’s Fork; about a mile from thence we camped for noon, at a bend of the creek: feed tolerable for mules among the sage bushes. Ascended a little rocky hill. Came to ford of Black’s Fork, called three miles from ford of Smith’s Fork, two miles farther came to another for[k] of same creek. Thirteen miles from here we came to Black’s Fork which we forded: no feed. We passed a bend, however called two miles from the ford, which leaves only a stretch of eleven miles without water. The road over part this stretch was cut up very much with the heavy trains that had passed: the latter part, however, was quite good. We traveled two miles from the ford of Black’s Fork over to Hains Fork where we found the brethern who had started before us awaiting us. Feed pretty good. We did not camp on this stream at the usual crossing, which was bridged and some few soldiers camped at it, but about a quarter of a mile below.
20 September 1858 • Monday
Monday. Sept 20th/58. We started about half past seven. Came to a bend of Black’s Fork four miles from our camping place. Fifteen miles from this bend or nineteen and a half from the ford, we came to the ford of Green river being the middle road. But about three miles before we reached Green river and about a quarter of a mile to the right of the road, we stopped and turned out; feed excellent, no water. Crossed Green river, fording good, hill steep and rocky to ascend from the bottom to the bench. Thirteen miles from Green river to Big Sandy, a tolerably sized creek, feed eat off. The <road> pretty good between the river and the Creek. Tied up for the night and fed flour. The company was organized this evening by choosing Bro. Horace S Eldredge, Captain; myself chaplain; and Bro Joseph W Young, Sergeant of the guard. The company numbered eighteen men, four woman six children, with eight wagons and a hand cart and thirty four horses and mules.
21 September 1858 • Tuesday
Tuesday Sept 21st. 1858. Fed flour and started early this morning crossing the creek, taking our water with us to cook breakfast at the first feed we came to. Traveled about a mile and a half and found feed to the right of the road. Again started and travel to the Upper crossing of Big Sandy, seventeen miles from the other crossing, road good. Fed flour, feed eat off. Traveled about two miles and nooned where we found feed. Mail passed us from the States, had time to write a few lines to Elizabeth & Sarah Jane telling them I was well etc. From this upper crossing we traveled eight miles over good road to Little Sandy which we crossed; feed eat off. Fed flour and filled our water vessels and went on about five miles to feed on left of the road.
22 September 1858 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept 22nd, 1858. Started at 20 minutes past six O.clock A.M. Road tolerably sandy. Passed the junction of the California and Oregon roads with the Utah. Traveled about fifteen or sixteen miles and struck down to the Pacific Creek where we turned out and stopped an hour or two. Feed tolerably good. We traveled up the creek to the Pacific Springs and fed flour and passed on three miles to the South Pass . which is about twenty five from the Little Sandy. Dry Sandy, as it is termed, is about fourteen miles from Little Sandy and has no water in its bed at some seasons of the year. We found water there, but it was so roiled up by the cattle of the government trains that were camped there when we came along, that we did not let our animals drink.
After passing through the Pass, it commenced raining: we struck off to the Sweetwater, crossed it and camped among the willows, where we and our animals were sheltered from the storm, which lasted only a little while in the evening, and found wood and pretty good feed for the mules. I had a singular dream on the night of Sunday, the 19th, which I omitted to notice in the journal at the proper time: I dreamed that I was traveling as we are now with a good many in company and we had camped. Bro John Young prayed. After he had finished prayer, I looked up to the heavens, and they were full of men all armed. They were exceeding by numerous, and descended to the earth in double file to where we were Standing, and mingled among us. Their countenance were bright and effulgent as the sun; and terrible to look upon. There was one thing that struck me particularly in their mingling with us: though we stood in a crowd and rather closely packed, yet they could pass to and fro among us without suffering any in convenience or with elbowing or jostling any body. About the midst of the dream I was awakened by the sprinkling of rain in my face, a slight shower passing over at the time. I remembered, however, conversing with Uncle John Taylor in my dream about what I had witnessed, and he said that now the power would be with us: the hosts of heaven would be with us, and the nation who were opposing us would speedily go down. The effect of this dream upon me was exceedingly pleasing and I rejoiced in it. I feel that the Lord is not forgetful of the promises and covenants which he has made with us and our fathers.
23 September 1858 • Thursday
Thursday. Sept. 23rd 1858. The morning was fine and the sun shone clearly and refreshingly after the rain of last evening. We started about eight o.Clock; traveled over pretty good road for seven, (passing soon after leaving camp between the twin mounds) when we came to a small creek which we called Skull Creek – Brs Kesler found a skull here – but which is generally known as the last crossing of Sweetwater. We here took the cut off, or the new road leading down the South side of the Sweetwater called the [blank] cut off. We traveled six miles farther and came to Elk creek, where we camped. The feed along this road is very good, not having been ate off by the heavy trains, they having taken the other road. Stopped an hour and a half. I .Traveled over a hilly and somewhat rocky road twelve miles to a small creek, known as Spring Branch[.] Sage for firewood and feed tolerably plentiful[.] Day’s travel estimated at twenty five miles.
24 September 1858 • Friday
Friday Sept, 24th/58. Started at about ¼ past 7. Traveled six miles to Muddy creek, a very clear and limpid creek, not much feed in the bottom but feed in little bottoms adjacent. The road is tolerable from last camp to this point, some few hills, after leaving this creek we ascended a steep and rocky hill. Traveled six miles over pretty road to a small spring creek, water not very good, imprognated with sulpher. Feed good for mules and horses. Rather sandy and hilly road in afternoon; slow traveling. Traveled about thirteen miles and camped with Bro Appleby’s train of six wagons on their [way] from the States to the Valley at a crossing of the Sweetwater. We struck the old road at a point about a mile or two from where we nooned. The old road runs to the north of the cut off. Bro Young from Conn. and family were with the train.
25 September 1858 • Saturday
Saturday Sept 25th. 1858. Crossed the Sweetwater, traveled about eight miles to a Kanyon, crossed twice and after emerging from the Kanyon, crossed the river again and traveled Seven miles to bend of river, where we nooned; feed good. In afternoon road Sandy traveled ten miles and camped at bend of river; feed ate off in bottoms. By hunting among adjacent hills we found excellent bunch grass.
26 September 1858 • Sunday
Sunday Sept 26th/58. Started at ½ past 7. Passed several bends of river; one or two miles after starting, another about six, another about seven. Feed good all along the road[.]
After traveling about twelve miles came to Devil’s Gate: four miles and a half farther turned down to the river and camped for noon . not far from Independence Rock. A very windy, blustry day. Started at about 2 p.m passed the Rock, half a mile farther a trading and mail station, half a mile farther the Saleratus Lake to the right of the road. We could not, get beyond the margin of the lake it was so mirey owing to the late rains, and therefore, could not collect any Saleratus, which is best obtained from the centre of the Lake. nine miles from this to Greasewood Creek, where we camped. Feed tolerable on surrounding bluffs. We have found the feed ate off at the usual camping places by the numerous trains that have passed en route to the Valley and have had to hunt it up on the hills and in places not affording sufficient for a large drove. From the Sweetwater to this point we found the road the most of the way sandy and heavy rolling. I have been writing to Elizabeth and Sarah Jane for a few days back as I could get leisure and to-day enclosed it in an envelope with a letter of Bro Keslers directed to his folks and left it at a station requesting them to give it to the mail carrier. We passed the mail at the Station on the Sweetwater between the Rock and the Saleratus Lake.
27 September 1858 • Monday
Monday, Sept 27/58. Cold night last night. Bro Kesler was sick, several others are complaining. The Stench from the dead cattle with which the road is lined on each side and strewn over every camp ground is so dreadful offensive that in almost any other country it would produce pestilence. We can scarcely travel a hundred yards without having our nostrils assailed by fetid smells from the putrid carcases scattered all over the line of our travel. We started at ¼ to eight. Traveled two miles and passed small creek to the right of the road. Feed good. Passed two small spring creek at interval of three or four miles apart. Descended Prospect Hill, passed down a small valley containing many small springs. Water to all appearances not very good. Feed tolerable. Passed a small clear spring creek, feed ate off, watered our animals and traveled on a mile or over and turned out for noon at good feed by the side of the road; no water. Morning’s travel estimated at 17 miles. Bro James Brown has been sick since last night; after we stopped, he became much worse. We administered to him twice. He was in such pain that we could not travel faster than a walk all afternoon. The road was quite good. Passed Rock Avenue. Traveled about twelve or thirteen miles and camped at Mineral Spring; feed good.
28 September 1858 • Tuesday
Tuesday. Sept 28/58. Started at eight. Road ascending in the beginning afterward descending and generally good until we reached the Ford of the Upper Platte twelve and a half miles from where we last camped. Crossed the river fording pretty good and traveled about a mile and camped here a small creek of clear water for noon. Bro. Brown is some better to day. Started after an hour and half’s rest and traveled four miles to the bridge across the Platte. Here some traders are located and the U S. military are building a station. We left the main road to the right to go to the bridge. Passed a small creek 7 miles from where we nooned. Camped near a small creek 5¼ miles farther; feed for horses and mules good; water not very good. The feed is more green and young than is usual at this time of year on this road; the brethern who have traveled the road repeatedly say that it is abandant in many places now where in former year scarcely a spear was to be seen. About the forth of Sept, we were informed there was snow fell here to the depth of a foot; to this may be attributed the greenness of the feed. This evening I was on guard on the first watch, and was particular by struck with the brilliant appearance of the comet which we have seen in the north western heavens every clear evening since we started. Its tail illuminated a large portion of the heavens, and the evening being dark caused its appearance to be more striking
29 September 1858 • Wednesday
Wednesday Sept 29th/58 Started at ¼ past 7 traveled 5 ¾ miles to a small crooked Creek, with steep banks, but which was bridged. Passed two bends of river; good camping places. After traveling sixteen miles from place of starting, over pretty good road, came to deer creek, where we found a large number of Indians camped, (we did not speak with any of them) also a strore [store], blacksmith shop, and several houses. the whole collection, as I learned from a sign over the door of the store, called “Dacotah City”. Traveled two miles farther and had to turn out where there was no water in consequence of Dr. Whitmore breaking the tongue and iron stays of his wagon. I stopped back, after the company started, with Bro Joseph W. Young to help the Dr. and Edwd Stevenson fix their wagon tongue. The blacksmith was gone off but was expected till afternoon; we tinkered at it for a while and finally concluded to wait for the smith. About dark we learned he was not coming to night and we went to work fixing it ourselves: Br Joseph W. acted as smith and succeeded in patching up an old split ox tongue and making it answer. By the time we returned frm [from] Dacotah City to the wagon (with which Bro Stevenson had remained to guard) and fastened the tongue on, it lacked only a few minutes of eleven p.m. The night was very dark and Cloudy, but about the time we started, the moon rose and we had a little more light. After traveling some little time the moon succeeded in strugling through the clouds, and it became more pleasant. Three miles from place of starting we came to bend of Platte river where the roads forked, the old pioneer trail going over the Black Hills to the right, the new road keeping down by the river. The company took the river road, with the exception of Farther [Father] Gorley from Provo, who was going to the states on business and was packing, he as one supposes by mistake took the other road, we arrived at camp a few minutes before two in the morning. We traveled nine miles from Deer Creek and camped on the Foarche Boise, a fine stream, wood and water tolerably plenty.
30 September 1858 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 30/58. Bro Horton D Haight started off to hunt the old man Gorley. We remained in camp waiting for him; he had been driving the loose <animals> and had two mules and a mare pony with him belonging to our outfit. The old man had kept <on> the old road, thinking that the two roads would come together, again, and Bro Horton followed him. We hitched up and started at about ½ past 2 p.m. and traveled over good road about ten miles to a creek supposed to be La Prele, crossed some hills and came into a very fine bottom, covered with excellent feed; crossed it and came to ford of the Platte, near which we camped. We estimated our afternoon’s drive at 10 miles.
1 October 1858 • Friday
Friday, Oct 1st,/58. Bro. Haight returned in the night from his hunt after Bro. Gorley. He had traveled about 80 miles from the time he left us. The old man when he had found that he had gone another road, had traveled all night for fear we should get ahead of him. He was 52 miles from the junction of the road when overtaken by Bro. Haight. They came down a road, (about 15 miles) leading from the old road to a ford of the Platte, where the old man stayed and Bro H returned to meet us. We started at ½ past 8 and traveled twenty miles to ford of Platte, where we found the old man, Gorley, camped. The first few miles were rather sandy, the remaining portion of the road was good. Started and traveled over good Road for about 8 miles and camped near bend of the Platte.
2 October 1858 • Saturday
Saturday Oct 2nd/. Traveled about 8 miles and came to Horse Shoe Creek, found a mail station here; three miles farther came to fine Springs, feed pretty good all along; we passed, another little spring creek, crossed rolling, hilly country and stopped for noon at a creek with cottonwood growing on its banks. Road rough part of the distance (about 18 miles) this forenoon. In afternoon passed small creek after traveling about three or four miles. Road hilly throughout afternoon; came to the junction of our road with the old pioneer trail and camped at bend of river. Traveled during the afternoon 14 or 15 miles.
3 October 1858 • Sunday
Sunday Oct 3rd/58. Commenced raining about 11 p.m. last night and continued without intermission until after noon. We started before noon. Bro Kesler and Dr Whitmore went round by Fort Laramie [to] obtain supplies. We traveled 12 miles road muddy and came to Ford of the Platte opposite Laramie, crossed and traveled one mile and stopped to cook supper Started a little after sundown and traveled 11 miles to Raw Hide Creek, found no water; went five miles farther to bend of river and camped. The road on this side of river very sandy.
4 October 1858 • Monday
Monday. 4th Started at 10. passed several bends of river traveled sixteen miles and camped at bend of river; road would be good if dry. Started before sundown and traveled 12 miles to Spring Creek over some sandy road. We camped at about 10 P.M.
5 October 1858 • Tuesday
Tuesday 5th. Started after breakfast and traveled 13 miles and camped on river; we passed Scotts Bluffs five miles after starting. After nooning we traveled about 13 or 14 miles passing Chimney Rock about 2 or 2½ miles. Chimney Rock is 19½ miles from Scotts Bluffs and 69½ miles from Fort Laramie. We started again about sundown, very cloudy, windy and dark, and traveled about 7½ miles and camped not far from the river about 10 P.M.
6 October 1858 • Wednesday
Wednesday Oct 6th/58. Started before sunrise, traveled about 6 miles and camped at the foot of the low bluffs; breakfasted and remained about 2 hours. About the time we started it commenced snowing and continued until afternoon. One mile across the bluffs, sandy road, Seven and half miles farther to bend of river. Ten and a half from this point to “Ancient Bluffs ruins.” We camped, at river about 17 miles from place of starting in morning. In afternoon passed “Ancient Bluff ruins.” 1¼ miles farther to foot of Bluffs; 2¼ miles over the bluffs, road sandy. Turned off and watered at river, Traveled 5 miles to Lake South of road, which we passed 1¼ miles farther to Crab Creek, where we camped; feed good. Night very cold and clear. Day’s travel 34¼ miles.
7 October 1858 • Thursday
Thursday Oct 7th/58. We left Crab creek before sunrise traveled eight miles to west foot of bluffs at bend of river. Started and crossed Sandy Bluff ½ mile across. Thence 12 miles to Sandy Hill Creek on right hand of road: thence to Castle Creek 5 miles here we camped for two hours. Started and passed Ash hollow, south side of river, 3 miles; watch creek 7 miles and camped 1½ farther near the river. Day’s travel about 37 miles. Road sandy in places, especially fore part of the Day. Cold night.
8 October 1858 • Friday
Friday Oct 8th. Started before sunrise; traveled two miles to foot of sandy bluffs; crossed ¾ of a mile, to Wolf creek; Sandy very heavy. Two miles to Pond Creek; four and a half to Camp creek where we stopped for breakfast. After starting traveled 4 miles to Crooked creek, passed several other creeks, several Sioux lodges, very friendly. and stopped for two hours on Rattlesnake creek, 7 1/4 miles from Crooked Creek. After starting, two men on horseback, who had passed us in the afternoon, rode up to us and told us that they had killed two buffalo and wished us to go and get some meat. Bro Horton D. Haight took the riding mare and two pack mules, and with two other brethern accompanied the men to where one of the buffalo lay and obtained some meat. We crossed Shoal stream 3 ¾ miles from Rattlesnake, Duckweed Creek 2 miles farther and several other creeks and camped between two on good feed; about 7 ¾ from Rattlesnake. Day’s travel 27 ½ miles. some. sandy in places afternoon.
9 October 1858 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct 9/58. Started in morning early, crossed two or three creeks[.] came to Sandy Bluffs, traveled two miles and came to creek six miles from where we started, and camped for breakfast. Started and traveled ¼ of a mile to Past foot of Bluffs, crossed one or two creeks and came to more Sandy Bluffs, 1 ¼ miles across; four miles farther road principally sandy, came to more sandy bluffs 4½ miles across; 1½ miles farther came to North Bluff Fork, a wide stream, quicksand bottom, where we camped. Feed excellent all long. The road has been very heavy to day. Day’s travel about 24 miles
10 October 1858 • Sunday
Sunday Oct 10/58. Started early, traveled 11 miles before breakfast over pretty good road, crossing small creek, at 3½ miles, bend of river 3½ farther, then Black Mud Creek at 2 miles and 2 miles farther came to bend of river where we stopped. Started again and crossed wide deep creek at 2¼, several bends of river and Carrion creek at 12 miles from where we breakfasted. Three miles a half after passing this creek came to Low Sandy bluffs, which we crossed and came to Spring on left of road 1¼ farther; road for the past 4 miles Sandy. In evening road quite sandy, night very dark and difficult keeping the road. Traveled 6¼ miles, which seemed very long in the night, and came to crossing of Skunk Creek, which was quite wide at the crossing, Day’s travel 36 miles. To day has been cloudy and threatening; it rained a little in the night last night. We have seen small herds of buffalo occasionlly since friday.
11 October 1858 • Monday
Monday Oct 11/58. Very misty, almost like <a> rain. Started early; traveled 3 miles down creek to where we left it, 2 miles farther to bend of river, 3 miles beyond to point of low sandy bluffs, where we breakfasted. After eating we traveled 14 miles to deep dry creek, passing several Indian Lodges, 2½ miles farther came to Ptah Lake, where we stopped to sup. We turned off the new road to get to this Lake which is on the old road. Road somewhat sandy this afternoon. After eating we traveled about 8 miles, over pretty good road, and camped for the night. The night was very dark. We would have traveled farther had not father Gorley’s give horse give out.
12 October 1858 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct 12th. Very misty again this morning. Traveled at 12 miles to Buffalo Creek, where we stopped for breakfast. This road is above the old road and is very good traveling, but a greater distance without water. Buffalo very plentyful. Started again traveled down Buffalo Creek, (after crossing it) and then struck off for Elm Creek, about 16 or 17 miles, and camped for supper. The creek was dry but we found water enough in the puddles to wet flour for our animals and to water them. After leaving this creek we found the prarie burned off. The old road here joined the new. We came to deep dry creek at 3¼ miles and at 4¼ miles farther to a slough south side of road where we camped, the grass not been burned.
13 October 1858 • Wednesday
Wednesday Oct 13. Stopped and breakfasted, and then after traveling about 4 miles came to a deep ravine with a little water in, after crossing which we kept straight ahead, leaving the old pioneer road to the right. We traveled 20 miles farther without water to Wood river, where we camped. About 5 miles from where we struck this river is a bridge but it was out of repair, and some of the company wishing to purchase supplies we concluded to go down the river to the old crossing below which a settlement had been formed by some Germans. We traveled after supper about 8 or 9 miles and camped. The bottom is burned over for miles; we obtained feed.
14 October 1858 • Thursday
Thursday Oct 14th/58. Started early, traveled 10 miles over a beautiful and fertile bottom, reaching from Wood river to the Platte, and came in sight of a house and some shocks of corn. We camped near the field, and close to the crossing, and bought what feed we needed. Hearing here that to go by our settlement called Genoa, would be a longer road, the greater part of the company concluded to go by way of Columbus to Florence but Bro Eldredge having business, to transact at Genoa, we took the direct road there, which avoids the German settlement, leaving it to the right. Our road was the old road that we made in ’47 but a greater part of the way it was grown up with grass and it was very difficult to keep; 11¾ miles from the crossing we came to Praire Creek, the creek where we camped; no fuel but good feed. After leaving this creek and traveling 1¾ or 2 miles we came to a good sized creek that was recognized to be Prairie Creek, the creek where we had supped was but a slough. The old road was so dim that we had difficulty in finding a place to cross. Bro. J. W Young crossed a horse back at a place we supposed to be the ford; but another place was found below appeared to be better. Before venturing in with the teams it was thought best for somebody to cross and ascertain the nature of the footing, the depth of the water etc. I started across on a small mule that we called “Dragon”; after getting fairly into the water he began to pitch violently and act as though he were trying to free his legs from the mire or from something that was tangling him. I stuck to him though he surged heavily and from side to side as long as he stood on his feet but he finally rolled over and I got [out] of his way as quickly as I could getting thoroughly ducked in the operation. I kept his head up out of the water and being joined by Bro. J. W Young in the water and Bro Haight on the bank, we drew him out on his broad side in which position he continued to lie, notwithstanding his struggles, from the time he first rolled over. The wagons crossed without any particular difficulty. We camped on the bank for the night.
15 October 1858 • Friday
Friday Oct. 15th/58. We started early and traveled about six miles and camped for breakfast near a small pond on the right of the road. Went on six miles farther and came to some wells on the right of the road, here we watered our animals. Went and descended the Bluffs on to the bottom and camped after traveling about 18 or 19 miles from place of breakfasting, for supper. The road thus far to day has been mostly sandy. After supper traveled about 10 miles to a lake on the left of the road where we camped
16 October 1858 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct 16/58. Breakfasted and traveled 20 miles to Loop Fork over not very good road. We came in sight of Genoa some miles before coming to the River. We had considerable difficulty in <finding a> crossing. Bro J. W Young searched down the stream where there had been an old ford. After he had searched awhile unsuccessfully I started to search up stream and after considerable difficulty succeeded in crossing too but then had slough and the Beaver River to wade before I got on to the main land. The river ran so rapidly and the wind was so very high and violent and so much quicksand underfoot that I thought several times in crossing that I would be carried down stream despite every exertion I could make. While I was crossing above some of the brethern from Genoa arrived with some cattle to help us across[.] Bro Davis found a tolerably good ford below (one much better than where I crossed, in fact teams could not cross where I did and I went over with them. They hitched up three yoke on to Bro. Eldredge’s wagon and before they reached the deep part of the river 3 yoke more were hitched on; there wagon was safely taken across by dark. When we reached the Genoa side of the stream it was concluded to be best to defer crossing the remainder of the wagons until morning and as the brethern with the wagons would be waiting in suspense not knowing what was to be done and I was the only one belonging to the wagons who had crossed. I told them I would return and tell the brethern what the plan was. I started into the river alone with no other light to guide me but the moon which was hidden by clouds[.] It being rather dark and the sand bars not plain to be seen I could not form a very correct idea of the proper route to take, and kept up a little to [too] high. The wind still continued very high and the current was very strong and I had much difficulty to make much headway, this joined with the uncertainty of the route, made me feel the unpleasantness of my position. I am not easily frightened in the water, but I had been in the water all the afternoon and was both chilled and tired, and I did not feel able to swim any distance; all around me was one wide, struggling waste of waters without anything to guide me, and I confess I wished I was safely across. I felt to ask the Lord to strengthen and enable me to get safely out. I finally got out of the deep water and reached a sandbar. I had to rest myself, being tired and breathless. After reaching the sandbar and traveling awhile I found the track of the wagon which had crossed and followed it until it struck the main bank. The whole distance across from one bank to the other bay the route we were compeled to take was upwards of ¾ of a mile. After reaching the spot where the wagons had stood I found nothing but their tracks. I hallowed as loudly as I could expecting that they moved lowe down the river to more a convenient point for crossing, but could get no reply. I then tracked the wagons and had had almost made up my mind that I would have to spend the night by a fire (some embers having been left on the bank where the wagons had stopped) as I thought they would they would strike off into the grass in some direction and I would lose their trail, when I met Bro. Horton D Haight and another brother coming down to the river for water who directed me to the wagons. They had built no fire for fear of it spreading and did <not> expect me to return. The night was very windy
17 October 1858 • Sunday
Sunday Oct 17/58. We crossed in safety this morning this morning, five yoke of cattle drawing the wagon over; the horses and mules were driven over loose after the wagons. It was a cold disagreeable morning, and showery. After landing, we proceded, to Genoa which is situated about a mile from the Fork and near the confluence of the Beaver with the Loop Fork. It is built on a bench above the bottom and is well located, timber being convenient and somewhat plentyful. Bro Joel H. Johnson is president. We held meeting in the afternoon and after a few introductory remarks by Bro Eldredge I was called upon to speak which I did for about ¾ of an hour and had good freedom. Bro J. W Young and Bro. Eldredge followed.
18 October 1858 • Monday
Monday, Oct 18th/58. We started about one o’clock and traveled about 17 miles and camped; road wet and rather bad from the rain.
19 October 1858 • Tuesday
Tuesday Oct 19th We passed Cleveland, Columbus and don’t know how many other towns – the whole bottom almost being staked out in City lots – and camped about [blank] miles from where we started. In afternoon crossed Shell Creek and traveled a few miles farther and camped Day’s travel thought to be 30 miles
20 October 1858 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 20th. Started before breakfast and traveled about 12 miles and breakfasted. Traveled in afternoon 18 miles farther, passing the village of Fremont at 6 miles, and camped at the Elk horn which we found spanned by an excellent bridge.
21 October 1858 • Thursday
Thursday 21st. Started after breakfast and traveled about 22 miles to Florence, as Winter Quarters is now called passing the big Pappea at 4 miles farther. Our road lay through Cuttler’s Park which I would have passed without recognizing but when I was told that we were on the ground. I speedily stopped recognized our old places. of camping. We passed near the burying ground on the hill, and descended on to the bottom as we used to when we reconsidered <resided> here. The river land1 the bottom looked narrower than they used to; but otherwise the country looked familiar. Most of the house[s] were unoccupied and business was completely stagnated. There are many good houses here (the streets being laid out nearly ly as they were when occupied by us) but instead of containing a population of about 15.00, as one would imagine to look at them, there are less than 200. My reflections on looking at the old place were peculiar. I contrast our present situation with our past and I feel to thank the Lord for what he has done. Kept by Bro. Kinney.
22–23 October 1858 • Friday–Saturday
Friday Oct 22/58. busily engaged cleaning up etc.
We remained in Florence until the <morning of the> 23rd when we crossed the Missouri River into Iowa. Bros. Joseph W. Young and Horton D. Haight had the wagon and team which they were going to take with them to their stopping place – Fort Desmoines – in this Sis. Eldredge and the two brethren rode. Bros. E., Kesler and myself walked to Crescent City. Just as we started it commenced raining and continued about three hours. We stopped and took dinner at Bro. Lyman O. Littlefield’s, where we left Bros. Joseph W. & Horton D. It was painful parting with these brethren, for our association on the plains had endeared them to me. I had a very pleasant visit with Bro. Littlefield; we had not seen each other for <nearly> twelve years. Bro. [blank] hitched up a team and took us over to Council Bluff City (Kanesville) on the way we called on Joseph E. Johnson, editor of the Crescent City Oracle and I had some few minutes conversation with him. While at Council Bluffs city we stopped at Bro. Folsom’s. He is a master carpenter and appears like a very fine man.
24 October 1858 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 24/58. Rained heavily all day.
25 October 1858 • Monday
Monday, the 25th. Started before breakfast in Bro. Folsom’s wagon for the landing hoping to get a steamboat going down the river to St. Louis. Had to wait several hours for the E. A. Ogden on which we embarked. The river was quite low and continued so until we got below St. Josephs. It rained almost without cessation from the time we got on board until we landed at St. Louis. The river rose very rapidly from the mouth of the Kansas river down. I had some conversation and argument on board on the subject of “Mormonism” and found but few who <would> express unfavorable feelings. To me the contrast between the feelings of the people now and last fall, was very striking. We landed at St. Louis on the evening of Monday, the 1st of Nov. at about 8 o’clock. We stopped at the Townsley House.
2 November 1858 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 2. Bro Eldredge and myself went to the office of Bro. Coward, found him well; visited Sister Van Horn also.
3 November 1858 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Novr 3rd. After breakfast Bro. Kesler and myself settled our bill at the Townsley House and took our baggage up to the Office of Bro. C. Went to dinner with Bro. Coward to Bro. Rowberry’s[.] Evening to supper at Sister Mc Kelley’s
4 November 1858 • Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 4th/58. Breakfasted at Bro. Gallagher’s; dined at Bro. Gordon’s, and after dinner called on Mr. Paschall, the editor of the Missouri Republican; after some little conversation he appointed a meeting at 9 o’clock in the morning, when he would have more leisure.
5 November 1858 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 5/58. Breakfasted at Bro. Gallagger’s; afterwards Bro. Eldredge and myself called on the editor of the Republican. After conversing awhile I handed him an article which I wished him to publish; it was one <that> I had been handed to me with my other papers. He said he would look it over, and if I would call again about 4 p.m. he would be that time have perused it and be able to say more in regard to its publication. At 4 p.m. I called again. He said he could not put it in as an editorial, as I had told him I would like him to do; but he would publish it as an appeal from the Mormons. I said it was not written as an appeal, as you have no doubt perceived. He said there were statements in it that, not knowing the facts, he could not endorse, which he would have to do were the article published as an editorial. I finally succeeded in obtaining a promise from him that he would publish it as a correspondence with editorial comments.
6 November 1858 • Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 6/58. I started this evening to Cincinnati at 4 o’clock. After a tolerably pleasant trip I reached there at 8 o’clock on Sunday morning. Met with the Saints on that afternoon; had a pleas good meeting. I stopped at Cincinnati until Wednesday morning when I took rail via Columbus and Bellair for Baltimore, which place I reached on Thursday evening. Stopped there that night, and at 8 o’clock next morning took rail for Philadelphia. I reached Philadelphia at 1 p.m. on Friday, the 12th of Nov. I stopped at Mr. Fenton’s, whose wife and daughter were members of the Church; Angus boarded with them while he lived in Philadelphia. They were very much pleased to see me. On Saturday I took Col. Kane’s baggage out to his place; he was unable to see me, being confined to his room, but appointed Monday to see me. They pressed me to stop to dinner, which I did.
14 November 1858 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 14th/59. Met with the Saints and had a good meeting. I spoke and was blessed with the Spirit; the Saints were much pleased to see me. Angus has left an excellent influence behind him, and is much beloved by the Saints.
15 November 1858 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 15th/58. Went out to Fern Rock, had a very pleasant and instructive interview with Col. Kane; he gave me a letter of introduction to a friend of his, Col. Forney of the Press, Philadelphia.
Undated summary Met with “Roger A. Pryor, the editor of the States”; “interviews with all the editors in Washington”
21–24 February Desire to help “roll back the stream of falsehood and misrepresentation”
2 March Requested editors of the Philadelphia Press and Washington Union to republish clippings
3 March News of birth of son to Sarah Jane; Cannon’s prayers for his family
4 March Met with “the proprietor of the Mo. Democrat”
9 March Received news of blessing of “Franklin J. (Jenney) Cannon”
20–21 March Lecture by Thomas L. Kane on “the Executive of Utah”
22 March Visit to Hoagland family members
24 March Received “a copy of a memorial of the Legislative Assembly of Utah to be admitted into the Union”
28 March Thomas L. Kane said public feeling was softening toward Mormons
23 October Counsel to coal miners in Pennsylvania to “go West in the Spring”
30 October Disturbance by “drunken fellows” in a meeting; people in neighborhood “terrified at the recent outbreak at Harper’s Ferry”
[Undated summary of activities]
I have been so busy traveling about for some time that I have not had time to write my journal regularly; but I shall write it from time to time as I can get opportunity. On Tuesday, the 25th January/59 I started in company with Bro. Horace S. Eldredge for Washington. This was my second trip to the capital. <The first time> I spent between seven and eight days there, <from the 23rd of Dec. to the 31st.> waiting principally to see Roger A. Pryor, the editor of the States; my visit was I thought somewhat successful. He seemed quite interested in the subject of our belief and expressed a desire to get a Book of Mormon; I was the first “Mormon” he had ever conversed with. I promised to get him a Book of Mormon and also a Spencer’s Letters, and he told me he would read them prayerfully. This second visit however found him much changed in feeling on this subject. I gave him the Book of Mormon and the Letters; but he had apparently no interest in receiving them. He had no time to look into the matter, so he said, and though he treated me politely in our interviews, yet it was evident that the subject of Utah and the Mormons was rather distasteful. The cause of this change in his feelings I attributed to the poison that had <been> instilled into his mind by wicked men, Judge Eckels and men of that ilk with whom he informed me he had <had> conversations.
Bro. Eldredge remained in Washington about ten days, and then left for the north; I remained over a week afterwards, making my absence from Philadelphia three weeks duration. I had interviews with all the editors in Washington, and conversed on the subject of Utah and her affairs; they all talked fairly, but it is one thing to talk <&> another thing to act where “Mormonism” is concerned.
I reached Philadelphia on the Tuesday evening, the 22nd <15th> of Feb./59. The next day I went out to Fern Rock. I found the Col. confined to his bed. During my absence he had been severely attacked by pleurisy; he was much better, but was by no means free from pain. Our conversation was quite lengthy; he was much interested, as he always is when we have conversations on those subjects that lie nearest our hearts, so much so that his wife and mother both came up several times to check him and warn him of the effects. It was thought best for me to visit New York and St. Louis.
18–19 February 1859 • Friday–Saturday
Friday, the 18th of Feb., 1859, I started at 11 p.m. for New York, reached there at 4 a.m. on Saturday, the 19th. Finished my business this day.
20 February 1859 • Sunday
Sunday, the 20th. Wrote to Bro. Calkins, Eng. acknowledging receipt of £50, etc.
21–24 February 1859 • Monday–Thursday
Monday, 21st of Feb., 59. Started this morning for St. Louis on the 8 o’clock train by the N.Y. & Erie Railroad. Traveled until 11 a.m. on Tuesday when I reached Cleveland, Ohio. Mother’s sister Catherine and family are residing at this place, and I concluded to stop here until the next train left at 8.10 p.m. After some little trouble hunting their place of residence I succeeded in finding them. They appeared to be very glad to see me. Aunt’s husband died last summer. The family consists of Aunt Catherine, Thomas her oldest, Mary Ann, Eleanor, Emma and Margaret. Aunt’s health is not very good. The family are dependant principally upon Thos.’ labor; he is chief engineer on the Propeller Northern Light, running on the Lake Superior trade. My visit was a very agreeable one, and they pressed me strongly to stay longer; but I felt that I could not spare the time. If I could stay any time when I returned, I promised that I would.
I travelled that night on rail to Cincinnati, which place I reached at 8.10 a. m. on Wednesday; thence by steamer, the river being high and the track submerged, twenty-five miles to Aurora, and then took rail to St. Louis, which place I reached at about 7 o’clock on Thursday morning. Bro. Eldredge arrived with his family the evening previous. I stopped at Bro. Eldredge & Coward’s office. Bro. Kesler and all the rest were well. After arriving here I received a long letter from Pres. B. Young giving me a good many items connected with matters and things in Utah. I was much pleased to receive it, and my prayer and desires are that I may be able to carry out the instructions that have been given me, fill my mission successfully and be the means in the hands of the Almighty of helping roll back the stream of falsehood and misrepresentation that has <almost> covered up the true state of things in the Valley. This letter came by way of California to St. Louis.
27 February 1859 • Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 27/59 Went with Bro. Coward to meeting at Bro. Savage’s. I addressed the Saints. There appears to be an indifferent, careless spirit prevailing to too great an extent among those who are numbered with the Church. Took supper at Bro. Walter Huish’s.
28 February 1859 • Monday
Monday, 28th. Had an interview with the Agent of the Telegraph <Associated> Press; not so satisfactory as I could wish; but still I hope that it will not be entirely fruitless. His name is C. J. Osborn. Took supper at Bro. John Gordon’s.
1 March 1859 • Tuesday
Tuesday, March 1st/59. Again saw Mr. Osborn; writing etc.
2 March 1859 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 2nd. Wrote letters to Mr. Ringwalt of the Phil. “Press” and Col. Johnson of the Washington “Union” enclosing clippings, and requesting them to republish. Ate Supper at Bro. Gordon’s and blessed his little boy, Geo., H. S. E. month
3 March 1859 • Wednesday
Thursday, 3rd. Received a letter from my brother Angus, <dated Jan. 27.> He writes that all were well at home, and that my wife Sarah Jane had been safely delivered of a son. He say: “I was informed last evening about dark by David, who had just returned from the West mountains with a load of hay, that Sarah Jane had produced you a fine son. After supper he and I both went to bid the young stranger welcome, as one designed to assist in spreading the fame of Cannon; accordingly upon our arrival we were ushered by your mother-in-law into the presence of S. J. C. whom we found doing as well as could be expected, and folding a person to her bosom in an affectionate manner, a credit to you both. At the time, the young man, who greatly resembles Geo. Q. Cannon, although of a red cast, was put into the hands of his Uncle Angus. I was informed that he entered this world at twenty-five minutes to twelve A.M. on Tuesday, Jan. 25th, 1859, and weighed nine and a half pounds.” I feel to thank the Lord for his kindness to me, in listening to and answering my prayers; and my prayer continually is that my children may grow up in His fear, and be useful and mighty instruments in His hands in accomplishing His purposes. My heart has been made glad in hearing from home, and of the progress of my little son John Q. since I have been in these lands. They write me that he can almost say every thing, and Elizabeth writes to me that when they go to bed and at other times he wants to pray “to bless pa.” The Lord has thus far blessed me exceedingly in my family, to a much greater <extent> than I dared to expect, and it is my prayer that He will continue to do so, and that my appreciation of his kindness and mercy will continue to increase from this time forward.
Had another interview with Mr. Osborn, the Telegraphic Agent.
4 March 1859 • Friday
Friday, 4th of March, 1859. Last night wrote a letter to Angus in answer to the one I received from him yesterday. Was introduced this morning by Mr. Osborn to Mr. McKee the proprietor of the Mo. Democrat. Had a somewhat lengthy conversation with him; he expressed a willingness to publish any items that I might wish to make public that were not doctrinal. He appears to have no belief in Scripture, and has the idea that the shrewd men among our people are the leaders, and they alone, and that they others are used as a means to get power etc. I left a communication with him for publication that I had written on the killing of the dumb boy, about which so much has been written and published of late; he promised to look it over. – Wrote a long letter to the President, Bro. Brigham, giving him a<n> long account of matters here and the prospects. Spent the evening at Sister Van Horn’s; my little son, of whose birth the news came yesterday, was wished many blessings.
5 March 1859 • Saturday
Saturday, 5th, Saw Mr. McKee who told me the communication I handed him would <very likely> appear in Monday’s Democrat. Spent some time with Bro’s. Coward and Kesler at Sister Gale’s. In evening finished a letter to Elizabeth that I commenced in afternoon; had to finish it in a hurry to be in time for the mail.
6 March 1859 • Sunday
Sunday, 6th. Attended meeting this afternoon at Sister McMaster’s. I spoke and at some length, and <with> considerable freedom; the people paid good attention. Ate supper at Bro. Bennett’s, and spent a very agreeable time with Bro. B., Bro. Salisbury and Bro. Smith Heep.
7 March 1859 • Monday
Monday, the 7th. Writing an article for the newspapers.
8 March 1859 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 8th. Finishing article, Went down town but found Mr. Paschall, editor of the Mo. Republican, <still> out of town; had another interview with Mr. Osborn, Tel. Agent.
9 March 1859 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 9th. Wrote to David, my brother, this morning, and to Bro. Richard Mathews, a young man who is living with my family. I omitted to mention that on the evening of the 7th, Monday, I received four letters from home: one from Elizabeth, one from Father, one from Cha’s and Mary Alice, my brother-in law and sister, and one from Bro. Richard Mathews. The news by these letters was good. The family were all well, excepting Elizabeth, she complains a little of her health. John Q. was well. Sarah Jane and boy were quite as well as could be expected. My Father-in-law, Bishop Hoagland wrote to me that he was present with Bro. Franklin D. Richards, & Angus at a blessing meeting for the purpose of blessing the boy – it was on the 1st of Feb. – and he was named Franklin J. (Jenney) Cannon; Bro. F. D. Richards was mouth.
I was around with Bro. Eldredge all day making purchases etc. He contracted for Printing paper, 23 lbs to the ream, at Ladew, Peers & Co’s, at 9 ¾ cents per lb, exclusive of freight, insurance etc. Ink also at [blank]
10 March 1859 • Thursday
Thursday, March 10th/59. Had interviews with Mr. McKee of the “Democrat” and Mr. Osborn of Associated Press; made arrangements, or rather confirmed previous arrangements, with the latter about telegraphing<c> items favorable to the truth. He assured me he would do all in the his power consistently with his duties to the public. I had waited to see the editor of the Republican, Mr. Paschall, but he was not in town and might not be for several days.
11 March 1859 • Friday
Friday, 11th, 1859. Started this morning for Philadelphia by way of Terre Haute; the road was very rough, rougher than any I have traveled on. Arrived at Terre Haute but too late to make the connection with the Indianapolis line. It left as we came in sight, having waited about ½ an hour for us. Stopped all night, much to my regret, at Terre Haute, as I was anxious to get through by Sunday morning to hold meeting; this detention would keep me until Sunday afternoon.
12 March 1859 • Saturday
Saturday, 12th, Started at 5 a.m. to Indianapolis, thence to Crestline and thence to Pittsburgh. To-day’s travel has been rapid and smooth.
13 March 1859 • Sunday
Sunday, 13th. Left Pittsburgh about 2 o’clock in the morning and reached Philadelphia about 5 p.m. Found all well.
14 March 1859 • Monday
Monday, 14th. Somewhat wearied from the effects of traveling. Paid a visit to Germantown and walked up to Green Lane. Had an interview with Col. Kane. His health is better than it was when I last saw him, but <he> is not thoroughly sound yet; he has been very sick since I saw him. Took tea with him.
15 March 1859 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 15th. Raining very hard. Writing journal, and conversing with Bro. Maesser on Church matters.
16 March 1859 • Wednesday
Wednesday, March 16th/59. Went last night with Bro. Armstrong and Mr. & Sister Fenton to see the performances of Signor Blitz, the magician sleight of hand man; his performances were quite wonderful. I omitted to mention in Sunday’s proceedings that I attended meeting in the evening at Bro. Roger’s; a goodly number were present, and I had considerable freedom in speaking. I spoke on the gathering and the faith that we ought to seek for and exercise to do what the Lord commands.
17 March 1859 • Thursday
Thursday, 17th, Busily engaged in fixing up emigration matters.
18 March 1859 • Friday
Friday, 18th, Wrote to Bro. Stenhouse and drafted a letter to Bro. Brigham. Commenced a letter also to Elizabeth.
19 March 1859 • Saturday
Saturday, 19th. Reading etc.
20–21 March 1859 • Sunday–Monday
Sunday, 20th, Held meeting in afternoon, had a good attendance. I addressed the people and spoke at some length and with much freedom on principle. Some strangers were present. All appeared much interested. In company with Bro’s. Maesser, Wm Wright and Joseph Wright blessed the little daughter of the latter, I being mouth; she was named Emma Jane. Started at 11 ¾ this evening for New York and arrived there at 4 a.m. on Monday, March 21st, 1859. On the evening of Saturday I received a note from [blank] informing me of his wishes about a lecture he was going to deliver this (Monday) evening before the N.Y. Historical Society. To carry out the part he wished me to attend to I waited on the Telegraphic Agent of the Associated Press, Mr. Craig, and made arrangements with him to telegraph a report I would furnish him with. I also tried to have every thing arranged through Bro. Stenhouse with the papers for the publication of the report, but found that the Colonel had already provided for this. Attended the lecture in the evening. Its subject was “the Executive of Utah.” Its delivery was called for in the present feeble condition of the lecturer’s health by the danger in which Governor Cumming stood of being superseded, which might prove disastrous in some respects to us. For, deficient as Cumming is in many respects in many of those qualifications which we think a Governor ought to possess, yet he is a man who thus far has not sided with our enemies, and were he to be removed and another be appointed, we could not expect <hope> to get a man who would do so well, and <we> might get a bitter and uncompromising enemy. The lecture was intended to bolster up Cumming, to create a feeling in his favor and give prominence to the part he took in bringing about a peace; <in fact> to make a hero of him before the country and make it impolitic for Buchanan to remove him; it would also let the President know where the Colonel stood on this point. The audience was a highly respectable one both in numbers and intelligence, and paid good attention. The Col. is a good lecturer, eloquent, witty and pleasant. There was one thing with which I <was> much struck, and that was the courage of the lecturer and his devotion to the interests of a poor, friendless but yet righteous people. In this age when utter selfishness is the prevailing characteristic, when no man of any position can be found who will risk his reputation in the least by advocating the cause of an oppressed and despised people, nor even defending their rights or admitting that they have any rights, it is cheering to see a man occupying the position of Col. Kane, come forward, having just arose from his bed where he has been confined by a long and painful illness, and in the presence of a fashionable audience deliver a lecture not to make himself popular, not to favor any end in which he can be supposed to be in the least interested; but to avert evils with which we, as a people, are threatened, to befriend a people who are universally hated, and whom, he if he were to partake of the prejudices of his associates by birth and education, he would heartily despise. Such instances of heroism, such love of truth and right, are extremely rare, and they will bring down from the God of truth and righteousness <His> blessings and reward equally rare. May he and his family be blessed in time and throughout all eternity, is my prayer.
I did not stay to hear the lecture through, as I had to take my report to the Telegraph Office before it closed.
22 March 1859 • Tuesday
Tuesday, March 22/59. I hunted up a cousin of Elizabeth’s (my wife’s) this afternoon. His name is Nicholas Deboise Herder; he is a wholesale Grocer. His mother, Catherine Hoagland, was a sister of my Father-in-law. She died last fall. I had a pleasant conversation with him at his place of business, and, when learning that I intended leaving in the morning, he pressed me to stop with him all night. I consented, and repaired to his house. He introduced me to his father – an old man of 84 years of age – to his wife, who appears to be a fine, gentle lady, and his children (he has five living) as his cousin, Uncle Abraham’s son-in-law. I never spent a more agreeable evening with strangers than this. They were affable, kind, and sufficiently familiar in their manners to make me feel at ease, and seemed much interested and pleased with myself and what I told them. They had a good many inquiries to make, which occupied much of the time; but still I found time to set forth many of the salient points of our faith and practice, which they listened to without expressing the slightest opposition, and even cousin Herder acknowledged many of our ideas to be correct and in accordance with his own views. He seems to be a liberal, unprejudiced man, and expressed his disapprobation of the course of the government towards us. I fancied I could see some resemblance in his manners to Father, and in some of his children, especially the two girls, I could <see> quite a resemblance to the Hoagland family. The eldest of the two girls reminded me very much of Elizabeth as she was when I first remember seeing her; the other little girl had some feature resemblance to Mary Hoagland (Chancey W. West’s wife.) Father Herder is hard of hearing; he was very much pleased to converse and hear about “Abraham,” who, he said, was the last one of the brothers and sisters, the old stock, living. He had the records of their births and deaths, which I copied, as well as his and Aunt Catherine’s <children’s> names and the names also of cousin Herder’s children. While I was engaged in copying the records, one of the boys <Frederick> played on the piano, and a younger brother, Philip Q., accompanied him on the violin; Charles, the eldest, also joined them in some of the tunes with his voice; they made pleasing music. The family appears to be well off and lives in good style. They had family prayers, and requested me to read a chapter and pray with them. I breakfasted with them on Wednesday, March 23/59. This visit I enjoyed very much. Before starting for Philadelphia, I made search for Uncle Joseph Quayle, mother’s brother, and after finding him had nearly two hours’ conversation with him. He was busy and wished me to stop till he could be at leisure; but I had to leave him, as I wished to reach Philadelphia this afternoon. I recognized him, though it must be upwards of 20 years since I saw him last. Reached Philadelphia at about 7 ½ p.m.
24 March 1859 • Thursday
Thursday, March 24/59. Found a package of letters at Adam’s Express Office from the Valley, brought through by Bro. John Y. Green to St Louis, and forwarded from there by Express. They were There was one letter from the President, the original of which I received while at St. Louis on my late trip; another document was a copy of a memorial of the Legislative Assembly of Utah to be admitted into the Union; another <was a> letter from Uncle John Taylor; it was quite lengthy and gave a description of affairs in the Territory. He informs me that Aunt’s health is poor. With these letters were two for Col. Kane. I went out to Fern Rock with these letters, but found that he was still absent at New York; I left them all with his wife. I finished my letter to Elizabeth to-day and gave her an account of my visit to her relatives. I also wrote a letter to Bro. Stenhouse giving a few of my ideas about the appointment of officers etc.
26 March 1859 • Saturday
Saturday, March 26th/59. Variously engaged.
27 March 1859 • Sunday
Sunday, March 27/59. Attended meeting in the hall, and had a good attendance. I spoke at some length, and was blessed with much freedom. I have been led in our last two meetings to speak more on the <first> principles than I have for some time previously; there have been several strangers present during our late meetings. In the evening I attended meeting at Sister Pollack’s, and spoke at some length, reasoning on the principles; there were a number of strangers present. In the forenoon of to-day I attended council meeting of the officers of the branch; after transacting various items of business, the case of a man by the name of [blank] was brought up, and he was brought before the council. He had left a wife and children in England; she had refused, so he said, to emigrate with him; and since his arrival here he had asked the counsel of the President of the branch about marrying again, but had been counseled by him not to do so. He had lately married a woman, a member of the Church, and they had been married by some civil officer. When the brethren were speaking on the subject, he offered some remarks and said that he knew before he came that we had determined to cut him off, and “we might cut him off if we loiked.” After the brethren had all spoken, I got up and I proceeded to show him and the brethren the impropriety and inconsistency of his course; he had left one wife and children in England; what did he leave her for? Was it to come to Philadelphia to marry another wife, raise up another family by her, and leave her as he did the other when he got tired of her, under the pretence of going to Zion? Was it for this he left England? or was it go to Zion? If it were to go to Zion, what was he doing here? Why was he not on his way, instead of “knocking about from place to place without having a home,” as he says in excusing himself for marrying? I spoke at some length on these points and on principles connected with marriage, showing the proper course to be pursued in such matters, and also told him that I felt myself and the council <insulted> by his language. We had not prejudged his case, and I believed there was not a man present in whose bosom the feeling of mercy and desire to save him was not the predominating feeling (the brethren said that was true). He ought to be ashamed of himself for making such remarks; they were an evidence to me that he had little or no confidence in the priesthood. My feelings were that he should ask forgiveness of the brethren for these remarks, and that he should gather up to Zion, and if he would not do these things that he should be cut off. Bro. Renseimer got up to make a few remarks afterwards, in the course of which, he said something about cutting him off; he immediately bounced on to his feet, jammed his hat on his head. and told said that we might cut him off then, and rushed out of the house. He was cut off.
28 March 1859 • Monday
Monday, March 28th/59. I went out to Fern Rock to-day. I had a long conversation with the Colonel, and stayed tea. He feels quite cheerful and thinks the prospects are as good in many respects as could be expected. Public feeling is beginning to be as it was before any of the troubles commenced and he hoped that matters would become more and more favorable for us. His lecture had had the desired effect, and Governor Cumming was safe in his position for the present. Visited during <the week> Bro. Beers, Sister Cook and several of the Saints.
3 April 1859 • Sunday
Sunday, April 3/59. Held meeting in the afternoon. Attended to the Sacrament, and I preached and then gave the meeting up to the Saints to bear testimony. We had a spirited meeting and I enjoyed the it much, as did also the Saints. In the evening I attended meeting in Bro. Maeser’s1 house, Bro. Slaw’s district. I spoke on the duties of parents to children and children to parents, of husbands to wives and wives to husbands, etc.
4 April 1859 • Monday
Monday, April 4th/59. Variously engaged. In afternoon visited Bro. James Thompson and spent an agreeable evening in company with Bro. Sis. Thompson, Bro. and Sis. Beers, Bro. & Sister Wright, and Bro. and Sister Traveller. Wrote to Bro. Coward.2
21 October 1859 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 21st, 1859. Twelve months today I landed at Florence from the Valley. This morning I was up early, called at Bro. Richard Morris’ and at Bro. Lark’s; I had conversation with the latter on Church matters. Started for Philadelphia; Sister Calkins accompanied me; she desired to see the country and visit the Saints. Took the cars to Trenton and then the steamboat to Philadelphia; arrived about 4 p.m. Stopped at Sister Fenton’s.
22 October 1859 • Saturday
Saturday, 22nd. Arose early and started at ½ past 7 to Minersville in company with Bro. Maeser. Made a mistake, and went to <past> Schuylkill Haven to Pottsville, and had to walk six or seven miles in consequence instead of two. I was not well, and grew very faint on the road; Bro. Maeser carried my carpet sack, and by resting frequently, I succeeded in reaching Bro. James Sewell’s house, Hecksherville. Was We were cordially welcomed, and I was glad to get to the house of a friend.
23 October 1859 • Sunday
Sunday, 23rd. Ascended the mountain and was shown by Bro. Sewell slopes where coal had been dug. I felt to sympathise very much with the brethren in this neighborhood; they are all coal miners, and have to descend daily into the bowels of the earth at the risk of their lives to earn a subsistence for themselves and families. Accidents were not uncommon, and they were all more or less scarred and cut up; one of the brethren about a year ago was killed by part of his head being blown away; others had only been kept from death by the exercise of faith and the administration of the ordinance. I want to see them get out of these dangers, and though they have not much means, yet I counseled them to get ready to go West in the Spring.
In the afternoon held meeting. The Sacrament was administered, and I spoke to a goodly number of Saints, followed by Bro. Maeser. Took tea with Bro. Moffatt. In evening held meeting again; I addressed the Saints.
24 October 1859 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 24/59. Writing &c. Took tea at Bro. Marsden’s. Held meeting in evening; Bro. Sewell spoke, followed by myself and Bro. Maeser. An excellent spirit prevailed in this as well as the other meetings. The people They appear to be a good people and an excellent spirit prevails. I have been agreeably disappointed in the people <them> and their houses, and manner of living; I was not prepared to see so cleanly a people. They are a <very> kind hearted, people and have treated us with all possible kindness <regard.> This mountain air is very bracing to me, and my appetite is very keen. Bro. Sewell is president of the branch, and is much beloved by the people, and he is attached to them; they say he shall not leave them; they are determined to stick to him, and he is equally averse to leaving them.
25 October 1859 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 25th. A beautiful morning. We start on our return over the mountain to Minersville, where we take the cars to Schuylkill <Cressona.> Haven. We took with us a dog, a very fine spaniel, that I bought of one of the sisters with the expectation of taking it through to the Valley. We tied him up for the night; but he got loose, in the night, and when we arose in the morning he was nowhere to be seen. We stopped at Bro. <A. M.> Mortimer’s, President of the Branch. He is foreman of the carpenters and painters on the RailRoad. We took supper at Bro. Rudy’s. Mrs. Mortimer and Mrs. Rudy are not in the Church. The appearance of the coal fields at Hecksherville and Minersville, reminded me of the volcanic craters of the Sandwich Islands – the extinct crater of Hale-a-Ka-la on Maui and the active volcano of Kilauea on Hawaii – the piles of coal looking like the heaps of lava and scoria found in the bottoms of the craters.
26 October 1859 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Oct. 26th/59. I wrote a letter to Elizabeth. Snowed to-day quite heavily through the afternoon. Held meeting in the evening; I spoke with considerable freedom. A young man was present who did not belong to the Church, who I heard afterwards said that he was satisfied that the gospel as taught by us was true; and I think will likely be baptized.
27 October 1859 • Thursday
Thursday, 27th. Started this morning to Schuylkill Haven, there took the cars to Harrisburgh, via Reading. Stopped at Harrisburgh through the night.
28 October 1859 • Friday
Friday, 28th. After breakfast took the cars to Chambersburgh, thence went by stage to Quincy, where we were met by Bro. David Robison who took us to the his house and entertained us kindly. Bro. David Robison and Bro. Wm Robison, brothers of Bro. Daniel, and their father spent the evening with us.
29 October 1859 • Saturday
Saturday, 29th. Slept last night for the first time in my life under a feather bed, a Penn Dutch fashion; a very warm covering. Visited the Saints through the day.
30 October 1859 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 30th, 1859. Stopped last night at Bro. David Robison’s. Administered to his wife for the neuralgia or tooth-ache and she was instantaneously relieved. Held council meeting this morning and the case of Bro [surname redacted] was brought up. He was charged with drunkenness and with being seen in a house of ill-fame. This man holds the priesthood of a Seventy and was at Nauvoo; but he has now become a complete slave to his appetite for strong drink. He has repeatedly promised to repent, and begged the brethren to have mercy upon him and they have borne with him till they are tired. He acknowledged what he was charged with; but denied having commited anything criminal. I talked very severely upon his course of conduct; but, as he besought mercy to be extended to him, I told the brethren to try him once more and they consented. He has had an idea, so I was informed, that being a Seventy the branch could not handle him, but I undeceived him on this point and told the branch how to proceed in such cases. If a man held a standing in a quorum in Zion, no branch outside of Zion could cut him off; but they could disfellowship him, and forward the minutes of their proceedings to his quorum in Zion, and they could take the necessary action upon him and if need be cut him off.
Held public meeting in the afternoon in the school house; a good many strangers were present. I spoke and had much of the spirit, and several afterwards acknowledged that what had been preached was true. Some two or three drunken fellows attempted to disturb the meeting; I called once or twice but it only had the effect to keep them quiet for a few moments. The presiding elder, Bro. Daniel Robison, finally went to them and told them if they [did not] stop their noise they would be put out of meeting. They made some remarks in reply and he called on his brother Wm to put them out. Wm Robison, a fiery, fearless man, a man, though not very large, of whom the whole country stands in dread he is so strong and, terrible when roused, stepped towards them, and for a few moments the whole house was in commotion, fully expecting a row. I called to Wm to stop and sit down; but he told me afterwards he did not hear me. When he went to them, they hauled in, and acted as though they would rather have him keep off and not touch them. They afterwards sat quiet while they remained in the meeting. After the meeting, they quarreled among themselves, each blaming the other as the cause of the disturbance and got so far, one of them did, as to rub his fist under the nose of the other two and dare them to fight, saying he could whip them both.
Took tea at Sister Miller’s; Mr. M. is not in the Church but is favorable and makes calculations I believe on gathering in the spring. Mrs. M. is a Lang; they are rather numerous here. In evening held meeting at Bro. Daniel Robison’s house. The house was very much crowded and numbers stood outside. We blessed a child of Bro. R’s before commencing to speak; it was named George Cannon. This is the second child that has been named after me lately; Bro. Spencer in Philadelphia has a son named Geo. Cannon. I spoke to the people, showing from the scriptures that such a work as this must that we testified of must come forth, and must accomplish what this is now accomplishing, or the words of the prophets and apostles would fail; and reasoned at great length on the condition they world would be in when it should come forth, and what effect its coming forth would have. The congregation was very attentive, seemed completely enchained, and it is seldom that I <have> spoken with greater freedom and power.
Before the meeting this evening, in company with Bro. Maeser and other elders, I administered again to Sister Robison, she having been out and exposed herself and received another attack of severe tooth-ache. She obtained immediate relief; but I felt the <same> symptoms, stronger than I ever experienced in my life before; I did not have them long, however, I never have had the regular tooth-ache, this is was the nearest approach to it of anything I ever had before.
The people in this neighborhood have been and still are much terrified at the recent outbreak at Harper’s Ferry, and some of them who have heard the elders for years back, preaching and prophesying of calamity, disunion &c begin to remember their words and think they are coming true; some of them are quite excited on the subject. In my remarks I dwelt on these subjects somewhat, told them that they had been duly warned, and now they were without excuse.
31 October 1859 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 31st, 1859. Started this morning for Philadelphia, took the stage from Quincy to Chambersburg, then by cars to Harrisburgh, then by cars to Philadelphia, where we arrive about 9 o’clock p.m.
1 November 1859 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Expected to go, in company with Bro. Maeser to visit some branches in Delaware; but instead of coming down to go, Bro. Maeser came down with the word that Bro. Louis Bertrand was at house from the Valley having been appointed with seven others on a mission to Europe; his place of labor being France. I immediately started up to see him. He was well and had been here a day or two. Capt. Hooper, our Delegate to Congress, had been the Captain of the Company across the plains. They left home on the 20th of Sept. and had been 28 days on the road. Bros. N. V. Jones, John Van Cott, Jacob Gates, Milo Andrus[,] Elias H. Blackburn, Wm Gibson and [blank] and himself were the missionaries. Bro. Van Cott and Bro. [blank] were on a mission to Scandanavia, the rest were for the British Isles. The rest had gone to Boston and were to start on the steamer to-morrow. This was unexpected. I looked for some coming down; but I scarcely expected they would push through so hurriedly. I could not bear the idea of their going without my seeing them, so I concluded I would leave immediately for Boston and have an interview with them; it would do me good I knew, besides I would be able to get news, which Bro. Bertrand, being a foreigner, and rather retiring in his habits therefore not much acquainted, could not give me. I telegraphed to Bro. Eardley, president of Boston Branch, of the brethren being there, and desired him to hunt them up and that I was coming. I started from Philadelphia, Sister Calkins also concluding to return at the same time, on the 11 a.m. train, reached New York in time for the 4 p.m. steamer to Stonington at which place she connected with the cars for Boston, which latter place I arrived <reached> at about 4 ½ a.m.
2 November 1859 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 2nd/59 I repaired to Bro. Eardley’s house and found himself and family well. He had not succeeded in finding the brethren; he had found that they had taken passage, but not where they were stopping. I tried to find a list of those who had arrived at the hotels; but could not, and finally concluded the only chance was to watch the ferry where they crossed to go to the Steamer. We had only watched a short time when they came along in a carriage. I recognized them immediately and Bro. Jones did me, as also the rest when I went up to them. Bro. Gibson was not with them, having stopped at the Bluffs to get means to bring him East.1
18 July ff. Travel west across the plains
1 August Continued travel; found large hail stones; Fort Laramie (in present-day Wyoming)
5 August Left sacks of flour “for the last hand-cart company for fear they should be short”
6 August Grieved to learn that some in the company had “ruptured themselves in pulling”
6 November Travel east to Florence, Nebraska Territory
12–29 November Arrived in New York
8–20 December Thoughts on conflicts in the Union; travel to England
18 July 1860 • Wednesday
Wednesday, July 18th, 1860. Bro’s. Hooper and Eldredge having started yesterday and expecting I would start to-day and overtake them; but one of President Young’s mules, which Bro. Andrew J. Moffitt was going to work home, was gone and I did not wish to start without him, so I spent the day until about 4 p.m. in settling, arranging my affairs &c. The cattle for Bro. Budge’s company were divided today, Bro. Woolley kindly taking charge of the business to give me time to fix. We loaded the carriage and Bro. James Lamb, who was going with me as teamster, took it around to the camp of Bros. J. W. Young and D. Savage, while I went out to Bro. Budge’s camp and stopped with Bro. Williams.
19 July 1860 • Thursday
Thursday. Settled with the company and held meeting and gave such instructions as the Spirit dictated. The people felt well. I impressed upon the officers the necessity of making good time and being energetic in their movements, which they promised they would. The brethren came up with the carriage; but Bro. Moffitt <not> having found one of the President’s mules that were in his charge and which he intended working home, he concluded he would wait and search for it and follow us up, I promising to wait at Fremont, 35 miles from Florence, for him to come up. The company gave me three cheers as we left, Bro. Lamb and myself going alone. We had four mules on our wagon, two of them mine and two loaned to me for the trip by Bro. Savage. The flies were very thick after leaving the <Elk> Horn and our animals suffered. Camped at Fremont. Remained next day waiting for Bro. Moffitt. He arrived about six p.m. with both mules. We started and traveled that evening 15 miles and camped at North Bend of Platte.
21 July 1860 • Saturday
Saturday, July 21/60. Started about 8 A.M. Nooned at a bend of the Platte. Camped <for the night> on the Looking Glass Creek in company with Bros. Sharp, <J.H> Johnson & others. day’s travel about 42 miles.
22 July 1860 • Sunday
Sunday, Started early, breakfasted at Genoa, eight miles from our previous night’s camp. Had a mule shod and crossed the ferry. Bros. Hooper & Eldredge were about 22 hours ahead of us. Yesterday we passed Capt. A. D. Haight’s train at Cleveland in camp. – Sixteen miles from the ferry across to the Platte, where we stopped two hours with Bro. John Y. Green who is in charge of Hooper & Eldredge’s mule train. Bro. Calkin is in the company. Took tea with Bro. Green. Traveled till a little after sundown and camped at the Lone tree Marmoy’s station. Day’s travel 40 miles.
23 July 1860 • Monday
Monday. Started early. Breakfasted after starting, turning out our mules. Nooned on Wood River. Reached J. E. Johnson’s about sundown on Wood River and found Bros. Hooper & Eldredge waiting for me. We all rejoiced. Their patience was almost exhausted. Days travel 45 miles.
24 July 1860 • Tuesday
Tuesday, July 24th Started about 9 a.m. traveled 23 miles and stopped for dinner, while here two of the brethren’s mules ran back, Bro. Eldredge followed them on horseback and Bro. Moffitt followed him with the carriage; they caught them 15 miles back. Started about 6 p.m. passed the Hand Cart company under Capt Oscar O. Stoddard. They were getting along very well and felt in fine spirits. They had been celebrating the day. They were about 200 or 210 miles out. Camped without water. Day’s travel 31 miles.
25 July 1860 • Wednesday
Wednesday, July 25/60. Started early[.] Traveled 14 miles and breakfasted on Elm Creek. Nooned on Buffalo Creek. Missed the old pioneer road which we intended to take. Watered in the evening at the Platte and then drove to a place where we hoped to be free from musquoties. They were very thick, as they have been ever since we started; by raising a smoke we drove them off.
26 July 1860 • Thursday
Thursday. Rained after starting. Breakfasted on the Platte. Stopped at Cold Spring and then started and crossed Carrion Creek and camped a few miles from it on the bottom. It rained hard in the night. Musquitoes were very thick.
27 July 1860 • Friday
Friday, July 27th/60. Heavy road part of the day. Crossed North Bluff fork, and passed over sand ridge. Camped in the afternoon with Brigham H. Young’s company and close to Capt. John Taylor of Iowa City’s company; both had 24 wagons in their company. We concluded to stop the night with them. This day’s drive was a short one. In Brigham’s company there had been several sick with bilious fever but all were better. Neither company had lost any cattle, and they were making good time and were in excellent spirits. They were about 330 miles out.
28 July 1860 • Saturday
Saturday. My mules went back a few miles in the night which made our start later. Crossed heavy sand ridges. Breakfasted on Small spring creek. Camped for night near Wolf Creek. Day’s travel about 38 miles.
29 July 1860 • Sunday
Sunday, July 29th/60. Breakfasted at Castle Creek, about 14 miles from where we camped. Nooned on the Platte 18 miles from Castle Creek. Camped for the night. We passed a grave this afternoon on the head board of which was written the name of John Adey (a young man aged 27 years from Philadelphia) who shot himself <by accident> on the 8th of July and died on the 15th. I was much grieved to learn of so unfortunate an occurrence; he was a young man much esteemed by the officers of and members of the Philadelphia branch.
30 July 1860 • Monday
Monday, July 30th/60. Started early, were detained after starting by heating of Bro. Eldredge’s carriage axle. Crossed Cobble Hills, passed Ancient Bluffs Ruins and took dinner a little beyond Sand hills about 26 miles from place of starting. Traveled 14 ½ miles to opposite Chimney Rock, feed poor and kept on for about 6 miles and camped. Stormed as it has done for several days, mostly thunder & lightning.
31 July 1860 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Started early, breakfasted at Creek south of road four miles west of Scott’s Bluffs, about 18 miles from last night’s camp. Travelled about 13 miles and camped for dinner. Started again and watered at Creek and not finding feed, kept on and camped about 21 miles from where we dined, making day’s travel about 51 or 52 miles.
1 August 1860 • Wednesday
Wednesday, August 1st/60. Crossed Rawhide Creek, which was full of water; there had been a terrible storm or storms in this neighborhood; the evidences of it are to be seen for 20 miles back in the flooded roads and the traces of streams which have washed through every low place and the vegetation which has been cut down as though with a scythe by the hail. This morning I found a large pile, at least two bushels, of hail stones, some of which when I found them were larger than pigeon’s eggs, though they <had> fallen at least 36 hours and been exposed to yesterday’s sun, which was extremely hot; they were covered with the trash that had been washed with them to the spot where I found them accumulated. Breakfasted a short distance from the crossing of the Platte opposite Fort Laramie. Found the river too high to ford. Sent a man to the Fort on a mule for the Ferryman. He could not be found and we attempted to ferry ourselves and crossed with Bro. Eldredge’s carriage and four mules when the man rode up. We all crossed in safety. His charge for the three wagons was $7.50. Stopped at the Fort and bought some provisions. Camped about 8 miles from the Fort on the Platte. Cool, pleasant night. It feels good to get in the mountains once more.
2 August 1860 • Thursday
Thursday, Aug. 2nd. Started early. Road rolling. Watered at Cottonwood Creek and stopped for breakfast about a mile further at feed. I wrote by the Poney Express to the President from the Fort yesterday, informing him about ourselves and the companies. Traveled until ½ past 4 p.m. and camped without water, having watered the animals at Horse Shoe Creek. Started at ½ past 6 and traveled until about 8 and found some water standing in Creek bed, watered and drove on to La Bonte, camped without feed for mules.
3 August 1860 • Friday
Friday, 3rd. Five mules were gone, we did not get started therefore until about 7 a.m. Crossed the creek and stopped to feed the mules and breakfast about a mile from crossing. Traveled on to A La Prele, watered, filled our kegs and camped for dinner at feed about 1½ miles beyond. Road rolling, struck the Platte and camped near it and about 2 miles from Deer Creek. Day’s travel about 35 miles.
4 August 1860 • Saturday
Saturday, After starting this morning saw a camp on the North side of river nearly opposite <mouth of> Deer Creek. Went down & hailed some of the people and learned that it was Capt. Ross’ company. I crossed the river to them on a mule and found them all well. They had had, so far, a pleasant & prosperous trip, had lost only two oxen. Bro. Smith (the Patriarch) was below them with his company; he had had some sickness among his people. We did not see his company. I was pleased to see the people feeling so well and progressing so finely. Stopped for breakfast two miles west of Deer Creek. I obtained two sacks of corn from Bro. Ross’ company that they had brought for me from Florence, I taking some luggage of them to send through for them to the Valley by one of the teams in its stead. Nooned near the Upper Bridge over the Platte, which we crossed paying $1 per wagon. This bridge has been put up at an expense of $40,000. Ascending for a few miles, then rolling to the Mineral Springs, (1♢½) miles from Bridge, where we camped; feed tolerable. Day’s travel 39 miles.
5 August 1860 • Sunday
Sunday, Aug. 5th/60. Travelled over rolling land to Clear, spring creek, 13 ½ miles from Mineral Spring. After starting again was met by a very violent wind. The sand and gravel were blown with such force in our and the animal’s faces that we had to turn our backs to it until it subsided. Arrived at Greaswood Creek just as Capt. Murphy’s company had rolled out. While the brethren stopped to noon I went on afoot after the company. I found them all well and their cattle looking finely. They had not lost a hoof since they started. We camped at Independence Rock together and in evening held meeting. I spoke and was followed by Bro’s. Eldredge & Hooper. I made arrangements for with Capt. Murphy for him to leave 15 sacks of Flour with Louis Silver at the Three crossings of the Sweetwater for the last hand-cart company for fear they should be short; the first <hand-cart> company having consumed much more than we calculated they would and I thought it might be so with the last. Capt. M. has to be met with the same amount at Bridger in place of that left by him. Had several mules shod at the station here.
6 August 1860 • Monday
Monday, 6th. Started before <after> breakfast stopped near split rock about 20 miles. Overtook Bro. Franklin Brown’s company and the hand-cart company; they were camped near the Three Crossings of Sweetwater. They were generally in good health and spirits and their cattle looked well. They had had an increase of two births, but no deaths. I was much grieved to learn that four or five of the brethren and some of the sisters had ruptured themselves in pulling. It saddened me much to think of this, and my prayer to the Lord is that He will bless them and overrule every thing in such a manner that this may never prove a detriment to them. I know that His is the power to control every circumstance of a man’s life, and He can bless and prosper or can curse and destroy as seemeth good in His sight. We held meeting in the evening, an excellent spirit prevailed and myself and Bro. Hooper had considerable freedom in speaking.
7 August 1860 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Aug. 7th/60. Breakfasted at 4th crossing. Found the Seminoe cut-off rutted up by teams that had traveled while the ground was wet. Concluded to go the old road. Nooned at Fifth Crossing and stopped to bait in the evening near in the hills near the Rocky Ridge, which we crossed after the Moon rose and camped at Quaking Aspen grove. Day’s travel 46 miles. We found this a delightful place to camp.
8 August 1860 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 8th. Breakfasted before starting. Went through the Pass and nooned on Pacific Creek. Crossed the Dry Sandy and baited near the junction of the Utah & Oregon roads. Next drive took us to Little Sandy. Days travel 47 miles.
9 August 1860 • Thursday
Thursday, 9th. Breakfasted at Big Sandy. One of my mules was very sick to-day with the Cholic; I never saw an animal suffer so much. I doctored him and finally administered to him, he became much better. We ferried Green River at our ferry; it was in charge of a mountaineer. We came this side some distance and camped without water; feed excellent. We stopped at ¼ of 12 p.m. Days travel about 50 miles.
10 August 1860 • Friday
Friday, 10th. Breakfasted at Black’s fork near junction with Ham’s fork.1
6 November 1860 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 6th/60. Started from Fremont very early in morning, traveled 15 miles to Elk Horn and breakfasted. The road was frozen to the Horn, but from there to Florence it was thawed and very bad traveling; we reached there about 4 p.m. the animals very much tired.
7–10 November 1860 • Tuesday through Friday
Nov. 7th to 10th. Busily employed during this period in appraising the brethren’s outfit and settling up with them. Bros. Sabin and Bennet were selected to take charge of the animals through the winter; they were to take them out toward the Desmoines country.
11 November 1860 • Sunday
Sunday, the 11th. Bro. Orson Pratt, by invitation of some leading citizens of Omaha, preached in the U.S. Court Room to a large congregation. The people were interested and his remarks were generally liked.
12–29 November 1860 • Monday through Thursday
Monday to Wednesday the 14th. Waiting at Omaha for a boat which has been expected for six days. Went aboard about 3 p.m. in company with some twenty-five of the elders and sisters; very much crowded, accommodations but limited. Landed at St. Joe on Sunday, the 18th, in the morning. Left on Monday morning for Chicago, reached there the next morning; bought <first class> tickets for the party at 2nd class rates, settled with Schuttler and attended to other business. I sent Elizabeth in charge of David to visit her relatives in Michigan, while I went back to St. Louis to see Capt. Hooper and see about converting a draft, drawn on myself <for funds> to payment of for the brethren’s outfit bought by the Church. Went by the C. Alton & St. L. R. R., reached there on Wednesday morning. Capt. H. did not reach in time for business from St. J. that day. I saw him Thursday morning. Could not sell the draft. Left in evening for Quincy in company with Bro’s Kay, Staines & Needham & Sister Voyce; detained on way; reached there late Friday night. Went by rail to Chicago in morning. For want of opportunity, had to stop until Sunday night. Reached Detroit Monday, the 26th, the brethren went on, I remained to get Elizabeth. She had enjoyed her visit. Left on evening train and reached New York Tuesday night. Visited Elizabeth’s cousin, N. D. Herder, on Thursday, thanksgiving day. Stopped with Bro. Miles at Brooklyn. Met with the Saints at Brooklyn on the same evening, Thursday.
1 December 1860 • Saturday
On Saturday, Dec. 1st. Fifteen of the elders started for Liverpool, to-day, on the City of Baltimore. George J. Taylor and my brother David were among them.
2–6 December 1860 • Sunday through Thursday
Sunday, Dec. 2. Bro. Orson Pratt arrived a day or two since, we met with the officers in council this morning; in afternoon and evening held public meetings, Bro. Orson and myself spoke, he leading in both meetings with great power. Busy on Monday securing six passages: Bro’s. Kay, Staines, Needham & Spencer and myself and Elizabeth, on the Steamship “Arago” for Southampton. Our reason for taking passage on this vessel was that we could save $25 pr. head by so doing which would pay our fare from S. to Liverpool and leave a respectable balance. We paid $50 pr. head for 2nd Cabin. Left in evening for Philadelphia. <Mr. &> Sister Fenton & family were glad to see us. Remained here until Thursday morning. I visited while at P. Col. Kane at his Aunt’s residence, Gray’s lane, on Wednesday and had, as usual, a pleasant visit. He was in good health & spirits. I also visited Mr. & Sister Wilkinson.
8–20 December 1860 • Saturday through Thursday
Saturday, Dec. 8th 1860. Went on board the “Arago” in company with the others. Bro’s. Orson & Erastus and other brethren were there to see us start; it was snowing.
Since our arrival in the States, on the day of the Presidential election, the nation has been shaken to its centre, and it still totters. No sooner did the South learn that Abraham Lincoln was elected by a majority of President and Hannibal Hamlin, Vice President of the United States by a majority of the popular vote, than they began to take steps to withdraw from the Union. This was particularly the case with South Carolina, who expressed herself with great unanimity as being determined to secede, and made every preparation to carry this into effect. In the cotton states, her neighbors, there was also a large party who held similar views: Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi – and every encouragement was given by these ultra men to the South Carolinians. Throughout the entire South the feeling of opposition towards Mr. Lincoln, his party and their principles, was very strong. It needed but his election – the triumph of his party and principles, to awaken the liveliest apprehensions in their breasts for the safety of their domestic institution – slavery. The ultra men of the South – the party of which I have been speaking – held the idea that submission on their part to his election would be unworthy of them and their ancestry, and that now was the time to dissolve the connexion which had become hateful with the North. But there was another party who thought that such a course was <would> be hasty and uncalled for. They denounced Mr. Lincoln, deplored his election; but as he had been elected constitutionally, they thought his election should be submitted to, and if he administered the laws faith fully and impartially, then, all right; but if he should not do so, and should seek to build up his section (the North) at the expense of the South, and wage war on their institutions, then they South should solemnly arise in their might and vindicate their rights and dissolve all further connexion with the North. These feelings divided the South to a certain extent; but it needed but the veriest trifle to unite them on this subject; those who counseled moderation the most strongly, and called themselves “Union men,” only would only continue such until certain contingencies should arise.
The signs of the times indicate the near approach of those events foretold by the Lord, through the Prophet Joseph, in the revelation given Dec. 25th, 1832, beginning with the rebellion of South Carolina. How thankful I have felt, in looking at the prospects before this nation and the other nations of the earth, that the Lord has established his Church and Kingdom and that I have a standing in it.
We were but little <sea->sick (Elizabeth vomiting somewhat) until Tuesday morning early, the 11th, when the vessel pitched so heavily that it made Bro. Needham, Elizabeth and myself very sea-sick and we continued very bad until Sunday, the 16th, a fine day and smooth sea, when we all felt better and from that time on Bro. N. & myself were not so bad, though I was not able to sit up but very little, I could walk the deck occasionally, however. Elizabeth from Sun Monday morning <the 17th> until Thursday was unable to keep anything on her stomach, vomiting constantly almost. She became very weak; the first food she kept down I fed her by tablespoonfuls with an interval between. The weather was mild after leaving Cape Race, which we passed about 11 p.m. Wednesday, the 12th, and we had but little wind during the passage. On Thursday afternoon <the 20th Dec.> about 4 ½ p.m. we caught sight of the Scilly light (St. Agnes.) The sea became smoother; but no sooner had we struck soundings than we felt a great change in the atmosphere, it was much colder.1
16 July ff. Problems with sinful actions of missionaries
17 July Visit to Crystal Palace, London
20 July Lamented: “How much misery and trouble one wicked man can make!”
21 July ff. Stated the need for more confidence in the living oracles than in the written word
22 July Visited Edinburgh, Scotland
23 July “A kinder man did not breathe the breath of heaven” than Brigham Young
3 August Manchester, England; visit to Zoological Gardens
11 August Talk on “confidence on the part of the saints in the living Priesthood”
17 August Extract from letter to Brigham Young
19 August ff. Visit with mother’s Quayle family
23 August Visit to steamship the Great Eastern—“the greatest ship in the world”
30 August Letter to Joseph F. Smith regarding the Bradford Branch in West Yorkshire, England
1 September Conference in the Assembly Rooms in Nottingham; “led by the Spirit”
18 September ff. Visit to the Isle of Man; family connections
6 October Semiannual conference in the Temperance Hall in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales; improved public relations
12 October Visit to Leicester, “Babylon exemplified”
21 October Talk on the example of Nephi; have faith to “escape from Babylon”
22 October Copy of letter “from President [Brigham] Young dated Sept. 18th”
3 November Principle of tithing; urged faithfulness; “this Church has a Credit with the world”
8 November Letter to Elders Van der Woude and Schettler in Holland
19 November Response to an intemperate letter sent by “Bro. Adams” to newspaper editor
23 November Arranging emigration; “war risks on all vessels bearing the American flag”
7 December “Excitement throughout England” regarding the Mason and Slidell affair
24 December Quilt burned in the Cannon apartment
30 December Genealogical notes
Source Note
Daybook, 1861
George Q. Cannon, Daybook, 12 July–17 Nov. 1861; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 136 inscribed pages; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Small pocket-size notebook measuring 4½ × 3 × ½ inches (11 × 8 × 1 cm). The white, unlined paper of the text block measures 4½ × 2⅝Â inches (11 × 7 cm). The text block is made up of seventy-four leaves and two flyleaves, one at the front and one at the back. The endpapers have a nonpareil marbling pattern with red, yellow, orange, green, and black. The cover is made of dark green leather. The front cover has a built-in pocket for loose papers, which opens to the inside. The cover is also bound with a pouch for a small writing instrument and had a clasp, which is now damaged, for securing the covers. The edges of the text block are marbled with a similar pattern as the pastedowns. The inside front cover and recto of the first flyleaf bear a printed schedule of mailing costs titled “Stamp Act Information.” A plain white archival sticker on the front cover bears the typed call number “Ms d 5504 | fd 1 v. 1”.
Cannon’s daybooks were donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one of his grandsons at an unspecified time.
12–13 July 1861 • Friday to Saturday1
Friday, July 12, 1861. Left Liverpool this afternoon for Birmingham on my way to London for the purpose of joining Bros. Lyman & Rich in holding Conference there. I stopped with Brother Mills at Birmingham and was very hospitably received and entertained by himself and Sister Mills: next evening Saturday, I left Birmingham at eight o’clock and reached London at about 2 p.m. When I got out at the Station I met Bro’s Bull and Bramall, they having got into the same train at a way Station. We were glad to meet, and we went together to 30 Florence Street, where we found Bros Rich, Lyman, and sons, Bro’s John Brown, J. S. Brown, Geo. J. Taylor, S. L. Adams, and Bro. Staines, who is the President of the London Conference. Bro. Amasa’s health was not so good as usual, his late labors had been very arduous and he needed rest. Talked over various matters of business and among things talked over the case of Elder [first and last name redacted] who was living in adultery and made a motion which was carried to cut him off from the Church.
14 July 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, July 14, 1861. Attended Priesthood meeting in forenoon Bros. Lyman, Rich and myself talked to the Officers; a good spirit prevailed. Was taken to dinner <& afterward to tea> at Coffee House by Bro. [blank]
In afternoon the Conference was represented by Bro. Staines, Bro. Rich followed by motioning to sustain the authorities after which I preached and had pretty good liberty. Bro. Amasa followed. In evening Bro. Amasa preached a very good discourse. The hall was exceedingly crowded throughout the day.
15 July 1861 • Monday
Monday, July 15, 1861. Engaged during forenoon in business. Appointed Bro. Edwin Scott, who has been acting as President of the Essex Conference; but for the improper and unwise course he has taken had been released as travelling Elder in that Conference, and appointed Bro. Geo. J. Taylor to preside over the Conference. In afternoon went to Dr. Kahn’s museum and attended a lecture. The lecture was instructive and set forth in plainness the great wrongs that the young inflict upon themselves by the practice contracted in youth at a time when they were ignorant of the dire consequences that followed. In evening listened to a lengthy chapter in the experience of Elder W. C. Staines; the subject commenced by referring to the corrupt practices of many men who held the priesthood <in this Country,> – their defiling themselves with women &c, then referred to the fearful amount brought to light by catechising the saints in Zion, at which point the relation of his experience began.
16 July 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, July 16, 1861. In the house all day. Letters from Scotland inform us of the citing of Bro. John Tobin to trial before the priesthood of the Glasgow Branch for improper conduct towards females – attempting to gratify his passions by inducing them to let him lie with them and partial triumph over Bro. David M. Stuart in the Council meeting in his endeavor to call him to an account for it. Also a letter from Bro. Tobin to me appealing to the Presidency here for an investigation into the case. These letters were received on Wednesday morning and not Tuesday as stated above. On Tuesday afternoon and evening engaged in writing an editorial for the “Star” entitled “The past and present of the church.”
Wrote letters also to Liverpool to Bros. Perkes and Whittall giving instructions to them relative to matters there; also to Elizabeth, my wife.
17 July 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, July 17/61. Visited Crystal Palace to-day and spent the day the most agreeable of any that I ever remember spending in a similar employment. It is at Sydenham, about 8 or 10 miles from London. We went by rail from the city. The grounds around the palace are very extensive and most beautifully arranged, <statues,> ponds and beautiful fountains and delightful walks abounding. The lower portion of the grounds we did not get time to visit. But the Palace itself is a most magnificent affair. As you approach it from the front it seems more like the creation of the fairies and genie of whom we read when children than the product of man’s skill and labor. The building above the level of the floor is entirely of iron and glass, with the exception of a portion at the West front, which is pannelled with wood. The whole length of the main building is 1,608 feet, and the wings 574 feet each, making a length of 2,756 feet, which with the 720 feet in colonnade, leading from the railway station to the wings, gives a total length of 3,476 feet, or nearly three-quarters of a mile of ground covered with a transparent roof of glass. Its greatest width is 384 feet, general width 312 feet. Height of nave from ground floor is 110 feet 3 inches; height of central transept from ground floor 174 feet 3 inches. The total length of columns employed in the construction of the main buildings and wings would extend, if laid in a straight line, to a distance of sixteen miles and a quarter. The total weight of iron used in the main building and wings amounts to 9,641 tons, 17 cwt., 1 quarter. The superficial quantity of glass used is 25 acres; and weighs 500 tons; if the panes were laid side by side, they would extend to a distance of 48 miles; if end to end,to the almost incredible extent length of 242 miles. The glass employed in the roof is 1/13 of an inch in thickness. The quantity of bolts and rivets distributed over the main structure and wings weighs 175 tons, 1 cwt., 1 quarter; the nails hammered into the palace increase its weight by 103 tons, 6 cwt., and the amount of brickwork in the main building and wings (peirs, brick tunnel or shaft and basement under the Palace) is 15,391 cubic yards. The atmosphere of in the Palace is heated by means of hot weather water pipes, the water flowing and returning by means of the propulsions of heat from the boilers. The pipes for the conveyance of the hot water, laid under the floor of the main building, and around the wings, would, if placed in a straight line, and taken at an average circumference of 12 inches, stretch to a distance of more than 50 miles, and that the water in flowing from and returning to the boilers, travels one mile and three quarters. The general arrangment of the Heating Apparatus is as follows: <The boiler houses are placed at certain intervals> are nearly twenty-four feet below the surface of the flooring of the main building <and are placed at certain intervals, boiler houses>, <and> each containing contain two boilers capable of holding 11,000 gallons of water.2
18 July 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, July 18th, 1861 Writing Journal all forenoon. In afternoon went out with Brothers Staines, John Brown and James S. Brown in the city. Went first to the Joint Stock Bank to see them in relation to the payment of money by Bro. Staines and the giving of him some evidence as to its payment. Then visited various noted places in the city. The fire tower, Billingsgate, Royal Exchange, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower (only through the yard and not inside the building)[,] Newgate, the Post Office &c all of which places I shall have to omit the particulars respecting until a future visit as my visits were hasty to each. After supper this evening I was attacked by cholic, slightly at first but the pain increased until it became very violent. I was administered to by Bro’s Amasa and Charles and took some remedies. The brethren (A. M. L. & C. C. R) were very kind to me and did all in their power for me, washing my feet in warm water and rubbing my bowels with brandy &c. I slept well through the night but had pain.
19 July 1861 • Friday
Friday, July 19th, 1861. Bro’s Amasa M. Lyman and Wm C. Staines started this morning for Glasgow, Bro. . to attend the trial of Bro. Tobin and Bro. L. to visit his relatives; Bro. Rich stopped with me, I being unable to undertake the journey. I was in pain all day, and still unable to go to Glasgow in the evening as was expected.
20 July 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, 20th. Bro. Rich and myself started this morning. I do not remember ever having to take a trip in my ministerial labours that I disliked as much as I did this. It was expensive and I was still quite unwell and I could see nothing agreeable in the handling of the case when we reached. I felt that it would be disagreeable in its inception, in its progress and in its termination. How much misery and trouble one wicked man can make! How much affliction is produced by wicked actions! If the consequences could be realized, as they always follow wrong doing, before the commission of the wrong they would appear so appalling that the wrong doer would recoil from their commission. During the journey we had a disagreeable scene on the carriages. The air of the carriage was very close <stifling> when the window was closed, and as it was a warm, pleasant day Bro. R. and myself opened the window of the carriage next which we sat. This was found fault with by one of the passengers, a Scotchman, who sat nearer the other side of the carriage than he did ours. He insisted upon our shutting it. We represented that I was unwell and felt faint for want of air; but this was of no avail; “he knew his rights and was determined to have them.” We proposed shutting our window in part and shutting the other window in part, which he had not said a word about shutting; but, no, he would not compromise, ours must be shut entirely and he arose and closed it. I opened it again, and there seemed likely to be a contest upon the matter for I felt determined that we should not be imposed upon by a rude fellow, who seemed to determined to domineer and carry out his wishes regardless of every other person’s feelings or rights. When he saw we were determined he ceased left us to regulate our window as we pleased. We were met at the Station at Glasgow by Bro. Tobin and two or three other brethren &were conducted by him in a cab to Bro. Sands’, the President of the Conference.
21 July 1861 • Sunday3
Sunday 21st. At 11 o’clock this morning we attended meeting in the Irongate Hall Irongate Street; a hall in a hotel rented by the Saints for public meetings. It is a pleasant place for meeting and was crowded by the congregation. I was called upon to speak by Bro. Lyman. I was still quite unwell and therefore did not think it wisdom on that account, as well as on the account of the other brethren being present, to speak at very great length. I had the spirit in what I said and prepared the way for Bro Amasa to talk at greater length. My remarks were on the subject of placing more confidence in the written word than upon the living oracles and ministers – showing that God had placed the Priesthood in the Church for its guidance and that books were not intended to take the precedence of it. Tobin, in his trial before the Church had quoted the Book of Doctrine and Covenants and demanded that the trial should be conducted precisely according to it, insinuating very broadly that we had done wrong in counseling Bro. Stuart to take the course he had. One of the Council (Priest Thomas Crawford) had also said that Bro. Lyman was just as likely to do wrong as anybody else. Br. Amasa took up this remark without mentioning names, speaking upon it in general terms, and showed that if he was as likely to do wrong as anybody else, his twenty-eight or thirty years experience in the Church, his constant struggles during that period to overcome his weaknesses and to arrive at a knowledge of truth and to increase in power, had been spent without profit; for, during that period, he had been diligently striving to learn wisdom that he might not be as likely to do wrong as those who did not thus strive. If he was as likely to do wrong as those anybody else, then the Lord had made a mistake in placing him in his Church as an Apostle to teach and counsel the people. He pronounced such an assertion a lie and he wanted them to understand that we were not as likely to do wrong as anybody else. A very good spirit prevailed in the meeting and the people listened with considerable interest and attention. The talk was very plain and many remarks would apply directly to John Tobin; he was present; but whether he took any of them to himself or not I do not know; he has so much brazen impudence that it is difficult to tell by his manner how any remarks would affect him. Bro. Rich advised him when together alone to confess freely everything that he had been guilty of – that it would be better for him to do so. He asserted his innocence, however, again. In afternoon Bro. Staines spoke a short time followed by Bro. Rich, after which I spoke for three quarters of an hour and had a good degree of the spirit. After meeting ate at Bro. McFarlane’s in company with Bro. Rich and Bro. Tobin. In the evening held a preliminary meeting at which Bro’s Stuart, Tobin, Sands (President of the Conference) and Partrick (President of Branch) were present. Bro. Stuart briefly stated the evidence the charges against Tobin were based upon. Tobin then stated his side. He went at it as a lawyer would do, endeavoring to prove by discrepancies in dates and cross questioning Bro. Stuart that he was not nor could not be guilty as stated; he had a copy of the minutes read and said he had asked to have his accusers brought face to face with him, but they were not, and finally, wound up by declaring that he was innocent of the sins he had been accused of. After he got through I proposed that as Bro. Tobin denied the commission of the acts of which he had been accused, we should have Sister [first and last name redacted], one of the sisters whose virtue he attempted, brought down from Edinburgh and with Sister [first and last name redacted] who was here, and who testified that he had made attempts upon her virtue, brought to the council and we enter upon the investigation of the matter. This was agreed to and as Bro. Staines was going to Edinburgh in the morning it was proposed by the brethren that I should accompany him and when we returned Sister [last name redacted] could accompany us. The meeting was appointed to be held on Tuesday evening, the 23rd. I noticed that after this proposition to have the witnesses brought forward and have the matter investigated was made, and he saw that we were not disposed to swallow his story and cover the matter up, his demeanour changed; he dropped his feathers and had less of the bully and boaster in his manner and seemed quite meek.
22 July 1861 • Monday
Monday July 22nd Bro. Staines and myself started by Rail to Edinburgh this morning; we passed through an interesting and picturesque country on our journey. Upon entering into Edinburgh we passed close under the Castle which looked frowningly down upon the line of railroad and surrounding places. We enquired our way to Bro Wm Reid’s, Dunbar Close, in the Canongate. His wife was at home; he was at work. She is a sister of John and Henry McEwan. She went and brought him. He is an intelligent agreeable man, is President of the Branch and acting President of the Conference. He got excused from his work and accompanied us in our visit to various parts of the city. Edinburgh is as interesting a city as I have visited, containing many objects of interest and replete with historical associations; it is an ancient place and beautifully situated surrounded by romantic scenery. Dunbar’s Close where we stopped was occupied by Cromwell when he was here. The Canongate was formerly the Street in which the Nobles and principal people dwelt, it is now occupied by the lower people. In passing thro’ it during the evening it presented a curious spectacle such a one as I had <to> come to Edinburgh to see. The houses are very high and very substantially built indeed this appears to be characteristic of both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Every landing has its occupants sometimes several families on a floor. The stairways are built of solid stone and are wide, built for the purpose of admitting of the constant travel and traffic of the people. Besides the houses on the streets there are the “Closes” as they are called, or Courts, in which the houses are of the same character and capacity. When the people turn out of these human hives they throng the narrow streets so densely that it is difficult to wedge one’s way through. Women with their children standing in groups, “auld wives” sitting on the Kerbstone “cracking” with each other, men and boys in the centre of the street talking and laughing in some instances, and in others arguing and quarrelling. The Canongate is in what is known as the “old town” and leads directly from the palace of Holyrood, which lies at its foot, towards the Castle. The “old town” is very different in appearance to the new; the streets are very narrow and the houses very high. Water Closets and conveniences of that kind are not known in the houses themselves or contiguous to them. The want of these must be an inconvenience that can <be> readily realized by any one acquainted with large and crowded cities. The have public houses to which the people resorts when pressed by the calls of nature. In passing through the streets of a morning one’s nostrils are assailed by the noisome smells which ascend from the filth that accumulates during the night and which is thrown out from the houses every morning and lies in the gutters to offend the sight and sense of cleanliness of the passerby, scavengers clean this up and wheel it off during the forenoon.
Bro. Reid accompanied us to the Palace of Holyrood. We paid a shilling as an entrance fee and for another obtained a guide book to the Palace. It is an interesting building and valued very highly by the Scottish people. See Guide.
From this we went up the Canongate passing John Knox’s house as we entered into High Street. This is said to be the oldest house in Edinburgh dating as far back as [blank] It is an antiquated looking building and interesting as being the residence of the sturdy reformer who boldly reproved Mary, Queen of Scotts, and her Courtiers, in her own palace. Passing up High Street we came to St. Giles’ Church a very large, and, the original portions, very ancient building dating back to A.D. [blank] Many portions of it are quite modern. It is <a> very fine building. This was John Knox’s Church. King James VI of Scotland and 1st of England here listened to the sermon preached by the minister (not Knox) expressly on the occasion of his leaving Scotland to take possession of the English throne. He preached some very unpalatable things to the King respecting pride &c which his Majesty was not pleased with; he retorted on the minister in the midst of his remarks and they bandied words for some time both stoutly maintaining their respective positions. We went on to Castle Hill and passed through it; but as it was too late to see the Regalia of Scotland we made calculations on visiting tomorrow. We afterwards visited Sir Walter Scott’s monument – the finest work of the kind I ever saw, and then strolled through the new town. The buildings are very substantial and elegant and are built with very singular outward uniformity. The streets are wide and there are many Squares containing trees and gardens. The situation of the new town is very beautiful. Visited Bro. Jack’s; he was not at home; one of his children who had been some time unwell had died this afternoon. We took supper at Bro. Reid’s and slept very comfortably at Bro Sim’s. During the evening, while at the house of Bro. Jack, Bro’s Reid, Staines and myself had an interview with the girl, [first and last name redacted], upon whom Tobin had made his attempt. He had said that she was a prostitute and therefore not to be believed, and that he had never been out with her only once and then in company with her sister. This latter statement on the testimony of herself and sister I proved to be false, and as to the former charge it needed only to converse with her to feel satisfied that she was not a loose character; besides the testimony of President Reid and the saints was that she was exemplary and the last person in the Branch that would be suspected of such a thing. She made a very clear statement of Bro. Tobin’s conduct. It was disgusting and I felt indignant in listening to it. He had proferred to accompany her from Bro. Teasdale’s where she had been for dirty clothes to wash, to Bro. Harrison’s, whither she was going. After starting, he had commenced speaking to her about being his wife when she got through to the Valley, offering to furnish her money and clothes here and to take her with him next spring when he returned home. They were passing through the Queen’s Park, when they reached a seat he invited her to sit down. He said his wife in the Valley had a girl by him; but she should have a boy. He [fourteen words redacted]. She remonstrated with him, and said what would his wife think of such things; he said that she knew that he knew he would have to take more wives and he would not be confined to her alone and it would make no difference what she thought. He [sixteen words redacted], which she resisted. She tried to get away from him, as she realized that he wished to seduce her. He [fifteen words redacted]. She seemed reluctant to make these statements, and it was only by questioning her that they could be obtained. She is a modest girl and it taxed her modesty to relate what occurred, and we were confident that his conduct was even worse than she represented as she was ashamed to have been subjected to such treatment.
23 July 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, July 23/61. We visit took breakfast with Bro &Sis Sim. We then made our way to the Antiquarian Museum where we spent several hours. At twelve noon we repaired to the Castle to see the Regalia of Scotland, consisting of the Crown and two Sceptre and Lord Chancellor’s Sceptre and sword of State. They were lying upon a table inside of an iron cage composed of upright bars of half an inch in diameter. To the sides of this cage, upon the inside, hung two lamps whose light reflected brilliantly upon the Crown &c, causing the jewels in to sparkle <very> brightly. The room Jewel room as it is called is fire proof and has no window or other aperture but the door. The interior is covered with wainscoting. From this room we passed into apartments known as Queen Mary’s. The first was a large one, with <room containing> one window; in the walls were hung around with some prints for sale by the person who acted as guide and by a portrait of Queen Mary (Mary, Queen of Scots as she is called) and her son James VI of Scotland and First of England. My habit of noticing likenesses between individuals caused me to think there was a resemblance between the portrait of Mary and Sister Charlotte Cobb of Great Salt Lake City and between that of her son James and Bro. Hiram B. Clawson. We were shown by the guide into a small room adjoining in which Mary was delivered of James; rather a small apartment for royalty to be delivered of a prince and heir to two powerful thrones. There was a prayer said to have been uttered by Mary painted on the wall of the room and the eiling had her cipher and James’ painted upon it and the date of James’ birth. From the window of this room, tradition says James was lowered when he was but eight days old. It is a fearful height from the ground[,] said to be 200 feet. Leaving the Castle we hastened to the Station and took cars for Glasgow, where we arrived about 7. p.m. Upon our arrival I explained to the brethren the result of my conversation with and enquiries of Sister [last name redacted]. They told me also that they had had the fact revealed to them during my absence that John Tobin had been guilty of adultery and that he had confessed that he had fallen &c. They had likewise seen Sister [first and last name redacted] who had told them of his attempt on her, varying very little in the particulars from that described by Sister [last name redacted]. He had told her that if she should becoming become pregnant by him that he would have her placed in a respectable family and cared for. She resisted his offers and attempts. The revelation of his criminality came from an unsuspected and unlooked for quarter. A sister by the name of [redacted last name], an old, gray haired, unattractive woman, the mother of grown up children came to Bro. Sands’ in the morning of Tuesday to see Bro. Stuart. He was not up at the time, and upon being asked what she wanted of him refused to say any more than she had a confession to make to him or something to that effect. When Bro. Stuart was told that she had been there he blamed them for not telling him. and Directly afterwards Tobin came in and they (Bro’s Stuart and Sands) started out to go to Sister [redacted last name]’s, leaving Tobin in the house, and without intimating to him where they were going. When they reached her room they found him already there ahead of them. He had taken cut offs and had beat them. How he had got the idea that they were going there is a mystery. But there he was when they arrived. He had been trying to deter her <by threats> from telling them anything by threats and had tried to persuade her to let him secrete himself under the bed while they remained. She was alarmed by his talk and quite nervous. He assumed a hectoring tone and manner to the brethren, told them that they had come were in a conspiracy against him, threatening them with the law &c. He said “if Sister [redacted last name] has anything against me let her tell it now” &c.” Bro. Stuart replied that they had not come there expecting to hear anything against him; but had come because Sister [redacted first letter matching the last name of redacted name above]. had desired to see him. He understood she had some confession to make, if she had, he wished her not to make it there; but to come down to Bros. Lyman & Rich and tell them what she had to confess. Tobin replied to them and finally said he would go himself to Bro’s Lyman and Rich and see whether they would countenance such attempts against his character as Stuart and Sands were guilty of. He came down to them and said that he expected this would be his last day in the Church or that he would hold the priesthood. Said he had fallen &c. Cried to his father-in-law <Bro. Rich> and acted very hypocritically to move upon his sympathies. Told Bro. Rich in another communication with him that he had only done wrong once, that on one occasion while in Edinburgh he had fallen in with a common woman, [two words redacted], <who had invited him to go with her; he did so> and had <while going with her> [45 words redacted]. While he was in the house talking to Bro’s. Lyman & Rich, the brethren with Sister [last name redacted] arrived from her house and Tobin had to leave the room to give her the chance to talk to them. She proceeded to confess that Tobin and she had committed adultery together [125 words redacted]. A beastly transaction throughout as described by her. This the brethren told me when I returned from Edinburgh and before we went to the meeting. After relating it Bro. Amasa asked what should be done with <them> and the feeling of the brethren present, including ourselves, Bros. Stuart, Staines and Sands, was that they should be cut off from the Church. The brethren thought that he would not be likely to be at the meeting; but we found him there, surrounded by his sympathizers. Bro. Amasa arose and spoke upon the subject before us, stating that it was the intention to have had an investigation but the necessity for this was removed by the confession of the wrong by the parties guilty. At this point Tobin spoke up and said, yes a confession that he had <got> drunk. The moment he made this remark I saw that he had come to the meeting with the intention of denying that he was guilty of anything worse than drinking, with the hope to deceive the people. He found that we were not likely to hush the matter up and settle it, as I firmly believed he hoped we would when he made his confession, and now he was determined to make the best fight he could. He had come to the meeting with his witnesses, (so we <afterwards> understood) to prove that he was a good man and that <Bro.> Stuart was the opposite, and to prove that the witnesses against <him> were all bad characters. He had the papers and <the> minutes of the last council meeting, and with these and his friends to assist, he hoped to make a good case, and lawyer fashion, make a good plea, his friends and himself thinking doubtless that we would try the case after the fashion <manner> that Bro. Stuart adopted and the council be the tribunal that would decide by vote upon the merits of the matter. But in this they were disappointed by Bro. Amasa informing them in the course of his remarks, which he proceeded with without noticing in the least Tobin’s remark, that we had cut Elder John Tobin off from the Church. And then continued in a strain of instruction expressing his sorrow and regret that we were under the painful necessity of taking such a course with our brethren, but we owed a duty to our God and his cause that we had to discharge. Bro. Lyman’s sympathies were alive and prevented him I think from speaking with that freedom which is customary with him. I followed and had the Spirit; and then Bro. Rich made a few remarks. Bro. Amasa again spoke, and after he finished, Tobin requested the privilege of making some remarks, which was granted him. He made an artful speech, accusing <us> of cruelty to him – that he had confessed to us with bitter tears having partaken of drink and being overtaken with drunkenness but that we had spurned his repentance and now the edict had gone forth that made his wife a widow and his lovely child fatherless – that he had suffered anguish &c, endeavoring by talking in this strain to move upon their feelings and excite their sympathies in his behalf; he then appealed to them as his peers for that an expression of their feelings, if they had any against him, and asking them for that mercy which, he said, we had denied them him. I followed, and asked if there had been a remark made during the evening that could be termed cruel or unmerciful, on the contrary, we had spoken kindly and mercifully, pointing Bro. Tobin to the course which he should take to regain his standing in the Church and to secure salvation. I then asked if his feelings were what he said what must be the feelings of his father-in-law, and then proceeded to depict them and contrast them with his – if his wife would be widowed and his child made fatherless by this action what must <be> the feelings of the father of his wife and the grandfather of his child that such misery should be brought upon them, and brought upon them, too, by his (Tobin’s) wicked actions, Then went on to point out <explain> to the Saints the causes of our action in cutting him off, <his wrong doing &c> that we had that right, that they did not have the right to cut off an Elder from Zion from the Church; they could disfellowship him but no more, – that this was the mistake Bro. Stuart had made. In sending to him to try Bro. Tobin’s case we did not mean to have him act as prosecutor in the matter and they as the tribunal or judges; but for him to sit and decide upon the case, and, if he wished to get their concurrence in his decision, he could ask it. Spoke also about appealing to them; they were not the parties for him to appeal to; but he could appeal to President Young, than whom, as he (Tobin) well knew, a kinder man did not breathe the breath of heaven. I had the Spirit and felt free and spoke to my own edification and satisfaction. Bro. Amasa also followed in a powerful strain, <and> before closing called upon the brethren for an expression of their feelings in relation to the action we had taken; they [their] vote of concurrence was unanimous with one exception – [first and last name redacted], Priest – the same man who before alluded to who had said that Bro. Lyman was just as likely to do wrong as any body else. He is considered by those who know him to be a corrupt man.
24 July 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, July 24/61 Tobin was round this morning as unconcerned <and free> as though nothing had happened. He appears to feel better out of the Church, if anything, than in it. He is not under the necessity <now> of assuming a virtue that he has not. He wants me to get him a passage to New York. I was in the house writing an article for the “Star,” entitled [blank]
In evening walked through the town; but it rained and I did not have much pleasure.
I omitted to mention that on Monday morning, July 22, I received a letter from the President Young enclosing another long letter <for Bros S & R> descriptive of his tour thro’ the southern settlements. He referred me in his <letter to me> to it for the news. It was an excellent letter.
25 July 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, 25th. Started this morning at ¼ to 10 A. M. in company with Bro’s. Lyman & Rich by rail for Liverpool. We arrived at ¼ past 5 p. m. Ten missionaries had arrived this day from Zion. They were awaiting my arrival before they could get ashore, as they had only paid a portion of their passage money in leaving New York and they had to pay the balance before they could get ashore with their things. They ha I advanced them $140[.] Their names are,- Jacob G. Bigler, Warren S. Snow, Geo. Peacock, John D. Chase, Parley P. Pratt and Geo. W. Grant for this mission and Wm Fotheringham and John Talbot for South Africa and Paul A. Schettler and A. Van der Woude for Holland. They were also accompanied by a family named Bell from the Valley and a sister named Cook. The brethren all felt well and seemed in good spirits excepting Bro. Chase who had suffered much on the voyage and was still ailing. I did the best I could with Elizabeth to make them all comfortable. We made beds on the floor of the drawing room for them to sleep on.
26 July 1861 • Friday
Friday, July 26th 1861. Writing a letter to the President Young giving a statement of Tobin’s case and our action in the matter.4
27 July 1861 • Saturday
Saturday 27th I am indebted to the journal of Bro. Lyman for the items from this date to the 13th Augt. in consequence of which I shall be unable to record accurately the my doings during the time.
Passed much of the day in conversation with Bros Lyman & Rich and the Missionaries
28 July 1861 • Sunday
Sunday 28th. This morning Elder Edward Pugh, the last of the Missionaries arrived in L’pool and reported himself. Bro. Rich and myself and the Missionaries attended meeting at the Royal Assembly Rooms, and had a very interesting time listening to the Elders’ remarks. In the evening Bro. Lyman accompanied us to meeting in the same place and addressed a very attentive and intelligent audience. On our return home some of the Elders complained of illness, no doubt the result of change of diet, and want of exercise in the air. This evening Elder John M. Kay came in; he was well, and reported his District and the progress of the work therein.
29 July 1861 • Monday
Monday 29th July. This morning the brethren are improved in health. We held a meeting of the Missionaries, and gave them their final instructions preparatory to assuming the duties of their respective appointments and Missions. They were selected as follows:– Bro. Bigler to preside over the Irish mission; Bro. Peacock to travel in the Scottish District; Warren S. Snow, to the South District; Bros Pugh and Grant to Cheltenham; Bro. P. P. Pratt to the Sheffield District; Bro. Chase to the Nottingham District. They all appeared to be pleased with their appointments and were busy in getting ready to repair to their several fields of labour.
30 July 1861 • Thursday
Thursday 30th July. This morning Elders Chase and Pugh left for their respective fields of labour. Others of the missionaries are also preparing to leave for their various destinations at the earliest practicable moment.
31 July 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday 31st. This morning Elders Fotheringham and Talbot left for London where they will make arrangements for passages to South Africa; Elder Grant also left for Cheltenham. In the afternoon Elder P. P. Pratt left for Leeds. Gave
1 August 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, August 1st 1861. This morning Elders VanderWoude and Schettler left for Hull en route to Holland where they have been appointed to travel and declare the Gospel to the people. Elder G. Peacock alone, of the Missionaries is left. Dr. Wood, Surgeon, who acted in his profession on board the ship “Underwriter,” on which our people sailed, called at the Office and had an interview. He seemed to be pleased with our people and expressed his admiration of the order, unity and peace which prevailed among those who sailed by the “Underwriter.”
2 August 1861 • Friday
Friday 2nd. Bros Amasa, Charles and myself took our seats in the Cars for Manchester where we arrived at ¼ to nine o’clock. Met with Elders Kay and Dame, (the former being slightly indisposed.). We breakfasted at <123> Oldfield Road where the brethren stay. We walked through the town, but saw little of interest. The weather was changeable.
3 August 1861 • Saturday
Saturday 3rd. The weather was gloomy and rainy. Manchester, considered to be the industrial metropolis of the Kingdom is situated near the southern extremity of Lancashire. It comprises the boroughs of Manchester and Salford, the first returning two, the other one member to Parliament.
The Irwell, a small narrow river navigable for barges divides the two boroughs. Manchester lying to the east and Salford to the west. The Irk and the Medlock, two small streams, fall into the Irwell within the boundaries of the Borough.
The population of Manchester and Salford, according to the Census of 1851, amounted to 401,321 persons, and the number of inhabited houses to 68,546, of which 316,213 persons and 53,204 houses belong to Manchester and 85,108 persons and 15,342 houses to Salford. The Parliamentary and Corporate boroughs are not co-extensive the former including the townships of Newton, Harpurhey and Bradford, not included in the borough of Manchester, and part of the township of Pendlebury, not included in that of Salford. The population of the corporate borough at the same period was 367, 232 persons dwelling in 62,208 houses, being for Manchester 303,382 persons and 50,731 houses, and for Salford 63,850 persons and 11,477 houses. In 1857 the population of the two boroughs was computed to amount to 427,324 persons. It has a liberal share of Railroads and their conveniences for traffic and travel, having four stations, namely, the Victoria, London Road, Oxford and New Bailey. Its omnibus accomodations are good. Its oldest religious structure is the Cathedral founded in 1422 by the 12 Baron – Thomas de la Warre.
Manchester under the name of [blank] became a Roman Station within the first century of the Christian era. This shows its antiquity, and of its renown we may judge when we consider that in its ancient time worn Cathedral were celebrated the nuptials of Elder J. M. Kay and Miss Ellen Cockroft.
In the evening we visited the Zoological Gardens at Belle Vue. The collections of natural curiosities were comparatively meagre, the development in the assembled multitude of obscenity, drunkenness and prostitution were disgusting in the extreme. The exhibition of fire works was an interesting reflection of human ingenuity and imitative skill, as we returned to our lodgings the streets were being measured from side to side by numerous unfortunate inebriates for whom the streets seemed to have too much length but were sadly deficient in width.
4 August 1861 • Sunday
Sunday 4th. August. This morning we met with the saints in the Corn Exchange who numbered about 300. I addressed the Congregation at the request of Bro. Amasa, and urged the saints to so live as to enjoy the blessing of that inspiration which brings the soul into that communion with God that affords it a knowledge of God beyond what can be learned from the written word. Bro Lyman then followed with some excellent remarks when the meeting was adjourned until 2, o’clock. We met at the time appointed and the congregation was addressed by Bro. Rich for one hour on the subject of practical religion, after which I followed on the same subject and occupied about half an hour when Bro Lyman followed with a few suggestive remarks on the origin of right and wrong, of good and evil, life and death. The meeting was afterwards closed.
5 August 1861 • Monday
Monday 5th Today I returned to Liverpool where I found matters quite satisfactory, and all at home well. The mail brings news from America of a defeat on the Federal Army under command of General McDowall by the Confederate Army commanded by Genl Beuregard and Gen. Johnson who commanded the wings and President Davies lead the centre.
6 August 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday 6th Bros Lyman, and Rich returned from Manchester both in good health and spirits. In the evening Bro. Amasa, in the presence of Bro. Rich and myself also a few others of the saints, joined in wedlock William Ajax and Miss Emma Jemimah Hughes.
7 August 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday 7th. Wet day. The brethren are well and engaged writing chiefly all day.
8 August 1861 • Thursday
Thursday 8th. The day is beautiful and fine.
9 August 1861 • Friday
Friday 9th Fine day
10 August 1861 • Saturday
Saturday 10th August. This morning I started with Bros Lyman and Rich for Birmingham where on our arrival we were met by Bro. W. G. Mills with whom and his lady we dined and lodged. In the evening we made a call on brother Edward Price and family whom we found well. Bro Rich lodged with them.
11 August 1861 • Sunday
Sunday 11th. To day we met with the Saints in Conference in the Oxford St. Chapel, the poor ventilation of which rendered our meeting and the service rather wearisome and unpleasant as a most excellent spirit prevailed. with the saints in whom the hope is daily brightening of a deliverance from the oppression of their poverty and of their gathering to Zion. Bro. Mills reported the condition of the Conference, after which Bro. Rich presented the Authorities of the Church in the customary manner, and they were all unanimously sustained, after which he addressed the people for an hour on the subject of practical righteousness, after which Bro Lyman spoke to them for about thirty minutes on the importance of labouring while detained here to develop that practical purity of life which render them acceptable to God both here and in zion. Meeting was afterwards adjourned until half past 2, at which meeti time we had a large attendance and the congregation was addressed by myself for about an half hour. Bro. Lyman again spoke to them on the importance of choosing a correct stand-point from which to contemplate and consider the purposes of God in relation to man in order to arrive at correct conclusions in reference thereto, as well as to the record of the scriptures. The evening meeting was opened at ½ past 6, oclock. The audience that filled the Hall to overflowing were addressed by myself on the necessity of confidence on the part of the saints in the living Priesthood in order to render their growth in grace and the knowledge of the truth requisite to their exaltation to the high and holy condition in which they as the Constituents of zion must be raised to become the light of the world and the perfection of beauty out of which according to the Prophet the Lord would shine or which should from its combined and accumulated excellencies reflect the perfections of our Father and our God.
Adjourned at ½ past 8. o’clock, and repaired fatigued and waried to our lodgings, glad to find fresh air after breathing as we had done for hours during the day the fetid atmosphere of our crowded hall and found slumber pleasant.
12 August 1861 • Monday
Monday 12th Aug. After dinner Bros Lyman, Rich, Mills, Adams and myself walked to Aston Park where some 3 or 400 of the saints had assembled for recreation and a Pic-nic amusement.
As we entered the Park we passed along a beautiful avenue formed by two parallel rowes of aged and wide spreading maple trees, our walk through this Avenue brought us to the Aston Hall in relation to which we gleaned the following items of history (from an entabliture over the front entrance) namely that it was founded in 1618 by Sir Thomas Holt, and completed in 1635. The structure is of brick, and the surface shows some signs of decay. Some tastefully arranged beds of flowers add their beauty to the surroundings of this old ancestral home. Passing around to the rear of the building we had a fine view of the low ground decked in its robe of modest green supporting here and there over its broad bosom some aged trees that spread abroad their giant arms. We travelled down from the Hall and joined our friends who accorded to us a hearty welcome and a share of their simple and unostentatious provision of creature comfort for the occasion.
A casuality occurred to mar the festivity; bro. John Smith aspiring to the lofty, ascended a pole (fixed in the ground) some twenty feet, from which height he fell to the ground and was severely injured by the Concussion. On leaving the Park we called at Bro. Tucker’s and family and took tea after which Bros Rich and Adams repaired to their lodgings at Bro Price’s.
13 August 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 13th. At twenty minutes past six o’clock, Bro. Mills <Lyman and myself> met Bro. Rich at the Railway Station and started for Liverpool via Birkenhead where we arrived about 11. o’clock. Found matters all right at home.
14 August 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday 14th Elders Sloan and Graham returned from the Isle of Man having spent a few days there. They report that a spirit of enquiry is among the people. They baptized some persons during their <short> stay and were heard with apparent interest in both public and private.
Bro Rich, who was attacked by rheumatism in the back while at Birmingham is still suffering from that affliction.
15 August 1861 • Thursday
Thursday 15th Bro. Rich is still afflicted with pains in the back. Writing my editorial for the “Star”
16 August 1861 • Friday
Friday 16th. Finishing the preparation of my editorial in writing which I have had more trouble than ordinary, not being able to get my thoughts on to paper to suit me. Afterwards met in the upper room in prayer circle with the brethren. I led in prayer, Bro. Rich prayed in the circle. From the symptoms of Bro. Rich’s affliction, we think it a nervous affection of the spine. Shortly after noon accompanied the brethren in a cab to the Railway Station for Hull. They intend taking passage at Hull for Hamburgh, where they expect to meet Bro. Van Cott, and thence to Copenhagen. They expect to be absent some weeks. They intend visiting the Saints in the different parts of Scandinavia and holding Conference with them. In afternoon wrote a letter to Bro. N. V. Jones and Jacob Gates, Great Salt Lake City. Wrote also to Bro. W. H. Miles at the same place.
17 August 1861 • Saturday
Saturday 17th. The following extract is an extract from a letter to President Young respecting the Elders: – The aid we have received by the arrival of these brethren is much appreciated, and, as you suggest we feel desirous of making the best use we can of the facilities within our reach. We know the brethren are needed elsewhere as well as in the British Mission, and, therefore feel perfectly satisfied with whatever arrangement you may feel led to make, knowing that it will be all right. In looking over my letters to you now I have notice that I have mentioned in almost every one our desire for more help. I did not intend to press this matter upon your attention as much as I now see I have, nor to give it what might be termed undue importance. We intend to do the best we can with whatever number you may think best to send, and to make up in diligence what we may imagine we lack in numbers; this I believe is the feeling of all the Elders. You allude to sending more help this fall, I have thought that it might not be amiss to mention to you the condition of the Office that you might be suggest or arrange in relation to it. When I arrived here there were two brethren engaged in the editorial department who had been in this position for some years – Bro’s E. W. Tullidge and Henry Whittall. Bro. Tullidge was shortly afterwards released and emigrated to the Valley this season. Bro Whittall, still remains, and, being a printer, finds employment in reading proof, arranging copy and managing the internal affairs of the printing office; his time is fully employed in this manner without finding any time to write. I have thought (in this feeling the brethren have joined) that it would be a great blessing to Bro. Whittall in many aspects to emigrate this coming season. He has been upwards of four years in the Office, and needs a change to impart unto him that experience which can never be gained here. Should he be released to emigrate I know of no one here with such qualifications as would be needed to take his place. It needs a man to have an understanding of the business and taste an experience as a writer and printer’s reader. The first part might be dispensed with by selecting a suitable foreman to manage the Office; but the latter qualifications are indispensable. Probably you will think it proper to select or suggest some persons. My own preferences would be in favour of somebody from Zion, rather than any one who had never been there; but upon this point I am perfectly easy. There was a young man, with whom I was acquainted in California, who at that time was well adapted for such a position, Ë— Bro. Wm H. Shearman; but there may be scores of other brethren who may<be> equally suitable with whom I may not be acquainted”
Also wrote a letter home to my wife, Sarah Jane.
18 August 1861 • Sunday
Sunday Aug. 18th. Attended meeting in the afternoon and evening. Spoke at both meetings.
19 August 1861 • Monday
Monday 19th. Wrote letters to Cousin George J. Taylor, Essex Conference, and to Bro. David M. Stuart, Scotland. In afternoon my mother’s sister Mary and my Mother’s brother, Charles’, wife (Aunt Hetty or Esther) called upon us and stopped the evening. We had a very pleasant visit. Aunt Hetty has passed through considerable trouble. Uncle Charles died [blank] and she has lost four children, – two boys named William who died before their father, and two girls, Ellen and Jane, who had attained to womanhood, the former (who also died before her father) being 17 years of age at the time of her death; the latter 26. Charles, the eldest, a very promising young man learned the ship Carpenter’s trade and became an excellent workman; he went to sea several voyages before and after he was out of his time; while on one ship, he and the Captain had some words about a letter of Charles’ which the Captain had opened. He left the ship, and shipped as Carpenter’s mate on board a man of war, and while acting in that capacity he had a sun stroke which affected his intellect so much that he has been incapable of work ever since. He came home with his memory almost completely gone and a mere wreck of his former self. His father had to, support him. After his return he took it into his head he ought to marry, a girl who had been attached to him previous to his receiving the injury to his brain, she was willing and they were married, notwithstanding the hopelessness of his condition and the remonstrances of all his relatives. He has had three children but has lost one and, with his wife, lives in Peel, Isle of Man, with his mother who has to keep them all. Grandmother Quayle lived with Aunt Hetty until the day of her death. She lived to the age of [blank] years and retained the use of all her faculties in a remarkable degree until the very last. They describe her flow of spirits as being more like that of a young person than one who had lived to such an age – outliving seven out of eleven of her children, all of whom had grown to man and womanhood. Her almost constant talk was about myself and brothers and sisters, mourning and pining for us in our orphanage and our supposed lonely condition; constantly invoking the blessings of the Lord upon us. She died [blank]
Aunt Mary’s condition is rather saddening. After we left Liverpool she married a man named Cowan who treated her in a most brutal manner and when she left him (which she did after suffering for a long time the most cruel abuse) vowed he would “be the death of her.[”] Since she separated from him she has supported herself from <by> keeping a shop; but in this she failed, being of an easy disposition and giving too much credit, besides having been robbed systematically sometime by the use of false keys by one of her neighbours; – and for a few years back going out to service; her wages being low in consequence of her age and not strong body, she has only been able to live alone without being able to accumulate anything against a time of sickness or want of employ.
20 August 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, August 20th., 1861. Wrote a letter to Mr. John Thomas Dexter acknowledging his kindness in furnishing me with a report taken by him and published in the Christian Cabinet, London, of remarks made by me at the London Conference. Writing editorial in the evening.
21 August 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, August 21st. Finished editorial. In the evening went to see Aunt Hetty about visiting the steamship Great Eastern tomorrow, she having intimated a wish to see her when she was at the office on Monday. I proposed to take her and Aunt Mary and Elizabeth on Thursday, if the weather should prove favorable. I found my mother’s sister Margaret (the sister next in age to herself) there. We arranged to go tomorrow morning Aunt Margaret saying she would accompany us if her husband, Thomas Wilson, had no objections. I had an agreeable visit with Aunts Margaret and Hetty and the latter’s sister and her husband, named Beresford, with whom she was stopping. I escorted Aunt Margaret home. She is in very comfortable circumstances, having a number of houses, the rent of which from what I can learn is more than sufficient to keep them. Her husband has not worked for a long time and has been but little assistance to her. She is and always has been but little assistance to her the contriver and to her devoted attention to the acquisition of means and management their present position may be attributed. Her whole soul has been devoted to the accumulation of means. She never had any children and it seems as though all the affection that she should have had for them has been diverted to lucre. Between her and Aunt Mary there seems to exist but little love, and though she has plenty the latter might suffer for want (so she, Mary – informs me) before her sister would help her, so deadened have her feelings become through the killing influence of a love of money.
22 August 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, August 22nd, 1861. Rained heavily through the day. My Aunts were here, but we did not go to see the “Great Eastern,” it being so stormy.
23 August 1861 • Friday
Friday, 23rd. Went up to Aunt Margaret’s this morning to see her about visiting the Great Ship. I found her quite unwell and unable to go. We went down to Mr. Beresford’s where Aunt Hetty is stopping and thence to the landing stage where we went on board a tender which took us off to the Great Eastern. There were five of us, – myself and Elizabeth, Aunt Mary and Aunt Hetty and her sister Mrs. Beresford. The day was very fine and we enjoyed the trip very much; we spent about three hours on board. The hull of the “Great Eastern” is built entirely of iron, and is 680 feet in length, 83 feet in breadth and 60 feet in heigth, from keel to deck. Her immense heigth out of the water has the effect to dwarf everything in the shape of a vessel that comes near her; steamboats that anywhere else are respectable in point of size when alongside of her become contemptible coal sloops, or flats as they are here called, when alongside unloading coal are only known by those on deck to be there by the point of their masts being seen protruding but very little above the top of her bulwarks. She is divided transversely into ten separate compartments of 60 feet each, rendered perfectly water tight by bulkheads, having no openings whatever lower than the deck. About 10,000 tons of iron plates have been used in the construction of the hull, they number 30,000 plates and 3,000,000 <rivets> have been employed to secure them. At the bottom these plates are an inch thick; in all other places but three quarters of an inch. Up to the water mark the hull is constructed with an inner and outer skin, two feet ten inches apart, each of equal firmness and solidity; and between these at intervals of six feet, run horizontal webs of iron plates, which materially increase the power of resistance of the inner and outer skin. By this mode of construction it is calculated the danger of collision at sea is very much lessened, for, though the outer skin might be pierced, the inner one remaining intact, as it would except under most extraordinary circumstances, the safety of the vessel would not be endangered. Again, should she be short of ballast, this space between these two skins can be filled with water and 2,500 tons of ballast in this way is at once obtained. She has six masts; the first, fifth and sixth are two feet nine inches in diameter, and are two feet nine inches in diameter, and are of wood, while the second, third and fourth are three feet nine inches in diameter, and are iron. The paddle engines alone give a power of 5000 horses; and the combined screw engines work up to an indicator-power of 4,500 horses of 33,000 lbs; but they are, however, made to work at the tremendous power of 6,500 horses. She has twenty horses boats hanging to her davats, fitted up with masts and sails complete; they are said to be capable of accomodating over 2000 people. There are ten anchors on board weighing, with the cables, 253 tons. The four large anchors weigh 7 tons each, and each link of the cables attached to them weigh 72 lbs. The two others at the bows weigh 5½ tons; the two at the stern 6 tons. Some idea may be formed of the strain expected to be made on these when we are told that the large bower anchors of the largest man-of-war only weigh 5 tons. The internal arrangements of the saloons and state rooms are of the most costly, elegant and commodious description, leaving nothing to be desired in the fitting up. It is in standing upon her paddle wheels and looking fore and aft that a full conception can be formed of her immense size. Everything that money could do, combined with the best known skill in Great Britain, has been done to make her what she is, – the greatest ship in the world.
24 August 1861 • Saturday
Saturday Augst. 24, 1861. Variously engaged. Had a call from Captain Richard F. Burton, this morning, who is on his way to Fernando Po where he has been appointed consul.
25 August 1861 • Sunday
Sunday Aug. 25th. 1861. Attended meeting in afternoon and evening, spoke at both meetings. There is an indifference in this branch that, considering their advantages, is surprising. They do not appreciate the presence of the servants of God as they should do. In the country branches our arrival is hailed with gladness, and it is not an uncommon thing for the saints to walk 15, 20 and 25 miles to have the privelege of listening to the Elders from Zion; but here they will scarcely turn out and walk a mile if the weather should be a little unfavourable, though they have a hard pavement to walk on and probably an umbrella to shelter them.
26 August 1861 • Monday
Monday, 26th. Bro. John Kay came in from Manchester. He is well. Attending office business. In the evening visiting with Elizabeth at Mr and Mrs Beresford’s where Aunt Hetty is still stopping; Aunt Mary was also present.
27 August 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday 27th. Wrote a reply to Mr. Dexter acknowledging receipt of a note from him enclosing some cuttings from a London paper. Also a note answering Mrs Isabel Burton’s (Captain Burton’s wife) inquiry respecting this Office and our Office in London. She wished to know if they were the one office, as they were the both in Islington and the London direction left her by the Captain had not London on it. The Captain had instructed her to forward to these directions a copy of his work on America in which mention was made of our Country and people.
28 August 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday 28th. Writing &c. Wrote a letter to Bro’s Lyman and Rich, Copenhagen. Bro. Bramall came upon a visit from Southampton where he has been laboring.
29 August 1861 • Thursday
Thursday 29th. Writing &c
30 August 1861 • Friday
Friday Aug 30. 1861. Reading proof &c. Went down to the New or Princes’ Landing Stage to see my Aunt Hetty off to the Isle of Man. It was so rough that she did not think it well to go. I went up to her place of residence, Mr Beresford’s, and saw and bade her farewell as I intended to go tomorrow morning to Nottingham to hold Conference with Bro. James S. Brown. Wrote the following letter to Bro. Joseph F. Smith, being a reply to one from him making a statement to me of the condition of the Bradford branch in his district and the language and sentiments of the people priesthood expressed in conversation with him. –
Dear Bro. Joseph,
Your favours of 24th and 28th came safely to hand. Your description of Bradford Branch unfolds a very bad condition of affairs there. I am sorry that it should be so, because of the injury which they inflict upon themselves by such wicked conduct. It is very evident that the priesthood in the branch are in a bad condition and unworthy of their positions. If the priesthood of a Branch are true to themselves and their responsibilities and united, the people generally are easily controlled and give but little trouble; but if they are not, as in the case of the Bradford Officers, they are a hindrance to the work and an obstacle in the path of the presiding officers. I hope that they will adhere to the promise they have made to cease speaking evil of one another; but I fear that people who fail to keep the covenant which they made at the water’s edge, when they took upon them the name of Saint, and which they renew every time they partake of the Sacrament, will hardly keep a covenant of any other description which involves the same requirements. If you become satisfied hereafter that they partake of the sacrament unworthily, I think you would not only be justified in withholding it from them, but I view it as a matter of duty and obligation upon you. I did so in San Francisco while there, and would do so again to any Branch (while I hold any present views, and until additional light or instruction shall be given Me) under similar circumstances.
You will need wisdom, and I should shall seek for and endeavor to exercise it, if I were situated as you are with those men. An unwise or hasty move on your part would give them an advantage over you. But you should not rest till you have a change in them or have them ousted from a position where they can operate for evil as they have been doing. They should not be permitted to destroy the flock, and faith and works should be united to make their wickedness and folly manifest (for that they are guilty of both and have forfeited the spirit their conduct proves) that their influence for evil with the well-disposed maybe destroyed. When you get them in the proper position deal rigorously with them, and clear them out of your way and let them know that there is a God in Israel and power in his priesthood, though it should be that portion of it that has been sent to Bradford, which has hitherto been so unfortunate “in having the worst men in England sent to it.”
In my writings for the Star I have endeavored to avoid setting stakes in the shape of special requirements of the Elders only such as are recognized as general principles, broad in their application. Presiding Elders must have some freedom of action or you make them mere puppets and leave them no scope for development. My view has been and is to give every Elder from Zion who has had experience the greatest possible latitude, compatible with the laws and general counsel which are alike binding upon all. If he takes advantage of this and abuses his privileges, let him be removed and placed where he can do the least possible amount of injury, until he learns to appreciate and make a right use of the liberty which may be given him. The Elders should seek for wisdom and the spirit of revelation to guide them in in the government of their fields, whether districts or Conferences; to be, in fact, living oracles, who have the principles and laws of God written in their hearts, who know what is right and true, and suitable, whether written in the Star, in the Bible or anywhere else, +or not written at all; and when they are in this condition, a man is worse than an idiot, who under their jurisdiction, will dictate to or find fault with them; he shows his nakedness without unstripping himself. You are placed in charge of the Sheffield District, and are responsible for its conduct, and affairs; should you deem any measure necessary for the welfare of your field and should seek to carry it out, it is not for Bro’s Hage or Curtis or Pears or anybody else. there to take you to task and dispute your views and right to do so. They have no such right; no matter what their age, the length of time they have been in the Church or the wisdom they may possess. They did not choose, or ordain or send you; but the priesthood and authority you hold, chose, ordained and made them what they are as officers in the Church, and they have not a single right as officers but what came through that channel, nor one but what you can, upon any occasion when needed, bestow upon any other man. It is gross folly for men to talk about their wisdom and what they know, and at the same time be rebellious and disobedient. No man that has wisdom will be disobedient to legal and proper authority, or its exercise.
When you find out all the actions of these men, Bro. Joseph, you will find that they have transgressed. The Spirit of the Gospel does not entirely desert men for nothing; neither does the Spirit of darkness and folly take possession of men without cause. They have encouraged it by flagrantly disobeying the whisperings and teachings of the other or good Spirit, or it would not be there. Of course, you will continue, as hitherto, to try and save them; but I need scarcely say that justice has its claims as well as mercy. You are in the position to know what steps to take. If things are not ripe enough for action now, they will be after awhile, that I can promise you, and you will yet see those men either repentant or out of your way and you having good times even in Bradford, though there may be only a few-left for you to enjoy them with.
Accept my love to yourself and remember me to Bro’s Samuel and Parley.
May the Lord bless you all and make you mighty in the truth is the prayer of
Your Brother,
(Signed) Geo. Q. Cannon.
Wrote a letter also to Messrs Longman, Green & Co., Captain Burton’s publishers in reply to one of their’s written at the instance of Mrs. Burton, requesting the arms of Deseret, and President Young and the Twelve Apostles’ portraits. These I sent to them.
This evening Bro. Joseph Bull came up on a visit from Bedfordshire (his field of labour) on a visit. I was glad to see him; he was looking much better than he did in the Valley and appeared to feel very well indeed.
31 August 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, Aug., 31st. 1861. Started this morning for Nottingham to spend tomorrow in Conference with the Saints of that District. Reached there at [blank] p. m. and was met at the Station by Bro’s Ja’s S. Brown and Chase. Bro. B’s health was poor and had been since I parted with him at London. Bro. C’s health had improved. I found Bro. S. L. Adams, Pres’t of the Warwickshire Conference, (from Nephi, U. T.) there and Bro. Joseph C. Rich. They were both well. They had all made calculations on my wife coming with me. Bro. and Sis. Oakey, with whom the brethren stopped, treated me very kindly, while on this visit, as they did when I stopped with them for one night while on a visit to the Derby Conference early in the season. The saints crowded into the house in the evening and we had a very pleasant time together.
1 September 1861 • Sunday
Sunday Sept., 1st. 1861. Conference was held this morning in the Assembly Rooms, a very good hall for our purpose; but not sufficiently seated for our Congregation[.] this was partially remedied in the afternoon and evening by the procural of more seats. Being fast day, Bro. Brown and myself did not eat breakfast. When he stood up after the meeting had been opened, to make the introductory remarks and give a statement of the affairs of the Nottingham Conference he was seized with an overpowering faintness soon after he had commenced to speak, and had I not caught him one side and Bro. Chase on the other he would have fallen. Going without his breakfast in his weak condition was too much for him. He tells me that he has not stood up to speak for some time back without feeling so faint at first that he could scarcely stand, but by persevering has been enabled until this time in overcoming it, but after he would be through he would be completely exhausted. He continued bad all day; but yet attended the meetings. I counseled him positively to stop his preaching and other labors for a while and rest himself at some quiet place in the Country among the saints for a few weeks until he could recruit. He has been unwell for some time; but has had so much ambition that he would not ease up in the least upon himself as long as he could possibly go. I reported his business for him to the Conference, and then proceeded to make his remarks. I was led by the Spirit to speak upon the first principles in a manner that was new and interesting to myself and to the people. I had no intention of alluding to these principles when I stood up; but being led by the Spirit I followed. It proved that there were a good many strangers present, who expressed themselves (as I afterwards understood) well pleased with what they heard, and thought they would come again. In the afternoon Bro. Adams addressed the congregation and I followed. In the evening there was a very large attendance, and the people paid excellent attention while I spoke to them upon the reasons why we as a people gather, tracing the establishment of the work of God in ancient days by various men of God, and their failure to make it permanent; but that they saw by the spirit of prophecy that God would at some time in the future establish his kingdom and it should stand forever. I traced its establishment in these days, pointing out the circumstances which surrounded its organization at the present time were so favorable as to ensure its perpetuity. That a land had been kept hid from the nations, that it might not be overrun until the time for its discovery. That it was settled by a people who loved liberty, especially religious liberty having fled thither to obtain it, who hated oppression; they had established and been successful in maintaining a free form of government. That under their government the kingdom of God could be established without infringing upon any other person’s powers, sights &c. And now all who obeyed the laws of God, could remove thither and identify themselves with that kingdom, while God’s judgements and calamities would be poured out upon the nations and they be broken in pieces and overthrown. I had a great freedom and enjoyed myself, being much edified in what I said. The people rejoiced in what they heard.
2 September 1861 • Monday
Monday Sept. 2. 1861. I intended returning to Liverpool this morning; but Bro. Brown wished to have a meeting of the priesthood this evening and he thought all the officers who were at the Conference would stop and attend it, if I would stay and meet with them. I consented to do so. I omitted to mention that yesterday I nominated Bro. Chase as President of the Nottingham Conference before the people and he was unanimously accepted. It has been our policy to avoid appointing any of the Elders lately come from Zion to the charge of Conferences or Districts, thinking it better for them to labor as Travelling Elders until they get acquainted with the people and the manner of doing business in this Country. In the present instance Bro. Brown’s health is so poor and the Conference having no President, to relieve him I thought it would be wisdom to appoint Bro. Chase, Pres’t of the Conference
18 September 1861 • Wednesday1
Wednesday Sept. 18/61. Started this morning, on board the “Tynwald” Steam packet, for the Isle of Man. Before doing so I called on my Mother’s cousin Mrs. Turton & family, and my cousin Leonora Vale or Flowers, as her husband is called, and my Aunt Mary and Margaret (the latter I did not find at home) to see if they had any word to send as I expected to see our relatives when I reached the Island. I dreaded the trip across the water, having such a horror of sea-sickness to which I am very subject. Our passage was a remarkably fine one[,] scarcely a ripple on the water. I was surprised when about half way there, (as I calculated from the time we had been out,) upon going up onto the wheel house, to see the Island very plainly in sight. In approaching it I was reminded very much of nearing one of the Sandwich Islands, it bore a very strong resemblance to them. I took a car and went to the house of Sister Gracey, an Aunt of Bro. John T. Caines, who keeps a <very respectable> lodging house. After eating something I went in search of Ann Taubman, who is a cousin of my Father’s Father and Aunt Leonora’s Leonora. I readily found her place. She is married to a man by the name of Warburton and they keep a Tobacconist’s store on Duke St. She is quite comfortably situated and to all appearance. She has had two children but lost them both while they were young. She had four brothers,Ë— John, Wm, Geo. & Thomas when we left Liverpool; they are all dead and one of them only, Wm, has left any children; he has left a son and a daughter. She of all the family is the only one left. She is <a> an very intelligent woman, and reminds <me> in many of her ways of Aunt Leonora Taylor and she resembles her somewhat in some of her features. I had a very pleasant visit and talked over family matters quite freely. We touched some little on religious matters. She, of course, is prejudiced against us in consequence of what she has heard about the people. I bore testimony of its truth and reasoned with her upon the evil name Jesus & his apostles in ancient days had to which she acquiesced.
19 September 1861 • Thursday2
Thursday, Sept., 19th. Slept at Mrs. Gracey’s last night. After breakfast went down and secured my passage on the stage. Then took Aunt Leonora’s likeness to Cousin Ann’s; she was anxious to see it. She was much pleased with it. I visited a young man, who is in a draper’s shop in Rams Douglas, by the name of George Cannan, and found that he was of the same family with myself. His father, who is now living on the old homestead Cooil Shellagh in the parish of Kirk Michael, is the first cousin of my Grandfather, George Cannan. They are brother’s sons. The eldest brother was named John <William> Cannan. He being the heir had the farm. The younger, my Great Grandfather, Hugh Cannan, became a Cooper, but afterwards went to sea, and followed the sea until he became became a Captain. He was murdered on board his own vessel while in Douglas harbor in the night. He was killed by a blow <on the head> from a pump handle. One of his crew was suspected of killing him and underwent an examination; but nothin there was not sufficient evidence to convict. He after subsequently went crazy, which was looked upon by those who supposed him to be the murderer, as a judgement from heaven upon him. His wife, my Great Grandmother, whose maiden name was Eleanor Addy, walked the Church yard many a night, (so my cousin, Ann Taubman, <informed me,> she having heard it from her mother, who was the daughter of Hugh and Eleanor Cannan informed me) praying to see his spirit that she might be informed who his murderer was.
This George <Cannon> whom I visit The John Cannan, of the brother of my Great Grandfather Hugh, lived unmarried until he was 72 years old. My Grandfather George Cannan lived with <him> until he was some 14 or 15 years old; he being the heir thus far to the old place, his Uncle being childless. The old man, however, though old and decrepit, and, I believe I have been told, palsied, took a notion to marry his servant girl, and had an only son by her which he named John after himself. {had <two children by her> an a only son by her <and a daughter, the son> which he named <him> John. after himself.} This George Cannon whom I visited this morning is a son of this John Cannan who inherited the old farm from his father. They are, consequently, the oldest branch of the family. Owing to my Grandfather George Cannan dying while his family was yet young and the family moving away when old enough, there has been but little intercourse kept up with this <other branch of the> family. This young man scarcely knew that anything about our branch of the family. us. He appeared glad to see me and when I told him I thought of visiting Kirk Michael he said I must call at his fathers as he knew his father he would be glad <pleased> to see me. This young man looks like Angus somewhat.
The scenery on the road to Ramsey is beautiful. Laxey, which we passed through, is a lovely spot; it has been much improved of late. On turning a point of the hill and coming in full view of the Valley in which Laxey is situated I thought it a picture of ravishing beauty. They have a water wheel at one of the mines 72 feet in diameter. We arrived at Ramsey at 2 p.m. I dropped a note to Aunt Eleanor Venables, my father’s sister, who is living at service here, informing her of my arrival and asking <her> to let me know when I could see her. She I then went inquired for Mrs. Cowell’s and found her at home she keeps an earthen & <glass> ware store. She had living with her a daughter of her sister Maria’s, named Catherine. Mrs. Cowell and her brothers and sisters are the children of Christian Cannan, <one of> my the sisters of my Grandfather George Cannan, by her marriage with James Crawford. There are five daughters and one son living and two sons dead. The latter were named Thomas and John. The living are, – Ellen, Maria, <Christian,> Ann, James and Leonora. Ellen (Mrs Cowell) has been a widow for very many years. She has two children Wm Thomas and Annie. The <latter> died when about 19 years old. The former is still living; but has been very little comfort to his mother who has had to expend a great amount of money for him. He is now in Australia.
Maria married a man named Evan Christian of the Lewaige (the name of his farm or estate)[.] She has had eigh nine children by him eight of whom are living. at home with her. Their names are Alice, Maria, Ellen, Catherine, Robert, Annie, James & Edward. Christian <and Ann and James Crawford> is are in Liverpool and what her family is I do not know. Ann also. Leonora married John Christian, (the ironmonger as he is known by in Ramsey), and had by him, Leonora[,] Martina, John, George, Isabella, Alice, Lizzy, Elizabeth or “Lizzy,” Eva and James. They are all at home excepting George, who is at a business in Liverpool. <Cousin> Leonora was left a widow by the death of her husband, Mr. Christian, last March. Herself and son John carry on the business. I went visited Mrs. Christian (Cousin Leonora) and found a hearty welcome as soon as I explained who I was. They pressed me to stop with them which I consented to do. They are living very comfortably together and have a large well-furnished house. I took tea with Mrs. Cowell and then went and saw Aunt Eleanor. Her health has been poor of late and she looks thin, and I think suffers in her feelings on account of her only son, Wm Venables, on whom she has spent considerable means to bring him up, hoping to have him to lean upon; but who ran away and enlisted for a soldier and when free from that went to the United States. I encouraged <her> as well as I was able and told her I thought she had better make up her mind to <to go with us when we> return to the Valley. I spent a very interesting evening with Cousin Leonora & her children.
20 September 1861 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 20/61. Afte Wrote a letter to Elizabeth. After breakfast accompanied by William Kidd, a second cousin, as a guide, I went out to see Cousin Maria who was living with her husband and family at the Lewaige. She was very pleased to see me, and said I looked very much like her brother John Crawford, who is dead. She had a pleasant remembrances of my father to tell me, though his <abilities, his> natural kindness and pleasant manners were marred by his fondness for company and stimulants. Dined with them and by request (it being a daily habit <at noon> she informed me) prayed with them. They are, I presume, from indications, intensely religious. She is continually giving vent to sighs which slightly border upon groans, and on the gable of the house, next the road, is painted in large letters “Prepare to Meet thy God; also upon entering the house the first object that meets your eye on the wall in the hall is a sign with bearing the same inscription. The farm is a large one and <with the house> beautifully situated. They are evidently well-to-do in the world. After taking tea with Cousin Leonora I went out again to Aunt Eleanor’s. I had some talk with her about going to the Valley. Her position is one that I think she should not occupy at her age. She has spe a likeness of Aunt Leonora, brought from the Valley by George, copied and gave a copy to Mrs. Cowell and one each to the Mrs. Christian’s. Spent the evening at Cousin Leonora’s. I had some conversation about religion but they are {evidently} much prejudiced, and it is difficult conversing with such people, though they I think changed their opinion somewhat in relation to us after my conversation with and explanations to them.
21 September 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept 21/61. Took the Coach this morning for Kirk Michael. The weather looked threatening but we had a very pleasant ride. The country and scenery was most delightful beautiful. I could <now> understand now the enthusiasm of father and Aunt Leonora respecting the Island and its scenery. My amor patriae was wonderfully revived and I was surprised at finding so many of the customs and manners of the people so familiar to me. I was only five years old when I left here, yet the smell of the gorse, which they sometimes burn, and the turf, (formerly a very great article of fuel but now being laid aside for coal) is as familiar to me as though I had only left the Island yesterday. The griddle bread also, which I saw them making and which I eat, was very natural to me. These are cakes flattened out of the dough, either barley meal, oatmeal or flour and baked on a flat plate of iron on the fire on the hearth. Passed Bishop’s Court, the residence of the Lord Bishop of the Island. He has a large estate. Reached Kirk Michael and stopped at the Mitre Hotel and took dinner. It commenced raining and blowing very heavily. I inquired the way to the Cooilshellagh, the farm of Mr. Cannon’s Cannon the first cousin of Grandfather Cannon. It was about a mile from the village to the house. I went to his son’s house (John James Cannon) instead of his, it being the most prominent, and the other, (the old man’s) being built at the foot of the hills in the valley or glen, surrounded by trees and close to the edge of the creek. The son was over at his father’s, but his wife was at home. I informed her what my name was and that I was a distant relative and she seemed very much delighted. She pressed me to sit down and stop, that her husband would be in directly and he would take me over to his father’s. She said that she was struck by my resemblance to her husband and his father about the head. She had one child, a fine little boy, named James William Cannan. Her husband soon came in and it was now my turn to be struck with the resemblance between his head and my father’s, though his complexion was different, being light. He is a small man of kind and pleasant manners, a superior man to those of his station generally. They made me stop to tea and then he took me over to his father’s. When I emerged from his house which was a large, two story stone house, which he had built about the time of his marriage, he pointed out a long, low stone building with a thatched roof to me, which he now used as a cow house and stable, and told me that was the old dwelling house of the family. It was is said to be the old<est> house in the parish of Kirk Michael and was at one time the best or finest house in the Parish. The Deemster of the Island, an officer office equivalent I believe to that of Chief Judge with us used to visit my ancestor who lived here. From what I can learn not only my Great Grandfather, Hugh Cannan, was born in it; but his father also. I entered within its walls afterwards (on the Monday morning following, upon leaving the place) and gazed upon them with peculiar feelings – feelings of reverence. The worm-eaten beams <of Curragh oak> some of which bore the marks of great age, were also viewed with great interest. There had formerly been stone stairs leading up to the upper floor but these had been replaced by the present owner of the place when I went to live in the house. There were not no vestiges of either remaining at the present; the upper floor and beams still were still there, the latter the same doubtless that had been placed there when the house was first built.
We met the father at his gate. He is a heavy, strongly-built man of about 5<ft>. 9 in. in height, of a florid, healthy countenance. I was invited in and when he learned who I was told me not to think of going back to the village to stop, but to remain there and if I wanted my things he would send for them. His sister, whose maiden name was Jane Cannan and who was <is> now a widow named Lewis, was <is> living with him but so palsied that she could <can> neither feed herself nor move. She has had three strokes of palsy. Her father, Wm Cannan, my Grandfather’s Uncle, was also afflicted towards the last of his days with the same ailment. Her memory and intellect were <are> unimpaired. Both her brother and herself remember my father and Aunt Leonora, and Uncles John & Thos and Aunt Ellinor. The [They] were pleased to see Aunt Nora’s likeness[.] Mr. Cannan himself is not a demonstrative <but> rather <serious or> stern in his manner to all appearance upon first acquaintance. I found him a kindly, pleasant and much more affable man than the first sight of him would warrant. A very unprejudiced, liberal man and a man of much large views for one of his station and opportunities. A religious man, but not a bigot though I should think that he would be very firm in his opinion. He inquired respecting {our religion} and I talked considerably {on that and other subjects,} and he and his wife listened with apparent interest. I have been told that he was quite wild when a young man. His father died when he was an infant and being the only son and heir he had been much indulged, never asking money of his guardians without receiving it. Getting into a quarrel and being much imposed upon <on> one occasion he stood up to fight with the man and the first blow he struck his opponent killed him. It had such an effect upon him that he renounced his former associates & habits and became a changed man in his manner, becoming very serious and scarcely ever known to indulge in any great amount of mirthfulness. He has the Cannon head also, and looks his head and hair, excepting in the color of the latter, resembles father’s very much. There is one peculiarity, rarely found among men, which they have in common, – their the teeth of the upper and lower jaw shut square upon one another. In the generality of men the upper teeth project beyond the lower. His wife was out when I reached, she afterwards came in, and she, as did many others the next day, remarked the family likeness in me.
22 September 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 22/61. They asked me this morning if I had any objection to going to a place of worship with them. He was Church warden and had to attend. I told them I did not have any I was not bigotted though I did not believe in their method of worshipping or in <many of> the doctrines they taught, and would go with them. We were joined before starting by a third cousin of mine[,] John Corjeag, his Great Grandmother and my Great Grandfather, Hugh Cannan, being brother and sister and both out of the Cooilshellagh. He went to the Methodist meeting, being a Local Preacher, while my Cousin and his girls and myself went to the Parish Church and heard the Lord Bishop preach. The Morning service was <a> tedious piece of idolatry and the sermon, moderately well delivered, was a lecture <advising> to the people about not <to> quarreling quarrel with the word of God, or <to> the cease frequenting his house because of any dislike to the minister or because he might occasionally advance incorrect ideas. I afterwards learned that these remarks were called forth in consequence of the feelings which many entertained to the Vicar, Mr. Kelly, for doctrines he advanced which they did not believe in. After the service was over I went into the Churchyard and visited the Graves of the family. My cousin informed me that there was but the one stone that he knew about. It I examined and copied. It is as follows
[7 lines left blank]
This John Cannan is my <Great> Great Grandfather and Wm is his oldest son, and brother of my Great Grandfather Hugh Cannan, and father <of> the living owner of Cooilshellagh.
In the afternoon I had considerable talk with my Cousin and he listened attentively. He manifests a good spirit. I feel at home in his house and have asked the Lord to let peace abide here and to bless the farm. He has had me pray with them every night and morning. Attended Methodist (Primitive) meeting with him this evening. A man named Cannell preached. The sermon set forth the advantages of being converted and living near to God and the horrors of backsliding. Such groans and exclamations as many of them uttered during prayers I never <before> heard.
23 September 1861 • Monday
Monday, Sept. 22 23/6. I started after breakfast this morning over to see my Cousin’s son before leaving the place. In parting with the family they manifested a good friendly feeling which I also felt for towards them. My cousin invited me to visit them again whenever I could. In passing over the ground farm while I have been here my feelings have been such that I find them difficult to describe. This was the home of my ancestors for generations; here they had lived and died, treading this ground and looking around upon all the <natural> objects which I now beheld. I their descendant <from a foreign land> had visited their dwelling place to learn all I could respecting them and to prepare myself as far as I possibly could to render them every aid in my power and to be a savior to them. Do they not look down upon [me] and feel an interest in my movements and efforts. Truly has the Lord said through his prophet that before the coming of that great & terrible day he would send Elijah, the prophet &c. My heart is turned to them with feelings which to this people are unaccountable and doubtless theirs are in like manner turned to me. What a world of wealth feelings feeling rich abounding in wealth and beauty does the gospel in its revelations open up to the human mind!
I bid John James’ wife farewell[;] he was not at home. I went to see a Mr. Brown son of the old <deceased> parson to learn from him respecting the records of the parish which I understood he kept. He informed me that the Vicar had them and they were kept in a safe in the Church vestry. Mr. Brown in my conversation with him told me that he knew that the Cannans of Cooilshellagh were an old family as he was familiar with the old records and he thought that they had been one of the first families of the parish. He said that he remembered seeing the names of the <a> parson and his wife as sponsors for one of the children of the Cooilshellagh. I suspect this must have been one of my Great <Great> Grandfather John Cannan’s family. I repaired to the vicarage and informed him {informed the vicar} of the object of my visit. He very kindly proffered to go with me and assist me in my search through the records. He afterwards remarked to me that when he heard my name he knew from my resemblance to Mr. Cannon of the Cooilshellagh that I was a connection of that family. I found the names of Cannans <on the Records> who were buried in the Church yard in 1619 and 1622 but could not learn from the Record whether they were of our family or not. They were both named Mariad Cannan and were buried Dec. 12, 1619 Old and April 13, 1622 Old Style. Their ages were not stated. The first name ended with something like a d but I thought it might be the old fashioned way of writing that would cause it to have that appearance. In looking for the birth of my Great Great Grandfather John Cannan in 1691 I found two of the name whose birth or christening was recorded that year one the son of Wm Cannan without his wife’s name being mentioned and the other the son of John & Christian Cannan which latter I thought were his parents as Christian is a family name. If this was the record of his birth he was born on the January 19th, 1691 Old Style. I found the name spelled on the records “Cannan” and “Cannon”, though the former mode was that most frequently followed and the oldest record of the name was spelt in that manner. The oldest record in the parish safe commenced in the year 1610, and I think they are by no {means} perfect as I notice gaps in marriages, births and death; but this might be owing in consequence of some being married and others buried in some other parish. I found no record of my Great Great Grandfather’s marriage with his wife. I had heard that his wife was an Englishwoman, a parson’s daughter or neice (I think a daughter) and <as if> to confirm this tradition I found that <according to the record> her name was Anne Smith. John Cannan’s children’s chris names by her and the date of their christening are as follows, –
They <John Cannan & she> might have been married in the parish in which her relative was parson as he nobody of that name had acted as minister of the parish of Kirk Michael, so the present minister informed me. Her death or burial was not recorded either and she probably was buried with her father as tradition says he {she} died before he had built his a house in the Cooilshellagh which he had in contemplation to build. I found two of their children christened Hugh, one 4½ years before the other and yet we could find no record of the former’s death, though without doubt he died before the birth of the younger Hugh who was my Great Grandfather. What <information> I obtained from these records only whetted my curiosity to know more. Mr. Kelly informed me that it would be difficult to obtain anything older than these, though there were records at Bishop’s Court; but it would require a great deal of time, labor and patience to obtain anything definite and even then might not be successful in obtaining anything more than I now had. If I knew any suitable person whom I could employ I would not mind any reasonable expense. Took dinner at the hotel and then started afoot, having requested them to send my valise by the coach to Peel[,] visiting on the way Mr John Cannan of “Ballanay” and Mrs. Cannell of Ballcinanebeg to learn something more respecting the family. The former is no connection so far as known to our family. I gained nothing of moment from either. Mrs. Cannell the wife of the heir of the latter place is from Gleneadle where my mother’s family originally came from. The scenery on the road to Peel was beautiful and I passed some very beautiful farms and houses admirably situated. The first sight of Peel Castle is very romantic being built on a promontory which projects into the sea. I made my way through Peel and readily found the house my Great Grandfather Henry Quayle built and where my Grandfather John Quayle his son had lived and where my Uncle Charles’ widow now lived. I had lived there two years when a child of from three to five years. They were very glad to see me. Charles Quayle, my cousin, was better than I expected to see him. He has two boys, Charles & Wm. Charley[,] the eldest[,] is a very promising boy, resembling Mary Alices boys. After tea we visited my Mother’s cousin, Ann Quayle. She is a widow and has three children, – Robert, Wm and Anne. Robert is married. Her mother was Alice Callister, a sister of my Grandmother Quayle. She married a man by the name of Kneale. This daughter and two sons, – Robert & Chas – were all of the family I knew. She was my Godmother when I was christened. She was very kind to me when a child and I was pleased to see her. Stopped with Aunt Hetty. <in evening wrote to Elizabeth.>
24 September 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 24/61 Visited Thos Wattleworth’s; he was from home; his wife was pleased to see us. They are both related to me through the Callister’s. <One of> My father’s Grand <mother’s> fathers father was named David Callister and my mother’s mother’s father was named Sylvester; they were brothers. Their eldest brother John was by the same father but another Mother, Mrs. Wattleworth is a Granddaughter of his. One of their own Sisters was married to Ceasar Wattleworth, this Thomas was their Grandson and a second Cousin of his wife’s. We next visited Mrs. Hutchinson, whose maiden name was Eliza Munn. Her Grandfather Angus Munn obtained another of the Callister girls, <a> sister to these of whom I have just been speaking. She pressed us to drink a glass of wine and eat some <sweet> wine cakes with her and wished me to take tea with her and when I visited the Island again to <be sure &> visit her. We next visited the house of a brother of Thos Wattleworth, Saml by name. He and two sons are in Illinois. His wife is a first cousin and a granddaughter of the same sister Callister girl that married Ceasar Wattleworth. She pressed us to return and take tea with her <and her girls, Leonora & Emily would go with us to the Castle>[.] We did so and spent a very pleasant <afternoon viewing the ruins of the Castle and in the> evening and had an opportunity of talking with them about us and our principles. <They are all well informed intelligent women> We then visited for a few minutes Cousin Ann Quayle[.] This afternoon I called in the house of John Callister, the <Great> Grandson of the oldest brother of my two Great Grandfather’s and saw him and his sister. Edward Callister of Great Salt Lake City, is a brother of theirs. It was interesting to me to visit this house as it was the house of my Great {<Great> Great} Grandfather John Callister and his wife Leonora Radcliffe, whether he was born in it or not I cannot say; but my two Great Grandfathers, Sylvester and David Callister were doubtless born in this house. I have now visited and stood within the walls <of the houses> where my four Great Grandfathers lived and where three of them were born and one of them where without <doubt,> at least <if no farther back> my Great Great Grandfather was born.
25 September 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept. 25/61. Went after breakfast to the graves of my Great Grandfather, Grandfather and Grandmother, Hugh, George & Leonora Cannon and three of their children,-- Thomas, David & Thomas. I presume my Great Grandfather’s wife, my Grandfather’s mother, whose maiden name was Eleanor Addy, is also buried there; but her name has never not been put on the stone. I also saw my G Gmother, her son Saml and son John Quayle, my Grandfather.
I forgot to mention yesterday, that I visited my Grandfather’s youngest Sister Eleanor, who married John Cannell and had three children by him, John, Ellinor and Geo.[;] the latter is the only one now living. She is quite deaf but otherwise very well for her age. They are very poor[;] I left some money to assist them. I thought of visiting the Parson of the Parish today to see him about getting access to the records; but as I understood it was a gala day in Peel, the Governor of the Island being expected to lay the foundation of a school, and the parson would have to take part in it, I thought it better to defer it until I could make another visit and have more time. About noon my Aunt Hetty and myself got into a car and went out to see Mrs. Edward Corris, a second cousin of my mother’s, who was very intimate with and fond of her and whose kindness when I was a little boy I can distinctly remember. She was living in charge of the house of her husband’s cousin. It is a most lovely place and has had a large amount of labor and money expended upon it. I do not remember <ever> seeing any place <of so unpretending a character> more beautifully arranged than this. that She was not at home. We then went down to Aunt Hetty’s brother Philip <Kelly’s> place. He was <is> dead, and his widow and the children were <are> living on the place. They are <a> very interesting family those of them whom I saw, principally girls. They are nine in number. They g♢♢ prepared a good dinner, and after which it was made up to take the car on to Douglas and Aunt Hetty and three of the girls Jane, Anne and Alice[.] We had a very agreeable ride to Douglas. We went thro’ the grounds of Castle Mona, a hotel, but formerly the residence of the Duke of Athol who was King of Man, and were shown through the grand hall and the principal rooms. Being built fronting the bay the view <from its windows and gardens> is superb. They started back in the evening. I called upon George Cannon and then went to my cousin Ann Taubman or Warburton’s and spent the evening in conversation with her, the most of the time upon our principles. I slept at her house. Called upon
26 September 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 25[26]/61. Visited Thomas Cain, a first cousin of my Father’s and a second cousin of my Mother’s; he keeps a Butcher’s shop in Douglas. His mother whose <maiden> name was Phebe <Callister> was a sister of my Grandmother Leonora Cannon’s and a first cousin of my Grandmother Quayle’s. She married Sylvester Cain and had a number of boys and one <a> girl or two by him, this Thomas being the youngest boy. He had a nephew of his, David Cain, son of his brother John living with him. I also met another nephew of his[,] Caesar Cain, son of his brother Caesar <Philip>, on board the packet as I was returning; he is a seaman on board. I embarked <at 9. A. M.> for Liverpool this morning on the “Tynwald” and had a most delightful passage, scarcely a ripple on the sea or the slightest motion of the packet. We landed at ½ past 3. P.M. I was met at the landing stage by Bros. Sloan and Graham. I found Elizabeth not very well in health and baby slightly indisposed. I was rejoiced to get house <in safety> once more, in safety for although I have been treated kindly yet it is somewhat tiresome mixing among strangers, (so far as acquaintance goes,) though relatives and having to move around and talk and eat and be agreeable and be on a continual strain. The eating itself is not <an> the easy matter for me. My stomach will not bear cramming without making its dissatisfaction with the operation <known and> felt. And to take meals often, say four times a day, and then have to eat heartily to avoid the pressing and talking to you <remonstrances> I would otherwise have to submit to, is something that I cannot stand very long. I was afraid to start to the Island for fear of sea-sickness but, the Lord has blessed me with lovely, propitious weather and the sail has been rather a pleasure than otherwise.
27 September 1861 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 27/61. Variously engaged. Also on Saturday, One of my father’s cousins, – Ann Crawford alias Kidd – <two of> whose children I had met in Ramsey called in and took dinner with us. She was intimately acquainted with our family before we sailed to Zion and was, of course, highly pleased to see me. She said we must visit her the first opportunity, and Monday being fixed upon, she said she would send her daughter down to bring us up to where they lived.
29 September 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, 29th. Held Met twice with the Saints, in the Assembly Rooms, the first meeting being a priesthood meeting, and spoke at both to the people. In evening, accompanied by Elizabeth, crossed to Birkenhead and held meeting with the Saints there. Had much freedom in speaking.
30 September 1861 • Monday
Monday 29 30th. Variously engaged. Spent the evening with <Wm Kidd and> Cousin Ann Kidd, her his husband Wm Kidd wife, and family, – Fanny, Leonora, John, and Wm. The evening was spent very agreeably.
1 October 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct. 1st/61. Wrote a letter to Bro’s. Amasa and Charles at Copenhagen and to Bro’s. Blackburn & Bull. In Bro. Amasa’s I enclosed a copy of a letter received yesterday from the President Young direct addressed to us in answer to ours respecting John Tobin. The news from home is cheering. The people dwelling in peace and quietness and progressing in their labors.
2 October 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 2nd. Variously engaged.
3 October 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, 3rd, Writing an Editorial entitled [blank]
4 October 1861 • Friday
Friday, 4th. Received letters from home. Sarah Jane, Grandmother Hoagland, Grandma Goodfellow and Elizabeth’s brother John and wife Adelia all wrote; the latter forways sent us a likeness of our son John Q. and their daughter Alice; they look very natural. All are well at home and the children are doing well. I wrote a letter to the President Young, and one to Sarah Jane and Grandma Goodfellow. It was late before I finished. I have been troubled for a day or two with a burning, disagreeable sensation in my stomach. This evening I felt it very much, and, just after feeling it particularly bad, something came up in my mouth, and thinking it had a curious taste, I spit it out, and took notice of it, and found it to be bright red blood. For a little while I felt very bad; it shocked me very much, for I have always had a great dread of spitting blood.
5 October 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, 5th. Started this morning for Merthyr Tydvil, after a wearisome ride I reached there and was met at the station by Elders Jeremy, Bywater, Edwards and others. Stopped at Bro. Rees’, President of the Conference. The Elders were very pleased to see me.
6 October 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, Octr 6th/61. The usual day for holding our semi-annual Conference. We held the Conference in the Temperance Hall which our people hired for the occasion. As an instance of the change of feeling that has taken place in this place I may mention that efforts have been made in past times to get this Hall to hold meetings in and as much as £3 have been offered for its use for one day; but without avail. For this day’s use we have to pay only 15/-, and yet there has been no change in the owners. The choir sang beautifully in both Welsh and English. The congregation was very numerous and enjoyed the Spirit to a goodly degree; it was estimated that there were present about 2000 persons. Many strangers were present at all the meetings, particularly in the evening. In the forenoon the Conference was opened by President Jeremy making remarks and was followed by the presidents of Conferences after which I followed and had the Spirit. In the <afternoon &> evening I enjoyed an excellent flow of the Spirit and spoke with power to mine own and the people’s edification. We had an excellent time and the people rejoiced much.
7 October 1861 • Monday
Monday, 7th. Visited a large Iron Works this morning in company with the brethren and had a very interesting time in witnessing the manufacture of iron.
8 October 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct 8/61. Started this morning about ten in the morn and reached Liverpool about ½ past 8 in the evening. It was a long, tedious ride. I found all well at home.
9 October 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 9th. Busily engaged opening letters all day.
10 October 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, 10th. Writing. Sat up nearly all night writing an editorial. Twelve years to-day I left the Valley for the first time.
12 October 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, 12th. Started this morning for Leicester to hold Conference with the Saints there. Reached there at 4.30 P.M. having been 7½ hours on the road. Was met by the brethren at the Station, Bro’s Brown, Pratt and Welch. Bro. Brown’s health has improved much since I last saw him at Nottingham. We stopped at Bro. Abraham Orme’s, the Conference President’s house. There were five valley elders here, the three I have named and Bro’s Joseph F. Smith and J. C. Rich; they were here on a visit with Bro. Brown. It was what is called “Cheese Fair” at Leicester and in the evening I went out with the brethren to see the various shows which were congregated there. It was Babylon exemplified, and it was painful to witness the depths to which men and women will descend to mak obtain money. In front of every place of amusement was a stage or platform where the actors and actresses came out and paraded themselves before the gaping public tricked out in their tawdry finery with painted faces, impudent demeanor and every action or remark that would attract the attention or afford amusement to the silly and the vulgar. They were a degraded looking lot of creatures and their actions and language were very disgusting.
13 October 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 13th/61. We met with the Priesthood this morning. Bro. Brown made a few introductory remarks and I followed, giving them a good many instructions and the meeting was an a <very> interesting one. In afternoon met with the Saints[.] Bro. Joseph F Smith spoke first and I followed and an excellent spirit of freedom prevailed. A good many strangers were present. In the evening the hall was crowded to overflowing. I spoke and had great freedom. The congregation listened with rapt attention. Bro. Brown followed bearing his testimony to what had been said.
14 October 1861 • Monday
Monday, 14th. At 12 at noon started for Liverpool, reached there at 6 p.m. Found all well.
15 October 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 15th, Writing &c.
16 October 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 16th. Correcting discourses delivered at Nottingham Conference.
17 October 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, 17th. Writing an editorial on “Parental Duties.” Finished about 4 a.m. on Friday morning. Wrote a letter to my Aunt Ellinor, Ramsey, Isle of Man.
19 October 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, 19th. Arose early in the morning to go to Southampton to keep an appointment to meet with the Saints in Conference; but through an error in the “Guide” I was an hour too early. I reached Southampton at 11½ p.m. having been from 8. A. M. on the way from Birkenhead. We were detained about about 5½ hours on the road. I reached there quite tired with my long journey. I was met at the Station by Bro’s. Bramall, Henriod and Barnes. They gave me a warm welcome as did also the Saints. We stopped at St Mary’s cottage at Bro. Perrin’s where the Elders have a room.
20 October 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 20/61. Met with the Saints this morning at the Polytechnic Hall. The financial report was read and was quite satisfactory and the report also of the Condition of affairs. Met in the afternoon and evening and there Saints were present from many branches. I spoke morning, evening and afternoon and had freedom in morning and afternoon; but in the evening I was much bound and had but little liberty. I gave way to Bro. Bramall who spoke for a little time and I followed again and had more freedom.
21 October 1861 • Monday
Monday, the 21st. Writing journal, conversing with the brethren & Saints. At 5 p.m. the Saints had their tea-party in their little chapel at which large numbers of the Saints attended. The tea was an excellent one and an excellent spirit prevailed throughout the evening. Recitations and songs were given for <to> the amusement and edification of all present. I spoke about ¾ of an hour and had excellent liberty. The Spirit rested powerfully upon me and the people and it was a pleasure to speak to them. Among other principles I touched upon <was> that of faith and the necessity of exercising it to escape from Babylon. I illustrated my ideas by illustrating the case of Nephi and the faith he exhibited when he was called upon by his father at the command of the Lord to go up to Jerusalem to get the plates containing the genealogy of his fathers. His elder brothers, Laman & Lemuel, had murmured at the request of their father; but Nephi expressed his willingness to go saying that “the Lord God never giveth a commandment unto the children of men save he prepareth the way whereby he shall fulfil that commandment.” They went up and they tried once, twice and the third time before they succeeded in getting the plates. Nephi exemplified his faith and his confidence in the sentiment which he had uttered to his father by continuing to persevere until he accomplished what the Lord had commanded. I would like, I said, this sentiment to be engraven on the hearts of every Saint that they might act in accordance with it. If this were the case, Saints would not be found <continuing to> residing reside in these lands ten, fifteen and twenty years, after obeying the Gospel, without gathering, God having commanded them to gather they would go to with their might and strive <to> do so having faith that he would prepare the way before them. that they
22 October 1861 • Tuesday1
Tuesday, Oct. 22.61. Started at 7 <o’clock> this morning for Liverpool and after a tedious journey including stoppages and changes (there being five of the latter) of thirteen hours duration, I landed at Liverpool. Was met at the Landing stage by Bro. Perkes. Found Elizabeth and Georgie and well. Among other letters I received the following from President Young dated Sept. 18th.
{“Your welcome favor of Aug. 17, with inclosures, is at hand, and the business contents are noted.
I was pleased to learn that br’s Amasa and Charles continued to enjoy themselves in their labors, and that there [their] health is usually good, and trust that their health will improve during their trip on the Continent.
I approve of your purpose to release br James S. Brown to spend next winter with his father, in case his health continues poor, as he can be of much service in taking charge of the immigrating operations next season at any point where his services will be most needed; and in conducting a company across the plains.
I do not and have not felt that you were in the least unduly importunate in the matter of wishing more Elders from here realizing how properly anxious you are for the advancement of the cause in your field of labor, and shall expect you to always frankly communicate your views and feelings pertaining to matters connected with your Presidency, for, as you are fully aware, it is our constant desire and labor to do our utmost to promote the welfare of the Church and kingdom of God on the earth, not only here, but throughout the world. Please have no fears in freely communicating your views and plans, that if not for the best they may be corrected or dispensed with, otherwise sanctioned and carried out.
So far as the management of the printing department is concerned, I am not now aware of any suggestions occurring to me in relation thereto, but feel to trust its conduct and arrangement to your judgement, holding myself ready to answer such questions thereon as you may at times wish to propound, and to offer, it requisite, suggestions upon any plans you may think proper to propose. But your familiarity with the conduct of that class of business and your access to the guidance of the same Spirit whose counsel we seek, will doubtless wisely direct you in its management. Br Wm H. Shearman was called upon to go on a mission, but declined going <up> on the grounds that he was troubled with the piles. Whether we are able or not to send any one from here to supply br. Whittall’s place, whenever you see proper to release him to emigrate, will probably matter but little, as no doubt you will be able to find the right persons when needed.
I have advised our Delegate, Dr. J. M. Bernhisel, to deposit his money with you, telling him that, upon his writing to you, you would inform him what course to pursue to most safely and profitably accomplish the object.
Elders Pratt, Snow, Jones, Gates, and Spencer, and all our immigrating companies, except br. Joseph W. Young’s, have arrived, and as each company arrived they almost immediately scattered among their relatives and friends. The oxen that were sent from here and returned this season, as a general thing, suffered far less loss by deaths and looked very much better than those purchased in the States, showing that in this, as in other cases, it is the Lord that giveth the increase. The Companies have been pleased with their Captains, and the Captains with their Companies, and this season’s immigration have been signally blessed all the time from their departure from their former homes to their new homes in our peaceful vallies.
The telegraph Agents are busily occupied in erecting poles preparatory to stretching the wires, and expect to be able to transmit intelligence across the continent on or before the 1st of December next. I would be pleased to have you, as soon as you can, appoint a suitable person to take charge of the Scandinavian Mission, that br. Van Cott may have a chance to return to his home at the earliest practicable date.
Bro’s Amasa and Charles are at liberty to tarry as long as they may please, and of course to return when they please, a period which three of the Twelve need have no difficulty in properly determining.
Please write often, and give us the prospect for our next season’s foreign immigration, that we may be advised, as early as possible, of something near the number of teams that will be wanted to be sent to Florence next Spring. I also wish you, from time to time, to make inquiries as to the best place for landing our immigration next season, and the best route to Florence from such seaport as may be selected. If it is possible that Boston will be the best port and then proceed by way of Chicago and Iowa City; though circumstances may so change as to leave New York and this season’s route still open and the best; upon these points I wish you to keep a careful watch, and advise us of your views thereon.
Your family and friends and those of bro’s Amasa and Charles are well, so far as I know, as are the people generally.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young.}
23–24 October 1861 • Wednesday to Friday
Wednesday to Friday Busily engaged in Office duties and writing editorial headed “The divisions and revolutions that threaten Babylon.”
25 October 1861 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 25th/61. Wrote a letter to President Young in answer to his of Sept. 18/61. Received a letter from Brother Amasa advising me of his and Brother Rich’s contemplated return to England. They were to start for Copenhagen on the last of this or beginning of next week.
26 October 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, 26th. Started to-day at noon for Sheffield to attend Conference to be held on the morrow. Reached there at about ½ past 4 p.m. Was met by Bros. Joseph F Smith, Clark and Hibbard. We took tea at the house of the latter. He pressed us to go to a place of amusement which he said was very respectable and would be interesting. I enjoyed it only tolerably well. Slept with Brother Saml H. B. Smith, whom we found <awaiting us> at Brother Clarks.
27 October 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 27/61. Met in the morning[,] attended to business, heard reports from the Elders and made some remarks myself. Dined with Bro & Sis. Allen, whose daughters we accompanied home. Afternoon Bro. J. H B Smith spoke and I followed. Took tea with Mr. & Sis. Adams[.] Spoke in evening. Had not so much freedom at the beginning but got more liberty gradually and spoke for about 2 hours and with the Spirit and power.
28 October 1861 • Monday
Monday, 28th. Started for Liverpool about ½ past 9 a.m.[;] reached between 12 & 1 O’Clock. Found all well.
29 October 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 29th. I was gladdened this afternoon by the arrival of Bro’s. Rich and Lyman. They are well and have enjoyed themselves very much in their visit to the Saints throughout Scandinavia.
30–31 October 1861 • Wednesday to Thursday
Wednesday and Thursday. Variously engaged. Writing &c.
1 November 1861 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 1st/61. A disagreeable and very stormy day. We visited the Exhibition of the Academy of Arts, Bro. Kay accompanied us, he having arrived last evening. We spent four hours very agreeably in viewing the pictures. The collection was a very fine one indeed. Wrote a letter to Bro. Van Cott, advising him of the privilege the President had extended to him of returning as soon as practicable and that we wished him to take Bro. Jesse A. Smith in hand with a view of imparting unto him all the knowledge he could respecting the mission that he might be able to take charge when he (Bro. Van Cott) should be relieved.
2 November 1861 • Saturday1
Saturday, Nov. 2/61. Still cold but not stormy. Started <in company with Bro. L & R> for Leeds to hold a Conference with the Saints there on the morrow. Was met at Had a cold ride. Was met at the Station by Bro’s. Joseph and Saml, who took us to Bro. Shires’ where we eat dinner. Took tea at Sister Eastham’s and {<i and>} Bro. Joseph F. Smith stopped the night there.
3 November 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 3/61. To-day is Elizabeth’s birth day. She is 26 years old. <i trust she will live to enjoy many returns of it.> Attended meeting. Bro. Rich made the opening remarks and was followed by Bro. Saml H B Smith who made a financial and statistical report of the Conference and their <its> condition. Bro. Amasa followed him and spoke for nearly an hour, dwelling on the principle of tithing and kindred subjects. Dined at Bro. Shires’. In afternoon the Sacrament was administered and I occupied the remainder of the time setting forth the advantages which accrued to those who were faithful in the discharge of their duties that they were ever blessed and though they might be poor in circumstances they would be rich in faith. There is a result attending the payment of Tithing which the ignorant and short-sighted are not aware of. Through this principle being revealed and practiced by the Saints there is a fund at the disposal of the Trustee-in-Trust which enables him to carry out many designs and operations that without this he would be unable to do. For instance, this Church has a Credit with the world at the present time that they won to an unlimited extent, because the Trustee-in-Trust’s it is known that the Trustee-in-Trust has always been prompt and punctual and in the payment of all accounts, and that he has a large amount of means at his control. Brother Joseph <the prophet> said, I believe, that the day would come when men would have more confidence in the Church’s <solvency and> ability to meet every engagement than they would in any banking institution in the world. The President of the Church, who is also the Trustee-in-Trust, through having means at his control in the shape of Tithing, has this past season been able to send down 200 wagons and 600 yoke of cattle to assist the poor from the frontiers to the Valley, and that he intends the coming the season, if the way should be open for the gathering of the Saints, to do similarly send some more wagons and oxen down for the same purpose. If the Saints do not see the exact road the money they pay in takes, they see the interests of the work forwarded, they see the Church increasing in influence, in wealth and power, and if they are in the Church and continually remain identified and associated with it, they themselves grow as it grows, its development <directly> benefits them in every respect. These are a few of the thoughts advanced to set <teach> the people in relation to this principle, not that the branch of Leeds needs any urging upon this subject; they have done well; but the Bradford Branch, many of whom with the President was President {were present}[,] need instruction upon these points; they have found fault and been neglectful of their duty. In evening, (Bro. Amasa being still unwell he having been unable to attend afternoon meeting) Bro. Rich spoke for about an hour and had excellent freedom and attention. The room was crowded. I followed for 40 minutes and was blessed in speaking.
4 November 1861 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 4/61. Busily Engaged in conversation, writing &c. Visited the Town Hall – a very beautiful building. There was nothing to be seen particularly worthy of note, excepting a statue of the Queen in white marble [–] a beautifully executed figure. In evening attended a party at which the Saints sang and recited for each other’s amusement. Bro. Lyman spoke for a while.
5 November 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 5th, 1861. We left Leeds at ½ past 9. a. m. and reached Liverpool at about ¼ to 1 p.m. It rained very heavily while we were on the road. Found all well, excepting colds that Elizabeth and baby were troubled with.
6 November 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 6th. Variously engaged. Received an encouraging letter from Bro. David M. Stuart, Scotland, respecting the work in that land.
7 November 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, 7th. Writing an editorial entitled [blank] Finished it by 2 A. M. next morning. I cannot frequently have to defer my writing until every body has gone to bed as there are many calls and frequent interruptions in the day time. Many of the articles that I have written for the Star have been written at such times. Received a letter from Bro’s Van der Woude and Schettler, Amsterdam, Holland, containing an unfavourable account of their prospects in preaching to the people in that land. They evidently are discouraged and instead of bearing up against the difficulties they have to contend [with] they seem disposed to succumb to them.
8 November 1861 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 8/61. I have had a very severe cold since my return from Leeds which has been painful and disagreeable. To-day I am worse than I have been. Visited Bro. Sloan who has been unwell for a few days back. He is the President of this, the Liverpool Conference. Wrote the following letter to Elders Van der Woude and Paul A. Schettler, Amsterdam, Holland.
{“Dear Brethren,
Your favors of the 18th ult. and 4th inst. have both been received and would have been replied to earlier had not a press of other business presented. On the 2nd. inst a letter was forwarded to you enclosing a Bank Note for £5, which we hope you have duly recd and that your wants have been supplied.
We discover a considerable difference between the tone and spirit of your letter of the 18th Oct. & that of the 4th Nov. In the first you say that there are many honest-hearted people in that country who are seeking after the truth; but in your last you seem, (or at least Bro. Van der Woude in whose name the two letters alluded to are written,) to be almost, if not entirely, discouraged, and think that you cannot do much more in Amsterdam; because but you have turned that city up side down. From reading your last letter we are led to conclude that as your money has decreased your faith has decreased with it, and that the fear of imprisonment &c has had an injurious effect upon your efforts and energies. Brethren, it is useless for you to attempt to open the gospel door to a nation if you suffer such feelings of doubt and fear – feelings so utterly unworthy of you as Elders and messengers to the nations, to assail you. Every man who goes forth to bear this gospel to a nation who has never heard it must meet with difficulties, or at least should be prepared to have them to encounter, and should never think that the Lord would send him on an idle errand. He should have faith that when he is sent the Lord will assist him and open his way before him, and though he may not be so successful in the beginning as he could wish, that if he will only continue faithful, perseveringly seeking to proclaim the message in wisdom with which he is intrusted, he will be successful in magnifying his priesthood and clearing his skirts from their blood, whether he should baptize any or not.
We do not wish you to suffer or to be put to any inconvenience for want of necessary funds; but suppose there were no “Church” for you to call on for assistance, as has been the case in repeated instances before this with our Elders in opening up new countries and places, what would you do? Do you suppose that you would be justified in leaving that people or nation unwarned & the honest-in heart ungathered, because you would be imprisoned for not having money if you remained? That very imprisonment, should that be your fate, might be the means of opening a door for the effectual preaching of the gospel. Prisons have not retarded the preaching of the Gospel in past times, and we do not believe they will in future times. If you were put in prison, we suppose you would be fed, and therefore could live, and they could not keep you very well from telling the truth, & the telling of the truth might convert the jailor (it has done it before) and your fellow-prisoners.
There is another point, mentioned in your letter of the 18th Oct. that we wish to call your attention to. You say, “we would have done much good, if polygamy was not; but this is a very great obstacle,” and add further that it “has stopped Bro. Schettler’s endeavors in this city also.” It may be that our belief in the doctrine of polygamy may be urged against you, and you may think you have cause for believing that you might have done much good if it were not for polygamy; but if polygamy should be unknown, they would find some other objection that would afford them sufficient foundation, in their opinion, for rejecting your message, and illtreating and persecuting you. The messengers of the Gospel were hated, reviled, imprisoned, cast out and killed before polygamy was believed or known by us as a people. Indeed, these effects followed the preaching of the gospel just as much before polygamy was revealed as they have since. You give the Adversary an opportunity to weaken you, therefore, by permitting the thought to enter your mind that God has revealed principle that in and of itself acts as a barrier or obstacle in the way of the people receiving the truth. He will not fail to avail himself of this weak spot in your armour and it will be to your injury. Pure honest-hearted & virtuous people are & will be prepared for the reception of this principle, though it may be opposed to their traditions and prejudices, & they will believe, comprehend & rejoice in it. Do not, therefore, be fearful upon this point, or think any longer that if it were not for this principle you could do much good, for it will carry its own conviction with it.
In writing this to you, dear brethren, we do not wish you to think that we are indulging in fault-finding. We write to you in this strain because we think you have too easily bent before the storm you have had to meet, and because we wish to strengthen you and have you act the part of good soldiers and faithful ministers of our God. We desire to see you magnify your priesthood and do a good work on the earth. Be humble, be wise in your conversation & address, & seek for the spirit and power of your good <calling,> & you will do a good work, & rejoice in your labors whether you baptize any or not. Remember that a great city or a great nation is not warned in a week or a month. Seek for the Spirit of revelation & wisdom, that you may be directed to the honest-in heart & if you are led to leave Amsterdam and go elsewhere, follow the dictation of the spirit. In relation to printing, be wise & move considerately. Be careful what you publish & that it is correct. May the Lord bless & sustain you is prayer of your brethren in the Lord.
Amasa M. Lyman,
Charles C. Rich,
George Q. Cannon.”}
9 November 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 9. Writing &c. Very unwell with a cold. <Took a Turkish Bath.>
10 November 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, 10th. <Very stormy.> Met in Conference this morning. The representation and other business of the Conference was attended to and Bro’s Dame, McBride and Kay spoke and I followed. In the afternoon presented the authorities and Bro. Rich and myself spoke. I dwelt upon faith and its exercise in gathering out of Babylon. In the evening Bro. Lyman spoke to a crowded audience.
11 November 1861 • Monday
Monday, 11th. Variously engaged. Bro’s. Dame, & McBride were here through the day but left in the evening.
12 November 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 12th. Variously engaged. Wrote a letter to Mrs. Godbe.
13 November 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday. 13th Engaged in the business of the Office. Sat up at night and wrote an editorial entitled “Retributive Justice --
14 November 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 14th/61. Variously engaged.
15 November 1861 • Friday
Friday, 15th Variously engaged.
16 November 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, 16th. Bro. Rich started this morning at 9 o’clock for Nottingham and at 9.50 Bro. Lyman & myself started for Sunderland to meet with the Elders and Saints in Conference on to-morrow. It was cold and unpleasant travelling. We had to make three changes and at one place, York, were detained upwards of two hours which caused our arrival to be deferred from 4.35 p.m. – the time we were due there – to 8 p. m. It commenced storming soon after we started and continued throughout the day. We were met at the station by Bro’s. Gleason and Hargraves and we then went to Bro. Newton’s where we stopped while in Sunderland. We were very kindly treated by him, and Sister Newton and were comfortably lodged. They had a fine group of children, five girls and one boy, the youngest, a girl, <was> born on the same day as my little Georgiana.
17 November 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, 17th. The snow covered the ground this morning and fell heavily, before meeting, however, it subsided. There were three meetings held during the day, the morning meeting for the priesthood, the afternoon and evening for instruction and business. I attended all the meetings and spoke a short time to the2 Priesthood in the afternoon. In the afternoon I occupied the first part of the meeting; Bro. Amasa followed in the same strain & in the evening he again spoke. Though the day was inclement there was a very good attendance, some of the people having walked eighteen miles to be there & they paid good attention. Bro. Dallin, president of the Newcastle Conference was unable to be with us in consequence of ill-health. I intended to return to Liverpool on Monday, but hearing of his ill-health I deferred my return for the purpose of making him a visit.
18 November 1861 • Monday
Monday, 18th. (Nov.). Bro’s John S. Gleason, President of the District, S. Hargreaves, Prest of the Sunderland Conference, Hy. W. Barnett, President of the Carlisle Con. Bro. Lyman & myself took the cars this morning for Newcastle to visit Bro. Dallin. We had a pleasant ride of about 12 miles & found Bro. D. in slightly better health. He is laboring under a bronchial affection and there are some fears entertained respecting his lungs; though he, himself, thinks they are quite sound. I spoke to him about changing his locality, but he prefers staying at Newcastle & thinks it will agree with him as well as any part of England. He is comfortably situated & well cared for & I trust will improve in health. We retd in the afternoon about 4.50 having first partaken of dinner prepared by Sister Sutherland. Upon our arrival in Sunderland we went to the house of Capt. Stevens where we had been invited to spend the evening & partake of supper. Spent an agreeable evening conversing upon the principles of the Gospel, & Bro. Amasa & myself corrected some wrong views entertained by Bro. Hargreaves upon pre-existence and pre-destination.
19 November 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday 19th. I started this morning at 8.30 for Liverpool, leaving Brother Lyman to stay another day before taking his departure for London where he expects to stay some little time between now & the time of our General Council of the Elders, to be held at Birmingm on the ensuing Newyear’s day. My ride was a cold and tedious one. I reached L’pool a few minutes before 6. pm. and found all well. I found awaiting me several letters In a short one from my wife, Sarah Jane, I learnt that all are well at home, & that my brothers Angus M. and David H. have been appointed with a number of others to go South to what is known as the Cotton country – the portion of our Territory south of the rim of the Great Basin,– they are to take their families with them. Bro. W. S. Godbe writes me that Bro. P. Pratt & E. Snow are also going and that Angus has sold out his interest in the Pottery very advantageously & is trying to sell an unfinished dwelling house which he was building. Another letter <was> from Bro. S. L. Adams forwarding me a paper containing an article signed by Bro’s Joseph C. Rich, Geo. W. Grant, Willard G. Smith, Parley P. Pratt & himself, which was intended as a refutation of statements contained in an anonymous communication which went the rounds of many of the papers. The statements were so trifling & contemptible that I had deemed them unworthy of notice. The refutation the editor of the paper to whom they had sent it, had inserted; but he had published it, so he stated in some editorial remarks, as they had written & sent it. If what he states is true, the articles is by no means creditable to the writers or signers. It does not refute any of the other’s statements, & is neither good sense nor good English & appears ridiculous as it is printed. I wrote Bro Lyman upon the subject.
“Dear Bro. Amasa,
I hope this will find you in the enjoyment of good health & safely landed in London. My trip was a tedious one, & I sympathize with you who had so much farther to ride. Upon opening my letters since my arrival I found the enclosed letter with the accompanying scrap & the newspaper which I herewith send. I have read the letter, but have not had patience to read the article “from some leaders of this curious sect.” I feel indignant at the folly, to call it by no worse a name, of Bro. Adams in writing such an answer to the miserable statements of this anonymous & unknown correspondent. If his answer had been well written, it would be attaching an importance to the letter of which it is entirely unworthy; but to have such a wretched string of stuff, as the glance I have given to it leads me to suppose it is with the names of Rich, Smith, Grant & Pratt, (all names very familiar to every one who has any acquaintance with our history, &, of course, supposed to be leading men), is painfully ridiculous. Our own periodical does not afford sufficient scope I suppose for the genius that composed the answer; he plumes his pinions for a higher flight & a wider range than the Star affords, and the result is like many a fledgling that has preceded him, instead of soaring aloft as he expected he is floundering in the mud, a spectacle of pity to his friends, & ridicule & contempt to his foes. I do not blame the boys as much as I do Bro. Adams; he ought to have known better. He ought to have known that it was not his province to answer such charges or statements – that he was not sent here for any such a purpose. It was Quixotic in the extreme in him to do so. Somebody says there is a certain nameless class who “rush in where Angels fear to tread.” I <think he> may feel thankful that the editor has let him off so easily easy. He seems however to be fully imbued with the idea that his honesty & capacity to tell a truth that all the world cannot overthrow ought to make up for his bad orthography, syntax and sense. The old fallacy which has benumbed the energies & checked the growth of many men who might have been bright & useful, & made them vain of an ignorance which they would have done well to have got rid of. He has another rod in pickle, it seems, for the Editor; he says he “will try & talk to him like a dutch unkel.” As I am ignorant as to the manner and language used by “dutch unkels” when inflicting castigation I am at a loss to know what this “talk” will be like; but suppose it will be very rough & severe. Do not you think it better for him to defer assuming the part of the “dutch unkel” and let the editor alone? What has Bro. Adams to do with the salaries of the Archbishop of Canterbury & the Bishop of Ripton in preaching the principles of the gospel to the people? I have thought it better to write to you before writing to him and should prefer, if you feel like it, your writing to him. I supposed that it was understood by the Elders that they were not to offer anything for publication in the limits of this mission without first submitting it to the Presidency here. Yet this is not the first instance of this kind of late.
By letter from bro. Godbe I learn that Bro’s Orson Pratt & Erastus <Snow> are selected to go South to the Cotton Country. I also learn that my brothers Angus & David with their families are also going there. Accept my love to yourself and remember me to Bro’s Brown, Staines, Marion, Stayner & Reynolds & the Saints. Elizabeth sends her love also. Excuse this scrawl, I am tired.
I remain, as ever,
Your Brother,
Geo. Q. Cannon
P.S. I hope to hear from you.
20 November 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 20th. Engaged with letters & other business of the Office. Spent the evening with my wife at Sis. Spencer’s.
21 November 1861 • Thursday
Thursday 21st. Wrote editorial entitled “A day of fasting & prayer,” and engaged in other labors.
22 November 1861 • Friday
Friday, 22nd. Wrote a short editorial “Dreadful effects of civil strife.” Visited Mr. Smith, (Lapscott, Smith & Co.) & had some conversation respecting ships for the coming season’s emigration. Visited my father’s Cousin, Ann Kidd, in company with my wife. Mrs. K. has been confined for a few weeks with a bad leg.
23 November 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 23rd. Wrote a long letter to Pres’t Young; as follows:–
Since my last Brothers Amasa & Chas have arrived in good health from Denmark. They have enjoyed their trip & have extensively visited the various Conferences in these lands. They come back refreshed in mind and body from the change of scenery & associations & the effect of the healthful & bracing air of the North. Since their return they have been troubled with colds from which they have recovered. I have also been quite unwell since I last wrote from a <a> very <a> severe colds cold from which I have been relieved, but has left me with a violent cough. For the past two or three weeks the weather has been very trying to the health & few are free from the ill effects of the change. The coast has been visited by several very severe gales, and shipping has experienced more disasters, and there has been a greater loss of life, than has experienced here for several years.
What steps I could I have taken to ascertain the prospects on the other side for our people to travel by the usual route. From all I can ascertain on this side juding [judging] also by the list of fares forwarded by the Railroad people in New York to Passage Bookers here, there was no difficulty up to the last accounts in emigrants going through to the Bluffs. I have written to Bro. McAllister at New York, for all the information he can obtain upon the subject, & requesting him to keep me posted.
Those best acquainted with the passenger trade think that we need not look for a medium price for passages the coming season – they will be either very high or very low. A cessation of the war on the other side would cause them to be very high, they think, and a continuation of the difficulties will keep the price of charters low. There are other causes, however, that I expect to affect the price of charters. You will doubtless hear by the Telegraph long before this reaches you respecting the capture & destruction of the “Harvey Birch,” a merchant vessel of N. York by the Confederate steamer “Nashville.” This happened in lat. 49.6. long. 9.52 – about 40 miles off Cape Clear – on the 19th inst. Masters of American vessels in this Port are trembling in their shoes at the thought of going to sea with such ugly customers afloat on their path as these privateers and rebel steamships. Since this news has reached here war risks on all vessels bearing the American flag have increased enormously. This occurrence will probably have one of two results, – either to check the intercourse of American vessels with England, or to arouse the commercial men of the North to bring all their influence to bear upon the government at Washington to Secure the shipping in these seas & North Atlantic from the depredations of this class of vessels by scouring the ocean with their ships of war. Merchant men could sail in convoys under the protection of ships of war; but I think their adoption of such a method quite doubtful. Whichever way the events shape I have faith that they will be for our good. The Saints’ prayers are for the way to be kept open that they may escape from Babylon. Times are hard & likely to be still worse before winter passes over, and I feel that it will require very judicious measures & counsel on the part of the priesthood to keep the people from suffering. In consequence of the slackness of the trade there will be many of the Saints disappointed who have been depending on the winter’s employment to complete the sum necessary to take them to Florence. The numbers of those likely to go through to Florence the coming Season I have not yet received from the Conferences. Some reports have reached me and I expect all to be here in a few days; as soon as they come to hand I will write you.
The health of the Elders is better since I last wrote. Bro. Dame has gone on a visit to Scotland; he had improved much before he started. While at a Conference held at Sunderland last Sunday Bro. Amasa and myself visited Bro. Dallin at Newcastle. His health has been poor of late owing to an affection of the bronchial tubes. His symptoms as described to me at the Conference alarmed me; but when I saw him & heard him talk & describe his feelings I felt easier, though I think he must take care of himself or it may turn to something more serious. Br. James S. Brown writes me more encouragingly of late respecting his health.
Bro. Van Cott has been notified of the privelege extended to him to return, & we have instructed him to initiate Bro. Jesse N. Smith as rapidly as possible into all the business of the Mission so that he may assume the Presidency. Bro. Van Cott has replied & feels pleased with the prospect of returning to zion.
In relation to the emigration this coming season I should be glad to learn from you which of the Elders, if any, you wish to take charge as Agents on the other side. Will it be agreeable to you for us to release any of the Elders – say Bro’s Blackburn, Gibson, Liljenquist, all of whom left home at the same time as Bro.<’s> Gates, Jones & Van Cott, if they desire to return, or any others whom we may think necessary for the wellbeing of the emigration, without direct instructions from you on the subject? We would prefer your selecting those whom you wish to return; but we desire to have a clear understanding of your wishes upon this point.
Accompanying is a copy of a note which was sent to me a week or two since by the brother in whose favor it is given, with an inquiry whether I would allow it to be applied on his emigration. He was told by Bro. Hyde when he was here that it would be honored by the Church. There is nothing on our present books to his credit[.] He bears an excellent reputation in the Church as a faithful Saint, punctual in all his duties. Before giving a definite answer I thought it better to mention the matter to you.
Enclosed I forward you a note which I have received from a sister. It explains itself. The brethren who know her say that she is a worthy, faithful woman. Her husband made no arrangements with me more than to request my remembrance of his family in case it should be in my power to render assistance to any. He may not have means sufficient to send for them; but a seven years’ absence should have enabled him to do something more for a family left as his was than trust to the kind offices of his brethren to help them. Bro’s Amasa and Charles thought with myself that the better course would be to forward her letter to you, not to burden you with the matter, but knowing that a word from you would right the matter at home.
There is a brother in Sheffield, a policeman or constable, by the name of James Allen, who wrote you a letter in the early part of the year ‘56, he thinks, descriptive of his circumstances & asking if aid could not be extended unto him through the P. E. Fund. A reply was received from you under date, if his memory serves him truly, of May 24th, ‘56 in which you said that it might be too late for him to emigrate that year; but he was to apply to Bro. Pratt, who was then here, & the next year he could probably go. He only saw the letter once & that was when he recd it. Some of the Valley Elders wished to look at it, & took it away from the house to read at their leisure & they mislaid or lost it. Bro. Allen was very anxious, when I saw him at Conference, that I should mention the matter to you when I wrote. He has felt very bad, as also his family, since the loss of the letter as he thought that if he had it he could get away.
James Hunter of Edinburgh has written to know if the order of last season in favour of himself, wife & five children is still good, as he wishes to avail himself of the means the coming spring.
Bro. Rich left here on Saturday last for Nottingham, & Bro. Amasa, after Conference last Sunday at Sunderland, left for London, where he is at present. With kind love to yourself, Bro’s Heber & Daniel, the brethren of the Twelve, Bro. Carrington & the brethren in the Office I remain, as ever,
Your Brother,
Geo. Q. Cannon.
Wrote also to my wife, Sarah Jane. Had written also letters to Mr. Hart, Bro. Meder’s son-in-law, California, to Bro’s H. S. Eldredge, Wm Clayton and Rob’t Burton.
24 November 1861 • Sunday
Sunday 24th. (Nov.) Met with the Saints afternoon and evening. Spoke at both meetings. In the evening there were a number of strangers present. I spoke on the first principles & had excellent liberty; I felt the Spirit. There was excellent attention paid by all present & my prayer is that the Lord will bless the word to the salvation of all present.
25 November 1861 • Monday
Monday, 25th. Variously engaged.
26 November 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 26th. Variously engaged. Commenced an article entitled “Labours before the people in Zion – Influence of Tithing.”
27 November 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday 27th. Did not commence upon the article again until very late at night; was kept up all night in finishing it.
28 November 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, 28th. Wrote to Bro’s Blackburn and Halliday. Variously engaged.
29 and 30 November 1861 • Friday and Saturday
Friday & Saturday, 29 & 30th. Busy about the Office.
1 December 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, 1st Dec. 1861. Attended prayer meeting this morning, this being our monthly fast day. Attended meetings in the afternoon & evening & spoke in both meetings; in the evening meeting I spoke upon the first principles & had considerable liberty.
2 December 1861 • Monday
Monday, 2nd. Went out with Elizabeth. Sister McManus came in afternoon & stopped until after tea. Received papers from the Valley, but no letters.
3 December 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 3rd. Wrote an article for the Star entitled “The Next year’s volumes of Star & Journal”
4 December 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 4th. Wrote part of an article for the editorial columns, but did not finish it as it could not go in the Star this week.
5 and 6 December 1861 • Thursday and Friday
Thursday & Friday, 5th & 6th. Variously engaged.
7 December 1861 • Saturday
Saturday 7th. Receiving a letter from Bro. J. D. T. Mc.Allister informing me of his intention to leave the States for England about the beginning of the present month. Bro. Brigham had written to him by Dr. Bernhisel giving him the privelege of returning home or of coming to England & reporting himself to the Presidency here for service. He had chosen the latter course. I was pleased to receive this news as we are short of help in the ministry, & Bro. Mc.Allister is a trustworthy, faithful, experienced man. I wrote a letter to Pres’t Young giving him the news & the items of business connected with the work.
There has been a great excitement throughout England since the 28th Nov. in Consequence of it becoming known at that time that an American (Federal) sloop-of-war, the San Jacinto, Commanded by Commodore Wilkes had stopped the Trent, a British mail steam packet, sailing between Havana, Cuba and St. Thomas, West Indies, while off the Bahamas and the first lieutenant (Fairfax) had, with a number of men boarded her & taken from among her passengers, (despite their own protests & the protests & remonstrances of Capt. Moir & the British Mail Agent, Capt. Williams, R. N.) Messrs Mason & Slidell formerly U. S. Senators, one from the State of Virginia & the other from Louisiana, but now reputed ambassadors from the South to Gt. Britain & France. The English think (this being the opinion of the law advisers of the Crown) that the Captain was guilty of a breach of international law, and that their flag has been insulted by the act, as they say he had no right to take passengers as he did from under the protection of the British flag; but that if, upon search, he found on board any “Contraband of war,” he should have taken the vessel in port and submitted the case to a Court of Admiralty. A Cabinet Council was held, & a special messenger sent by the steamer which sailed on the 30th Nov. with despatches to Lord Lyons, British Minister at Washington. It is currently reported that the British Govt have demanded reparation & that nothing but the restitution of the two men will satisfy them. The stock market is much affected by the prospect of hostilities. Preparations are being actively made for war by this government, & large quantities of troops & munitions of war are being sent by powerful & swift steamers under convoy to Canada. My prayer & constant desire is that nothing will be permitted to interfere with the emigration of the Saints, & I feel that the Lord will overrule every event among the nations for the benefit of his people & work.
8 December 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 8. 1861. Met with the Saints afternoon & evening, & spoke at both meetings, enjoyed myself much. A wet disagreeable day.
9 December 1861 • Monday
Monday, 9th. Wrote to Bro’s Lyman & Rich. Commenced an article entitled “Missouri as it was & as it is.”
10 December 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday 10th. Finished the above article. This is the anniversary of my wedding day. Seven years ago to day Elizabeth Hoagland & I were married by President Young.
11 December 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday 11th. Finished an article commenced last week entitled “Disappointed Hopes of the Enemies of Truth.” Received letters from Bro’s Van der Woude & Schettler, missionaries from the Valley to Holland, dated at Amsterdam. Bro. Vander Woude seems to be disappointed. Every letter that he has written of late appears gloomy & discouraging. Bro. Schettler writes in a livelier spirit. They are out of money, having spent £5 I sent them the beginning of last month
15 December 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, 12th. Variously engaged.
13 December 1861 • Friday
Friday, 13th. Received a long letter from Pres’t Young & a letter from my wife Sarah Jane & one from Grandmother Goodfellow. They report themselves & the children well. The President’s letter contains cheering news relative to the peace & prosperity of zion. Respecting Bro’s Lyman & Rich, he says,Ë— “Please inform Bro’s Amasa & Charles C. that they are at full liberty to return home next season, & that from their faithful labors on their mission I doubt not they can answer a good conscience in so doing.”
14 December 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, 14th. Commenced an editorial headed “Retrospect of the Year.”
15 December 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, 15th. Attended meetings in afternoon & evening. We have only two meetings in the day on Sunday in L’pool excepting upon the first Sunday in the month when there is an additional meeting held for the Priesthood. I enjoyed both meetings very much. In the evening I spoke from the prophecies in the Book of Mormon respecting coming events also from Joseph’s prophecy in relation to the troubles in America & among all nations. Had good liberty.
16 December 1861 • Monday
Monday, 16th. Reading most of the day.
17 December 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 17th. Variously engaged. Bro. Kay arrived from Manchester
18 December 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday 18th. Finished editorial on “Retrospect of the Year,” & wrote to Bro. Van Cott and Mr Evan Christian, Lewage, I. of Man. Bro. Sloan retd today from the I. of Man where he has been preaching for some two weeks with pretty good success; he obtained for me while there some particulars from the records respecting my genealogy, which I appreciate highly.
19 December 1861 • Thursday
Thurs-day, 19th. Commenced an editorial entitled “New Year’s Salutation.”
20 December 1861 • Friday
Friday, 20th. Variously engaged.
21 December 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, 21st. Wrote several letters, one of them to Bro. Bull in relation to coming down to L’pool to work in the Office. When I deemed it advisable to purchase a machine, type &c. to do our own publishing I hired a man by the name of Bell to work the machine. He has had the reputation of being a good workman; but he has not given me satisfaction, for it has taken nearly or quite as long for him to do the presswork of the papers on the machine as it would an ordinary machine pressman on a hand press. A few weeks ago I came to the determination to put somebody else at the machine; but Bell refused to teach any person or afford them any assistance, unless he could be paid for so doing. He asked a gratuity of £5 in addition to his regular wages, or 35/- per week for one year; I thought this charge exorbitant, because in removing him from the machine I had not the slightest intention of supplanting him but fully intended to give him work while we had it, & besides, much of the knowledge he now possessed—of the working of this machine has been obtained by experimenting upon this one which I purchased. I made up my mind, after hearing what he asked, that I would not give him any such sum; but thought I would let the matter pass for the present until I could see Bro’s Lyman & Rich & talk to them about taking Bro. Bull from the Ministry for a few weeks for the purpose of teaching Bro’s Ross or Mc. Allister the business of press work. Last Saturday Mr. Bell sent me a note in which he gave me two weeks’ notice of his intention to leave. He had been treated, he said, by Bro. Whittall and myself in a kind manner, & with this he was well satisfied; but he did not like the work. I immediately wrote to Bro. Bull relative to his coming to the Office to work & he expressed himself as being quite willing. Wrote during afternoon to Pres’t Young. Twelve months today we landed at Southampton from New York.
22 December 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, 22nd. (Dec.) Started at 8. o’clock this morning in company with Bro. Kay to visit the branches of the Church at Upholland & Wigan. Walked during the day about ten miles and preached at both places. Eat breakfast and dinner at Bro. Swift’s and tea at Bro. Baldwin’s. Returned by rail from Wigan & reached home at 11 p.m.
23 December 1861 • Monday
Monday, 23rd. Bro. Rich arrived in the forenoon from Nottingham & Bro. Lyman from London in the afternoon; both in good spirits & well.
24 December 1861 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 24th. Finished my editorial article entitled “New Year’s Salutation.” Bro. Peacock arrd from Scotland. While Bro’s Lyman, Rich & myself were out this evening a quilt that my wife spread on the floor for the baby to play on, by some means caught fire; my wife was down stairs at the time. When she retd she found the room full of smoke & the quilt consumed to a cinder & a large hole burnt in the carpet, & the washboard & the bottom of the sides of the book shelves within an inch of the books charred. When we retd & I saw the burned place I was surprised that it was not worse, that the wood work & carpet had not burned more than they had, & that the books had not caught fire. I felt to thank the Lord for the deliverance which I knew came from him.
25 December 1861 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 25th. Christmas day. I had invited the brethren in the Office to dine with us to-day it having been customary on past Christmas days to make a present to the hands who worked on the Star & Journal. The dinner was excellent & appeared to be enjoyed by all. There were 19 who sat down. Prests Lyman & Rich, Elders Kay & Sloan & his wife & wife’s sister. Elder Peacock, Bro. & Sis. Whittall, Bro. & Sis. Ajax, Bro’s Perkes[,] Graham, Mc. Allister, Ross, Fuller, Priestley & myself and wife; the two boys <Eph. Mc.Millan & S. Carlisle,> sat down afterwards. In the evening we all attended a tea party held in our usual place of meeting. It passed off quietly and in good style, & the entertainments afterwards were highly amusing and interesting. Bro’s J. C. Graham & N. H. Perkes gave us a very excellent specimen of their dramatic powers; there were several others of the brethren from the office who took parts and did very creditably.
26 December 1861 • Thursday
Thursday, 26th. Bro. Bull arrived today.
27 December 1861 • Friday
Friday, 27th. Variously engaged. In the evening Miss Robinson, from Douglas, Isle of Man, a sister to sister Helena Richards, wife of S. W. Richards, called in company with Sister Mary Spencer. She appears to be a fine, smart girl.
28 December 1861 • Saturday
Saturday, 28th. Received a telegram this afternoon from Bro. J. D. T. Mc Allister, Glasgow, informing me that he had just arrived there from New York & he would be in Liverpool about midnight. This intelligence was very pleasing, as we had been somewhat anxious about him, he having advised me of his intention to leave New York the first week in December. He arrived in good health and spirits. His voyage had been a stormy one, & at one time threatened to be disastrous. They had made preparations to take to their boats, thinking that the vessel – United Kingdom – had sprung a leak. It proved to be the [blank] that had burst and which flooded the vessel.
Wrote a letter to Bro. Elias Smith. Bro’s Lyman, Rich, Kay & myself & Elizabeth went up to Sister Spencer’s to tea. Spent a very pleasant evening.
29 December 1861 • Sunday
Sunday, 29th. Bro. Bull’s health is very poor. Went to afternoon & evenings meetings. Bro’s Mac Allister & Rich spoke in Afternoon, & Bro. Lyman in evening; his discourse was very eloquent.
30 December 1861 • Monday
Monday, <Dec.> 30th., <1861> Busy at the Office. Bro. Bull is still quite bad.
[The following notes, primarily genealogical, are from the back of the daybook labeled “Ms d 5504 fd 1 v. 1” which goes from 12 July 1861 to 17 November 1861.]
Quirk Tom Harry’s at Glencadle His Sister, Bella Quirk, G-Father Quayle’s cousin Anna her sister
Mrs John Lace used to attend Mrs. Bacon, 80 years of age, recognized Aunt Leonora’s portrait immediately
Wm Kidd 27 ft
Georges’ Hill
Everton
To go to Merthyr will be by the Newport, Abergavenny & Hereford Railway and from Pontipool Road you will come by way of Coumlin Bridge.
Evan <T Maria> Christian, Esq
Lewaige or Lewaigne son of [shorthand] Wm John & Christian
John <born Jan. 19/1691 Old style> Cannan of Cooilshellagh who departed this life Octr 21, 1773 Aged 82 years [shorthand]
Also Wm Cannan, his son who departed this life Novr 3[,] 1807. Aged 81 years
Born <son of John and Anne> Cristened Oct 4/1726
cristened
John Son of John Cannon & Anne Smith Oct. Feb. 4th, 1728–9, Cooilshellagh
Chas son of do April 11th/1731 Coolʺ
Anne daug Aug 15/1733
Isabel ʺ Aug. 31/1735
Hugh ʺ Dec. 9/1737
baptised
Thos ʺ Nov. 11/1739
Hugh ʺ July 23/42
baptised
Margaret ʺ Oct. 2/1745
Wm Son of John Corjeage & Christian Cannan April 16/1752
Chas son of do Dec 8/1754
Margt daugtr do May 27/56
Chas Son Apl 16/1759
Ann Daugr Nov. 8/1761
John Son of John Cannon & Isabel Creer Sept 2/1764
Catherine dagh of Corjearge Jan 27/1765
Isabel daug of do. Oct 4/1767
Wm Cannan son of John & Isabel Creer, Mar. 15/1767
Mariad Cannan buried Dec. 12/1619
do. buried April 13/1622
Jane Daught Matths Crow &Cath, Cannon June 22/1771
John Son of do Nov. 28/1773
Jane Daugr of Wm Cannan & Cath Quayle, July 5/1801
John Son of Wm Cannan & Cath. Quayle Feb 9/1806
Marriages
Wm Cannan & Katherine Quayle July 3/1660
Wm Cannan & Eleanor Llon or Lewin Sept 30/1660
Wm Cannan and Mally Quayle, Jany 27/1673–4
Wm Canna[n] & Isabella Cowley Oct 29/1694
do & Grace Corlett June 30/1733
Buried
Wm Cannan (Eary) Augt 16, 1692
do son of Wm & Jan Patterson Aug 25/1704
Wm do M <(Hary)> Mar. 13/1715
John do Airey Nov. 10/1723
Christian do Jany 31/1724
Cooilshellagh
Isabel alias Cowley Novr 22/1732
Grace ʺ Corlett Jan 13/1735
Wm ʺ Feb. 17/1739
Anne ʺ daughter of John
Deceased April 3/1743
Marriages
Henry Kelly of Church Town & Isabel Cannon of Cooilshellagh both of K’K Michael Married 2nd Dec 1758
Jon Cannan
Farmer (Witness)
John Cannon of Cooilshellagh, Batchelor & Jane Kelly, spinster, both of this parish, Married 9th of Aug/1776
His sister Catherine married Matts Crow, 29 Sept. 1770
John Cannan & Margaret Quayle both of Kirk Michal Oct. 18/1788
John Mylchreest & Jane Cannan Aug 4/1789. John Cannan Farmer Witness
Thos Cannell & Christian Cannon 14 Decr/1790
Wm Cannon & Elinor Corjeay Nov. 5, 1793
Wm Cannan & Catherine Quayle Aug 4/1798
Burials
John Cannan, Cooilshellagh Dec 18/1756 buried
do do do
Oct. 21/1773
Ann do April 28/1789
Isabel ʺ ʺ 24/1793
John son of Wm Augt. 1st/1804
John Do Oct. 16/1814
Wm do Nov. 3/1807
Here lieth Hugh Cannon who departed this life Feb 7 5, 1801 in the 60th year of his age
Captn George Cannon who deptd July 19th 1811 Aged 45
Leonora Cannon alias Callister wife of Captn Geo. who died June 30 1823 aged 48 years. Also Thos who died Dec. 10 following aged 19 years
Ellinor Callister daughter of Sillvester Callstr who dijd July 12 1760
Leonora Munn alias Callister wife of Angus Munn who died Dec 2, 1808, 75 year of her age[.] Also Leonora Munn daughter of the above, died Aug 22 1858 in the 92 year of her age
Anne Quayle alias Quillian died Jany 31st 1774 Aged 37[;] also Saml Quayle, her son, who died Octr 21st 1788 Aged 23[.] Also John Quayle, Mason who died on the 6th of May 1831 Aged 60
[shorthand]
Ellinor Quayle born Augt 14th 1771
Chas. Quayle, born Jan. 22, 1796
Ann do Augt 26, 1798
Margaret do Oct. 19 1800
Catherine do May 8 1803
Samuel do Apl 16 1805
John do Mar. 26 1808
Amelia & Mary ʺ Sept. 5 1809
Joseph ʺ Jan 14 1813
Henry ʺ April 13 1815
Chas & Esther <Killey> Quayle the latter born Jan 1/1796
Chas Quayle Feb. 8, 1823
Wm ʺ Sept 22, 1826
died Feb 1827
Wm ʺ Mar. 26, 1828
died Jan. 1834
Ann Jane Dec 6, 1831
Ellinor Mar. 18, 1834
Chas <Quayle> & Ann Williams his wife who was born May 28/1827
Chas Henry born Sept 23/1854
Esther Jane ʺ Dec. 31/1858
Died Mar. 17/1861
Wm Joseph ʺ Nov. 9/1860
John Callister and Leonora Radcliff Father & Mother of My Great Grandfather David. This Davids wife was Abigail Mylchreest, who was the mother of Pheobe wife afterwards of Syl Jamie Cain and my Grandmother the wife of Capt. Geo. Cannan. She afterwards married Thomas Garratt and had two daughters by him “Betty” and “Nanny.” The former married Thos Kaighen and had by him Thos, Betsey, (the wife of [blank]) and <Philip and> David. “Nanny” Garratt married Corkhill and went to Ireland. My other Great Grandfather, that is the Father of my Grandmother Ellinor Quayle, (also a son of John Callister & Leonora Radcliff and brother of <the father of> my other Grandmother’s Grandmother Leonora Cannon’s <Father>) was named Sylvester and had for a wife Ellinor Quay Cowell, the only daughter of James, of Balaquane <whose wife was sent to be a Cooper>. He had by her [blank]
1 January ff. Meetings with elders and other Saints
23 January Printing German Book of Mormon
1 February ff. Conference at Cardiff, Wales
9 February Spoke on attending to the Spirit of the Lord
6 March News regarding the “Constitution of the State of Deseret”
11 March News from Salt Lake City about a grave robber
12 March Liverpool spring horse races
14 March Had a boy indentured to him for seven years as an apprentice printer
20 March ff. Chose ships the emigrants would take; bartered for fare
6 April Disturbance by an anti-Mormon lecturer
9 April Excitement respecting the encounter between the Merrimac and the Cumberland in the U.S. Civil War; “Babylon is ripening rapidly for destruction”
13 April Different effects of “the Spirit of the Lord and the Spirit of the Adversary”
21 April Emigration and instruction to “the Saints respecting their duties”; “escape from Babylon”; Protestant ministers help sponsor emigrant families
22 April “Very poor” Saints; “the pressure of the hard times”
5 May Received news that he had been elected U.S. senator
13 May Cleared emigrant ships; travel to United States; sympathy for his wife Elizabeth being “in a strange land”
31 May Feelings about being elected “U.S. Senator for the State of Deseret”
4 June Visit with “Horace Greeley, Editor of the Tribune”
10–14 June “On Friday, 13th went … to pay our respects to President [Abraham] Lincoln”
18 June To Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner, “we made our Constitution republican”
19 June ff. Discussions regarding Utah statehood
24 June “The Bill prohibiting polygamy in the Territories … was brought up and passed.”
25 June Maine senator William P. Fessenden did not object to polygamy “on scriptural grounds” but rather “as a matter of state policy.”
1 July ff. Called upon various senators
4 July News from General George B. McClellan’s army near Richmond, Virginia; terrible carnage, a reenactment of the scenes of the Jaredites and the Nephites
14 July Visit with Thomas L. Kane
16 July Embarked on steamer for Liverpool
4 September ff. Arrived in Hamburg; travels in Germany, Denmark
6 September ff. Description of Danish people
12 September ff. Descriptions of Copenhagen
24 September ff. Visit to Amsterdam; comparison of people in Holland with the Danes
26 September ff. Cologne Cathedral; travel through Germany into Switzerland
1 October ff. In Switzerland
13 October ff. In Paris
13 December Report to members of the Twelve; efforts “to stave off the pressure of distress from the poor of the manufacturing districts”
15 December ff. Visit to Scotland
Source Note
Daybook 1861–1862
George Q. Cannon, Daybook, 31 Dec. 1861–2 Oct. 1862; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; eighty-eight inscribed pages of journal text and twenty-eight inscribed pages of financial and other notes; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Small pocket-size notebook measuring 4½ × 3 × ½ inches (11 × 8 × 1 cm). The white, unlined paper of the text block measures 4½ × 2⅝Â inches (11 × 7 cm). The text block is made up of fifty-seven leaves and two flyleaves, one at the front and one at the back. The endpapers have a nonpareil marbling pattern with red, yellow, orange, green, and black. The cover is made of dark maroon leather. The front cover has a built-in pocket for loose papers, which opens to the inside. The cover is also bound with a pouch for a small writing instrument and has a clasp for securing the covers. The edges of the text block are marbled with a similar pattern as the pastedowns. The inside front cover and recto of the first flyleaf bear a printed schedule of mailing costs titled “Stamp Act Information.” A plain white archival sticker on the front cover bears the typed call number “Ms d 5504 | fd 1 v. 2”.
Cannon’s daybooks were donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one of his grandsons at an unspecified time.
Source Note
Journal, 1862–1863
George Q. Cannon, Journal, 1 Jan. 1862–16 Oct. 1863; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 466 inscribed pages with 6 tipped-in pages; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Medium-size journal measuring 8 × 5⅝Â × 1¼ inches (20 × 14 × 3 cm). The cream-colored paper of the text block, measuring 7¾ × 5 inches (20 × 13 cm), is ruled with twenty-four blue lines. The text block is made up of twenty gatherings of twelve leaves each, except the first, which has eight leaves. One leaf was torn or cut from the final gathering. Six leaves were tipped into the text block at various points of the journal to add information at those points. The front and back of the journal have two flyleaves each. Marbled paper adorns the front and back inside covers. The outside cover is a dark maroon leather (almost black) with blind-tooled decoration. The spine includes several tooled lines with gold debossing: “DAILY | JOURNAL | COMMECING | JANUARY 1ST 1862 | ENDING | OCTOBER 16TH 1863 | GEO. Q. CANNON.” At a later point, a small red-bordered archival label was pasted to the upper left corner of the front cover. In black ink, the label reads: “No. 4 | G.QC. Journal | 1862–3 | England & Washington”. The pages appear to have been contemporaneously paginated. The year of the entries was written at the top of each page in the journal, apparently after the journal was completed. This journal and Cannon’s 1863–1864 journal are nearly identical in physical appearance.
In 1932, Sylvester Q. Cannon, who was then serving as the presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated George Q. Cannon’s journals to the church’s First Presidency. The First Presidency transferred the journals to the Church History Department in late 2008.
1 January 1862 • Wednesday
Tuesday, Dec. 31/61. Started this morning early in company with Bros. Lyman, Rich and McAllister. Reached Birmingham and went to Bro. Mills’ where we found many of the brethren already arrived. {Wednesday, Jan’y 1st. 1862. Early yesterday morning I started in company with Bro’s Lyman, Rich and McAllister for Birmingham where we arrived about 12 o’clock a.m.} Among the rest was my cousin, George J. Taylor, who was very ill through the past night, bleeding freely at the lungs. This news pained me very much for I love George for his exemplary, upright course and his modest and correct deportment, and if he can live I feel that he will prove a blessing to the people, to his father’s house and to himself. I trust he may by care and refraining from exertion recover and his lungs be healed.
We <(the Presidency)> stopped at Bro. Mills[;] the other brethren were divided among the Saints.
Wednesday, Jany. 1/62. Met this morning in the Farm St. Chapel, a building belonging to the Church, and very well suited to our business. There were [blank] Elders, with mostly from the Valley and it did gave me great pleasure to see them. They looked and felt well, their countenances literally beamed with good feeling and intelligence. Bro. Amasa M. Lyman and opened the meeting by prayer and made some introductory remarks. The district presidents were called on for their reports. Bro’s. Mills and John Brown, Presidents of the Birmingham & London Districts. Bro. Rich followed and the meeting was dismissed. In evening Bro. David M. Stuart, and Bro. Gibson, Presidents of the Scottish District <Mission> and Cheltenham District, spoke and gave very favorable reports of their fields. I followed, and had the Spirit, but I was so choked up that I could not express my feelings and it was with difficulty that I restrain my emotions. Bro’s. <James S.> Brown, John Kay and Geo. Halliday, Presidents of the Nottingham Manchester and South Districts[,] then reported their districts, and with the exception of the latter reported them in good condition. Bro. Lyman followed in instructions at some length.
2 January 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, Jan. 2/62. Met at 10 A.M. The brethren continued their representations. Bros Bro. Bigler, President of the Irish Mission, and Bro’s. Blackburn, Gleason, and Jeremy reported their various fields – Bedford, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and the Welsh Mission — in very favorable terms. Bro. Rich followed and meeting dismissed. In the evening Bros. Joseph F. Smith, DelaMare and Bramall represented the Sheffield District the Channel Islands and Southampton District and in as being in a very good condition. Bro. Lyman followed at some length in very instructive remarks. Received a letter from President Young under date of Nov. 29th in which he informs me that Telegraphic news of the same even dates is transmitted from New York the Eastern States to the Valley. He gives me liberty in this letter to release such Elders as the Spirit may dictate or circumstances require, the privilege extended to Bro’s. Lyman, Rich, Gibso and Van Cott to return[,] not precluding or interfering with the release of others.1
3 January 1862 • Friday
Friday, 3rd. Met at 11. o’clock this morning in the Chapel. After singing and prayer I addressed the meeting, bearing chiefly upon the feeling of nationality which has unfortunately been indulged in by Elders and others, and showed the superfluity and disaster of entertaining such views. Also urged the young men to avail themselves of the opportunities offered and improve in their deportment and language — so that they may be classed among the educated men of the earth — and with the principles of truth on their side they would surpass them. Showed the Elders that they had ample opportunities of realizing experience in their intercourse with, and travels among mankind, which would prove of great value in <their> future lives. I had the Spirit upon me during my remarks.
Brother Lyman then addressed the brethren briefly making some very appropriate remarks in his usually eloquent manner. After singing “Come, come ye Saints.” meeting was dismissed with prayer by Prest. Rich.
Met again at 4 P.M. when I arose and instructed the brethren who were present to speak as they might feel led by the Spirit suggesting that the District Presidents should not occupy the time as they had already spoken, but allow those who had been denied the privilege to occupy the time. Quite a number of the brethren then briefly spoke their feelings expressing their desires to labor for the <improvement and> welfare of themselves, mankind and the work they represented. A very good Spirit prevailed throughout. I then arose and presented some items of business relative to releases and appointments in various portions of the Mission. Among the rest was the release, on a/c of ill health of my cousin George J. Taylor. I read a letter from Elder John Van Cott giving a very cheering report of the work’s progress in Scandinavia and the North of Europe. Brother Lyman made a few remarks suggesting that we no longer say “Mormonism” when we mean the Gospel. Sang “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” and were dismissed with prayer by Brother Lyman
4 January 1862 • Saturday
Saturday 4th <11. A.M.> After singing and prayer (by Br. Rich) I addressed the brethren mainly upon the advantages of self culture and improvement urging them to write for the Star and in doing so to not feel discouraged if nineteen articles out of twenty should be rejected. Showing the difficulty attending first attempts to do anything of importance as it should be done. Illustrating my observations by recounting episodes of my <own> experiences. I then urged upon those present the necessity of extending the circulation of the Star, giving a plain exposition of the affairs of the office at L’pool, and explained the importance of having the Stars and Journals among the people as missionaries or silent monitors who <that> could go where other missionaries could not. Urged the importance of attention to the payment of Tithing. Exposed the fallacy of excluding certain countries from the benefits of our faithful exertions on account of a foolish <preconceived> predjudice against certain classes such as the Irish showed that it was not an inherent or innate opposition to the Gospel that prevented them from joining us; but the circumstances by which they were surrounded and the powerful opposition which met the endeavors of the Elders to introduce the principles of truth among them.
Br. Rich followed briefly expressing a desire to see the Elders improve and progress, spoke of the necessity of using correct language in attending to the duties of our callings such as ordinations, confirmations, etc. pointing out what he esteemed deemed errors that should be avoided.
Br. Lyman followed on the subject of emigration suggesting that if a man could not emigrate his whole family he had better send his wife and children instead of leaving them to extricate themselves. Prayer by Brother Lyman.
4. P.M. I opened the meeting by prayer and made a few remarks in reference to forwarding the Stars and Journals to the various districts and conferences and alluded to my remark on a previous occasion in reference to this subject.
Br. Lyman then showed the necesity of dispensing with long prayers in attending to the duties of confirmation blessing etc. The folly of asking the Lord for everything required in time & then repeating in detail. Then called on Br. Louis A. Bertrand to represent the French Mission. After he <(Bertrand)> had done so he <(Br Lyman)> continued his remarks stating that if France could be preached in as other countries the people would obey as they did in others, exhorted the Elders to be liberal in their feelings to all men and nations. Singing “Do what is right.” Prayer by Br. W. G. Mills.
5 January 1862 • Sunday
Sunday 5th A conference was held in the Oddfellows Hall for the Birmingham District. Br. Rich addressed the assembly in the morning at length urging the Saints to live their religion and imparting much instruction calculated to benefit both Saints and Strangers[.] Bro. Lyman followed briefly with a few pointed remarks. I addressed the meeting in the afternoon which was numerously attended about 2000 being present in all including strangers, preaching principally on prophecy and its literal fulfillment quoting from the Book of Mormon and referring to the predictions of Joseph in this dispensation. Brother Lyman addressed the meeting in the evening in his customary wealth of language to the satisfaction of those present.
6 January 1862 • Monday
Monday 6th 11 A.M. The Elders again assembled in the Hockley Chapel when Br. Lyman addressed the Elders on the necessity of all adhering strictly to the positions assigned them in their various fields of labor, that they may take advantage of good impressions they make to add souls to the kingdom — urged the importance of example as well as precept and exhorted them to sustain those placed over them and aid in every possible manner the dissemination of truth.
In the evening had a large Tea Party in the Oddfellows Hall where about 600 or 700 people were assembled, towards the close of which br. Lyman made some very appropriate remarks. The evening was spent in listening to songs recitations and music on the accordeon by a little female prodigy
7 January 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday. 7th Started for L’pool with my wife and daughter about 1 P.M. and arrived in L’pool the same evening in time to meet Brs. Kay[,] Bull, Sloan and Taylor at the Lime St. Station.
8 January 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday 8th [no entry]
18 January 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, Jany. 18th 1862. A very cold morning. Started in company with Br. Lyman to attend a Conference at Norwich. Br. Richs ancle being lame — the result of a sprain received when he was in Norway — he remained in L’pool. By the aid of feet-warmers (tins filled with hot water) we kept comfortable until we reached Peterborough, where we changed. From this place on we wrapped up in our shawls and managed to keep tolerably comfortable (having to stop at Ely about an hour for a train) until we reached Norwich. The English railway carriages are not warmed, and it is very uncomfortable traveling in them in cold weather unless the traveller takes the precaution to carry with him plenty of extra wrappers, and even then he is apt to suffer. During a part of this trip we had feet warmers, the only time, with one exception that I enjoyed so grateful a luxury. Met at the Station by Bros. Blackburn and Bramall; they took us to the chapel House, in a House connected with the Chapel in which the Saints meet — where we met Bro. Bentley and a number of the Saints. Bro. & Sister Thrower live at the house and the Elders stop with them. They entertained us very kindly.
19 January 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 19th. Met with the Saints this morning. I proposed the authorities and then spoke, followed by Br. Lyman, and in the afternoon the same. In the evening Br. Lyman spoke. I enjoyed the meetings very much, as did the Saints.
20 January 1862 • Monday
Monday, 20th Commenced to write an editorial “The Elders of Israel should be, etc —In evening attended a tea-party at the Chapel followed by some amusements. There is a very remarkable boy here belonging to a family in the Church by the name of Dame. He is ten years old, and can play on almost any instrument that be brought to him almost intuitively. His taste for music appears to be exquisite. He is capable of performing the most difficult pieces on the Piano-forte — when only five year’s old he was able to play tunes on that instrument. He is a modest little fellow, with but little to say, but answering quite manly when addressed.
21 January 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Jany. 21st. 62. Went out in company with Bros. Lyman, Blackburn, Bramall and Bentley to visit and take dinner with Bro. and Sister Clark; they will live a little out of the City. We met with a Mrs. Plumstead there a neighbor of theirs who is inquiring after the truth. She is very favorably impressed.
22 January 1862 • Wednesday2
Wednesday, Jan 22/62. After breakfast did a little writing then went up to Bro. Reynolds’ Daguerreotype Gallery. He took <my Photograph and> Bro. Lyman’s and my Photograph. Took dinner <and tea> with him and his mother in company with Bro’s. Lyman, Blackburn & Bramall <& Webb>. Finished the editorial I commenced on Monday, and mailed it. Held meeting in the [blank] {Assembly rooms} at which there was a tolerably good attendance of strangers: Bro. Lyman preached.
23 January 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 23rd. Started early this morning for Liverpool. Sister Hewitt arose very early and prepared breakfast for us. Bro. Amasa and I travelled as far as Peterborough <together> where he there took a train for Birmingham and I proceeded on to Liverpool. I found Elizabeth very unwell in consequence of a cold she had taken thro’ getting into the bath tub to wash herself when the water was cold. She spent a very miserable night. Bro. Bull and Bro. Kay have done very well with the Printing Machine <while I have been absent.> Having <They have> struck off all the forms of the German Book of Mormon from the stereotype plates, (excepting the index and title page) which the machine-man had before had left unfinished —a very difficult and annoying job. Bro. Rich and Cousin George both feel better than they did when I left. George was very bad the day I left home. I am delighted to see him improve.
24 January 1862 • Friday
Friday, Jan. 24th/62. Felt unwell all day, my bones ached as though I had caught a severe cold.3
1 February 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, Feby. 1st 1862. Started this morning early in company with Bro. Amasa Lyman to attend a conference at Cardiff. The weather was mild, the travelling, therefore, was not unpleasant. Changed at Pontypool Road and at Rhymney Junction and reached Cardiff at 3.30 p.m. was met at the Station by Bros. Jeremy, Bywater and Halliday, the last named having arrived to-day from Bristol. We took tea and supper at Bro. Saml. Evans. He is the President of the Branch, Bro. Rich arrived in the evening from Cheltenham. Bro. Jeremy and myself lodged at Bro. Hancock’s who with his family, wife &, son and daughter — Horatio and Eliza at home — treated us very kindly. Bros. Lyman and Rich remained at Bro. Evans.
2 February 1862 • Sunday
Sunday 2d. Attended meeting this morning in the Hall hired by the Saints. A representation of the Conference was made by the President, Bro. Bywater, after which Bro. Rich proposed the authorities <for the conference to sustain> and then spoke. I followed him in some remarks. The room was crowded and the ventilation was very bad, making it <very> painful for both speakers and hearers. In the afternoon and evening we had the Temperance Hall, the largest building in town <in which to hold our meetings>. It is owned by a Mr. Mathews, an infidel, who when building it told the brethren they could have <the use of> it whenever they would give him sufficient notice. It is used for large assemblages and as a place of amusement. I spoke in the afternoon and Br. Lyman in the evening; the latter meeting especially was excellently attended and good attention was paid[.] Took tea at Bro. John Watts.
3 February 1862 • Monday
Monday, 3d. Wrote an editorial “Respecting the blessing of children, &c.” and corrected the report of a discourse delivered by me at Birmingham at the Conference of the Elders. Took Dinner at Bro. Thos. Thomas’ and tea at Bro. Wm Watts, in evening attended a concert, with the brethren, in which the Saints were the performers and at which the Saints and a few of their friends attended in the Hall. Everything passed off well especially the pantomimie performance styled the “French Clowns.” Bros. Horatio Hancock and Thomas Thomas being the performers.
4 February 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Feby. 4th 62. Started with Bro. Jeremy to Swansea to examine the stock of books there belonging to the Church that I might be able to counsel respecting them. Took dinner at the house rented by br. Jeremy. Wrote journal during the afternoon. At 5 P.M. returned to Cardiff Spent the evening at Bro Saml. Evans’ in company with Bros. Lyman and Rich. The choir sang some very fine pieces.
5 February 1862 • Wednesday
Wed. 5th. February, 1862. Started this morning at 9.15 <a.m.> for Liverpool. It was tedious travelling[.] I reached there at 8.45 P.M. and found all in pretty good health excepting Elizabeth whose health was but little if any better than when I left. She sprained her ancle on Sat. last which has, with her other ailments afflicted her. Cousin George is much better.
6 February 1862 • Thursday
Thursday 6th Had considerable talk with Bros. Whittall and Ajax relative to Priesthood and Presiding; my remarks being occasioned by their imagining that there was a conflict between my teachings at Birmingham and an Editorial written in Dec., 57 by Br. S. W. Richards[.] When I had finished they seemed satisfied that my position and views were correct.
Balancing , with Bro. Perkes, my monthly Cash a/c, etc. Elizabeth is very unwell this evening.
7 February 1862 • Friday
Friday, 7th February, 62. Wrote to Bros. Bramall and Henriod at Southampton respecting the loss of some money stolen out of a trunk where they stopped <at,> during their absence. (£36 or £37) part of it Church money, it being near the end of the month and br. Henriod having his Conference monies on hand; the other part was money collected by Br. Bramall for one of the Brethren at home, to whom he intended to send it immediately. I also wrote to Br. Blackburn respecting getting ready to go to the States to assist in Emigration matters. I was busy during the morning giving Elizabeth a hip-bath and taking measures to get her to perspire freely. Wrote a letter also to Br. Hy. W. Barnett.
8 February 1862 • Saturday
Saturday. 8th Elizabeth is still very ill and Georgiana is also unwell and cries much after her mother. Wrote a long letter to Prest. Young and also wrote to Bros Ormes E. Bates and D. M. Stuart.
9 February 1862 • Sunday
Sunday 9th My wife is still very unwell though I think better to day than yesterday[.] Went to meeting in afternoon. Had a testimony meeting. I afterwards spoke on the advantage of cultivating the Spirit of the Lord as a means of acquiring knowledge. It is an infallible guide to all those who preserve and cultivate it, and will lead a man into all truth. If two men possessing equal natural abilities, start out in life, one cultivating the spirit of the Lord and taking it as his guide and the other and the other neglecting it, and <but> taking in the place of it books and the wisdom of the world and have <having> every facility afforded him of becoming proficient in that kind of knowledge, the one who is taught by the Spirit though he may be destitute of worldly advantages, will at the end of any given period be far in advance of the other. Cited the case of President Young to illustrate this. He was a statesman unequalled in the Nation of the United States, although there were hundreds who had made statesmanship and the theory of Government their only study. He understood the principles of Government because he understood the truth and had been taught of the Lord. This knowledge had come to him by faithfully attending to the Spirit and holding it as of the first importance, while many who had started out in the work when he did and who having their minds enlightened by the Spirit became aware of their defects and sought to remedy them had turned all their attention to the acquirement of worldly knowledge and had neglected the Spirit of the Lord, and in gaining one they had lost the other which was of greater importance. Spoke in evening upon the method men <had to> take to obtain a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ that unless a man obtained revelation he could not know for himself whether Jesus was the Christ or not.
10 February 1862 • Monday
Monday. Feby. 10th 62. Wrote a long letter to Bro. Van Cott upon emigration etc, giving him instructions how to proceed. Busy about office business. Elizabeth still continues unwell. Georgiana is also ill.
11 February 1862 • Tuesday
Tues. 11th Wrote a letter to Br. John L. Smith concerning emigration. Elizabeths health is slightly improved.
12 February 1862 • Wednesday
Wed. 12th of February 1862. Wrote an article entitled “Priesthood and Presiding.”
13 February 1862 • Thursday
Thursday 13th Elizabeth is very much prostrated to-day. She is weaker than she has been since she was first attacked[.] Busy with accounts &c. to-day. Wrote a letter to Br. Bramall respecting the theft of his and Br. Henriods money.
14 February 1862 • Friday
Friday, 14th. Elizabeth is still very low. The disease has assumed a new type. She has every symptom of Gastric fever. We have commenced to wean Georgiana. Poor little thing! she frets considerably for her mama and the breast. It is very hard on her at present as She is cutting some teeth.
Wrote letters to Bros. Lyman[,] Rich, Mills, Jas. S. Brown, Adams & Coward.
15 February 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 15th/62. Busily engaged. Elizabeth still very ill, though she does not suffer so much from a sense of debility and prostration as she did yesterday. Wrote a letter to Br. Ormus E. Bates New York. Received a letter from President Young, dated Jany 7th.
16 February 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 16th. At home with Elizabeth all day.
17 February 1862 • Monday
Monday 17th February, ’62. Very early this morning Elizabeth was seized with a nausea at the stomach, she retched considerably a few minutes before nine she vomited and brought up some black clotted blood and in a few minutes vomited again bringing up a little bright colored. She is quite free from pain but very weak. She is easier this afternoon
18 February 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday 18th. Elizabeth is improving slightly She is suffering from torpidity of the function of the bowels. She has not had a passage since Saturday. I administered repeated injections last night and this morning of Castor oil and warm water; but without moving the bowels. Wrote a letter to Mr. Fussell respecting the prospect of a school of Art and Design being established there in the Valley, if he were to go there.
19 February 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday 19th Elizabeths bowels were powerfully moved and she feels weak in consequence, but I think her improvement is quite perceptible. Emending <Amending> an article written as an Editorial by Cousin George J. Taylor, entitled “Injudicious examples and practices.”
20 February 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, Feby. 20th 62. Elizabeth appears worse than she did yesterday; she is exhausted and languid. Waited upon Mr. Fazackerly and Mr. Brown to learn from them whether they were still willing to be my sureties this year as passage broker[.] Sureties acceptable to the Emigration Officer of this Port have to be bound for £1,000 each in bonds with myself which bonds have to be acceptable to her Majesty’s Commissioners of Emigration in London before I can take out a License. They expressed themselves as being quite willing.
21 February 1862 • Friday
Friday 21st Elizabeth passed a much better night and is stronger to-day than she has been. Wrote to Br. Joseph F. Smith[.] Received a letter from Sarah Jane enclosing a likeness of herself and my son Abraham. Elizabeth was very much pleased to receive the latter. They are all well at home, excepting Cousin Joseph J. Taylor, who is sick with the pleuresy and fever his father writes. Angus has had a son born to him through his wife Sarah Mariah.
22 February 1862 • Saturday
Saturday 22d. February ’62. Wrote a letter to my wife Sarah Jane.
23 February 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 23d Met with the Saints in a special meeting of this Branch and Birkenhead called by br. Sloan for the purpose of laying before them their financial condition. Bro. Sloan and myself talked to them on the subject and laid before them the necessity of increasing their exertions to defray the current expenses. Met in evening with them again. Bro. Sloan Spoke and I followed at some length. The people were interested. Elizabeth still continues to improve, but slowly.
24 February 1862 • Monday
Monday 24th Variously engaged. I have been up too <so> much lately with Elizabeth (having now been for ten days and nights without having my clothes off to sleep, and not having had scarcely two hours consecutive sleep during the time) <so> that I feel worn out. I have a severe pain also in my breast. I concluded to try and get some sleep and left her in charge of the nurse. I applied a mustard plaister to my breast.
25 February 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday Feby 25th ’62. Bro. Lyman arrived to-day from Wales via Birmingham[.] Elizabeth still improves slightly. she sat up a little to-day.
26 February 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 26th Wrote an editorial entitled, “How many Elders shall there be released to go home to Zion. Went up this evening and administered to Bro. Ajax who is very ill with the gravel.
27 February 1862 • Thursday
Thursday 27th Wrote an <number of> editorials <letters to> various parties. Bros. John Brown and E. H. Blackburn arrived: the one from London, the other from Bedford. I having written to them that they were appointed to cross to the States and act as emigration agents this season. Elizabeth is not so well this evening as she was yesterday evening.
28 February 1862 • Friday
Friday. 28th. Busy all day in writing letters and preparing instructions for Brs. Brown and Blackburn as emigration agents. Went to the office of the Commissioners of Emigration with my sureties, Messrs. Fazackerly and Brown and signed my bonds. Called and had an interview with Mr. Smith of Tapscott, Smith & Co. respecting Emigration.
1 March 1862 • Saturday
Saturday March 1st 1862. Went off up the river with the brethren on the steam-tender to the Steamship Africa on which they had taken second-class<Cabin> passage. Bro. Lyman and myself saw them on board, hoist anchor and Steam down the river. Wrote a letter to my Father and Mother-in-law
2 March 1862 • Sunday
Sunday 2d Attended meeting this morning and spoke to the Saints. Enjoyed myself very much. In the evening Br. Amasa Lyman preached.
3 March 1862 • Monday
Monday 3d Variously engaged. Wrote to Br. Rich.
4 March 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday. 4th Variously engaged.
5 March 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday 5th Wrote an editorial entitled “The Wicked policy of the past towards Utah — Prospects for the future.[”] Br. James S. Brown arrived on a visit from Nottingham.
6 March 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 6th of March, 1862. Received a letter from President Young. The news from the Valley is very gratifying. The delegates from various parts of the Territory met in Convention in Great Salt Lake City on the 20th of January. On the 22d they unanimously adopted the “Constitution of the State of Deseret” to be voted upon by the people on the 1st Monday in March (last Monday) and unanimously recomended, at said election for Governor, Brigham Young; for Lieutenant Governor, Heber C. Kimball, for Representative to Congress John M. Bernhisel; and adjourned on the 24th of January. The people will <were> also, on the first Monday in March, to elect 13 Senators and 26 Representatives to constitute the General Assembly of the State, who are now expected to be convened by proclamation of the Governor elect, soon after the April Conference, or on the 2d Monday in April. It is expected that the General Assembly will elect two Senators to Congress, who will immediately start for Washington with the Constitution and a memorial for the admission of Utah into the family of States. This news is exceedingly gratifying and I sincerely trust that our attemt at emancipation from Territorial bondage may, this time, be successful. Accompanied Brs. Lyman and Sloan to the Steamer Heron, in the Clarence dock, on which they took passage for Glasgow. Br Brown went with me.
7 March 1862 • Friday
Friday, March 7th, ’62. Received a telegram from Bro. Van Cott, stating that he had an offer of the Steamer Tynemouth, 2500 tons to carry our people from Copenhagen to New York for £3200. He had 1213 passengers including 35 infants. He wished to know if it would answer. After making some calculations and consulting with Mr. Smith of Tapscott, Smith & Co., who has had considerable business in Chartering, I replied that if she were staunch and perfectly seaworthy it would answer.
8 March 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 8th. Wrote a letter to President Young
9 March 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 9th of March ’62. Attended meeting this morning in company of <Br> James S. Brown[.] I addressed the people. In the evening he occupied the time.
10 March 1862 • Monday
Monday. 10th Went out to the Botanic Gardens in company of Brs. Jas. S. Brown[,] G. J. Taylor and J. M. Kay, the latter having just arrived in Town.
11 March 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday. 11th. Variously engaged. Received a letter from President Young principally on business. I was much shocked to hear from the Valley that a man with whom I was acquainted in California, a native of Venice by the name of John Baptiste, had been proved to be a robber of graves, having been in the practice for about three years and a half of stripping the dead of their clothes &c and putting them back in their coffins naked. He had worn the clothes of some who had been buried. The linen &c of others he had made into window curtains and other articles and sold. It is said that he even paid his tithing in some of these things. Public indignation has been terribly aroused against him, his conduct has been so revolting and inhuman. He did not respect sex nor age, but desecrated all alike[.] A chest full of clothing of all kinds being found in his house. The first body that he stripped was that of Br. Wm Cook, an estimable man, who while acting as a policeman in G. S. L. City, was murdered by a ruffian. Bro. Cook was the man who baptised him in Australia. His dredful practices were brought to light by the friends of Moroni Clawson (who had been lately shot by the officers of justice while attempting while attempting to escape after having been arrested for horse stealing and other misdemeanors) obtaining permission to exhume and remove his body. Upon opening the coffin they found him naked, though he had been decently interred a few days before in clothes paid for by the county. Suspicion fell upon the grave-digger, and an inquiry was instituted when he confessed all. Such a crime is the most of any that I have heard of among the Saints from the beginning. Of course, it bears no comparison in its consequenses with the shedding of <innocent> blood, but a man, professing to be a Saint and to believe as we do, who would be guilty of robbing the bodies of his deceased brethren and sisters to gratify his devilish cupidity and avarice, when the kind and provident care of their friends had clothed them for ressurrection according to order, would not hesitate to murder if he thought he could make anything by it and not be discovered.
12 March 1862 • Wednesday1
Wednesday, Mar. 12/62. My son Abraham’s birthday. He is three years old to-day[.] Started this morning, Bros. Kay, Brown, Bull, Geo. J. Taylor, Perkes and myself to Aintree in the cars to see the L’pool Spring races. I had never seen a race in my life and I was desirous of seeing one and as it promised to be an exceedingly fine day and I felt that an out in the country would do me good, I thought I would attend them. The day proved to be indeed beautiful. There were several races on the level course which were well contested and of which we had a very good view[,] and then there was a steeple chase. Artificial obstacles, stone walls, fences, hedges and ditches were formed arranged for the horses and <with their> riders to jump over. Right opposite to where we stood was a hedge with a rail on top of it and within sight was a <plain> fence and another fence with a ditch on one side of it. Thirteen horses entered to run. Before starting, they took a canter and a preliminary leap or two looking very finely in so doing. They did not get a very good start together[,] but some turning back. When they came round <opposite> to where we were standing there were only about seven running. Two of them crossed the fence opposite us in very fine style, the third horse caught the top rail with his fore feet and turned a complete somersault over the hedge, the rider going with him and striking the ground first, with the back of his neck or shoulders, the horse falling with all his weight on top of him. Two others other <men> were unhorsed at the same point; but did not seem <much> injured. When we saw this first horse and rider fall[,] a thrill of horror went through us. The sight made me feel sick and faint, it was such a shock. The horse had rolled off him and he lay with on his back with his arms stretched out without stirring as far as we could see and as if he was stone dead. {(I afterwards learned that he died the same night at 8.) his breast bone having been crushed. <The horse also was much hurt.>} Never in <my> life had I witnessed such an accident and to see <a> man killed as I thought before my eyes was almost more than I could bear. The race was soon ended and we hurried off to the train glad to get away. I afterwards learned that the man’s breast bone was crushed in, and that he lingered from the time he fell until 8 p.m. in an unconscious state, despite every effort of the doctors, and then died. The horse also was much hurt. This has been the first (and I think it will be the last) steeple chase I ever saw. I shall not soon forget the impression the sight of that accident made upon my mind. The sun shining brightly and nature wearing her sweetest smiles of beauty and loveliness and that man stretched almost lifeless on th with upturned face on the green grass where but a few moments before he was all life and energy and doubtless filled with hope. This When I looked at him I almost felt guilty as though I had contributed by my presence to some extent to his untimely end. Wrote an editorial “The new State of Deseret”
13 March 1862 • Thursday
Thursday March 13th ’62. Attending to office business. Went out with Bros. Brown and Cousin Geo. J. Taylor.
14 March 1862 • Friday
Friday, 14th Variously engaged. Elizabeth was persuaded by me to take a ride in an omnibus to Aigburth. She enjoyed the trip, but it was with difficulty she was able to change from one omnibus to another she was so weak. Ephraim Mc Millan was indentured to me to day as an apprentice for seven years. My object being to comply with the rules of the Printers’ society which requires every boy who works at the business to be apperenticed, and also that I might have a claim upon the boy for the trouble and pains taken in learning him the business. I thought that it would have a good effect upon him.
15 March 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 15th March, ’62. Wrote home to day to President Young about <Bro.> B. F. Johnson’s daughter. Elizabeth rode out with me to Garstang to-day. My cousins Fanny and Leonora Kidd spent the evening with us.
16 March 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 16th. Attended morning and evening meetings, Bro. Brown and myself spoke and had good meetings.
17 March 1862 • Monday
Monday, 17th Attending to office business went in evening to Henglers Circus in company with Bros. Brown and Bull and Geo. J. Taylor. A silver goblet was awarded to the writer of the best con- conundrum; the audience <to be> the judges.
18 March 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday 18th Saw Mr. Smith of the firm of Tapscott, Smith & Co. about chartering a vessel. He wished me to call on Thursday, as he expected by that time to have news from N. York respecting the sailing of some vessels. In <the> evening received a telegram from br. Van Cott, Copenhagen, informing me that the Steam vessel (Tynemouth) which he had contracted for was represented in her charter, which had been presented to him, as being 1450 tons only instead of 2500 tons, as represented by the broker to him. The latter said that she had been enlarged but Bro. Van Cott, wished me to see her and telegraph the result to him. She was at Sunderland. I had just written a letter to him when his telegram came to hand.
19 March 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 19th March ’62. Started this morning for Sunderland. It became very cold and was not pleasant riding. I reached there about 4.30 p.m. Met Bro. Hapgraves who found captain Stevens and we went in search of the vessel. The Dock office was closed and we could not obtain any information from any one respecting her though we went round the docks. Slept at captain Stevens’.
20 March 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, March 20th/62. Capt. Stevens went down to the Dock Office and learned that the “Tynemouth” was not at Sunderland. She had gone round to Hartlepool for her engines to be fixed. I went up to Mr. Laing’s place, where she had been having her repairs done, thinking I could learn from him, or from some of his men, respecting her size &c. and by that means save the necessity of a journey to Hartlepool. I did not see Mr. Laing; he was absent; but I saw the Captain of the “Tynemouth.” When he learned the object of my inquiries he was very non-committal. He would not answer scarcely a question and my interview with him was anything but satisfactory. I made up my mind to go to Hartlepool and see the vessel myself. I started at 2 p.m. Bro. Stephens accompanied me to the Station. I found her and measured her, and ascertained that she was not near so large as represented. I estimated that she could probably carry 700 or 725 statute adults. I telegraphed to Bro. Van Cott all the information I had gained, and then started to Liverpool. I had no time to get a mouthful to eat before starting and was hungry. Traveled all night, making frequent changes, and arrived at home at 4 a. m. I was chilled through, having suffered very much from the cold.
21 March 1862 • Friday
Friday, March 21st, 1862. Waited upon Mr. Smith of Tapscott, Smith & Co. He offered me the ship John J. Boyd for £2,, 3,, 0 per adult. They to find everything, excepting provisions, and to furnish the Conductor of the company a Cabin passage. I offered him £2 per head; but he would not accept. I told him I would think of it for a few days.
22 March 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 22nd. Elizabeth and Georgiana started this morning in company with Bro. Jas. S. Brown for Nottingham. Elizabeth’s health is improving, but rather slowly. I thought a change of air would have a beneficial effect upon her. Went to Messrs. Sabel and Searle’s and had an interview with the latter. Our conversation was quite lengthy. He professed to be desirous of doing our business. But gave me no tangible offer that I thought acceptable, though he wished me to write to Bro. Van Cott respecting a steam-vessel that they could let him have and also the Great Eastern, on board of which they could take 400 or 500 Statute Adults. I wrote to Bro. Van Cott on the subject.
23 March 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, March 23rd, 1862. Attended meeting this morning and spoke to the people and enjoyed the Spirit very much. It rained and snowed and was so very inclement out of doors, and having a very severe cold resulting from my night ride on Thursday night, I thought it wise to stay at-home. Bro. Bull attended meeting and spoke.
24 March 1862 • Monday
Monday, 24th. Called to see Mr. Smith respecting a <the> ship. but did not <and> see <saw> him, he was absent. After a lengthy conversation we parted without coming to any conclusion with the understanding that we should talk the matter over again after the mail came in from the States. Bro. Staines arrived from London on business.
25 March 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 25th. Variously engaged.
26 March 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 26th. Called to see Mr. Smith but he was absent.
27 March 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 27th. Called again to-day and finding that I could get no abatement and vessels were scarce. I accepted the “John J. Boyd” at the price he offered her to me on Friday last.
28 March 1862 • Friday
Friday, March 28th, 1862. Busily engaged about Office business.
29 March 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 29th. Had a Turkish bath this morning. For this entire week I have been troubled with pains in my knees, pains that have been very acute, and which I think must be rheumatic. These I think have been brought on by my ride to Sunderland and back. I took a bath yesterday and repeated it to-day hoping to experience benefit from it. When I returned to the Office I found Mr. Morwick awaiting my return <me>. We had a lengthy conversation upon the principles of the gospel. He had been investigating the principles. His education is very good, being the principal of an academy. But he does not seem to have a right or correct comprehension of the work. He spoke about being baptized in the morning and promised to call again to see what time he could be attended to in the morning. But he did not call.
30 March 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, March 30th, 1862. Mr. Morwick called this morning; but I saw the moment he <i> entered <where he was> that he had a very different spirit to what he had last night. He had been in company with some apostates and they had told him the usual stories and terrified him about going to the Valley. The right to dispose of property and to write letters could not be exercised, they told him, in the Valley, and all personal freedom of action was withheld. I talked with him at some length, and he confessed that he felt well when listening to the principles and had every reason to believe that they were true. He ate breakfast with us and then went to meeting. We held a testimony meeting; I followed in a few remarks. In evening I spoke to the people on the Second Coming of Jesus and the fulfilment of prophecy.
31 March 1862 • Monday
Monday, 31st. Bro. Amasa and Bro. Sloan arrived this day from Sunderland in good health. Busy with business in the Office. <Wrote to Elizabeth this evening.>
1 April 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, April 1st, 1862. Heard from Elizabeth to-day. She is still improving. Bro. Rich also wrote; he was to start this morning to Birmingham and wished us to meet him there. I wrote to him that we would meet him there on Wednesday. Balancing monthly Cash account and writing letters
2 April 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, April 2nd, 1862. Started this morning in company with Bro. Amasa to Birmingham. Met Bro’s. Rich, McAllister & Adams at Bro. Mills’. Had considerable conversation about changes and appointments. Slept at Bro. Price’s with <Bro. Rich.>
3 April 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 3rd. Had a regular investigation of matters of difficulty and feeling between Bro’s. Mills, President of the Birmingham District, and <J. F. D.> McAllister President of that Conference and <S. L.> Adams of the Warwickshire. We listened patiently to their statements on both sides and then decided, Bro. Lyman being mouth, that the brethren acting as Presidents of conferences had not acted wisely and that wrong had grown out of their actions and course. Much good instruction was given, and the brethren felt well and made due acknowledgments and were <fully> reconciled. Bro. Adams had taken a course which we could not approve of. He had ceased to respect Bro. Mills from the time of the Birmingham Conference, and had therefore not honored him as his District President. The cause which he assigned for so doing was quite insufficient to justify him, and it was plainly evident that he had permitted himself to be led away by a wrong Spirit and that he had sought to create in the bosoms of others a similar prejudice against Bro. Mills to that which existed in his own. It was to his influence that I attributed Bro. McAllister’s feelings of dissatisfaction, and in his letters to Bro. Rich and myself he evidently sought to create unfavorable impressions respecting Bro. Mills. This is a course which I feel very much opposed to. No man can prosper who attempts to injure his brother in the opinion of their common President or Presidents. He indulges in a Spirit in so doing which will bring its own punishment sooner or later. I rather dreaded this meeting, as I expected it would be very disagreeable. It always is so for me to censure or condemn my brother or brethren for improper actions. Under such circumstances nothing but a sense of duty and a knowledge that I am required by the Lord, when occasion requires, to rebuke and reprove as well as exhort, would sustain me. The meeting ended, however, very agreeably, and the brethren became fully reconciled.1 Started to Nottingham at 6.50 p.m. Bro’s. McAllister and Adams accompanied me to the Station. Reached there at 8.45 p.m. and found all well. Georgiana had a cold under which she was suffering slightly; but Elizabeth felt much better and appeared stronger than she did when I last saw her.
4 April 1862 • Friday
Friday, April 4th, 1862. Started for Liverpool and reached there about 4 p.m. Busy with Office business and writing a letter to the President Young until quite late. {As I intended to go to London to spend the 6th in company with Bro’s Lyman and Rich and the Saints in Conference, Elizabeth thought she would remain <at Nottingham> until I returned. I therefore left her there, and started for Liverpool, which place I reached at about 4 p.m. Busy with Office business and writing letter to President Young until quite late.}
5 April 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 5th. Finished my letter this morning to the President. Went down down [town] and had an interview with Mr. Searle of the firm of Sabel & Searle and then saw Mr. Smith of Tapscott, Smith & Co. and chartered the “Constellation,” {1500 Tons burden,} Capt. Mulliner, on the same terms as the “John J. Boyd” to sail on the 13th May. Started for London, in company with Bro. Sloan, at 3.45 p.m. and reached there at 9.30 p.m. Found all well <excepting Bro Rich> <Mention my reasons for going> {Found Bro’s. Lyman and Staines well. Bro. Rich had a very severe cold which made him very hoarse.}
6 April 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, April 6th, 1862. Held Conference in St. George’s Hall in afternoon and evening. I spoke in the afternoon at some length. Bro. Amasa spoke in the evening. A man by the name of Hepburn, {Bro. Lyman spoke in the evening. Bro. Rich was too hoarse to speak. In the evening, while Bro. L. was speaking, a man by the name of Hepburn,} an Anti-Mormon lecturer who has been exerting himself through the country to create excitement against us and to disturb our meetings, pressed his way into the hall and tried to create a <bring on a> disturbance and to divert the attention of the people by his grimaces and by pulling out a book and turning it over &c. {in such a manner as would be likely to attract the notice of the congregation.} He was full of the devil and it was plain to be seen. {His countenance was demoniacal to look upon.} Bro. Lyman continued to talk {and the people to listen,} and he poured it out in such a stream upon him and his crew by calling on the Saints to pity such poor wretches instead of quarreling with them, and described their contemptible manner with<out> being personal {contemptible meanness in such powerful and glowing language without being personal} that Hepburn left after finding that all his efforts to divert the attention of the people were unsuccessful.
7 April 1862 • Monday
Monday, 7th, 1862. Administered to a deaf sister. Writing journal.2 We all took dinner with Sister White who occupies apartments in the same house with Bro. Staines. At 5 p.m. I left the King’s Cross Station for Nottingham. Bro. Staines took me down in a Hansom. I found all in pretty good health there.
8 April 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, April 8th, 1862. We left Nottingham at 7.25 a.m. Bro. Oakey and family has <have> been very kind to Elizabeth and Bro. Jas. S. Brown has spared no pains to make her visit agreeable. Elizabeth took a little niece of Bro. Oakey’s with her home; her name is Rose Matthews. We reached Liverpool at 12.15 p.m. After attending to Office business I went down and had an interview with Mr. Smith and chartered another ship (“Manchester,” a vessel we had last year) of 1065 tons burden, to sail on the 5th of May, on the same terms as the others.
9 April 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 9th. Had interviews with Mr. Searle and Mr. Smith. Took Elizabeth out for a walk in town. There is considerable excitement at the present time in England and throughout Europe respecting wooden and iron-plated ships, the merits of which have been pretty well tested in a recent encounter which occurred recently in Hampton Roads between the iron-plated <steam> frigate “Merrimac” of the Confederates and the “Cumberland” and “Congress” wooden frigates of the Federal Government and the iron-plated steam-battery the “Monitor.” The “Merrimac” ran the “Cumberland” down and forced the “Congress” to surrender, despite their vigorous defence. Their shot fell as harmlessly on their assailant as hailstones would on a tin-roof. Wooden ships had no chance whatever with a vessel like the “Merrimac,” and had she not met with an adversary (“Monitor”) as invulnerable as herself the consequences might have been serious for the Federals. Great alarm prevailed throughout all the cities of the North when they heard of the feats of the “Merrimac,” and it was seriously proposed in New York to sink ships and other obstructions to prevent her entrance into that port. The “Monitor” appeared on the scene of action after the destruction of the two wooden frigates, and she engaged the “Merrimac” for five hours without sustaining any injury herself and without inflicting any of consequence upon her adversary. This action has frightened the English into the speedy construction of iron-plated batteries, as it is now plain that the days of wooden ships and stone forts are ended for warlike or defensive purposes, neither the one nor the other being capable of inflicting any injury on such an assailant or of withstanding for any length of time the continuous and well-directed fire of such an assailant. The efforts of engineers <in this country> are now being directed to the construction of a weapon that will send a missile or projectile with sufficient force to penetrate the armor of an iron-plated ship, and from the report of experiments tried yesterday in the presence of the Lords of the Admiralty and other notabilities they have succeeded in creating such a weapon. The Spirit of destruction seems to have taken entire possession of the nations, and they are restlessly preparing themselves with every thing necessary for attack and defence. When war does break out in Europe, and England or France become a party to it or in it bloody work may be expected. Madness has seized upon the nations, peace has fled from their midst, and they are left a prey to their own evil passions. Babylon is ripening rapidly for destruction and her overthrow will not be long delayed.
10 April 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, April 10th, 1862. Variously engaged in Office during the day. Wrote journal in the evening. Took Elizabeth out for a walk.
11 April 1862 • Friday
Friday, 11th. Engaged in Office business. In afternoon went with Mr. Smith on board the “John J. Boyd” and had an interview — a very pleasant One — with Capt. Thomas; Dr. Wood was also present.
12 April 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 12th. Busily engaged in Office. Wrote a letter to Bro. Joseph W. Young in reply to one received <from> by him by last mail. I gave him all the items in my possession connected with the emigration. Wrote also to Bro’s. Brown and Blackburn, New York.
13 April 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, April 13th /62. Met with the Saints morning and evening and spoke with freedom at both meetings. Referred in the morning to the different effects produced by the influence of the Spirit of the Lord and the Spirit of the Adversary: one being pure, joyous, and peaceful, <and enlightening> in its effects; the other dark <and> disagreeable producing gloom, dissatisfaction and unhappiness. The Saints carry with themselves the evidences of the truth of the work. The Spirit of God which they receive through obedience to the gospel ever produces happy effects; all is joy, peace and confidence where it reigns. But let the other Spirit step in and how soon the scene changes! If the Saints could but remember this, what trouble and perplexity it would save them. Whenever that evil Spirit would present itself they would turn away from it and give no place to it and pay it no attention. When any man or woman would come to them and bring that Spirit with them and their words would produce such feelings within them they might know they were not of God and that the Spirit they possessed and the stories they told were evil and false. If the Saints would think of this when this Spirit was presented to them and sought to influence it would save them considerable trouble. Spoke in the evening on the blessings and faith produced by the <pure> principles of the gospel. An opposer, a protestant street controversialist I judged, commenced asking questions of me after meeting and asked for a sign. The weakness of his position was soon made evident to everybody but himself. He manifested dishonesty and ignorance.
14 April 1862 • Monday
Monday, April 14th, 1862. Bro. Jas. S. Brown arrived from Nottingham and Bro. Lyman from Southampton.
15 April 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 15th. Bro’s. Jeremy, Gibson and Gleason arrived here to-day to make preparations for the emigration of the Saints.
16 April 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 16th. Bro. Rich and his son Joseph and Bro. Kay, Bro’s. Staines, Mills all came in town.
17 April 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 17th. Busy with preparations for the emigration of the Saints, ticketing &c. Shipping provisions <for voyage.>
18 April 1862 • Friday
Friday, 18th. Being <Good Friday it was kept as> a holiday by the people of the town, we were very busy ticketing and settling up all day.
19 April 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 19th. The Saints are busy getting their things on board the “John J. Boyd.” The ship is not in a complete state of preparation, though it should have been ready for the people to go aboard yesterday. An agent of Lord Leigh’s, with whom I have had some communication by letter and telegram respecting emigration called at the Office to secure passages for a family of five
20 April 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, April 20th, 1862. Met with the Saints in company with Bro’s. Dame and Gleason. We addressed the Saints. In evening Bro. Lyman spoke.
21 April 1862 • Monday
Monday, 21st. The brethren (A. M. L., C. C. R. and others of the Elders) with myself and Elizabeth went off to the ship which was lying in the river (having hauled out of Dock yesterday) on a tender with the Government officers whose duty it was to clear the ship. The people were all assembled aft and a rope was stretched across the deck to pen them up. Guards were placed over them to see that none passed the rope at any place but where the Government doctor stood. The people passed him in families with their tickets. He tore off the counterpart of the ticket, which he kept, and then examined all to see that all were in a healthy condition and that no contagious disease prevailed. One family were compelled to stay behind and to go ashore, as it was feared that one of the children was breaking out with the measles. When they <(the people)> had passed the doctor they went below, all of which had been examined by the Government officer, while the people were on deck, to see that the requirements of the law respecting emigrant ships had been fully complied with. There were 608 ½ Statute Adults, making about 702 souls, on board. They praised the appearance of the passengers. After the ship was cleared by the Government officers, and they had left, we called the people together for the purpose of organizing them. I spoke first, and had excellent freedom in instructing the Saints respecting their duties. Bro’s. Rich and Lyman followed, and we had an excellent meeting and a very pleasant time. Bro. Jas. S. Brown was appointed President of the company, and Elder John Lindsay and Joseph C. Rich as his first and second Counsellors. The was a very great difference apparent in the influence which prevailed on board at the time of the meeting and afterwards and that which prevailed previously. Every spirit was bound and the Spirit of the Lord and peace predominated. There are many things operating favorably for the emigration of the people this season. The Lord is visibly blessing them in all their efforts to escape from Babylon. Friends are being raised up for them and in wholly unexpected quarters: some receiving aid from employers, some from relatives and some from strangers. Lord Leigh is sending out a family of five individuals; Rev. T. Erskine is paying the passage of another family; and a clergyman in Scotland, by the name of the Rev. Dr. Stirling, gave one of our Sisters (Mary Spiers) £8 to assist her in getting ready after receiving a letter from me giving him information respecting our method of managing the emigration. In evening had a party of the Elders at the Office; had a very pleasant time.
22 April 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, April 22nd, 1862. Saw Mr. Smith and settled with him, paying him £ [blank] for 608 ½ passages on the “John J. Boyd.” Very rainy. He furnished a steam-tender to take Bro. Rich and myself to the vessel. We took off some extra provisions to Bro’s. Joseph C. Rich and Reuben McBride; I gave the former £5 and the latter £2. Bro. Joseph had not a penny, neither had Bro. Jas. S. Brown to whom I also handed £5. I presume that there never has been a time in the British mission that the Elders received so little assistance from the Saints as at the present time. They are very poor, and there is not a Conference or District which is not cramped for means. There has never been a time when so many appeals have come up for assistance to get away to the Valley, the pressure of the hard times is so severe that many who have been putting off their emigration from year to year are now glad of the opportunity of going. There were on the “John J. Boyd” Elders Chas. Welch, Hy. Duce, Rob’t. Hodgerts and Ed. Pugh from the Valley with those already mentioned — Jas. S. Brown, J. C. Rich and R. A. McBride.
23 April 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, April 23rd, 1862. The “Boyd” left the river this morning about 7 o’clock for New York. Bro’s. Lyman and Kay left for Manchester. Heard of the battle of Corinth between the Federals and Confederates — the bloodiest yet fought. Spent the evening at Sister Spencer’s.
24 April 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 24th 1862. Heard from Bro. Van Cott that he had chartered and sent off four ships from Hamburg, containing in all 1556 souls, under the presidency of Elders H. C. Hansen, C. A. Madsen, Soren Christoffersen and O. N. Liljenquist. The ships were the “Humboldt,” “Franklin,” “Electric” and “Athenia.” Bro. Van Cott has been greatly blessed in his labors of preparing the way for the emigration of the Saints. He is a sterling man — a man of excellent business tact and of rare energy and integrity. May the Lord bless him and preserve him for future usefulness. Wrote an editorial for the Star, entitled “Necessity of Candor on the part of the Saints.”
25 April 1862 • Friday
Friday, 25th. Bro. John C. Graham and Sister Eliza Morris were married to-day by Bro. C. C. Rich. I made a party dinner and invited all the people in the Office and Bro. Sloan & wife and Sister Spencer and daughter, Mary. We had an exceedingly pleasant time and all enjoyed themselves. We had tea about 9 p.m. I felt to make this wedding party for John because of his attention and diligence; he has been about five years in the Office.
26 April 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, the 26th. Wrote a long letter to Brother H. S. Eldredge and another to President Young. I received a letter from President Young on Thursday. He says that a good many Elders have been selected for foreign missions.
24 April 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, April 27th, 1862. Attended meeting morning and evening. Bro. Rich spoke both times and I followed in a few remarks.
28 April 1862 • Monday
Monday, 28th. Bro. Lyman arrived from Manchester and left for Birmingham in afternoon. Writing journal &c.
29 April 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 29th. Examining letters &c. and clearing out my desk and drawers. In afternoon went in company of Bro. Rich, Sister Spencer and my wife to the Botanic Gardens. Took tea at Sister Spencer’s on our return.
30 April 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 30th. Dr. Wood and daughter called to see myself and wife. Called on Mr. Smith of Tapscott, Smith & Co. The “Constellation” being detained they have thought it best to offer me the “Wm Tapscott,” a vessel equally stanch and capacious and I concluded to accept it. Bro. Eugene Henriod arrived <in company with Bro. Bramall> from Southampton with the intention of acting as assistant editor in the stead of Bro. Whittall who, with his family, is emigrating.
1 May 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, May 1st, 1862. Wrote an article for the “Star” entitled “Changes and Appointments.” Bro. Robert Anderson, a youth from Leith, Scotland, whom I had selected to come to the Office to fill the position of junior clerk arrived this morning from Scotland in company with Bro. David M. Stuart. He appears to be a very promising boy and I trust will be useful. Ticketing passengers for the “Manchester.” Went to Bro. Ajax’s and administered to him, he being very ill.
2 May 1862 • Friday
Friday, 2nd May, 1862. Ticketing passengers. Bro’s. Amasa M. Lyman, Wm. C. Staines and Wm G. Mills all arrived to-day in good health. Balancing my Cash a/c
3 May 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 3rd May, 1862. Bro’s. McAllister, S. L. Adams and F. M. Lyman arrived to-day. Went down to the “Manchester” in company with Bro. Rich in the afternoon. The vessel changed her berth from one dock to another for fear that there would not be water enough for her to get out if she remained until tomorrow; this kept <many of> the people from getting aboard until after sundown. One of the brethren fell off the staging into the Dock and had a narrow escape from drowning.
4 May 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 4th. Went to meeting in company with Bro’s. Rich, Stuart & Marion Lyman. The two last-named spoke followed by Bro. Rich. Bro. MacAllister spoke in the evening and I followed in some remarks.
5 May 1862 • Monday
Monday, 5th. Busy about Office the fore part of the day. About 1/2 past 4 in the afternoon I received a letter — a printed envelope — containing a telegram dated Great Salt Lake City, April 15th, received at New York at noon of the 19th, worded as follows:- <Geo. Q. Cannon> “Join Senator Hooper Washington May Twenty-fifth Retain charge office” “Brigham Young.” The perusal of this unexpected news literally took my breath away and caused such a tremor to come over me that I could scarcely stand without clinging to the desk for support. There have been but few times in my life that I have been as much affected as I was upon reading this message. I had no idea given me by the telegram respecting the duties that were expected of me at Washington; but I knew that the <my> position would be one that would require faith and perseverance and the blessing of the Lord.
I felt somewhat like sailing on the 10th (Saturday); but the Bro’s. Lyman and Rich expressed a preference for the 14th, on which day another steamer would sail, as the Saints would be all ready for sea by that day, the 13th being the day the last vessels would sail. These being their feelings, and learning from Bro. Van Cott, to whom I telegraphed, that he could not reach here in time to go with us, and having also a great deal of business to transact connected with the emigration of the Saints I concluded to set aside my desire to sail on Saturday and to conclude on Wednesday as the day when we would sail. My telegram to Bro. Van Cott was sent after 7 p.m.; his reply reached here at 10.20 p.m. As the brethren’s return home and my visit to Washington would leave the Mission without a President, we selected Bro. Jacob G. Bigler to act as President in my absence.
6 May 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, May 6th, 1862. Wrote to Bro’s. Bigler and Van Cott and Jesse N. Smith. Went on board the “Manchester” at noon to have her cleared by the Emigration officers for sea. Afterwards the passengers were examined <and> the ship <was> inspected and cleared we held meeting, and all spoke, and appointed Elders J. D. T. McAllister as President and S. L. Adams and M. Barnes as Counsellors. The Saints felt exceedingly well. They appear to be a very fine company. In evening had a party of the Elders. Among other topics of conversation was that of our being admitted into the Union as a State. Each was asked for his opinion. There were five <four> of us who expressed the opinion that she would be admitted: Bro’s. W. G. Mills, Eugene Henriod, F. M. Lyman and myself. Bro’s. C. C. Rich, J. M. Kay, W. C. Staines, D. M. Stuart, J. Bull, <G. J. Taylor> W. Bramall, W. S. Snow and E. L. Sloan expressed themselves as of the opinion that she would not be admitted though the last-named three did <were> not positive in their opinions on the subject, not having anything decided in their minds respecting it. Bro. Amasa, though refusing to express an opinion one way or the other, leaned I thought to the opinion that we would be admitted in his conversation. I told the brethren that I was thankful that I had the feeling so strongly fixed in my mind that we would be admitted, as I could labor with greater hope and with better heart at Washington than if I felt otherwise. I reasoned (as did the other brethren) on the subject and explained why I felt as I did.
7 May 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, May 7th, 1862. Wrote to <Bro> John L. Smith, from whom I received a letter yesterday informing me that there were 108 Souls of the Saints emigrating from his field and that it would be necessary for himself or Bro. Ballif to accompany them to Florence to manage and interpret for them, and asking which of them should go. We replied by telegram yesterday that Bro. Ballif should accompany the people. Bro. Lyman went to Birmingham and Bro. Rich to London. A terrible rainy day. Bro. DeLaMare arrived.
8 May 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 8th. Wrote an editorial entitled “The best policy for the Saints to pursue. Visited the “Wm Tapscott” in company with Mr. Smith and Mr. Wm Tapscott, Jun. She is a fine ship and will be in excellent condition to receive the people, having been newly painted. In the evening Bro. Lyman returned from Birmingham. My father’s cousins, Mrs. Kidd and Mrs. Christian, the latter from Ramsey, and Leonora Kidd, called and stopped a short time.
9 May 1862 • Friday
Friday, 9th. Wrote an article for the Star “Short Absence — New Appointment.” And then a short one to which all our names (A. M. L., C. C. R. and G. Q. C.) were attached, appointing Bro. Bigler to the Presidency during my absence. Brother Bigler arrived from Ireland. Busy ticketing the people, &c. Received a letter from Bro. Van Cott; he said he would be here, the Lord willing by the 14th.
10 May 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 10th. Very busy from early morning until late at night writing, &c. Wrote to President Young, to my wife, Sarah Jane, and Grandma, to Hon. Wm H. Hooper, to Bro. H. S. Eldredge, Bro. F. D. Richards, Joseph W. Young. Engaged our passages (Bro’s. Lyman, Rich, Dame, Cousin George J. Taylor and myself) on the Kangaroo which sails on Wednesday next, paid £76.15; £2 being allowed me for commission.
11 May 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, May 11th 1862. Attended meetings, (it being a Conference of the Liverpool Conference) morning, afternoon and evening. Bro’s. Gibson, Chase, Kay and myself spoke. Bro’s. Bigler, Rich and myself spoke in the afternoon and Bro. Lyman in the evening. Bro. Rich was not at the forenoon meeting but attended the other two; Bro. Lyman was at the evening meeting only; yet there was a striking similarity in what was said in all three meetings, though we had not conversed upon the subject, and they both were ignorant of what had been said at the meetings at which they were not present. Bro. Rich’s remarks in the afternoon were in the same strain as those made in the morning and Bro. Lyman’s in the evening were in the same strain as those made in the afternoon, in some instances almost word for word. A number of the brethren took supper with us.
12 May 1862 • Monday
Monday, May 12th 1862. Cousins Ann Kidd, Leonora Christian, James Crawford and Geo. Christian called. Went to the Royal Bank and introduced Bro. Wm H. Perkes as my Agent to transact business in my name with them. Visited Messrs. Brown, Shipley & Co. about obtaining a Letter of Credit. Visited the Ship. Held meeting last in evening at Office and instructed the Elders and set apart Bro. Bigler as President of the Mission, Bro’s. Sloan & Henriod to the editorial department of the Star and Bro’s. Perkes & Graham <to the Office.> Cousin Leonora Vale took tea here.
13 May 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, May 13th, 1862. Busy at Office early in the morning. Went to Brown, Shipley & Co’s and after some conversation, in which they demurred to my requirements, they acceded to my terms and gave me a Letter of Credit for eight hundred pounds in favor of Bro. Horace S. Eldredge. Cleared the Ship “Antarctic,” which would carry thirty-five souls of our people. Then went to the “Wm Tapscott” and cleared her. She had on board 812 souls. We organized them and placed Elder Wm Gibson in as President and Elders John Clark and F. M. Lyman as Counsellors. Bro. Stayner and wife were furnished Cabin passage on this ship by the Church. After my return in the evening commenced with Bro’s. Wm H. Perkes and John C. Graham balancing the accounts. This kept us busy all night and morning dawned upon us and still found us at work. We got every thing squared very satisfactorily excepting a deficiency of about £26 in the cash A/c which a further examination of the transfers will doubtless bring to light. About six o’clock commenced to pack my trunk for the journey. Brother Van Cott arrived, while we were on the “Tapscott” clearing her, from Copenhagen. He was in moderately good health. He brought me a new <leather> trunk which articles they make very cheap in Denmark. Mine cost me $21.50. Went down to secure Bro. Van Cott’s passage and buy a few articles for the voyage. Cousin Ann Kidd and Fanny, Alice and Willie called to see <Cousin George and> me before starting. She was much affected. Lenora Vale called yesterday afternoon and Aunt Mary (Mother’s sister) early this morning. In company with Bro’s. Lyman and Van Cott I blessed Elizabeth and Georgiana; Elizabeth was much affected. I have felt to sympathize very greatly with her under her present circumstances, though I have avoided expressing it. She has left her children in the Valley to come to this country with me in obedience to counsel. Now I was called away for a short period, and she was to left far from all her relatives and acquaintances, excepting those which she had made here, in a strange land and among strangers, with only her little daughter to be with her of her children. She bore it bravely and heroically and never indulged in murmuring or dissatisfaction and regrets. This has been much more pleasing to me than if she had repined and indulged in vain regrets. May the Lord bless and preserve her and Georgey and may their health be good. There were a good many of the Elders down at the Landing Stage to see us off. Mrs. Smith came down also to see me. Several of the brethren came off in the tender and saw us off on board. We left the landing stage at 11 a.m. In sailing out of the river we passed the “Wm Tapscott” which was being towed out by a steam-tug. The people were all on deck and we passed close enough for them to recognize us and they cheered us heartily and waved their hats and handkerchiefs. We had a very smooth sea, and the vessel had scarcely any perceptible motion. I enjoyed all my meals excellently and retired early, as I felt very tired. My labors of late have been arduous, and since the word reached me respecting my going to Washington I have had but little sleep.
15 May 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, May 15th, 1862. I slept very soundly all night and felt much refreshed this morning. There was more motion than there had been and it affected me to unpleasantly to a slight extent. I was able to eat a light breakfast. We came in sight of Queenstown a few minutes after 11 a.m. and dropped anchor about 1/2 past 11. This harbor is most beautiful and the surrounding country presents a very fine appearance. The surface of the bay is as smooth as glass and everything is pleasing to look upon. There are a number of vessels lying at anchor in the harbor. This place, until the Queen’s visit to Ireland, was called the Cove of Cork. She landed here, and it changed its name and since then it has grown into an importance which it previously did not possess. Cork is 10 miles up the river. We expect to remain here until nearly 4 p.m. I wrote a long letter to Elizabeth. Loaded all the steerage passengers we could carry and some more Cabin do.
I have been very sea-sick since we left Queenstown and was unable to eat on Friday and Saturday, the 16th and 17th. By lying down, when I wished to keep still, I was able to avoid vomiting; but if I attempted to sit or stand for during several days I was sure to be sick. As it was very stifling and oppressive in the State Room, I kept on deck as much as possible, and by walking constantly I was able to keep up. Bro. Rich was almost all the time well; he only missed one meal; but Bro’s Lyman, Dame and Cousin George were very sick; Bro. Van Cott did not escape, though not as sick as the others named. Next to Bro. Rich, very much to my surprise and agreeable disappointment, I was the least sick. I missed but few meals and when able to sit down to the table my appetite was very hearty. From the time we left <the> Channel we had a constant head wind, blowing right in our teeth. Some of the time it was squally and very rough. The vessel behaved handsomely and evinced splendid staunch, sea-going qualities.
23-28 May 1862 • Friday to Wednesday
On Friday, May 23rd, 1862, we encountered considerable ice. There were many large icebergs and a large extent that seemed to have been a field of considerable size which had broken up. We sailed through it for several hours before nightfall and it continued through the night and next day (Saturday) and even on Sunday we saw several very large bergs. The fog closed around us on Friday soon after we met with the ice which rendered our situation much more critical. The Captain and officers were up all the night. The icebergs were beautiful to look upon and were in every conceivable shape. Some looked like old <ruined> castles or forts, with here and there a tower standing in ruins covered with fine carvings and mouldings, the effect of the action of the waves. Others looked like mountains covered with snow and the strata would appear as clearly defined in them, some dipping in one direction and some in another, as in rocks on the land. I took more exercise this voyage than usual and enjoyed myself much better. A game called shuffleboard was started on deck at which all the cabin passengers played and which afforded considerable amusement and became very interesting. The following squares were chalked out on the deck and four persons played two each being partners. [a numbered shuffleboard diagram here] They stand off as far as convenient and push with a flat, shovel-nosed cue small four-sided pieces of blocks at these squares, if they lodge inside, they count; but the opponent tries to knock them out. We reached Cape Race on Saturday the 24th at 11 p.m. after signalling the boat came off and received our despatches. On Wednesday, the 28th it was very foggy and we narrowly escaped running into a brigantine “Onward” of Halifax; she crossed our bows.
29 May 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, May 29th /62. The Pilot came on board early this morning. A lovely morning, the water as smooth as a mirror and as the sun rose the weather became very warm. We sighted Sandy Hook about ten A.M. and was soon running past into the harbor. Staten Island covered with residences, many of them partly hidden by the foliage of the trees which grew in profusion on the hill sides, was a beautiful picture to look upon. My feelings were very peculiar in beholding once more the land I loved so well. When I bade adieu to its shores, in the winter of ‘60, but few imagined that the little cloud which then just appeared above the horizon would increase in size and blackness until it covered the whole heavens. And now, in gazing upon this beautiful scenery it was hard to believe that war with all its dreadful accompaniments was raging in the land and producing misery and desolation in many a household. We landed about 3 p.m. and were met by Bro’s. Eldredge, Blackburn and Horspool. We put up at the Stevens’ House, because of it being convenient to Bro. Eldredge’s place. Nothing had been heard of Bro. Hooper, the Overland Mail was interrupted by Indians. Two vessels of the four that had been chartered at Hamburg by Bro. Van Cott to carry the Scandinavian Saints had arrived. On the last, of which Bro. Madsden <was President,> there had been about forty deaths, nearly all children, from measles. None of the vessels which had sailed from Liverpool had arrived.
30 May 1862 • Friday
Friday, 30th. Visited Mr. Darius Clark, the Railroad Agent with whom I formerly did business and with whom Bro. Eldredge was doing the Emigration business this year. He was very glad to see me. Accompanied Bro. Eldredge up town, hoping to see Bro. Hooper’s arrival on the Hotel Register, but was disappointed. Bro’s. Lyman and Dame started this afternoon for Boston to visit their friends in New England.
31 May 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, May 31st, 1862. Finished my letter which I commenced to write on the sea to Elizabeth and also one to Sarah Jane and Grandma Goodfellow. While putting them in the Post Office I met with Mr. Wm Martin, Agent of the Chicago & Quincy R. Road, who told me that he had noticed that morning a notice <paragraph> in a Chicago paper relative to the arrival of Hon. Wm H. Hooper, <U.S.> Senator elect from Utah, C. W. West, Esq. and Brigham Young, jun. I found the paper at Mr. Clark’s and then went to communicate the intelligence to the brethren; but they informed me that during my absence Bro. Hooper had called and was then in search of me. He soon came in and we were glad to meet each other. He informed me that I had been elected at the same time with himself U. S. Senator for the State of Deseret, and that it was expected we would labor together in Washington until Congress adjourned to get Deseret admitted as a State. By letter, which he brought me from President Young, I was advised of this, and also that the business of the Church in Liverpool should still be continued in my name if we were admitted to our seats in the Senate then such a change as would be suitable could be made. In the meantime he wished Bro. West to take charge, subject to counsel from me, of the office business, editorial department and Presidency, without any public mention of the fact of my absence. This latter, however, had been done before I left, in as brief a manner as possible in having been thought necessary in order that the appointment of Bro. Bigler might be explained. Bro’s. West and Brigham had stopped in Western New York to visit the friends of the former. The news of this appointment created some surprise in my mind, though I had some premonitions of such being the case but could scarcely give them room to grow for fear that I might be disappointed. It is a mission and appointment which I feel ought to be appreciated as a very strong indication under the circumstances of the confidence of my brethren (the vote of the Legislature in Joint Session was unanimously cast for us on April the 16th) yet it is an appointment which I never should have sought myself. Indeed, a mission to preach the gospel to the people of any land would have been in many respects as acceptable as <or more so than> this. My prayer is that I may discharge my duties in a manner that shall be acceptable to my God, satisfactory to my brethren and a blessing to myself. I have always had a taste for business of this kind, and, when a boy, blessings have been pronounced upon my head that have led me to look forward to a time when, if faithful to the Truth, I should occupy responsible positions in connection with government and have wisdom in that direction. As Bro. Hooper was stopping at the St. Nicholas, and he wished us to be together I moved up there this afternoon.
1 June 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, May 31st, <June 1st, > 1862. Bro. Hooper was quite unwell in consequence of cold. Bro. Rich, my <Bro> Eldredge, Cousin George, Bro. Bates and myself crossed to Williamsburgh in the afternoon and held meeting with the Saints. Bro. Rich and myself spoke. Took tea with Bro. Nobles. In evening I spoke and had excellent attention and a good flow of the Spirit; Bro. Rich followed. The “John J. Boyd” arrived this morning from L’pool. <all well.>
2 June 1862 • Monday
Monday, June 1st <2nd>, 1862. Bro’s. C. W. West and Brigham arrived to-day. They were both well. Had conversation with Governor and Mrs. Cumming who are boarding here and also with Capt. Gardner who was Captain of the “Monarch of the Sea” last year when she brought out our people. He spoke in high terms of the people and the good order they observed. Bro. West brought letters from home and the likeness of John Q. and Abraham. They were all well. He also showed me his letter of instructions from President Young.
3 June 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, June 2nd <3rd> /62. Visited the “John J. Boyd” in company with Bro’s. Eldredge, West and Brigham, jun. to see the Captain respecting <the> provisions. This was the first time that Bro’s. Eldredge and Brigham ever was on board of a sea-going vessel. The Saints left for the West to-day under the charge of Bro. James S. Brown. Bro. Charles C. and Joseph C. accompanied them expecting to visit some of their friends and relatives in Indiana.
4 June 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, June 3d <4th>, 1862. Rained heavily all day. Bro. Hooper and self called upon Mr. Bennet of the Herald. The old man was not in town; but we had a conversation with his son who was very inquisitive and pleased to see us; he promised to inform his father of our call so that we might have an interview next day. Called on Horace Greeley, Editor of the Tribune, but not finding him at the Office left a note informing him that we would call at 5 p.m. Our interview with him was very agreeable. He talked pleasantly and listened to all we had to say. He had but little faith in our attempt to get into the Union when we first commenced to talk to him; but after laying before him all the reasons that presented themselves to our minds he seemed to have believe that after all it was not so hopeless as he first thought. He said we ought not to have officers sent out <to us> whom we did not wish. The government ought to leave us to ourselves to manage our own concerns. Before leaving we asked him pointedly whether he would advocate our admission. He hesitated, and did not answer us directly. We then asked him if he would oppose our admission; he answered promptly that he would not. <We visited Mr. Holliday’s office and Messrs. Riggs & Co. where Mr. Elliott was Agent.>
5 June 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, June 4 <5>th /62. We visited the office of the N. Y. Times. and met with Mr. Wilson, assistant Editor, Mr. Raymond, Editor-in-Chief, not being at home. We had a pleasant conversation with <him> during which he asked a great many questions about our people and affairs in Utah. He said he had always taken a very favorable interest in us since Jedediah M. Grant had been East and published a series of letters on the return of the Judges in 1851-2 from the Territory. Went to Mr. Jas. G. Bennet’s Herald office. Had an interview with him. He was very non-committal. We waited until the very last moment for Bro. Chauncey W. West and Brigham, Jun., to return before we started to Philadelphia. They went yesterday to Bro. Hammond’s father’s on Long Island. They did not return in time to accompany us. We reached Philadelphia about 1/2 past 9 p.m. and went to Mr. Fenton’s to stop. We found the family very well, except Mr. F. who was troubled with a swelled face. Sammy, Emma and Geo. Cannon had grown considerably since I last saw them.
6 June 1862 • Friday
Friday, June 5 <6>th, 1862. Visited Mr. Gavitt’s manufactory. He made the paper machinery we have in the Valley. Searched for the brethren this morning thinking they might have arrived this morning. Called upon Mr. Torrey, Cashier of the Corn Exchange Bank, Philadelphia, and had a long conversation with him. Met Bro. David Bennet at Mr. Fenton’s. Bro. Saml Harrison and some others came in during the evening to see us. Started for Washington at 11 p.m. engaging <a> sleeping berth. Arrived there at 6 a.m. on [blank]
7 June 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 6 <7>th. Put up at the National Hotel. After breakfast went and saw Dr. Bernhisel at his lodgings and met Bro’s. West and Brigham, they having arrived last evening. Called upon Mr. E. B. Washburne and <saw> many other Members. Went with the brethren to the Patent Office. Hunting rooms to stop at, preferring to have rooms and then board where we pleased, at a Restaurant or Hotel, to living at a Hotel altogether, as it is cheaper and more pleasant.
8 June 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 7 <8>th. Bro. W. S. Godbe arrived to-day from the Valley. He was well. We accompanied to meeting in the Capitol, Dr. Sunderland, chaplain of the Senate, preached.
9 June 1862 • Monday
Monday, June 8 <9>th, 1862. I have been so busy that I have neglected writing my journal daily through[out] this week. This day we called upon Senator <M. S.> Latham of California with whom we talked freely. He said he would offer a motion in the Senate to extend to us the privileges of the floor, which he did; but which was laid on the table, the precedents in the case of the Kansas and Indiana Senators being against granting such a privilege. He told us that he thought he could pass the motion by pressing it, but doubted the propriety of it. In this we fully agreed with him as we did not wish to go on to <the floor> against the wishes of a portion of the Senate. The courtesies of the House <of Representatives> were tendered to us through the kindness of Hon. E. B. Washburne of Illinois and we freely made use of the privilege, <going> daily on to the floor and conversing with Members and watching the proceedings. The House is more democratic than the Senate; there is considerable stately dignity and aristocratic feeling about the Members of the Senate. We moved from our hotel on Monday afternoon to a suite of rooms which we rented on 14th Street (No. 468) of a person named Dull, agreeing to give $3 a day (a dollar a day apiece for Bro. Hooper, Brigham and myself) for them and light and attendance. This was a high rent; but it was the best we could do and it was much cheaper and more comfortable than the Hotel. The rooms were airy and elegant.
10–14 June 1862 • Tuesday to Friday
Tuesday, June 10th, 1862. From this day until the 15th I failed through hurry to write journal and now (Nov. 14th) when Bro. John C. Graham is ready to copy that which I have kept into this book such a length of time has elapsed that I find my memory at fault and I cannot recall all that I was engaged in during those days. On Friday, 13th went in company with Hon. John M. Bernhisel and Senator Hooper and Elders C. W. West and Brigham Young, Junr, to pay our respects to President Lincoln. The President has a plain, but shrewd and rather pleasant face. He is very tall, probably 6 feet 4 inches high, and is rather awkwardly built, heightened by his want of flesh. He looks much better than I expected he would do from my knowledge of the cares and labors of his position, and is quite humorous, scarcely permitting a visit to pass without uttering some joke. He received us very kindly and without formality. Conversed some little upon Utah affairs and other matters. The number of our population was asked for by him. He did not seem to think that we were as numerous as we stated; but after hearing our evidence on the subject appeared to be satisfied. He was quite non committal respecting our admission, having no wish seemingly to commit himself upon the subject.
15 June 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, June 15th. Copied a long letter for Bro. Hooper addressed to William Clayton. Wrote a letter to Sarah Jane and commenced a letter to the President. The morning was very sultry; but after noon the weather suddenly changed and became quite cool. Saw Mr. S. Daily, Delegate from Nebraska, and had conversation with him
16 June 1862 • Monday
Monday, 16th. We (Bro. Hooper and self) called upon Mr. Barratt, Commissioner of Pensions, in relation to the Bounty Land Warrants due our citizens for services in the Indian War of ‘53. Went with Bro. Hooper to see Mr. Ruth in the Indian Finance Bureau in the same building about some business connected with the Territory. Called upon Mr. Hallett Kilburn, Chief Clerk of the Census Bureau, who had kindly profferred to furnish all the information upon Census that we might need and to give us access to all the Census returns. Introduced to Judge Edmunds, Commissioner of General Land Office and Mr. Wilson, Chief Clerk of that Bureau. Received a letter from Elizabeth, one from Bro. Sloan and one from Bro. Perkes with business papers &c. Things in general were moving along tolerably well. My Wife’s health was not so good, being troubled with a pain in her chest and side. I trust it will soon leave her. Georgianna is well and enjoying herself. On the floor of the House conversing with members. Had a very interesting conversation with Aaron A. Sargent of Cal. Nevada City.
17 June 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 17th. On floor of the House. Visited Senator Pomeroy of Kansas after dinner in company with Mr. Scharit who introduced us. Also saw Senator Harlan of Iowa at the same time for a short time. Senator Pomeroy, after listening to us, said he was in favor of our admission and requested the heads of the arguments in favor of Utah’s admission written out that he might embody them in a speech. We promised to give them him. Our interview with both these Senators was free and pleasant. They both expressed their pleasure at seeing us and pressed us to call upon them. In the evening Col. Cyrus Aldrich, Mr. C. from Minnesota, and his friend, Mr Heaton from the same State, and Mr. King, Postmaster of the House of Representatives and his assistant, Mr Soule, and Mr. Scharit ate ice cream and strawberries at our rooms and spent the evening very pleasantly.
18 June 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, June 18th. Mr. Ben Perley Poor called upon us this morning for the purpose of giving us an introduction to Senator Sumner at his rooms. Our conversation was continued for upwards of an hour. He stated his objections to our practices very frankly and in a gentlemanly manner. The two objections into which all others were merged, and which he put as strongly as he could, were that our form of government was what he would term theo-republican, of which the government of the Jews was probably the best example — a government in which the priestly authority was more respected and revered than the political, both, however[,] being frequently combined in the same person; and that our system of polygamy was a practice that western civilization denounced as a crime, being at war with all its teachings. I asked him how it could be otherwise with us than that the priestly and political authority should be combined in one and the same person. There were but very few in our midst who did not belong to our society, and in our society every man of energy who would be suitable to hold political office held some portion of the priestly authority. But we made our Constitution republican, as genuinely so as we knew how. Under it our religion received no preference; but every man, priest and <or> layman, professor or non-professor enjoys every right belonging to an American citizen in the most favored States. If, in the course of events, there should be an increase of population in our State, who were not members of our Society, they would have the right, (if in the majority,) under our Constitution of electing whom they pleased to hold Office, whether they whom they nominated and elected held the priesthood or not. What more could we do than this, and be republican? Or, if we were not to be admitted now, because there were none to hold office whom the people had confidence in, excepting bearers of the priesthood, we might never be admitted; for we had been fifteen years in that country already and we might be there many more without such a change being brought about. As to our polygamy being in opposition to western civilization, we granted that; but our people viewed civilization to be astray on that point. They firmly believed that their’s was the purer and better practice, though denounced as a crime. But if Utah were admitted as a State, and the Pacific RailRoad should be built, we would be brought into such close contact with the boasted civilization of the day that if the latter were as superior to ours, as its practisers and believers asserted, then our barbarism would melt away. We sought to be admitted and were willing to endure the test that might come. Before he stated these objections in the above form, he asked a number of questions respecting us and our practices, which we answered, and, I think, with good effect. Our personal interview did good. Went to the House and conversed with Mr. Wheeler of New York, Member of the Committee on Territories respecting our admission. I laid before him the reasons we had for desiring admission, and also those which we felt ought to influence Congress to admit us. He listened attentively, and my arguments seemed to have weight with him. He promised to investigate the matter and give it due consideration and not to decide according to politics but upon its merits. Saw Mr. Hanchett of Wisconsin and Mr. Beaman of Michigan and other members and conversed with them upon the same subject. Busy in the evening drawing up arguments, statistics &c in favor of our admission for Senator Pomeroy.
19 June 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, June 19th. Bro. Hooper and myself waited upon Senator Wade, Chairman of the Committee on Territories in the Senate. He said our matter would not up before their meeting to-day, the Western Virginian matter having precedence. Attended House Committee on Territories in company with Bro’s Hooper and Bernhisel. No quorum present. Had conversation with members. Bro. Bernhisal obtained tickets for us to the Baths of the House of Representatives. I bathed. The baths are elegantly fitted up, the tubs being cut out of the solid marble. In the Library of the House searching for items in the Congressional Globe. Received letters from my wife, Bro. Sloan and Bro. Perkes in England from which I learned they were all well and that the pains in Elizabeth’s side and breast had left her; also from Bro. C. W. West, New York, in which he informs me that he had been unable to secure a passage on the steamers which sailed on the 14th and 18th instant from New York, both being filled up.
20 June 1862 • Friday
Friday, 20th. Wrote to Elizabeth, to Bro. Perkes and Bro. Graham. Visited Senator John B. Henderson of Missouri and found him favorable to our admission. In reply to a remark made by me respecting polygamy he said it was a matter which he viewed as purely local and not concerning the nation at large and with which they have nothing to do. He pressed us to call and see him. We next saw Senator Trumbull of Illinois and had a conversation with him. We set forth the reasons for our admission to which he listened, occasionally interrogating and making a remark. His principal expressed doubts were relative to our population. He promised, however, to reflect upon the subject and deal with it fairly. Visited Senator Wade’s rooms again; but after waiting for upwards of an hour had to leave without seeing him. Mr. Reed of Illinois called upon us to-day. He is a very intelligent old man. Mr. Theaker an ex M. C. now in the Patent Office was at our rooms for an hour during which we laid before him many of our views, principles and wishes &c.
21 June 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 21st. June. Busy writing journal which was very much behind. Writing reasons why the State of Deseret should be admitted into the Union for Senator Pomeroy, of Kansas. Called upon him, but did not find him at home. Called upon Senators Harlan of Iowa and Sherman of Ohio, who were also absent from home. Had a very interesting interview with Senator B. F. Wade, of Ohio, Chairman of Committee on Territories, to which Committee our papers were referred. He listened kindly to our remarks and arguments in favor of our admission, asked many questions respecting our settlement in Utah, and was much interested in my recital of the history of our journey and first settlement there. He spoke very favorably of our industry, and enterprize and thought we deserved much credit for what we had done, and assented to our statement that had we not settled there that country would in all probability have been in a state of nature for very many years yet. He saw no reason, he said, why we should not be admitted as a state, we possessed, as far as he knew, every needed requirement. We waited upon Col. Vaughan of Kansas, who had promised to see Senator Lane of Kansas and try and influence him in our favor.
22 June 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 22nd. Reading mostly. Visited Mr. Scharit and Mr. John M. Stanley, Artist. In the evening received a visit from Mr. Stone, the Sculptor.
23 June 1862 • Monday
Monday, 23rd, June. Called at the places of residence of Senators Pomeroy, Browning and Harlan but only found the latter at home. We had a pleasant interview with him. He said that he viewed our efforts to obtain a State organization with favor and conveyed the idea to us, that, if, upon examination, the subject appeared as favorably as he expected it would, he would go in for our admission. Had another interview with Col. Vaughan before breakfast. Went to the Capitol. Saw Mr. Harrison G. Blake of Ohio who said he could not see how the Committee could report unfavorably upon our matter. A people’s religion would afford no ground for argument for keeping them out of the Union, if they came with a Republican Constitution and possessing sufficient population. Called at the Interior Department to ascertain what discrepancies existed in the rolls and applications of those claiming bounty lands for services in the Indian War of ‘53. Rained so heavily in the evening that we could not visit any one.
24 June 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, June 24th. Called upon Col. Vaughan and Senator S. C. Pomeroy, of Kansas for a few minutes, also upon Senator O. H. Browning of Illinois. He had not time to converse with us then but wished us to call upon him some morning when convenient. Remained at the House. Had a long conversation with A. Scott Sloan, of Wisconsin. We found him a fair, liberal man, who appeared to be disposed to do us justice. He is a member of the Committee on Territories before whom our matters will come up. Conversed with a number of other members upon our matters. The Bill prohibiting polygamy in the Territories and other places where the United States have jurisdiction as amended by the Senate was brought up and passed. The Pacific R. R. Bill was also passed by a heavy majority. After dinner sought interviews with Senator L. F. S. Foster of Conn. and Ira Harris of New York but did not find them at home. Saw Senator M. S. Latham of Cal. for a few minutes and afterwards had a long conversation with M. S. Wilkinson of Minnesota. He brought up the idea of our being a theocracy — an idea which I do not give him credit for originating but which I think he borrowed from Senator Charles Sumner — the laws all emanating from the rulers, or ruler, who said he received it from Heaven instead of coming up from the people as, in his opinion, ought to be and was the case in a Republic. We combatted this idea of his. I told him that I was one of the first settlers of Utah and I had never witnessed nor heard about what he stated being the case. Namely, that one man evidently referring to Prest Young) would come in when the Legislature was in session and say you must make such and such laws because they are the will of heaven. We had our Legislature as in other Territories, and our legislators made the best laws they could, seeking for wisdom, of course, wherever they could find it, that our Statute book was open to inspection and there was no law within its pages that was not genuinely republican. We asked what more could we do than we had done to convince Congress and the nation that we were Republicans in feeling and principle. Our Constitution was as Republican in form as we could make it with the American language. He admitted as far as the text went it was, but and but and but — (if he had told plainly what the difficulty was) we are Latter-day Saints. Polygamy came in for its share of notice. He said he had not looked into the question of our admission much but would. He is, in my opinion, a narrow-minded (Senator though he may be) and ignorant man, who has not got breadth of mind enough to grasp it, has not backbone or integrity enough to cling to it if it came in conflict with what he would imagine to be his interests.
25 June 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, June 25th. Waited on Senator O. H. Browning this morning but found him engaged. He promised us an interview to-morrow morning. Saw Col. Vaughan who had arranged with Senator Jas. H. Lane of Kansas for an interview with us this evening. Called at Senator J. W. Grimes of Iowa but found him absent. Also upon Senator Robt Wilson of Missouri and found him a pleasant man of plain, homely manner and who promised to give our matters a fair consideration. He said he knew of no reason why we should not be admitted, but thought that even as a matter of policy our wish should be granted. We ought to have our rights as well as any other people. Saw also Mr. Wm A. Hall and Elijah H. Norton both Members from Missouri, who spoke very fairly — the latter has been quite kind to us. Received a letter from Pres. Young dated June 5/62 from which the following is an extract: The Ox train for Florence was all en-route on the 19th ult; in six companies under Captains H. Haight, H. W. Miller, H. Duncan, J. Horne Jr., R. Murdock, and Ansel P. Harmon, with 244 Wagons, 2080 Oxen, 267 Teamsters, 26 Guards, and 71½ tons of flour. I have bought 50 tons flour and 5 tons bacon at Florence. High Water delayed the starting of the companies, made their progress rather slow, and is still hindering them some, but they will probably reach Florence in about a month later than last year. In addition to the wagons and oxen sent, it is arranged to buy more at Florence, doubtless sufficient, with those already sent, for all freight and persons to be brought.
You were probably somewhat surprised at our requiring you to operate for us as one of our Senators in Washington, but your colleague and friends here were anxious for you to do so, deeming that a short absence from office cares and duties might be pleasing to you, and a benefit to yourself and constituents. We feel assured that the admission of Utah and other duties of your new position will receive that attention they merit, after which we would be glad to greet you in your mountain home, but at present presume it will be necessary for you to return to the more immediate field of labors.1
At the House of Representatives. Some sharp discussion between Mr. Sedgwick of New York and Mr. Mallory of Kentucky respecting the emancipation of the slaves. Hon. Edward Everett was on the floor of the House to-day. Had some conversation with Mr. Parkes and Mr. Elwell of California. After dinner called upon Senator Fessenden of Maine and Grimes of Iowa; the latter appointed tomorrow to see him. Senator Fessenden said he would deal candidly with us and say he was prejudiced against the people of Utah’s institutions and practices. Their religion he did not object to. Not being a religionist himself he felt more liberal upon that point than he otherwise might. Polygamy he did not object to on scriptural grounds, for he thought that it could not be condemned by scripture; but he objected to it as a matter of state policy. It was an institution unsuited to the age. We reasoned with him at some length upon these points, saying that if it were an institution that would not stand when brought in contact with the civilization of the age it would have to go down; and the better way to accomplish that would be to admit us as a State, and then, when the Pacific R. R would be built a flood of immigration would be sure to set westward before whose “intelligence” this peculiarity, with every other, against which christianity had objections, if false as asserted, would be modified & checked and probably removed. We described to him what our people had accomplished and how anxious they were to come into the Union, coming forward at this the time of the Nation’s trial to assume the expense of their Government &c. He acknowledged that our anxiety at the present time to be admitted into the Union spoke well for our loyalty and ought not to be overlooked or disregarded. He said he would treat the matter fairly and on its merits when it came up before the Senate. We were much pleased with our interview with him. He spoke calmly and gentlemanly, and listened courteously to what we had to say. With none with whom I have conversed have I felt more freedom in speaking than with Senator Fessenden and I think the impression made upon his mind was very favorable. Called at the rooms of Senators John Sherman of Ohio, [blank] Wilson of Mass. and James A. Pearce of Maryland; but they were all absent. Called upon Col. Vaughan who took us up to Senator James Lane of Kansas and introduced us to him. We had a very free talk with him for upwards of an hour and when we parted he said that we had advanced arguments that were convincing to a Kansas Senator. He wanted us to be admitted as he wanted the Western interest strengthened. He said his sympathies had been aroused for our sufferings in Missouri, not at the time we were there, but afterwards when he and the citizens of Kansas suffered so much at the hands of the Border Ruffians of Missouri. We explained to him the operation of the principle of polygamy which seemed to strike him much, especially when we assured him that men’s wives were safe, and were not interfered with by their neighbors, every man keeping to his own family. He appeared to be much pleased with the interview. After we bade him good bye his wife and another lady came into the sitting room; he called us back to introduce us to them.
26 June 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 26th. Called upon Senator Browning who begged us to excuse him again as he was compelled to see the Prest this morning. We called upon Senator Solomon Foot of Vermont and had a half hour’s conversation with him upon our matters. He treated us courteously and listened to what we had to say; but did not commit himself, though from what he said our hopes led us to infer that he would not be unfavorable to us. He is a very fine, gentlemanly appearing man. His mind seemed to be preoccupied, and upon learning that he was to act as President pro tempore of the Senate to-day on the impeachment trial of Judge West H. Humphreys of Tenn. we were able to account for his reticence. Anxious to hear these proceedings I repaired to the gallery of the Senate at 10. a. m in order to secure a good position for seeing and hearing. At the time appointed (12 o’clock) the Senate resolved itself into a Court of Impeachment for the trial of West H. Humphreys U. S. District Judge for the several districts of Tenn., upon the articles of impeachment preferred against him by the House of Representatives. The Secretary of the Senate administered to the President pro tempore, Hon. S. Foot, the oath prescribed by the 11th Rule; he taking it with uplifted hand. <The Secretary> then gave notice to the House of Representatives that the Senate were in their Chamber and ready to proceed with the trial. The Senators thereupon retired from their desks and took the seats prepared for them on the benches on either side of the President’s chair. There were thirty-eight present. The Sergeant-at-arms then made proclamation of the opening of the Court, as follows:- Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Silence is commanded upon pain of imprisonment while the Senate of the U. S. is sitting as a High Court of Impeachment for the trial of West H. Humphreys, Judge &c. The House of Representatives was then announced by the Sergeant-at-Arms before the bar. The Members were seated in the places of the Senators and in other places provided for them. The managers of the case on behalf of the House of Representatives — Messrs Bingham, Pendleton, Dunlap and Train —were seated at a table in the area in front of the <Secretary’s> desk. The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House (Mr. Washburne) occupied a seat in the aisle in front of the President and Mr. Etheridge, the clerk of the House, one near him. After the reading by the Secretary of the return made by the Sergeant-at-arms of the summons, the latter officer proceeded to make proclamation for the accused to come forward and answer the articles of impeachment exhibited against him by the House of Representatives of the United States. There being no response made the President informed the Managers they were at liberty to proceed in support of the articles of impeachment. Mr. Bingham of the Managers then requested that the returns of the Sergeant-at-Arms to the subpenas issued for witnesses be reported and the names of the witnesses called over. Mr. Train then opened the case on behalf of the Managers in an analysis of the articles of impeachment and a brief allusion to the character of the testimony to be adduced as proof. Mr. Bingham then offered as testimony the message of the President of the United States (Franklin Pierce) to the Senate nominating Humphreys as judge and the Journal of the Senate consenting to and confirming this nomination and an authenticated copy of his commission as judge. He also offered several proclamations of President Lincoln’s to prove the existence of a state of insurrection and war against the United States. The witnesses were then called and sworn, and were interrogated by Mr. Bingham. They fully substantiated the charges against Humphrey of inciting revolt and rebellion, of openly and unlawfully supporting, advocating and agreeing to the ordinance of secession declaring the State of Tennessee independent of the Government of the United States, of high treason, malfeasance &c. &c. Wm G. Brownlow, commonly and very widely known as Parson Brownlow was one of the witnesses. He attracted considerable attention, being so notorious. His evidence was given in a very clear and distinct manner; but he condescended to use language respecting the rebels that made an unfavorable impression on me. I think from what I have seen of him that he is a violent, denunciatory man, who would be likely to speak of every man who might be opposed to himself in his opinions or views in an infamous manner. A good cause need not be strengthened by personal abuse of the characters of those engaged in the opposing bad cause. He is a slender man about 5 feet 10 in in height with nothing remarkable in his appearance to give indication of his character. The first impression a person looking at him casually would be that he was a modest, retiring man. A closer scrutiny of his face, however, would reveal traits of large self-esteem about the mouth and a strongly marked and violent character about the irregular features and contour of the face, while the breadth between the ears and the projection of the latter from the head would give indications of courage and energy of character. Mr. Bingham closed the case on behalf of the Managers in a few brief pertinent remarks. The President then directed the Secretary to read each article of the impeachment, and the questions of “guilty” or “not guilty” was taken separately upon each article by the President calling upon each Senator in alphabetical order in the following form: “Mr Senator [underlined blank] how say you, is the accused West H. Humphreys guilty or not guilty of the high crimes and misdemeanours as charged in this article of impeachment?” And each Senator stood in his place while thus addressed and answered according to his convictions. He was pronounced guilty by upwards of a two thirds vote except on one specification. The Court adjourned for three quarters of an hour and then met to vote on the propositions as to his guilt, which they did by yeas and nays. The President pronounced judgement that this Court order and decree, and it is hereby adjudged that West H. Humphreys, Judge” &c., “be and he is hereby removed from his said office, and that he be, and is, disqualified to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.”
I was much tired when these proceedings were ended having in my anxiety to witness them all sat continuously in my place for seven consecutive hours. After dinner saw Senator Grimes (inserted by mistake in Friday’s proceedings <See below>). We called at Senator John Sherman’s of Ohio, but did not find him at home. Called at Senator J. A. Pearce’s of Maryland; he was also absent. Spent an hour or two at Mr. Chrisfield’s of Maryland, conversing in relation to our people and their views.
27 June 1862 • Friday
Friday, 27th, June. Had an interview with Senator O. H. Browning. We told him the wishes of our people and advanced our arguments in favor of our admission, to all of which he listened with some interest; but did not promise anything more than to say that he would read our Constitution &c. and weigh the matter carefully when it came before him. (Had a brief conversation with him. <This ought to have been entered above (Thursday).> He is a plain man and spoke favorably, but in reply to our remark, “that of course we could rely on his vote,” said that he would see but he would not pledge himself then. He recommended us to do our best with the Committee to whom our matters were referred—the Committee on Territories.) After dinner called upon Senator Wade who told us that he intended to call the Committee together next week to decide upon our matter. Saw Senator John Sherman of Ohio and had a pleasant conversation with him. He expressed himself in a favorable manner. Saw Senator J. A. Wright of Indiana and had a pleasant conversation with him. Then repaired to Senator Collamer’s. The old gentleman talked very freely, said that he thought polygamy the great objection to our admission, that we were industrious &c. but that there was a decided objection to the institution. He said he did not know what they could do with us coming as we did with a republican constitution. He wished the question had never presented itself. He said Providence had evidently something in store for us; but he could not say what it was. New England had been settled by people who were compelled to flee there. We thought that New England men ought to sympathize with us on this account. Our interview was very pleasant. He is a man of ability. Vermont is well represented by him and Mr. Foot in the Senate. I think their State pride is a little gratified in thinking that President Young is a Vermonter. Called upon Senator L. F. S. Foster of Connecticut. He treated us very kindly and we think that if all were like him, we would have but little trouble. Retired to bed tired with our labors. Indeed this has been the case almost every night since we have been here. We have spared no pains to get interviews with Senators and others, and we have been kept very busy. I have had joy in my labors and I feel that the Lord approves of what we are doing. We feel that it is important that every man should be seen and thereby left without excuse, and then, if we are rejected, we shall be guiltless of any consequences that may follow.
28 June 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 28th. Called upon Senators J. R. Doolittle of Wisconsin and E. Cewen <Cowan> of Pennsylvania this morning before breakfast and had conversations with each of them. The former sounded us respecting the affixing of a clause to our Constitution stipulating that on and after such a date there shall be no more pleural marriages consummated in the State. We told him plainly that the people would never consent to it. This is not the first time that we have been asked respecting this point. Senator Lane of Kansas made the same inquiry. What benefits are there connected with a State organization that would compensate us for consenting to be placed in such bondage as this? His theory advocated, he said, some years ago in a speech had been that a flood tide of emigration would correct our peculiarities. He was mild and gentlemanly, much less bitter that we expected to find him from having noticed in a recent discussion in the Senate that he classed Indians and “Mormons” in the same category. Mr. Cowan we found to be a loquacious, rather outspoken gentleman respecting the condition of the country. He appeared to entertain very serious doubts about the perpetuity of freedom and constitutional rights. He had hopes that the operation of the Tax Bill just passed — the collection of taxes &c. would have the effect to make the people open their eyes and see their condition and true friends; if it did not, he did not know what would become of the Country. He had an excellent understanding of the manner in which the Utah expedition had been originated. Writing remainder of the day. In the evening attended Stanley and Conant’s Polemorama — descriptions of scenes of the war. They were excellently painted and were well worthy of a visit. Received letters from Bro’s Sloan & Perkes.
29 June 1862 • Sunday
Sunday 29th. Wrote a letter to Prest Young. Visited Dr. Bernhisel.
30 June 1862 • Monday
Monday 30th, Wrote letters to Elizabeth & and Sarah Jane. Writing journal. Went to the House of Representatives. Introduced to Thaddeus Stevens of Pennsylvania, Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means. He speaks hard against the administration, said Seward was a coward and the President was governed by Kentucky counsels and as long as that was the case this war would continue. It seemed as though the Administration wished to take a course that would make the North submit for it certainly never would bring about the submission of the South. He said there [are] a thousand of our soldiers and $2,000,000 in money melting away daily. His plan was to organize negroes into regiments and let them do all that was necessary to be done in the keeping of garrisons and other labors that they could do without injury to themselves from the heat and malaria far better than white men.
1 July 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, July 1st. Called upon Senator Clark of New Hampshire but did not find him at home. Then called upon Garrett Davis, Senator from Kentucky. We introduced ourselves. His first words were that he was opposed to ever making a State with the institution of polygamy. We replied that he was candid; but we had called upon him as a public man, a Senator, to speak to him in relation to the admission of our State. “Well,” he said, “as a public man he answered that he would rather see the solid earth rent in twain than he would ever vote for our admission as a State.” This he repeated once or twice. We said something more to him about feeling it to be our duty and due to our constituents to call upon him &c He cut us short and said there was no use saying anything more, that was his answer. I replied that I thought there would scarcely be an necessity for such a catastrophe as that to happen to secure his vote. We took our leave of him politely and without any display of any other feeling than one of contempt for his ungentlemanly and boorish behaviour. He is the most contemptible, ill-natured little wasp that we have met in our intercourse with pubblic men here. He will doubtless have his wish to see the solid earth rent in twain gratified, and at a time, too, when his vote will be of as little worth as any other worthless thing. We feel to leave him in the hands of God, and I feel to say in the name of the Lord Jesus that from this very morning his influence and power will begin to wane, and he will eventually, and that before long, be stripped of both and go down until he will be despised by all who know him. Amen. Visited Senator A. Kennedy of Maryland and had a pleasant interview with him. Was at the House while it was in Session. In [the] evening called upon Senators Anthony and Simmons of Rhode Island, Morrill of Maine, Dixon of Conn. and did not find them at home. Called upon Judge Beaman of Michigan who went with us to Senator Howard’s rooms and introduced us to him. Had a pleasant and lengthy interview. Mr. Howard impressed us favorably with his ability. He thought we should have endless quarrels and litigation after a while about the division of property among children born in polygamy. How little men know, and how widely they are likely to stray, when they undertake to measure the system of the Almighty and His people who are governed by the principles of truth which he reveals unto them by their knowledge and experience! Visited Senator Rice of Minnesota who kindly gave us some items from his own experience and read us some of his letters to Senators written while he was here a Senator-elect from his State seeking for her admission. We had a lengthy and pleasant interview with him. He almost despairs for the prospects before us.
2 July 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, July 2nd. Wrote letters to Bro’s Amasa M. Lyman and Charles C. Rich at Florence, Nebraska. Called upon Senator J. P. Hale of New Hampshire, who excused himself this morning as he had a Committee to attend. Also upon Senator P. King who received us kindly and talked pleasantly and fairly but who said that when it should be reported by the Committee he would look into it. Quite non-committal. Went to Committee Room. Senators J. Lane of Kansas and B. F. Wade of Ohio were there and afterwards Senator Browning dropped in. We conversed freely with them. The two former are evidently in favor of our admission. Senator Lane said the only question with him was “would our admission fix any stigma upon the Republican Party? If it would not, he was ready to vote for our admission. He said he was willing to risk it with his constituents. Party consideration seems to rise superior with most men in Congress to every thing else. It is not “Is the measure right?” “Is it constitutional?” but “how will it affect me with my constituents?” or “how will it affect my party?” Lane pointedly pressed the matter upon Browning, but he could get no admission from him in favor or against the measure. This led us to fear that B. would be opposed to our admission. Lane said that the people of Illinois and us had had trouble about which he knew but little; but in Missouri we had been wronged. He said there was plenty of lands there now of which we were the actual owners that was only held by the tax title and he said the present possessors are damned traitors and it will be confiscated by the government. Senator Wade said he was under the impression that we had been wronged in Illinois. Senator Browning said but little more than he had not read our Constitution and there was not any use discussing the matter as there was not a quorum present. He looked glum and the color went and came in his cheeks. We hope that his heart will be softened and he be led to advocate or acquiesce in our admission. At the House while it was in Session. Rained dreadfully all day and therefore did not go out in the evening. The city has been full of rumors to-day of the defeat of McClellan before Richmond; but they are not authenticated.
3 July 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 3rd. Wrote to Bro’s Eldredge & Shearman and a Mr. J. Poulsen Chandler on business. Visited Senator T. O. Howe of Wisconsin. He said if he could not vote for our admission, which he could not decide at present not having examined the question, he would let us know the reasons. Called upon Owen Lovejoy, Member for Illinois. We excused ourselves as he was busy with visitors. Attended House of Representatives. While there my attention was attracted to some remarks made by John S. Phelps of Missouri. I did not hear the beginning of his remarks; but in those which I did hear he accused the citizens of Utah of manifesting their anger at the passage of the recent polygamy bill by cutting the telegraph wires &c. He said they incited Indians to commit depredations and attacked Emigrant trains themselves and charged it to the Indians. I felt very angry at his remarks, which I knew to be base, malignant and utterly without foundation and I would have been pleased to have had the privilege of replying to him on the floor. In the evening had very pleasant interviews with Mr. John N. Goodwin of Maine, and Senator Lot. M. Morrill of Maine, the former gentleman introduced us to the latter. We also met Judge Hays at their Rooms. The interview was very agreeable and they manifested a kind, liberal spirit and urged us to call on them again.
4 July 1862 • Friday
Friday, July 4th. The news from Gen. Mc.Clellan’s army in front of Richmond is very disheartening in some respects, but in others is not so bad. He has changed his position and is much better situated now than he was before; but he has lost in killed and wounded from 15,000 to 20,000 men. They have been fighting six days, commencing on Thursday last, June 26, and continuing until late on Tuesday night, the 1st. instant. On this last day the fighting was all in favor of the Northern army; the previous days’ was in favor of the Southern army so far as the compelling of McClellan to fall back was concerned; but otherwise it was not in their favor, for they lost immense numbers of men. The carnage during these battles has been terrific and it is fearful to contemplate the misery and sorrow that will be felt throughout the land by families for their relatives who have fallen. The ambulances have been passing our rooms today (as they have many times previously) loaded with sick and wounded[.] Hundreds have been brought in of those who have been slightly wounded; but even the sight of these as they have been carried past by hundreds with their heads, arms and legs bandaged has made me sick at heart and I have thought, can it be possible that this people who have been so enlightened and blessed, are determined to close their eyes and harden their hearts to all the Lord has spoken concerning his judgements and thus rush on to destruction. They seem to be determined to re-enact the scenes which have been witnessed twice already on this Continent in the case of the Jaredites and also in that of the Nephites.
“Mans inhumanity to man
Makes countless thousands mourn.”
Spent the day at our rooms.
5 July 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, July 5th. Called at the Patent Office building and saw the Secretary of the Interior, Caleb B. Smith, and had a conversation respecting our admission as a State which he seemed to favor and also relative to the appointment of an Incorporator for our Territory on the Pacific Railroad. Attended the House of Representatives.
6 July 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 6th. Several visitors called. Called upon Dr. Bernhisel in the evening. An oppressively sultry day.
7 July 1862 • Monday
Monday, 7th. A very hot, sultry day. In the evening we had a thunder storm during which it rained in torrents. Cooler in consequence. Expected a meeting of the House Committee on Territories but they did not get together. Cradlebaugh, now Delegate from Nevada, but formerly Associate U. S. Justice of our Territory, is operating against us as much as he can with this Committee. Attended House of Representatives. Writing Journal. Wrote to Elizabeth.
8 July 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, July 8th. 1862. Called upon Senator Lane of Kansas to see if he was going to attend the meeting of the Senate Committee on Territories this morning which we understood was appointed. He was sick and said that he did not intend to go up to-day; but now he would, and immediately threw off his dressing gown and started. He feels much interested in our admission and is very friendly. Called upon Senator Pomeroy but he was out of town. There was no meeting of the Committee, the Clerk had not served the notices. Attended House of Representatives. Very hot again to day. Called upon Senator Ira Harris in the evening. Upon stating the object of our call he said that as we did not expect any definite action in admitting us this Session and he was very much crowded with business he would be pleased if we would defer our explanations and statements until next Session when he would be very happy to see us.
9 July 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 9th. Called at Senator Hale’s but he was absent. At the House of Representatives. Writing &c. Brigham started this afternoon for Philadelphia.
10 July 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 10th. Called upon Senator Wade this morning respecting meeting of the Committee on Territories; he is sick, but had told the Members to go-ahead without him. We went immediately to the Capitol, calling for Dr. Bernhisel by the way. There were not a sufficient number for a Quorum and nothing definite was done. Much cooler to day. We begin to fear that we will not be able to obtain a report from the Committee this session. They are crowded with business which they think of more importance than ours, and, as it is near the close of the Session and nothing definite can be done in the matter they think, they feel to not take that interest in settling the matter which we think they should.
11 July 1862 • Friday
Friday, 11th. Bro. W. H. Shearman arrived from the Valley. I was very glad to see him. Called at the White House for the purpose of making President Lincoln our farewell visit and bidding him adieu. He was closed <closeted> with some Members of the Cabinet and his rooms were soon crowded with Senators and Members from the Border States. He had a proposition to lay before them respecting the gradual emancipation of the slaves in their several States. We had considerable conversation with several of these gentlemen. Senator Wilson of Missouri said he knew of no earthly reason why we should not be admitted into the Union. It was to Missouri’s interest, he said, to have us obtain a State Government. As the President would be busily engaged for some hours we thought it best not to wait then, and retired. On our return from the White House we met Senator Lane of Kansas in the street. He stopped and conversed with us. We told him we thought of taking our departure from Washington; it was so near the end of the session that we found we need not hope to accomplish anything farther, besides, Senator Wade was sick, and the Committee on Territories would not hold any more meetings. He acquiesced in our views respecting the uselessness of waiting here any longer with the expectation of accomplishing anything this present session; but, said he, shaking us warmly by the hand, “tell your Constituents not to be discouraged. Kansas is with you for your admission. We want you in the Union. I intend to use my influence with the Legislature of my State to instruct us to vote for the admission of Utah next Session, and if a Radical Republican State, such as Kansas is, should advocate your admission it will have a great effect upon others.” Called upon many of the Members and Senators and bade them good bye. They manifested a good feeling generally.
12 July 1862 • Saturday
Saturday1 afternoon took passage the cars <in company with Bro &> to Phila, which place we reached at 11.30 p.m. It being late we put up at the Continental Hotel.{<Saturday, July 12th, 1862. Making preparations for our departure.> We called upon Dr. Bernhisel on our way to the Station and parted with him. He hoped to see us back next winter, he said. Left in the afternoon about 4 p.m. for Philadelphia. Had a pleasant journey in the cars, several acquaintances being in company. Among the rest we had Gen. Van Vliet, of Gen. McClellan’s Staff, his chief quartermaster. He was very glad to see us, and had many inquiries to make about Pres’t Young, our people and matters at home. Reached Philadelphia about 11 p.m and put up at the Continental Hotel.}
13 July 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, July 13th/62. After breakfast visited Mr. Fenton & family <where Brigham was stopping>. We remained there till afternoon. Returned to Hotel and wrote a joint letter to President Y. also a private one for myself to him. Writing until late. Mr. Reed from Rock Island and son & Mr. Hyde called upon us in the evening.
14 July 1862 • Monday
Monday Bro. Hooper and Brigham started this morning for New York[.] I remained for the purpose of seeing Col. Kane. Went out to his place, Gray’s Lane, where he was stopping with his Aunt, Mrs. Thomas. I found him improving though still very weak. By the aid of a crutch and cane he was able to hobble about a little. His wound was in the leg below the knee and he had suffered much from loss of blood. Our conversation was very free and unreserved. I freely expressed my feelings respecting his step in connecting himself with the Army. I said I was sorry when I heard he had done so, as I felt that Providence had marke intended him to pursue a different path to that which he had adopted. That his efforts could not save the nation unless they turned round and forsook their corruptions and evil practices; they were sure to go down and the nation was doomed to destruction. He said that if his country he had no wish to outlive his country. His fathers had led him to anticipate glorious hopes respecting the future of his country and he had no wish to outlive it. I told him that I could see a future looming grandly and gloriously up in the distance for this country that <would> equal the most sanguine anticipations of his fathers or any of the revolutionary fathers respecting it, and he should live for it and help to bring it about that his children and all who desired virtue and justice might dwell in peace under its protection. The country would be the same, the form of government would be such that, if they could view it, they would be satisfied with it and the institutions which they established would be preserved and transmitted purified and improved; the only change would con from the present condition of things would consist of the removal of those wicked men who had been acting as stewards. He said in the course of his remarks, which I cannot repeat <here> they were so many, that there should be no reserve between us and that he would say what he had not said before, that he viewed this war with horror — that butchering men was debasing. I told him I did not wish him any evil to befall him; but I did hope and pray that circumstances would be controlled that he might be kept out of the strife. He listened attentively and kindly to what I had to say, and appeared delighted to have me with him, expressing his regrets that I had to go so soon. Indeed, I stayed so long that it was only by hurrying very much that I succeeded in reaching the Station in time for the train to New York, disappointing2 Sister Fenton and family she having prepared dinner for me with a few friends. When I first entered his room he requested me to open the shutters, the room being darkened, that he might see my face, saying it did him good to look at me. He descended to dinner and returned to his room again leaning upon my shoulder, having insisted upon my dining with him. I was much pleased with my visit, for I love Colonel Kane for the past; I find his feelings are still unchanged. He was very anxious to have Brigham, Jun., stop and enter his staff with the commission of Captain, if he should receive his commission as Brigadier General, which he expected. He said he did not want him to engage in fighting; he would prevent that; but he wished him to act as his aide-de-camp and get some experience which might be useful to him someday. I had almost to tear myself away from <him>. I reached New York about 11 p.m. I put up at the Metropolitan Hotel, Capt. Hooper and Brigham, Junr. was there, but they had gone to bed.
15 July 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, July, 15th3. We saw by the papers this morning that the adjournment of Congress has been postponed for a few days and that the Bill to admit Western Virginia had been presented by the Committee; it <not> being quite certain that our departure from Washington had not been premature, we telegraphed to Senator Wade as follows: —
Senator B. F. Wade
Washington City. D.C.
Your illness and the expected adjournment caused us to leave to make our preparations for return home. We now see that Congress may sit beyond Wednesday, if so, can we hope for any action upon our matters if we return to Washington.”
His reply was to the effect that “any longer stay would be useless.”
15 July 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, July 15th. 1862. Intensely hot today. Attending to business to-day preparatory to starting in the morning by steamer to England. Called upon Mr. Nicholas D. Herder, my wife Elizabeth’s cousin. He was glad to see me and sympathized much with us, being desirous to see us admitted as a State. Up all night settling accounts, writing, &c.
16 July 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 16th. Brigham and myself embarked this morning on the splendid steamer Scotia for Liverpool taking leave of Bro’s Hooper and Eldredge. There was nothing of any particular moment occurred during the voyage. I was sea-sick for some days; but not as bad as usual. I had an attack of diarrhea after starting and considerable inward fever. I ate nothing but ice for two or three days, having it broke up in small pieces and eating it out of a saucer with a spoon. During the voyage Brigham and myself were the “observed of all observers” -- everybody on board soon knowing who were [we] were, the papers in New York having noticed our intended departure to Europe on the Scotia and some of the passengers having stopped at the same hotel with us and being acquainted with our persons. We were treated with great respect by all on board, many gentlemen taking pains to make themselves acquainted with us. I had many interesting conversations on board with various gentlemen.
26 July 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 26th. We entered the Mersey this morning early and landed about 10 a.m. We took a cab to carry ourselves and trunks up to the Office. We took the folks by surprise, as Elizabeth scarcely looked for us, from the manner in which I had last written, by this Steamer. She looked in better health than when I left. Georgiana also looked well, and though I had been absent upwards of ten weeks, and she was not quite a year old when I left, she recognized me, and for a day or two after my return, cried for me to take her every time she saw me, and when I did take her would cry if any body, her mother not excepted, attempted to take her out of my arms. I telegraphed to Bro. West, who was in Scotland, informing him of my arrival and he reached [here] in the night. Bro. Jacob G. Bigler, also, to whom I wrote as soon as I knew his exact whereabouts, came to Liverpool to see me. After my return I was kept very very busy obtaining an insight into the office affairs, corresponding &c. I wrote the following articles for the Star: — “Faithfulness of the Elders — Its bearing upon the Work.” “The fulfilment of Prophecy.” “Callings and Positions — How they should be viewed.” [“]Remarkable Phenomena, which are not observed by the wise ones of this generation.” In company with my wife I visited London to see the Great Exhibition &c. I left L’pool on the 20th of August and returned on the 28th of the same month. We had a very agreeable time there, Bro. Staines doing all in his power to make our visit a pleasant and instructive one. A good many of the Valley Elders were there: Bro. and Sister Kay, Bro’s Sherman, Shipp, West, Peacock, John, Joseph F. & Sam’l H. B. Smith. Brigham, Jun’r. and Tho’s O. King were there also, London being their field of labor.
1 September 1862 • Monday
Monday, Sept. 1st 1862.1 Busy writing letter to the President. My wife was busy getting ready to start for Hull en route to Copenhagen to visit Bro. Jesse N. Smith & the Saints there. <Blessed Georgiana.> Bros. West, Sherman & Perkes accompanied us to the Station. After a tolerably pleasant ride reached Hull at 9.30 p.m. & were met at the Station by Bro’s. P P Pratt, John Smith & S H. B Smith. Put up at Bro. Hallett’s, where we found a number of the Saints assembled. We were treated very kindly.
2 September 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday Wrote to Bro. West about some matters forgotten by me. Bro. Joseph F Smith arrived. Went down and secured our passages on the Steamer Tiger for Hamburg to sail at midnight. Strolled round town and then Sister Hallett, Bro. Joseph and myself and wife went to tea at Sister Pettler’s who had sent us an invitation by Sister Pickering. In evening attended meeting[;] the four brethren spoke <and I> followed by me and was blessed with freedom. Embarked about 10 p.m. many of the Saints came down to the vessel to see us on board. We sailed about midnight. Captain’s name[,] Geo. Siddemore.
3 September 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept. 3rd/62. Awoke this morning and felt pretty well; but not long afterwards I began to feel very sick and kept so all day <retching &> vomiting at intervals all day. It was very rough and the sea broke over us very heavily. Said to be the roughest passage made <weather experienced> this season. I was much sicker than I had been on my last two Atlantic voyages. Elizabeth was unable to get up but did not vomit. Towards night it grew calmer and we felt better and were able to eat a mouthful or two of food.
4 September 1862 • Thursday
Thursday. The sea was much calmer and we got up and dressed ourselves. Before breakfast passed the Island of Heligoland (Holyland) so named from the temple of Hertha (Earth), the goddess worshiped by the ancient Saxons, which stood on it. It was ceded to Great Britain in 1807, and some fortifications are raised on it. Its population amounts [to] 2230. It is much resorted to for sea-bathing. We took on board a pilot and after a few hours changed him for another. The river Elbe is very wide for miles from its mouth; and its banks are very pretty having villas and cottages and small villages all along them. Went to bed for an hour or two until we reached Hamburg where we were met by Bro’s. Jesse N. Smith and Petersen, the latter a missionary from Denmark to Hamburg. They We were exceedingly pleased to see Bro. Smith, he had been waiting here since Wednesday morning for us. They took us to the English Hotel where we stopped. <Landlord’s name, A H. Bargstedt>
5 September 1862 • Friday
Friday, Sept 5/62. After breakfast this morning we were joined by Bro. Petersen who guided us through some of the principal parts of the City. The new parts of the City, rebuilt since the great fire of 1842, are very fine and particularly in the neighborhood of the Alster. There is a large basin of water formed by the damming up of the Alster around which the principal hotels and other fine buildings are erected. The “Jungfernstieg” (Maiden’s Walk) is a broad walk around the sides of this basin where we promenaded and obtained some beautiful views. We afterwards took a sail upon a small steamer, very neatly fitted up, several of which ply as ferry boats on this water. We had a very fine walk among the gardens and summer residences of the upper classes. The style of architecture of some of them was very elegant and picturesque. The gardens in front were laid out very beautifully. After dinner we prepared for our departure from Hamburg for Altona, three miles distant, to take rail for Kiel. We started at ½ past 6 p.m. We had a compartment to ourselves and we had an exceedingly pleasant time in conversation. The accommodation on the 2nd Class Carriages was nearly equal to the 1st in England. The speed with which we travelled was not so great as in England. From Altona to Kiel is [blank] English and 14 German Danish miles. We passed an A Danish mile is equal to 4 miles and 3/5 of a mile English. We passed Pinneberg 2/4 <miles from Altona,> Tornesch 3/4, Elmshorn 1, Horst 1, Wrist 2, Neumünster 3, Bordesholm 1½, Kiel 2½ <miles> from each other. Arrived at Kiel at ½ past ten and took carriage to the Steamer “Jylland” (“Jutland) on which we embarked for Korsor, <island of Zealand.> The steamer was a very good one — the best of the line. The night was very beautiful. The moon was nearly full and shone brightly tinging everything with a silvery appearance. The water was very still smooth, its surface undisturbed by even a ripple. I never saw a more lovely night. Up to this point German was the only language spoken, though Holstein in which territory we had been since leaving Hamburg was is Danish Territory. The ladies’ cabin was aft, the gentlemen’s forward. We retired for the night soon after the Steamer started and slept soundly without knowing anything until we reached Korsör. The p We passed between the <islands of> Langeland and Laaland and shortly afterwards we entered the Great Belt.
6-7 September 1862 • Saturday to Sunday
Saturday, Sept. 6th, 1862. We were met upon our arrival at the landing by Bro. Wm Cluff who looked very well and whom <we> were very glad to see. We put up at the Hotel=Store Belt (Great Belt) and took breakfast. The view of the sea from the window was very fine. Embarked on the steamer we came here on at 10¼ a.m. and sailed in ¼ of an hour. The sea was very smooth, though we had fog at intervals all day. Passed by the Island of Fyen (Funen) though we could not see it through the fog. Stopped opposite Samsöe (another island) to land and take on passengers, which were brought off to us in a small boat. At this point the steamer from Aarhuus passed on its way to Korsör. We took dinner on board. Arrived at Aarhuus about 4 p.m. and were met by Elder P. C. Geertsen, President of the Conference, and Elder S. Petersen, President of the Branch. We accompanied them up to Bro. Geertsen’s where we found Bro. <S.> Jensen, Travelling Elder, and Sisters Geertsen and [blank] {Soren Petersen, Travelling Elder, & Sister Christian Christiansen}
We had to be ready to leave on the diligence at 5 p.m. for Aalborg, 15 Danish miles (68 or 69 English mile) distant, the meal they had prepared for us (a very good one having among other articles a good wine jelly which we eat with sugar and cream) had, therefore, to be eaten hurriedly. We passed through Randers and Hobro, the only places of any note, at this latter place there is a very fine old Church. The roads are macadamized and are kept in excellent order, the best I ever saw in any country. We changed horses three times. We were able to sleep a little on the way. Bro. Jesse N Smith and Samuel H. B. Smith occupied the carriage with myself and wife. Bros. John and Joseph Smith and Wm Cluff rode in the regular stage which they and the other passengers filled. We arrived at ½ past 4 A. M. The f It was harvest time and in many of the fields the people were cutting the grain which appeared to be tolerably good. They used cradles for cutting but they were very clumsy looking compared with ours and they could not make near so good a stroke with them as we could with ours. The fields are all unfenced, all animals except dogs are staked out. We passed a great many houses, which were quaint-looking but still appeared comfortable. Wooden shoes are extensively worn by the common people, even little children wearing them, which made them look very odd. They are <a compact,> strongly built, heavy, but rather clumsy race, not handsome but healthy looking. Indeed, I think them inferior to the English in good looks, but they have much better teeth and there are fewer bald-headed people to be seen. Among the females pretty faces are the exception, and <when seen> immediately attract attention. <Cutaneous diseases are common among them.> Their diet, the brethren tell me, is very inferior, and even among the wealthy farmers the diet and mode of living is such as our poorest people in the United States would think very inferior. I think their lack of beauty is partly, and probably mainly, attributable to this poverty of diet. Generous diet will without doubt produce a higher type of physical beauty among them, and I think am of the opinion that this effect will follow the transplanting of the Saints to Zion. The brethren inform me that they are a terrible people when roused to anger. They then will not talk then and anything addressed to their reason has but little effect upon them. They are very sullen, and dogged and ferociously desperate at such times and not easily calmed. We arrived at Aalborg at ½ past 4 A.M. <Sunday, the 7th,> and repaired immediately to Bro. the houses house where the brethren lived. We found Bro. A. Christensen, President of the District, and N. C. Elefsen [Edlefsen], President of the Conference, and the wife of the latter there who welcomed us warmly. We laid down and slept until near meeting time. We met in a good-sized upper room with about three hundred Saints who appeared very glad to see us. Bro. Christensen spoke followed <by> Bro. Jesse N. Smith and Bro. John Smith whose remarks, with mine which followed his, were interpreted by Bro. Christensen who made ♢♢ter made them very plain. In afternoon Bro. Cluff spoke in Danish followed <by> Bro’s. Samuel and Joseph Smith and myself in English which Bro. Christensen interpreted, and by Bro’s. Högsted and Edlefsen, the former President of the Vensyssel and the latter President of this (Aalborg) Conference, and by Bro. Burglum, Travelling Elder. There was a good spirit and feeling in the meeting and the Saints rejoiced. I had good liberty, both morning and afternoon and the people listened with evident interest. Towards evening took a walk through the Church yard which is very pretty and from thence on to a hill which afforded a very fine view of the town which looked very pretty with its houses with their red-tiled roofs and also of the Fjord (Lüm) which is in front of the town which and separates Vynsyssel from Jutland and connects the North Sea with the Cattegat. Spent a very pleasant evening in conversation, singing Danish <and> English and Bro. Cluff, Joseph Smith and myself in Hawaiian. Many of the Saints came in.
8 September 1862 • Monday
Monday, Sept. 8th, 1862. Many of the Saints came in this morning. In the afternoon we all went up to the hill overlooking the town and fjord and spent considerable time in trying a new revolver belonging to Bro. Elefsen. We took tea in an arbor in some public grounds close by. We had a hilarious time in the evening in trying feats of strength.
9 September 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 9th/62. After breakfast started in two carriages for Aarhuus, having Bro. Christensen in addition to our original party – making eight in all. We stopped at Hobro one hour and a half and had some refreshment; at Randers also where we changed horses. The people were busy harvesting as we passed by. The mile stones here are very large, round granite pillars with the Royal initials cut and the number of miles cut in. They are occupy a square piece of ground about a rod across and are surrounded by a deep trench. They have smaller stones of the same description for half mile stones. These stones are brought from the Island of Bornhohm. Besides these large mile stones there are smaller stones set up at the edge of the road marked with figures, the stones being whitewashed and the figures marked in black; the figures run from one to forty. There are forty of them in every Danish mile. The sides of the roads are planted with trees. We arrived at Aarhuus about 1 p.m. I was taken sick directly after our arrival and felt very bad and was <sick> bad through the night. It was a severe bilious attack. Bro. & Sis. Geertsen were very kind
10 September 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 10th/62. Still quite unwell. I deemed it best to refrain from eating until evening. My bowels were quite deranged. I felt very much unfitted for meeting with the people or speaking to them as I could hardly sit up. We met at 10 A.M. there were about three hundred present. Bros. Geertsen, <Jesse N.> Smith and myself spoke; Bro. Christensen interpreted my remarks and Bros. John and Saml H. B. Smith’s who followed me. <Bro. Winge, President of Skiva Conference, also spoke.> Speaking had a beneficial effect upon me, though I could scarcely stand when I first arose. The hall was a very commodious one and well adapted for our purposes purpose. The people appeared very glad to see us and were edified by the remarks made. I felt well <both morning and afternoon> in speaking to the Saints and had good liberty and Bro. Christensen interpreted them in the same spirit. My visit to this land at the present will, I trust, prove beneficial to the Saints. In afternoon, Bro’s. Joseph F. Smith, Chris Cluff and Christensen spoke in the afternoon and I followed, having a very good flow of the Spirit. Bro. Christensen and Bro. Jesse interpreted and Bro. Jesse followed on some points that he omitted and in some remarks of his own. The people listened very attentively and appeared to eagerly drink in all that was said. In evening the Saints came into Bro. Geertsen’s and they waltzed for an hour or two — an amusement of which they are very fond — and then we all partook of some wine punch and cakes. I was much improved in health this evening.
11 September 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 11/62. After breakfast this morning went and saw a very fine building with a self-supporting roof used as a riding school. We bade the brethren good and sisters good bye with a considerable feeling, they were so very kind. We embarked on the steamer “Skitner” for Korsör at 11. A.M. and after a tolerably pleasant passage reached there at 5 p.m. Elizabeth was a little sea-sick and vomited somewhat. We ate dinner at the Hotel=Store Belt at ¼ past 7 p.m. started <across the island of Zealand> on the cars for Copenhagen. This road is probably the safest in Europe; it has been built about six years and there has never been an accident upon <it> yet. There are watchmen stationed every <English> mile along the road. The distance from Korsör to Copenhagen is 141/4 Danish miles. We passed through Slagelse, Sorö, Ringsted, Roeskilde at which place the ancient Kings of Denmark resided and were buried, and Yaastrup. <We arrived at ½ past 10 p.m.> We were met at the Station by Bros. Thomassen, and Carl Larsen from the Office and Sisters <Con>cordia Petersen and Jacobina Jacobsen and Bro. Petersen from Hamburg. We found Sisters <Augusta> Johannsen and Maria Lybbert at the Office who had prepared a good supper for us of which I eat but little, having eat so recently <heartily> at Korsör. I enj
12 September 1862 • Friday
Friday, <Sept.> 12/62. I enjoyed my sleep last night very much. Walked out in the town with Elizabeth and Bro Thomassen. In afternoon walked out on the citadel walls in company with the brethren. It is named Frederikshavn and is a most formidable fortress It has and is said to be impregnable. It is, however, a virgin fortress; for amid all the changes and chances of war that have visited Copenhagen it has escaped attack. The English attacked the city in 1801 and 1807 but in neither instance was any attack made upon the citadel and its guns were not used. Its gate bears date of 1643, the reign of Christian 4th. It’s an earthwork fortress and has <very> large trees growing upon the top of the walls. and is It has 5 sides, each furnished with a double row of ramparts and cannon and is surrounded with a broad moat filled with water. In the evening we went to the Tivoli gardens which were splendidly illuminated (it being the feast of flowers) with various colored lamps and gas jets arranged in the most beautiful forms. It excelled anything of the kind I ever saw. The amusements were various: Circus riding, feats of activity, tricks of two excellently trained dogs, concert music, Indian juggler’s tricks with three sticks, with four balls keeping them all in the motion throwing them in the air, <also> four plates, four knives and two cannon balls, one much larger than the other — these latter he threw in <the> air and caught in different ways; then a theatrical performance, <a ballet dance> and a pantomime. There is a Russian railroad in the gardens called Rutsch-Bane, on which carriages run at the rate of about 100 miles an hour; its it is built somewhat in this fashion [downward wavy line drawn] and is <has> a double track, the passenger going out one way and returning another. Each carriage holds two passengers and the ride occupies about ten seconds each way. When you first get in the carriage, after seeing the speed with which it travels, you cannot help experiencing a feeling of nervousness. This left me as soon as I started. There were fine fireworks at the close of the performance. We had a fine <good> supper at the eating saloon in the gardens. Altogether it was a very pleasant evening.
13 September 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept. 13/62. Ascended the towe Round Tower, a tower belonging to a Church in the city, bearing date of 1642, and had an excellent view of the city and harbor and surrounding country from its summit. In the afternoon went and viewed the Rosenberg Palace. This building was erected in the time of Christian 4th in 1604. It is an irregular building of red brick, in the Gothic style, with a high pointed roof, and flanked by four towers of unequal dimensions. The collection of jewelry objects of art, arms and costumes is very extensive and superior to anything of the kind I have seen elsewhere. There was a sword of Charles 12th among many other very splendid weapons. One watch I saw was said to be worth £6000 sterling. A small collection of Sevres china was valued at £3000[.] The seats used at the coronation of the kings and queens of Denmark are to be seen. The king’s chair is very fine. The queen’s is one mass of silver. <There are three silver lions also near these.> We saw also a very fine <magnificent> set of horse furniture, with a sword and pistols presented by Christian 4th to his eldest son on his marriage, in 1644. The saddle and bridle are of velvet, embroidered with gold and pearls, the buckles set with diamonds. The whole was made in Paris, and cost one million francs! We saw a collection of Venetian glass, presented to the King, which is exceedingly rare. The glass which is here is of the finest period of this manufacture, and the mode by which they many of the specimens was made is lost. Amongst other things that mode consisted in making the drinking cups, vases, &c., in pieces, and then joining them by fusion. The manufacture was originally established in Venice by workmen from Constantinople. The gentlemen [gentleman] in charge was very urbane and took great pains to show us everything. <The walls and ceiling of> one room which we entered had was covered with mirrors The walls and ceiling and a portion of the floor of one room which we entered was entirely covered with mirrors. Afterwards went through one of the Museums.
14 September 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 14/62. Attended meeting with the Saints at a large Hall, rented for the purpose, morning and afternoon. The singing here was very fine. The congregation was lar attentive and numerous being variously estimated at from 800 to 1000. Elders P. W. Poulsen, President of the Conference, and Jesse N. Smith spoke and I followed; Bro Elders S. H B. Smith, C H Brown followed me. In the afternoon Bro’s. John and Joseph Smith, Wm W Cluff, Lund, Johnson, Beckström and Christensen spoke and I also addressed the Saints. Bro. Christensen interpreted. I had excellent liberty and the people felt very well. We had a great time of hand-shaking. We went and eat after meeting at Bro. Hans Petersen’s, a farmer who had sold his farm preparatory to emigration and moved into the city. They had a fine repast prepared and among articles a fine musk melon, the first I have tasted since leaving the Valley. We went to the Peoples’ Theatre in the evening — the first time I ever went to a place of amusement on a Sunday evening. The best pieces are put on the stage on Sundays and the theatres <and other places of amusement> are more patronized on that day than any other. The acting was very good as was the scenery also. There was considerable singing. The first piece was a light affair, the second was a burlesque on the ancient Greek mythology.
15 September 1862 • Monday
Monday, 15/62. Held meeting with the Priesthood this morning and afternoon. I was much blessed in giving instructions to them. Bro. John Dorius arrived to-day from Norway; his brother Carl was so far off that he could not get the word in time to be here for the meetings. Bro. [blank] {Söderborg} also arrived from Gottenberg, Sweden. The following Presidents of Districts and Conferences were present. See accompanying note.
[The following names were written in pencil in three columns:]
{Anders Christensen
Knud H. Brown
H. P. Lund
Peter Beckström
John <F> Dorius
J. P. R. Johnson
H C Högsted
N. C. Edelfsen
P C Geertsen
P C Carstensen
J Hansen
P W Paulsen
P C Neilsen
S I Jonassen
N C Flygare
L. Nilsson
A. P Söderborg
N. Rosengren
F. A Hirtz
S. Petersen
J. M. H. Langlem <Börglum>
S. Jensen
Cristopher Jensen
L. Jensen
Mads P. Sörensen
Thos. M. Samuelson
J. C. Olsen
Peter Hansen
J. P. Jorgensen
S. Nilsson
C. S. Winge
P. O. Thomassen
L. Pedersen}
16 September 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 16th/62. To-day was devoted to a little business instructions and to the different Elders speaking. I also spoke for about ½ or 3/4 of an hour and was blessed with much of the Spirit and power. We held the afternoon meeting for about 4 ½ hours, it was so difficult to keep the Elders from talking. These meetings were Wednes enjoyed very much by all and I feel confident that good will result from them. The practice of courting and getting sweethearts has been very common here and this, among other things, was dwelt upon.
17 September 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 17th 62. We visited Thorvaldsen’s Museum and spent several hours in examining its curiosities. The building was erected by public subscription and has forms a parallelogram, having a spacious court-yard in the midst of it, in the centre of which is the mausoleum in which <Betel> Thorvaldsen’s remains repose. The exterior walls of the building are decorated with groups of figures illustrative of the events connected with the formation of the museum. These decorations are of colored stucco, the invention of a Danish artist. The total number of Thorvaldsen’s works collected here is about 650, and many of them are exquisite masterpieces. The most remarkable are his casts of <the statues of> Jesus and the Twelve Apostles, which, when cut in marble, he presented to the Frue Kirke (Church of our Lady) and which we visited after visiting the Museum and Royal Collection of Paintings in the Christenborg Palace. His statue of Jesus is very fine and is said to be unequalled. We saw his bust of Martin Luther which he commenced on the day of his death. The Danes venerate Thorvaldsen very highly and it is said that there are few offences they will not more readily forgive than any disrespect shown to his memory. He was the son of a poor ship carpenter from Iceland, and was born in Copenhagen in 1770. Unnoticed or neglected at Copenhagen at an early age he went to Rome where he obtained employment in Canova’s studio. His talent quickly developed itself by the beauty and genius of his designs. From this Museum we repaired to the Royal Picture gallery which occupies the whole of the upper floor of the Christiansborg Palace. The collection is a very extensive one and contains some very fine paintings.
Elders Hans C. Hansen, A. W. Winberg, J. Swenson, and Christopher Holberg arrived from the Valley in good health and spirits on missions to this country.
18 September 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 18th/62. Went and sat for my likeness by request of Bro. Jesse N. Smith and the brethren. In the afternoon walked on the citadel.
19 September 1862 • Friday
Friday, 19/62. We visited the picture gallery and Elizabeth sat for her likeness. Afterwards went out to the Fredericksburg Palace and grounds, about 2 English miles from the City. The Palace is beautifully situated upon the only eminence in the neighborhood of the city and is a plain, large, white building. The view from the Palace is very fine and ranging alike over land and sea. The grounds are extensive and afford fine walks. The reservoir from which the city is supplied with water is close to the Palace and has a large fountain in its centre. It is surrounded by an iron railing and has a fine walk all around it. It was from the hill on which this Palace is situated that the English bombarded the city in 1807. The palace was used as the head quarters of the English officers during the bombardment. We had an ice cream through the kindness of Bro. K. H. Brown at a Saloon at the entrance of the Palace grounds.
20 September 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept. 20/62. Visited Museums containing curiosities from the Esquimaux, Indians, South Sea Islanders, Chinese, Hindoos, South Americans &c.
21 September 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 21/62. Attended meeting in the Hall with the Saints. Several <Two of> the brethren spoke and I followed and had much of the Spirit in speaking of the preparation needed upon our part for the coming of Jesus. Finished letter in the afternoon to the President Young under date of the 18th. We made our preparations to take leave of Copenhagen by the 7 p.m. train. I felt almost sad in thinking of leaving[;] our intercourse & stay here has been so pleasant. The Saints bade us a very warm farewell, and in taking leave of Bro’s Wm W. Cluff, John Smith, A. Christensen, H. P. Lund and Bro’s Paulsen, Thomassen and Carl Larsen, the two latter were in the Office and Bro. Paulsen is President of the Conference, I felt sorrowful. They all, with the exception of Bro. Thomassen, accompanied us to the cars, as also did Bro. <John J> Swensen, who had just arrived on a Mission, and Sister Paulsen. We started reached Korsör at ½ past 10 p.m. at which place we embarked on a steamer for Kiel.
22 September 1862 • Monday
Monday, 22nd. Had a pleasant passage and reached Kiel at ½ past 5 A.M. We took rail here for Hamburg, which city we reached at 10½ A.m. We visited the shipping and went around town a little. We stopped at the English Hotel. Wrote to Bro. <John L. Smith and Bro’s. Vander Woude and Schettler.>
23 September 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 23/62 We made an early start this morning for the ferry-boat which was to take us across the Elbe to Hamburg where we took were to take the cars for Amsterdam. The boat sailed at 6 A.M. Bro. Samuel H B & Joseph F. Smith accompanied us to the boat. They intended to return to Hull this evening by steamer. We felt some degree of loneliness in parting with them especially in starting to travel among a people who did not know our language and of whose language we knew but little. We reached Hamburg in time for the train which started at 8.40 A.M. for Hanover where we were to change cars after and wait two hours. The ticket agent understood English so we got through with the purchasing of our tickets pretty well; but we afterwards ascertained (being too hurried at the time we purchased to notice, especially as the money was strange to us) that he had given us about seven Thalers (or about a pound sterling) too little change. When we reached Hanover we telegraphed to him informing him of the mistake and requesting him to forward the money to Bro. John L. Smith, Geneva. Our ignorance of the language made our trip quite exciting and interesting. I was spokesman, and I found my little knowledge of German came in very useful. the remnant of what I had learned when a boy under the tuition of Bro. Neibuhr come in very useful. Having changed at Hanover where we saw a very splendid monum equestrian statue of Ernst Augustus Ist, Duke of Cumberland and King of Hanover, we did not get out of the cars again until we reached Oberhausen where we put for the night at the Benninghoven Hotel, a plain but very comfortably arranged house. I was able to make them understand very well what we wanted and we passed a very pleasant night here, and the charge was quite moderate about one dollar apiece.
24 September 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept. 24/62. We took the train this morning at 8.55 A. M. for Amsterdam. We had to change at Emmerich, where we remained about twenty minutes. Here we left Germany and the German language and entered Holland where the Dutch is spoken. At Zevenaar, a short distance from Emmerich, we had to pass the Dutch Custom House, everything being examined very carefully by the officers. There was a fur rug that was bought for me in Copenhagen that they wished me to pay duty on. I declined stating that it was an article of clothing and also that I would be in Holland only a day and would return that way again and it would therefore not be right for me to pay under the circumstances; if I paid there I would have to pay in Germany again when I returned. But all I said was of no avail. They were anxious to get the duty — about $1.25, and would not even keep it until I returned. I viewed it as an imposition and was determined I would not pay it. I told them they could keep the rug if they liked, but I would not pay the duty they charged. The scene throughout was rather laughable, the conversation being carried on in broken English, German, and French and Dutch. I left the rug, however, and called for it as I returned and obtained it by the payment of a few cents for storage. We passed thro’ Arnheim, Utrecht &c. and reached Amsterdam at 2.30 p.m. where we were met by Bro’s Van der Woude and Schettler. They were glad to see us and we to meet them. We sent our luggage to Hardenberg’s Old Bible Hotel and we went to the brethren’s lodgings to take dinner with the folks with whom they stopped. Their names were Bourguion, a man and <wife,> and Sister Meyers an old lady of 69 years, the mother of the other sister. They were glad to see us and though poor treated us very kindly. The old lady had caught a bad cold in her head and we administered to her and she was healed. A meeting was appointed at the house of Bro. Dykman in the evening[;] 14 of the Saints were present[;] there are 16 in the branch. I spoke twice and Bro. Jesse N. Smith and Bro Van der Woude and Schettler once each. The latter translated Bro. Smith’s and my remarks. The branch has had difficulty in its midst which has had the effect to retard its progress. A man by the name of Van Steeter joined the branch and being a promising man as the brethren supposed they ordained him an Elder. He soon began to dictate about the way matters should be conducted and to find fault with those who were not so strict as he thought they ought to be, manifesting considerable zeal and sectarian piety and endeavoring to force his views upon Bro. Van der Woude. The latter Brother did not fall in <with> his views, and as a consequence he became offended with him and thought him not as holy and pure as he should be. The feeling between them had elicited high words and the offended brother had absented himself from meeting. I do not imagine that Bro. Van der Woude had been as wise as he ought to be or <the> feeling would not have been so strong as it was. After meeting (Elder Van Steeter having been present) we got them together and the matter was settled, and good feeling restored. I spoke very plainly to Bro. Van der Woude about the course he ought to pursue with a people like this who had just entered into the Church and who were full of their old traditions and notions. He said he would try and profit by what I had said. We put up at the Hardenberg’s Old Bible Hotel. This name is given to the House because it is the house in which the first edition of the Bible in Dutch was printed. Jacob Van Liesneldt, the printer of the Bible, lived here. Mr. Hardenberg showed us a copy of the Bible which he preserved bearing the imprint of Jacob Van Liesneldt and printed by him “in the year of our Lord 1542, on the 4th day of June.” It was illustrated very plentifully with cuts, some of which were very grotesque. The house itself is considerably over three centuries old, and the chamber which we occupied had a very antique appearance. Amsterdam is a beautiful city in my eyes, everything is so clean, the streets, the houses, the vessels and the people. Canals run through the principal streets, in which vessels ply. The finest houses, splendid buildings, in which the principal inhabitants live along on the banks of these canals combine the dwelling house with the warehouse, so intimately is commerce connected with the life in this city. A crane and all the arrangements for hoisting are on the tops top of every building, all of which stand with their gable ends to the street. The <wood and iron work of the> houses are <is> beautifully painted and the painting varnished and the cleanliness is delightful. Trees are planted along the sides of many of the canals. Holland is very flat. The Saints are curious to see the mountains, never having seen one in their lives. The whole land seems to be struggling to keep itself out of the water, Canals, small and large flow in every direction cutting farms and all lands up into a series of small islands. The people may well be <almost> amphibious. We saw a good deal of heath land that was left wild, only producing materials for brooms, and that seemed too sterile for cultivation or pasturage. Vegetables which we saw growing were excellent, especially cabbage. The people are much better looking than the Danes, and we saw many handsome men and women. In fact, since leaving Hamburg we have noticed that the people generally are better featured and beautiful faces and forms are more common than we witnessed among the Scandinavians. The peasantry in Holland, as also in <some parts of> Germany and <in all> Scandinavia, and indeed wear wooden shoes, huge, misshapen <clumsy> things, but yet warm and comfortable, said to be by the brethren who have seen them worn, especially in cold <or> wet weather. I could understand very well after seeing Holland how difficult it must have been for an invading army to meet with any success. It does not seem to require any labor to flood the country with water and to make it impassable — the labor is to prevent the its encroachments and it must be a require man has had to maintain a perpetual struggle with the watery element to keep afloat. They have very fine cattle here and they raise them in large numbers. Women throughout this country, Germany, Scandinavia and, indeed, all the continent, belonging to the peasantry have to work in the fields and perform the most severe and heavy labor. As a rule, we counted more women than men digging potatoes and harvesting the crops. They seem to be completely unsexed, and have lost all that delicacy which distinguishes them from the other sex. A What we witnessed a few days after leaving Holland, on Saturday, Sept 27/62 the day we reached Basel in Switzerland, in passing through Wurtemberg, illustrates completely how common it is for women to perform the labors of the field; instead of having a scarecrow dressed in men’s clothes as with us, for the first time in our lives we saw one in the field dressed in women’s clothes; I expect a man is not so common a sight in the field as a woman and the fowls birds would be less likely at a to be frightened away at the sight of a scarecrow in his clothes as a woman’s.
25 September 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 25/62. I decided on removing Bro. Schettler from Holland to Switzerland. There One is as many as can operate to advantage here at present and even he must receive some aid from Liverpool to be able to sustain himself. Another reason for my thinking it wise to remove them <one> was, they had not been as united as they should be. They are very dissimilar in their manners and tastes and had differed somewhat in their views &c. We left Amsterdam at 10.25 A.M. Before leaving we saw a man dressed in black with knee breeches and black silk stockings and a flat three cornered <black> hat round which was tied a black crape very long the ends reaching down the back below the waist of his coat, going through the streets and calling at various houses. Upon asking who and what he was we learned that his business was to go around upon the death of any person of note and inform the people (his acquaintances I suppose) of his death &c. We also looked at some Churches and the King’s Palace. The Churches are very fine and large, they have a passion for fine churches throughout this country and Germany. The kings palace is a very fine, large building but with a contemptible entrance entirely unsuited to the size and character of the building. We changed <cars> at Arnheim, Emmerich and Oberhausen and reached Cologne <Deutz> in the evening at 8.40. We put up at the Hotel de Hollande <at Cologne.> The house was on the bank of the River Rhine, and from the window of our room we had a beautiful view of the river. Deutz is on one side of the river and Cologne on the other[;] we crossed from Deutz in the omnibus on a bridge.
It commenced raining very heavily before reaching Deutz.
26 September 1862 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 26/62. We requested to be awakened early this morning so that we might have time to make a visit to the famous cathedral in Cologne before starting up the Rhine; but they neglected to do so. We lost half an hour in consequence. The Cathedral is a magnificent building 511 ft. long and 231 feet wide and is said to be the most perfect specimen of Gothic architecture extant. The work upon the windows, doors, spires &c. is most delicate, resembling fine network more than cut stone and is marvellous in its execution. The building was commenced in the year 1248 and is not yet finished, workmen being employed upon it constantly. We had not time to examine it with that attention which we wished; but I was particularly struck in passing through the building with the beauty of the stained glass windows, all representing scenes from Sacred and profane history. They were performing service when we visited the building. Cologne is principally Catholic I am informed and they are very proud of their Cathedral. We ate our breakfast very hurriedly and embarked on a Rhine steamer at 7 A.M. My object in taking steamer in preference to rail was its cheapness and the splendid view of scenery to be obtained in passing up the river. We were afraid last night that <it> might be rainy to-day; but it was all that could be asked. and The trip was exceedingly delightful <and> the scenery picturesque. The Rhine reminds me very much of the Hudson River tho’ I think it scarcely so wide. In leaving Cologne we had a very fine view of the city, the Cathedral towering high above the surrounding buildings, the difference <of size> between it and the rest being more apparent as we left the City in the distance. We touched at Bonn on the left bank of the river, the same side on which Cologne is built and at [blank] {<Andernach, Neuwid,> Coblentz, Rudesheim <St Goar, Oberwesel,> and <Bacharach>[,] Bingen[,] Rudesheim and Biebrich} on our way up. I <have> often heard of the vine-clad hills of the Rhine, but I failed to get any idea, from any written account, of their beauty and their abundance. After leaving Cologne the country was <is> flat until reaching in the vicinity of Bonn, before reaching which the Seven Mountains loom grandly up in the distance. From Bonn upward to Mayence or Mainz, the country is very picturesque, though it is not <so> mountainous after reaching Bingen, about 2 hours sail below Mayence. Every hill which faced the South was <is> covered with vines. These are principally on the right bank of the stream, and the land was <is> devoted principally to their cultivation, no grain being visible. Every foot of available ground is used on the hill-sides and in many places where the hills were <are> favorably situated soil has been carried up and in many some places where the finest wines are produced the soil baskets are used to keep the soil. In most instances the hills were <are> very steep and were <are> cultivated to the very top. Manure and has to be carried up on the back and the fruit had to be carried down on the backs of the men & women, the hills being in many instances inaccessible to animals. The furrows were <are> not made across the hills but up and down. We passed about [blank] castles and ruins of castles on our way up the river. Mostly They all occupied most commanding and beautiful situations, having been selected for as suitable spots for such fortresses in an iron age when might made right and the strong hand ruled and impregnability and a[n] extended range of view were desiderata. I was struck particularly with the excellence of the masonry displayed in their erection. Some which we saw were said to have been dismantled six hundred years ago and yet though they have been exposed to the constant action of the elements for that period their walls and towers <still> rear themselves proudly without exhibiting the decay that might be expected. (Insert here the name of two castles destroyed in the 13th century by a citizen of Mayence) {The names of <two of> the castles are Falkenburg and Reichenstein, which were destroyed in 1261 by the Hanseatic Confederation founded by Arnold Walpoden, a citizen of Mayence.} The labor in erecting them must have been extraordinary. Oppression and wrong doubtless in the most of instances must have been resorted to by the barons and knights who reared these piles, and practiced upon the weak and defenceless peasantry by whom they were surrounded to accomplish their wishes. The first castle which we saw was on the right bank of the stream and was called Drachenfels. Its position was most magnificent and before the discovery of artillery it must have been impregnable. Perched like an eagle’s nest <eyrey> on top of a cliff-like mountain the view from it must have been most beautiful. It would be tedious to name the various castles which we passed. Those most remarkable were Ehrenbreitstein, on the right bank, Stolzenfels on the left, Marksburg, on the right and Rheinfels on the left. The first of these (the broad stone of honor) <the Gibralter of the Rhine,> was destroyed after the [blank] {peace of Luneville, <1801,>} and rebuilt again by the King of Prussia at a cost of 5,000,000 of dollars. It mounts 400 {guns} and is a most formidable looking fortress. The town of the same name is connected with Coblenz (a very fine city situated at the confluence of the Mozelle and the Rhine) on the left bank of the river by the bridge of boats, out of which two or three can be quickly moved which was done when our steamer passed through. Stolzenfels (Insert here respecting French monument at Coblenz) The castle of Stolzenfels is a very grand edifice, a summer residence of the King of Prussia, by whom it has been restored from its ruined state. Queen Victoria was entertained here by his majesty in 1845. Marksburg occupies a very commanding situation and is a very venerable extensive place, being the only one of the numerous castles on the Rhine which has escaped destruction. It stands now as it did hundreds of years ago and gives us an excellent idea of what they looked like when they were occupied by their former lords. Rheinfels is the most extensive ruin on the river. This immense stronghold was built in 1245 by <the> Count of Katzenellenbogen. In the hands of the Landgrave of Hesse it baffled the French in 1692 but was taken and blown up by them in 1794. This part of the Rhine from Bonn upward is called the “Paradise of Germany” and I think <too> with propriety, for the scenery is most lovely and grand. Darkness overtook us at Bingen where the river “[blank] {Nahe,} which separates Darmsdadt from Rhenish Prussia. We reached Mayence at 9 p.m. and put up at the “Rheinnischer Hof” kept by Mr. Haenlin.
27 September 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept. 27/62. Visited the Cathedral here — a very magnificent building containing, it is said, <the> different styles of architecture since the year 978. Workmen were engaged renovating the interior, chiseling anew the stone and frescoing the ceiling. Confessionals abounded in the building and there were very many monuments of church dignitaries. Scenes connected with the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ cut in marble and carved as well as crucifixes were quite plentiful throughout the building. We visited a statue in a square close by of Guttenberg cast in bronze after Thorwaldsen’s model. Passed through the market place and saw as fine fruit, apples, pears, & plums as I ever saw. They were quite cheap, pears being a little less than a half penny. We started at about 11 A.M. for Basle, crossing the Rhine to Cassel in a steamboat. The Main comes into the Rhine here. They are erecting a fine Railway bridge here. We passed through Darmsdadt, Heidelberg, <with its famous castle,> Bruchsal, Carlsruhe, and Freiburg, in the latter town is a very lar Church with a very splendid high tower, 385 feet high. Bro. John L. Smith had written to me about meeting us at Carlsruhe in the first place; but had afterwards sent me word that he thought it would scarcely answer to stop there as the Saints had been forbidden to pray in their houses and if we saw <them> we would have to visit them by stealth. We telegraphed from Heidelberg to Bro. Smith advising him that we would be in Basle at 7.25 p.m. But he did not meet us, not being in town as we afterwards ascertained, so we repaired to the Hotel de la Poste, the place <house> he had referred us to. We had some <excellent> honey for supper. I mention it for we enjoyed it very much and it was in constant demand for by us at every meal causing considerable amusement for while we were together. We crossed the Rhine to reach Basle.
28 September 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 28/62. We found Bro. Pius Hirth’s house where Bro. John L. Smith stopped when here. He was out; but Sister Hirth received us cordially. He soon came in. They said they expected Bro. Smith hourly. We went back to the Hotel and Sister C. and us <ourselves> went to the Railway Station and ascertained when the trains would come in from Geneva. We afterwards went to the Station about 5 p.m. and met Bro. Smith. He had not received my letter written from Amsterdam until this morning and had started off to meet us immediately on its receipt. We were delighted to meet each other. He went and took dinner with us and put up <at> the Hotel. We went to Bro. Hirth’s at 7 p.m. to hold meeting with the Saints. Six Saints met with us and spoke twice, Bro. Schettler interpreting and Bro. John L. and Jesse Smith and Bro. Schettler also speaking. We had to be quiet and omit singing so as not to attract too much attention; for, however free Switzerland may be in some respects, it does not allow that degree of religious liberty which is necessary to allow every man to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience without fear of molestation. It was a sweet little meeting at which we all enjoyed.
29 September 1862 • Monday
Monday, Sept. 29/62. We all took a bath this morning. At 2.25 p.m. we took train for Zurich. The scenery was beautiful, reminding me very much of our home. The Swiss may well love their country, for it is a lovely land, a fitting home for a free people. We passed through a tunnel which which is three miles long; we were 5½ minutes passing through. We passed through Olten and Aaran <(the latter the capital of the Canton Aaran)> & Baden and crossed a beautiful stream called the Aare. We reached Zurich at 5.42 P.M and put up at the Hotel Belle Vue which is built on the edge of Lake Zurich. Zurich is most beautifully located at the end of the lake and on both banks of the stream (the Limat) which flows boldly out of the lake. The mountains which are on each side and come sloping down to the lake and stream form a splendid background to the City and affords splendid building sites. Lake Zurich is [blank] miles long and [blank] miles wide {Lake Zurich is 30 miles long and 4½ miles wide} and is a beautiful sheet of water. They are building extensively in the city. The city has narrow streets and the houses look antiquated and remind one of pictures of Swiss and continental scenery which are common in England and America. From the balcony of our room we had a very beautiful view of the lake, which lay at our very feet as it were, and the mountains on the opposite side. The moon shone through a thin veil of clouds upon the water and lent a mysterious light to the surrounding objects.
30 September 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 30/62. We strolled a little through the City today. Elizabeth concluded upon my recommendation as we had considerable coach travelling and knocking around to do, to stay in Zurich until we returned. Bro. Ulrich Forrer, the President of the Conference called upon us. We appointed a meeting for Friday evening. We took the cars at 2.25 p m for Winkeln, changing at Winterthun [Winterthur]. We <were> met and joined at Gossau by Bro. John Huber, a travelling Elder in charge of East Switzerland under Bro. Smith. He is a young man of 22 years and very promising. He resembles Bro. Thos Williams, formerly of the Liverpool Office, very much. From Winkeln we walked to Herisau, 2 miles distant, the capital of Canton Appenzell. We put up at the Lion Hotel. We found after meeting with Bro. Huber that it would be unwise to hold meeting with the Saints here as there was a disposition to persecute and last Sunday’s meeting had excited the people very much. As they would nearly all be able to meet with us on Sunday it was not so much a cause of regret as it otherwise would have been. There is a law nearly if not quite universal throughout Switzerland, but particularly enforced in small places, prohibiting all residents from entertaining strangers, under a penalty of from 5 to 10 francs and, if repeated, imprisonment. By taking the passport of the stranger to the police and leaving it with them, a householder <in some places> is permitted to entertain a stranger for a night, calling again at until he calls for the passport again. The Elders have to meet with the people very quietly and secretly. They can put a Foreign Elder out of the country, if they wish, and it is not infrequent for them to put the Elders in the lock-up for proselyting. Bro. Huber was found in the house of one of the Saints in Canton Glarus and by the Police and was locked up for the night in a wood shed and <was> then escorted to the boundary of the Canton and told never to cross there again. In his own
It commenced raining very heavily.
1 October 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Oct. 1st 1862. I went up to Bro. Johann Jakob Eisenhut’s to administer to Sister Eliza Näg Egli who was sick. While there I saw the following persons. I ate some fruit and a cake and drank some milk. They were very glad to see me and I was pleased that I had called upon them. They [The] Sister was better before we left. About 1 p.m. we started in a carriage for Wattwyl passing through Lichtensteig. It was very rainy and clouds obscured the tops of the mountains and the view, yet the scenery was very good. We ascended and descended a good many hills down which the roads had to be made winding. The roads were very good. At Wattwyl we put up at the Hotel Toggenburg. After eating we walked about 2 miles to meet with a few of the Saints at the house of Bro. George Looser, President of the Branch, at Uhlensbach. It was a very retired spot and we were able to enjoy ourselves together without molestation. There were ten Saints present and five of us, Elders. Their singing was very delightful and we had the Spirit in our midst and rejoiced much. I spoke twice and Bro. Schettler interpreted as I spoke. The names of the Saints are as follows: {George and Johannes Looser, Jacob Naef, Conrad Sutter, Margaretha Honnegar, Caroline Reimann, Verena Schafflutzel, Catharine Naef, Elizabeth Looser, and Sister Lehman from Lichtensteig.} We walked back and were accompanied by some of the Saints who sang beautifully as we went along, a common practice in this country.
2 October 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 2nd/62. Took stage this morning for Utznach. Before starting I went to be shaved and for the first time in my life was shaved by a female barber. It did not rain after we got on road and we had some splendid views of the mountains. The view was indescribably grand when we were descending from the mountains towards Utznach. In the distance on the one hand was Lake Zurich at our feet was a lovely valley bounded in the distance by rugged mountains whose precipitous sides were covered with timber and on our left were several towering mountains with their tops covered with the snow, in the valleys between which lay Glarus and other towns. At Utznach we took cars for Weesen about 8 miles distant. We went through the town to the Wallenstatter See, <one> [of] the deepest and most stormy lakes in Switzerland, on the border of which we had a feast of grapes. The <other> end of this lake can only be reached by water, or by climbing over the mountains, or by the railroad which passes through a number of tunnels. We watched the train with much interest enter and emerge from these tunnels. This land is a fit abode for liberty — freemen only should live here. It is not situated favorably for tyrants and to exercise oppression over a people who have any love for the rights of man. We walked back to Ziegelbrücke and climbed the point of a mountain from which we obtained an extensive view of the canton of Glarus, with the towns of Niederurnen, Oberurnen, Näfels, Mollis and Nettstall, Glarus town we could not see. The Mountains Dädi and Glärnisch, the latter overtopping the town of Glarus, with their snowy tops were seen. The South <Linth> Canal1 running out of these two valleys and draining them, emptied into Lake Zurich. This stream ran past the hotel <at> which we stopped and had been designed and completed by Conrad Escher, to whom his fellow citizens had erected a tablet calling him the benefactor of his country. Before this canal was cut off through this valley was so swampy as to be useless. Now, it is highly cultivated and thickly settled. We put up at the hotel Linth-Escher at the Ziegelbrucke Station and was comfortably and cheaply entertained. As we dare not go across the bridge over the Linth into the Canton Glarus, a few of the Saints who were there came over to see us. Bro. Huber told the people of the House that, being Americans, we were anxious to hear some Swiss singing, and he had made arrangements for some persons to come and sing for us. The Landlord readily assented and told him we were at home and to do as we pleased. So we had three sisters and a brother (Caroline and Margaretha Wickli, Anna Wichser & Heinrich Schneider) come up to our room and we spent a very delightful evening in listening to them sing — the young women and bro. Huber, all being excellent singers, making splendid music. In the intervals between the singing I instructed them. We parted about 10 p.m.. About this time, the moon, which in the forepart of the evening had been obscured by clouds, shone forth with great brilliancy making it very light and the surrounding mountains very beautiful.
3 October 1862 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 3rd. 1862. Arose early and saw from our window the sun’s first rays kiss the snowy tops of the mountains. Oh how much like home this looked! We started for Rapperswyl at 7.24 A.M. and reached there at 9.15 A.M. Coming down this Valley reminded me of Cache Valley, to which it bears some resemblance. This town is at the head of Lake Zurich and we here took steamer (the Schwan) for Zurich at 10.25 a.m. While waiting here for the steam-boat we had an interview with Sister Barbara Knecht on the bridge running across the end of the Lake from Rapperswyl to Canton Schwyz. It was very pleasant sailing down the lake to Zurich passing and calling at the towns and villages on each bank to take on and put off passengers. The women work at rowing the large boats loaded with freight and market produce and the small boats which bring and take off passengers as commonly as the men. To an American it is an unpleasant sight to see women put to such severe labor. One woman who came off on a boat with some passengers seemed to be in an advanced state of pregnancy. As we were coming off the bridge at Rapperswyl to go to the steamboat we met two women going out with two large iron handles to hoist two pieces of the bridge to permit a steamer to pass through. There seems to be no work scarcely for which they are thought to be unfitted. Elizabeth was glad to see us again. She had been somewhat lonely; but still had done very well and seemed much better for her rest. Wrote to Bro. De la Mare on the Channel Islands and Bro. Bramall, Southampton, appointing meetings and to Bro. Bertrand, Paris, for information where to go when I reachd there. In the evening attended meeting with the Saints about two miles from Zurich in the suburbs. It is the first time they have met before in a house since Spring. I dedicated the house in prayer by request of Bro. John L. Smith. There were about 40 Saints and Strangers present, and we were at liberty to sing and pray and speak with perfect liberty — a privilege which we felt to appreciate. We enjoyed our meeting very much. The Spirit of the Lord was with us. Bro. John L. made a few remarks and Bro. Jesse N. followed. I followed him. I could scarcely keep from shouting aloud I felt so full and had I given away to my feelings I believe I should have spoken in tongues, whether it would have been German or not I do not know. The [word missing] was very pleasant to and from the meetings. The Saints were much pleased to see us.
4 October 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 4th. We started at 10.5 a.m. for Romanshorn, passing through Winterthur, Frauenfeld and Weinfeld. We reached at Romanshorn at 12 M. We had to wait for the steamer to take us to Constance and while we waited we went out on a pier which ran out into Lake Constance (Boden-See) and had a very fine view of the Lake and surrounding country. There were several towns on the other side of the Lake which were plain to be seen. There were very high, towering mountains in sight, some of them covered with snow. The territories of Switzerland, Austria, Bavaria, Wurtemburg and Baden all border on this lake and can all be seen from the pier on which we stood at Romanshorn. The Lake is a beautiful body of water of about 42 miles long and 15 miles long <wide>. The water is beautifully clear and we could see hundreds of fish swimming in its depths. We took steamer at 2½ p.m for Constance so famous for the trial and condemnation of John Huss, the Reformer, before its Council, and his place of martyrdom by burning in 1415. “Today,” said he, “you will fry a goose, but a hundred years hence you not fry a swan.” The coming of Luther and his success in preaching the Reformation fulfilled this prophecy. He used a Swan in his seal in 1515 &c. We reached Constance at 3 p.m. and soon after started in a skiff for Landschlacht about 4 or 5 miles distant. Six of us in the skiff with the boy who had it in charge made a very heavy load and after proceeding about halfway the wind began to blow so strongly that we thought it better to land and go afoot the remainder of the distance. We had considerable amusement while on the lake. Elizabeth had never been so long in a small boat on the water before and she was quite averse to our leaving the shore very far. I should think that a storm on Lake Constance would be very dangerous. The winds would come down from the mountains with fearful violence. A Russian or English Princess, (Bro. Huber could not say which) was caught in a severe storm on the lake and made a vow to build a convent on the first spot where she would put her foot on land. She landed a little distance from where we deemed it expedient to put ashore and fulfilled her vow by building a convent. The little place where we got ashore was called Bottighofen. It is a very fine country this. Fruit trees in abundance and vines without end. Everything to delight and gladden the eye; but man who, through his tyranny, oppression & unkindness to his fellow man, binds heavy burdens upon him and causes misery and mourning to prevail. We stopped at “Gasthaus” (Hotel) Zur Sonne,” a very nice, quiet inn by the roadside with everything in and about the house delightfully clean and neat. Our rooms were very comfortable and our bedding sweet and beautyfully white. I admire the style of arranging for sleeping on the continent at the Hotels. They have no double beds. Every person, even husband and wife, sleep separately. Their bedsteads are made about three feet wide, affording plenty of room for the largest person to sleep. Light feather beds are always used, with a sheet, and, perhaps, a blanket and a quilt for covering — an arrangement I do not like, as I never fail to sweat profusely under them after I get to sleep. We visited a relative of Bro. Huber’s and president of the branch here, Bro. Näglis, after supper.
5 October 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 5th. “Oh, these quiet country-houses how delightful they are,” was my thought when I arose and looked out of the window this morning. A Sabbath-like stillness pervaded and all nature seemed in repose. The Lake, close by, lay placidly glimmering in the bright rays of the morning sun. Not a breath of air disturbed the leaves of the fruit trees and vines which extended as far as the eye could reach. There was not a sound to be heard in the house or outside, but the occasional cawing of a crow. We went down to Bro. Näglis to meeting at 1/2 past 10. A.M. The house was crowded, about 65 Saints being present. Many had come from a distance, some as far as 36 miles. After singing and prayer the Sacrament was administered. Apple wine, or, as we would call it, sweet cider was administered. Bro. John L. Smith then made a few remarks and I followed, Bro. Schettler interpreting as I spoke. It is seldom that I have felt more melted in my feelings than I did today. The Spirit was powerfully present and I was much blessed in speaking and we rejoiced much together, nearly all shedding tears of joy. Bro. Jesse N. Smith followed and spoke well. We had an intermission of half an hour and met again. I spoke again, followed by Brothers Schettler and John L. Smith in a few remarks. The Saints parted with us with considerable exhibition of feeling some of them shedding tears. In the evening I wrote a letter to Bro. C. W. West, Liverpool, and to Bro. W. W. Cluff, to send by Bro. Jesse N. Smith to Copenhagen.
6 October 1862 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 6th 1862. The day of our Semi-annual Conference. May the Saints be blessed to-day in every land where they assemble themselves together. We ate breakfast and prepared to start for Constance. The charged us forty francs ($7.80) for the time we were with them, which we thought very reasonable. We had five beds, three in our large room and two in another, and twenty-four meals. They gave us a very kindly farewell at parting. I think our visit here will do good in more ways than one. Knowing us to be Latter-day Saints and respectably dressed and deporting ourselves with propriety, they will look upon the Saints here with more respect for it is too much the case with mankind that they despise those who have no friends, and vice versa. We embarked on a large skiff at Bro. Jacob Näglis, the President of the Branch, and he and his eldest daughter, Margaretta, with Bro. Huber as steersman, rowed us to Constance. She started without any bonnet or other covering for her head <than> a shawl, and rowed in the warm sun as strongly as her father. She laughed at the idea of being relieved at the oar by one of us. The Lake was very smooth and the trip was a very pleasant one, occupying about 1½ hours. This people, and indeed all the Continental people among whom I have travelled since leaving England are much more polite than the English or Americans. They call them boors because of their neglect of what they view as the ordinary requirements of politeness. Every gentleman who meets a friend of either gender lifts his hat and salutes him or her. In Switzerland, in the country places, every one you meet salutes you, and, if a man, he touches or removes his hat and you return the compliment, no matter how great the difference in rank, the fine gentleman removes his hat to salute the laboring man or the servant. In some places <instances> I think it a bore; but in others I think if it were done with a real feeling of kindness it would be very appropriate. I was struck by the courtesy evinced by the common people one towards another. We met a fisherman coming out of Constance as we were going in an acquaintance of Bro. Nägli’s and Huber’s though he was scarcely within hailing distance when he recognized them he lifted his hat in token of recognition and to salute them and they did the same to him in return. Upon our arrival in Constance we visited the house in which John Huss was tried before the Council. It was built in 1386. There were a great many antiquities there, among the rest three wax figures, one representing Huss, another his friend Jerome of Prague and another a friar who was zealous in exhorting him to abjure his “heresy,” on a platform occupying the exact spot where the trial occurred. There were two chairs one belonging to king Sigismund and the other to the Pope (Martin 5th.) The small prison in which he was kept for three months was also shown. This was about the length of a man or a foot longer and about three feet wide. They had a portrait of Martin Luther and his wife and of Columbus, which were said to be authentic. The latter has a very fine determined countenanc[e.] He is bareheaded and has a tiger or leopard skin thrown over his shoulders. His face is shaved. We saw a very fine collection of birds of kinds obtained on Lake Constance and its borders. There was an illuminated Mass book of Pope Martin’s shown us, dating as far back as 1402, and also a printed and illustrated copy of the Bible printed in 1491. We walked out to the place where Huss was burned about ten minutes walk outside of the town gates. A monument is now being built by subscription on the spot. There was some doubt, Bro. Huber told us, about the exact spot; but a gardener in working a piece of ground came upon a large stone and a stake and manacles and charred human bones which were the means of locating the exact spot devoted to this cruel and accursed practice of stifling freedom of conscience. We embarked on the Jura steamer at 1 P.M. for Schaffhausen. The river Rhine makes its egress from Lake Constance close by Constance. They have built a very fine Railway bridge across it and the line will soon be open to Schaffhausen. Our steamer lowered her pipe in passing under. We soon came into the “Unter See” or Lower Lake a fine sheet of water with low banks. We had a fine sail to Schaffhausen, a very old town, sit <with> a picturesque situation on the Rhine. Here navigation ceases for some distance as the rapids of the Rhine commence. We took train at Schaffhausen for Zurich at 5.10 p.m. and arrived there at 7.15 P.M. In leaving Schaffhausen we had several beautiful views of the Rhine; but particularly in crossing the Rhine stream on the railway bridge at Rhine-fels above the falls. Here the Rhine falls about 70 feet forming a most grand and beautiful waterfall. After we crossed the Railway came close to the edge of the bluffs which here made a curve giving us a very fine view of the falls from below, so that we saw it to great advantage from above and below. We put up at the Stork Hotel at Zurich and after leaving Elizabeth there we went to meeting in the suburbs and found about 70 or 80 Saints present. The meeting had commenced. Bro. John L. Smith made a few remarks and I followed speaking for about an hour. The room was very close and the want of fresh air was sensibly felt. After meeting we laid hands on two sick women.
7 October 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct. 7th. We arose early this morning and the brethren: John L. Smith, P. A. Schettler John Huber, and myself went to the R’way Station to see Bro. Jesse N. Smith start on his return to Copenhagen. He started at 6. A.M. It was with regret I parted with him. We had been together daily for little more than the four past weeks and the intercourse had been exceedingly pleasant. He is a very intelligent, interesting companion, whose views, for so young a man, are broad and comprehensive and who, if he lives, will yet be an exceedingly useful man in the Kingdom of God. We left Zurich about 10 a.m. As we were leaving Sister Forrer’s, the wife of the President of the Branch, came to the Station with her little boy bringing Elizabeth a small basket of very fine pears and grapes. We reached Bienne or Biel about 2.15 p.m. and took dinner and then took coach at 3½ p.m. for St. Imier. The scenery on this road for several miles was of the most splendid description. We ascended gradually on a road cut out of the side of a mountain for about a mile. The road then ran through a Canyon resembling some of the most rugged and picturesque parts of Echo Kanyon. A fine new stone bridge is thrown across the stream in one place at a considerable height above the water. It is a single arch and rests at each end on the solid rocks which rise precipitously from the creek below. The road passes through two tunnels which are cut through the points of the mountains[.] The water comes pouring down the rocks in one place on an inclined plane at a very rapid rate and makes a beautiful appearance. We stopped for a few minutes at Sonceboz and changed horses. We reached St. Imier at 6.30 p.m. and put up at the Crown Hotel. Bro. John T. Gerber, who came from the Valley when I did, met us here. He is in good health. We went to meeting and met with about 40 Saints and some 5 or 6 strangers. Some of the Saints had travelled about 27 miles, a good part of the way on foot, to be at the meeting and had to return again tonight to be at their work in the morning. Of course, where such faith and zeal are manifested to meet with the servants of the Lord and to hear His word the Spirit will most surely be poured out. We had an excellent meeting and the Saints rejoiced.
8 October 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Oct. 8th. We started this morning at about 10 a.m. for Biel and reached there in time for the train which leaves there at 1.40 p.m. for Berne. We stopped for 1/2 an hour at Sonceboz to change horses on our way from St. Imier. At Berne, which place we reached at 3.30 p.m., we engaged a carriage to take us to Steffisburg where we had to meet with the Saints. There was no train leaving until late in the evening — too late to enable us to keep our appointment. We had a very pleasant ride and reached there about 7 p.m. We ate supper and then repaired to the house where the Saints were assembled waiting for us. I spoke to the people, of whom there upwards of 60 present, and was blessed with the Spirit. We had an excellent meeting. Some of these had come as far as 25 miles to be with us.
9 October 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 9th. We arose early this morning and after breakfast started on foot for Thun about 3 miles distant where we took the cars for Berne at 8 A.M. All along the roadsides in this part cherry trees are planted. We had some splendid scenery to-day, and from Berne to Friburg the road was newly made and through a mountainous district of country. The labor of building a road through such a country has been extraordinary. Several deep valleys and ravines had been bridged over at great labor and expense. The first view of Lake Geneva which we obtained was upon emerging from a tunnel a few miles before reaching Lausanne. It was a most splendid sight. The lake, the mountains, the terraced hill sides covered with grapes, with the peasantry in their picturesque costumes busily engaged in gathering grapes, all made a scene that to us was exceedingly beautiful and will not soon be forgotten. We were at Berne about two hours and in the time we visited the Federal Capitol and the Minster. The first building is very fine and occupies a most commanding position on the summit of a hill at the foot of which the River Aare flows. The prospect from the front of the Capitol is very fine. The building itself is quite new having been finished about seven years and cost 2,000,000, francs. It is built of sandstone of a beautiful color and fine finish. We were shown into the Hall where the National Assembly meets. There were 144 seats for members. They occupied almost the entire floor except a small space in front opposite the President’s chair and were ranged in a semi circle. The President’s chair was elevated and a chair stood on his right for the Vice President and another on his left for the Chancellor. At the side of each of them the secretaries sat. The Chamber was beautiful but more beautiful in its republican simplicity and its fitness than in the elegance of its adornments. The furniture was of wood resembling black walnut in color. Every member had a desk in front of his seat. The galleries for the public occupied the sides of the Chamber. The figures of science, agriculture, justice and Diplomacy were painted on the wall on each side of Liberty which occupied the central position immediately above the President’s chair. The ceiling had four figures painted upon it in a circle around a fine chandelier which was suspended from the center of the ceiling. They represent the four principal rivers of Switzerland: the Rhine, the Limat, the Aare and the Rhone. The room occupied by the body corresponding to our Senate (called in German Standerath) was also a plain room. There were 44 seats and desks: for two members from every Canton. They were of oak. The window was of colored glass and each pane had on it the coat of arms of a Canton. There were also the years 1308 and 1848 on the top of the window in the archway. The first, the year when the Confederation was first formed and the latter when the new Confederation was made. We were shown the Federal Council Chamber where he and six Councillors held their meetings. His seat was at the end in the centre and immediately in front of him were two desks for secretaries. The six Councillors sat fronting each other on each side of the room. We were also shown into his sitting room and the audience chamber. They were fitted up in good style; but were yet plain. There was a painting in each of the two last rooms. One was illustrative of an ancient history: the wife of Stauffacher firing him to redress his own and country’s wrongs — a most beautiful and expressive painting. He a noble looking man sitting on a chair with knitted brows and brooding over the recital of his wife who stands by his side (with two children clinging to her) <with> inflamed and indignant countenance and pointing in the direction of some Austrians on horseback who were riding off in the distance. The other was a painting of Abraham, sending off Hagar and Ishmael. The Minster tower which we ascended is about 260 feet high and from it we obtained a fine view of the city Berne is built on a peninsula formed by a bend of the river Aare, the river flowing almost around it. The largest bell in this Minster weighs 26,700 lbs; its tongue weighs 730 lbs. The bell itself is 25½ feet in circumference and is 8 inches thick. When rung in cold weather it can be heard 18 miles; it takes 8 men to ring it. There is a small bell in this minster which they painted black when Napoleon was here and to that they attributed its escape from the melting pot as the principal metal in its composition is silver and he had a hankering for bells &c of that metal. The bear is much valued by the people of Berne. They have adopted that animal as their crest and they keep a number of bears in a pit close to the edge of the city across the bridge. We remained at Lausanne about one hour and then took cars for Geneva which city we reached about 6.30 p.m. We were met at the Station by three of the brethren: Jacque Portmann, President of the Branch, Matthias Schuller and Conrad Schweizer. We went to Bro. Portmann’s to supper of which we partook heartily. They had boiled chestnuts as a vegetable in place of potatoes, the first time I ever ate anything of the kind and prepared in that manner and I enjoyed them much. We slept at Bro. John L. Smith’s office. Since we left Liverpool we have been where Danish, Dutch and German have been spoken, now we have come to where French is universally spoken.
10 October 1862 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 10th. 1862. Breakfasted with Sister Graunauer in whose house the Office is situated. She is a very fine, kind, old lady. Took dinner and tea at Bro. Schweiger’s. Strolled around the city. In the evening attended meeting of the Saints. As there were both Germans and French present; both languages had to be spoken. I spoke in English, Bro. Schettler interpreted in German and Bro. Portmann who understood German and French interpreted from Bro. Schettler into French. We enjoyed our meeting very much. Such a time of interpreting I guess had seldom been witnessed.
11 October 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 11th. Breakfasted with Sister Graunauer. Took dinner at Bro. and Sis. Geissler’s and supper with Bro. Schuller at Bro. Portmann’s house. We strolled through the town in the afternoon.
12 October 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 12th. Ate breakfast at the office again; ate dinner with Bro. & Sis. Lang[.] They drink claret or red wine, the pure juice of the grape here as commonly as water is drank with us. We attended meeting with the Saints this morning at 10 a.m. There were about 34 persons met with us this morning, and we had an excellent meeting. I spoke in English, which Bro. Schettler interpreted in German and Bro. Portmann from German into French. My remarks extended to 1½ hours and I touched on many principles. Sister Geisler prepared some provisions for us to take with us. Administered to several sick people. I felt sad at parting with the brethren. We started at 3.50 p.m. for Paris. We reached Bellegarde (on the line and the place of the French customs) at about 5 p.m. Our baggage was examined in a very gentlemanly manner; but my passport had not the visa of the French Minister or Consul in Geneva and was not as it should be. My ignorance of French was a help to me I expect. They could not make any explanations to me or I to them and after closely comparing my appearance with the description [on?] my passport they let me pass. As I had not been asked for my passport from the time of leaving England until I reached this place[,] I had almost forgotten that such a thing was needed and I had understood that those speaking the English language were not required to exhibit passports on entering French territory and this had made me careless about getting my passport visa-ed.
13 October 1862 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 13th. Reached Paris at about 6.30 A.M. and was met at the Station by Bro. L. A. Bertrand. He took us to a cheap Hotel — the Hotel du Havre. I wrote to Bro’s West, Bull, Bramall and De la Mare. Went out a little in the afternoon and visited the Church of the Madaline and the Place Vendome where stands a monument erected by Napoleon 1st. The total elevation of the pillar is 135 feet and the diameter of the shaft is 12 feet. The pedastal and shaft are of stone covered with bronze basreliefs, cast out of 1200 pieces of Russian and Austrian Cannon, and representing the victories of the French army. The basreliefs of the shaft &c. follow a spiral direction to the capital, and display, in chronological order, the principal actions, from the departure of the troops from Boulogne to the battle of Austerlitz. The figures, said to be 2,000 in number, are three feet high; the length of the scroll 840 feet; a spiral thread divides the lines, and bears inscriptions of the actions represented. The whole of the work was executed by 31 sculptors. The statue of Napoleon 1st. surmounts the whole.
14 October 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct. 14th. Visited Place de la Concorde. This Place forms a beautiful link between the Tuileries and the Champs Elysees. On the North are two palaces: one is the residence of the Minister of Marine and the other is inhabited by private families. Between them is the Rue Royale at the end of which is seen the Madeleine. To the South are the Pont de la Concorde and the Legislative Palace, behind which is seen towering the dome of the Invalides. There are two very fine fountains in the square between which is erected the obelisk of Luxor. This relic of ancient Egypt is one of the two obelisks, that stood in front of the great temple of Thebes, the modern Luxor, where they were erected, 1550 years before Christ, by Rhamses 3rd., of the 18th Egyptian dynasty, better known in history as the great Sesostris. [interlined in red pencil: < x 69>] These two monoliths were given by Mehemet Ali, Viceroy of the Egypt, to the French government, but only one was removed. The height of this monolith is 72 feet 3 inches; its greatest width at the base 7 feet 6 inches; at the top 5 feet 4 inches; its weight is 500,000 pounds. This obelisk is formed of the finest red syenite, and is covered on each face with three lines of heiroglyphic inscriptions, said to be commemorative of Sesostris; the middle lines being the most deeply cut and carefully finished. The operation of transporting this monolith to France occupied three years (1831-33). A vessel was constructed at Toulon for the purpose. The entire cost of removal and erection was about two millions of francs—about 380,000 $. There are also eight colossal statues placed at intervals around the Square or Place. They represent the chief provincial cities. In this Square was erected the infamous guillotine which caused so much blood to flow during the revolution and reign of terror. Here Louis 16th, his Queen, his sister, the Duke of Orleans, Charlotte Corday, Danton Brissot, Robespierre and hundreds of other people of note perished by the guillotine. From Jan. 21, 1793, to May 3, 1795, more than 2800 persons were executed here. Walked through the garden of the Tuileries and afterwards visited several places of note, churches &c. and at 12 M. went through the Museum of the Louvre. From a window of this palace fronting the river Seine, which Bro. Bertrand showed us, Charles 9th fired upon the Protestants who were running to escape the massacre of St. Bartholomew. To describe all we saw here would require a book. The Louvre is being joined to the Tuileries by Louis Napoleon and they form the finest range of buildings I ever saw. The paintings particularly in the Louvre are very fine —none but the works of deceased artists being admitted. We saw the sceptre of Charlemagne, his sword and spurs, his crown and his prayer book, dated 780; a bible dated 850 which belonged to Charles the Bald. We also saw a great many articles which belonged to Napoleon 1st. His Camp bed, his saddle, sword, gloves, spurs &c; his grey overcoat, his hats, his watch and pocket handkerchief which he used on his death bed and many other things which he used. We walked through the Rue de Rivoli, one of the, if not the finest streets in Paris. It runs alongside of the Tuileries and Louvre and is two miles in length. The cost of constructing this street, begun in 1802, and continued in 1849 and the following years was 120 millions of francs, 800 houses in some of the darkest, filthiest streets in the city which were in this vicinity being pulled down for the purpose. We visited a family of Saints by the name of Metzger and stopped several hours there; then called upon a German family who are friendly to the work.
15 October 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Oct. 15th. Elizabeth had her likeness taken for her locket this morning. Afterwards went to the Hotel de Ville; but it was not the day for it to be seen. From there to the Cathedral of Notre Dame; but it was undergoing repairs and could not be seen. We then visited the Pantheon or Church of St. Genevieve — a very splendid building, and a beautiful public library close by called by the same name. Then we went to the Luxemburg Palace. The Throne Saloon in this palace is most magnificent, being gorgeously gilt and sculptured. The throne occupies the central wall to the right and is decorated with an unsparing <hand>. It stands on a platform ascended by four steps, the whole profusely carved and gilt. This saloon has many splendid paintings on the walls and ceilings of scenes from French history and is most dazzling in its appearance. Here the Senate in the time of the First Empire, when the Emperor presided, sat. From this we went into the elegant Galerie des Bustes which is filled with busts of the great generals and statesmen of the First Empire. Thence we went into the Salle du Senate or Senate Chamber. This chamber is semi-circular, ninety-two feet in diameter and covered by a hemi-spherical vault. In a semi-circular recess are the seats of the President and Secretaries, approached by steps. The Reporters’ desks, are in front of the President’s seat and fronting the seats of the Senators, who are at present 165 in number. There are seven seats also there for the Ministers without portfolio. Prince Napoleon’s (Jerome) seat is the first of the bottom row, on the right, facing the President; next follow those of the Cardinals and Marshals. The chairs of the Senators then rise gradually to the back, all fronting the President’s desk. When a Senator wishes to make a motion he can do so from his seat; but an oration has to be delivered from the tribune, the corner desk of the bottom row of seats and the opposite side from that of Prince Napoleon’s[.] There is a gallery for spectators; but the sittings are not public. We visited the Cabinet de l’Empereur — the Emperor’s sitting room — the room for his guards — the chambers of Maria de Medicis. Her sleeping chamber is very splendid. The chairs here are those used at the coronation of Napoleon. In the case of the marriage of Senators or their daughters, the parties meet in this room to sign the Contract. We then visited the Chapel of the Palace. The garden of the Palace is said to be the best in Paris and is very beautiful. From the Luxembourg we called upon M. Lerousseau a disciple of Fourier, an educated, wealthy man and favorable to the work. And then went to Bro. And Sister Fonteneau where we stayed to dinner. They treated us with great kindness. Leaving Sister C. there to rest, Bro. Bertrand and I called upon several Saints.
16 October 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 16th. The weather, which since our arrival has been very warm, is cool to-day. Went to the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile. It consists of a vast central arch, 90 feet in height by 45 feet in width, over which rises a bold entablature and an attic. There is also a transversal arch, 57 feet high and 25 feet wide. The total height of the structure is 152 feet; its breadth and depth are 137 feet and 68 feet respectively. It is much adorned with figures illustrative of some great victory, and has the names of 96 victories and the names of all the generals of note inscribed upon it. Its cost was 10,432,800 francs, or $1,982,232. The idea of this monument originated with Napoleon 1st and the first stone was laid in 1806. It was not completed until 1836. The view from the platform at the top, which is reached by 272 steps, of Paris and its environs is most magnificent. From this place twelve splendid avenues branch out in different directions. From this we went to the Hotel des Invalides — an asylum for aged and wounded soldiers. We visited its chapel. There are hundreds of banners hanging here that have been captured by the French army. In the time of Napoleon about 3000 flags filled the nave; but on the evening before the entry of the allied armies into Paris, March 31, 1814. The Duke de Feltre, Minister of War, by order of Joseph Bonaparte, commanded them to be burnt and the sword of Frederick the Great, which was preserved here, to be broken. The orders to that effect were given three times before they were obeyed. We then visited the tomb of Napoleon which is under the dome of the Invalides — a most sumptuous work, its total height, including the lantern, with a gilt spire, globe and cross, is 323 feet. The crypt which contains his tomb is only visible from the gallery above. The tomb consists of an immense monolith of porphyry, weighing 135,000 lbs., and brought from Lake Onega in Finland at a cost of 140,000 francs. It was polished by a powerful stream- engine. It covers the sarcophagus also of a single block, 12 feet long and 6 feet in breadth, resting upon two plinths, which stand on a block of green granite brought from the Vosges. The total height is 13 ½ feet. The whole place is beautifully light and airy. Fine paintings occupy the sides of the dome. An altar here is very splendid and is reached by steps. We then went to the Palace of the Legislative Body. We passed through the Salle des Distributions, where the Deputies receive the reports of Committees, motions of the Chamber &c. A plain room with a beautifully painted ceiling. The Legislative Hall, formerly the chamber of Deputies, is a semi-circular hall. The President’s chair is situated in the center of the axis of the semi-circle, around which rise in gradation 500 seats to the height of the basement which supports the columns, and inside of which is the spectator’s gallery. There are at present only 261 Deputies and each one has a desk to himself. The ministers without a portfolio, who defend the policy of the government in the debate on the address, or the Commissioners who support the bills sent to Chambers by the Ministers, have their seats, six in number, facing the Chamber and before the President’s desk. It is a hall well adapted doubtless for speaking in; but otherwise I do not like it near so well as I do our Senate and Representative Chambers at Washington. Returned to the Hotel for dinner and leaving Elizabeth to rest Bro. Bertrand and I went to the other side of the city to visit some families of the Saints. We passed through the Jardin des Plants where I saw the Hippopotamus for the first time. There are two of them here. We also saw a cedar of Lebanon — the first seen in France. It was planted here in 1735. It now measures 11 feet in circumference at 6 ft from the ground. It’s branches make a fine shade; but the trunk is not towering as I expected to see it. The branches sprout out at about 12 or 14 ft from the base.
17 October 1862 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 17th. A stormy day. We started at 10½ a.m. for the palace of Versailles. This most stupendous and magnificent of palaces was commenced in 1664, though some royal buildings had occupied its site as early as 1624. Thirty thousand soldiers were more than once employed on the works. Water had to be brought a great distance to supply the reservoirs and fountains. Beyond the gardens there was another enclosure, called the Little Park, four leagues in circuit; and beyond this still was the third enclosure, the Great Park, of 20 leagues, and including numerous villages. The expense of all these undertakings amounted to 250 millions of dollars. At the time of the revolution the palace was devastated. The estimated expense of restoring it, under Napoleon, was, 50 Millions of francs, or <$>9, 500,000; he limited the expenditure, however, to 6 millions of francs. Louis Phillippe, after adding a new pile of buildings, repaired and harmonized different parts of the palace at a cost of 15 millions of francs. The guide who showed us thro’ the rooms — M. Marchand, nearly 80 years old, and an old servant of the first Emperor —told us, after we had gone through, that we had walked nearly six miles. Such a profusion of pictures as we saw would be tiresome to enumerate. They were the works of masters in their art; but the majority of them were illustrative of battles — brilliant descriptions of hellish carnage, where man’s ferocity and success in destroying his fellowman, to gratify the lust of power and carry out the ambitious projects of Kings, is held up to view as glory. The sight was sickening, and the contemplation of such pictures must be simply revolting to every person of reflection and feeling. The general effect of the Grand Apartments are gorgeous. One room measured 239 ft in length, 35 ft. in width, <and> 43 ft in height. It is lighted by 17 large arched windows, which correspond with arches on the opposite wall, filled with mirrors. From the balcony of the bedchamber of Louis 14th (the Grand Monarch) Louis 16 attended by the Queen and his children, addressed the infuriated mob who came to tear him from his palace on the 6th Oct., 1789. The bed on which Louis 14th died — magnificent piece of workmanship — still stands here and has not been slept on since that time. This apartment is very grand. We were shown the likenesses of George Washington and several American Presidents and Statesmen. The gallery of the Kings of France, Contains 71 Kings of France from Pharamond down to Louis Phillipe. We returned to Paris and went to dinner at Bro. Bertrand’s. His wife and two sons —Aristides and Francis; one 14, the other 12 years of age are not in the Church. She treated us very kindly. I received a telegram from Bro. De la Mare, Jersey, informing me what route to take and that he would meet me.
Paris is a most magnificent city, superior to what I had supposed it was. Its Boulevards, many of which have been opened under the present Emperor are most splendid streets, unrivalled perhaps in the world. Paris appears to be a city where most of the people seek only for pleasure, that kind which is derived from gaiety and pleasing sights and sounds. All is glitter and show, and amusements abound and are probably patronized to an extent unknown elsewhere. Home — as we understand the word in English — has no equivalent in the French language, and I am of the opinion that home-comfort is as little understood and known as the word itself. Public buildings — Churches and palaces — are remarkable for their abundance and splendor. To build these has cost immense sums, and burdens have been bound upon the people which they groaned under for centuries until they arose in their might and cast off the yoke and revelled for awhile in the exercise of a liberty to which they were unaccustomed, and which in their hands became a hideous tyranny from which the people of other lands shrank back with horror and affright. Their acts, done under the name of liberty brought liberty into contempt and after the first shock of the uprising had passed, strengthened tyrants by giving them arguments to prove how unsafe was power when left in the hands of the people.
18 October 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 18th, 1862. Started this morning at 8. o’clock, Bro. Bertrand accompanying us to the Station. We booked for St. Lo where we expected to take diligence for Granville and thence by steamer to Jersey. It rained today. We passed through several towns and had to stop at Caen about two hours to change carriages. We arrived at St. Lo about 8 p.m. and took diligence to Granville which place we reached at 4 a.m. on [blank]
19 October 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 19th. Not being able to speak French and understand it when spoken was a cause of anxiety to me in travelling. We got along, however, very well. At St. Lo I was able to get my name down the first and consequently had the choice of seats. My knowledge of French when written I found of great service to me, as when at a loss to understand an explanation I requested it to be written, and I was also able to write such questions as I wished to ask to obtain needed information. We were disappointed on reaching St. Lo at not meeting Bro. De-la-Mare who in his telegram had led me to expect he would be there when we arrived. We learned on our arrival at Granville that the steamer which should have arrived here on Friday to leave again to-day had been detained at Jersey by bad weather and he had been therefore prevented from crossing. This was a great disappointment to me. To-day Conference was to be held at Jersey and I ought to be there; but this storm would prevent. Stopped at the Hotel du Nord. Went to bed until breakfast time and then walked out round the town.
19, 20, 21, and 22 October 1862 • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The storm continued with but little intermission during these days. The suspense was almost intolerable. I thought of trying to make the best of our way to Havre and thence to England; but I learned from the papers that the storm raged there also; if I went there <i> might be only at the expense of going and not gain anything by doing so.
24 October 1862 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 24th. The storm subsided somewhat and in the evening the steamer came across bringing Bro’s Dela Mare and Sloan, the latter having come from Liverpool to Jersey the Saturday previous.
25 October 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 25th. Fine day. The Steamer is loading and unloading.
26 October 1862 • Sunday
Sunday. 26. The wind commenced to blow strongly again last night. We arose very early and packed everything and hurried down to the boat; but after getting on board and waiting some time we were informed that it was too rough for her to sail to-day. Another long, tedious day.
27 October 1862 • Monday
Monday, 27th. We started this morning at 8. o’clock and reached St. Helens at about noon. But oh! How wretchedly seasick Elizabeth and I were! I was the first on board who was sick; but before we reached few escaped. It was exceedingly rough and the little steamer pitched around lively. Bro. De la Mare took us up to Mr. De la Perrelles, the man of whom he rents the meeting room for the Saints. He and his wife are not in the Church, but are very kind and have a bed and room at our disposal while we stay. Mrs. De la Perrelle made us some tea when we arrived; but I continued so sick that we had to go to bed for an hour or two. Went out to tea to Sister Murphy’s and called upon Bro. De la Mare’s folks; they are not in the church; but treat him very kindly, giving him a home. Met Bro. John Marrett who arrived from the Valley this last summer on a mission. Met with the Priesthood in the evening and gave them instructions. Took supper at Bro. Harmon’s.
28 October 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct 28th. Went to breakfast at Sister Quaru’s. She has two daughters and a son. About noon we started with a number of Saints in a carriage provided by Bro. De la Mare to ride around a portion of the island. We visited a Castle called Mount Orgueil, a very ancient pile, a portion said to have been erected in the times of the Romans. We also visited a Druid altar. It was formed by ten rough unhewn stones being erected in a circle on which an immense rather flat rough stone, probably 60 tons weight, is placed. The tops of the upright stones are about five feet from the surface of the ground. There are the remains of a mound of which the altar is the centre. It occupies a very commanding position overlooking a beautiful bay. This island is very beautiful and very fertile, fruits grains and esculents grow very finely and to great perfection. We went to tea in the midst of a terrific rain-storm, to Bro. De la Mare’s fathers and had a very pleasant evening. Had meeting in the evening with the Saints, many of whom were present, and had excellent liberty in speaking to them. Went to supper at Bro. Harmon’s.
29 October 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday. Oct. 29th. Arose early and breakfasted at Sistr. Quarus. Bro. De la Mare took us down to the steamer Southampton which was to sail for Southampton at 7 a.m. Took leave of Bro. De la Mare with many good feelings to him for his kindness and attentions towards us. I secured Elizabeth a good berth in the ladies’ cabin and then went and laid down myself for fear of sickness. The voyage was quite a pleasant one and I was not any sea-sick. Elizabeth suffered somewhat from it. We landed at 7½ P.M. and was met by Bro. Bramall and Bro. Marshbank at the Wharf. We went to St. Mary’s Cottage, the house rented by the Church, to stop. We had an excellent meeting with the Saints. I spoke and was blessed with much freedom. Had our feet washed by Sister [blank]
30 October 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 30th. Started at 7 A.M. for London, Bro’s Bramall and Marshbank accompanying us to the Station. We reached London at 9.45 A.M. and was met at the station by Bro. Staines and <S.> H B. Smith. Bro. Staines took us too in a cab to King’s Cross Station where we took cars for Bedford and while waiting for them he took us to breakfast. We reached Bedford at 12.30 M. We went to Bro. Pembrokes[.] Bro’s Bull and Brigham, Jr. arrived about 1/2, an hour after. We spent a very pleasant afternoon together. In the evening we took the cars for Cambridge, being joined on the way by Elder Geo. Cooper. We were met at the Station by Bro. Larkin, President of the Branch. We went to his house, where we met Bro’s Bigler and Bentley, and stopped there all the time we were in Cambridge.
31 October 1862 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 31st. Went round town to-day, (after writing letters to Bro’s John L. Smith and De la . Mare) and saw one of the colleges. We saw a number of interesting articles. In the evening we had a tea party at which Bro’s Staines, Brigham, Jun’r, and myself spoke. The meeting was an excellent one, a good spirit prevailing.
1 November 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 1st. 1862. We embarked on the cars this morning in company with Bro’s Staines, Brigham and Sloan — the former two going to Scotland — for Liverpool. We reached there about 3.30 P.M. and were met there about at the cars by Bro’s C. W. West and John MKay. We found all well. Georgiana looked very well and readily recognized her mother and me. She is able to say a many little sentences and tries to say everything she is told to do. She cannot walk yet; they have carried and held her too much. I think she has not grown so much in flesh or in height as she has in strength and in beauty. Met in council with the officers in the evening. I spoke for a short time.
2 November 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 2nd. A Conference had been appointed for to-day. We met three times, morning, afternoon and evening. We had an excellent time. I spoke twice or three times and was blessed in instructing the Saints.
3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 November 1862 • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were spent in reading over letters &c. which had accumulated during my absence and in obtaining a knowledge of the condition of affairs and in writing and answering letters; also in writing an editorial: “A visit to the Missions on the Continent.” Bro. Warren S. Snow came in from Preston on Thursday. Bro. E. L. Sloan had a slight attack of paralysis in the face which drew his mouth awry and affected one half of his face to such an extent that he could not shut one eye. By being administered to he had improved considerably, being, able to shut his eye and work the muscles of his face somewhat.
8 November 1862 • Saturday
Sunday, Nov. 8th. Started for Leeds in company with Bro. C. W. West to attend Conference. Was met at the Station by Bro’s Joseph & Saml H. B. Smith, P. P. Pratt & Thos Taylor. Went to Sister Eastham’s. In the evening visited Mr. Geo. Fowles, a merchant tailor in this town, who is very favorable to us. We eat a very fine supper at his house and spent a very agreeable evening, being joined during the evening by a Mr Robinson. Mr. F. gave me £2 for the benefit of the Poor Saints, which I divided between Bro’s Kay and Snow in proportion to the numbers in their Conferences. Returned to Sr Eastham’s and found Bro. Staines there who had just arrived from Scotland.
9 November 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 9th. Bro. Brigham, Jr, arrived this morning from Scotland. We spent the day very agreeably in Conference, all the Elders occupying a portion of the time.
10 November 1862 • Monday
Monday, 10th Nov. Spent a part of the day at Sr Eastham’s with the brethren conversing upon various subjects. Visited the Town Hall, which is stated to be one of the finest Town Halls in the kingdom. Attended, in the evening a Party with the Saints at their Hall.
11 November 1862 • Tuesday
Thursday <Tuesday>, 11th. Returned to Liverpool in company with Bro’s West and Bigler. Held meeting in the evening with the Council of the Liverpool B’h, their [there] having been a spirit manifested which I felt ought to be checked.
12 November 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 12th. Occupied in the office.
13 November 1862 • Thursday
Thursday, 13th. Started for Birmingham to attend to the taking out of letters of administration for Ann Randall. Attended meeting with the Saints, one being specially called at their Hall, by Bro. Mills in consequence of my expected visit. Slept at Bro. Mills’.
14 November 1862 • Friday
Friday, 14th. Returned to L’pool. In the evening had a visit from Mr. Orlawski and his wife (the former a Pole.).
15 November 1862 • Saturday
Saturday, 15th. Bro. B. Young, Jr. and myself took cars for Manchester to attend District meeting on the morrow. We were met at the house Station and stayed all night at his house.
16 November 1862 • Sunday
Sunday, 16th. Took train for Oldham where we held meetings in the afternoon and evening. Bro. Miles P. Romney and Jas Lythgoe were present. Brigham and myself occupied the afternoon and I occupied the evening. I had excellent liberty. Had to leave meeting very hurriedly to reach the train for Manchester.
17 November 1862 • Monday
Monday. Nov. 17th. Returned to Liverpool. Brigham was seized with neuralgea in his face.
18 November 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 18th. Confirmations in the evening of Bro. Laurenson & John Scott and family.
19 November 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 19th. In company with Bro’s West & B. Young, Jr. went to Bro. Shearman’s and eat oysters.
Since my return from the continent various circumstances have occurred to arouse in my mind a suspicion that all was not right with Bro. Eugene Henriod, who has been acting as Asst Editor. When I returned from the States I did not think all was right with him and hinted my suspicions to Bro. Chauncy W. West, who was left in charge of the office. The principal thing that he had noticed in Bro. Henriod during my absence was the irregularity of his hours, which caused him to suspect that he kept bad company at nights. I found that his accounts in the Southampton Conference were in a very bad condition and that money was also missing of which he was President. He had been entrusted with money also to bring down to me from London Con. £10 of which he had used as he had said to loan to an uncle of his who would repay it immediately. The money belonging to the Liverpool B’h he said, he had loaned to his father. I was convinced in my own mind that these statements were fabrications and that he had spent these monies upon himself. I satisfied myself respecting the Southampton monies, as I had requested Bro. Bramall to furnish me a statement of the condition of the books, which I had compared with the books here and found there was £13 pounds missing that had not been accounted for by Bro. Henriod. I determined, when I had this evidence in a shape that I could bring it forward, to commence an investigation. I had not been satisfied with the course which Bro. [last name redacted] had been taking and I made up my mind that I would have a reformation. I commenced with Brother [first and last name redacted], hoping that if they were aware of Bro H’s movements that I would get a clue to his wrong doing. [first name redacted] confessed that his habits of late had not been such as to himself. He had been to theatres several times with Bro’s Henriod and [last name redacted], but he could not go into the same place that they did, as his means would not admit of it. He had found the desire to attend such places growing upon him. He disavowed all knowledge of any wrong doing on the part of Brothers Henriod and [last name redacted], remarking, however, “that they spent money very freely.” I cautioned [first name redacted] upon these matters and seriously warned him to discontinue such habits. I then called up brother [last name redacted], and I questioned him most closely respecting his own and bro. H’s operations. He knew nothing, he said, about any wrong doing of brother H’s with women and protested most solemnly that he was innocent upon that point; but confessed that he had been to various places of amusement theatres, singing houses, &c, together, and these habits had been very expensive. I questioned him respecting the money <with> which he had these extravagancies, and he acknowledged that, besides his wages, he had used about £10 of the Petty Cash that was entrusted to him for offices uses, without charging it to himself, but he solemnly protested that, beyond this, he was honest and had not made any false entries in his books. I was astonished at this disclosure for though I had not been satisfied with his course of late I could scarcely bring myself to think that he would be guilty of a breach of trust and my surprise was greater because I supposed I had a check upon him as I had requested from him a monthly statement of the Petty Cash which I had always carefully examined but there was a balance carried forward from one month to another which when I aw in figures I supposed was all right and never thought of asking him for it and it was this balance he had used without charging. He wept bitterly and expressed his keen regrets that he should have done anything to forfeit my confidence I talked to him very seriously and endeavoured to show him what results of such conduct would be unless he thoroughly repented and reformed. I then sent for brother Henriod who when he came up was very white in the face. I told him that I understood he had been out late at nights attending theatres and other places and I was afraid his conduct had not been what it should. I asked him if he had committed himself with women he put on a look of injured innocence and replied that he was as free from that sin as any of us were (meaning brothers West, Brigham & myself) He protested so strongly that I saw if I got any confession out of him I should have to change my tactics so I told him that I was very glad that he was innocent as I certainly had feared from what I had heard about his habits that something was wrong with him. I then asked him about his Southampton a/c. He professed to be able to explain everything and said that he had a paper in his carpet sack which he could explain to me in the course of an hour. I suspected he imagined this answer would satisfy me & put me off but I requested him to get me that paper as I wished to see it. He withdrew from the room for the ostensible purpose of doing so but after a few minutes returned saying as he entered “its no use brethren I cannot stand it any longer I have committed myself I have been filled with a lying spirit for some time.” [98 words redacted]. I told him that I had from good Authority that he had said brother Rich had a wife in this country. This he also denied strenuously until brother West who was preset and who was my informant asked him if he did not recollect telling him so at a certain time and at a certain place. When he found that brother West was the person who had informed me he instantly recollected having said so. This weakness of memory or call it by no worse name weakened my confidence considerably in the sincerity of his confession He said he told me about the money, he had not loaned it but spent it upon himself. His agony was terrible to behold & his description of the feelings which he had experienced since his fall (how he had tried to pray how sleepless he was at nights & unquiet by day how he had been tempted to commit self destruction) was sufficient to have moved upon the feelings of any person possessing any portion of the Spirit of the Lord. We had a long conversation and he seemed thoroughly broken down. I told him that I would be under the necessity of taking his papers from him.
20 November 1862 • Thursday
Thursday 20th Engaged in Office business.
21 November 1862 • Friday
Friday 21st Engaged in Office business. Brigham Jr was very ill.
22 November 1862 • Saturday
Saturday 22nd Started for Preston in company with brother West was met at the Station by bro’s Warren S. Snow, Prest of the conference and brother Walters. Took tea at bro Tomkin’s. Slept at the Conference House.
23 November 1862 • Sunday
Sunday 23rd Started for Accrington where I met with the Saints. Myself and bro West spoke. We had good meetings. Two were confirmed and two were administered to for health. Partook of a meal prepared in the hall. Returned to Preston and took tea at bro’ George Beck’s. Held meeting in the Saints hall I spoke & was followed by bro’s West and Snow.
24 November 1862 • Monday
Monday 24th Returned <to> Liverpool and found all well except brother Brigham who was still unwell.
25 November 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday 25th Engaged in the Office
26 November 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday 26th Brothers West, Kay & myself accompanied Eugene Henriod to the steamer in which he had engaged his passage to New York. Brother Robert Wilson arrived from Wales to travel in the Liverpool Conf’[.] In the evening called a meeting of the brethren in the Office at which were also present Elders C. W. West, John M Kay, W. H. Shearman, B. Young Junr and E. L. Sloan who has taken Henriod’s place as Assistant Editor. The brethren in the Office were Bro’s William. H. Perkes, John C. Graham, Duncan Mc Allister and Robert R. Anderson. I spoke very plainly upon the necessity for a reformation being entered into by the Brethren in the Office. I told them that if they stayed here they must change their habits & refrain from theatre going & late hours. [first initial and last name redacted] was also spoken to about his impudence, uncivil language & manners. A unanimous vote was taken to excommunicate Eugene Henriod from the Church. We had an excellent meeting & the brethren expressed their determination to try and amend.
27 November to 12 December 1862 • Thursday to Friday
Thursday, Novr 27th to Decr 12th As I have not kept a regular journal during this period I must summarize I spent the 30th November at the Derby Conference with the Elders and Saints. On the 7th of December at Sheffield in the same manner.
13 December 1862 • Saturday
Saturday Decr 13th I wrote a letter to the brethren of the Twelve as follows:
To President Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George, A, Smith, Amasa, M, Lyman, Ezra T, Benson, Charles, C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin, D. Richards.
Beloved Brethren;
I have for some time contemplated commencing to write to you regularly, but have postponed it from week to week until I almost feel ashamed of my negligence. I commence now to write to you and hope to be able to continue to do so regularly. It is my wish to see a spirit of reformation find place in the bosoms of the Elders and Saints through out this Mission, and desire to commence with myself and to give it the necessary encouragement within me. Since my departure from home I have had much joy in my labours. The Spirit of the Lord has been poured out upon the people and they have manifested a more quiet and peaceable disposition towards the Truth and the Elders than I have witnessed for years before. It has seemed to me that the Lord has been pleading mightily with the people for another time, previous, it may be, to the bursting forth of a general storm upon the nations of the earth, particularly upon the nation of Great Britain. This quiet time that we have had for the past two years has enabled the Elders to travel and preach freely and boldly unto the people the principles of the Gospel of Jesus and the honest in heart have had opportunities of embracing the same such as they would not have had if the Adversary had raged as he has done at some other times. The Saints, also, have been enabled to make the necessary preparations for gathering with less interruption and opposition than has been usual at some other periods in our history. Indeed, many of the Saints have received material aid in making their preparations for gathering from men who had no sympathy with our faith and no wish to see it prosper; the Spirit of the Lord evidently softening their hearts and inclining them to favor his people. I received a letter a few days ago from a gentleman by the name of J. B. Bosanquet; (doubtless Bro Amasa, M, recollects the name as being that of a gentleman with whom he had some sparring correspondence) making inquires of me respecting poor operatives in the distressed districts who belonged to our Church and asking me about our arrangements for our Emigration &c requesting some names, also, of persons thus situated that he might correspond with them. I furnished him the desired information and sent him some names. He has replied to me, stating, that he will furnish the necessary means to take two of the families of those whose names I furnished, to Florence: these two families are entirely destitute, not having a penny in the Individual Emigration Fund. I sincerely trust that there will be more friends of this description raised up to assist the poor Saints in escaping from the terrible condition of things in which they are involved through the rebellion of the South. Herculean efforts have been made by many of the people of England to stave off the pressure of distress from the poor of the manufacturing districts. Immense sums have been freely contributed, and it is astonishing to see the machinery that they put into operation to squeeze money from the people, and especially the working classes, who are in the receipt of any. But despite all their efforts the evil continues to increase in fearfulness and magnitude and a great many begin to be alarmed, not knowing where it will stop, as there is no reason to hope that there will be any change for the better at least for a year or two, or until peace springs up between the combatants on the other side of the Atlantic. The distress is becoming so wide spread that it is exhausting the means of those who considered themselves pretty well off in worldly means before the breaking out of the difficulty, and they are becoming engulphed in the general ruin. Occasionally there is a voice raised in favor of Emigration, but up to the present it does not meet with general favor. The majority seem to think that if they can only tide over this winter that the pinch will be past and that they will then need the operatives to carry on their labor.
The progress of events may undeceive them on this point; but perhaps when it is too late. I often think, when I read about the immense sums that are being contributed towards the relief of the distressed, how easy a matter it would be to extricate them if they would hearken to the counsel of the Priesthood in the disposition of their funds. But wisdom has not only fled from the leading men of the United States, it has also taken its departure from the Statesmen of England. They are like blind men groping in the dark & walking towards certain destruction, yet flattering themselves that they are on the high road to safety.
The quiet times that we have had of late and the freedom from opposition, have, I fear, caused many of the Priesthood and Saints to grow careless respecting their duties. I have been reminded very much of late of the expressions of the Servants of God in the Book of Mormon respecting the slothfulness of the people and the ease with which the Adversary gains power over them. It seems, notwithstanding the knowledge we have attained to and the many illustrations that have been given to us of the necessity of being continually diligent, that many of the Elders who ought to be men capable of leading the people in the paths of Salvation require to be continually watched and reproved, or they will relapse into wickedness. As you will doubtless see by the Stars, which are sent you regularly, two of the Valley Elders—Eugene Henriod, of American Fork, and William, O. Owen, of Battle Creek—have been Cut off for Adultery & corrupt conduct. One by his own confession, and the other by the testimony of others, [four words redacted]. The former has started ostensibly with the purpose of going home and submitting himself to whatever President Young may dictate. He professed to be very penitent and repeatedly vowed that he had confessed all he had been guilty of. I told him that I had doubts respecting the sincerity of his confession; but he continued to asseverate up to the last that he had told all that he had done that was wrong. [13 words redacted]. He had scarcely sailed from these lands, however, when Bro William Bramall wrote to me that a girl in his Conference—a sister in the Church—had confessed to him, weeping bitterly and expressing the agony that she had endured, that she had been seduced by Eugene Henriod, [24 words redacted]. Owen manifests no wish to return, I hear that he talks of sending for his family, and that he expresses his intention to join with another man to start a Church on his own hook.
I have felt impressed by the Spirit to lift up my voice and labor to the extent of my ability in awakening the Elders to a sense of their condition, many of them are slothful and have fallen asleep on their Watchtowers, and have suffered themselves and the people under their charge to be overcome by the mists of darkness with which Satan endeavors to becloud the understanding of the children of men. I have never felt more in my life like girding up my loins and going forth among the people in the Spirit and power of my calling than I do at present, and I pray that this feeling may continually increase within me. I feel led by the Spirit to call upon the Priesthood and Saints to reform by sincerely repenting & humbling themselves before the Lord. So far as I know, the faithful Elders respond willingly and gladly to this call, and express the wish to do all in their power to purify themselves and the Saints among whom they labor. Bro’s Bigler and West are now travelling through the Conferences and are in the enjoyment of good health and Spirits; though Bro Bigler wrote to me last week that he was somewhat worn down, his labors having been quite arduous of late. I have instructed them to rigidly scrutinize the books and accounts in the various Conferences, as these men who have just been cut off, with another by the name of William Gibson, who went home last spring, have been grossly delinquent in monetary matters. What time I can spare myself I also spend in visiting the Conferences. Since my return from my visit to the Missions on the Continent on the 1st of November I have met with the Elders and Saints in Conference in this place, Leeds, Oldham, Preston, Derby, and Sheffield. I expect to start to Scotland this afternoon, where I shall probably meet with the Elders and Saints in Conference tomorrow, at Glasgow, and another day at Edinburgh.
My constant desire, brethren, is, that I may be faithful to my calling all my days, and that I may ever be counted worthy of an association both here and hereafter with yourselves. It is a constant cause of thankfulness to me that I have been so honored of the Lord as to be admitted into such close relationship with you who are His chosen servants. In this, the earliest and strongest wish of my heart which I have secretly entertained since I first became acquainted with the Gospel, has been gratified, and my language fails to convey the feelings of thankfulness which I entertain on this account. May my future life in all its details bear witness to the continued possession of this feeling and my appreciation of the blessings which as a member of your quorum I enjoy. I know that I in common with all my brethren have your faith and prayers; but if there is anything that I could say that would increase the fervor and faith of your supplications in our behalf I would say it gladly. In and of myself I feel very weak, but if I am faithful and humble I know that the Lord can increase my strength and my power to do good.
Accept my love to yourselves individually, and to your families to whom I desire, with my wife, a kind remembrance. That the Lord may ever bless you and endow you with every gift and qualification to enable you to magnify your high and holy callings, and that your lives may also be preserved long upon the earth is the prayer of
Your Brother, as Ever,
(Signed) Geo. Q. Cannon.
I also finished my letter to President Young commenced yesterday evening and my letter to Judge Phelps; I find that I can get through with a much larger amount of correspondence by having Bro John, C. Graham write as I dictate than any other way that I have adopted, I was surprised when I tried the plan, at the amount of work I could accomplish by this means. For two or three weeks back I have dictated my editorials to Bro Sloan who takes them down in short hand and transcribes them. The adoption of this system facilitates the performance of my labors very much as the Editorials are what I want and I have more time to attend to the other business of the office. I have felt very much stirred up of late to write plainly and pointedly to the Priesthood and Saints. I think that a reformation is needed very much. I desire to be filled with the Spirit of it myself and to impart it unto others. I do pray the Lord that I may be able to magnify my office and calling and do my whole duty while on this Mission.
Started at 1 P.M. for Glasgow. I was much hurried in getting away as I kept writing until the last moment. I changed carriages at Carlisle and arrived at Glasgow 9.30 P.M; was met at the Station by Bro’s Stuart & Sands who took me in a cab to the latter’s house. I was much pleased to meet with the brethren & they on their part to see me.
14 December 1862 • Sunday
Sunday Decr 14th Met this morning in Conference. After a report of the Statistics and finances was read and the authorities were proposed, I spoke and was blessed in speaking, also in the afternoon and evening at which meetings I occupied all the time. The people felt exceedingly well as did I myself. Bro’s David Gibson and William Warnock, travelling Elders, the former from the Valley, were both at Conference.
15 December 1862 • Monday
Monday 15th. We started for Lanark this morning for the purpose of visiting the falls of the Clyde, about two miles distance from the former town. We reached there a little after noon and called upon some of the Saints there, a family of the name of Anderson (Alexander) Weavers, consisting of the man, woman & four children, three nearly grown, and also a family of the name of Craig (James) consisting of the man & woman and two children, and the Mother of Sister C. who was 81 years of age and bed ridden. She is the mother of Elder Samuel Hargreaves who returned from his Mission to England last year to the Valley. As I was the first Apostle any of these people had seen they were much delighted to see me. Bro Craig accompanied us to the Falls, we also had a guide, the regulation of the owner of the grounds requiring the presence of a guide before we could be admitted. The scenery around the Falls is very beautiful and grand. There are two falls, one about half a mile above the other. The lower falls are about [blank] feet from the top. There are two falls at this spot, the upper one falling about [blank] feet on to a ledge & then tumbling again [blank] feet. There is an old castle in ruins dating from 1082 above the falls. We were shown a cave in which Sir William Wallace tradition says, secreted himself. It is called after him. In looking at these falls I was reminded of a dream which I had last week. I dreamed of being at such falls as these, and crossing a portion of them on a little bridge. At the upper falls I found the little bridge and crossed it as I dreamed. The whole dream being forcibly brought back to my mind by this scene. Returned to Lanark and ate dinner at Bro Anderson’s. Sister Craig gave us a vest pattern a piece of their own weaving. We administered to a man and his child; his knee was swelled. His name was Blakeley. Returned to Glasgow in time for the evening party, we had an excellent time at this Soiree. A splendid tea being served up by Mr Bell the hotel keeper in whose house the hall was in which we held our meetings. His charge was a shilling a head for adults and half price for children. In the middle of the evening he served up some fruit — apples, oranges, raisins and almonds. The singing and stories were very good indeed. Sister Elizabeth Lindsay who sang is the best singer I think I ever heard and Geo Lockhead is the best teller of Scotch stories I ever listened to. He is inimitable. The evening’s amusements passed off very pleasantly. After the singing &c was over I was presented with a Scotch plaid and bonnet the President of the Branch, Bro Patrick, putting them both on Highland fashion & making a short presentation speech in the name of the Saints. I was much embarrassed as the gift was quite unexpected by me. I made a few remarks which were very well received, because they were heartfelt and I believe the people realized they were and they passed off much better probably than more elaborate remarks might have done. The plaid was a black and white check & very fine.
16 December 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Decr 16th We started this morning to Ayr, for the purpose of visiting the birthplace and monument of Burns, the Scottish Poet. It was a wet day and we took a Cab, these places being about two miles from Ayr. The monument is erected on an elevated piece of ground close to the Doon which Burns has made so famous by his poetry. It is enclosed in a beautiful garden full of shrubs and flowers of about two acres in extent. Close by the monument is the bridge over which Tam O’Shanter rode his trusty mare Meg in such hot haste when pursued by the witches whom he had disturbed at their midnight revels in the old Church, as described by Burns in his poem. We went on to the bridge and saw the keystone which Tam reached in time to escape all safe from the hands of the hellish crew, excepting the loss of Meg’s tail.
Visitors to this spot had chipped considerable of the stone off to carry away as mementoes of the spot. At the old Church, the walls of which stood without any roof and were supported by the aid of iron stays, we found an old man, upwards of eighty years of age, who had charge of the grounds and who acted as guide to strangers. He showed us where the road used to run at the time that Tam O’Shanter took his ride, the window he looked in at when he saw “Auld Nick” and the witches at their midnight dances, and described the points brought out by Burns in B’s own language. He seemed to have the poem by heart. He showed us “Souter Johnny’s” grave – Tam’s boon companion – the name on the stone was John Sauchlin. He did not know him, but he knew his son very well, and he was well acquainted with Tam O’Shanter & his family. He has children living in the neighborhood yet. We visited the cottage where Burns was born, and saw the room and the bed, the room having been changed but very little since then. The house is now a tavern.
Returning to Ayr we stopped and took dinner at the Tam O’Shanter house where Tam and his cronies used to have their drinking bouts and from which Tam started on the night of his famous ride. The chairs which he and “Souter Johnny” occupied are there and the “bicker” a small vessel made out of staves which would hold about a gill — out of which the thirsty souls drank their ale. This latter was banded with silver at the top and bottom with lines from Burns engraved upon them. We drank out of it. We took the train to Kilmarnock at 4 P.M. Went to Mr. Sprunt’s. He is not in the Church having been cut off some time back; his wife is a member. We stopped there an hour or two; Bro Aird the President of the Branch came for us and took us down to Bro Livingstone’s from which place we went to meeting. Had a very good meeting. I occupied the time. Slept at Sister Robinson’s, daughter of Bro Aird’s.
[inserted sheet] I beg to answer your letter requesting information as to the height &c of the Falls of the Clyde. From the town of Lanark to the Gate or Lodge, the distance is one mile, and from the Lodge to the lower fall, Cora Linn, is also one mile. This fall is 85 feet from the top of the basin beneath. The upper part of this fall is 40, and the lower 45 feet high. The basin is 30 deep, encircled by steep rocks on each side, rising far above the falls. On the summit of the rocks, on the opposite side from where the visitor stands, are the ruins of the ancient house of Cora, and about a hundred yards farther up the river the present mansion house of Cora. From the Cora to the upper or Bounington Fall, the distance is half a mile. Going to this fall is Wallace’s Cave, and a place called the Lover’s Leap, supposed to be the narrowest part of the Clyde, being only 4 yards wide. The Bounington fall is 32 feet deep, & about a quarter of a mile above it stands Bounington Mansion House. This is about all the information I can furnish you with, and trust it will be satisfactory. [end of insert]
17 December 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday Decr 17th Went to breakfast this morning at Mr Sprunt’s. He took us through the Railway Machine Works which were very interesting to me. From there we went out, about 1½ miles, to Father and Mother Lindsay’s where we took dinner. We returned to Kilmarnock and took train at 2.10 P.M. I had some plain talk with the Elders — D. M. Stuart, Robert Sands, David Gibson & William Warnock, respecting the course they must take in their labors, warning them particularly against drinking liquor with the people — a very common habit in this country. Spent the evening very pleasantly at Bro Patrick’s the President of the Branch.
18 December 1862 • Thursday
Thursday 18th. Writing to Liverpool. Started this afternoon to Paisley. Ate dinner at Bro Garrick’s and wrote while there, the Preface to the 9th. Volume of the “Journal of Discourses.” Went from there to Bro Gardiner’s. Met with the Saints and had a very good time. Ate supper at Bro Gardiner’s and slept at Bro Thornton’s.
19 December 1862 • Friday
Friday Decr. 19th. Ate breakfast at Bro Thornton’s, then visited Sister Gibson, and Bro & Sister Murray, and from there went to Coate’s Thread Mill. We were kindly shown through the mill in which about 1500 persons are employed. The machinery is very extensive and beautiful and every thing is conducted with great order and the Mill is exceedingly clean. Went to Bro Gardiner’s and administered to his wife who had a very sore leg. Before I left he pressed upon me the acceptance of the cloth for a petticoat for my wife of which he is a manufacturer. Visited Sister Hunter’s, whose husband is a Captain of the Police but not in the Church, who desired us to eat and drink a little. We returned to Glasgow and had, by hurrying, barely time to reach the Station in time to take train for Stirling. We bade Bro Sands and family good bye with regret. They are very fine, good people. We reached Stirling and visited the Castle and grave yard. Saw the round table where the Knights held their meetings. It is cut out of the sod and made very distinctly. The ladies in old times sat upon a point which we ascended watching the Knights as they fought in the tournament on the level below. The view from here is very splendid, the Grampian Hills and Ben Lomond being seen in the distance. The battle field of Bannockburn, which we passed on the railway, is also plainly to be seen, also the National Monument which is being erected to Wallace’s memory upon Ailsa crag. The oldest grave stone in the Church Yard is dated 1523. They buried in the yard long anterior to this, but they did not use grave stones so extensively then. It was very stormy. We returned to Stirling and started for Edinburgh which city we reached between eight and nine. We were met at the Station by Bro’s Peacock and Jas. C. Brown, the former, President of the Conference, and the latter Travelling Elder. We were very glad to see each other. They took us to Bro Peter Mc Comie’s, 162 Pleasance. We were warmly and kindly entertained.
20 December 1862 • Saturday
Saturday Decr. 20th. We visited the Agricultural and Industrial Societys rooms, the College Museum, and the College of Surgeons. Took an excellent bath. Went in the evening to the Picture Gallery. Bro’s Baxter and Mc Cune are from Dundee.
21 December 1862 • Sunday
Sunday 21st. Attended morning, afternoon, and evening meetings: Bro McCune occupied the time that was not consumed in business in the forenoon. I spoke in the afternoon and evening and felt very well.
22 December 1862 • Monday
Monday 22nd. Went up to Arthur’s seat, a very high hill close to the city, and had an excellent view of the surrounding country. We prayed while there, Bro’s D. M. Stuart, Geo Peacock, W. Baxter, M. Mc Cune, Jas C. Brown, Alexander Letham and myself, being in company and every one praying. In the afternoon took lunch and tea at Brother Anderson’s, Leith. Mrs A, and the most of the family are not in the Church. Robert, one of the sons, is in the Office. They are very fine family, but some of them are considerably Gentile. In the evening attended a party of Saints at Union Hall the usual place of meeting. The singing and recitations were very good. I spoke for a short time. We had an excellent evening of enjoyment and everybody appeared pleased and well satisfied. A Mr Thompson, whose father is in the Church played several tunes very beautifully upon an <accordion.>
23 December 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday Decr. 23rd. I started this morning for Liverpool. Bro Peacock purchasing my ticket for a first class carriage. I bade the brethren farewell, all the Elders and some of the Saints accompanying me to the Station. At Carlisle I met Bro’s West and Gleason at the Station. They were both well. Bro West accompanied me to Liverpool, we had a very pleasant ride reaching there at 4.45 P.M. We found Elizabeth & Georgiana both well and Bro’s Brigham Junr & Jacob, G. Bigler here.
24 December 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday Decr 24th Brother Bull arrived to day and in the evening Bro & Sis Kay. I dictated an Editorial to day entitled Eternal Vigilance, the Price of Safety.
25 December 1862 • Thursday
Thursday 25th Arranged for a Christmas dinner for the Elders and the brethren in the Office, there were present: Elders Bigler, West, B. Young Junr, John M, Kay, and Sis Kay Elders Bull, Shearman, Sloan, Perkes, Graham, and Sister Graham. Bro’s D. M. Mc Allister, Robert, R, Anderson, Ephraim & Wm McMillan. The dinner was excellent and did Elizabeth credit and all enjoyed themselves very heartily. In the evening we all attended a tea party in the Chapel, and had an excellent evening’s enjoyment in listening to the singing recitations and acting. There were two pieces performed: “The Phenomenon in a Smock Frock,” and “Box and Cox.” The acting of Bro’s Graham and Perkes was admirable. The folks from the Office were the main contributors to the evening’s amusements, and I was much gratified with their efforts.
26 December 1862 • Friday
Friday, Decr. 26th. Dictating letters to-day.
27 December 1862 • Saturday
Saturday 27th. Conversing with Bro’s West and Bigler respecting condition of Conferences & Elders that were to be released the coming Emigration. Took cars for Birmingham in the evening with Brother B. Young Junr. Met at the Station by Bro Mills.
28 December 1862 • Sunday
Sunday 28th Met with the Saints in Conference to day at the Odd Fellows Hall. We had very fine meetings; and, in the evening, I spoke on the mission of Brother Joseph Smith, and the divine evidence in its favor, with great freedom to a very attentive congregation of about 1200 persons. Bro. Brigham Junr and myself both spoke, throughout the day.
29 December 1862 • Monday
Monday 29th We, Bro Brigham Junr and myself returned to Liverpool.
30 December 1862 • Tuesday
Tuesday 30th Bro & Sis Kay returned to Manchester. Busy in Office.
31 December 1862 • Wednesday
Wednesday 31st Busy all day in the Office.
2 January Missionary report to Brigham Young
4 January Disturbance outside the meetinghouse but peace within
10 January Clay in the hands of the potter; prefers preaching “the Gospel of Jesus unto the honest in heart” than “association with the so-called great men of our nation”
6 February Encountered Charles Derry, a missionary for the “New Organization” under Joseph Smith III
28 February Sought counsel from Brigham Young about sending his wife Elizabeth home; more about Charles Derry
11 March Heard Charles Dickens read from Nicholas Nickleby and The Pickwick Papers
13 March Visit to Windsor Castle
23 March Learned about original purchase in 1698 of the Cannon ancestral home, Cooilshellagh, Isle of Man
24 June Cannon’s wife Elizabeth with their daughter Georgiana sailed for New York
24–25 August Travel to Gothenburg, Sweden
26 August Disposed to be unsuspicious; gift of discernment
27 August Visit to the palace in Stockholm; Swedish baths
1 September Travel in Sweden
2–3 September Travel in Norway
6 September Conference in Norway. “My heart warms towards this people.”
10 September View in Norway “equal to the finest in Switzerland”
17 September Saw newly elected king of Greece, George I
19 September Problem with indebtedness by elders
2 October “Received a letter from my father-in-law, Bishop [Abraham] Hoagland”
6–7 October Letters from Brigham Young Jr. and Chauncey W. West
8 October “Singular reflections respecting my daughter Georgiana”
9 October Learned of his daughter Georgiana’s death
17 October Report from Brigham Young regarding emigration
22 November Countered disturbance of meeting
31 December Extensive counsel given to elders
1 January 1863 • Thursday
Thursday Jany 1st 1863. May this New Year to entered upon by me with renewed determinations to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him and realize his blessings and power to a far greater extent that I have yet done.
Busy in the Office all day.
2 January 1863 • Friday
Friday Jany 2nd. Dictated a letter to Prest Brigham Young this morning which Bro John C. Graham wrote as follows:
President Brigham Young
Dear Brother
Since my last to you, December 12th, I have received your welcome favor of Novr 13th[.] I was much pleased to receive it having felt considerably anxious respecting the designs of the troops who had located in such close proximity to the City.
The calm way in which you allude to them and their designs has had a very reassuring effect upon myself and the brethren. It certainly is pleasanter to hear of their remaining quietly in their camps attending to their own affairs than to hear of their being engaged in brawls in the City.
The articles mentioned in your letter that you wish Brigham to purchase shall be attended to. He has read your letter & will do all in his power to meet your wishes. I shall make the necessary arrangements in compliance with your counsel for him and Bro West to take the continental tour and visit the countries which you mention.
They spent the Christmas here and were both in good health. It being necessary for Bro Bigler to visit the Saints in Ireland —his old field of labor — they concluded to accompany him, as they did not know they would have a more favorable opportunity of visiting the Emerald Isle. They took their departure for Belfast on the 21st ult. By letter received this morning I learn that the wind blew a gale part of the passage, but they had arrived in safety, Bro’s Bigler and West being very sea sick and Brigham escaping the sensation entirely. He enjoys an immunity from sea sickness as in our voyage across the Atlantic he did not appear to have the slightest symptoms of nausea. He is growing very large, bursting all his clothes that were made for him some time ago, tho’ it is not for the want of exercise, as he informs me that he has for some time back walked, on an average, seven miles a day. When last weighed he pulled down 210 pounds. This Mission will be attended, I think with excellent effects to Brigham, and if he preserves the feelings he has at present, which with the help of the Lord he says he is determined to do, his influence will be powerfully felt for good among our young men at home.
I am in hopes that your next letter will contain some counsel respecting the emigration[.] I have received no word as yet respecting the sending down of teams from the Valley to assist the Poor this ensuing spring. If nothing unexpected should occur, I suppose we may safely calculate upon their coming down as usual. That I may be prepared to furnish you with the numbers of those who will avail themselves of this aid in getting to the Valley I have addressed a Circular to all the Elders requesting them to give me the number, as near as they can, of those who will be able to go through with their own means, of those who will be able to go part of the way (that is, have partly sufficient means to take them from Florence to the Valley) and of those who will be able to reach Florence. As soon as I get these figures I will forward them to you. I should be pleased to have you suggest whom you would like to act as emigration agents this coming season. This is a matter I should have written to you about earlier. In case I do not get word from you in time upon this point, would not Brother William, C, Staines be a suitable man to go over and make arrangements with the Railroad company for the transportation of our people? Unless I should hear something from you to the contrary, I expect to release him to return in the Spring. I am also making calculations upon releasing all the Elders this coming Spring who left home for Europe in the Spring of 1860. They are expecting to be released, as their missions, by the time they will reach home, will extend to a three years and a half’s absence. In the absence of definite counsel from you upon the subject I am leading the Elders who came when I did, in the fall of ‘60, to expect that they cannot be spared this spring, as the wants of the Work are such that, if the fields be kept up, as at present; unless Elders come early in the Spring from the Valley, they must remain. Brother Staines is one of the exceptions out of this number, and probably brother Thomas, O. King will be; as I understand, though able to go about, the climate of this country affects him seriously. If there should be any more of the Elders whose health will be likely to fail them, they will also be released. I have endeavored to be watchful of the health of the brethren, and in making changes of fields, have had this in view, some parts of the country agreeing with particular constitutions better than others. I am thus free in mentioning these matters to you at the present time so that if there is anything that does not meet your mind your counsel upon the subject will reach me sufficiently early in the season to make any change that you may deem desirable.
We are calling out all the native help that is available; but there is a great dearth of suitable men for the ministry. I am trying, however, to arrange matters, so that in case you should not think it wisdom to send any Elders here in the Spring the Work will not suffer materially. The Elders and the Saints, generally, so far as I know, feel well, and are awakening to a sense of their responsibilities. The general feeling seems to be, among the people, that if they suffer this Emigration season to pass by unimproved they do not know when another opportunity will be offered to them. Wherever I have gone of late among the Saints eager inquiries are made of me respecting the Emigration this coming Spring. Many of those who are trying to get away appear to be harrassed by a fear that something may interpose to prevent them from obtaining the consummation of their wishes. Our prayers and our faith are being exercised in behalf of the Emigration. If it be the Lord’s will we would like to see the way kept open until the honest and the meek in these lands are gathered out. But it seems almost too much to expect that this will be carried on without <an occasional> interruption.Since my last I have met in Conference with the Elders and Saints in Glasgow, & in Edinburgh, and held meetings with the Saints in various towns in Scotland. The work is in a very health condition in that land; but the people there, as elsewhere, are very poor. I think Bro George Peacock, who is presiding over the Edinburgh Conference, would like it very well if he could be released in the Spring to return home; but he did not express himself pointedly, leaving me to draw the inference, as he said he had made up his mind years ago never to ask for a Mission and when he was called to one never to ask to be released. Last Sunday I met in Conference with the Saints in Birmingham; there was a very crowded attendance of Saints and Strangers, the Odd Fellow’s Hall, which is said to be arranged to seat twelve hundred comfortably, being packed to overflowing, almost every foot of available standing room being occupied. It is but seldom that I have had greater liberty than I enjoyed in the evening in addressing the congregation, who listened with breathless attention to the arguments I advanced in favor of Joseph being a prophet of God, and of this being the great work of the last days, of which prophets and apostles had spoken. We all rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Accept my love to yourself and to Bro’s Heber and Daniel and the brethren of my quorum and Bro Carrington. That the Lord may continue to bless and preserve you from every evil is the prayer, as ever, of your Brother.
(Signed) G. Q. Cannon.
In the afternoon and evening balancing my monthly Cash account with Bro Perkes. My cousins Fanny and Leonora Kidd called in the afternoon and stopped the evening. I conversed with them at some length on the principles of the Gospel.
3 January 1863 • Saturday
Saturday Jan,y 3rd. Started this morning at 10.30 A.M. to Birmingham where I expected to meet Brother Mills and we go on together from there to Bristol to attend the Conference which had been appointed to be held there on the morrow. I took dinner at Bro Mills’ and we started at 5 P.M. for Bristol which place we reached at 9.45 P.M. and was met at the Station by Bro Halliday. He put us in a Cab, as it was raining very heavily, and took us up to Bro Stevens’ who is the father of Sister Robert Neslin. They made us as welcome as they could.
4 January 1863 • Sunday
Sunday 4th A mob of low characters incited by an Apostate of the name of Wm Saunders Parrott, surrounded our meeting house every meeting and tried by every means in their power to annoy us and disturb our meetings by yelling and making every kind of noise, and throwing stones and dirt at the door and those who tried to enter. Parrott had been busy all day yesterday advertising our meeting, and endeavoring to stir up excitement about us. He came into the morning and afternoon meetings and made grimaces and contortions all the time he was there; but in the evening he did not dare to venture out, as he has to be led by the hand in the dark. Between the meetings he stood on a chair opposite the meeting house and harangued the mob, and distributed pictures of various kinds to them. A number of them accompanied him to the afternoon meeting and would have been pleased to have been able to disturb our meeting inside; but they failed. We had a very peaceful time all day inside the house. The Spirit of peace was in our midst and we rejoiced the more because of the contrast between the row outside and their ineffectual attempts to disturb us and what we enjoyed within. Bro’s Halliday, Wm Willis, Thos Gates, Chas H. Rhees and Thos Jeremy and several presiding Elders of Branches spoke during the forenoon. I spoke in the afternoon and evening, and Bro. Mills followed in the evening. We had a very good time.
5 January 1863 • Monday
Monday Jany. 5th. Started for Bath this morning in company with Bro Mills. We expected to have met with Bro’s Halliday & Jeremy at the Station, but missed them. Had an exceedingly pleasant visit to the City. We visited the principal streets and places and I think it the prettiest city I have seen in Great Britain. We called upon Sister Parrott and family and spent a short time, then went to Bro Dellimore’s to dinner. He was quite sick in bed with the Rheumatism; we administered to him and the President of the Bath Branch, Bro Davis, who was troubled with a cold. After dinner we returned to Bristol. Held Council meeting with the Officers and spoke to them. Had a very good tea party in the evening. Songs, Recitations & anecdotes were given for our amusement. I spoke for a short time. Slept at Bro Halliday’s.
6 January 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Jany 6th Arose early in the morning, and bade Bro’s Halliday and Willes good bye, and accompanied by Bro Hewlett to the boat. Bro’s Mills, Jeremy and myself embarked for Cardiff which place we reached after two hours sail. It was pleasant, but rather cold. Stopped at Bro Evans’ the President of Cardiff Conference. In the afternoon visited Cardiff Castle; was shown the dungeon where Robert, Duke of Normandy and King of England was imprisoned by his brother Henry for twenty-six years and where his eyes were destroyed. A castle belonging to the ancient Kings of Britain stood here, it is said, hundreds of years before Christ. We went through the grounds of the castle; they were very beautiful. It rained very heavily. In the evening held a meeting which was well attended. I spoke and was followed by Bro Mills in testimony. We were both blessed with excellent liberty. In the course of my remarks I alluded to the miserable falsehoods told by William, O. Owen (who was cut off a few weeks ago for his corrupt and wicked conduct) in his recent lectures in Cardiff and showed in a brief, but, as I think, convincing manner how totally unreliable the testimony of such a man is, and pointed out the causes which must have been operating—namely, his wicked and unvirtuous conduct—to bring him into his condition of opposition to the work of God. Bro Mills’ testimony in favor of President Brigham Young and the condition of affairs in Utah was very powerful and of a character to impress the people with its truthfulness. Slept at Bro Evans’ with Bro Jeremy.
7 January 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday Jany 7th. Took breakfast this morning at Bro Shepton’s. Took train for Liverpool, via Newport, Bro Mills and myself travelling together as far as Hereford. Missed the connection at Shrewsbury and was detained three hours in consequence. Arrived home between half past 8 and 9 o’clock. P.M. Found all well and Sisters Spencer and Mc Manus here on a visit.
8 January 1863 • Thursday
Thursday 8th. Busy opening and reading letters. Dictated editorial — “Exemption of the Saints from pestilence. — Sanitary Hints.”
9 January 1863 • Friday
Friday Jany. 9th. Dictated a great number of letters connected with Office and Church business.
10 January 1863 • Saturday
Saturday. 10th. Wrote to Bro. Heber C. Kimball <& to my Bro David> as follows:
Dear Brother David
I feel condemned for my protracted silence; for I realize that whether you and Angus write or not, I should not neglect my duty in writing to you; but should rather seek to strengthen the ties which bind us together, while deprived of personal intercourse, by intimate and frequent correspondence. I presume we can all make apologies for our neglect in writing. You, who have had the difficulties of a new country to contend with and a home to create have doubtless had every moment of your time occupied, and when not occupied in physical labor, have had your duties as an Elder and Saint to attend to, and when you have had leisure I can readily understand that you have felt too tired to take up your pen and write a letter. Though I have not had labors of this character to attend to, yet my time has been fully occupied, so much so, that I have felt to be reproached for my neglect in writing to my brothers and sisters. It has been a rule with me to attend to my public duties first, and always let them take the precedence of my private obligations. And this being the case I have never found leisure since my arrival in England that I could not find business pertaining to my position to attend to. I know that this can be carried too far, for the Lord and my brethren do not require me to neglect those other duties which keep up so tender and delightful an intercourse as that which ought to exist between brothers. I have been exceedingly anxious to hear from you; but all that I have been able to learn has been through Sarah Jane’s letters. She has not failed to communicate to me all she could learn but what she has sent me has been so meagre that it has only whetted my curiosity to hear more. There are a thousand questions that I could ask if I were with you, or that I could ask any body else who knew you & your family and circumstances. I hear that you are doing well, and that you are satisfied with your new location. This is pleasing news to me; for the idea that I had of that country previous to your settlement there was anything but a favorable one, and I was afraid that you might get discouraged. It is turning out I suppose much better than any of us expected, for I now hear very flattering accounts from there. I make allowance, however, for a little exaggeration in the matter. Another thing connected with your removal South was that we were to be again separated. If I were to consult my natural feelings, this would be disagreeable to me. If I could have my wish, nothing would please me better than to have my brothers and sisters live near to myself. But in all these matters I now that the Lord overruleth for the best, and if we could be in his hands as clay in the hands of the potter, he will fashion us into vessels of honor for his glory. I am learning very rapidly to make my happiness consist in doing the will of God our Father. I know there are many things in the past that if I had had my way I would have arranged differently; but I am now convinced that my arrangement would have been a bad one, and that out of seeming evil the Lord has brought forth great & abundant good. I have no doubt it will continue to be so in the future, and we may as well learn this to begin with as to wait until Death to learn it. I hope yourself and Wilhelmina and David Jr and Angus & his family and Orin and Annie and their family and Leonora have all enjoyed good health since you have been there, and that your children are growing in body and mind and likely to prove worthy representatives of their Parents. There will be such a strong party of you after awhile that you will draw us to you.
As the President is counselling the Twelve to move to various settlements, as I learn by news from home, I scarcely know where my lot will be cast. It will be all right, however, wherever it may be, if I only do right myself. I hope to have the privilege yet of visiting you in your new home.
I scarcely need relate to you any personal incidents that have transpired since you left here, because, I presume, you have learned them from those who correspond with you in the Valley. Cousin George, J. Taylor bled at the lungs so freely last winter, that we were very much alarmed for his safety. After our General Conference, in January 1862, I brought him up to Liverpool with me, where he remained until he left for home. During that time he improved in health and made himself as useful as he could. My own health has been very good, generally, though I suffered last winter from palpitation of the heart and from pain in my breast — affections which my trip to the States had a tendency to remove. Elizabeth is in better health now than she has been before since our arrival in England. She was very sick indeed last Spring and was brought almost to the gates of death by the gastric fever. For ten or eleven days I did not sleep scarcely more than an hour consecutively, and during that time never had my clothes off to lie down. She was so reduced that I moved her from one bed to another — carrying her in my arms as I would a child. It took her some time to recover from the effects of this illness. It was pretty hard on Georgiana; and her little pinched up face gave me evidences (which grieved my heart) that she suffered also. Of course she had to be weaned. She has been very healthy from her birth and has given us no trouble except once or twice in teething. She is quite large of her age, & thrives finely, but is very backward in her walking. She will be 20 month’s old on the 21st instant, and yet she cannot walk alone. She can walk round by chairs and other things but will not venture away from a support. This does not arise from any physical defect, so much as from her excessive timidity and caution, joined probably to a little weakness in the ankles. She is becoming very interesting and is a great comfort to her Mother.
My trip to the States was a very pleasant one; and Bro Hooper and myself in our capacity as Senators, were treated with great courtesy and consideration and accomplished as much as could well be expected under the circumstances. When we parted, he to return home and I to come back to England he thought that we would have to spend this winter there. I have been pleased, however, in being excused this trip for the present, having been advised by the President that only in the case of our being admitted as a State need I go over there, and then to take my seat as Senator. I say that I have been pleased that I had not to go, not but what it would have been a pleasure to do whatever might be required of me, but when there was a choice my inclinations would lead me to prefer the preaching of the simple and pure principles of the Gospel of Jesus unto the honest in heart and the visiting of them in their lowly abodes to the association with the so-called great men of our nation. I have had much joy in my labors and I have felt that I have been greatly blessed.
You will be surprised, probably, to see that this letter is not in my own hand writing, but I have found it impossible of late, to visit the Conferences, attend to the Star, and the business of the Office and the large correspondence which naturally belongs to the position of President and do the writing myself. Of late I have commenced dictating all my correspondence using Bro John C. Graham as an Amanuensis, so that you receive my language but in his handwriting. I found, if I wrote you at all I must do it in this way. I shall write soon to Angus and if possible to Orin and Annie. Elizabeth joins me in love to every one of you, not forgetting Sarah Maria and Amanda, whose names I have not previously mentioned. May the Lord bless you all, is ever my prayer. Write when you can. Your Affectionate Brother
(Signed) Geo. Q. Cannon.
Bro and Sister Mills arrived in the evening from Birmingham on a visit.
11 January 1863 • Sunday
Sunday Jany 11th My birth-day. I started early this morning for Bolton, where I was met by Bro Kay. We held morning and afternoon meetings here at both of which I spoke. There was an excellent attendance. Bro’s Miles, P. Romney and James Lythgoe were also present. In the evening returned to Liverpool.
12 January 1863 • Monday
Monday 12th. Had a call from my father’s cousin, James Crawford. Sister’s Graham and Mary Spencer were here in the evening.
13 January 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday 13th. Busy with Office business. In the afternoon went out with Bro & Sister Mills and my wife to Bro Carrington’s at the Old Swan, returned in the evening.
14 January 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday Jany. 14th. Dictated Editorial, “Slanders against the Truth and its believers Readiness of the world to believe in them.” Bro & Sister Sloan took tea with us and we accompanied Bro & Sister Mills to witness a Pantomime at the Theatre Royal.
15 January 1863 • Thursday
Thursday 15th. Busy about Office, writing &c. In the evening we accompanied Brother and Sister Mills to see Professor Anderson, the “Wizard of the North.” His performances were very excellent exhibitions of skill.
16 January 1863 • Friday
Friday 16th. Busy in the Office all day.
17 January 1863 • Saturday
Saturday 17th. Took train this morning for Nottingham, where I arrived about the middle of the afternoon. I found Brother’s Chase and Pixton well; they were very glad to see me. In the evening I had a long conversation with Mr Fussel, who is head of the School of Art in this town. He is a very intelligent man and favorably impressed by our principles. He talks of making his future home with us in the mountains. A great number of the Saints came in also during the evening.
18 January 1863 • Sunday
Sunday Jany. 18th. At meeting in the morning during which Bro’s Chase and Pixton gave a representation of the Conference and the former read the financial report &c. I spoke a little during the forenoon & occupied the afternoon and evening, and enjoyed excellent liberty in talking to the people but especially in the evening, when the Assembly rooms which were hired for the occasion was filled to overflowing, and excellent attention was paid by the Congregation. I took dinner with Bro Whittaker and tea with Bro Riley. We selected Brother Henry Arnott to the ministry and in the evening after meeting ordained him.
19 January 1863 • Monday
Monday 19th. I started after breakfast for Liverpool, the brethren accompanying me to the Station. Found all well when I returned.
20 January 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday 20th. Busy about Office business all day. Dictated Editorial “Ye ask & ye receive not, because ye do not ask aright.” In the evening took Bro & Sister Mills and my wife to Hengler’s Circus.
21 January 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday Jany. 21st. Bro Mills & wife returned to Birmingham, expressing themselves highly pleased with their visit.
22 January 1863 • Thursday
Thursday 22nd. Busy writing.
23 January 1863 • Friday
Friday 23rd. Dictated Editorial “The Straight and Narrow way — Who can find it.”
24 January 1863 • Saturday
Saturday 24th. Started for Norwich to attend Conference on the morrow, had a long tedious ride, reaching that city at 8.30. I was met at the Station by Bro’s Bentley, Bull, Sears, & Webb; found Bro Neslen at Chapel House. Spent a very pleasant evening together. I did not get to bed till two o’clock A.M.
25 January 1863 • Sunday
Sunday 25th. Met in the Saints’ Chapel[.] The usual business of the Conference was attended to, Bro Bentley & the Elders laboring under his direction gave an account of their labors and the condition of their fields. Brother Bull, who was there on a visit also spoke, after which I made a few remarks. In the afternoon and evening I occupied the time and enjoyed the meetings very much.
26 January 1863 • Monday
Monday 26th. Busy writing. Started about 1 o’clock in company with Bro’s Bentley and Bull for Lowestoft. While there we stopped at the house of Sister Griffith whose husband is not in the Church and is confined to his bed with sickness. We were very kindly entertained by her she doing everything in her power to make us comfortable. She is a woman who has moved in very good circles and who lives now very comfortably. She has two little daughters her only children who are at a Boarding School in the town, and who were granted as a special favor, which they appeared to appreciate very highly the privilege of spending a few hours at home because we were there.
27 January 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday 27th. We visited various places in the town and called at the Photographic Saloon of Bro Reynolds who insisted on taking the likeness of me. He had taken likenesses of Bro’s Bentley and Bull, which he had painted very beautifully in oil. In the evening held meeting in the Chapel. There was a good attendance of Saints and strangers to whom I spoke having excellent liberty.
We took tea at Bro Rockham’s this evening <&> after evening meeting went to his house and ordained Bro John, R, Howard, having selected him to travel in the ministry.
28 January 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday Jany 28th. We were awakened this morning by Sister Griffith at 1/4 to 5, she having I suspect with her girls sat up all night (or the part of it that we were in bed as we sat up till long after Midnight) that she might awaken us and get something ready for me to eat before starting. I started a little after six from the Station for Liverpool, which place I reached late in the afternoon, found all well.
29 January 1863 • Thursday
Thursday 29th. Busy all day in Office. In the evening held meeting at the Hall in this town. Had a tolerably good attendance and enjoyed myself in speaking. There was a lady present by the name of Howard, who had been anxious for some time to see me, she had heard my name & wished to know whether I belonged to the family with whom she had been acquainted in former years. She was intimately acquainted with my mother’s relations and had known my Father and Mother before they emigrated and had often nursed me when a child. Her husband James Howard, whom I recollected very well when she told me who she was, was a fellow apprentice of my uncle Henry Quayle. She is an aunt to Bro Laurenson who belongs to this branch and is a sister of Bro Laurenson who is in Provo. She seems to be favorably inclined to our principles & expressed great delight at seeing me.
30 January 1863 • Friday
Friday Jany 30th Bro C. W. West arrived from Wales to day, his health being somewhat impaired by a severe cold which he had caught[.] I had advised him upon hearing of his cold to come to Liverpool & recruit as I think his lungs are rather delicate and he must be careful of himself in this damp climate. My little daughter, Georgiana, appeared quite unwell this evening, seemingly arising from teething, she has considerable cough also.
31 January 1863 • Saturday
Saturday 31st. Georgy still continues unwell. In the evening went with Bro West to the Turkish Baths. When I returned I found a letter from Bro Kay stating the advantage there would be in my going to Manchester this evening to be ready for the meetings he had appointed for tomorrow instead of waiting until tomorrow morning to go. Altho’ Georgy was very ill I thought it better to leave this evening as I might disarrange Bro Kay’s plans if I did not. I administered to her with Bro West before I left, committing her into the hands of the Lord. I reach Manchester about 9 o’clock; was met at the Station by Bro Kay, slept at his house all night. Sister Kay’s health was only tolerable.
1 February 1863 • Sunday
Sunday Feby 1st We started for Stockport. (Bro K, Sis K, and myself) Held meetings in the morning and afternoon, there was a very good turn out of Saints and strangers. Two or three of the Elders spoke very briefly in the forenoon after which I followed and enjoyed much of the Spirit both on that occasion & in the afternoon most of which I occupied in speaking. We took dinner and tea at Sister Smith’s and then returned to Manchester where we met with the Saints in their Hall. It was filled to its utmost capacity, & they listened with almost breathless attention while I spoke for about an hour and a half on the principles of the Gospel. I left somewhat hurriedly after finishing my remarks excusing myself to the congregation before they sang and prayed on account of the sickness of my daughter. By great exertions I succeeded in reaching the train just in time to get passage to Liverpool. I found Georgy a little better, but still very low.
2, 3, 4 February 1863 • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Feby 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Engaged in Office business. Georgy still continues very bad. We administered to her frequently and with good effect. Mr Smith announced it to be inflammation on the chest and prescribed poultices composed of a piece of suet about the size of a hen’s egg boiled and mixed with bread crumbs and about two teaspoonsful of mustard to be applied to her chest her [he] lanced her tooth to day which appeared to give her considerable relief. Bro J. G. Bigler arrived to day from Ireland where he has been laboring since about Christmas; he has been very sea sick on the passage and his health poor otherwise. Bro Kay arrived from Manchester.
5 February 1863 • Thursday
Thursday Feby 5th. In the evening held meeting in the Chapel and preached on the first principles to a tolerably large congregation. They paid excellent attention.
6 February 1863 • Friday
Friday 6th I was waited upon by a man of the name of Charles Derry an Englishman who once labored in the ministry in this country & who had emigrated to the Valley in 1854 where he lived 4½ years. He had resided in Ogden and Farmington. He denied the faith at the latter place. His object in calling upon me was to inform me as the Head of the Church in this country that he had come as a missionary for the “New Organization” under young Joseph Smith & to ask me if I would permit him to have the use of our places of meeting to lay his principles before our people. I promptly answered him that I would not. He said that I must be afraid of truth then & feared investigation that we were anxious to obtain privileges from others in their meeting houses which we were unwilling to extend to him. I replied that we were quite willing to extend to others the same privileges which we asked for ourselves; but that I did not view him and those with whom he was associated in the same light that I did an honest sincere sectarian for they had known the truth and had denied it, while the others were in ignorance. As for investigation long years of experience had given me all the Knowledge which I wanted respecting the men connected with the so-called New Organization.” I had known many of them before the prophet Joseph’s death and I was acquainted with their course. He then said he had another request to make which he did not expect however I would grant and that was, Would I publish the General Epistle of “Prest. Joseph Smith.” I told him of course I would not. He then left. The Spirit he manifested was that of contention. He evidently would like us to notice him. I told him that we would not notice his existence in any manner, that we wanted nothing to do with him, nor his party, that all England was open before him as it was before us if he wished to make proselytes. But this of course would not suit the purposes of these fellows. The propogation of the principles of truth is not the object of their labors, but it is to assail, defame and destroy the servants and Church of God, and to seduce unwary members by their sophistry & lies from the fold of Christ. They are in reality wolves in sheep’s clothing, talking loudly about their belief in the Prophet Joseph while at the same time they are filled with the same Spirit that actuated his murderers to shed his blood. I have a thorough and unmitigated disgust for these Apostates —breakers of their covenants both to God & man.
Hell itself could not produce a meaner crew of false, traitorous and malignant apostates than are to be found within the bounds of that so called “New Organization.” All the filthy excrement which the Church has parted with to keep it in a healthy condition from the days of the Apostacy in Kirtland down to the present time has been accumulated within that organization, with but little exception. I regret exceedingly, in some respects, that the children of our beloved prophet should be in the least degree mixed up with such a foul crowd; but I feel (and the feeling amounts to knowledge) that circumstances will be so shaped that this miserable connection on their part, will, ere long, be broken, and some of them, if not all, be brought to see, in its true light, the position which they occupy. It is my constant prayer that they may be so enlightened; for it is horrible to me to see them hand and glove with men whom I know were deadly enemies to their father while living. I understand there are two of their so called apostles coming after a little. I have predicted that the advent of these characters will do us good, and be attended with beneficial results to us, if we do our duty & their efforts to benefit themselves will result in failure and discomfiture.
7 February 1863 • Saturday
Saturday Feby 7th Wrote a long letter to President Young and also to my wife Sarah Jane. I addressed a Circular to the various Elders in the Mission occupying the leading positions in the Conferences advising them of the arrival of Derry so that they might be on their guard and be prepared to vigilantly ward off the attacks of such as he and giving them counsel to let such fellows severely alone & to not suffer them to draw any of the Elders or Saints into discussion with them, informing them also what the character of this so called “New Organization,” is.
8 February 1863 • Sunday
Sunday 8th. Attended meeting in the Chapel[.] Bro Bigler spoke, after which I followed and had considerable freedom. The sacrament was administered, at the conclusion of which Derry who was present rose & wished to get the privilege of speaking. I told him that he could not have it, that I had given him his answer on Friday, and I considered his making a request at the present time impertinent and very much out of place. He persisted, however, in talking, making some remarks about the responsibility which rested upon him. I told him that if he would not sit down I should be compelled to send for an Officer for we would not have our meetings disturbed. He came up to me after meeting was dismissed to explain his reasons for attempting to speak stating that he felt it to be his duty to warn us. I told him that I wanted to hear nothing from him & wanted to have no communication with him that if he felt it to be his duty to warn the people there were thousands of people besides ourselves whose salvation ought to be sought after as much as ours and he need not thrust himself so persistently upon us after we declined to hear him. His object in thus making the request in public was evidently to create a feeling of sympathy in the minds of the Congregation, as I saw him casting his eyes over the congregation while he was talking to see what effect his remarks would produce. But they had no apparent effect upon the people & when he sat down after I had given him so prompt a rebuff his face wore a fiendish expression. He looked at me very malignantly.
In the evening attended meeting in the Chapel. Bro West spoke and had for his subject “Necessity of continued revelation.” His remarks were excellent being well sustained by abundant quotations from Scripture, which he quoted with ease and correctness. I never heard him speak better than during the last half hour of his discourse.
9 February 1863 • Monday
Monday Feby 9th Spent the day in the Office. In the evening Sister Mc Manus, her cousin, Sister Spencer & Bro & Sister Graham came and spent a very agreeable time.
10 February 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday 10th Dictating Editorial “The Spirit of Apostacy — its fruits & manifestations.”
11 February 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday 11th. Dictating letters during the day.
12 February 1863 • Thursday
Thursday 12th. Dictating letters. In the evening attended meeting with Bro Bigler at Bro Hodge’s in this town. Bro B and myself spoke. I ordained and set apart Brother R. E. Morwick to labor in the Liverpool Conference as a Travelling Elder.
13 February 1863 • Friday
Friday Feby 13th Arranging Journal. Bro Bigler left for Sheffield in the morning. Cousins Fanny & Leonora Kidd called in the evening.
14 February 1863 • Saturday
Saturday 14th Busy writing Journal. Wrote a few letters connected with Office business.
15 February 1863 • Sunday
Sunday 15th Attended meeting at the Saints Chapel in the morning and evening when Brother Shearman spoke on the Necessity for continued revelation followed by me on the same subject. We have had very cold weather for a day or two. To day has been as cold a day as I think we have had this winter.
16 February 1863 • Monday
Monday 16th Received a long interesting letter from Captn Hooper under date of 26th Jany. he describes the condition of affairs in Washington as being very dreadful and in striking contrast to what they were when he and I were there last summer. Sickness abounds. The hospitals are full of wounded soldiers. The political corruption is really more dreadful than even pestilence. He writes as though he scarcely expected us to get admitted this winter & he asks — “If deferred until another winter, what will there be left to be admitted to? They appear willing to admit us if we would accept admission with provision against polygamy” but he informs them that we would not accept admission with such provision.
Bro’s West & Shearman went to Chester for the purpose of investigating the case of John Jewry.
17 February 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday Feby 17th Busy finishing Editorial entitled “Prophecy fulfilled and its truth vindicated by its Unbelievers.”
Bro Kay arrived from Manchester. Dictating several letters. Bro. Reynolds arrived from London.
18 February 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday 18th Called upon Mr Carr to see him about business, for Bro Orson Hyde —more Chancery business—and also about some other items. Bro’s West and Shearman returned from Chester. Dictating a number of letters.
19 February 1863 • Thursday
Thursday Feby 19th Writing letters to Captn Hooper, Bro Amasa M, Lyman, and my brother Angus. Attended Saints Chapel in the evening and addressed the Congregation.
20 February 1863 • Friday
Friday 20th Dictating Article entitled “Wise policy in Emigrating.” I received three interesting letters from Bro J. W. Young which I inserted in the Star and on which I based my remarks. Bro & Sister Graham spent the evening with us. Sister Cannon busy changing bedroom.
21 February 1863 • Saturday
Saturday 21st Wrote a letter to the Prest. and a letter to Mr John Miller of Cardiff respecting W. O. Owen who had apostatized. We sent our little daughter Georgiana in the care of Alice Howard to Brother and Sister Peet’s who live on a farm near Ormskirk for the benefit of her health.
22 February 1863 • Sunday
Sunday 22nd Attended meeting in the chapel. Bro. West and myself occupied the forenoon and the Sacrament was administered. Bro. Shearman had been advertized to speak in the evening upon the subject “Hope for the World, or the Millenial era.” By his request I spoke upon that subject[.] I had considerable freedom in doing so. I occupied about an hour and a quarter during which the congregation listened very attentively. My Aunts Margaret & Mary were at the meeting.
23 February 1863 • Monday
Monday Feby 23rd The American mail was delivered this morning. I received a letter from Judge Phelps, Jany 17th. in which he says, — “I shall be 71 years old one month from today and I can say without the fear of contradiction that the past year has been one of the happiest of my life, without pain or sickness, and according to the revelation of Joseph, I expect to live the next 70 years, improving on the past and then may be “caught up & changed in the twinkling of an eye.”
Also received a letter from Bro Ben, F, Johnson in which he breathes very warm feelings; it was dated Jany 15th.
Wrote a number of letters.
24 February 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday 24th Went into the town to see my bondsmen — Mr Fazakerley (Bookbinder) and Mr Brown (of the firm of Cearns & Brown, Provision Merchants) about going with me on Thursday to file bonds for my Passage Broker’s license. Wrote a number of letters. In the evening attended in company with my wife, Bro’s West & Shearman, & Bro Middleton & wife (Bro Middleton furnishing the tickets through some interest he had) a concert at the Philharmonic Hall. The piece was “Judas Maccabaeus” one of Handel’s oratorios. The principal artists were Madame Reudersdorff, Miss Palmer, Sims Reeves & David Lambert. Mr Reeves is considered the best tenor singer in England. It was the first oratorio I ever heard, and I was much delighted with it. Madame Reudersdorff’s singing was very fine. I was particularly pleased with the chorus of the Youths and Maidens — “See the Conquering Hero comes.” There was a chorus of 250 male and female singers.
25 February 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday Feby 25th. Wrote a letter to Grandma Goodfellow and visited Mr, and Sister Tilley and family in company with Bro’s West and Sloan, a portion of the family being in the Church. Mr. [last name redacted] was formerly in the Church and was cut off for non-payment of Tithing. We returned in the evening and found Sister Spencer at the Office.
26 February 1863 • Thursday
Thursday Feby 26th In the morning called upon Mr Fazakerley and Mr Brown for the purpose of having them accompany me to the Emigration office to secure my license as a Passage Broker. Wrote a letter to my wife Sarah Jane & visited my aunt Margaret in the afternoon in company with my wife. In the evening attended meeting and had a very good flow of the Spirit while speaking.
27 February 1863 • Friday
Friday 27th. Attending to Office Business & dictating letters. Commenced one to President Orson Hyde and the brethren of my quorum.
28 February 1863 • Saturday
Saturday 28th. Wrote the following letter to President B. Young:
Dear Bro Brigham
During this week past I have felt very much impressed to write to you for counsel respecting sending my wife home this coming season. I have not heard from you for some time, and therefore do not know what your feelings may be respecting my own labors this year whether I shall stay here or return. Upon this point I still feel, as I ever have felt, to be in your hands like clay in the hands of the potter, and to take pleasure in returning or remaining just as you shall dictate. But as the Spring is drawing near, and if I should be very fortunate in obtaining your reply, I cannot expect it before the emigration season will be nearly ended. I thought it better not to defer writing any longer than this week whether your letter, which I have been expecting for some time, reached me or not. My reasons for alluding to the return of my wife are; that I feel (and I may say all the Elders with whom I have conversed on the subject feel the same) some doubts respecting the road being open another year for emigration to go through without interruption, and as we would have some dodging, and probably hard travelling to do to reach home, if that should prove to be the case, it has struck me that it might be wise to send her home this season while the road is open and there is but little danger comparatively from our enemies. I fear, also, that if she should remain here, and we then should have to go through by some circuitous route, that her health might be so impaired, this climate not agreeing with her, that she might break down under the fatigue. Naturally, she would prefer stopping until I should return, in which preference I myself should join, if there was no danger of trouble, or if it should be your counsel so to do. I may here remark, that since she returned from the trip on the Continent with me, her health has been better than she has had before in England; but is not so good as has been usual with her at home.
If she were to return this season, she could probably return, if you were to think it wisdom, in company with Bro West when he returns in company with Brigham. In conversation with them they thought she could go home in that way better than any other, and be able to endure the journey, and Bro West proffered to take charge of her through. If you should think this way of returning injudicious or unadvisable, she could go with the emigration. I dislike to trouble you upon these matters, as I know that you already have enough to think about; but I know you will pardon the freedom I take in view of the circumstances.
Since my last letter was written to you (Feb. 21st) there has nothing new transpired particularly worthy of note. I have written a letter to my quorum which Bro Geo. A. will doubtless show you in which there may be a few items concerning the apostate Derry that may possess some little interest.
Unless your letter or letters should contain instructions to the contrary, it is my present intention to appoint Bro J. G. Bigler (as well as Bro Staines) Agent for the Emigration and send them over together to New York about the 14th March. I have tried to hope that Bro Bigler would not have to be released, as I knew that his help would be seriously missed; but I am forced to conclude that change of climate is necessary for the restoration of his health. Had he not concealed his condition from me for fear that somebody might think he was trying to get a release I presume I should have come to this conclusion much earlier. Accept my love to yourself, Brother’s Heber and Daniel and Brother Carrington. That the Lord may bless and preserve you is the constant prayer of Your Bro, as ever,
(Signed) Geo. Q. Cannon.
Dictated an Editorial entitled “Sin of Adultery, and its consequence.” Completed my letter to President O. Hyde, &c as follows: —
President Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Geo. A. Smith, Amasa, M, Lyman, Ezra, T, Benson, Charles, C. Rich, Erastus Snow, Lorenzo Snow, and Franklin, D. Richards: —
Beloved Brethren,
As I stated in my last, under date of December 13th., that it was my intention to open and keep up a correspondence with you, I now again attempt to fulfil that promise. Since my last letter was written to you every thing connected with the Work in these lands has continued to move on harmoniously and with tolerable success. The Elders and Saints have generally, manifested a disposition to throw off every feeling of lethargy and to engage in the discharge of their duties with greater energy than ever. I feel, however, that there is still room for abundant improvement in all, & I trust we will not rest satisfied until it is made.
William, O. Owen, whose excommunication I mentioned in my last, has been doing all in his power in public lectures of the most wicked and malignant character, to arouse a spirit of hatred and opposition against us. He has fully abandoned himself to the influence of the Spirit of Satan, and indulges in every conceivable slander against us. So far, his efforts have been attended with no particular results; for blind as many people are respecting the Truth, they are not so utterly destitute of reason and sense as to fail to perceive his inconsistency and falsehood, he having told them two stories, both of which cannot possibly be true. An apostate, of the name of Parrott stirs the Elders up occasionally by raising a mob wherever he can to annoy them and to disturb our meetings. He gave me a charivari early in January, while visiting Bristol to attend a Conference; but he did not succeed in interrupting our proceedings or in preventing us from enjoying ourselves. Since then, he has paid Elder Bramall & the Saints in Southampton a visit & issued handbills of an exciting and inflammatory character, and has delivered public lectures against us for the avowed purpose of interfering with and putting a stop to all our labors in this country. One of his handbills is headed “One Hundred Guineas Reward.” to Bro Bramall, and some others of the Elders and myself, if we will meet him & prove our doctrines true upon a certain night named in the placard. That night he had a large audience in expectation of a discussion; but there being nobody there to meet him, and the people being disappointed in seeing the fun which they expected, they left as many as twenty at a time and at the conclusion of his lecture there were there scarcely any present. He disgusts every decent person who goes to hear him, & though he succeeded in obtaining a “Reverend” for his chairman in his first lectures he became so ashamed of his connection with Parrott, that he left him. I counselled Bro Bramall to refrain from noticing him in the least. He and the Saints have adopted this policy and thus far it has been attended with the happiest results. In Bath our people are much persecuted by a mob incited and headed by members of an “Anti-Mormon” association, which exists in that city. They have hired a hall quite close to that occupied by the Saints and are doing all in their power to break up our meetings there.
A man by the name of Charles Derry, waited upon me two or three weeks ago to ask me, as he said, for the privilege of setting forth his principles to our congregations in our chapels throughout the country. He said he was a missionary sent over by the “New Organization of the Church,” under young Joseph. My reply was, that he could not have that privilege. He thought I was not as fair with him, as we wished others to be with us — that we asked others for the privilege of preaching in their Halls, but would not grant him ours for such a purpose. I told him, I would feel very differently were he an honest Sectarian, who wished to set forth his views in sincerity; but, he himself, had once known the truth and had apostatized from it, and those who sent him were in the same condition, and I knew they were neither honest nor sincere. I knew their history well & knew them to be base, bad men. He said I was afraid of the truth, and feared investigation. I replied that I knew the truth, & that there was no need at this late hour to investigate the claims of such fellows as he, for we had learned it through long years of sad experience. He then wanted to know, (though he prefaced his request by the remark that he thought I would not grant it) if I would publish the “General Epistle of President Joseph Smith?” I told him of course I would not. He then left. On the Sunday morning following I found him ensconsed in a seat in one corner of the chapel, when I went in. After I got through speaking he rose and requested the privilege of making some remarks. I repeated my refusal, and as he was disposed to be pertinacious, told him that if he did not sit down immediately I should put him in charge of a police officer. At that he caved. After meeting he came up to me & said that it was the weight of his responsibility under which he was laboring which induced him to rise. I replied that it was just such a responsibility as the Devil had ever felt. He evidently intended to arouse, if possible, a feeling of sympathy in the minds of the people in his favor, but he failed most signally, and when he was compelled to sit down I caught sight of an expression on his face of baffled and disappointed hate. Not knowing where he might direct his steps I wrote a circular to the presiding Elders throughout the Mission, putting them on their guard against the insidious approaches of such “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” I warned them particularly against permitting themselves, or any of the Elders and Saints under their jurisdiction, to be drawn into a discussion with this man or any others with similar pretensions, telling them to adopt the let-them-alone-severely policy. I learn by letters from Elder Mills, that he was at West Bromwich last Sunday, in company with some old apostates, and arose to “say a word by way of bearing testimony,” but they (the brethren) had been put upon their guard by the counsel which had been given, and they would allow no such thing. After meeting he wanted to speak, and attempted to inveigh against Polygamy. The Doctrine and Covenants, Book of Mormon and the Bible were about to be appealed to, when the Brethren told him to desist at once, & they ordered the room to be cleared, as the meeting was over: It was in this town where he married his wife before he emigrated to the Valley. He has been shown no quarters, however, by any of our people, and will, I am confident, do us more good in the end than harm. I felt to predict this when I first knew of his arrival. My teachings to the Elders and Saints have been, not to descend from the dignity of their positions to argue and to hold controversy, neither with the Devil nor with those filled with his Spirit, nothing can be gained, I have told them, by reasoning with apostates, men who have known the truth & denied it and forfeited the Spirit of the Lord & yielded themselves up to the Spirit of the Evil One. I have a thorough & deep grounded dislike to these miserable liars & covenant breakers — so many of whom are to be found within the bounds of this “New Organization.” They are a base crew of malignant blood thirsty creatures who were so corrupt years ago, that they could not bear to see holiness and purity and virtue exist embodied in human nature, and therefore sought to shed the blood of those who cherished these principles. I regret greatly that any of the children or relatives of our beloved prophet should be connected in any way with such a crowd, many of whom sought and rejoiced over the death of their father. I feel convinced, however, that circumstances are being so over ruled that they, or at least a portion of them, will yet have their eyes open to see their true position, and where alone they can find the true friends of their father and family. It is my prayer that they may be thus enlightened.
Eugene Henriod wrote me a very humble letter from Atchison. I can scarcely reconcile its contents and the Spirit it breathes with the fact of the girl’s confession at Southampton that she had been seduced by him. I mention this letter to you now, because in my last letter to you, I informed you that he had denied having done any wrong with any person in the Church, yet this girl had testified that he had ruined her and as I have not seen the girl, myself, I wish him to have the benefit of the doubt in your minds which his penitent letter has raised in mine.
Unless some counsel should come from the President to the contrary, I expect a number of the Valley Elders will be released this Spring to return home. They feel very pleased at the prospect of so soon enjoying the society of their families and the Saints of God. The Saints are very desirous to get away this Spring, already applications from all quarters have commenced flowing in to me to know if I cannot extend them a little help to get away, some lacking more and some less money, & these applications will increase very rapidly as the time of Emigration approaches. As yet, I have received no intimation from Brother Brigham respecting the sending down of teams to the Frontiers to carry up the poor and as I do not like to make any very definite moves or to stir the people up very much upon the subject of Emigration until that arrives, we feel considerably anxious to receive some word. The people from Scandinavia are intending to come by way of Liverpool this season instead of via Hamburgh as they did last. We think the advantages are greater by this than the other route. The Work is prospering there and numbers are being added. In many Conferences, in this Mission also, the labors of the Elders are being attended with marked success.
Brother John L. Smith is pursuing a very wise and saving course towards the Saints & the people within the limits of his Mission. When everything is considered I think the Elders there have done and are doing remarkably well. In France Bro Bertrand has many grave difficulties to contend with, which prevent him from being as successful in his labors as he otherwise would be. He does not appear to get discouraged or to give up trying and occasionally baptizes a few. I proposed to him, when I was in Paris, in view of his lengthy absence from home and the utter indifference of the people to the message of which he is the Bearer, to return home this Season; but left it to himself to decide. He has since expressed a wish to remain another year. The Holland Mission, I think, from present appearances, will have to be abandoned. You will doubtless recollect that Elders Van der Woude and Paul, A. Schettler were appointed a Mission to Holland in the spring of ‘61. For some time after their arrival they had but little success, and Bro Van der Woude wrote some very discouraging letters here, in which he evinced but very little faith. Money had to be sent there to sustain them, and as I had no Authority to thus use funds I mentioned the matter in a letter to the President. He counselled the withdrawal of the Elders, if the people would not receive their message. In the meantime, however, they had baptized a few, and as prospects appeared brighter, we thought it better to let them try a little longer. As I had learned that there was difficulty in the Branch they had raised up I thought it better to visit them while I was on the Continent, and concluded it would be wise to separate the Elders and removed Bro Schettler to labor with Bro John, L. Smith, who was much in need of his help, and with whom he could labor with greater pleasure and harmony than where I investigated the difficulty, & thought the principal opponent of Bro Van der Woude evidently had a bad Spirit, yet Bro Van der Woude’s course had been a very unwise one. The latter promised to do better, and the difficulty was settled, only, however, to break out with greater violence, as I have since learned. One object that I supposed would be gained by the removal of Bro Schettler would be that the Branch, as I was informed by them, would be able to sustain Bro Van der Woude; but I have since learned that they refuse to sustain him—that is, those of them who have the means—and I have been compelled to forward him money to keep him from suffering. As I have no hopes respecting his accomplishing anything in that country I have deemed it better to release him to return home in the Spring. I think that the right kind of man might do good in that country, but it is without doubt, I think, a hard field.
Bro’s Bigler and West still travel through the Mission and their labors are attended with very good effects.
Accept my love to yourselves, individually, and to your families in which my wife joins. Praying the Lord to fill you with his Holy Spirit and to endow you with the power of your Apostleship and to preserve your lives long upon the earth, I remain, as ever,
Your Brother
(Signed) Geo. Q. Cannon
Elizabeth started this morning for Ormskirk taking Rosa with her to bring Georgiana back. She returned in the evening. Georgiana was much improved in health.
1 March 1863 • Sunday
Sunday March 1st. Bro West & myself started for Upholland where we were met by Bro Shearman at the Station. Transacted business at the morning meeting; after which I spoke. Bro West spoke in the afternoon, followed by myself and brother Shearman. The meetings were very good and the Hall was filled to its utmost capacity. There were larger attendances there than had ever been before. We took dinner at Bro Peter Rowbottom’s and tea at Bro Baldwin’s. Walked to Wigan in company with the Elders and a number of the Saints. Bro Wilson was with us all the way. I had very good liberty in addressing the Saints at Wigan. Bro West & myself returned to Liverpool in the evening.
2 March 1863 • Monday
Monday March 2nd. Balancing a/c with Brother Perkes. Engaged in Office business. In the evening went with Bro’s West and Wilson to see M. Leotard’s performances at the Amphitheatre on the flying trapeze, his performances were most extraordinary far excelling everything of the kind I ever witnessed his flights were more like those of a bird than anything that could be done by man. All his performances were very wonderful and would appear frightful were they not performed with such grace and apparent ease. The strength of his arms must be uncommonly great. He would in his swinging, propel himself from one trapeze to another. While swinging by one he would seize the other trapeze which would be swinging towards him and come down upon each arm with his whole weight & in such a manner as would break the grip of a man of ordinary strength. Once or twice I saw him seize the trapeze with one arm and swing by it. He made these flights backwards also, turning himself & leaving one trapeze to seize the other. Some flights he made again by his legs, swinging with his head downwards and carrying hold of the other trapeze with his hands, his somersaults were extraordinary. He was rapturously applauded. He is very gentlemanly in his appearance, and is probably about 30 years of age. In height he is about six feet, and is as finely built a man as I think I ever saw. He has a retreating forehead, and a very full head & a slightly retreating chin. While he was sitting in one of the side boxes, I observed him before I was aware who he was and pointed him out to Brother West remarking that he did not look like a smart man meaning so far as intellect was concerned.
3 March 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday March 3rd. Wrote several letters, and attended to other business.
4 March 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday March 4th. Had a Turkish bath in company with Bro’s West & Wilson. Wrote a number of letters. Received a very satisfactory and pleasing letter from President Young. I have been long looking for this letter as I have not heard from him since Novr 13th. The letter was dated Jany 26th. From it I learn that it is his intention to send down 500 teams to Florence this Spring. Everything was moving along harmoniously at home. He leaves me at liberty to release such Elders as I and those of the Valley Elders whom I may please to consult may decide upon and also leaves to my discretion the arrangement of the Hymn Book. I received a very long and interesting letter from Bro Geo. A. Smith in reply to a letter written by me to President Orson Hyde and the brethren of my quorum. After Bro Smith wrote it, it was read to Bro’s Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff and Amasa, M. Lyman, who approved of its contents and signed it. Also received a letter from Judge Phelps with a Primer accompanying it which he wished published. Attended a Concert in the evening at the Saints chapel which passed off very pleasantly.
Source Note
Daybook, 1863–A
George Q. Cannon, Daybook, 5 Mar.–10 Sept. 1863; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 101 inscribed pages of journal text and 5 inscribed pages of financial and other notes; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Small pocket-size notebook measuring 4¼ × 2½ × ½ inches (11 × 6 × 1 cm). The white, unlined paper of the text block measures 4 × 2¼ inches (10 × 6 cm). The text block is made up of fifty-four leaves (including two blank pages) and two flyleaves, one at the front and one at the back. The endpapers have a nonpareil marbling pattern with blue, red, yellow, orange, green, and black. The cover is made of dark maroon leather. The front cover has a built-in pocket for loose papers, which opens to the inside. The cover is also bound with a pouch for a small writing instrument and has a clasp for securing the covers. The edges of the text block are marbled with a similar pattern as the pastedowns. The inside front cover has a seller tag (“T. J. & J. Smith’s Ivory Surface Memorandum Books”). The verso of the first flyleaf and the recto of the following leaf bear a printed schedule of mailing costs titled “Stamp Act Information.” A small calendar for the year 1862 was pasted on the back inside cover. A plain white archival sticker on the front cover bears the typed call number “Ms d 5504 | fd 2 v. 3”.
Cannon’s daybooks were donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one of his grandsons at an unspecified time.
5 March 1863 • Thursday
[Daybook goes from here to 16 March 1863] Thursday, March 5th/63. Very busy Went up to Brother Sloan’s last night in company with Bro’ West to administer to him. He was quite ill and suffering from a pain in the side. Very busy all day. Dictated an Editorial, which Bro. Graham wrote as I dictated, entitled [blank] {“To the Saints and intending Emigrants — Names &c., required immediately.”}
Wrote a number of letters and issued a circular on emigration.
6 March 1863 • Friday
Friday, 6th. Busy this morning opening and reading letters before starting to London which I did, in company with Bro. West at 9.25 A.M. Reached London about 8 p.m after a tedious ride and was met by Bro. Staines. The train was a monster one upwards of 40 carriages, it was said, and we had considerable difficulty to find one another and to get a cab. At Florence St. we met Bro’s. Bentley, Brigham jun, and Thos O King and S H B Smith and Joseph Bull and M. B Shipp. They were all well and glad to see us. Went out in the evening on an Omnibus across London Bridge and on the line of the expected procession of the Prince of Wales and his intended bride who were to be escorted thro’ the City tomorrow. Great preparations were being made all along the route[,] workmen fixing seats, erecting triumphal arches and decorations &c. The streets were very much crowded. We reached the house about midnight and retired between one and two A.M.
8 March 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, March 8/63. At about ½ half past 1 p.m. we started for the Music Hall, which had been hired expressly for the Conference. Conference was opened at ½ half past two. The body of the hall —a very fine commodious one — was crowded. Bro. Staines spoke & then represented the condition of affairs the Conference which was very flattering and alluded to his departure for home. Bro’s. B. Young jun and Thos O. King, followed him, expressing their own feelings & representing their districts. Bro’s. West, S. H. B. Smith, and Shipp followed in testimony and spoke with the Spirit. I proposed the authorities and nominated Elder Richd Bentley to the Presidency of the London Conference in the stead of Bro. Wm C. Staines whom I released to go to the States to act as in conjunction with Bro. J G Bigler, as Agent for the emigration in the States. I alluded in warm terms to the labors and faithful diligence of Bro Staines and blessed him to which the congregation responded with a loud Amen. I also made some remarks upon emigration &c. After meeting went to tea at Bro. Debenham’s. In the evening the hall was very much crowded. I spoke for about two hours and had very good liberty.
9 March 1863 • Monday
Monday, March 9th/63 Started this morning into the City and called upon George Peabody & Co. about obtaining Certificates of Deposit. Called upon Grosvenor, Chater & Co., the paper dealers, about paper for the hymn book and also upon Day & Son about ob having the President’s likeness engraved for the plate of the First Presidency & Twelve. Went to the British Museum and spent two hours. In the evening went to the Theatre Royal. {Theatre Royal Haymarket and saw “Our American Cousin,” performed.}
10 March 1863 • Tuesday
Monday Tuesday 10th/63. Recd a letter from Sister Griffiths, who wrote very kindly, also one from Bro. Bigler, the latter of which I answered. We visited the Regent’s Park and the Zoological Gardens. Saw our “American Cousin” in the evening.
Tuesday, 11th/63
Went to Brother & Sister Andrews for tea, and then took the underground railroad from King Cross Station to Paddington for the purpose of coming back through the city and seeing the illuminations. We passed through the principal streets and saw the most of the illuminations which were very splendid. I never saw such crowds in the streets as there were this evening. We walked indian file and being all strong and heavy, eight of us in number, we forced ourselves through the crowd with comparative ease. We were all very much tired when we got home a little before midnight. I afterwards heard that 6 persons were crushed & trampled to death.
11 March 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, March 11/62 <63> Attending to business all morning; at Day & Son’s and about the President Young’s likeness. Made an arrangement with them to engrave it. Called at Grosvenor, Chater & Co’s about paper for Hymn book. Went to the Crystal Palace in the afternoon with Bro’s. Staines, Bentley, Brigham, Shipp & West. Returned in time to go to Hanover Square Rooms to hear Chas Dickens read from Nicholas Nickleby and [blank] {“Pickwick.”} He read in eight or nine different voices in the first and five or six in the second readings pieces.
12 March 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, 12/63 Wrote a circular to all the Presidents of Conferences urging them to be prompt in sending in their lists of names and deposits of emigrants, then went to Day and Son’s with the plate of the First Presidency and Twelve and then to Grosvenor, Chater & Co about paper. Went to the House of Commons and by the kindness of Brother Wootten secured passes to the gallery. We sat there about two hours listening to Sir George Gray, Home Secretary, Mr Layard, Under Secretary of State, Mr Gladstone, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mr. Lindsay. We saw Lord Palmerston, but did not hear him speak. In the evening went with Bro. West to see Aurora Floyd and the Honeymoon at the Princess’; the former was acted very finely, Miss Amy Sedgwick taking the principal part.
13 March 1863 • Friday
Friday March 13/63. Wrote two or three letters. Went to Grosvenor, Chater & Co with Bro. Shipp to give some orders about paper. Then went to Paddington Station and took train for Windsor where we arrived about ¼ to 3 p.m. We followed the crowd, which was very great, and passed the Hall in which the doors of the Bride & Bridegrooms Bridegroom and their attendant’s rooms led. The Prince’s rooms were very fine elegant indeed, the Prince of Wales’ room had a very be was papered with a very beautiful <blue> satin paper, having for its principal figure his <the Prince of Wales’> feathers. The Princess Alexandra’s room was papered splendidly with a beautiful satin paper of a peach blossom color, set off with white trimmings; the figure was the arms of Denmark. From this Hall we entered the nave of the Chapel which was seate filled with seats erected for visitors to the wedding. From this we entered the Chapel (St. George’s) in which were the Stalls of the Knights of the garter, their banners hanging over their stalls. The royal pew was not entered from the body of the chapel and it jutted out from the wall like a bow window, the occupants being able to look down upon the altar &c. Temporary seats had been arranged for the Diplomatic Corps and the nobility. The Knights of the Garter occupied their stalls. From the Chapel we passed through a portion of the Castle grounds; but the Castle was clo itself was closed[;] visitors as the Queen and Royal family were dwelling there. Returning through the Chapel again we met Brother West and found Brigham outside. We returned to London again we took train by the underground railroad from Paddington to King’s Cross, where Brigham separated from us and returned to the Office. Bro’s. West, Shipp and myself went to Bro. Groves where we found Bro’s. Staines & Bentley and took tea with them.
14 March 1863 • Saturday
Saturday March 14th Brother Bentley accompanied me this morning to the King’s Cross Station and I took train to Longton, Staffordshire, where I had an appointment to meet the Saints in Conference tomorrow. Changed at Derby and remained nearly an hour. I reached Longton in the evening and with a little trouble succeeded in finding the house where the Brethren <were> stopping (Bro Cresswell’s) Bro’s Mills, C. Taylor, & Hopwood were there. We visited the Market House in the evening.
15 March 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, 15th/63. Held meetings three times to-day, tho’ there were so few together in the morning that we did no more than sing and pray together. The other meetings were well attended and we enjoyed ourselves.
16 March 1863 • Monday
Monday, March 16/63. Visited the a Pol a China manufactory at which Bro Cresswell was working. We were taken through all the departments and shown the various processes of manufacture. There was It requires more labor to make China ware than I had supposed. The painting especially was much more required an amount of labor of which I had no conception [end of daybook]
17 March 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday March 17th. Busy writing, giving instructions and letters of introduction to Elders J. G. Bigler & W. C. Staines as they were going over to act as Emigration Agents on the other side. They were instructed to transfer all business papers &c to whoever might be appointed and sent down from home to superintend the Emigration and were to act under his or their direction.
18 March 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday March 18.th Accompanied Bro’s Bigler and Staines on board the steamship “City of Washington,” in company with Elder John, M. Kay. Writing letters in the evening.
19 March 1863 • Thursday
Thursday March 19.th Elders John, M. Kay and Brigham Young Junr left for the Isle of Man.
20 March 1863 • Friday
Friday March 20.th Busy in the Office business.
21 March 1863 • Saturday
Saturday March 21.st Started this morning for Cheltenham to attend Conference. As I was not met at the Station by any of the brethren and was a stranger in the town I had some trouble in finding the brethren. I met Bro’s Willard, G. Smith & George, W. Grant in the street and was guided by them to a place of lodging where we were joined by Brother’s Wm Thurgood and George Taylor and afterwards by Bro J. G. Holman, who had arrived from Derby. Took a stroll through the town which contains the best houses and is the most beautiful town I have seen in England. In the evening went to see Martin’s great picture of the fields of heaven, the last judgment day, opening of the sixth seal. They were magnificent paintings, but rather fanciful.
22 March 1863 • Sunday
Sunday March 22.nd Held 3 meetings & spoke three times. The other brethren also occupied a portion of the time. We had a very good time and the Saints enjoyed themselves. Brother Holman was appointed District President. I was anxious that he should take charge of the District as the 3 Conferences composing it were very much in debt, through the mismanagement to call it by no worse a name of the former District President (W. Gibson). This indebtedness had been studiously concealed from me until quite recently. Bro’s Holman, W. G. Smith and myself took dinner with Sister [blank] who is living as a Servant to a professor of music. He and his wife were quite desirous that we should take dinner there. His wife had made the pastry herself for the purpose. They did not show themselves, however. Took tea at Sister Hobbs’.
23 March 1863 • Monday
Monday March 23.rd Started very early this morning for Liverpool. Found all well. A telegram appeared in to day’s paper stating that a collision between the military and the Citizens of Utah was imminent in consequence of Governor Harding, Judges Waite and Drake having called upon Col. Connor to arrest Presidents Young, Kimball, and Wells. The Citizens, it was stated, were in arms, and determined to resist the arrest of the Presidency by military force.
Elder Sloan arrived from the Isle of Man whither he had been on a visit & searching up my genealogy. He had learned on an examination of the records that an ancestor of mine had first come into possession of the Cooilshellagh by purchase in the year 1698. He was John Cannon, my Great, great, great-grandfather.
One of the name, <but whether an ancestor of mine, I have no means of knowing,> John Cannon, had a farm transferred to him in the year 1614. It is quite probable that he was one of the family. He <Bro’ Sloan,> had traced my mother’s family — the Quayles — back to my great, great, great-grandfather, when he was unable to trace it further on account of the great number bearing the same name.
24 March 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday March 24.th Word was brought to the Office this evening by one of the printers, that a telegram had been received in town from Queenstown and contained in the 3rd edition of the Daily Post that “Brigham Young had been arrested for bigamy.” I tried in vain to obtain a copy of the telegram.
This news made me feel very bad, as coming so close after the news of yesterday I feared there might be some foundation for it. I got relief from my sadness by prayer, after which I felt comparatively easy.
25 March 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday 25.th When I read the full telegram this morning I saw there was no room for fear, as it stated that he had been released on bonds. Bro’s Kay & B. Young Junr returned to day, and with my wife and Bro Bull went with me to Bro Lawrenson’s where I married Elder Robert Wilson to Sister Jane Swift of Upholland.
30 March 1863 • Monday
Owing to the hurry of Emigration &c I have not kept my journal with proper punctuality for a few months. On the 30th of March 1863 I received a letter from John Sabin Smith & his wife, of Birmingham, the following of which is a copy: —
12½ St. Paul’s Square,
Birmingham.
March 30th, 1863.
Dear Brother Cannon
It is with peculiar feelings and sorrow that we send these sad news to you. We feel that you are desirous of the salvation of Israel and whoever are labouring with you; and are working in an opposite direction are injuring the cause of God and the progress of his kingdom. We have long felt grieved to hear that President W. G Mills has tried to seduce one of the sisters, and we begin to fear that it is really so, as iniquity abounds in the West Bromwich Branch without being checked, and some of the Birmingham Saints are beginning to feel bad about it. I should have written sooner, but Sister Smith prevailed on me to wait until we were more firmly convinced of the truth of it. We have ever felt an interest in the work of God, and of being on hand to help to roll it forth with our humble exertions; we never felt more grieved than at the present time. If you could possibly make it convenient to visit the West Bromwich Branch, you will then know the truth of our statement; & we are willing to give up our Authors, - so you see there is nothing undermining in the matter. A man in the occupation of Brother Mills, is calculated to do either a great amount of good or a great amount of harm. We thought it our duty to apprize you of it.
We hope, with the blessing of God, this will find you and your wife and family in good health, as it leaves us at present; thank God for it.
We conclude, praying God to bless you and your fellow laborers,
We remain Yours truly in the Gospel of peace,
John Sabin & Emma Smith.
As I could not go to Birmingham myself, I wrote as follows to Bro West who was at Nottingham, requesting him to go there.
March 30th 1863.
Dear Brother Chauncey,
The enclosed speaks its own tale. Please preserve it and keep its contents to yourself, for the charge may be utterly false. I would like you to take steps to prove or disprove the charge as soon as you can. I would not compromise myself by writing, and therefore think the safest and only way to investigate the matter is to have the personal presence of yourself there. The writers of the enclosed are employed at Garside’s silver chain factor; he is the book-keeper and they live up in the yard of the factory. You may recollect them by this description. Whether you had better see them first or go to the other place direct I will leave you to decide; but should think the former course preferable, as you will get the clue, if there be any, and ascertain whether they have good grounds for their charges. Of course your production of their letter to me will be an evidence to them that you are authorized by me to hear all they have to say on the subject. Be careful about committing yourself by any expression to them which they can retail again. You will need to exercise wisdom. The charge seems quite incredible; but whether true and false must be attended to, as the feeling they (and it may be others have) must not be permitted to go unattended to. Accept my love in which Elizabeth and Brigham joins, also to Bro Chase. You have the prayers of Your Brother
(Signed) Geo, Q. Cannon
On the 5th April I attended a Conference at Bedford, at which were present a number of the Elders: Bro’s Brigham Young Junr[,] Joseph Bull, R. Bentley, W. Bramall, Thos, O. King, M. F. Farnsworth, David Gibson, M. B. Shipp & Thos Crawley. While there I received letters from Bro West respecting the case of Brother Mills, which informed me that upon investigation, he had good reasons for believing Wm G. Mills to be guilty of the grossest acts of wickedness with women. He wrote me the particulars that he had ascertained by conversing with the parties with whom Mills had had connection and two or three with whom he had taken liberties and tried to have connection, Two girls ([first and last names of two women redacted]) confessed that Mills had seduced them, [12 words redacted]. Two others ([first and last names of two women redacted]) confessed that he had [27 words redacted]. All these statements they maintained face to face with him and his cross-examination could not shake them from their testimony, they stating in the most solemn manner that what they affirmed was true & he knew it.
An account of more bestial conduct than they testified he had been guilty of I never heard. When I read the first letter of Bro West’s on the subject I was so shocked at the thought of a man holding such a position as he did practicing such villainies and making such hypocritical pretensions as he did that I could not refrain from shedding tears and felt quite unmanned. Though W. G. Mills had never been a man that I could have implicit confidence in, from the first of my acquaintance with him, having always had to use a species of moral force upon my feelings to quell the suspicions that would rise within me respecting him, still, as he had his wife with him, I could not think that he would be so utterly abandoned and corrupt as to seduce young females and practice the wickedness which had now been exposed.
8 April 1863 • Wednesday
April 8th I went to the house of Brother and Sister Graham and spent the evening. I blessed their child and called it Eliza Catherine Morris.
10 April 1863 • Friday
I wrote the following letter to brother Brigham Young:—
April 10th 1863.
Dear Brother Brigham
At a Council meeting of the Priesthood (Elders West, Kay, Bentley, Pixton, Cliff and Chas Taylor & myself from the Valley being present) of the Birmingham Conference held in the Saints chapel at Birmingham last evening (Thursday, April 9.th) Elder W. G. Mills was cut off from the Church for Adultery.
About eight or nine days since I received a letter from a family who belong to the Church in Birmingham in which they stated that Elder Mills had attempted to seduce a girl who lived at or near West Bromwich, and that, if I would come down, they would give me all the particulars. As I could not spare the time then to go there, I wrote to Bro West, who was at Nottingham, enclosing the letter I had received and requesting him to take the necessary to investigate the matter; but cautioning him to act wisely and carefully. He obtained the necessary information from the writers of the letter, and had an interview with the young woman they alluded to. She did not acknowledge that criminal connection had taken place between herself and W. G. Mills; [23 words redacted]. Upon Brother West’s return to Birmingham he learned that Mills had taken liberties with the person of a young woman there, and being interrogated by him she confessed that she had been seduced by Mills, [33 words redacted]. At the house where Brother West stopped at Birmingham they had noticed several suspicious circumstances connected with Mills and a girl who sometimes lived with them, but which they had merely attributed to a design on his part to secure her affections &c so that he could make her his wife when he reached home again. When she was interrogated, however, under a strict and solemn charge to tell the truth she confessed that she had been seduced by Mills, and that he had promised to marry her when she reached the Valley—that when she had expressed her fears about what they were doing, [28 words redacted] &c &c. She had felt very miserable for some time back, and had neglected her meetings very much of late. The seduction of this girl had been accomplished in her own father’s house, where Mills had apartments during the absence of the family. [29 words redacted]. The details were all written down by Brother West & signed by the girl; but they are too thoroughly disgusting to be repeated. In addition to the testimony of these girls, [40 words redacted]; and another one testifies [32 words redacted]. The family to which she belongs bears an excellent reputation as well as her. [28 words redacted].
I was at a Conference at Bedford on last Sunday when I received Brother West’s letters informing me of the result of his investigations. I was very much shocked at the news; for, however much I may have suspected and scrutinized W. G. Mills, upon other points, I certainly did not look for him to be guilty of such wickedness (having his wife with him) as the testimonies of these girls set forth. I went to Birmingham by the first train on Monday morning, and, soon after reaching there, sent to inform Mills that I was there & wished to see him. He strenuously denied being guilty, asserting in the most positive manner his entire innocence, though he admitted that the case against him looked very black. I told him that it was my intention to send for these persons & hear from themselves the statements they had to make, and I would like him to be present. He said that he would rather be excused, as he did not wish to pass through such an ordeal again that night as he had the night before. The night before, Bro West heard from the girls the statement they had to make in the presence of Mills and two or three other brethren, and they had a very warm time, in consequence of the girls’ persisting in their statements in spite of Mills’ denials and cross-questioning. The father of one of the girls who was present, resented the language Mills employed to his daughter and Brother West had to interfere to prevent their coming to blows. After hearing the girls’ statements I had not the shadow of a doubt respecting his guilt; indeed, I feared it was too true from the time that I received the first intimation of his wrong-doing. As I found that the news of his transgressions had been noised about considerably I determined to call a Council meeting of the Conference to convene at the earliest practicable moment so that proper counsel could be given to the Officers and a stop be put to the circulation of idle rumors. Thursday evening was appointed for this purpose. In the mean time, I had Brother Richard Bentley examine carefully the Conference books, which Brother West had obtained from Mills, to ascertain if all was right there.
Mills assisted him by my request, in comparing the books. Up to the time I left Birmingham the books, the examination of which was still being prosecuted as fast as the Branch and I. E. pass books could be brought in, were found to be all right. His wife sought an interview with me as soon as she received an intimation of what he was charged with (he had studiously concealed from her the true charges though he had urged her to pack up and get ready to leave) and her grief was apparently very great. She said that if I could hear him, as she had a few minutes before, cry and assert his innocence that I would be forced to believe him. She said, if he was guilty, she would not bear his name or live with him any longer; but she either changed her mind, I think, on this point before I left Birmingham, or he had persuaded her to believe him guiltless of the charges made against him. On Thursday he was busy with Bro Bentley at the books, and I asked him to attend the meeting in the evening; he requested me to grant him an interview of a few minutes before we should go to the Council. During that interview he repeated his denial in the most solemn manner, said that he was the victim of a base conspiracy, that he had been warned of this beforehand, that he could prophecy what the fate of those would be who had arrayed themselves against him, that he then felt the Spirit of the Lord resting upon him & he knew the Lord would enable him to vindicate his character, from all the charges made against him, that he was exceedingly sorry that the news of the investigation had spread as it would injure the work; he did not care so much about what had been said about himself as he did what would be said about the Work &c. &c.; he portrayed his labors and his zeal and the unhappy condition in which his family would be plunged and endeavored to move my sympathies to take as lenient an action in the case as I could. I told him that he was the most unfortunate “innocent man” that I had ever met with or heard of in this Church; “you believe us, you say, to be the servants of God; if so, go and ask the Lord to show unto us your innocence this night, and we will stand by you through every difficulty and defend rather than crush or injure you.” Before going to the Council we (the Elders) knelt down and besought the Lord to make his tongue say that which would convince all present as to his innocence or guilt. I called upon Bro West and the other Brethren to give a general statement of the evidence upon which the charges were based, omitting the details. He repeated it & the other Brethren bore testimony to the correctness of its recital. I then stated to the Meeting that as Elder Mills had denied these statements I wished to give him an ample opportunity to defend himself, that it could not be said he had been condemned unheard. He spoke at some length, ridiculing what he termed the improbability of the statements on some points; but mainly basing his defence on the denunciation of the characters of three of the witnesses, and ascribing as a motive to the family who had brought the matter to my notice a hatred to him for the active manner in which he urged the doctrine of gathering upon their attention and their fear that they would lose the girl who lived with them which he had seduced. The Elders from the Valley who were present, so far as they expressed themselves to the Meeting, heard nothing from him which caused them to think him innocent; on the contrary all he said had the tendency to convince them he was guilty. Out of nearly a hundred persons (officers only) who were present there was not a dissenting vote when I made the motion that he should be Cut off from the Church; the vote was unanimous. He says he intends to return to the Valley, & he told me, when I first saw him after reaching Birmingham, that he intended to appeal from my decision to you, if I should decide he was guilty. I view him as a most wicked, dangerous and unscrupulous man—a man that nothing but the fear of personal consequences would deter from committing the most atrocious and abominable acts. A man that was not a most hardened and abandoned character, utterly destitute of conscience and all fear of future punishment, could not do what I firmly believe he has done and deny it as he does.
I do thank the Lord that this villainy has been detected so opportunely for the Work, and so unexpectedly, as I am convinced it has been, for him. My constant prayer is, that the transgressor may be exposed & his iniquity be laid bare that his influence for evil with the honest may be overthrown. This exposure of Mills’ conduct has taken many people by surprise. Some few have seen things which they did not like; but he has shrewdly and cunningly contrived to maintain great influence with the people. When Brother West was down before to his field to learn how things were moving, (I having some suspicion that all was not right in monetary matters in consequence of his certificates of audit not coming up to suit me,) the people were loud in their expressions of esteem for Mills, and he spread himself to the best advantage before Bro West, he having got an idea, as I have since learned, that he was suspected. But he is another illustration, so often repeated in these last days, of the folly of man in attempting to measure arms with the Almighty—their downfall comes at a time when they least expect it.
This occurrence, I feel confident, will in the end be attended with good effects to the true Saints. They will feel, more than ever, the necessity of putting their trust in God and seeking unto him for themselves, instead of leaning upon man and suffering themselves to be beguiled by his specious words and appearances. Bro Kay has been appointed to take Mills’ place, and I trust that he will conduct matters wisely. He has managed very well in the Manchester District and will leave there beloved & regretted by the Saints. As I have said before in relation to E. Henriod’s case, I trust that these things will prove a warning to the Priesthood and Saints throughout these lands.
These occurrences are causing me to open my eyes & are leading me to conclude that it is by no means safe to trust to appearances alone. I feel that my experience here unpleasant as it has been in such instances as these, will be beneficial to me if I do right myself. My determination is, by the help of the Lord, to go forth and magnify my calling and be a faithful shepherd and watchman in the midst of the Saints and on the walls of Zion, regardless of consequences to myself.
I trust that yourself and Brother Heber and Daniel are in the enjoyment of good health and every other blessing needed by you for the discharge of your responsible duties. Accept my love to yourself and them, in which Brigham (who is well & is awaiting a letter from you which he expects before he writes) joins. As I expect to write in a few days again, I will draw this to a close, praying the Lord to bless and preserve you from every evil and to richly endow you with every qualification for the discharge of your high duties,
I remain
Your Brother, as ever
(Signed) Geo. Q. Cannon
12 April 1863 • Sunday
On the 12th April, I attended Conference in Sheffield in company with Bro Brigham Junr
18 April 1863 • Saturday
On the 18th April, I attended Conference in Bradford. On the 30th the “John J. Boyd,” sailed for New York with 775 Saints, en route for Zion. Elders W. W. Cluff, W. S. Baxter and H. H. Brown were appointed to take charge of the company on board.
8 May 1863 • Friday
On the 8th May, the “Consignment” sailed with 38 Saints under the Presidency of Elder A. Christensen. On the same day the “B. S. Kimball” sailed for New York with 657 Saints on board, under the Presidency of Elders H. P. Lund, Beckstrom & Vigne. The whole were Scandinavians on both vessels, and on the “Boyd” chief part of the Saints were, also, from Scandinavia; about this date I found it extremely difficult to obtain ships at reasonable terms, as they were in great demand, through the emigration of an extraordinary number of Irish, who it was affirmed, were pecuniarily assisted by the Federal Government with the view of increasing their army. It was also supposed that another reason for the scarcity of vessels and their consequent high rates was the fear of ship owners to send their ships to sea, in consequence of Confederate cruisers being on the look out for American shipping. By the blessing of the Lord I was enabled to procure vessels at as low rates as could be expected, and in time for the embarkation of the people.
19 May 1863 • Tuesday
On the 19th of May, my wife, Elizabeth, gave birth to a fine boy, which I afterwards named George Hoagland Cannon.
22 May 1863 • Friday
On the 22nd the ship “Antarctic,” was cleared with 486 souls of the Saints on board, which were under the Presidency of Elders John Needham, Philip De La Mare and S. H. B. Smith. She sailed the next day. On the 30th the “Cynosure” sailed with 775 souls of the Saints, under the charge of Elders D. M. Stuart, John, S. Gleason and W. G. Smith.
4 June 1863 • Thursday
Our next and last vessel sailed from London, on the 4th June, with 896 souls of the Saints, under the charge of Elders William Bramall, E. L. Sloan and R. Palmer. This is the first ship load of Saints which has sailed from that port. It was quite unavoidable to change our port of embarkation.
Mr Smith, of the firm of Tapscott, Smith & Co endeavoured to obtain a ship to sail from Liverpool, but could not do so — they were all engaged in some way or other. An offer was made to him by a London firm for us to have the “Amazon.” After some conversation, with Mr Smith, I concluded to accept this offer, as it appeared the only course I could adopt to get the emigrants on the other side in time for starting over the plains. While in London engaged in shipping the people, I learned from various sources, for the first time, that Elder Eli, B, Kelsey, while President of the Conference, many years ago, publicly predicted that ships would leave the port of London, laden with Saints. This seemed, at the time, a thing unlikely ever to occur; but by the departure of the “Amazon,” it was partially fulfilled. The total number of Saints who emigrated this season by our own chartered vessels & other vessels in small bodies, is, in our General Summary estimated as 3,666. June 18th Elders Matthew Lyon, Charles, S. Kimball, Finley, C. Free, S. L. Sprague Jr, and J. A. Cunningham arrived by the “Great Eastern,” from New York, on missions. Sunday 21st I addressed the Liverpool Saints in their meeting room.
24 June 1863 • Wednesday
June 24th my wife, Elizabeth, with Georgiana, and George, H. and in company with Elders Joseph, F. Smith[,] George Peacock and Sisters Hannah Howard, Eliza Lyons and Rosina Matthews sailed by the “City of Washington,” for New York, en route for home. I have deemed it wise to send my family home in advance of myself, having been led by the Spirit to do so. I have thought that in the event of any difficulty arising between England & America, or anything else, arising to cause my instant return home, together with her own impaired health, it would be wise and safe perhaps to send her home. It was not, however, without painful feelings that I thus parted with her and the children. On the 28th. I visited the Wigan and Upholland branches, near Liverpool, and addressed the Saints at their meetings.
I had the house and offices about time, thoroughly cleaned, inside, as they had got very filthy and therefore, rendered the place unhealthy. The rooms were painted and hung with paper. The outside of the house, was also painted, which greatly improved its appearance. On the 11th July I left on a visit to the London and Kent Conferences and returned to Liverpool on the 20th. On returning I visited the Eastern Glamorgan Conference, Wales. During my absence the following missionaries arrived from Zion in health & good spirits. W. S. S. Willes, Elnathan Eldredge, Junr John E. Evans, Junius S. Fullmer, Robert Watson, J. C. Wixom, John Gray, Henson Walker, Harry Luff, George M. Brown, Wilford Woodruff Junr, F. W. Cox, Isaac Bullock, A. Lee, C. A. Benson, W. H. Waylett, J. K. Whitney and J. S. Dolten. On the 25th Elders B. J. Stringham, John Sharp Junr S. H. Hill, Heber, J. Richards, Franklin Merrill, Jonas, N. Beck, Joseph Romney, E. A. Richards, Ensign Stocking, C. W. Stayner, Stephen W. Alley and Oscar F Lyons arrived from home on missions, by the “Mersey” from New York. On the 28th July Elders C. W. West and B. Young Junr returned to Liverpool from their tour through France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark. On the 29th Elders David P. Kimball, and R. H. Parker arrived per the “Neptune,” from New York, on missions to England; Also Elders Martin Wood, W. W. Riter, and C. M. Gillett per “City of Washington.” On Friday evening the 31st I held a meeting in the Office, of the Elders recently arrived on missions, and apportioned them their fields of labor and gave counsel and instruction pertaining to the duties which would devolve upon them while engaged in their missionary labors.
1 August 1863 • Saturday
On Saturday, Augt 1st. Brothers Chauncey W. West, and Brigham Young Junr sailed for New York per the “China,” en route for home.
2 August 1863 • Sunday
[Daybook from here to 10 September 1863] Sunday, Augt 2/63. Started early this morning in company with Bro’s. Thos Taylor and Jos. H Felt to Bolton where a meeting had been appointed for to-day. We went to the meeting house and found a company outside waiting for the conclusion of the prayer. The house was so crowded and so likely to be entirely too small for those who would be present at the afternoon meeting that Bro. Taylor thought the Brethren had better try and secure a larger Hall, which they did — the Concert Hall. Bro. Taylor mad We found Bro’s. Geo. M. Brown & Elnathan Eldridge, Jr. and Ja’s. Lythgoe <& Alexander> here. Bro Taylor made the opening remarks after which I spoke and we had a very good meeting and a time of enjoyment. Bro. Taylor and I took dinner at Bro Holt’s. In afternoon met at the Concert Hall. A Report of the condition of the several districts was made by the brethren above-named. Bro. Felt also made some remarks. I followed for about ½ and an hour. In the evening I read a portion of the 24th chapter of Matthew and spoke with considerable freedom for a little upwards of an hour and a half. I was considerably tired after the day’s labor having spoken for upwards of three hours through the day, besides considerable talk in conversation in private and having walked some distance. Bro Taylor without any mention being made of to him by me bought me a first-class ticket. I enjoyed the ride home very much being so tired. I reached home at 11 p.m. and found all in bed and had some little trouble in awakening Bro. Shearman to let me in. Bro Wm Perry Nebeker had arrived on the Great Eastern from home in my absence.
3 August 1863 • Monday
Monday, Aug. 3rd/63. Much wearied to-day. Attending to Office business. I was much Tuesday, 4th relieved in hearing from Bro. Nebeker of the arrival of the Ships “Amazon” and Cynosure.” {The former reached on the 18th of July and the “Cynosure,” on the 19th..} On the former there had been but one death — a child, on the latter eleven deaths through measles. It was a great relief to my mind to hear of their safe arrival as I had been somewhat uneasy on account of the length of the passages.
4-7 August 1863 • Tuesday to Friday
Tuesday, 4th {August 4th 5th 6th and 7th Engaged in Office Business.}
8 August 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Aug 8/63. Started this morning from Liverpool at 8.45 A.M. for Norwich. Reached Peterboro at about ½ past 1 P.M. and remained until about 3. P.M. Took excursion train to Norwich and reached there at 6.5[0] P.M. Not knowing the way to the house I took a cab and drove to the Chapel House where I found Bro’s. Neslin, Willes and Howard. Bro Bentley arrived soon after.
9 August 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, 9th. We held meetings morning, afternoon & evening. Bro. Neslin opened with a few remarks. Bro. Bentley and myself followed. In the afternoon Bro. Neslin read statistical & financial reports. Brother Willes spoke for a few moments. I followed proposing the authorities and Bro. <Wm S. S.> Willes as District President and spoke for some time and felt well in doing so. In evening spoke again and read the 17th chap. of John and had excellent liberty. Started after evening meeting for Lowestoft in company with Sister Bro’s. Bentley[,] <Rackham>, Sis. Griffiths and several Saints[.] We reached about 10 P.M and stopped at Sis. G’s. We did not get to bed until 1 A.M.
10 August 1863 • Monday
Monday, Aug 10th/63. After breakfast took some likenesses down to Bro Reynold’s Photographic Saloon for him to paint for me. Pres. Young, Capt Hooper & self, and my wife Elizabeth. Afterwards walked on the pier head. Took dinner at Sis. Griffiths[;] there were <a> number of brethren and sisters together. At 5½ p.m. went to the Chapel to a Tea Party the Saints had prepared. Enjoyed myself very much. Bro. Bentley and myself started about 8 p.m. for Norwich[,] which place we reached at about 10. Slept at the Chapel House.
11 August 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 11th Awoke at 5 A.m. and prepared to start to L’pool. Was taken with diarrhaea and was quite bad all day. Reached L’pool at about 6 P.m. having started at 6½ A.M. Sick and tired when I arrived.
12 August 1863 • Wednesday
Tuesday, <Wednesday,> Aug 12th Dictated four <three> Editorials to Brother Shearman and wrote several letters and attended to other business, particularly the cash A/c which through being postponed so long without balancing was very complicated. Bro. Bentley arrived this morning from London, to stay here while I should be absent, it being my wish that he should take charge of the Office.
13 August 1863 • Thursday
Wed Thursday, Aug 13th, 1863. It had been my intention to start for Hull to-day en route to Denmark but my health would not admit of my finishing all the business I wished to attend to before leaving. Dictated another editorial and attended to various <matters of> business besides writing a letter apiece to Elizabeth & Sarah Jane. Friday, 14 To-day, three years ago, I reached the Valley from my Mission to the States. A very happy and long-to-be remembered day.
14 August 1863 • Friday
Friday, Aug 14th/63. Called on Leonora (my Cousin) her child, named after myself, was very ill, but was slightly better than he had been. Arranging business matters. Wrote a long letter to the President Young, commenced a letter to Uncle and Aunt Taylor, and wrote several letters on business. Called upon Brother Middleton, who is very sick, in company with Bro’s. Bentley, Shearman & Graham. Spent two or three hours with first two named at Sister Spencer’s, listening to the Misses Emma & Sarah Robinson, from the Isle of Man, sing and play on the piano which they did very beautifully.
15 August 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, 15th. Started at 10. A.M. but had to stop until from 2.30 P.M. until 7.15 P.M. at Retford through being misled by the Railway Guide. Reached Hull at about 9.45 P.M., having had to cross the Humber from New Holland to Hull. Met at the wharf by Bro’s. Bull & Nicholson and several brethren. Took my trunk to the Pacha a steamer on which I had engaged my passage. She was to sail in the morning at 6 o’clock. Stopped at Bro. Williams’ with the brethren.
16 August 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Aug 16/63. Embarked at 6 A.M; but did not get fairly started until nearly eight. The wind was blowing strongly until we reached the mouth of the Humber, when it subsided somewhat, but continued fair. I had felt to exercise faith that I might have a pleasant passage and we did have. I was considerably sick to-day; but slept well on a sofa in the Cabin, preferring it to the berth and being afraid to stir for lest I should commence vomiting.
17 August 1863 • Monday
Monday, Aug. 17th. Much better to-day and did not vomit but managed to eat a little. Came in sight of Heligoland about 5 p.m.
18 August 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 18th. Reached Hamburg at 7 A.M.[;] took cab and to the English Hotel and found that Bro. <Jesse N.> Smith had gone to meet me[;] went down the Street and met him returning. We were much pleased to meet each other. Visited Botanical & Zoological Gardens. Wrote to Bro. Bentley; also telegraphed to him for blank cheques to be sent me for him to fill up in case of nece he needed money while I was g should be away. Started at a little after 5 P.M for Altona where we took cars after passing our things through the Custom House, for Kiel. We arrived at Kiel between 10 and 11 P.M. We hurried down to the steamboat and succeeded in obtaining good berths and then ate supper. We sailed a little after 11 P.M.
19 August 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Augt 19/63. Arose this morning before five and we landed soon after. Took breakfast at the Hotel-Store-Belt and started for Copenhagen at 7.15. Reached the latter place at 10.30 A.M. and were met at the Station by Bro’s John Smith, Edlefson & Julius Larsen. Found Bro’s. Geo. M. Brown and John E. Evans at the Office[.] Bro’s. S. L Sprague and John Gray were in the Hospital, I was sorry to hear, having by some means caught the itch. Called at the Hospital and saw the brethren[;] they were in good spirits though still suffering from the disease.
20 August 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, Aug’t. 20/63 Arose early and had a warm sea-water bath. Showery most of the day. In evening walked in company with the brethren on the Citadel and listened to the pl several tunes played by the band of the garrison.
21 August 1863 • Friday
Friday, 21st Went outside of the city walls to a waxwork and automaton museum. The figures were rather poor as compared with Madame Tussaud’s gallery in London.
22 August 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Augt. 22/63 Went out at 10 A.M. to the Forest — Klampenborg — and a frequent resort and place of amusement for the people of Copenhagen named: Dyrehavsbakke. Wandered round in the forest which was very beautiful admiring the fine beech trees and the deer of many of whom were white and black, colors I never saw in <among> deer before. Took dinner at a small village close by the Ermitage (Hermitage) a small palace of the King’s. Returned to the city at 5½ P.M and spent the evening in the Tivoli, a description of the amusements of which I gave wrote in my journal during my last visit here.
23 August 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Augt. 23/63. Attended meeting in the afternoon, having been kept at home in the morning to meet a man and wife who had left word they were going to give us a call, and I spoke in English which Bro. Carl Larsen and Bro. Jesse N Smith interpreted. The latter also spoke as did Bro John E. Evans in Danish. Bro. E. had been studying the language for some time at the time he emigrated in ‘61 and while in the Valley and on his return to England. On our return passed through the gardens of the Rosenberg palace and saw a very large and beautiful weeping ash tree. A number of Saints came to the Office, among whom were many sisters, and the evening was spent in singing & conversation. This morning I wrote <letters> to Bro’s. Bentley, Shearman & Graham.
24-25 August 1863 • Monday to Tuesday
Monday, Augt. 24/63. Preparing to start to Gottenburg. At ¼ to 12 A.M. we sailed on the steamer Orion. Contrary to my expectations I was not sea-sick this afternoon and evening but was able to eat dinner and supper with good appetite. The scenery on our left on the Denmark side was very fine up to passing Elsinore. It was at this point that the Sound dues were formerly collected by Denmark of every vessel passing into the Baltic. The passage here is only about three miles wide and is commanded <in all directions> by <the guns of> Kronborg Castle — a castle built about 1580 of white stone in the Gothic style. It is surrounded by strong fortifications. On the opposite side of the Sound is the Swedish town of Helsingborg. In severe winters the Sound is frozen over, and the ice then forms a firm bridge between the two countries. In Spring, when it breaks up, it is said to be like a floating glacier. We arrived at Warberg about 8 P.M. and remained there until about 6 A.M. on Tuesday, Augt. 25/63. It was very rough this morning and after washing myself I laid down again being compelled to do so to keep from being sea-sick. About 8½ A.M., after we entered the fjord, the water became smoother and we arose and went on deck. We pa were passing up a tolerably narrow passage with a forbidding, sterile and rocky coast on each side of us. A short distance from Gottenborg, which place we reached about 11 A.M. we passed a fortress called Elfsborg, which was built in 1660, and guards the entrance to the fjord leading up to Gottenburg. We were met, on landing, by Bros. Bro. Söderborg, President of the Gottenburg Conference, and Bro. Holberg, a Valley elder, and several of the brethren. After our trunk was examined by the Custom House Officers, the brethren led us to their abode. We ate and then went out and took a stroll through some a beautiful garden close by and then went out of the town a short distance to a high stony hill which commanded a fine view of the town and surrounding country. On this hill, as we found by an inscription cut in a granite rock on the summit[,] Mr. Airey, Astronomer Royal from Greenwich, England, witnessed an eclipse of the sun of in July, 1851. At the foot of the hill the residence of a Mr. Dickson, an Englishman, was situate. We passed thro’ his grounds which with the house were very fine. On the hill we prayed, that is, myself, Bro’s. Smith, Söderborg and Holberg and had a delightful time together. Gottenburg is a much finer place than I expected to see. The country around is not inviting. The hills are rocky and sterile; but the ground that is susceptible of cultivation is attended to with care and trees abound. The streets are well paved, the sidewalks very fine, and the houses well built. The railway station is a very creditable building. There is a very fine statue here of Gustavus Adolphus, the great King of Sweden, who founded this City. His face is a very fine one and his attitude easy. He is dressed in the costume of the period and is pointing to the downward as though designating the spot where the city should be laid out. There was also a fine statue opposite the Theatre, by Professor Malin of Stockholm, of two young men engaged in a deadly struggle with knives. They were fastened together by a strap round their waists. Some one had cut off one of the hands of the combatants, a short time ago[,] and had thrown <it> away into one of the gardens, where it was found. A reward had been offered for the discovery of the offender, but in vain. We dined at the Hotel Götha Källare. Held meeting in the evening with the Saints, there were some strangers present and the room was full. Bro. Smith spoke in Danish and I followed in English which Bro. Söderborg, who understands English very well, interpreted. I felt very well in speaking. A man and wife who were present, who did not belong to the Church, came forwards after meeting, and he said that they had never felt so well in their lives before and he intended to persevere until he knew it better. As they were at the Station before 6 o’clock the next morning to see us start for Stockholm[,] I felt to give them full credit for their good intentions.
26 August 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Augt 26/63. An Elder by the name of [last name redacted], who played an accordion of his own make last night at meeting accompanied us in the train this morning to a way station where he had to stop. I was told that he had been in transgression and dealt with more than once. I could feel that he was not right before I knew anything about his conduct. It is a cause of thank frequent thanksgiving to me that the Lord gives me the Spirit of discernment by which I am enabled to know men’s spirit to an extent that almost surprises me at times. In visiting various conferences I have been able to discern those who were not members of the Church in the congregation, and I have often been able to discern when persons were not in the full enjoyment of the spirit of their religion among the Saints. The difficulty is that I do not pay sufficient attention to the dictates of the Spirit upon these points. My natural disposition leads me to be unsuspicious and to repel every thing derogatory to my brethren and sisters unless I have tangible evidence on the point respecting their wrong-doing. I do hope, however, <that> without falling into a suspicious habit and continually looking out for evil, to <i shall> be able to obtain such a knowledge of the Spirit and its whisperings that I may be profited by the same and be prepared to detect and uproot evil whenever it may exist. I do not allude to this here with a desire to boast, but rather to praise the Lord for his goodness in blessing his servants in their labors. We were accompanied to the Station by a number of the Saints and by Elders Holberg and Söderborg and started at 6 A.M. We dined at Hallsberg and reached Stockholm — a distance of 426/10 Swedish miles, each Swedish mile being a little less short of seven English miles — about 8 P.M. and were met at the Station by Elders Winberg and Swenson[,] two Valley Elders. Bro. Ahn L. Anholer, a porter at the Station <carried our trunk>. The most part of the country through which we passed to-day is very uninviting, being very rocky and boggy. It is almost astonishing how the people <can exist> in such a sterile, forbidding-looking country. Lakes abound, and the country is well timbered. Bad as we have been in the habit of thinking our country there is none of ours that can be compared <for poverty> in many respects to a large portion of what we saw to-day. The whole country is rocky; but we probably saw as poor portions of it as there are. The food of the poor is of a very coarse nature, and the Elders who labor in the ministry in Scandinavia need strong bodies, patient spirits and stomachs that are not easily provoked to discontent by poor food. The Swedes are, however, in my opinion, a better looking race than the Danes. Many of them remind me very much of the Americans. They are generally tall, and are a military people and fond of martial exercises. I have been surprised at finding the people so advanced in civilization up here. Their cities and towns are very fine and the people dress with excellent taste and in superior style; I mean those who are more than mere peasants, and as for politeness they throw the Anglo-Saxon utterly into the shade. They have their daily papers published as regularly and having a very neat, creditable appearance. Novels — one of the banes of modern times —are published in great numbers; and every new book of the kind published in French, English or German being immediately translated into Swedish. National feeling is very strong throughout Scandinavia. Though there is but little difference between Swedish and Danish, the former nation has an aversion to reading anything in the latter language. Some of the Elders would like a periodical of published in Swedish for the Swedes instead of having to read take the Danish Star published in Copenhagen, and so also with the Book of Mormon. They do not like the Danes and the Danes do not like the Swedes; and the Swedes do not like the Norwegians and the Norwegians do not like the Swedes. Though they live so near together and have almost a common language, national prejudices are very strong. I understand the Norwegians like the Danes very well; but the Swedes who conquered them they dislike. We walked about three miles from the Station to the place where the brethren had made arrangements for us to stop. The name of the brother was <C. L.> Erikzson, a civil engineer. He and his wife had been recently baptized. Sister Ericzson was an Englishwoman who had been in Sweden about five years. We were treated by them and all the Saints with great kindness. Elder Flygare, the President of the Conference, was very attentive to us while we were here. He was at Brother Ericson’s when we reached there.
27 August 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, Aug’t. 27/63. After breakfast we visited the Museum in the Palace, which contained many paintings and statuary and ancient and modern, and Egyptian and other relics among which was a mummy 4000 years old. Visited the various suites of rooms in the Palace, many of which contained numerous pictures and other objects of interest. The King’s reception chamber and <ball room &> other rooms were very splendid. The Queen’s apartments, pleased me the best of any that I saw or indeed that I ever saw of the kind. They were elegant and yet there was an air of comfort about them that filled my idea of what the dwelling place of a Queen should be. Books, music and stereoscopic views boxes with views and many other articles of daily use were lying around, giving the visitor a very good idea of the taste and habits of the occupant of the apartments. Full length portraits of the Queen’s Father and Mother — the King and Queen of the Netherlands — hung in one of her rooms and the portrait of her husband, the King, hung in her bedroom. Had she been in the city we could not have seen these apartments as she would have been occupying them. We then visited the Hall of State where the King meets with the Legislature to open and adjourn its sessions. The Hall was lofty and fine tho’ rather narrow; but the other arrangements were in my way of thinking, poor. None of the seats had backs to them and they must have been be uncomfortable for old men to sit upon them for any length of time. We also visited the Royal Chapel. We went and had a bath and then returned to dinner. At the baths in this country they have women to clean and keep the rooms and baths in order. They also help the bather, without distinction of sex, to wash his or her back. An offer of this kind was made to us at this bath; but Bro Winberg declined for us. We preferred violating such a custom; though I expect by such a refusal we obtained the credit of being either very simple or excessively squeamish. At 8 P.M. we met with the Saints in their Hall and had a very good meeting. Bro. Smith spoke first in Danish and then I followed in English. Bro’s. Swenson and Winberg and Ericzson translated — the two first named doing it mainly. There were very many strangers present.
28 August 1863 • Friday
Friday, Aug’t 28/63. Visited rooms containing specimens of Swedish Home Manufacture. The iron chains and twisted iron of Swedish manufacture were very interesting, showing as they did the toughness of iron which admitted of it being almost tied into a knot while cold. We then visited a new building erected for a Museum, as fine a building of the kind as I have seen anywhere. It was <is> not yet finished; but there is enough done to show that [it] will be very elegant when completed. The pillars of white veined and black marble from Italy are very fine. This building is erected on piles as is a considerable portion of Stockholm. From here we visited a statue and obelisk erected to the memory of Gustavus 3rd, who was assassinated at the Theatre, then visited the “Riddarholmen” Church in which is interred the Kings and many of the nobility are interred. The Church is not used as a place of worship now. Banners and trophies of various kinds obtained in war adorn the tombs of the Kings and their generals. Among the most prominent of the dead entombed here are Gustavus Wasa, or the first of the name, Gustavus Adolphus the Great, and Second; Charles X. and <Charles> the XII. and Bernadotte or Cha’s. the XIV. The coffins were very richly decorated; but they were unsightly in my eyes. All their greatness had perished and there was nothing left of them on earth but the dust to which their bodies were fast crumbling. Many reflections passed through my mind while in this Church Building. A short distance from this Church stands a monument of Birger Jarl, the King of Sweden, who founded made Stockholm a city. Wrote to Bro’s. Kay and Bentley and Graham.
Saturday, Augt. 29/63. Went to the Theatre in company with Bro’s. Smith, Winberg, Swenson, Flygare and Bro & Sis Ericzson. The piece was historical, and the chief personage being Gustavus Wasa or the first. The acting was pretty good.
29 August 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Augt 29/63 Went out in the suburbs and by boa a little steam boat on the water. There are great numbers of these small steamboats plying on these waters. Stockholm bears, it is said, some resemblance to Venice, in its location and the abundance of its canals and water communication. We passed through the grounds of the favorite country residence of Bernadotte. Returned by water in another direction and visited the Rikssale — or Repres Legislative Hall. We viewed the portraits of the various Presidents of the body which are here preserved in excellent condition. They The <portraits those> are very fine looking men. Then went up stairs to the Gallery of the House which was in Session. There was but little business done. The President was in <blue> uniform with epaulettes and a sword and had a Star on his left breast. His face was decidedly American and resembled that of Senator Hunter’s of Virginia. There [were] but few members, and they were good <intelligent> looking men. The benches were arranged almost as they would be in a place of worship but without backs. The walls of the building were covered with coats of arms – I suppose of those who had sat in the Legislature. We afterwards went out to Carlsberg by water where there is a Military Academy for the instruction of military officers, and dined with Some sisters named [blank]. We walked in the grounds around here which are very fine and then returned to the city again and mounted a hill very prominent hill named Mose Backe (Moses’ hill) and had a very fine view of the city. Bro. Nilsen President of the Norrköpping Conference and Bro. Svedlund of the Sundswall Conference and a number of Saints came in to the Conference.
30 August 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Augt. 30/63. Attended meeting this morning when Bro Smith spoke and I followed and Bro Winberg interpreted. We had a very good time together. We went and visited a Museum that was not <only> open to-day and on Wednesday, and if we saw its contents at all we had to go to-day. The contents were the coronation robes, saddles, armor, pistols, swords and various other things belonging to the Kings. The boots and clothing and hat of in which Charles XII was killed, as also Gustavus Adolphus, were there also. The edge of Charles’ hat was cut by the musket ball which killed him. The horse on which Gustavus was riding when he was killed was also there stuffed. From this place we went to a Saloon and had our likenesses taken for one of the brethren. Ate dinner at Brother Ericzson’s; he expressed his good feelings towards us in a warm manner. Met again with the Saints at 5 P.M. The house was filled[,] many strangers being present. Bro. Smith and Bro’s. Nilsen and Swedlund spoke and I followed and had good liberty. Bro’s. Winberg and Swenson spoke and interpreted my remarks. A priest who was present and understood English came up and spoke to us after meeting. He did not express himself against us, but it was nevertheless plain that he was unfriendly. Spent some time talking with the Saints, several of whom could talk a little English. A Sister Swenson had was assisting Sister Ericzson in the labor of cooking &c for us and their efforts certainly deserve credit.
31 August 1863 • Monday
Monday, Augt. 31/63. We arose early this morning to start on our return for Gottenborg. We rode to the Station where we found many of the Saints. We started at about 7.45 A.M, Stockholm time and arrived at Gottenborg at about 10 P.M. Bro. Söderborg met us at the Station with some others of the Saints and the two strangers who had attended us on our departure. The man was baptized and confirmed the next night (Tuesday) and the woman will not be long out I think.
1 September 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 1st/63 Arose before 4 A.M. for the purpose of embarking on a steamer which sailed at 5 o’clock for Trollhätten where there are fa very fine and famous waterfalls. The scenery upon first leaving Gottenborg was <is> not very attractive, being the land and hills on both sides being rather sterile; but it improves as we ascended ascend the About river. About 10 miles up we pass on our left a ruined castle (Bohus Castle) which was built <in 1308> by King Hako V of Norway and was long considered the strongest fortress in that country or Sweden. Near this fortress is an old town by the name of Kongelf, formerly a place of much importance and the residence of the Kings of Norway. It is memorable in Scandinavian history from the frequent Congresses of sovereigns held here from which it was called Kungshäll. It is now a very small place of about 800 inhabitants and belongs to Sweden. The A branch of the river Göta passes this town to the sea. The land is low but seemingly rich and the hills rise very abruptly. The banks of the river are covered with enormous beds of rushes.
We had to pass through some locks at Lilla Edet and while the steamer was passing through we took the opportunity of viewing the falls here which are very fine. The scenery at this part <of the river> and up to Trollhätten is very fine. We soon reached the locks made for vessels to pass by the Falls of Trollhätten – 15 in number. and There is a double line of locks, those originally constructed having been found too small for the steamers and increased traffic on the line. These and the canal are a most stupendous work and probably is not equalled by any work of the kind in the world. They are nearly altogether cut out of the solid rock and the engineering difficulties to be overcome have been of the most serious character. The difference of level between the highest part of the canal at Trollhätten and the point where it joins the river below the falls, is about 120 feet. We passed by the locks and then proceeded to the falls. The word cataracts would apply to them more properly than falls; but they are cataracts of the most magnificent character. The first view we had of them was very striking. They are seven in number and altogether 112 feet in height. The highest is 44 feet. One of the great beauties here is the vast body of water always in the river, it being the only outlet for the great body of water in the Lake Wenern — the third largest lake in Europe, being only next to Ladoga and Onega. We ascended the tower of a new church and had a splendid view of the Falls and all the surrounding country. The scenery was rather wild, the spaces that were cleared and cultivated exhibiting many patches of bare rocks and the rest of the country being covered with pine trees. A closer view of the falls increased the sense of sublimity. and <Reflecting> man cannot contemplate the vast power of the water as it rushes over the precipitous rocks in terrific grandeur without being impressed with a sense of his own impotentcy. A number of saw-mills are built in convenient spots to use the water power[,] and there is a tolerably-sized town at the Falls. The cataracts and rapids are upwards of an English mile in length. We went to the inn and partook of some “saft”— the juice of fruit obtained by pressing and then boiled with sugar until it is almost as thick as syrup, very commonly used in Scandinavia – and mixed with water. A steamer had just gone down the Canal, so we started to overtake it before it passed through the locks. We dined onboard the “Birger Jarl” and reached Gottenborg about 8 o’clock P.M. Found Bro. Winberg at the house, he having just returned <arrived> from Stockholm.
2–3 September 1863 • Wednesday to Thursday
Wednesday, Sept. 2/63. Writing journal and conversing with the brethren. We dined at Hotel Götha Källare and then walked in some gardens close by. In evening held meeting[.] Bro. Smith and I spoke. Bro’s Söderborg and Winberg interpreted The room my remarks. The room was very well filled. We sat up until 12 midnight and then Bro’s. Winberg and Söderborg carried our trunk down to the Wharf and we embarked at a little before 2. A.M. on the morning of
Thursday, 3rd, on the Steamer “Kron Princesse Louise” for Christiana, Norway. In taking leave of Sweden I cannot but express my pleasure at the kindness and attention which we have experienced from the Elders and Saints. They have done all in their power to make us comfortable and to convince us that they appreciated our society and teachings. The visit has been one of unalloyed pleasure to me. May the Lord bless them for their kindness and good feelings.
Brother Jesse N. Smith had difficulty in obtaining a berth for me; he slept in the cabin; the boat was very crowded. The motion was so violent that I did not dare to get up until between 12 and 1 o’clock when we stopped at Frederiksvaern to land passengers and goods. We had some rough water after this before we entered Christiana Fjord; but I endured it very well, though I felt much relieved when we entered smooth water. We had <had> no breakfast & were therefore prepared for dinner which consisted of a remarkable number of courses, the first being soup, the second melon, third pastry and several other kickshaws of a trifling character, finishing up with meat and potatoes and ice cream strongly flavored with coffee. The supper was much more substantial and satisfactory, being served up more like our American meals of the same kind. The scenery all <this> afternoon was in passing up the fjord is of a very fine character. Hills clad <with> pine come down to <the> water’s edge and extend as far back as the eye can reach. Villages are built in places that seem too rocky to produce anything but pine. Sailing up this fjord reminded me of sailing up the Rhine. Cha Imagine the pine-clad hills to be vine-clad and the lofty peaks which reared themselves ever <&> anon proudly skyward to be the ruins of some castle of the middle ages and the resemblance would be most striking. We landed at Christiana at about 9 P.M. and were met by Bro. J. P. R. Johnson, President of the Conference (and who left home when we did for Europe) on the wharf. There were some hundreds of Saints waiting there also to welcome us and we received a complete ovation <from them>. having <We had> to pass through a lane in the crowd who <and were> saluted us <by them> on both sides, as we passed until we reached a carriage which was prepared for us, and which <soon> whirled us off at a very rapid speed to Bro. Johnson’s. They drive here at a very rapid, break-neck pace. Their breed of horses rather of the pony or ponies rather, are very hardy and strong and they drive them Jehu-like. A number of the Elders followed us up in another vehicle. Bro. Johnson had prepared supper but we could not eat. We and the Elders ate some cake and drank some wine he had prepared. They were all very glad to see us.
4 September 1863 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 4th/63. After breakfast Bro. Peter Christiansen obtained <procured> a carriage <by Bro. Johnson’s direction> and took us out in the city and in the suburbs. We visited the isthmus called Ladegaardsöen which stretches out into the fjord and affords some fine views. It had been <was> purchased by the late King and given to the inhabitants for a public promenade. The grounds are pleasantly laid out and there is a small but beautifully situated building called “Oscar’s Hall” here which belongs to the King. The views from the front of this building were most magnificent and I thought I had never <seen> them surpassed, if indeed equalled. Mountains and valleys, nature adorned and in all her native wildness, Christiana at the end of the bay, in the midst of the country, spreading in small divergent masses in every direction, till it is at last lost in the distance among villages, farm houses and country houses, and the magnificent fjord <which had not> studded with beautiful little islands and dotted with sails fjord, which lay at our feet like a mirror without a ripple to disturb its surface, studded with islands beautiful little islands and dotted with sails, all lay spread out before us and afforded a scene of beauty seldom witnessed. The villas in the suburbs are very pretty. They are built principally of logs, hewn and put up in excellent style, some buildings having as many as three storeys, and then weather-boarded. We dined at Bro. Christiansen’s the meal being prepared in fine style. A number of the Elders also ate with us. We administered to a Brother Paulsen who was sick here. In the afternoon visited the Palace in company with Elders J. N. Smith, Johnson, Mons Petersen, President of the Branch, Englebrecht Olsen, a travelling Elder, and Hans Hansen, H. A. Hansen, Ole Berg, Eduard Larsen, Jens Petersen, Christopher Jensen, and F. Grundtvig also travelling Elders and one or Peter Christiansen with whom we had dined. The building is finely situated; but meagerly fitted up and furnished. Took supper at Bro. Christiansen’s. After supper Bro. Johnson took Bro. Smith and myself to a Concert at the Theatre where we heard Fröken Holmsen sing <in Italian> an air from the Prophet and another by Merryweather. Herr Svendsen played also on a silver flute in a manner to surpass anything of the kind I ever heard. His variations were very surprising and his playing of two tunes at once on the instrument brought down repeated rounds of applause. He is a young man, not, I think, exceeding thirty. He is styled musician to the King. There was a vaudeville performed <also> in which there was considerable singing. I wrote to the Rev. Mr. Morse, Boston, Mass., and to Bro Bentley, L’pool, to-day.
5 September 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept. 5th/63 To-day Conference was convened at the Hall usually occupied by the Saints. Meetings were held in the forenoon and afternoon. Bro. J The brethren were only there in the forenoon when Bro. Johnson and Elders Olsen, Berg, Larsen and the two Hansens and Grundtvig made reports of the condition and progress of the Work in this Conference; Bro. Jesse N. Smith also spoke a short time. We dined at Bro. Peter Christiansen’s (this brother is no relation of the other of the same name before mentioned). This brother is a sweep by profession trade.
In the afternoon I spok I spoke and Bro’s Johnson & Smith interpreted and made some remarks themselves. Had a bath after meeting and ate supper at Bro. Christiansen’s and spent the evening there.
6 September 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 6th/63. We fasted to-day. This morning the authorities were presented to the Conference after which I spoke with much freedom and Bro’s. Johnson & Smith again interpreted. We then had intermission of a few minutes to give the people an opportunity to move around, as the room was crowded to overflowing the landing <&stairway> was were full making it very hot. Bro. Smith then spoke and I followed in some exhortations to improvement in everything that would make us a more useful and wise people that we might be better able to build up Zion; but especially directing their attention to the acquirement of the English language. The Conference has been an excellent one and we have all enjoyed it extremely well. To-day has been a glorious time and I trust its teachings and influences will long be remembered and treasured up. My heart warms towards this people. They are a kind-hearted, simple-minded and noble race, and I have felt to prophecy and promise them good. They treated us as though we were angels, not being able, seemingly, to do enough for us, in their estimation. They are a very good-looking people and compare very favorably with the Danes. They The Gospel has been carried as high as the 69 or <70> degree of latitude and there is a branch of the Church up there in 66 deg. of latitude. As soon as the Conference adjourned the Saints started for the isthmus, which we visited on Friday last, to spend the afternoon in the grounds. It was spent in a manner to suit continental notions of the Sabbath, (where the people do not hold their Sunday in any such reverence as to prevent their going to the Theatre and other amusements on that day as they would any other day,) and in a manner that I think would have shocked straight-laced English or American people. They frolicked generally and extensively, but and I may say happily. Rain came on towards evening, and we all separated for home.
7 September 1863 • Monday
Monday, Sept. 7th/63. We took dinner <& supper> at Brother Eckströms in company with many more Elders. Wrote a letter to Brother Bentley. Spent the evening with the Saints in their hall where they had a Concert. I spoke for a short time to them which Bro Smith interpreted. I received several letters this morning. One from my wife dated 5th of Augt at Wood River and from Bro’s. Bigler & Peacock. They were all well and Georgiana and George H. were both well; the latter growing so large that he made his mother’s arms ache to carry him. Elizabeth was getting very thin, the heat & the care and fatigue wearing upon her. Capt. Nebeker had charge of the company and he hoped to be able to reach the Valley by the 25th of September. The Saints were somewhat exposed for want of suitable outfit and many were sick.
8 September 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 8/63 A very stormy day. Writing Journal. Ate dinner at Bro. Ole Olsen and then went to the Hall where the Saints had a pic-nic party for the Missionaries. Spent the evening there. There were various amusements.
9 September 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 9th. Writing Journal. Visited Bro. Christian Andersen’s at Aker, a short distance from Christiana. He is presiding Elder of the Branch there, which consists of about 40 Members. They treated us very kindly. We returned and had tickets furnished us to visit the Theatre. The piece was styled “Master & Pupil” and was well performed.
Source Note
Daybook, 1863–B
George Q. Cannon, Daybook, 10 Sept.–21 Dec. 1863; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 110 inscribed pages of journal text and 2 inscribed pages of financial and other notes; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Small pocket-size notebook measuring 4⅝Â × 2¾ × ½ inches (12 × 7 × 1 cm). The white, unlined paper of the text block measures 4½ × 2½ inches (11 × 6 cm). The text block is made up of fifty-six leaves and two flyleaves, one at the front and one at the back. The endpapers have a nonpareil marbling pattern with red, yellow, orange, blue, and black. The cover is made of light maroon leather. The front cover has a built-in pocket for loose papers, which opens to the inside. The cover is also bound with a pouch for a small writing instrument and has a clasp for securing the covers. The edges of the text block are marbled with a similar pattern as the pastedowns. The inside front cover has a seller’s label (“Henry Penny’s Improved metallic Books No. 3”). A calendar for 1863 was pasted on the recto of the first flyleaf. A plain white archival sticker on the front cover bears the typed call number “Ms d 5504 | fd 2 v. 4”.
Cannon’s daybooks were donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one of his grandsons at an unspecified time.
10 September 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 10/63. Rose at 2. A. M. this morning and started at 3 o’clock on a visit to a place called Ringeriget about 28 <English> miles distant. The finest views are to be obtained here of any <place> in the South of Norway. The weather has been very bad for some days, and it was cloudy this morning; but though we had a slight sprinkling of rain <once in the morning & in the evening> on the whole we had a very fine day and obtained a splendid view. Bro. Peter Christiansen furnished us with a carriage and span of horses and a driver belonging to the Church named Anders Paulsen. He took the nearest but worst road going, and we had to walk considerably, there were so many hills. We reached a house where we found a stable and1 some feed for our horses and some milk to drink with the provisions we had brought for ourselves. From this house we had to take a mountainous road, unfit for anything but sure-footed horses and men to travel, for about a mile and a half through the timber to the edge of the mountain from which we obtained the view for which we had started. The mountain is precipitous and rises abruptly from the plain to the height of 1500 to 2000 feet, and we were not aware that we were approaching its verge until the whole view burst upon us. We shouted involuntarily when we saw the prospect open up before us. It was sublime. Never in my life <before> did I see such a view — so commanding and so grand. A magnificent and almost circular valley surrounded by a chain of mountains, with <and> several beautiful lakes interspersed with islands of various sizes and shapes, some highly cultivated and containing a few families, others covered with timber and seemingly uninhabited, were spread out before us, presenting a panorama of rare beauty and the sight of which amply repaid us for the trouble we had been at in coming there. The lakes were very smooth, and, though there were many clouds, our view was very extensive and the valley lay sleeping as it were in quiet loveliness at <our feet.> Though <one of> the lakes did not seem to be far from the foot of the mountain on <the top of> which we stood, so high were we above it that a skiff moving on its surface appeared more like a fowl than an object of such a size and I looked at it for some minutes before I could be satisfied that it was a skiff. The view from the point is considered fully equal to the finest in Switzerland those from Mont Blanc only excepted. It was difficult for us to tear ourselves away from this spot — it was such a pleasure to gaze upon the lovely scene before us. But as we had to return to Christiana the same evening we could not tarry very long. We started on our return about 1 o’clock P.M. and took a different and much better route back. From the house where we stopped we descended a kanyon, with exceedingly precipitous sides to the level of the plain below. The road was very steep, fully as steep as the big mountain near the Valley at-home and much longer in the descent. The ride home was most beautiful the greater part of the way, the road being cut out of the side of the mountain at <an> immense expenditure of time and means. The lake was on our right and we had some beaut ravishing views of scenery as we returned. In some places the view from the edge of the road to the Valley below was almost frightful, the cliff at the edge of the road being perpendicular for several hundred feet to the level below. It certainly appeared anything but a safe road for an unruly team or horse to be driven or rode upon. The only protection on the right hand side — that is, the side next the lake precipice — was a slight han railing consisting of iron posts with wooden rails. Our return to Christiana was much easier than our journey out from there, the road being so much better. We fed the horses and obtained a little refreshment for ourselves at a village about 9 miles from Christiana and arrived at the latter place at about 9½ P.M.
11 September 1863 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 11th, 1863. Very stormy to-day. An advertisement appeared in one of the <morning> papers, inserted by some person of whom we had no knowledge, informing the public that there was to be a Ball given this evening to the two Mission Prophets who were in the city at the Mormon [Mormon] Palace (the house of one of the brethren named Jacobsen was called thus derisively and known as such among the people) to the two Mormon Prophets who were in the City and calling upon the inhabitants to illuminate their houses in honor of the event. We took dinner with a number of the Elders at Bro. Ole Hansen’s. Afterwards had a bath and repaired to Bro. Jacobsen’s for supper. We were the objects of considerable attention on the part of the neighbors and would probably have attracted more notice had the evening not been so stormy. From here we went to the Hall in Young Gade or Young Street and met with the Saints. We all spoke <Bro. Smith Johnson & myself> Bro. Smith interpreting my remarks. The Saints all came forward and bade us a warm farewell and wished us a pleasant journey. They evinced considerable feeling and they all seemed very eager to shake us by the hands with us. I felt like leaving old acquaintances so much had I become attached to the brethren and Saints during the short time we had been there. I never in my experience received a more kind or warmer reception than we have had from the Elders and Saints in Norway. Bro. Johnson has spared no pains to make do everything for us that would in the least degree contribute to our happiness or comfort, and he says the Saints have desired that he should do so. If anything, they have been too kind, and my stomach, which is a weak one, and rebels against any over-taxation or over-burdening, has had considerable occasion to remonstrate in consequence of the many good meals which have been provided for us and which they the <Saints> would have felt hurt if we had refused to eat. I had to employ some strategy to avoid imposing on my stomach and at the same time satisfy our hospitable entertainers that I enjoyed their food. My stomach is the only part of my system that has given me any trouble through weakness. I have always had to humor it by being very careful in my diet; and if I should eat a hearty meal, to be free from pain, I must allow my stomach plenty of time for <to perform the duty of> digestion before I again take food into it. Eating my meals too close together seems to <be> unsuited to my nature. The weather since we have been up here has been rather stormy, and they have not permitted us to go anywhere in the rain but have always sent a conveyance for us — a care though agreeable enough to one’s natural feelings, I almost thought excessive.
12–13 September 1863 • Saturday to Sunday
Saturday, Sept. 12/63. We arose at 4 o’clock this morning and we (Bro’s. Smith, Johnson and myself) embarked on the “Kron Princess Louise” at 6 A.M. for Copenhagen. Bro. Johnson was with us for the purpose of attending the General Conference of the Elders to be held in Copenhagen on the 18th. A number of the brethren were at the Wharf to bid us adieu. I was very sick in the evening after emerging from the fjord into the more open water and I had to take my berth as did the other brethren likewise. I vomited pretty heavily. Bro. Johnson was also sick; but Brother Smith quite <sick> escaped without vomiting. We called at Gottenburg about 1 o’clock on Sunday morning, the 13th and passed Elsinore between one and two o’clock p.m. after which I was able to get up and eat a little dinner. We reached Copenhagen in the midst of a very heavy storm of rain at 4 o’clock p.m. and found Bro’s. John Smith[,] Winberg and S. L. Sprague here, the latter was not quite well of the disease which he had been troubled with, but was nearly so. Several of the Saints dropped in during the evening.
14 September 1863 • Monday
Monday, Sept. 14th/63. Bro. Jesse N. Smith and myself went out and had our portraits taken. Afterwards, in consequence of the chimney smoking, took dinner at a restaurant with the brethren. In the evening Bro. J P R Johnson furnished us with tickets for the “King’s Theatre.” The piece was an Opera, the Auber’s Massaniello, translated into Danish. I enjoyed it exceedingly; the singing was very good. Herr Nyrop was <took> the part of the hero of the piece and the principal female part was taken by M [blank] The hero’s dumb sister was admirably taken by M [blank]. The hero’s dumb sister Fenella was admirably taken by [blank]
This is the first opera I have witnessed.
15 September 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 15th, ‘63. I recd a letter from Bro. Bentley informing me that Bro. Benjamin Stringham was down with the small-pox and was very bad. I proposed to the Elders, Bro’s. Jesse N. & John Smith[,] S. L. Sprague, Winberg, J. P. R Johnson and a Danish Elder named Börglum that we should fast and pray in behalf of Bro. Stringham, for I felt much impressed to do so. We had a precious time together. I felt very much softened and could not refrain from tears and <part of the time> could scarcely control my feelings sufficiently to speak. I was seized with the cholic in the afternoon and suffered from it very much all the evening.
16 September 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1863. The Elders commenced to drop in to the Conference to be held on Friday. The pain in my bowels still continues very bad. Thinking I might walk it off I went with a number of the brethren to view the New Hospital, a very fine building which has just been completed. From there we went to the Ethnological Museum, and afterwards visited the King’s stables. We saw several of a very fine <rare> breed of white horses, which belong to His Majesty. In evening was taken by Bro. Smith to see a <play that is considered> very fine[,] viz.: Axel and Valborg. It is a tragedy and written by Adam Oelenschlager.
17 September 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 17/63. The newly elected King of Greece, George the First, son of the Prince Christian, the Heir Apparent to the Danish crown, and brother to the Princess of Wales, was to take his departure to-day from Denmark on his journey to his new home. We repaired to the wharf to see the sight. We found the streets in the vicin through which he would pass, lined with people and the houses gaily decorated with flags of various nations. The gates leading to the wharf were only opened to carriages and <officers> in uniform and other public men. As we saw no probability of our being invited, and we were likely to have no very great opportunity of seeing much outside, I suggested to Bro. <Jesse N> Smith that we enter into the lane which was formed by the people and try what assurance would do as modest worth was not likely to be recognized. We linked arms and edged through the crowd until we entered the open space and then <space, then> marched up and thro’ the gate with as much confidence as though we were necessary to the ceremony. When we entered we <had to> elbowed elbow dignitaries tricked out in the most brilliant style of uniform with their breasts covered with decorations and others who were dressed in citizen’s clothes but who occupied some position in the Government or the “Corps Diplomatique”, to obtain the places we needed. But we had an excellent view of the whole ceremony. The young King, who is only about 18 years old, passed close by us, and we had a good opportunity of scanning him closely. He has a fine face and head and has a sweet, pleasing expression of countenance. He was dressed in plain naval uniform and a cap with gold lace around it. He deported himself with a quiet, simple dignity that I admired. He took off his cap and bowed repeatedly in acknowledgement of the cheers with which he was greeted by the crowds. He was accompanied by Count Sponneck who goes with him to his new home. The vessel on which he embarked was an iron-clad <steam> schooner the Esbaresnare. As soon as he embarked she her cables were slipped and she stood steamed off. When I saw him <on deck> bidding farewell to his fatherland and thought <fatherland, thought> of his youth and inexperience, and the trying scenes upon which he was now entering I was touched and indulged in the hope that his future might be as happy a one as the seeming innocence of his face would merit. Had a bath this morning. I took some pills of Bro. Sprague’s last night and they operated powerfully thro’ the night and causing me to feel very weak to-day.
18 September 1863 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 18/63. I felt unwell this morning from cold. At 10 A.M. the Elders convened in Conference. The names of those the <Elders> present were as follows: (Insert names &c here) {Bros. J. P. R. Johnson, Swenson, Holberg, Winberg, Neilsen, from Malmö, Neilsen from Norköpping, Jensen from Aalborg, Neilsen from Bornholm, Ohlsen from Fredericia, Högsted from Vensyssel & Flygare from Stockholm spoke and <there were many local officers there besides>.} We met in the small hall used by the Saints as a place of meeting. The day was occupied in hearing the Elders give an account of their labors, the condition of their fields, spiritually and financially and the prospects of for emigration next year. Bro’s. J. P R Johnson, Swenson, Holberg, Winberg, Neilsen from Malmö, Neilsen from Norköpping, Jensen from Aalborg, Neilsen from Bornholm, Ohlsen from Fredericia, Högsted from Vensyssel & Flygare from Stockholm spoke and Bro. <Jesse N.> Smith also. I spoke at some length <in the> morning and Bro’s. Winberg and Smith interpreted. We had an intermission of a little over an hour and held until about 5 P.M. I had received an invitation by letter from a Bro. Hager to dine with him and to bring Bro’s. Jesse N, & John Smith <and Winberg> with me, which I did; Brothers Edlefson and Jorgensen, the one President of the Conference and the other President of the Branch, and Bro. Carstenson were also there. The evening was spent very pleasantly in conversation.
19 September 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept. 19/63. Met again to-day <at the same hour> in the same place with the Elders. Bro’s. Söderborg of Gottenborg, Jonasson of Sciva, Geertson of Aarhuus, Carstenson of Fyen, Hansen of Lolland and Edlefson of Copenhagen spoke and represented their Conferences. I find by the statements of the Elders that nearly every Conference in the Mission is embarrassed with debt some of them very badly. There seems to have been an opinion very prevalent that there is nothing in the least wrong in <the> contraction <of> debts by Presidents of Conferences and they have not hesitated about doing so. They have been in habit also of crediting their Conferences with all the old stock <of books and pamphlets> they have had on hand as though they were so much cash. This has opened a door for Elders who have been so disposed to buy up Stars &c from the Saints at a low figure and charge them as stock on hand at their original value. This stock, which represented Cash, was much of it really unsaleable and worthless and though the Conferences obtained <were> credited for <with> it they Church was truthfully properly were indebted to the Church for all they had on hand and the Church was <the amount> out of pocket. I spoke to them at some length on the subject of the indebtedness of the Conferences, pointed out the evils of such a position and counselled them to make a united effort and roll off the debts which burdened them and advised Bro. Jesse N. Smith to put a stop to the system of crediting the Conferences with the stock they have on hand; but to find out what was really of worth, give them credit for it and be done with either call it in, or have it so arranged that it would be done with as a credit. I told them that I wished them to reflect upon the matter until after dinner. Several of the Elders spoke upon the subject after dinner, acquiescing in my remarks and signifying their willingness to do all in their power to liquidate all liabilities. I told them that I knew the people would come forward and do all that would be necessary when they should would see that they the Elders were really in earnest and were determined to be economical and put an end to the contraction of debts in the future. I said if Bro. Smith would take my advice he would not permit a man to remain in charge of a Conference who would not permit his Conference to drift into <more and more into> debt or after it should be once extricated therefrom to become embarrassed again. I said much more to them on the same subject, counselling them what course to take to relieve themselves their Conferences &c &c. I told them it must be clearly understood that there must be no more running into debt after this. A motion was made to the effect that the Conference should pledge itself as a Conference and the Elders <should> do so individually to use every exertion and all their influence to liquidate the Book debt of the entire mission, and it was unanimously carried. I also, after this business was disposed of, spoke at some length on <other> the principles and was much blessed. I particularly warned the Elders against indulging in lust &c. Bro. Jesse, N. Smith and Bro. Winberg interpreted my remarks. Bro. Jesse also spoke as did Bro. John Smith for a few minutes. We have had an excellent time together during this Conference. The Spirit of the Lord has been with us, and I have enjoyed myself exceedingly. I believe this has been the case with all. The instruction that has been given has been very valuable, and I trust it will be attended with the happiest results. We ate dinner to day with Bro. Edlefson and after evening meeting we were invited to eat supper with Bro. [blank] {Hager.}
20 September • Sunday
Sunday, Septr 20/63 A large hall had been hired for Conference purposes to-day and there was a very numerous attendance of the Saints. It was estimated that there were 800 or 1,000 present. Bro’s. Winberg, Johnson, Swenson and Söderborg and Bro. Jesse N. Smith spoke in the meetings. I spoke both in the forenoon & afternoon and had great liberty, especially in the afternoon. The people listed with marked attention & we had a most glorious day throughout. I have felt very happy these three days of Conference, and I pray that the good effects thereof upon myself and brethren may be lasting. The authorities were unanimously sustained. Though it rained very heavily when we separated at noon there was no diminution in the number of the congregation; they rather increased. In the evening we repaired to a small Theatre by invitation which had been rented for the purpose of giving an evening’s entertainment to the Elders and Saints. The Choir sang some very fine pieces and then a piece was performed entitled “The Editor’s Secretary.” Bro Julius Larsen, a young man <who works> in the Office, took six parts himself and did so admirably, imitating in a <his acting in every one was> very natural manner the and pleased the people immensely. He first appeared as the Editor, then as a countryman, afterwards as a Tax Assessor, a virago <a student or poet> and a Doctor. I remarked to the brethren that in England a man who would attend such performances would be deemed a fit subject for the teachers to wait upon and he would run great risks of being disfellowshipped or excommunicated unless he should acknowledge he had done very wrong. In this Country Sunday evening is considered as appropriate, if not the most appropriate time for attending amusements —so different are <the> traditions and customs of different nations.
21 September 1863 • Monday
Monday, Sept 21st/63. Wrote a letter to Elizabeth, another to Bro. Bentley and another to Bro. Ericzon at Stockholm. A number of the brethren started on their return to their fields this afternoon and Bro. Smith and myself (being accompanied to the Station by Bros. John Smith and Winberg) started for Hamburg. We reached Kiel <Korsör> at about 10 P.M. and had to make a rush for the steamboat to secure sleeping places. Bro. Smith went ahead and I followed more slowly with the things. He secured a berth for me and the sofa for himself; but a man threw his things into the berth and tried to cheat Bro. Jesse out of it by saying that he had secured it first. The testimony of a bystander decided in favor of Bro. Smith.
22–23 September 1863 • Tuesday to Wednesday
We reached Kiel < Tuesday morning, Sept. 22/63> but too late for the seven A.M. train and had to wait until 11.20 train. We reached Hamburg between four and five. We found the steamer “Tiger,” was about to sail for Hull at 8 P.M. and I determined to sail embark on her; we went down and I secured my passage. Bro. Jesse N. Smith concluded to return this evening, and accordingly started from the English Hotel at 5.30 P.M. We thought this would be better than for him to stop another twenty-four hours merely to see me off -- there being no train again until the next evening at the same time. I ate dinner and then went on board. The “Tiger” moved from her position at 8 p.m. and dropped down to the Cattle Wharf from which point she sailed about 10 p.m. We emerged from the river about 5 o’clock of on the morning of
Wednesday, Sept. 23/63. I contrived to keep up and escape sea-sickness until dinner time from which time I was very sick until night. The weather was fine and the sea not par rough, tho’ when we started the people on board rather expected a rough passage.
24 September 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, 24th/63. I arose this morning and felt much better but was not able to eat breakfast. I was squeamish but not enough to vomit. The sea was comparatively smooth and we sighted land about between 11 and 12 A.M. and were in the river Humber between 12 and 1 o’clock and reached Hull about 2 P.M. and we[nt] on shore at 3 P.M. Depositing my trunk at the Luggage Office of the Railway company[,] I repaired to Bro. Williams’ where the Elders stopped. One of the children soon brought Bro’s. Bull and Nicholson. We spent a very agreeable evening.
25 September 1863 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 25th/63. Took a walk into the country. Went Ate breakfast at Bro. Knowles[.] He had no arms having been blown away by while loading a cannon by its premature discharge. We took dinner His wife is not in <the> church; but not is favorable and will soon be baptized. Ate dinner at Sister Pettler’s whose husband is not in the Church and stopped the afternoon and took the tea there. Went to meeting in the evening at the Saints Hall. I spoke and had good liberty. Stopped again at Brother Williams who with his family is very kind to the Elders.
26 September 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept. 26/63 Bro. Bull and myself both left Hull this morning at 6 o’Clock, he to go in one direction and I to L’pool. Bro’s. Williams and Nicholson accompanied me to the boat {train}. I reach L’pool in the afternoon about 3 o’clock and found my Aunt, Bro’s. Bentley, Shearman, Graham, Parker, Reynolds & the boys all well. Received a letter from <my wife> Elizabeth, posted at Fort Laramie, Sept. 1/63. She had been very bad with the flux for several days[,] passing blood very freely. The children had the whooping cough; Georgiana had it very badly. She <Elizabeth> has had a pretty hard time and she misses me very much. She says that had she known all beforehand that she has had to pass through she scarcely thinks that she could have made up her mind to the separation; but she says she does not feel to complain in the least. The Lord has blessed her very greatly, she says, and she feels to thank him for it.
There was a Festival in the evening at the Chapel here at which I attended. It was got up for the Saints to attend, to-morrow being appointed as a day of Conference for the Liverpool Conference. The attendance was pretty good and the performances were very creditable indeed. Besides singing, there were two laughable farces[,] “As like as two Peas” and “Box & Cox[.]” Bro. John C. Graham took the leading parts in both and did so excellently. The evening was spent very agreeably.
27 September 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 27/63 We held three meetings to-day, a good many of the Saints from the country being present. The meetings were excellent. The representation of the branches, gave evidence of an improvement since last Conference. I spoke in the all the meetings and had excellent liberty.
28 September 1863 • Monday
Monday, 28th/63. Busy in attending to Office business. Wrote some letters. Went to-day to see Mr. L. N. Fowler, the American Phrenologist, who had been lecturing in town. <Several of> The Brethren had been examined by him but he had known who they were; they were anxious that I should be examined also; but and they Bro’s Bentley, Shearman[,] and Rober John C Graham & Robert R Anderson contrived to be present; but I arranged it so that he did not know that they were acquainted with me as I was averse to his knowing beforehand who I was. The following is the Chart and the written description of character which he gave me. (Insert them here)
{Organic quality 5. Vital temperament 7-6
Health 6. Breathing power 6.
Circulatory power __. 6. Hope ____________. 5.
Digestive power ___ 6. Spirituality ________. 3.
Motive temperament .6.5. Veneration ________. 5.4.
Mental temperament _. 5. Benevolence_______. 7.6.
Activity __________. 5. Constructiveness ___. 6.
Excitability ________. 6. Ideality ___________. 5.
Size of Brain, inches _. 6. Sublimity _________. 6.
Amativeness _______. 6. Imitation __________. 4.3.
Conjugality ________. 6. Mirthfulness _______. 5.
Parental Love ______. 5. Individuality _______. 5.
Friendship ________. 5. Form _____________. 6.
Inhabitiveness _____. 6. Size ______________. 6.
Continuity ________. 4. Weight ____________. 6.
Vitativeness _______. 5. Color _____________. 6.
Combativeness _____. 5. Order _____________. 6.
Destructiveness _____.6. Calculation _________. 4.
Alimentiveness _____. 6. Locality ___________. 6.5.
Acquisitiveness ____. 5. Eventuality _________. 5.
Secretiveness ______ .6. Time ______________. 4.
Cautiousness _______. 6. Tune ______________. 5.
Approbativeness ____. 5. Language __________. 6.
Self Esteem _______. 6.5. Causality __________. 6.
Firmness _________. 6.5. Comparison ________. 6.5.
Conscientiousness . 6. Human nature . 6.
Agreeableness . 5.
You possess an unusual degree of vital power, have a great amount of animal life, more than you expend during the day. You need to work hard and eat light, in order to keep up a good balance, and ought not to stimulate, because, in so doing, you bring forward vitality too rapidly only to shorten the other end of your life. Your digestive system is very good, few have better. Your mental susceptibilities are also great; you feel, enjoy, suffer, and are susceptible to many internal emotions or external feelings. Your nervous system renders you very happy or very unhappy. You are remarkable for the following qualities of mind. Your sympathies make inroads upon your will and determination of mind, so that at times you fail to manifest the amount of real energy and real force of character that you do at other times; for when you are opposed, you are very firm and decided. But you can not say No, and turn away from an object of distress, especially if that object is a child or a woman. You are diffident and backward among strangers, and appear to a disadvantage until fully called out; but, in times of danger or great responsibility, you appear to a good advantage and are equal to almost any task. You are remarkable for your disposition to mind your own business, and keep as free from others’ as possible; would seldom go to law or interfere with the difficulties of other people. You are rather manly, proud spirited, quite independent; and anxious to carry out your own ideas; were born to be master and give directions. As a master, you would be more kind and mindful of the happiness of those who work for you than many usually are. Are not vain, have not affectation of mind, are not inclined to any excesses in your desire to get before the public, get into office, or be petted; you would not join a Mutual Admiration Society, unless it was composed mostly of ladies. Are exceedingly cautious, rather reserved, and careful about exposing your self. You take care of your own secrets, and keep your plans to yourself; and you have a good degree of economy and disposition to save and lay up for the future. Are susceptible of strong love to wife, and capable of being very much interested in the family as a whole; are not so much inclined to pet children and spoil them as you are to look after their real happiness and comfort. Your sense of right; and feeling of obligation is a distinct quality of mind, and you cannot very easily get away from your sense of moral obligation. You are not over enthusiastic or sanguine, but you take reasonable views of subjects. Nor are you very spiritual, believing, or credulous; you could become a Catholic and allow your faith entirely to monopolise your reason in that one respect, but in no other; and even in matters of religion, you are strongly inclined to reason about it and understand why you have such & such theological views. You are not qualified to imitate any one, but you take your own course, and act out your mind in your own way. You are ingenious & contriving in respect to ways and means. You are quite fond of beauty and sublimity. You have order, and are systematic. You also have good powers of speech and can tell what you know to a good advantage, especially if you are excited or feel greatly interested in your subject. You are more reflective than observing, and are best qualified for a wholesale business, where you can plan, lay out the work, and give directions, or, in a profession where originality of mind and soundness of judgement are necessary.”}
I have but little confidence in Phrenology as a perfect or reliable science. Undoubtedly there is some truth connected with it, and a man like Mr Fowler who has been following the business of lecturer for more than a score of years and has had such excellent chances to <observe and> study character must be able to hit the truth in many instances, enough to make his descriptions go down very well with a great many. There is enough of good about every character to enable him to tell a great many pleasant and flattering things, which help to make his descriptions very palatable and gratifying to one’s self-love. I think he missed some things in my character quite widely.
After he had finished the examination he asked me my business and I then told him who I was and my reason for not telling him beforehand. He looked for a second or two as though he thought he had been sold and was a little disconcerted. We had some pleasant conversation for a little while afterwards. I visited Tuesday, Sept. 29/63. Bro. Bentley started this morning to London. Sister Spencer’s this evening with Bro. Bentley and afterwards had an interview with Mr. Smith of Tapscott & Co. respecting some passengers who had been smuggled on the “Antarctic.”
29 September 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday. Sept. 29/63 Bro. Bentley started to London this morning[.]
{Yesterday I wrote the following letter to President Young --
Septr 28th 1863.
President Brigham Young,
Dear Brother,
A longer time has elapsed since writing my last to you than I intended when I left here. This is owing to my suffering from an attack of bilious cholic in Copenhagen on the days I had intended to devote to this purpose.
As I intimated in my last, I started for Denmark on the 15th of August, & reached there on the 19th. I had the pleasure of meeting with the Saints in that city on the 23rd. Bro Jesse N. Smith and myself started the next day to visit the Conferences in Sweden and Norway. We landed at Gottenborg, Sweden, and held meeting with the Saints there and a number of the Elders who had gathered in to attend Conference. From there we went to Stockholm, and, besides holding an evening meeting with the Saints there, spent the Sunday in Conference with them and the Elders. A good many came from distant places to attend Conference, and we had a very happy and interesting time together. We returned to Gottenborg, and held another meeting of the Saints there, then took steamer for Christiana. We met with a very warm reception from the Elders & Saints in that place — a crowd of several hundred being congregated at the wharf to welcome us, to the astonishment of our fellow passengers and the surrounding strangers. We held two day’s Conference with the Elders and Saints here, besides meeting with them on three other occasions. Many of the Elders had come a long distance to meet with us. The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us in our meetings, and we rejoiced together exceedingly. From Christiana we took steamer to Copenhagen. I was quite sea-sick during this passage and had my bile thoroughly stirred up, but did not vomit enough; and, after reaching Copenhagen, I was attacked with Cholic, of which I have spoken, and was kept in considerable pain for two or three days. On the 18th Sept̳r a General Conference of the Elders laboring in the ministry was convened in Copenhagen. We met together that day and the next, & on Sunday, the 20th, a General Conference of the Elders and Saints was held in a large Hall hired for the occasion. These three days were much enjoyed by all. The instruction that was given, will, I trust, prove beneficial to all who were present. The brethren felt so well that they were very loth to separate. On the 21st I left Copenhagen on my return to England, & reached here on the 26th, having stopped and held a meeting with the Saints at Hull on my way here.
This visit to Scandinavia has been much enjoyed by me. I believe I have been able to obtain a more correct idea of the work in those lands than I had before, and I trust that the good effects of my visit will not be limited to myself; but that all whom I had the privilege of meeting will feel strengthened and renewed in their determinations to keep the commandments of God. There were many strangers at all our meetings that were open to the public, and there was much interest manifested to see and hear us. We had reason to believe that, in some few cases at least, among the strangers our teachings and testimonies were attended with a conviction that the Gospel which they heard was true. We were treated with the utmost kindness and respect by all with whom we came in conduct.
There is not the disposition to molest our people in Sweden and Norway that there has been in the past, and the Elders have to complain but little on this score at the present time. There are a great many calls for Elders, and there are large districts of country, that offer inviting prospects to the Elders, which they cannot find time to visit. My impressions of the people are very favorable, especially the people of Norway. I felt while I was there that if I had leisure, I would willingly devote the time necessary to acquire the language in order that I might have the privilege of conversing with them and teaching them. Norway, I think presents a splendid, though without doubt a hard field, in some respects, and I felt that there would yet be thousands brought to a knowledge of the truth both there and in Sweden.
At the Elders’ Conference held in Copenhagen, the book debt of the Mission which is somewhat serious, engrossed a share of our attention. The disposition to incur debt manifested by some of the Elders was reproved & the advantages of having every Conference free from embarrassment was dwelt upon. Counsel was given, after hearing the reports of the Elders, as to the best method of liquidating the indebtedness. The Elders unanimously agreed to exert themselves to the extent of their power and influence in freeing the Conferences from the indebtedness which was hanging over them. When this is done they will all breathe lighter.
I have been hoping that I would hear from you soon respecting the sending of Bro Widerborg, or some other qualified Scandinavian to assist in the labors there. Bro Jesse N. Smith will need to be released in the Spring and I fear that Brother John Smith will scarcely be adapted to take the Presidency of that mission even if his health, which has not been very good lately, should not fail. Brother John’s progress in the language is moderate. As far as that is concerned he might get along, but I fear that his business tact & experience in managing affairs would scarcely be equal, without some efficient and experienced aid, to the responsibilities of so important a position as the President of the Scandinavian Mission. During the Emigration season especially, the position is one that requires energy & true business qualities, as the President has to handle large sums of money for the Saints, make exchange from one currency to another and to arrange for the transportation of the Saints from various points to Copenhagen, and from thence to the Port of embarkation for the States. Brother John is the best qualified of any that will be there after Bro Jesse N. Smith and the other Elders who expect to be released, leave for home. He is much liked by the Saints and Elders and his influence and example are very good. There is no one in this Mission who will be likely to stop here any time possessing sufficient experience to warrant me in sending him over there to take charge except Bro Isaac Bullock who is no laboring in Scotland. I have not had a very intimate acquaintance with Brother Bullock, but from what I know of him I imagine he would answer very well. I mention this here so that if you have any suggestions on the subject I may obtain them. Your next letter may contain the intelligence of your appointment of somebody at home to come to Scandinavia; if not, and you should not think it necessary to send any person I think it likely that I shall send Brother Bullock over there unless something should occur to cause me to change my mind.
My last letter from you was dated June 25th. I am anxiously looking for another by the next mail.
Everything in this Mission from all that I have been able to learn since my return is going on as it was when I last wrote to you. Brother Benj. Stringham has had a very severe attack of the small-pox, but is recovering finely, and I am informed will be marked but little, if any. I heard of his sickness while I was in Copenhagen and called what Elders were within reach together, and we fasted and prayed unto the Lord in his behalf, and I had my anxiety for him entirely relieved thereby. Bro’s S. L. Sprague, Junr and John Gray Junr were found to be suffering from the itch when they reached Copenhagen. The former had it very badly. When I reached Copenhagen from England they were in the Hospital, undergoing treatment, and when I left on my return they were both well. When I heard of their being in the Hospital, I was surprised as I thought it a very unsuitable place for an Elder to be put, but when I saw how they were situated, I thought it the best move that could have been made under the circumstances. Each one had his private room, and excellent food and attendance, for which Bro Smith paid. Very respectable people were in the habit of going there, if anything ailed them, and the quarters the boys occupied were those devoted to the use of the officers of the army. These brethren, with Bro’s Brown & Evans, were paying attention to the acquirement of the language, and will likely soon master it, especially the latter, whose progress in its acquirement was very respectable before reaching here.
Inclosed I forward you a general invoice of the morus multicaulis seed, which Bro Bertrand has procured. He has promised to write you “some precious information” respecting the sowing of the seed. I have had the seed put up carefully in two tin boxes and will forward it to Ben Holliday Esqr with the request that he will see that it is forwarded through carefully.
I forgot to mention in my letters to you last Spring that Elder M. B. Shipp had been released for the purpose of assisting his father in Indiana in arranging his business and in taking his mother and sisters out to the Valley. I promised Elder Shipp that I would explain this to you when I wrote, & do so now, though rather long after his departure. His conduct and influence while here were all that could be expected as far as I know, and he gave promise of being very useful. Another matter that I intended to mention to you, but which I have overlooked, is the case of him who was the chief clerk in the office, and to whom I alluded in my letter of Nov 21st 62. In justice to him I must say that from that time up to the time of his emigration he gave evidence that he had profited by the lesson which he had received. He spared no pains up to the time of his departure to regain my confidence, and paid diligent attention to his duties. I mention this now lest my previous comments should be recollected to his disadvantage without his subsequent good conduct being known to modify it.
Accept my love to yourself, Bro’s Heber & Daniel, the brethren of my Quorum, Bro’s Carrington & Brigham Jr. Praying the Lord to bless you constantly and preserve your life.
I remain as Ever, Your Brother
(Signed) Geo. Q. Cannon.}
30 September 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept. 30/63. Bro. Henry Parker started to Birmingham on his way to his field of labor — Warwickshire Conference. His conduct since he has arrived has & his attendance to his duties have been excellent. I trust he may be enabled to continue as he has begun.
{Elder Joseph Romney (lately travelling in the Liverpool Conference) this day came into the Office to assist in the Editing of the Star, Elder Shearman’s health being such, as to render it necessary for him to have a few weeks relaxation in travelling amongst the Conferences.
Elders Taylor, Woodruff & Machin called.}
1 October 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 1/63 Writing a description of my visit to Scandinavia for the Star. Busy with Bro. Graham in looking through the Office books until late in the evening
2 October 1863 • Friday
(Recd letter from Father-in-law Insert)
{Friday Octr. 2.nd Received a letter from my father-in-law, Bishop Hoagland, which I insert, as follows:
G. S. L. C. August 28th 1863.
To my dear Son, G. Q. Cannon,
I received your letter on the 8th of August and felt thankful and do still of your progress in the Church and for the information of Elizabeth and C. W. West and others. C. W. West and young Brigham arrived safely at S. Lake last evening the 27th of August, he stayed at my house overnight. he left for Ogden about 12 o’clock this day. Mary was at my house. We are all enjoying pretty good health[.] I have been quite sick two weeks ago I was taken with the Cholera morbus and cramp quite bad there has been a good deal of sickness & a good many deaths this season we think it is in some measure owing to the dry season and warm weather your family is all well here we have heard from Elizabeth she is coming on safely we expect she will be in here in the course of 3 weeks[.] I thought to make arrangements to enlarge your Building. I went to see Prest Brigham Young about it he told me that they were fixing up the house which Bro Thomas Roads formerly owned that is a house that is on the north east corner of the centre block it is quite a large house 4 rooms below and 4 above with an entry through the middle it is very near a full lot they have put a new roof on it also a porch on the east and west sides there is also a barn on it they are fixing it up nice he told me this was for your family which will be room enough. All that I have told it to feel pleased with your new location I felt thankful to Bro Brigham and to my Father in heaven for his kindness to your family I will do the best I can for them I feel grateful for our location in these valleys for the peace we enjoy and for the surrounding blessings we enjoy our crops is not so good as they have been here on the account of the dry season but all will be right and for our benefit the Lord knows what is for our good we as a people are growing but not so fast as we ought to I fear but it is not for me to dictate but I speak the President’s own words we have very good meetings here I generally attend 4 meetings every Sabbath day that is when I am well C. W. West felt grateful to you for your kindness to him Bro Staines and others expressed the same please remember me to all the Elders especially those of the 14th ward I may be selfish in this I received a letter from one of my nephews in the State of New Jersey a few days ago he tells me of the serious times they have there at present on the account of the war and how they feel towards the Government he thinks it may be a battle field in that state very soon he says father is against son & son against father, he wished me to remember him Abraham Herder my Brother-in-law in the city of New York also wished me to remember him and write to him he is 89 years old but is quite smart & healthy for his age. I have nothing particular to write about I expect you hear from this place almost every week all your relations is well as far as I know I think it is more healthy than it has been it is getting cooler nights it is very dusty the streams are lower than they ever have been since we came in these valleys. Prest Brigham & Counsellors and a number has been on a Mission to Cache Valley but have returned again. Brother Orson Hyde preached to us last Sunday very interesting his location is in Sanpete. Bro Amasa Lyman’s location is in Iron County I expect you have heard all about it. I must bring my letter to a close we, that is, that I talk with wish to be remembered to you. Praying that the Lord will bless you as he has hitherto and more abundantly according to the rolling forth of his work.
This from your Father
Abraham Hoagland.}
Friday, 2nd Wrote a “correction” of some comments made by Bro. Shearman in 38 number of Star in which the two foundation of spots for Temples designated and dedicated in Missouri were confounded. Wrote a long letter to the President Young.
3 October 1863 • Saturday
Saturday Oct 3/63. Had a bath this morning and at 9 o’clock started for Nottingham, which place I reached and was met at the Station by Bro’s. J D Chase and Heber John Richards. I found Bro’s. Bull and Parley P Pratt at the house. Bros. Ross <and Oscar & Lyons> from Leicester, and Bullock from Lincolnshire and North & Stephen W. Alley from Derby came in to Conference to be held to-morrow. A great many Saints came in during the evening.
4 October 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 4/63. We met in Conference three times to-day at the Assembly Rooms and had a large attendance and excellent meetings – a good <portion of the> Spirit being enjoyed by the Elders & Saints. Representations of the Conferences were made which were quite satisfactory. I occupied the most of the afternoon and <all the> evening in speaking to the people & was much blessed. The Saints kept our rooms crowded all the time and they appeared very happy. We administered to two sisters in the evening one named Sister Olive Smith & the other Sister [blank] We took dinner & tea to-day at Sister Burrough’s.
5 October 1863 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 5/63. Breakfast Busy conversing with Elders & Saints. Went to Icing Green (? See Map) [Hyson Green] to Sister Bro. Naylor’s to dinner. We did not see him. Wrote to Liverpool explaining to them that I would not [be there] until Thursday instead of to-morrow as I expected when I left there. A tea-party and Concert was held at the Durham Ox room by the Saints, which I attended, that passed off very well.
6–7 October 1863 • Tuesday to Wednesday
Tuesday, Oct 6/63. Writing editorial. Afterwards called the Elders together and gave them some counsel and cautioned them against too great familiarity with the sisters. I had noticed two more of this disposition than I liked to see in one of the Elders particularly (blank) {<Oscar T. Lyons>} and I felt to reprove him, though to do so is not naturally pleasant to my feelings. He thanked me for doing so and all the rest said they would profit by what had been said. Left Bro. Marriott’s who keeps the House where the Elders stop & started for Mansfield with the intention of holding meeting. Went to the house of Mary Warren, who is not in the Church but who has kept open house for the Elders for years. Her neice Sister Jane “Cree” (?) lived with her. There was a spirit of peace here and I felt in my heart to bless them. I think Mary Warren is postponing her baptism until she goes to Zion. She could have gone before this; but she wishes her niece to go with her and they have not got the means yet to take them both. Had a good meeting in the evening with Saints & strangers. I addressed them. Slept at the hou Was warmly welcomed & entertained by the two sisters above-named. There were four of us together: Bro’s. Chase, Pratt, Ross & myself. Bro’s. Pratt & Ross slept at Bro. Dean’s where we all took breakfast on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 7/63. We dined at Bro. Watson’s and then walked to Sutton on Ashfield for the purpose of holding meeting with the people there. Bro. Bullock brought me some letters from Nottingham which had been received <from L’pool> since my leaving there. I received They were from Bro’s. Brigham Jun. and Chauncey W. West. (Insert extracts)
{G. S. L. U. T. U. S. A.
Septr 1st 1863.
Dear Bro Cannon
According to promise I write you, but my present condition will not allow of my going into many details. I will try however and do the best I can. As you are aware we touched at Queen’s Town, left there at 4 P.M. met rather a rough sea, as I told you in my letter from Atchison, I will proceed to our journey across the plains. On the morning of the 17th we took the Stage and were soon rolling over the Great Western Prairies. I began to feel like myself once more yet I could scarcely realize that I was on my way home. Had a very tedious time in the stage. Bro West stood it better than I expected he would, and on the whole gained in health. We reached this city on the 27th at 7 P.M. I got the driver to go by father’s office. Mr Otus & Mr Street were in the Stage, one superintendent and the other pay master of the Overland Mail Co they were very willing to have the stage go that way. Father, Bro Wells, all of my brother & sisters and many more were gathered at the Office Gate to welcome me. You can far better imagine my feelings than I can write them. I did hug and kiss every one of them right there in the street. Never did man receive a warmer welcome, from a warm hearted people than I have, and it is in part owing to your good advice and example that I have been thus blessed. I never can think of you only with unbounded love and gratitude, for your kindness and patience with me under all and every circumstance, and if I know myself, with the assistance of my Father in Heaven, I will keep trying until I become what you wished me to be. Never did a young man have a brighter future before him than I have, I realize this to some extent & I do not mean to let the opportunity slip. I have said the same myself, the same you did when you commenced to labor in this Kingdom, “I give my whole soul to this work.” I think I can see it will be a hard task for me, but I have told some of the boys already that they need not expect me to come to them, or rather back to the old way, before I left, if they wanted to have me love them to not ask me to drink with them, nor chew tobacco, nor swear. Now George, I am well aware that there has some just as good men as I am and perhaps better, returned from their missions with equally as good resolves, & yet in a little time they returned like the sow, etc. I do not wish to do this. I desire your faith and prayers that I may not, I will call upon my father, and strive diligently to improve in the Kingdom, & tread the path of a Saint, & if God will give me that strength which I desire I will serve him all my days.”
Ogden City, Weber Co
Utah Territory
Augt 31st 1863.
Dear Bro
It is with much pleasure that I dictate a few lines to you as Brother Young wrote you from Atchison giving you an account of our travels homewards to that point, I will decline referring thereto but merely say that your promise was made good to me. I was not sea sick the first bit. My health when I left Atchison on the 15th Inst was very poor the warm weather was very oppressive which passing through the States. I stood the trip across the plains first rate. My health improved every day notwithstanding the road was very rough and we rode night and day. We arrived in G. S. L. City on the evening of the 27th. We had the coach stop in front of the President’s office where we found the President, his Council, and a large number of the Brethren waiting to receive us[.] I think I can say without exaggeration that we had a hearty welcome. Mary, Chauncey, & Joseph, Bro McGaw, Hammond, Gamble & Shirtcliffe were in the city, waiting to accompany me home. I called & saw your family and gave Sarah Jane your letter. They were very glad to hear from you but would have much more rejoiced could they have met with you they were all enjoying good health and high in anticipation of soon seeing Sister Cannon and the dear Babies. … I saw the President the morning of the 28th when we had a short interview he was in excellent spirits, he told me to go home for a couple of weeks & visit with my family and friends then come down and he would tell me what he wanted me to do. From what I can learn the prospects are that I am going to have a much heavier load packed on to me in regard to public matters than ever I had. He has lately visited Ogden twice, the first time he held a two days meeting, the second time as he returned from Cache valley he held a meeting. It is said that he scored very deep & hewed to the line all round. The particulars in relation to these matters I will give in my next. Betwixt 75 & 100 mounted men from this County came as far as Farmington to escort me home. When I reached Kay’s ward I was met by the martial band of this city in a Coach and four. After partaking of a sumptuous dinner which had been prepared by the Bishop of the Ward (Christopher Layton) We passed on home, as we ascended the sand ridge we met men and boys on horseback and continued to meet them all along until we reached this place, also wagon loads with men women and children, and when I reached home I found a large number assembled to welcome me. Certainly no man could receive a more warm reception than I did. I do not speak of these things Bro George boastingly but merely to give you an idea as we have talked a good deal together in reference to matters and things here. I can assure you that all this parade and excitement made me feel very small. I felt that my Brethren & Sisters were paying me more attention than I was worthy of and esteeming me above my worth. Yesterday we had a very good meeting our Tabernacle was well filled. There has been a great deal of division among the people here. At the late election they had several tickets & much confusion reigned. So far as I have investigated I have found my business matters better than I anticipated. … Some 2 weeks ago Briggs one of the Twelve of the new Organization under young Joseph and another Elder of that faith arrived in Salt Lake City they had impudence to walk right up on to the stand in the Tabernacle and took seats without any invitation whatever. After meeting Elder Taylor had a conversation with them they were very saucy and impudent they also called upon Prest Young and stated to him the object of their Mission which was to fetch the Church back to the true shepherd. President Young told them that they could go a head and do their work but he should not help them by opening our houses of worship or calling the attention of the people to them in any way whatever he did not doubt but what they could obtain some followers & hoped that they would for he wanted to get rid of every thief, (whoremaster, liar, and hypocrite[)] in the Territory. They became very saucy and impudent so much so that they came very nigh being kicked out of the his office they have been holding their meeting in Judge Drake’s House it is said they have very small congregations as yet. The Gold country north seems to very extensive. New mines are continually being opened which are said to be extremely rich. The Gentiles are flocking there by thousands. Hundreds of wagons are coming into our settlements to get supplies for the Winter. The Counsel from the President is for the Brethren to keep away from the Mines, but I am sorry to say that quite a number have gone and more desire to go and probably will unless they get rid of that desire soon. The word Gold seems to charm many and I am afraid a great trial for such persons is just at hand.
Matters pertaining to the army and soldiers here appear to move very quietly at the present time. Several large trains with army supplies are on the way to this Territory from the East. It is quite evident that they still anticipate giving us a brush, for this purpose they are laying their plans and making their arrangements so as to be ready as soon as the old gentleman gets his hands a little loose down East, so that he can turn his attention in this direction. The Saints generally have no fears, they are satisfied that all will come out right, if they do right. About 1/3 of the Morrisites have gone to California, the most of the balance are gone to Soda Springs with a portion of Col. Connor’s command, to establish a Military post & to open farms & build a City as they say” … }
This news from <for> them was very pleasing to me, especially to learn of Brigham’s determination to be a man of God and of Bro. West’s improvement in health. We stopped at Bro. Geo. Stringfellow’s and took tea and then went to meeting which was held in the large room of a tavern in the town. It was very amusing going and returning from meeting. We had to pass through a wood and a considerable distance in the dark from the house to the town and it was so dark that we could not see <our> hands if we held <them> out before us. I took Bro. Stringfellow’s arm and we took the lead but we ran against a gate that was across the road with full force not being able to see it and thinking it must be open. The meeting room was full and we had a good meeting. I sympathized very much with this family with whom we stopped. One of the daughters was a widow with three children. The parish has rendered her some assistance since the death of her husband; but has lately withdrawn a portion of it, and it appears impossible for her to support herself and keep out of the Poor House. The family would have all to stop for some time, to all human appearance, or leave her and her children behind. I told her that I would pawn my sleeve buttons (a pair of gold ones presented to me by Brigham, Jr.) for their value towards her outfit passage as well as a watch-ribbon with a gold hook, slide &c and I would part with something I could sell, or borrow the money to redeem the sleeve-buttons. The family were very grateful. I forgot to mention yesterday that two young women by the name of Betts, belonging to Mansfield, who had first plead with me to visit that place and who were much persecuted by their folks and had to work hard for their living, came and insisted on giving me half a crown to pay my expenses. Bro’s. Chase, Pratt, Ross, Bullock & myself all slept at Bro Stringfellow’s.
8 October 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 8/63. We dressed very hurriedly this morning, as we had nearly overslept ourselves and started for the Station. I reached Liverpool, and found all well, at about 3 P.M. I found Bro. Joseph Felt here, he having come in with Bro. Thos Taylor from the Manchester Conference to labor in the town of Liverpool in the stead of Bro Joseph Romney who had been taken by me from the duties of the ministry, to labor in the place of Bro. Shearman, as assistant editor of the Star, Bro. Shearman’s health having failed so much as to require a respite from his duties. My mind has been upon the resurrection to-day and I have had singular reflections respecting my daughter Georgiana. I caught myself thinking how she would look as a child in the resurrection. <The brethren thought I looked bad as though I was sick or had bad news.> This evening when I went up to bed my bedroom had no light in it but that which came th was reflected from the lights in the street and I fancied my wife <Elizabeth> was in the room, and when I lit my candle which stood on the stand by the bedside I looked around the room almost expecting to find her there.
9 October 1863 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 9th/63. This day has been one of extreme sorrow to me. The first letter I opened this morning was in Bro. Peacock’s handwriting and was as follows: (Insert letter)
{Greeswood Creek
Idaho Territory
Sept 4th 1863.
Dear Brother Cannon
It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of your daughter Georgiana. She died on the Platte (last company) on the night of the 2nd at 9 P.M. Immediately I set to in search of something that the body could be conveyed in to Salt Lake & procured two Tin Churns sufficiently large to slip over the body and by cutting the ends of each churn, one slipped over the other, then soldering around in the middle made it quite safe then packed the tin case in a box. I think there will be no difficulty in getting the body through. The particulars of her sickness and death are these[:] She had the measles when at Florence after leaving she took the whooping cough yet we hoped that she would soon be over that as she kept very smart, but on Friday the 28th of August she was taken very ill with fever we anointed her and administered the ordinance and she seemed to get some better but relapsed again. Every thing that could be done was done exercising all the faith we were master of administering to her three and four times each day. On the 1st of Septr we had bright hopes as she appeared so much better but towards noon of the 2nd she was taken very bad and continued so. We camped about noon and laid over. I watched over her, prayed for the Lord to spare her; but found she gradually sank. About an hour before her death she called my name, “Mr Peacock,” afterwards said “Ma,” and spoke no more, although she suffered through the day the last few hours of her illness was not painful and she died without a struggle. You may be assured that Sister C. is much fatigued and worn down seems to sink under the trial[.] we try to comfort her all we can. Bro’s Little and Cluff came up yesterday, bringing two letters from you to her[.] I think they were dated 7th and 24th of July which seemed to cheer her up.
Bro Little takes Sister Cannon, the babe, and Rosa on with him this morning, also the corpse, and will reach Salt Lake in 8 days. We sent a Telegram from Platte Bridge to President Young and one to John Hoagland to come out & meet us so most likely in about four days, Sister C will meet some one from Salt Lake. The babe has the Whooping cough but as yet he seems to stand it well as he looks and grows fine. We have had a great deal of sickness and 16 deaths in our company one sister killed by lightning the deaths were mostly old people and children. Bro Little reports the back companies getting along first rate not much sickness and but few deaths. The season is one of the dryest that had ever been known on the plains dust is very bad as the roads are cut up in a bad manner making the roads rough Bro’s Needham & Bigler have not been well since we left Florence, until within a few days the camp duties have mostly fallen upon me which has worn me down considerably having lost about 25 lbs yet I have good health & as the brethren are getting better I hope to ease up a little, aside from the duties after camping I have walked most of the way from Florence the girls Hannah & Eliza are well at present although Eliza has not been very healthy but she will improve as we get into the mountains the girls wish to be kindly remembered to you and the rest of their acquaintances. Bro’s Bigler and Needham join me in kind love to you and the boys in the office. Ever praying the Lord to bless you and aid you by his Spirit, I remain
Your Brother in the Gospel
Geo Peacock.}
I was only able to read the first lines. I was completely stunned and overwhelmed by this dreadful news. For a short time it seemed as though I could not comprehend it. After this stupor passed off my feelings overpowered me and my distress was terrible. It seemed as though I had lost all control of myself. I remained for a few hours alone in this condition; but my feelings finally became finally so wrought up that I thought I would lose my senses unless I had relief and something to divert me from the thoughts which oppressed me. I rang for Bro. Shearman who came up, thinking that his society would help me; but I continued to get worse and I then started down stairs to the Office as near crazed as I well could be and retain my senses. I knew not what to do for relief; but bethought me of being administered to. As soon as the <brethren> laid their hands upon me I felt soothed and by the time they had finished speaking and took their hands off I was quite calm. They had some difficulty in speaking on account of their own emotions, first one and then another starting but breaking down, their voices failing after speaking a few words. My grief was heightened by the fear that Elizabeth’s health had probably broken down under the shock of Georgianna’s death and that she might not be able to live. I <have> always been aware that grief had a great effect upon me; but I never knew my weakness in this direction so much as I do now. This dear child was so lovely and engaging and had been so from her birth that I loved her with all the strength of my mind. In my eyes she was perfection. Could I have had the power I would not have known any point <mentally or physically> which I would have altered with the expectation of improving her. She was intelligent far beyond her years and gave promise of being a very superior woman, should she live. I did not think of her dying, though I have tried since the death of my first child — George Quayle — to hold all my family in my affections so that if they any of them should, in the providence of the Almighty, be taken[,] that I might not be entirely unprepared. It will be a very severe blow to Elizabeth, deprived as she is of my society. I would feel far worse than I do, if I did not know that my motive in sending my family away was pure and that I had been led to do so by the promptings of the Spirit. Dictated several letters.
10 October 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 10th/63 Wrote a letter to Bro. Isaac Bullock appointing him President of the Scottish District and requesting him to pay a visit to Glasgow and see how matters were there as I had received a letter from one of the brethren intimating that the Travelling Elders had feelings against the President of Conference. Wrote a letter to my wife Elizabeth and also to Sarah Jane. Started in company with Bro. Shearman to London at 3.45 P.M. to attend Conference there. We <were> met at Highbury station by Bro’s. Bentley and Bull and found Bro. Sims & Sis. Griffiths at 30 Florence St. I felt very depressed & sad and unfit for society.
11 October 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 11/63. Though I felt better and more cheerful to-day I still felt more like retiring to some secret place than appearing in public. We met with the Saints in Conference in the afternoon and evening and had the largest turnout of Saints there has been seen for some time <years> in London. Bros. Bentley, Sims, Bull, Bird & Shearman & myself spoke in the afternoon. I presented the authorities and spoke for a short time. We had a very good meeting. Took tea at a Coffee House with a number of the Saints. In evening I spoke. I did not have that freedom in the beginning that I had afterwards. I had difficulty in concentrating my thoughts and mind and seemed incapable of grasping my subject. I improved as I proceeded, though it was only from a sense of duty that I attempted to speak at all.
12 October 1863 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 12/63. Wrote to Liverpool to the of Bro. Graham and to Bro Warren S. Snow, Southampton. In evening attended a Concert given by the Choir, under the direction of Bro. Geo. Careless, to the Elders and Saints at Albion Hall. The only drawback to the pleasure of the evening was the smallness of the Hall, all who wished to enter not being able to do so. The Concert was quite a success.
13 October 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 13/63. Went out to Woolwich in company with Bro’s. Bentley, Bull & Shearman, to visit Bro. Payne and family. Took a long walk round the Common, Barracks &c. In evening Sister Audrey Payne sang & played on the Piano. We returned to London in the evening. Mr. Anthony Godbe, a brother of Wm S Godbe, called upon me at the Office to have a cheque <on me> in his Mother’s favor cashed.
14 October 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Oct. 14/63. Wrote an Editorial “The voice of God in the earthquake.” Afterwards in company with Bro’s Bentley and Bull went out of town to the suburbs to visit a family consisting of a man & wife, the latter was is in the Church, the former is not, though friendly. Their name is Smith. Had a very agreeable visit and returned to the City late in the evening.
15 October 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, 15th. Bro. Wiscombe called to see me this morning about entering into the ministry again. Bro’s. Bull & Sherman and Sims started to-day for various places; the first for Bedfordshire Conference; the second to Birmingham Conference, and the latter to his field — Essex. We <Bro. Bentley & myself> started in company with Bro South for on a visit to the Kent Conference. We reached Brighton about 4.30 P.M. and repaired to the house of Bro. Stoner. Sister S. soon had a meal ready for us. We held meeting in the evening at 7 o’clock. Several strangers were present. Bro Bentley spoke for a few <about twenty> minutes and I followed at some length. There was a very good feeling and spirit in the meeting. We slept at an inn[,] none of the Saints having accommodation for Bro. Bentley and myself.
Source Note
Journal, 1863–1864
George Q. Cannon, Journal, 16 Oct. 1863–6 June 1864; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 314 inscribed pages with 8 tipped-in pages; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Medium-size journal measuring 8 × 5⅝Â × 1¼ inches (20 × 14 × 3 cm). The cream-colored paper of the text block, measuring 7¾ × 5 inches (20 × 13 cm), is ruled with twenty-four blue lines. The text block is composed of twenty gatherings of twelve leaves each, except the first, which has six leaves. Eight leaves were tipped into the text block at various points of the journal to add information at those points. The journal has some blank pages where Cannon apparently was going to come back later to add detail to entries. The journal ends on page 315. Though the remainder of the journal is blank, each leaf is paginated through the end of the volume (page 464). The front and back of the journal have two flyleaves each. Marbled paper adorns the front and back inside covers. The outside cover is a dark maroon leather (almost black) with blind-tooled decoration. The spine includes several tooled lines with gold debossing: “DAILY | JOURNAL | COMMECING | OCTOBER 17TH 1863 | ENDING | [blank] | GEO. Q. CANNON.” At a later point, a small red-bordered archival label was pasted to the upper left corner of the front cover. In black ink, the label reads: “No. 5 | G.Q.C. Journal | 1863–4 | England”. The pages appear to have been contemporaneously paginated. The year of the entries was written at the top of each page in the journal, apparently after the journal was completed. This journal and Cannon’s 1862–1863 journal are nearly identical in physical appearance, and this volume continues seamlessly with the previous journal, with one entry (for 16 October 1863) spanning both volumes.
In 1932, Sylvester Q. Cannon, who was then serving as the presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated George Q. Cannon’s journals to the church’s First Presidency. The First Presidency transferred the journals to the Church History Department in late 2008.
16 October 1863 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 16/63. Bro Braby, the President of the Branch is a cab-driver and he brought his cab around and took Bro’s. Bentley, South and myself out on to the esplanade and round the town. Brighton is on the Channel and has a beautiful situation, though rather hilly. The houses are very fine, and the view drive on the road fronting the beach is superior. We took dinner at Bro. Gilbert’s and Sis. G fed us on a dish that I never <tasted or> saw before, namely, “a toad in the hole.” It was meat prepared, seasoned &c and put into a dish and batter poured over it some two inches thick and then baked. We walked out in the afternoon and saw the <visiting> population all out on parade in carriages and afoot. I never saw such an assemblage of fashionables before. The horses & carriages were in many instances very elegant and1 attractive. We took tea at Bro. Gilbert’s and spent the evening at Bro. Stoner’s. Bro. & Sister Fry who spent last evening with us were there again to-night.
17 October 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 17/63. Wrote a brief letter before starting this morning to Elizabeth and Sarah Jane. At 11.30 A.M. we <Bro’s. Bentley, South & myself> took train to Norwood Junction and thence to Beckenham where we took train to Faversham at which latter place we arrived near 5 P.M. and found Bro’s. Wm Sanders, President of the Conference, Ensign I. Stocking and Thos Priday, at Bro. Gemmet’s.
I found a letter from President Young for me here, under date of Sept. 11th, 1863. The following extracts therefrom: (insert here)
Dear Brother
[asterisks] Bro Eldredge informs me that collecting the railroad fares in Liverpool is a much better plan than collecting them in New York, and I am of the same opinion.
The new likeness in the plate of the First Presidency and Twelve gives me entire satisfaction, and I think will improve as the sharp lines mellow down by use. Please accept my thanks for the care of labor you have bestowed on the matter.
[asterisks] The ten trains sent from here to Florence for freight and the poor started back as follows:— J. R. Murdock, June 29; J. M. Sanders, July 6; W. B. Preston, July 9; P. Nebeker, July 25; Mc Arthur, Augt 6th; H. C. Haight, Augt 8; J. W. Woolley Augt 9; T. E. Ricks Aug 10; R. Hyde Augt 11; White Aug 15. The following independent companies also left:— Patterson, June 30; J. R. Young July 7; There may be other independent companies on the road, that we are not advised of.
Captn Murdock and company arrived on the 29th ult., Capt. Paterson on the 4th Captn Sanders on the 5th, and Capt Preston on the 9th instant. Captn Haight passed Laramie on the 5th Capt. Woolley on the 6th and Capt. Ricks on the 7th Inst. At the rate the trains have travelled on their return this season, it is expected that Captn White, rear train, will reach here about the middle of October.
After a safe passage across the ocean, the immigration this season were signally blest at New York and on the route from that city to Florence. After bro Eldredge wrote you what amount to collect for railroad fares, a combination of the companies on the route increased the rate some five dollars for each adult, which would seriously have interfered with arrangements, but he succeeded in closing the contracts at the price he had previously spoken about to the Agent, which enabled all to come through.
And at the strike for wages at the time going on in Albany our people, by passing their own baggage at the connection there, proceeded without detention or interruption; and the companies on the Cynosure and Amazon arrived in New York just at the close of the serious riot in that City. In short, on the ocean, on the railroads, and on the plains, so far as they have arrived & we learn, the hand of the Lord has been extended with manifest and choice blessings and protection in behalf of this year’s immigration.
Bro’s F. Little and Lewis Hills passed Rock Independence on the 4th. inst. with Sister Cannon and her youngest child, the telegram adding the painful intelligence that her oldest child died on the 2nd. inst.
Our northern settlements being now pretty strong and this year’s immigration pretty numerous, bro C. C. Rich is about starting to form new settlements on Bear River east of Cache Valley. Not much is expected to be done this fall further than to select locations, build forts, survey lots, and prepare for winter, but they will thus be on the ground in readiness for a vigorous prosecution of operations next spring.”}
Also letters from Bro. Shearman and Mrs. [first and last name of man redacted], G. S. L. City. The former containing the copy of a letter written by Elder R. H. Parker to Bro. Pixton advising him of his reasons for leaving his field and starting to L’pool; the latter respecting her husband who she had heard had refused to return home when he had been released from his Mission and was living with another woman.
18 October 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 18th/63. We held Conference to-day and had three meetings. In the morning Bro’s. Court, Smithen, Simons, Barnes, Cooke, Allsworth and Goodsell, Presidents of branches [spoke], and Bro’s. <Elders> Sanders, South, Priday and Ensign I. Stocking followed. I also made a few remarks. In the afternoon Bro Sanders gave a financial & statistical report of the Conference; Sacrament was administered and Bro. Bentley spoke for about an hour and I followed. Bro. Jemmet came home with his barge from London. He had made great exertions to reach here for the Conference & had been much blessed with <a> favorable wind. In the evening I spoke and enjoyed excellent liberty.
19 October 1863 • Monday
Monday, 19th. After breakfast we <Bro. Bentley and I> started for London. We reached Florence St. about 1 P.M. From the Deseret News forwarded to Bro. Bentley I received the pleasing news of the arrival of my wife Elizabeth in the City at home in company with Elders Little and W. W. Cluff, on Saturday the 12th of Sept.
Went to Bro. Groves’ and had dinner & tea in one meal. Bro. Bentley and I spent the evening there. Wrote a letter to Bro. John L. Smith and another to Bro. Graham after our return. Sat up in company with Bro. Bentley and Sister Griffiths until quite late, or rather early in the morning, speaking on principle.
20 October 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct. 20/63. Arose at 5 O’clock this morning to start for Birmingham. Bro. Bentley accompanied me to the Station. I started at 6.15 and reached at 9.30 A.M. and was met at Birmingham by Bro’s. Kay and Shearman. They and Sister Kay were well. Wrote an Editorial entitled: [blank] {“The Past season’s Emigration — Potency of Faith & Prayer.”} In evening went over to Bro. Napper’s in company with Bro. & Sis. Kay and Bro. Shearman and took supper there. We had a pleasant conversation.
21 October 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 21st. Wrote Commenced a letter to Brigham, Jr. Started at 1.45 p.m. to Liverpool[,] which place I reached a 5.40 and found all well. Bro. R. H. Parker is here waiting to see me about going to the States to urge his father and mother and brothers to emigrate to the Valley. He says he has felt very unhappy and miserable and has not had the Spirit of his mission in consequence of his anxiety on their account. He denies, upon my asking him, being in transgression. I have reasoned with him on the impropriety and folly of indulging in such feelings and have pointed out to him how injurious the non-fulfilment of his present mission would be to him. I have told him that if he had would do his duty here he would have faith with God to plead in behalf of his relatives.
22 October 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 22/63. Bro. Parker has not been influenced by all I have said, in addition to what the other brethren have said to him, sufficiently to make up his mind to stop. He besought me this morning to let him go. I told him that I could not prevent his going, of course. He said he knew he could do no good if he stayed, and he might as well go; and if he did not find his folks willing to pick up and go to the Valley he would come back. He engaged his passage to-day on the “Adriatic” for New York. He received a letter to-day from Bro. David P. Kimball in which he appealed to him with power & pathos not to go and warned him of the consequences of such a foolish step as he heard he was taking. He affected to be much hurt at David writing as though he (Parker) was likely to leave the Church or apostasizing apostatize; but he seems to be so blind, notwithstanding all that has been said to him, that he cannot see that the step he is now taking—going in direct opposition to the counsel of the servants of God and the plain requirements of duty—lead directly on to the high road to apostacy. Dictated letters and attended to other business.
23 October 1863 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 23/63. I requested Bro. Parker to give me up his letters of appointment. He did so without expressing any reluctance or regret and without making any remark that would lead me to suppose he felt bad about it. An Elder, who felt the importance of his Office and calling and valued his position as he should, would rather give have his life required of him than his papers and authority as an Elder. The loss of honor would be worse, in his estimation, than the loss of life. I am compelled to think that this young man is in transgression. I have told him that he must expect that constriction to be put on his conduct. Men who have wives and children and whom they love with all the affection <of which> the human heart is capable <-->and <wives and children> who are dependent on them alone<--> will be unable to understand how why he, if he is not in transgression, can feel such an intense desire for his parents, who are not dependent on him, alone and who have four other sons, three of whom are older than himself, and from whom he could stay away before two years, before he came on this Mission that he must run away from his mission to look after them. If he could stay away two years from them two years before coming here, they without feeling so miserably anxious about them, they will not be able to understand why he cannot do so now, especially as he had so recent an opportunity of seeing and conversing with them and enforcing upon them the necessity of gathering. He went on board at 12 noon. I wrote letters to Bro. Jesse N. Smith, and Bro Cox and Bro’s. D. P & Chas. Kimball. Attended the Went and saw a very fine comic actor named J L. Toole at the Prince of Wales Theatre in company with Bro’s. Joseph Romney and John C Graham. I enjoyed his acting in the three pieces that were performed — The Good for Nothing, George de Barnwell and Ici on parle Francais — very much indeed. I think he is one of the best, if not the best, actor I ever saw. I had Saturday, Oct. 21/63 the great pleasure of receiving a letter from Bro. Bentley in which he informed me that his wife had called upon my wife Elizabeth after her arrival home and had found her well and the baby “fat and fine.” This was very pleasing <and relieving> news to me.
24 October 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 24/63 Wrote a letter to President Brigham Young and attended to other business. Started at 4.20 P. M. in company with Bro. Joseph Felt to attend Conference at Manchester. Bro. Thos Taylor, E. Eldredge Jr. and Bro’s. Lythgoe, Alexander & Machin were in the city and we met them at a Concert, at the Temperance Hall, where the Saints sang, recited and the band played music. Bro. Thos Taylor and myself stopped at Bro. Boardman who with his wife and family treated us very kindly.
25 October 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 25/63 Met to-day in Conference with the Saints three times. The attendance was very good. In the morning the Presiding and traveling Elders spoke and represented the condition of the Conference. I added a few remarks. In the afternoon the sacrament was administered and I proposed the authorities and spoke at some length. The room was very hot and the people, as a consequence, sleepy[,] and I had to labor hard during the first portion of my remarks. I spoke in the evening also and had considerable liberty. We dined with Sister Cutler and her sons at the boarding house of the latter. The Young men were not in the Church but inquiring. Took tea at Bro. Cunliffe’s. In evening I addressed the Congregation and had very good liberty. Returned to Bro. Boardman’s and ate supper.
26 October 1863 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 26/63. Called upon Sister Cutler in company with Bro’s Taylor & Felt and found her quite sick with cold in bed. Afterward went to the Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway Station to see Mr. Bradley, the Superintendent, about making a contract to bring the Scandinavian Saints from Copenhagen direct to Grimsby. Saw Mr. Hart but was not able to accomplish anything. In afternoon took train into Liverpool in company with Bro. Felt. Spent the evening at meeting at Bro. Graham’s.
27 October 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct. 27/63 Wrote to Sis. Day of Bedford, Bro’s. Jeremy and C. A. Benson. {Elders Felt, & W. Woodruff Junr called.}
28 October 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Oct. 28/63 Wrote an editorial entitled “Excommunicated Members —How to Baptize &c — Suspension of Priesthood.” Went with Bro Joseph Romney and spent the evening at Sister Spencer’s.
29 October 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, 29th. Wrote an Article on “Book Debts — Subscription to Star and Journal” and another on Excommunicated Members – How to baptize &c – Suspension from Priesthood. Wrote several letters. {Elder George Halliday returned from his visit to the Irish Mission. Elders Taylor, Felt & Woodruff called.}
30 October 1863 • Friday
Friday, 30th. Finished a letter to Brigham Young Jun. In evening Bro & Sister Graham and Sisters McManus & Spencer & Mary came and took tea and remained the evening which was spent very pleasantly. Wrote a letter to Bro. Shearman and several others. {Elder Halliday left for Birmingham on his way to Bristol.}
31 October 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 31/63. Started at 7.25 A.M for Sunderland and reached there about 4 P.M. I was very much annoyed and insulted by an a <drunken> Irish cattle drover who rode with me about two hours. I rode 3rd Class. This I have been more tried by riding in third class carriages than by anything else I have had to meet since I have been in this country. I have been brought in contact with lower characters than I ever met with in any other capacity. Poverty that is decent I do not mind; but many of those I can take no exception or offence to it. But to the poverty is frequently added filth — both in person, in clothing and in language, and miserably low vulgarity and smoking &c. When I reached Sunderland I found Capt. Stevens, with whom the brethren stopped, had moved completely out of town. Fortunately I found him nearby and he guided me to his house where I met Bro’s. Farnsworth, C. A. Benson, J. A. Cunningham and S H Hill.
1 November 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 1st/63. We met in Conference to-day and held three meetings. The usual business was attended to and the brethren spoke. I spoke in all three of the meetings.
2 November 1863 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 2/63. Very stormy day. Wrote a letter to my father-in-law, Bishop Hoagland. Took tea at Bro. Englefield’s. Then went to the Hall and spent the evening with the Elders and Saints; recitations, songs, and remarks from myself were the business of the evening. I had a serious talk with Bro. Nelson and warned him in plainness of his danger he was in.
3 November 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 3/63. Arose early this morning. Sisr Stevens had breakfast early and started for the Station. Reached Liverpool in the evening, very tired.
4 November 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 4th/63. Wrote to several of the Elders, And an Editorial, “A direful vengeance and an unlooked for Avenger.”
5 November 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 5th/63. Wrote an article on “Statistical Reports — Branch & Conference Records” and another “The last apostate Device.” <Wrote some letters and> Commenced a letter to Bro. Chauncey W West.
6 November 1863 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 6th/63. Finished letter to Bro. West also wrote to President Young.
7 November 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 7/1863. {Attending to Office business. Brother Thomas Taylor left for the Isle of Man.} Started to Hanley at 4 P.M. to attend Conference. Was met at the Station by Bro. <Chas. B.> Taylor and found Bro’s. Kay and F[inley] S Free at the house of Bro Poole, President of the Hanley Branch.
8 November 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, 8th/63. Very stormy. Very few at meeting; but I enjoyed the opportunity very much. In afternoon and evening we had excellent meetings.
9 November 1863 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 9/63. Sis. Poole made me a present of a China cup and saucer and a singular black drinking cup. Started to Burslem accompanied by Bro’s. Kay, Taylor and Free where I took train for L’pool, which place I reached about 3. P.M. Found all well. Attended meeting at Bro. Graham’s. We had a good meeting.
10 November 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 10th/63. Wrote an Article entitled: “European complications — Congress or War” and wrote letters to <my wife> Elizabeth & Grandma [Goodfellow].
11 November 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 11/63. Wrote an article “How the Branches can be kept healthy.
<Judicial> Pruning needed.[”] Received a letter from my wife Sarah Jane written on the 4th of Octr, East Weber. She was there on a visit to her Mother and her sister Olive, who with her husband, Wm Peck, are <is> residing there. Her health had not been good and she visited there by their invitation, hoping it would do her good. She had some idea of spending the winter <there>; but had not decided upon it. <Spent the evening at Bro. Graham’s.>
12 November 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 12/63. Wrote several letters and attended Office business. {Elder Samuel, H. Hill, who had been traveling in the Newcastle-on-Tyne district, and had been appointed to labor in the Swiss & Italian mission, left this day per “Pelican,” for Rotterdam.}
13 November 1863 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 13/63. Wrote a letter to my wife, Sarah Jane. Reading proof of the Star and attending Office business.
14 November 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, 14/63. Started at 10. A.M. for Hull and reached there at 2.45 P.M. Met at the Station by Bro’s. Bull and Nicholson. Went to Bro. Hallett’s, and we were afterwards joined by Bro’s Pratt, Jas. Bullock and Geo. Swan. Took dinner there. Sister Wilkinson Pickering waited upon us. Spent the evening there. Went to Bro. Williams’ and slept there. <Received a letter from my wife Eliz>abeth, & Grandma (which see).
15 November 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 15/63. Attended Conference morning, afternoon and evening. Had good meetings. All the Elders spoke in the morning and afternoon. I also spoke for a short time and occupied the evening in speaking. There were very many strangers with us in the evening.
16 November 1863 • Monday
Monday, Nov.d 16/63. Several folks called upon us. Took dinner at Bro. Salmon’s and in the evening repaired to the Hall where the Saints were having a Tea Party. Precisely at ½ past 6 p.m., the people being all seated, a blessing was asked and tea commenced. The arrangements were very perfect, the tea <meal> was excellent and everything went off in a creditable manner. Bro. Bull, had assisted by Bro Nicholson and others, had taken great pains to have the party prove a success and I think they succeeded admirably.
17 November 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 17th/63. Started this morning for th L’pool being accompanied to the Station by Elders Bull, Pratt, Bullock and Nicholson and Bro Williams our host and President of the Branch. Reached L’pool in the afternoon and found all well. Wrote notices to the Elders respecting holding a General Council of the Elders on the Decr 31st.
Wrote other letters on business.
18 November 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 18th Went with Bro. Romney to Turkish Bath. Bro. Robert Pixton arrived here having been visiting his brother. Commenced an editorial The Power and Providence of God — Faith in Him needed.” Wrote several letters.
19 November 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, 19th Finished editorial and in evening attended meeting in the Chapel; the Saints bore testimony and I spoke for a short time.
20 November 1863 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 20th Wrote a letter to Uncle and Aunt Taylor.
21 November 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, 21st. Started this morning for Cheltenham, and after traveling all day, reached there late in the afternoon and was met at the Station by Elders J G Holman and Henson Walker. It was storming terrifically and continued most of the evening. We took supper at Bro. Killpack’s where we were joined by Bro’s. Geo. W Grant and Franklin Merrill. Spent the evening there and then went to our lodgings. Bro Holman and I lodged at an inn.
22 November 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 22/63. Held Conference and met with the Saints three times. I made some remarks in the forenoon, after the brethren had made their representation and in company with Bro. Geo. W Grant occupied the afternoon. In the evening the brethren expected a row, as they had had one every for the three past Sunday evenings. There were some slight symptoms of disturbance in the beginning of the meeting; after I h but when I commenced I reasoned with them on the folly of attempting to meet arguments with violence, as it was always an evidence of a weak cause; that we had assembled for the purpose of worshipping our God according to the dictates of our own conscience and we wished to enjoy that right unmolested. After I had spoken a few minutes the thumping upon the door by the crowd that which were was outside became very noisy and I told the doorkeeper to open the door and let every one come in who wished to stand. They swarmed in
Large numbers swarmed in and for a few minutes there was considerable confusion and many became apprehensive that we would have trouble and the doorkeeper came to the stand and told me that he thought it would be better to dismiss the meeting as we would be sure to be interrupted. After they began to settle I called them to order and told them that the first one who should attempt to create a disturbance would be arrested by the and given in charge of the police at the door, and if there were any who wished to raise the issue with us I was willing to meet them and we would test our right to worship our God in peace and quietness before the magistrates. I told them further that I had held meetings in almost every town in the country, and I had met not met with such a so much annoyance as I had experienced here. I had expected better things in Cheltenham from the character I had always heard given to the city and its inhabitants. The Lord greatly blessed me, and I spoke with freedom and power and they listened with great attention, as quietly and with as great apparent interest as I had ever seen manifested by any congregation similarly situated. When we dismissed they separated quietly. On the whole we all felt that we had had an excellent meeting. We took our meals all day to-day at Sister Hobbs’. Bro’s. O. Knight, and Geo. Taylor, the first from Zion and the latter President of the Worcester Conference were with us all day.
23 November 1863 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 23/63. Started this morning for L’pool. All the brethren accompanied me to the Station. I reached there about 3. P.M. Found all well. Received a letter from my wife, Sarah Jane, from which I learned that she was living still with her Mother at Coalville, East Weber, and that she thought of stopping there all winter unless I requested otherwise. She had been into the City to the Conference. I attended meeting at Bro. Graham’s in the evening.
24 November 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 24th/63. Altered and finished article which I commenced on the 10th instant. Wrote some letters also.
25 November 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 25/63. Wrote an Editorial: Tithing and Mission Fund — Evils to be guarded against. Bro. Shearman arrived in recruited health from Birmingham.
26 November 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, 26th/63. Writing journal and busy about Office.
27 November 1863 • Friday
Friday, 27th/63. Dictating letters to Bro’s. Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, Chas. C Rich, Wm M Pyper and my brother David H. Cannon. In evening went to Sister Spencer’s in company with Bro’s. Shearman & Romney.
28 November 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept. 28th. Wrote to Bro. Clayton and finished look writing letter to Elizabeth. At 3.50 P.M. started in company with Bro. Thos Taylor to Sheffield where we arrived at 6.30 P.M and were met at the Station by Bro’s. Bull, Benjn Stringham and Fowler. I found Bro. Stringham marked more with the small pox than I expected, from what I had heard he would be. We went to Bro. Cutler’s to supper where we were joined by Bro. Pratt, Bro’s Bull, Stringham and Fowler[;] stopped at Bro. Favel’s and I slept with Bro Bull.
29 November 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept. <Novr> 29/63. Attended Conference and had three meetings. There was a very good spirit and the people felt well. I spoke in three meetings and felt very free. All the Elders spoke likewise.
30 November 1863 • Monday
Monday, Sept <Novr>30/63. Two persons — Mr. Allen and Mr. Burton — from Chesterfield called up on me this morning to talk about our principles. They were not in the Church; but inquiring. They seemed seem to be quite convinced, Mr. Allen particularly, of the truth of this work. Atten Went to Bro. Stevenson’s shop and viewed his workmanship on enemas. Then went to the Hall and partook of tea with the Saints. The meal was a very good one and the amusements afterwards were pretty fair.
1 December 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Decr 1st/63. Started to L’pool in company with Bro. Taylor at 1.55 P.M. He stopped at Manchester, I proceeded to L’pool where I arrived about 3 P.M. and found all well.
2 December 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Decr 2/63. Variously employed about Office.
3 December 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, 3rd. Wrote an Editorial “Star and Journal for 1864,” and dictated a number of letters. Storming violently all day, many chimnies &c blown down.
4 December 1863 • Friday
Friday, 4th. Busy attending to Office matters. Finished letter to my wife, Sarah Jane.
5 December 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, 5th. Trying to obtain Monthly Statement and figuring with Bro’s. Graham and Reynolds. As Bro. Thos Taylor did not come as early as he should have done to go with the train to Accrington where we had appointed to meet with the Saints to-morrow, we had to hurry very much for fear we would not be in time. I perspired freely when I reached the train. We found that we would have had plenty of time to walked [walk] more leisurely. We reached Accrington about 6.30 P.M. and were met by Bro’s. Cox and Briggs & John Taylor. We stopped at the latter’s house.
6 December 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, Decr 6th/63. I arose this morning with lungs very sore and inflamed and laboring under a very severe cold. Met with the Saints this morning. Bro’s. Taylor and <F. W.> Cox spoke[,] followed by Presidents of Branches & myself. It was with very great pain I spoke[;] but I felt better as I proceeded and was much blessed in my remarks. They had provided a general dinner of which we and all the Saints partook. Started for Preston at 3 P.M. and was met at the Station there by Bro Beck at whose house we took tea and supper. Bro. Taylor made a few remarks after which I followed; but with considerable <bodily> pain in the beginning. I felt better as I proceeded and had considerable freedom. Slept at Bro. Wadman’s.
7 December 1863 • Monday
Monday, Decr 6th/63. Still laboring under <suffering from> a very severe cold. <Bro. Taylor and myself> Started at 12.40 P.M. for Liverpool and was accompanied to the Station by Bro’s Cox and Wadman. I felt very sick and used up when I reached the Office. Found all well.
8 December 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 7th, 1863. Feeling very unwell. Busily employed in Office.
9 December 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 9th. Still unwell. Writing letters to several of the Elders and others. <Wrote Editorial> Erection of House of the Lord.
10 December 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, 10th My lungs are still sore & I cough considerably. Writing letters to various persons. Wrote one to Bro Halliday in reply to one I recd from him this morning respecting the prospects for Emigration. He states that a report had reached him that the teams instead of being used for the Emigration of the Saints the coming season the President had said he would have employed upon the Temple. The question with him was What are the Saints to do who are selling off their little property, &c &c with the view of being helped across the Plains. I referred him to my Editorial in the Star of Oct 31st wherein I particularly cautioned the Saints to be prepared for whatever obstacles might arise to prevent the Emigration of the Saints next year and to exercise faith and not allowed themselves to be lulled into a feeling of security. That I did not suppose any of the Saints would dispose of their means of livelihood until they were informed that the Emign would be likely to go forward
11 December 1863 • Friday
Friday, 11th To-day I feel much better in health, better indeed than I have felt for some time[.] Wrote to Pres’t Young. and to
12 December 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, 12th In the morning busy writing. In the afternoon left for Leeds to attend Conference on the morrow. Was met at the Station by Elders Bull & Swan
13 December 1863 • Sunday
Sunday 13 Attended meetings and spoke at each, altho’ I felt very sick. In the evening meeting I did not at first feel like speaking & called upon Brother Swan to speak. After he had finished, however, I arose & occupied the remaining portion of the evening and while speaking I scarcely felt any of my illness.
14 December 1863 • Monday
Monday 14. Retd to L’pool where I found all well.
15 December 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 15. busy writing letters
16 December 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday 16 Busy in the Office
17 December 1863 • Thursday
Thursday 17th Writing letters during the day, and in the eveng. attended meeting of the L’pool Branch at their chapel and spoke for about an hour under the influence of the Spirit.
18 December 1863 • Friday
Friday, 18th. Wrote to several of the Elders.
19 December 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, 19th. Left for Birmingham and stayed all night with Bro Kay
20 December 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, 20th Started in company with Bro Kay for Coventry to attend Conference. Had a very good time with the Saints and spoke at the Meetings – held in the afternoon & eveng[.] Returned to Birmingham
Source Note
Daybook, 1863–1864
George Q. Cannon, Daybook, 21 Dec. 1863–3 June 1864; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 175 inscribed pages of journal text, 1 page of financial notes, and 1 tipped-in leaf; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Small pocket-size notebook measuring 5⅝› × 3¾ × ¾ inches (13 × 9 × 2 cm). The white, unlined paper of the text block measures 5 × 3 inches (13 × 8 cm). The text block is made up of eighty-eight leaves and two flyleaves, one at the front and one at the back. The endpapers are yellow paper. The cover is made of dark maroon leather. The cover is also bound with a pouch for a small writing instrument and has a clasp for securing the covers. The edges of the text block are marbled. The inside front cover has a seller’s label (“Improved Patent Metallic Book”). The inside back cover has financial notations. One tipped-in leaf contains journal entries for 24 January through 2 February 1864. A plain white archival sticker on the front cover bears the typed call number “Ms d 5504 | fd 3 v. 5”.
Cannon’s daybooks were donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one of his grandsons at an unspecified time.
21 December 1863 • Monday
Monday, 21st. Recd a letter from Bro Bentley & another from Bro. W H. C. Smith in London[.] The former desired me to go to London as there were a few matters that required some consideration. I found Bro. Miles P. Romney rather poorly. Altho’ he has not made any complaints it has been discovered that he his suffers from an affection of lungs are affected & he betrays evidences1 <(from old book)> of a bad state of health.
Had an interview with Bro W. H. C. Smith and finding that all his chances for making a living for himself & family were anything but probable in this country[,] I concluded to assist him to emigrate to the States where he was sanguine he could get along better than in England. He has for many years lived in India where he was more fortunate in his exertions & since his return to this country has seemed to have been almost helpless & so far as obtaining employment is concerned he has completely failed.
22 December 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 22nd Returned to L’pool; found all well. Bro. Smith (Prest of the Scan. Mission) I found awaiting me. He was in good health & spirits.
23 December 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 23rd. Busy writing letters
24 December 1863 • Thursday
Thursday, 24 Still busy in the Office.
25 December 1863 • Friday
Friday, 25. (Christmas-day) Had all the brethren in the office & the brethren in the ministry laboring in the L’pool Conference as well as Sisters Spencer & daughter & Charlsen to dinner served up in my room, and all appeared to do justice to the excellence of the preparations. In the eveng attended a Festival held at the Chapel in Crown St., where there [were] over 200 of the Saints assembled. The entertainments were well played. A farce called “As like as two Peas” was very amusing. The Songs &c were also well sung.
26 December 1863 • Saturday
Saturday, 26, Busy in the Office.
27 December 1863 • Sunday
Sunday, 27th. Attended meetings held in the Saints Chapel, Crown St. In the evening I spoke and had much freedom during my remarks. A very good spirit prevailed throughout the day at all the meetings. Bro’s Jesse N Smith & T. Taylor spoke also.
28 December 1863 • Monday
Monday, 28th. Very busy in the office with the brethren who are preparing reports & statements for the coming Conference to be held at Birmingham.
29 December 1863 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 29th. Busy in the office & in writing letters.
30 December 1863 • Wednesday
Wednesday 30th Decr 1863. Busily engaged in Office. In afternoon started for Birmingham in company with Brother Jesse N. Smith, Graham & Reynolds. Had some unpleasant companions in the carriage, who were positively filthy. By appealing to the Station master at Crewe I succeeded in having them changed to another compartment. Was glad to meet a number of Elders at Brother Kays where we put up [and] spent a very agreeable evening.
31 December 1863 • Thursday
Thur[s]day Decr 31/63 Met with nearly 100 Elders in General Conference this morning at Hockley Chapel — a house owned by the Church[.] the names of those present were as follows:— (See minutes of Conference)2
{President of the European Missions:
____
George, Q. Cannon, of the Twelve Apostles.
____
President of the Scandinavian Mission:
____
Jesse, N. Smith.
President of the Swiss, Italian and German Mission:
____
John, L. Smith
____
Presidents of the Welsh Mission:
____
Thomas, E. Jeremy & George, G. Bywater.
____
Presidents of Districts.
____
London. ______________________________ Richard Bentley.
Birmingham. __________________________ John, M. Kay.
Southampton. _________________________ Warren, S. Snow.
Manchester. ___________________________ Thomas Taylor.
Scottish. ______________________________ Isaac Bullock.
Nottingham. ___________________________ John, D. Chase.
Sheffield. ______________________________ Joseph Bull.
Bristol. _______________________________ George Halliday.
Cheltenham. ___________________________ John, G. Holman.
Norwich. ______________________________ W. S. S. Willes.
Newcastle-on-Tyne. _____________________ M. F. Farnsworth.
________________________
Presidents of Conferences:
_____
Nottingham. ____________________________ P. P. Pratt.
Warwickshire. ___________________________ R. Pixton.
Edinburgh. ______________________________ J. C. Brown.
Reading. ________________________________ C. M. Gilbert.
Monmouthshire. _________________________ William Lewis.
Herefordshire. ____________________________ G W. Grant.
Essex. ___________________________________ George Sims.
Bedfordshire. _____________________________ Thomas, O. King.
Land’s End. ______________________________ William Willes.
Staffordshire. _____________________________ C. B. Taylor.
Derbyshire. _______________________________ William North.
Carmarthenshire. __________________________ D. S. Davies.
Pembrokeshire. ____________________________ George Gibbs.
Glasgow. _________________________________ William Gordon.
Kent. ____________________________________ William Saunders.
Cheltenham. _______________________________ Henson Walker.
Dundee. ___________________________________ Matthew McCune.
Cardiff. ___________________________________ George Stokes.
Worcestershire. _____________________________ George Taylor.
Norwich. __________________________________ Samuel Neslen.
Dorsetshire. ________________________________ Edmund F. Bird.
West Glamorgan. ____________________________ F. D. Hughes.
Leicestershire. _______________________________ Alexander Ross.
Lincolnshire. ________________________________ James Bullock.
Carnarvonshire. ______________________________ David, E. Jones.
Channel Islands. _____________________________ Charles Norman.
___________________________________
Traveling Elders
_________
Alfred Lee. ______________________________ Matthew Lyon.
Frederick, W. Cox. ________________________ David, P. Kimball.
William, H. Waylett. ______________________ James, A. Cunningham.
Heber, J. Richards. ________________________ Ensign, I. Stocking.
David Gibson. ____________________________ Charles, S. Kimball.
Benjamin, F. Stringham. ___________________ Joshua, H. Whitney.
Miles, P. Romney. _________________________Finley, C. Free.
Charles, W. Stayner. ______________________ Wilford Woodruff Junr
Elnathan Eldredge, Junr., ___________________ Stephen, W. Alley.
Joseph, H. Felt. ___________________________ Oscar, F. Lyons.
Jonas, N. Beck. ___________________________ Justin, C. Wixom.
John, L. Wolten. __________________________ George Webb.
Harry Luff. ______________________________ John Ryder.
Franklin Merrill. __________________________ John South.
Oswell Knight. ___________________________ John, V. Hood.
Junius, S. Fuller. ___________________________ Thomas, C. Patten.
Charles, A. Benson. ___________________________ Henry Arnott.
John Sharp Junr. ___________________________ Thomas, S. Priday.
Robert Watson. _______________________________ John Bird.
Evan, A. Richards. ___________________________ John Evans.
George Swan. _______________________________ Joseph Machin.
John Nicholson. _______________________________ John Day.
Joseph, L. Barfoot. _______________________________ Jens Hansen.
Henry, C. Fowler. _______________________________ P. C. Carstensen.
Septimus Sears. _______________________________ C. C. Sorensen.
James Lythgoe. _______________________________ Jens, C. Olsen.
_____________________________________
_______________ From the “Millennial Star” Office. ___________________
___________________William, H. Shearman. ___________________
___________________Joseph, G. Romney. ___________________
___________________John, C. Graham. ___________________
___________________George Reynolds. ___________________
___________________
The Council opened at half past 10. A.M. and after singing and prayer, I arose and said:—
I scarcely need say to you, brethren, who so well know how to appreciate such a meeting as the present, that I am exceedingly rejoiced to meet you under the favorable circumstances which surround us. I presume that all who are here present feel to enjoy the privilege afforded them, especially those who are so far from that place the prosperity of which is so closely associated with their own, and in which their hopes and everything that at present interests them are centred. I know that many assembled here this morning can better appreciate the associations of home than they ever did before. Absence from home has enabled me to appreciate more highly the society of my brethren and all those associations which I have hitherto enjoyed. Being deprived of them causes us to place a far higher value upon them than we otherwise would. I trust that all who are here this morning will have the Spirit of the Lord with them while together, and, if we supplicate our Father to let his blessings rest upon us, we shall have a time long to be remembered. For my own part, I have left my office business behind me, and have come here to concentrate all my thoughts and desires upon the business of the meeting before us, and I want to be filled with the gift and power of my office and calling, of every one of my brethren present to be the same. I hope no one will feel bound in their feelings and thoughts or experience any embarrassment. I would like all to feel free in their remarks, and not suppose that there are any here who will criticise their language or mode of address; and, while we are here, I trust we shall not allow ourselves to be like the world in their meetings and associations, carrying with us a stiffness and formality not consistent with our feelings and profession. If we have this freedom the Spirit will be with us. I want to hear all the brethren speak, and to see them feel as they should feel, if it takes a fortnight before they can do so.
I have great satisfaction in meeting with you; for I do feel that, speaking in general terms, the Elders from Zion have been trying to do the best they could in their labors in the ministry, and the same with the native Elders. The Elders have been successful in bringing many thousands of souls to a knowledge of the truth, as well as gathering them to Zion. I think we shall find, when the brethren make their statements before the Council, that the number of baptisms throughout the Mission for the past year is equal to, or, if anything, exceeds the number emigrated from these lands.
There have been a little over ten thousand Saints who have emigrated from Europe during the last three years. I trust, my brethren, that you will continue to exert yourselves in your labors, and that you will magnify your callings to the glory of our Eternal Father. The older I grow the more I am sensible of the necessity of increasing my exertions and of living according to the principles of salvation. When I see my brethren pursuing this course and practising every virtuous and holy example, my feelings warm towards them. I love them and desire to live and labor with such. Men of this kind are not so commonly found, I find, as I once thought they would be. I once thought that it was no uncommon thing for men to live in purity & remain faithful and devoted to the Truth, but, as my associations and intercourse with men extend, I grieve to find it far more unusual for purity and integrity to exist than I before imagined. This experience forcibly convinces me of the truth of the word of the Lord through the Prophet Joseph, “Strait is the gate and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it.” It may sound strange, yet it is true, that there are very few, comparatively speaking, who will attain to the fulness of their exaltation in the presence of our Father and our God. The price of such a glory is great, for the reward is great, and much is required at our hands before we can obtain it. We must lay everything upon the altar, subdue every evil desire, and the propensities common to our nature, before we can dwell in the exalted presence of God. When I see Elders disposed to sacrifice everything they possess, even to themselves, and place all upon the altar, my heart warms towards them and I love such men. My brethren, I know that there is nothing that I hold dear upon this earth that I should consider of greater importance to me than the progress of God’s Work.
Under our present circumstances we all can understand, perhaps, how to estimate the importance of God’s work more than we were able to do before, and the greater necessity there is for us to labor diligently in our present positions and callings. While we are laboring in this mission I trust we will do so contentedly and faithfully, and that the faith & desires we now have and the good resolves we may form, will live and abide with us, and be so indelibly impressed upon our minds that we will never cease to entertain them while we have existence on the earth. All the instructions we may hear, and every new resolution of our minds that we may make while we are here assembled, we will be, I hope, able to put into practice to the fullest extent, not alone while we are upon these missions, but throughout our lives. Let us from this period form determinations that we will discharge those responsibilities which rest upon us and labor for God while we live. Let us retain in our remembrance, when we return to Zion, the precious blessings we have received while we have been fulfilling our Missions, & the happy times we have had in consequence; and, instead of being a load upon the shoulders of brother Brigham, brother Heber, brother Daniel or the Twelve, let us assist them and labor with the same purpose in view. Our missions are not ended when we return home, but we are constantly — so long as we are connected with the Church of God and bear the Priesthood we at present are called to — missionaries engaged in the development of his purposes. Let every Elder be the same Elder when he returns to Zion that he is while laboring in these lands; and if there should be any change in him, let it be for the better, that he may be a man of God in the widest sense of the term, & be an example for them who surround to profitably imitate. To prosper and have the blessings of God we must live according to the precepts of our holy religion and the whisperings of the Spirit, whether at home or abroad. The contest between truth and error is all the time going on; and as every day rolls on that contest increases in its vindictiveness. Our weight and influence must be felt on the one side or the other; and happy and blessed are we if they are and always shall be felt on the side of God and truth. The efforts of our enemies will continually appear more mighty and formidable, and I do not expect there will ever be a time when we can listlessly fold our arms and still progress with the truth. Every one who desires to be saved must be on the watchtower and be prepared for the events that will transpire. There are times of difficulty, to all human appearance, look whichever way we will, at hand. The immediate enemies of the kingdom of God are no more idle than the rest of the wicked, and they are as determined as ever to overthrow it. I have not the shadow of a doubt but they are only waiting for a favorable opportunity to make the assault. There will be trials to all who have embraced the Gospel, and those whose faith is not strong will not be able to stand the difficulties which, as members of the Church of God, they will have to contend with. You may notice one thing, my brethren, and that is, that they who have been in the Church and have apostatized therefrom are the most wicked of our enemies. They are the bitterest in feelings towards the Saints and their efforts for the destruction of God’s work are the most deadly. The blood of Joseph and Hyrum was shed by such men, and the blood of those who have been martyred for the Gospel has been sought for by those who have, by their wicked and corrupt actions, been severed from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We may as well make up our minds to be faithful at once and prepare ourselves for the trials that we shall have to meet, for we may rest assured that everything that can be shaken will be shaken. To avoid being shaken we must seek for and obtain the Spirit of God, and gain favor with God through the practice of the principles of truth; and our prayers should be continually ascending to Him to aid us in attaining to glory with him in the eternal world.
I am convinced that to lust after women is a sin that has been very common, and has, like the commission of adultery, resulted in every instance in the loss of the Spirit. Woman has been promised to man, if faithful, as an eternal companion in his exaltation, that he might thereby attain unto the gift of eternal lives; but the man who seeks to possess her improperly, and exercises a debasing and corrupting influence over her, compasses his own damnation and destruction. If Elders allow their thoughts to wander after women, they will sooner or later, unless they speedily repent, find themselves covered with shame and condemnation, and the result will be that through their lusts they will be led to the terrible condition of apostacy. If the Elders can keep clear of this, and can look upon women with eyes of purity and virtue, I have no fear for them. I do not care what errors they may commit besides, if they are striving to correct them and cultivating purity, for they will overcome such things after a while. If we are pure in thought, our words will be the same, and the Spirit and power of God can & will abide with us; while the man who is not pure in his thoughts will eventually indulge in sin, & thus lose the blessings which our Father and God will bestow upon the pure and virtuous man. The Lord is trying us upon this, as upon every other point, that we may evince our integrity and maintain our character. I take pleasure in talking upon this subject, because I know that yielding to temptation of this kind is a fruitful source of evil, and there is great necessity to warn the Elders against it. I can prophesy that the man who indulges in this sin will be led to destruction. There have been hundreds, & I may say thousands, of cases in the history of this Church in which men of great promise have been overcome by this sin, and have succumbed under its baneful influence and been carried out of the Church. You will notice, my brethren, in your experience, that when a man indulges in this sin he loses the Spirit of the Lord, and then he begins to doubt the Gospel, until he reaches apostacy. Numerous names and instances might be cited, if necessary, in proof of what I here state. Brethren, be cautious and avoid this sin. Shun it as you would death—indeed far more, for it is a spiritual death far more terrible than the death of the body. Far better for you that you should die than indulge in this sin and its consequent apostacy. I have felt led to speak on this subject because I know that it is only by watchfulness that we will be able to maintain our integrity unto the end. My prayer is, that as long as we live we may be worthy of the association of the Saints of God. Why, to think of being eternally with Joseph and Hyrum and Willard and Jedediah and Parley, and the rest of the faithful who have gone, and with those who are now faithful on the earth, in the presence of the Father and Jesus, is the most delightful thought of my soul. May God grant us strength to maintain our standing in his Church upon the earth, that we may receive eternal rewards in the presence of our Father, is my prayer. Amen.
The first business this morning will be the reports of the Elders from various parts, of the condition of their fields of labor. I would like the brethren to feel free in making their statements. We have the New Year before us and plenty of time to speak our feelings. I will first call upon brother John, L. Smith.
Elder John L. Smith in representing the Swiss, Italian and German Mission said that he rejoiced to be in their midst, he knew that what Prest Cannon had said was true, and if acted upon would greatly benefit the hearers; with regard to his field of labor, he might say it was very large and the Saints much scattered, often finding it impossible to visit them as often as was necessary; in some instances 150 to 200 miles intervening between the Branches they had baptized 157 during the year and 51 had emigrated last season, and if political affairs remained unchanged and the Emigration continued open during the coming year it would most probably double that of last season.
He also stated that there were considerable difficulties to contend with from the officers of the government, many of the Elders having suffered imprisonment which only seemed to make them more willing to preach the Gospel. In Italy there are but few Saints, in some places a spirit of persecution prevails very much. The prospects in Germany are pretty good at present, thought he meetings have to be held very secretly.
Bro. P. A. Schettler and the other brethren laboring with him were striving diligently to build up the kingdom of God, and those who have been only a short time in the Mission can already preach in the German language.”
The Council was then adjourned until 2.30 P.M. when it again opened with singing and prayer, after which Elder Jesse N. Smith represented the Scandinavian mission, saying that he felt thankful to God for granting him the privilege of meeting in general Council. In the Scandinavian mission the people generally are kind and honest hearted. In the kingdom of Sweden there is room for a great work. The kingdom of Denmark is now in a state of war, and will, sooner or later, be convulsed and desolated by its ravages, as America now is. I regret to say that some of the brethren have been forced into the army to fight in defence of their country.
During the last two years we have emigrated 3.0,33 souls, and prospects for the coming spring are very promising. Those who are not in the Church are very prejudiced in respect to emigration. The last visit of President Cannon was attended with much good and will be long remembered by the Saints.
The brethren who came from the Valley to Scandinavia last Spring are making rapid progress in the language &c.
Elder Isaac Bullock in representing the Scottish District said that he had been laboring in Scotland since the 22nd of last July, travelling through the various Branches and found the Saints very warm hearted and happy to receive the visits of the servants of God. He felt thankful that he had been sent to this country for he felt that staying in Zion would not do so much for the deliverance of God’s people as putting forth the strength God had given for that purpose. He exhorted the young brethren to be diligent and humble, and prayed that himself with them might be so &c.
Elder Thomas Jeremy in representing the Welsh Mission said that he was happy to meet &c. There were nine Conferences in Wales, the population of the Principality was about one million. The Gospel had been preached there since 1842. During this year 151 Saints had emigrated from Wales, and 264 had been baptized. The total number of Saints at present in Wales is 1,828. The brethren laboring with him were doing the best they could &c”
I here remarked that I had read a statement a short time ago in the “Times,” to the effect that the “Mormon” emigration from South Wales was seriously depriving the mining community there of a great number of men, and complained that the “Mormon” Elders were busy endeavoring to take away many more. This showed that brother Jeremy and the Elders were doing a good work in Wales. I am convinced myself that it is so.
Elder R. Bentley in representing the London District said “that when he arrived in this country a little over three years ago, he received an appointment to preside over the Norwich Conference, where he labored until last March, when a second appointment directed him to labor in the London District. He had made some visits to the Kent Conference. Its affairs were prospering under the Presidency of Elder William Sanders. There were 22 Saints emigrated from that Conference last Season and 44 were baptized during the year. The Conference numbers 503 persons.
Elder George Sims presides over the Essex Conference, & is assisted by two traveling Elders. Last season 15 souls emigrated to Zion and 38 persons have been baptized. The Conference at present numbers 246 Saints.
In the London Conference the work is prospering meeting with but little opposition. There were 214 Saints emigrated last season and 229 been baptized. The Conference numbers at present 1,303 persons &c”
Elder Isaac Bullock said that he wished to add a few more words in relation to the Scottish District to show that the work was increasing there. In the Edinburgh Conference during this year 69 persons have been baptized; and 82 emigrated last season. At present there are 464 Saints in the Conference. In the Glasgow Conference 124 have been baptized during the year and 106 have emigrated. It numbers at present 700 Saints. The Dundee Conference numbers at present 153 Saints 21 having been baptized & 13 have emigrated.
Elder Warren S. Snow in representing the Southampton District said his field of labor comprised the Southampton, Reading & Dorsetshire Conferences. The District was prospering. The Southampton Conference was on the increase. Last emigration season 25 Saints left for Zion and 61 have been baptized during the year. It numbers at present 385 persons. The Reading Conference have baptized 20 during the past year and emigrated 32. The Dorsetshire Conference is but small, numbering only 95 Saints; 9 emigrated last season from there and 16 have been baptized during the year. As in Southampton these two Conferences are doing well; and he prayed that God would give them power to overcome all obstacles & that they might go forth as giants in the cause of Truth.
Elder George Halliday in reporting the Bristol District said it was probably different to any District in the Mission, it included the two branches in Ireland — Belfast and Dublin — which number 53 Saints. He had made a visit to Ireland and was pleased to hear the Saints speak so highly of those who have labored among them; alluding to Bro’ Bigler in affectionate terms. In the Land’s-End and Bristol Conferences, the Saints are doing well. We have eleven branches and 396 members in the Bristol Conference. Some of the Branches are very much scattered, the Saints in some of them living as much as fifteen miles apart. The best travelling Elder is the “Star,” and the Saints look forward to its arrival with eagerness.”
After Elder Halliday had concluded his report I arose and spoke as follows:—
I have been much edified by the remarks made by the Elders; and know if we treasure them up they will be food for us in days to come. We can go from this Council to our different fields of labor and we will find that the Spirit of the Lord will call to our minds the things that have been taught to us when we are in the discharge of our duties. I was pleased to hear the remarks of Brother Bentley. He said that the danger of the young brethren being overcome was not now when they feel their weakness, but after they came to rely more on their own individual ability and ceased to trust the arm of God. There is little fear of Elders falling so long as they call upon God and depend entirely on him. But when Elders become accustomed to speaking in public and they begin to imagine that it is their own ability that accomplishes the labor in which they are engaged, and they rely upon their own strength, they have commenced to transgress the laws of God and they are in danger of falling. If you will peruse the history of the Church you will find that the greatest speakers have in this manner fallen. You will find they have been unable to stand in the Church while they have indulged in these feelings. The man who is endowed with natural ability to speak in public must be exceedingly careful. The Devil is ever ready to whisper in his ear that he has talent. This reminds me of an instance which occurred in the experience of one of our leading Elders. He was on a mission to the Eastern States and was considered to be a very gifted speaker. He had been speaking on one occasion to a very attentive congregation, and, at the conclusion of the meeting, one of the brethren stepped up to him, apparently well satisfied with the remarks that he had made; and he said, “Brother, you have preached an excellent discourse.” “Brother,” replied he, “the Devil told me that before you did.” The rebuke was truthful and well timed, for the Devil is ever ready to tell an Elder when he has preached an “excellent discourse,” and that he is a very wonderful and effective speaker, without having the aid of his brethren and sisters to tell him such things. If you allow such insinuations to have weight with you, and allow men and women to tell you how able you are and what excellent speakers, &c., you are, the result will be, my brethren, that you will be overcome. When you preach under such circumstances your words will not give that degree of instruction and satisfaction that the broken remarks of a more humble brother will. If your words do not savor of the Spirit of God, they will not profit those to whom you speak. I speak to the young men, and what I say to them on these points will suit the old men as well. Seek for the Spirit of God, and when you rise to proclaim the words of life and salvation let them be accompanied by that Spirit. If you rise devoid of that Spirit it will be far better for you to sit down, although in doing so you may be mortified & your vanity wounded; but, brethren, sit down rather than attempt to address a congregation without this Spirit. Have it with you constantly that its influence may, in all your preaching, accompany the words you utter, that they may prove beneficial and saving. I know that the man who cultivates the Spirit of God is the most calculated to do good and to move forward this Work.
Brother Halliday spoke of the influence which prevails in Bristol against the Saints — the Spirit of mobocracy. This spirit prevails, he says towards others besides the Latter-day Saints. You know to what extent it has been indulged in towards us, and how, by its violence we have been driven repeatedly from our homes.
It was told the nation of the United States, which sanctioned the proceedings against a harmless people, that they should have mobocracy to their heart’s content, and that when it was once roused they could not put it away. They had imbibed this spirit and had encouraged it in order that we might be its victims, and what is now the result? Why, the whole nation of the United States are suffering the dreadful effects of mobocracy. The spirit once indulged in it could not be put away with the occasion for which it was used. There are contention, war and bloodshed throughout the whole land, and the origin of it all is the spirit of mobocracy which urged the people to persecute & destroy the Saints of God, and so the consequences fall upon their own heads. So it is in Bristol, to a certain extent, and it will increase among the people so long as the spirit to mob and persecute the Saints is indulged in by them. They will not be content with mobbing or persecuting us, but they will manifest it towards others and one another. When men begin to persecute one another, and entertain feelings of vindictiveness to one another, they will be led captive until their destruction is accomplished.
For a man to be saved in this Church he must have the Spirit of revelation constantly with him teaching him how to conduct himself and how to live for the blessings of heaven. The Spirit of God will teach him how to do that which is reasonable and consistent with salvation. When we have that Spirit we have the same Spirit that directed Moses in his leading of the children of Israel, and which filled all the prophets of God of whom we read. It is this Spirit which is with President Young. There has been a constant stream of revelation from the heavens through him since the death of the Prophet Joseph — revelation necessary to exalt the entire family of man. It is the same Spirit that will be with you when you honor your calling before God. There will be a constant stream of revelation with you, to give you sufficient wisdom and intelligence to counsel & lead the people. It is that Spirit which makes us one, &, to-day, gives us cause for great joy and happiness. It is the principle by which all the inhabitants of the earth will be redeemed. By this Spirit we are enabled to communicate great truths to one another. It is that which makes every heart beat with joy and makes every soul glory in God and the privileges that we have received. Do the children of men outside of this room, who are not in the Church, know anything about the joy which the Spirit of God creates in our bosoms? Is there an inhabitant of this land who has not embraced the Gospel who experiences the joy and the delightful feelings we have today? No, Go where you like you will find that there is not a tithe of the joy that the Spirit of God affords, which we possess here. Those joys and that happiness we experience to-day, my brethren, are but a foretaste of what we will experience if we remain faithful to our covenants.
One of the brethren, in speaking of his labors, said that he had accomplished but very little. Now, that is a point upon which I wish to make some remarks. Many of the Elders imagine that if they do not baptize a great many they are not accomplishing anything by their preaching. We are all too apt to look at the fruits which immediately follow our labors as the only evidences of success. An Elder who is successful in baptizing is viewed as an efficient and a greatly blessed man; while another Elder who may be equally zealous and laborious, but who may not have so favorable a field and consequently not be able to baptize more than a few, is not thought to be so energetic and wise in his labors. Now, while it must be admitted that every faithful, wise Elder will see the precious fruits which attend his labors, still such a man may not always have the pleasure of seeing those results immediately follow his efforts. When an Elder has been doing the best that he could, has been laboring among and teaching the people to the extent of his ability, and they will not listen to him, and he does not have the privilege of baptizing many, he should not feel discouraged or have the idea that his labors have not been attended with good results; for there never was a man who did a good action from the time of Adam down to the present time, but that good action and its effects have lived and they have contributed to the great work of human redemption. There is nothing, my brethren, that you have done or said, if directed aright, and in the discharge of your duties in the Priesthood, but has tended to the accomplishment of God’s purposes. Whether you speak, write, or do anything else for the building up of the Kingdom, all will result, at some time, in the accomplishment of that which you desire. The seed you have sown will grow and blossom. There is no Elder in this Church — no matter where he is, nor how small or limited his sphere of labor may be — but what all he does, if properly directed, will tend to consummate the purposes of God. How many of you have preached over and over again, and, comparatively speaking, have done but little in the way of bringing souls to a knowledge of the Truth? But the time will come, my brethren, when every word of truth, every testimony for the Truth you have uttered will be vividly remembered by those to whom you have spoken. You sow the seed, and, being eternal truth, it is imperishable, and as undying as the men, themselves, are. People may reject the offer of salvation you make to them and my disregard your warnings, but every word you have uttered will be distinctly remembered at some future day by them.
You will, perhaps, recollect reading in the book of Mormon respecting Alma — who was the son of Alma, and whose course in the beginning was a wicked one. We read that through the prayers of his father, an angel of the Lord on one occasion appeared and spoke to Alma while he was pursuing his career of wickedness, and he was so astonished that he became dumb — he could not open his mouth, the power of God having fallen upon him. He was carried by those who were with him to his father, and after he had assembled the Priests of the Church, he and they began to fast and pray to the Lord that he would open the mouth of Alma that he might regain his speech. After he had regained his speech and was freed from the inexpressible torment in which he was placed, he stated that, while he was racked with horror and tormented with the pains of hell, he remembered to have heard his father prophesy and speak unto the people “concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a son of God;” & when his mind caught hold upon that thought and he began to call upon him, his pain and horror left him. His mind, doubtless, ranged over every thought & action of his life, and everything that would be likely to afford him relief was sought after. This serves as an instance of the truth of what I say, that men and women may, when you preach or speak to them, disregard for the time being the words you use, but there will be a time when, through the circumstances in which they will be placed, they will recall to their minds the words of life & salvation they once heard. In the depths of sorrow, misery, and, it may be, despair in which they may be involved hereafter, their minds will range over everything they have ever heard, and the words and testimonies of the truths you have declared, and probably thought fruitlessly, because they fell unheeded, may be the means of bringing them forth to life, liberty and light. We poor mortals are entirely too narrow in our conceptions of the nature of the Gospel. You have never given utterance to an expression but what will have an influence upon your lives; and the testimonies you bear concerning Joseph and the Work of God will be recorded in heaven and live eternally — coeval with ourselves — and those who hear your words will, themselves, be judged by them. Who can tell, while in this mortal state, for instance, what the extent of brother George Halliday’s labors has been, and what amount of good he may have accomplished during the many years he has preached the Gospel? As every <good> thing we do tends to promote the cause of God, so everything that we perform, that is unworthy of our positions and callings will go in the opposite direction. If you could see yourselves, you will find that there is not one of you but what carry a spirit and influence with you — a spirit & influence, whether good or evil, which can be sensibly felt by all who come in contact with you, especially if they have the gift of discernment. Did you never feel, when you were in the presence of people who possessed a bad spirit, uncomfortable, and an unwillingness to associate with such? And have you not felt how much more in accordance with you feelings and your own influence was the society of those who possessed a good spirit? The spirits are just as palpable to the understanding as men’s words.
My brethren, what happy reflections fill our minds when we are trying to do good. If we are faithful we shall meet our Father and God, and enjoy his presence; but I fully understand that we must prove ourselves faithful and worthy sons, and fill our missions upon this earth honorably. I want to meet Jesus with the same faith and with as much confidence and satisfaction as I do brother Brigham and my brethren when I return home. The Lord said unto Enoch “Then shall you and all your city meet them there, and we will receive them into our bosom, and they shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each other; and there shall be my abode, and it shall be Zion, which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made; and for the space of a thousand years shall the earth rest.” This promise, my brethren, is ours. How delightful; & what a joyful time it will be to meet brother Joseph, brother Hyrum, and the rest of the brethren who have gone before! And what a glorious reflection, to meet our Father and God! Shall we say more? Are there not others to be met with who will fondly welcome us? Oh, what a delightful anticipation it is, to think of living upon the earth with the pure and righteous, when wickedness is swept away and Satan is bound! The salvation of the world will be accomplished when that rebellious son is subdued. Well, my brethren, I am laboring for this end. I am thankful for the privilege of laboring upon the earth, and being associated with such men as control the affairs of God’s Church and Kingdom in this age. I want to be associated with them all the time. I do not care what position I may occupy, so long as I am in the same atmosphere and breathe the same air. I know to what purpose their energies are directed, and I desire to labor to the same end. If we feel like this on the earth, how much more shall we feel to associate with pure and righteous beings when we get to heaven? There are three of the men who met here last Council — two years ago — who have since been cut off from the Church. What are their feelings to-day? They are miserable, and have descended to the lowest degradation. What is the pleasure of doing wrong? We are told that “the wages of sin is death,” and it is true. We cannot wilfully violate the laws of God with impunity. We know the consequences of transgression; and if we flagrantly commit sin, those consequences cannot be avoided. We must suffer the penalty. The man who commits sin can never, while indulging in sin, be happy. On the contrary he is, always, miserable and dejected. He has proved himself recreant to those sacred covenants which he entered into with God. There is no joy for him, and he ceases to experience that pleasure which he before enjoyed in the society of his brethren. He has been tempted and has yielded to temptation, and entered upon the service of a wicked, rebellious and delusive master. If we always felt as we do now, we would never do wrong. Let us endeavor to always feel so and do right continually and live the religion we profess. I pray God to lengthen out your days, and I feel to bless you and do so in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, and by the power of the Priesthood which I hold. Amen.
Elder William Willes sung his song, “The City I love so well.” The meeting was afterwards adjourned with prayer by Elder Willes.
1 January ff. Minutes of conferences. Counsel to missionaries to carry the Spirit of the Lord with them; deliver from Babylon, gather to Zion
5–6 January Priesthood ordinances. “We are not ‘Mormons’ — we are Latter-day Saints.”
10 January Extracts from a letter from Brigham Young regarding immigration, the troops at Camp Douglas (Utah Territory), and other matters
21 January Stratford-upon-Avon
23 January Visit to “Ragley Park, one of the residences of the Marquis of Hertford”
9 February Bearing trials of the deaths of his children George Hoagland and Georgiana
26 February Positive response by Mr. Smith of the Tapscott, Smith & Co. shipping firm to Latter-day Saint people and principles
4 March Dream of wife Elizabeth and others dressed in white
10 March Greyhounds chasing hares
28 March Inundation caused by the bursting of the Bradfield Reservoir, Sheffield
13 April Visit to sites in London
14 April Saw experiment of burning a dress
19 April ff. Overseeing emigration
6 May Dealing with immorality
10 May ff. Chartering ships; skillfully reducing costs
16 May Recounted in a letter to his brother Angus his feelings about death of his little girl
5 June Heard Mr. Spurgeon, “a noted preacher who had the largest congregation in London”
10 June Visit to Holland
12 June ff. Took a steamer up the Rhine from Cologne to Mannheim; detailed account of subsequent travels through Germany and Switzerland
23 June ff. In Paris
5 July Report of visit to the Sandwich Islands by Ezra T. Benson, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, and Alma L. Smith
11 July At risk of drowning after swimming to a boat
6 September Pleased to return to America, “this beautiful land of Joseph”
7 September “Indian difficulties” on the stagecoach route
19–20 September ff. Travel west; Indian attacks; a “very narrow escape”
1 October ff. Continuation of westward travels
1 January 1864 • Friday
Friday, Jany, 1st, 1864. Council opened with singing and prayer, after which I arose and said:— I am glad to see you again this morning; and I will say to those with whom I have not shaken hands, that I wish you, brethren, a happy new year; and I pray that many more such delightful seasons as we now enjoy, may, in the future, dawn upon us.
Elder John D. Chase, in representing the Nottingham District, said they had baptized considerably more than emigrated, although the emigration last year was comparatively large. The District is composed of the Nottingham, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire Conferences. The Nottingham Conference numbers 645 members, the Leicestershire 313, the Derbyshire 212, and the Lincolnshire 210. There has been 226 persons baptized in this district during the last twelve months. The Work is progressing very fairly & many are ready to come forth and become connected with the Church,” &c &c
Elder Joseph Bull, in representing the Sheffield District said he believed the Saints were better people than they were half a year ago[.] The Travelling Elders were laboring energetically in seeking out the honest hearted; he had preached Tithing and in a general way it had been responded to. “Pay as you go” had been his motto & at this time the Conferences were clear of debt. During the past year, there has been baptized in the district 172 persons, and 114 emigrated to Zion last season. The total number of members at present in the district is 912, and the prospect of increase are very favorable, &c. &c.”
Elder Thomas Taylor in representing the Manchester District said, as far as the spiritual condition of the district was concerned he believed it was satisfactory, the Saints in a general way were doing the best they could, voluntarily and cheerfully endeavoring to free the Branches from debt; but the distress in some parts of the district prevented them from doing as much as they would otherwise do. There were 142 Saints who emigrated from the Manchester Conference last season, and at the close of last year there had been 300 persons baptized. In the Liverpool Conference there were 89 who emigrated last season; 50 have been baptized during the year. 22 emigrated from the Preston Conference, and 39 have been baptized. He also stated that baptisms were frequently taking place, and the meetings very well attended by strangers, who, generally speaking, were of a class disposed to impartially investigate the principles that were advocated &c &c”
At the conclusion of Brother Taylor’s representation, I spoke as follows:—
I can truly say, brethren, that the Spirit of the Lord is in our midst, and I believe you all feel its influence. I will tell you the feelings I have had since I have been here to day. I would like to sit down in some corner and give full vent to my feelings of joy and happiness, if it would not appear unmanly. If we could but only retain at all times the feelings we have now, we would never commit sin as long as we live. We fail, however, sometimes in carrying with us that Spirit which God bestows upon us to the full extent we enjoy it here to-day. We go out into the world and associate with all manner of men, and are thrown in contact with various influences which are opposed to the influence of that Spirit which we possess at the present time. We have, in consequence, to be careful in our movements, and watch these influences that they do not have power over us, and thus militate against our happiness. Here we are alike, — the same spirit pervades all, and creates in our bosoms pure and holy thoughts. The course that we should pursue, then, is to live in such a way as to retain the Spirit we shall carry with us from this Council. To do this we should seek unto God in secret, as well as in public, for the strength necessary to enable us to meet with wicked spirits without succumbing to their influence. The great secret of attaining to eternal lives is by doing the will of our Father in heaven every day — no matter what it is; and unless we perform every duty which the Gospel He has revealed to man in this age requires us to do, we cannot attain to that happy condition. It is only for such as keep His commandments. It is the man who works faithfully and diligently to rear the great superstructure of the kingdom that will receive the happiness which the establishment of that kingdom will confer. I want my brethren, who are here assembled, to realize, themselves, the importance of this principle, and teach it to the Saints. At the present you feel that there is nothing that the Work of God requires that you would not cheerfully do. Well, I trust that these feelings will not be evanescent, but that you will retain them, not only here, but have them with you when upon and after you return to your houses in Zion. It is he who is ever striving to do the will of God and to keep those commandments which have been revealed, that will attain to exaltation and glory in the presence of our Father and God. There are a great many habits we should seek to overcome. Many of the young brethren can see, since coming upon this mission, the folly of many habits which they may have indulged in or looked upon in a very lenient light. Now, instead of permitting ourselves to go back to the adoption of habits that we have, to a certain extent overcome, let us try, both here and hereafter, to improve, and to thoroughly subdue those propensities which have been and are common to us. When we return to our home in the Mountains, let us not forget the lessons we shall have learned while abroad among the nations, and prove to our brethren and former associates that we have learned to comprehend, at least, some of the responsibilities and duties of our Priesthood and callings. I would like you, my young brethren, to reflect upon these things, & and to seek diligently to put away every weakness, that you may rise and become great men in the kingdom of God. When I look around upon the young men assembled here, I am pleased to witness an improvement in them, and I hope that they will manifest an increased spirit of devotion to their callings and the Work of God from this time forward. I trust that the sending out of you, my young brethren, will be productive of much good, and that you will stand firm and immovable when evil threatens you and temptation crosses your path; and when you return home, let your good works be continued there amongst your former friends and associates, that they may be induced to follow your example. It would be a source of grief to me to learn that my young brethren, after they returned home, had fallen into evil practices. We are the freest people upon the earth, and because we have great liberty we are often inclined to overstep proper bounds and abuse it. It fills me with joy to see my brethren do well, and if I can add to their well doing it is a source of happiness to me. I want to see them take a course that is right before God. While the young men are taking a course contrary to what they are taught, I know they are obstacles to the Work of God, and it is retarded in consequence, & unless they are removed it cannot go forth as I trust it will. Observe the Word of wisdom. Never indulge in the use of articles which are there forbidden — that would prevent you from becoming perfect men of God. Never acquire the habits of drinking tea, or coffee, or smoking tobacco or drinking ale or spirits. I am not ultra on these points: but if I could instil my experience, and my thoughts and feelings upon the subject, into my young brethren, I am sure they would never even drink tea or coffee habitually, much less indulge in any habit that might be productive of more serious consequences. The use of all stimulants, as a habit; should be avoided by us, especially while men are young; for I have noticed, in my experience, that when people who have indulged in these things grow old, the necessity for indulging in their use becomes more pressing: even the simple habit of using tea and coffee, when people have advanced in years and become accustomed to their stimulating properties, cannot easily be cast off. That habit measurably enslaves those who practice it. For my own part I think the Spirit of God is far preferable to any artificial stimulant. The habitual drinking of tea and coffee, I am confident, has an effect that is injurious, though, perhaps, through a frequent use of these articles the effect may not be observed. Still you will find that, by a continued use of such drinks, the body becomes accustomed to stimulants & requires them. In relation to strong drinks, there are very few who will not readily acknowledge that man is better without them, and that we should not meddle with them. I trust the brethren will see the necessity of abiding the Word of Wisdom, and of encouraging its practice among the Saints. If we were to call upon brother Isaac Bullock, I believe he could preach a sermon upon it, and brother Kay also. Act, my brethren, just as well as you would at home, or as well as you think an Apostle or a Prophet should act. Let me say to those of the young brethren who may have been addicted to such habits, Leave off smoking, and drinking tea and coffee, and do not acquire the habit — so prevalent in this country — of drinking beer, and you will be astonished to find the influence you will obtain. But, if you do not observe these things and should associate with persons who do refrain from them, and to whom it is your duty to minister the word of life and salvation, you will feel humbled in the presence of those persons. You will, generally, find that, where a man is travelling and laboring in the ministry, among the Saints, and is addicted to the habits which have been named, the people, seeing his example and partaking of his Spirit and influence, will, in many instances, instinctively adopt the example set by him; and, I know, that if he should eschew such habits and take a proper course, the Saints will naturally follow that course.
Some of the brethren have been talking about giving the people reproof, and the effect it has had upon them. It is not always the best way to correct an evil to wage open war, in an unwise manner, from the moment you first. Before you can persuade people that you are right, and that the practices they may be indulging in are wrong, you must obtain influence with them. I have seen many instances of Elders overstepping their influence with the people in reproving them, and do more harm than they did good. They were animated with such a burning zeal that they could not bear to see a wrong without coming out and warring against it. Reproof is necessary at times, & must be administered if men would magnify the Priesthood; but the Elders should administer it wisely. We should endeavour to show the people that we are their best friends, and, when we do this, the people will receive reproof kindly and thankfully at our hands. Take an equitable and just course, and you will find that you will gain influence among the people, and when you have influence you can do anything in reason with them. Yet there are some who will never submit to reproof, however wisely it may be administered; such persons are entirely unmanageable under the wisest treatment; but when such a disposition is evinced, I take it as a pretty sure evidence that there is something really wrong with them, or they would feel differently — the Spirit of the Lord produces a different feeling, and those who possess it bring forth its fruits, and rebellion is certainly not one of them. May the Lord bless you. Amen.
After a hymn was sung; the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Elder G. W. Grant.
The Council met again at 3.15 P.M and after singing and prayer Elder George G. Bywater said that he had enjoyed himself very much both yesterday and to day in listening to the instructions that had been given, he could say that ever since he had been on this mission he had enjoyed his labors; the people in the Eastern Glamorgan Conference, over which he now presided, were the most able of any Conference in Wales, to sustain the Church funds. Tithing is observed by the majority of the Saints, they pay liberally to the Mission fund, the Individual Emigration account and every other fund. Scores have borne testimony that they have been blessed since paying Tithing, both temporally and spiritually. Many who have recently joined the Church, can also testify to the good results of paying Tithing. The prospects for this year were bright and encouraging. ‘84 persons have been baptized during the year, and 54 emigrated last season. We hoped we should be blessed in our Council &c, &c.
Elder John G. Holman, in representing the Chiltenham district said, he would be glad to see it better, though it might be a great deal worse. He hoped to continue the improvement that had been commenced. They were doing the best they could and did not want to do anything to make them ashamed of themselves. If the emigration was open the approaching season, he was sure that many more would emigrate than went to Zion last year. Occasionally they had a “dust” in Cheltenham our enemies feeling we were a little too zealous in making converts. If we do right while on our missions, it will result to our advantage.
He prayed that the Lord would enable us to take that course which would be right in His sight, and that His Spirit might be with us, &c.
Elder M. F. Farnsworth, in representing the Newcastle-on-Tyne district said, he had labored there about 17 months. We have baptized 129 persons during the past year, and emigrated 110. There are a great many who were cut off eight or nine years ago, desirous of returning to the Church; they confess they have been miserable since they unwisely left it, and want to renew their first works. The prospects for emigration he could safely <say> were good, the number who would go the coming season considerably exceeding that of last year. The brethren laboring with him were as good men as he could expect to be associated with. The Saints were kindhearted, and have, as a general thing donated liberally and cheerfully to support the Work, &c, &c.
Elder W. S. S. Willes in representing the Norwich district, said it was 33 years he had been acquainted the “Mormonism,” but had never realized its power, nor the blessings which it confers upon man, so much as he had since he came on this his first preaching mission. He could say that the District was in a healthy condition, it numbers 888 Saints, comprising the Norwich & Bedfordshire Conferences. In the Bedfordshire Conference there have been more added to the Church than emigrated during the last year. Present indications were that a great many more will be added to the Church there. From the Norwich Conference there were not many who emigrated last season; but the number baptized exceeded the emigration, &c., &c.
I here stated that brother W. S. S. Willes was one of the “Mormon Battalion,” and one of those who discovered the gold mines in California, which afterwards set the world agog.
The Hymn “We thank thee, O God, for a Prophet” &c was sung.
Elder John M, Kay, in representing the Birmingham district said, in the Birmingham Conference there <were> 1,012 Saints. There had been 122 persons baptized during the past year, and 92 emigrated to Zion last season. The Warwickshire Conference numbers 309 Saints, there were 32 who emigrated last season, and 27 baptized during the year. The Staffordshire Conference numbers at the present time 260 Saints, 68 having been baptized and 25 emigrated during the year. Its numbers are greatly increasing and the general prospects are very fair. The Brethren who were laboring with him had been diligent in the performance of their duties. He hoped that they would all go home in that way that we can meet brother Brigham and brother Heber, and the rest of our brethren there, without shame.
Elder Kay bore testimony to the remarks I had made upon the Word of Wisdom, and said that he had realized incalculable benefit from observing it. He concluded by exhorting the young Elders to be careful in all their movements, and to watch themselves, and prayed God to bless them & all his faithful servants.
I then arose and said:— I presume there are not any here who feel particularly tired. I judge, however, by myself. Since I have been here my feelings have been too big for utterance, and I feel as though I could not express my feeling as I would like to do; but I pray that I may have a sufficient amount of the Spirit of God to enable me to speak with freedom and to your edification. I have been rejoiced to hear the remarks of brother Kay, for we all know that, whatever his failings, to which he has alluded, have been, he has stood by the breach in the hour of difficulty and trouble, and when the lives of his brethren were in danger. I was glad to hear his remarks upon the Word of Wisdom, also; and I trust that every word that has been or may be uttered, upon this or any other subject, will sink into your hearts, and make indelible impressions on your minds. Every item of doctrine that may be advanced should be taken to ourselves, and then we could teach it to others. If we do not seek to incorporate any of the principles taught to us, in our own lives, we cannot expect those whom we address upon the same principles, to incorporate them in their lives. If you do not act upon the items of instruction which I may be led to impart to you, it is not presumable that you will have the same spirit that I possess. It would be the same with me, if I were to neglect the instructions and counsels that President Young imparts, from time to time, to me; I would not possess the same Spirit that he is in possession of.
As the subject of emigration has been touched upon, I wish to make a few remarks relative to it. One of the Elders, in his remarks, alluded to his intention to borrow money, on his own credit, of individuals who had it, to assist those who were anxious to emigrate, and expecting to pledge himself to see it returned to those of whom it should be borrowed, when they reached Zion. Now, this is a point to which I wish to make allusion, lest a wrong impression should prevail and the Elders take a course which would involve them in embarrassment. I think it would be decidedly unwise for the Elder, who has proposed this plan for himself, to adopt it, as I am confident that he would involve himself in difficulties from which he would not be able to easily extricate himself, & it would result in injury rather than good. There is room for a great deal to be said upon this subject. While the Elders are under obligations to do all in their power to assist the Saints to gather, the Lord does not require them to carry them on their backs, or to involve themselves in embarrassments in their anxiety to assist them. The people must learn to exert themselves, and to use their own faith and energies for their deliverance. I have heard of letters which have been recently received from individuals who have gone out to the Valley on the means of others whose sympathies have been enlisted in their behalf, expressing great complaints. I will tell you one thing that I have noticed, brethren, and that is, those who have been helped out are the first to complain, if everything does not come up to their ideas, and all their wants, real or imaginary, are not at once supplied. I expect that many of you have experienced the truth of this. In many instances, the people who go to Zion on the help of others, seem to have greater difficulties to contend with than those who reach there by their own exertions. I have noticed scores of instances, in my experience, where Saints, after receiving assistance from the kindness of many of the Elders and others, have turned round & shown the greatest ingratitude. When a man has faith to emancipate himself from Babylon, by hard struggles and endeavors of his own, unassisted by anybody, there is every reason to know that such a man is a lover of his religion, and that he appreciates the home that Zion offers. He does not depend on any one for his deliverance from Babylon but God his heavenly Father; and it is in him that the individual trusts, believing that his own efforts will be rewarded by the blessing of God. Now, I have come to the conclusion that I will not counsel men to give aid to anybody, unless I feel led by the Spirit to do so. There are many cases where it is wisdom, if help can be obtained, to extend it; for there are very many worthy people who would be greatly benefited by a little aid, and who, if extricated from the midst of Babylon, would appreciate the blessings of Zion, when they reached there; but I consider the practice, in the case of many persons, has had an injurious effect. Indeed, I came to the conclusion, years ago, that if a small percentage, out of those who are assisted, will do right when they reach Zion, and be grateful unto the Lord for the kindness and blessings he has extended unto them, in delivering them from Babylon, that I should be satisfied. I have noticed that, where men have been diligent in their duties and have done all they could, reasonably, to deliver themselves from Babylon, the way has been opened by the Almighty for them to gather to Zion; and, when they went, they were filled with gratitude and joy. This is the principle upon which the Saints should be taught to act, in their endeavors to gather to Zion. The[y] should seek to deliver themselves, and have faith enough in God, that when they have done their best, he will do the rest. A great many of those who have been helped in their emigration, and who have not thus exerted themselves, are now drifting off, and are filled with a bad spirit. Upon this matter, I think the brethren cannot be too careful, and when they have any help to afford, they should act with caution, and by the dictates of the Spirit of God, upon all cases where individuals need it.
I feel on this point as I do with regard to the Elders occupying easy positions. An Elder, by being put in too easy a position, runs some risk of being stunted. Like the gathering of the Saints to Zion by their own exertions, so it is with the Elders when they are placed in a field where they have to exercise their faith and energy. I have often thought, if I were going to choose a field of labor myself, and you were going to make a selection for me, I would say, Select the most difficult field in the Mission. Why? Because I know the blessing of God would be with me, & I would then seek unto him. I know that in what is called a hard field, a man laboring in it is apt to be prompted to seek more for the assistance of the Spirit of God, and his faith in the Work is apt to be a great deal stronger than if he had a field where plenty abounded. I have sometimes, almost wished we had no such thing as a Mission Fund, because of the effects which I have feared are wrought out in the Elders’ faith. It gives me great pleasure to see an Elder going forth, in the midst of this people, to preach the Gospel, without depending on the Mission Fund, or any other fund, to support him. The disposition to depend on a Mission Fund for all they need, should not possess a servant of God; it is a feeling which ought to belong to the world only — to those who preach for hire. The Mission Fund was instituted to defray the expenses of the halls where the Saints worship. The feeling that we cannot preach or go forth to proclaim the Gospel without money, and without the Mission Fund, is too much like Sectarianism, and evinces, very strongly, a disposition to drift into the forms & usages of the world. It has been too commonly the practice with the Elders to lean upon their District and Conference Presidents, when they have been in want of anything, without exercising any faith, such as men of their calling ought always to possess. I would rather go among the people & pursue my calling, if it were without a coat to my back, than have a Mission Fund to call upon every time I was in need of anything, if it would have the effect of stifling my faith and preventing me from becoming a man of God, like my brethren. This is my feeling; and it is my desire to see my brethren become men of faith, and understand that they must look to God while they are travelling as the ministers of the Gospel. If you stifle that faith, and, instead of looking to the Almighty, you go to your District or Conference President when you want a coat or a pair of shoes, like a sectarian parson does to his congregation when his salary falls due, you prevent yourselves from becoming the men you should be. If the young men who are now here want to become men of God, and powerful to accomplish the good their fathers have done, they must look upon the Work of God in its true light. I can speak from experience, when I say that, when I have had to depend on the kindness and mercies of the people, among whom I labored to preach the Gospel, for food to eat and clothing to wear, I have had all that was necessary for my comfort furnished me, and I was exceedingly happy in my feelings. I lived near to God, who opened the way for me, and enabled me not only to live, but to preach the Gospel with abundant success.
The object of these remarks is to awaken you to a sense of your position, and the requirements which are laid upon you as the servants of God. You should strive to magnify the positions you at present fill, that you may be better qualified for others. Experience will prepare you for greater usefulness. The experience that First Presidency of the Church, and the rest of the brethren, have had in the positions that you now occupy, have made them the useful men they are. If we ever intend to get into the celestial kingdom, we must possess singleness of purpose and devotion to the Work of God, and labor for its welfare in the same way that they did. In speaking in this way, brethren, I do not wish you to understand that I am dissatisfied with the general policy of the Elders respecting the Mission or any other fund of the Church in these lands; but, I believe, an improvement may be very reasonably expected in this as well as in other directions. At one time, the plan to support the travelling ministry was, that the Tithing, as collected throughout the Conferences, should do so, as well as support the expenses for halls, &c. This plan was afterwards changed, & the counsel given was, that the Tithing collected from the Saints should not be touched, but should be sent to the Liverpool Office and held subject to the order of President Young as Trustee-in-Trust. When this change was made, it was said by the Elders, that there must be some fund provided for the maintenance of those in the ministry. Presidents Lyman and Rich, and myself, talked the matter over, and, finally, concluded to institute a fund for the purpose of defraying the hall rents and other expenses. This fund was called the Mission Fund. This fund, under the circumstances which surround the people in this Mission, appears absolutely necessary. If the means were not collected from them as it is needed, and it were left to every person to give spontaneously to any and every individual whom they might think needed it, the amounts necessary to meet current expenses would not be forthcoming, and debts and embarrassments would be the results. So far as these objects are concerned, the Mission Fund is unobjectionable; indeed, situate as the people are now, it is essential. But, if there be anything objectionable about it, it is in the encouragement which it gives to some Elders to lean upon it for the supplying of all their wants. Whoever indulges in a disposition of this kind is directly injured, and is taking a course to stunt himself in his growth as a servant of God. For my own part, I should think that no faithful servant of God would be in the least danger of suffering for the want of anything necessary for his comfort, if he were under the necessity of travelling and preaching without the aid which comes from the Mission Fund. We ought to be exceedingly careful and economical in the handling of means, and when there are funds under our control, they ought to be economically and wisely expended. The Tithing should be attended to by the Elders, and every penny that can be spared from the Mission Fund ought to be turned in that direction, to strengthen the hands of President Young, who, as Trustee-in-Trust, has a great many monetary responsibilities to meet. We know how anxiously and wisely he has, himself, labored to keep up the Church funds, and it is imperatively necessary that we should co-operate with him, that the Work may not be retarded, but may go forward with greater speed, and the independence of Zion be sooner accomplished. Every penny that we can refrain from expending should go for that purpose. I hope the Elders will take these remarks into consideration and act upon them. We must exercise faith, and learn to put our trust in our Father and God. The Lord has said that not even a sparrow should fall to the ground without his notice. Are not the ministering Spirits constantly about us? and do they not watch us? If you will read the revelations to Joseph, you will find, that while in the discharge of your duty, you can have all you want. When we do not realize the blessings we require, it is because we have not sufficient faith to call down those blessings. I never felt happier in my life than when I could pack all I had in my valise, and go forth among the people to preach the Gospel, depending on God and my own exertions for the result. When you are doing your duty, brethren, the Lord will love you and his power will be with you. The temptations which the young brethren have to meet are new to them; and when they are surrounded, as they are in this Mission, with easy circumstances, when compared with going to a new field, they are much more liable to give way to temptation than if they were laboring under difficult circumstances. The inducements which are offered in the world are great and trying, — and while the young men are not situate so that they are under the necessity of looking to the Almighty for that assistance they would require if they were on other missions, they are liable to give way to them. As I have said before, I want to see you all men of faith, — men who could go to the remotest parts of the earth, and cross the ocean, with faith that your way would be clear before you, although, perhaps, you might not be possessed of those things which are viewed as necessary for you to have. I would like to see you go forth, with sufficient faith in your God, so that you would live and be preserved from evil. This is the way that our brethren, who, in the rise of the Church went forth to proclaim the Gospel to the inhabitants of the earth, have become possessed of the faith they now have. Without that faith they never could have accomplished their missions with such wonderful success. They went forth, as the servants of God, trusting in him for food to eat; for clothing to wear, and for everything necessary to aid them in the accomplishment of the labors to which they had been called. Upon the same principle you can become mighty men also; and I pray that you may be thus blessed, in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
The hymn, “Do what is right,” &c was sung; after which the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Elder Jesse N. Smith.
2 January 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Jany 2nd. The meeting was opened this morning by singing and prayer, after which, I arose and said:— I am happy in again having the privilege of meeting with you this morning, and I trust that the Spirit which has been with us may continue to manifest itself in our midst and rest upon us more abundantly. I would be glad to hear from all the brethren present, but I would like to make a remark relative to speaking. I have found, in my experience, that there is a time to stop as well as to commence; for there are seasons when speaking would not be wise; and there are seasons, too, when we are speaking, that it is wise to be brief and stop at a certain time, when the Spirit of God has exercised its power, and when it would be decidedly unwise, and grieving to that Spirit, to prolong our remarks. I have been seldom, if ever, dissatisfied with saying too little. I would like the brethren to be concise in their remarks; not that I wish them to be especially brief, but to exercise sufficient wisdom, when speaking, to know when to stop. It is when you feel first rate that you should sit down. Brother McCune will speak to us this morning; and I trust that his health, which has of late been impaired, may be restored to him, and that he may have sufficient of the Holy Spirit to strengthen him bodily. May the Lord bless us all. Amen.
Elder Matthew McCune said — Brethren, I would ask for your faith to be exercised in my behalf, that I may be enabled to acquit myself of that which is expected of me. I suppose I am called upon to represent my Conference. I expect I have the smallest Conference in the Mission. It numbers about 130 members. The Scotch are slow to receive the Gospel, as a general thing; it is their national characteristic to be slow; but they seem to be very firm when they do receive and embrace it. I believe that I can say the Conference, over which I have been called to preside, is in good condition. I do not think we have more than about twenty men, altogether, in the Dundee Conference; the chief part of the flock are women. Many of the Saints have been in the Church from ten to twenty years. There are some who imagine they know all about the Gospel, and have little more to learn; but the majority of them are good, honest people, devoted to the Work, and zealous in its propagation. We have, nominally, four Branches; but, actually, only two. I have a great degree of joy in my labors. I have realized the Spirit of God resting upon me when speaking to the people upon the principles of our holy religion. We have, occasionally, the visits of strangers to our meetings; but as it was with Nicodemus, of whom we read in the Bible, they are ashamed to come in the day, so they come at night. I can testify to the remarks of President Cannon to us; and, in my travelling among the Saints and the world, I have experienced their truth. Elder John Sharp, Junr has been of great assistance to me; he has labored faithfully and diligently. May the Almighty bless us. Amen.
Elder Alfred Lee said — Brethren, I can truly say that I feel happy in your midst. It was something very unlooked for, at one time, for me ever to be in a land so far from home, as I am at the present time. I never supposed that I should be called upon to preach the Gospel to the world, outside of Zion. I firmly believe, however, that there is no occupation which we can be in, that is more calculated to develop and expand our minds, than preaching the principles of the Gospel of Jesus. With my field of labor I am perfectly satisfied. There are many in my field who have been in the Church a great number of years, and they are, generally speaking, those who think they understand everything concerning the Gospel. Still, take the Saints altogether, and you may conclude they are a good set of people. The Branches are not very far apart, which makes it very convenient for me, as I cannot walk a great distance without feeling the effects, to some extent. I take the liberty of going into the houses, shops and stores, to preach to the people the Gospel of salvation. I can take you into the business places of large firms in Bradford, where I have left my testimony, and you will hear individuals admit that the principles and doctrines of the Latter-day Saints are wonderful. I have warned them of the judgments which are coming to pass. I have told them, that not only will America suffer, but other nations, who may, at the present, be dwelling in peace and prosperity, will suffer from the ravages of war and pestilence. I have said to them — “You will cease to have peace in this land, although you think otherwise.” I know that the instructions which have been given, during our Council, are just as applicable to the old men as the young men. Bro’ Orson Hyde told us, before we came on our missions, that we should be in the midst of wars & pestilence; yet, if we remained true to our covenants, not one of us should be harmed. I pray that God will preserve and bless us continually. Amen.
Elder William Willes said — Brethren, I esteem it a great privilege to represent the Land’s End Conference on this occasion. The majority of the people in that Conference are women, as in the case of brother McCune’s Conference. Brother McCune’s Conference and mine may be considered twin Conferences. I have no reason to be dissatisfied with my field of labor. Our meetings are very well attended, and it is very rarely they are disturbed. The police are very strict in Devonport and Plymouth, on account of the number of sailors & soldiers there. We have a snug little council of Elders, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons, and they are united and diligent in all their duties. Elder John L. Dolten and myself are treated very kindly, by both Saints and strangers; and the Priesthood are very prompt in carrying out the counsels that we deem necessary to give them from time to time. Since I went to the Conference there have been 21 persons baptized. For the last ten or twelve years the Saints have met in very small places for worship; so I counselled with brother Halliday upon the propriety of getting another and more commodious room, in Devonport, to which we might invite the people to come and hear the principles of the Gospel expounded. We have, therefore, hired the Temperance Hall, in which we have, on various occasions, given lectures on our doctrines. We have had remarkably good attendance at each of our meetings, and excellent order has been observed by those who have favored us with their presence. My individual labors have been principally confined to the town of Devonport. I have visited Kingsbridge — a place where no Elder, it is said, had preached before. The Lord has blessed my labors there. One of the brethren informed me that the people want you back, and have offered to pay my expenses. I have never wanted a bed, or food to eat, and very often I have had money given me, while travelling in my field of labor. The people are exceedingly hospitable and kind, and almost universally, I have met with friends and willing auditors to the message of salvation which I bore. So far as depending on the Mission Fund is concerned, I can say that I have never done so. My dependence has been placed in my heavenly Father. I have been in the Church seventeen or eighteen years, and during that period I have ever felt to do all I could to build up the kingdom of God upon the earth, without regard to personal considerations. I came into the Church for the love of the Gospel, & the Lord knows it. May the Lord bless you and me, brethren, is my prayer. Amen.
Elder Willes sang his song, “The city I love so well,” &c after which [blank]
Elder Frederick W. Cox said — I never got up to speak in my life without feeling a degree of embarrassment. When I arise before a congregation, I feel the great necessity of being in possession of the Spirit of the Lord. I have been in England about six months, during which time I have labored in the Preston conference. I can say I am quite satisfied with my field of labor, and with the Saints among whom I have labored. There have been many there, from Zion, of whom the Saints speak in the highest praise, and whom they love for the upright and equitable course which they pursued in their midst. Brother Warren S. Snow is very warmly remembered by the Saints. I have enjoyed myself there, and I always expect to do so, as long as I do my duty. I was highly gratified with the representation of the field in which I am interested, by Elder Taylor. Preston is feeling the ill effects of the present distressed condition of the manufacturing districts, and the Saints have not escaped the general poverty which prevails. Many are dependent on the charity of the wealthy portions of the community. My sympathies have been roused greatly on behalf of the impoverished class in Preston and vicinity; and I have taught them to turn to the Lord their God, and be baptized for the remission of their sins. I have preached the word of the Lord according to the spirit which was in me, and he has blessed me, and my exertions have been crowned with success. May the Lord bless us all, is my prayer. Amen.
Elder Henson Walker said — I am thankful, brethren, for the privilege of standing before you at this time. I presume many of you may, to some extent, understand my feelings while standing before you. I have been in the Church twenty-five years, and this is the first time I have been on a Mission. I have been with the people who have gathered themselves together, both in Nauvoo & the mountains, all the time, and have striven to do the best I could to build up the Kingdom of God. It is a pleasure to me to be here. I have had the testimony of the Spirit since I have been on this mission, more than I ever had before. I have had great happiness in my labors in Cheltenham, and the Branches comprising that Conference. I have found some not as good Saints as I would like them to be; still I felt like opening the door of salvation to them, and trying to gather them to Zion, where they could walk in the ways of the Son, if they were desirous of doing so. I have endeavored to teach them the value of paying their Tithing, & have shown them that great benefits would be derived by doing so. A great many of them are, I am glad to say, living in the practice of this law. Brother Franklin Merrill has labored with me in the Cheltenham Conference with much diligence and zeal. I desire to do good, that I may go home perfectly free, and with the blessing of my Father in heaven and of my brethren. May God bless the young and old, and all the faithful. Amen.
The hymn, “The Spirit of God like a fire is burning,” &c., was sung; after which the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Elder Miles P. Romney.
The meeting was again opened at 3 P.M & after singing and prayer the Statistical and Financial Reports of the European Mission were read, containing the amount of Tithing paid in the different Conferences, the expenditure of Mission Fund in the support of Elders and the paying of hall rents, and the amount of book debt owing by the Conferences.
I then arose and said:— I am glad of one thing, in connection with the reports which have been read, and that is, that the remarks made in the Star, upon the indebtedness of the Conferences on the Book Account, have been acted upon by the Brethren, and that the debts have been lessened. I see that the debts of some Conferences remain precisely as they were before, and have not been lessened. Upon this subject I have been very much impressed since I have been in this Mission. Although counsel upon the subject of indebtedness has been repeatedly given to the Elders, and measures have been adopted, and of such a character that might reasonably be expected to check this evil, many of the Conferences have run into debt. Now, unless there are constant efforts on the part of the Elders to check this tendency to get into debt, & measures are taken to keep every account of the Conferences perfectly straight, embarrassment and difficulty will ensure, and the work of the Lord will be retarded. I trust, therefore, that, when the Brethren go from this Council, they will be determined to check this tendency, which has been too common among the Elders of this Mission, to drift into debt. I would like you to feel how much more pleasant & satisfactory it is, to have your fields of labor unembarrassed, than to be burdened with the responsibility of debts. I hope, too, that those Elders who may go into fields that are embarrassed in this manner, will spare no pains to get them clear, so that they can breathe freely. Some of the Conferences are embarrassed with debts. The brethren whose fields are in this condition should not rest satisfied until they know that every liability is liquidated. I have felt to blame some of the Elders for the want of management they have exhibited in not extricating their Conferences from debt. The Elders should labor for this object, & they should spare no efforts to have their accounts properly kept. “But,” says one, “I am not sent here to keep books.” If you are sent here to preach the Gospel, you are also expected to do other things that pertain to the Work of the Lord. Is there any distinction between your calling and mine, that I should have this business to attend to and you be exempted from it? Not the least. It is just as necessary to attend to the temporal business connected with the salvation of the people, as it is to preach the principles of life and salvation; and it is equally as necessary and binding upon you to attend to the business of your Conferences as for me to attend to the business of the Mission. To my mind there is no difference between us in this respect. “Well but,” says one, again, “this may reduce us to mere clerks.” I ask, — What of that? You may be promoted to the post of recording angels; and if you cannot keep books, such as you have now to keep, you certainly cannot keep their books. If I were laboring in a Conference, and the books were in an unsatisfactory condition, I would carry them under my arm & go forty miles to arrange them, and to ascertain the real state of that Conference and the extent of its indebtedness, rather than I would rest contented without a proper knowledge of how it stood. And if I could not keep books myself, I would not rest satisfied till I found some one who could show me. I would know the condition of my field, & I would exert myself until I arrived at a satisfactory conclusion respecting it.
The time has been when good preachers were supposed to be all that were necessary to preach the Gospel and counsel the Saints. But I would rather have a man who could counsel the Saints wisely, and tell them how to dispose of their means and prepare for their deliverance, even if he could not speak so fluently, than the best preacher who could be found, while destitute of these other qualities. I know that the Elders should counsel the Saints wisely in the disposition of their means. Such men have greater influence, and are of greater value than the men who can preach fine sermons alone, & who, by their long and eloquent discourses, make themselves popular with a certain class. The men who lack the judgment and wisdom to counsel for the practical welfare of the people, fail to bless the people temporally. You have come to these lands for the purpose of instructing the people upon the principles that are necessary to be observed. You should seek to understand & make yourselves familiar with the situation & circumstances of the Work, and the temporal as well as the spiritual wants of the Saints. When you have arrived at this knowledge, you should operate in your labors in that way which will most conduce to the spread of the Work and to improve the condition of the people. To preach the Gospel is but one of the duties of your callings. You are called by the Lord to counsel and teach in wisdom and legislate for the welfare and deliverance of his people. And, to do this, you may have to keep accounts, and may be called upon to use all your business qualities, that the temporal salvation of the people may not suffer. Each of you should be a savior to your flock, and their interests should be yours. Everything you do should be done upon proper and correct principles. I wish my young brethren to attend to these subjects — I wish them to realize that there is something more than the mere preaching of the Gospel expected from them. Many of them will, this year, be called to fill positions in which every energy and faculty they possess must be directed to the temporal welfare of the people. They should not allow one penny to be wasted, for that penny, if properly applied, would count for the benefit of the Work. Economise and act in your positions, brethren, as though President Young were here, to do so, himself.
I know that where Tithing is paid by the Saints, there is more of the influence of the Spirit of God felt and enjoyed. I can take this Report, which has been read this afternoon, and show you, all things being equal, that those Conferences which are the best financially, are, also, the best spiritually. It is an undeniable fact that where a Conference is in good condition with regard to the payment of Tithing, and when the funds of that Conference are properly cared for, (and by this I do not mean the amount of money paid in so much as I do the disposition manifested by the Saints and their strict attention, irrespective of their circumstances, to this matter; for the income in every field is not always alike), its condition, in every other respect, is decidedly good; and it is in such Conference where there is most good being accomplished. I think, there has been a little too much laxity on the part of some of the Elders with regard to the subject of Tithing; which I hope to see avoided in future. Though I speak in this manner, yet I am proud, as I look at you to-day, that God has given me such men to labor with.
Some of the brethren are fluent and good speakers, but they have not the influence over the people that other brethren have whose appearance and language in the Stand are not so engaging. I want you to be strong on all points, — that you can become not only beautiful speakers, but men sufficiently filled with wisdom and counsel to prove of benefit to the people in their present situation and circumstances, and to economise and to look after the temporal interest of the Kingdom of God. We ought to seek to strengthen the hands of President Young. He has a great amount of responsibility on his shoulders, and he can use all the means that comes into his hands for the building up of Zion & the establishment of the Kingdom. Every penny that you use of the Tithing that is collected, or that might be collected by teaching the principle, weakens his hands, and so much less goes up to Zion. Every penny lavishly or unwisely expended is actually taken out of the hands of the Trustee-in-Trust. Do you think, if we properly reflect upon this matter, we will ever again be found using the means in our hands in any other than the way which will be most beneficial to the Work? We would see that every penny went to build up the Kingdom of God. We do not, however, always think of this, or, I am sure, we would not wilfully or designedly spend any money, no matter how trifling, that would, if sent to the proper place, help to strengthen the ability of the Trustee-in-Trust to meet the demands made upon him. To do this it is not necessary that you should suffer. The Lord wants everything used in a manner that will best promote the interests of His work; and if you do this, he will be satisfied with you as his servants. To give you, however, an idea of the difference there is in the payment of Tithing in various Conferences, I will state that I find in one Conference the average is as much as three shillings and fourpence per head, for the year, while other Conferences average as low as three farthings per head. These are the extremes, yet by making a calculation like this, a pretty fair estimate of what the different Conferences have done in Tithing is obtained. It shows there is a great lack somewhere, and that an improvement should be effected with regard to this subject. Either the principle is not properly & sufficiently laid before the Saints, or means are consumed in other directions — doubtless to sustain the Mission Fund — that should go to the Tithing Fund. In talking upon this subject, brethren, I do not desire that you should run to extremes — on the contrary, I wish you to be exceedingly careful to avoid doing so; I have no doubt, however, that you will act cautiously in this respect. The Valley Elders are not likely, I should think, to take any extreme measures with regard to Tithing. If the Elders will do their duties and live in the light of the Spirit of the Lord, He will overrule things for them; and the deliverance of the Saints will be accomplished by the same means. If the Saints will perform their duties cheerfully, with faith in God, they will be preserved, and though poverty may cast its gloom over their pathway, the Lord will deliver them in his own due time. The Lord requires from the individual who pays his penny, a willing heart, which is, to the Almighty, as great an evidence of the faithfulness of that individual, as the shilling or the pound is from the man whose pecuniary circumstances admit of the contribution. Do not be afraid of talking to the Saints upon this principle, though they may be poor, and their circumstances claim your sympathy. You are not conferring upon them any blessing by refraining from teaching them to observe it, because of their poverty; on the contrary, you are drying up their faith by such a course. If you want to bless them, and teach them to become men and women of faith — such as can ask God for such gifts as they need with confidence and assurance of receiving them, — teaching them, brethren, the principles of salvation, whatever their positions may be. Let every Saint be taught — even though he or she should be unable to do anything more than to pray for his or her brethren in the Work of God — how blessed a thing it is to be in a position and to have the privilege to help pecuniarily, and every other way, in establishing the Kingdom of God, and in preparing the way for the complete triumph of truth and righteousness in the earth. There is no soul so poor that he cannot do something for the Work of his God; let the desire be once enkindled in his heart by correct teaching, accompanied by the Spirit of God, and he will find some way (even if he should be unable to do more than to supplicate the heavens in faith) to strengthen the hands of his brethren and sisters who are bearing the heat & burden of the day. Many of you know how willing you have been, when circumstances have required it, to give all you had to roll forth this Work; and if you would have felt slighted if, because you were poor, you had been neglected, and no privilege granted you of doing what you could for that Work which you so much loved. We have felt (and still feel, I hope) that we could not do too much for the Work of God; and do you not think there are thousands of poor Saints, in these lands, who have this feeling as well as we? By teaching them their privileges, therefore, we do not oppress them; but, on the contrary, are doing our duty towards them. There is a feeling which I have noticed for years past, among some of the brethren, to be extremely anxious that those who presided over them should have a full understanding of what good men they were, and be thoroughly informed of the value and extent of their labors. But, I can assure you, brethren, that if they do not know what manner of men you are, and how anxiously and diligently you labor for the Kingdom of God, there is a Spirit which reveals this knowledge to them; and they will now — though they may not in words manifest their appreciation of your labors — what devoted and faithful servants you are in the Kingdom of our Father and God. When a President of a field is living so as to enjoy the Spirit of his religion and the power and authority of his calling, he is able to divine the character and designs of men. And, if a man is laboring faithfully in his calling, his President will not be uneasy respecting him, but will be satisfied that he is doing his duty. Should there be anything wrong being transacted, and the Elders be transgressing, their President will be warned of it. He will feel an uneasiness and distrust that will keep him on the alert all the time until that wrong is exposed. It is necessary for the welfare and prosperity of the Work of God, that men who are called to preside in responsible stations should have this spirit and knowledge granted unto them. I know by my own experience that this is the case. So, if your President does not know of your good acts, you may rest assured they will be made known to him. There is no occasion for any of us to give ourselves any uneasiness upon this subject. If you continue to labor and strengthen the hands of your President, the Spirit of God will be with you. I do thank my heavenly Father for the Spirit of revelation which he has given, through which means the hypocrite and the transgressor have been detected. It has been through the spirit of revelation that those who have transgressed the laws of God have been exposed. He has exposed the transgressor in this Mission, and I can see that He has conferred his power to bring to light the evil deeds of those who have broken their covenants and who are filled with the influence of Satan. I do know that every man who violates his covenants in the Mission will be exposed; and I do prophecy that the Lord will reveal such transgressions and they will be brought to light. The transgressor will lose his influence with the people, and power among his brethren. I rejoice in this Work; but what would become of it, if our God left us alone to carry out his designs upon the earth! I know, although the wicked may try their best to overcome the Church and kingdom of God, that it will progress. I rejoice in it constantly. It is a glorious thing that no power upon the earth or in hell can injure this Work. Though all the world may array themselves against it and the combined armies of the earth may endeavor to annihilate it from the face thereof, it will be defended, and His people will be preserved, by the power of the Almighty. And even if we should be suffered to fall by the efforts of our enemies, we have the glorious consolation of knowing that our children will enjoy what we have labored to accomplish, and that they will bask in the sunshine of truth and live under the protecting care of God. Even if such should be our fate, we can then take part in the building up of His Kingdom behind the vail, and it will not be long before the Truth triumphs and Jesus will descend from heaven and dwell with his tried & faithful Saints, when the earth will resound with songs of hosannah! I thank God, my brethren, for this assurance. Then let us be true to our covenants. Let us be humble, prayerful, and God-fearing, & give ourselves up to the spread of this glorious Work — that he may do as he pleases with us, and that we may be as clay in the hands of the potter. I rejoice very much in these things and I know you all do. I love to associate with you because I know these are the feelings of your hearts, also. And although we may err a little, and through the lack of sufficient experience, be influenced to do things that we otherwise would not do, yet, as brother Brigham has said, and brother Joseph before him, the Latter-day Saints are the best people upon the earth.
There is another point that I wish to speak upon while on my feet. We are very apt, when we go into a field of labor, to condemn the policy of our predecessor, and regard it as a policy to be openly denounced. I do not think we have a right to mention our predecessors, if we cannot speak of them in any other way than condemnatory language. When a man goes to a field, it is not uncommon for the people to be anxious to look at him and see what sort of a man he is, & there are some persons, who, if they discover any tendency on the part of the new comer to criticise the conduct or the policy of his predecessor, will take advantage of it and tell him how many grievances they have had to meet with from the hands of those who were there before. They will do it delicately, and in a manner to conceal their real purpose; and they will whisper in his ear and tell him how good a man he is, and how much better his policy and general conduct towards themselves and the Saints are than those of his predecessors. Such persons are simply trying your vanity, and become instruments of injury, in the hands of the Adversary, to you. I want to put you all on your guard respecting such a spirit and influence, that when you meet it you may know that it is not of God. You should be careful what conclusion you come to & what impression you may make on the minds of others about the action and policy of your predecessors. You cannot tell the circumstances under which they acted, and what motives prompted them to pursue a course that, perhaps under the circumstances which surround you, you might not think it wise to adopt. It is possible that their motives were as pure as yours are, and, such being the case, it would be decidedly improper and an evidence of the want of wisdom on your parts, to condemn the course they took while acting in the positions you occupy. You must remember that the circumstances under which they labored may have been entirely different to those which surround you, & their policy was, doubtless, as wise and proper, situated as they were, as yours may be in the circumstances under which you are placed. We must act according to circumstances in all our labors. What may have been necessary to be observed & practiced at one time, would, under other circumstances, perhaps, be deemed inappropriate. Since I have been here I may have given counsel upon some points that some of my brethren of the Twelve, should they preside over these Missions at any future time, might feel to change, because circumstances might require it. The change, however, that might be made would not necessarily show that the policy which I had pursued was a wrong or an unwise one. When we are placed in positions of this kind and have occasion to consider the course of action taken by our predecessors, let us bear in mind the situation of affairs at the time they occupied those positions. To condemn the policy of a man, under such circumstances, is very unwise, to say the least. There is a certain class of individuals who think, because it is said that “the Lord is the same yesterday, today and for ever,” his course of action towards the human family never changes, and that he never gives a revelation to his servants, or a command to his people, which he revokes afterwards. It is, certainly, true that the Lord is unchangeable in his justice and mercy; but he may deem it wisdom and more compatible with his designs and purposes to reverse tomorrow that counsel which he may give to his people today. To think that the Almighty acts otherwise, is but a narrow comprehension of his greatness. The Lord controls the affairs of the earth according to the varied & changing circumstances of the inhabitants; and what may be necessary — whether in the character of his revealed will or the judgments he may see fit to send upon the earth — in one generation, or dispensation, may be necessary to change in another generation, or dispensation, that his purposes may be effected to his honor and glory. It is a lesson we have had from the Prophet Joseph. He has told us that we should not set stakes. We must be, as brother Heber often says, like a tallowed rag. Well, I make these remarks that you may be careful how you speak of your predecessor. And be careful, also, about the insinuations of flatterers. Do not allow men or women to flatter you and tell you what good men you are, and how much better and wiser is your policy than that of your brethren. To me it is disgusting; and those who use such means to insinuate themselves in my favor I view with the same feeling. The young Elders, especially, should be guarded against such persons. The Elders, however, should not fish for compliments from the people; for, generally, it is a course of that kind which encourages individuals to adopt that style of conduct to obtain favor from those who preside over them. By giving place to flattery a man puts himself under the influence of a wrong spirit, and very soon gets what we term, in our parlance, the “big head.” This complaint manifests itself in various ways, and, if not cured, is very apt to result in apostacy. My brethren, the truly great man is always humble. You never see him a slave to flattery and self importance. Such a man cultivates humility, and you may see it portrayed in his conduct.
Brother Kay told me last night that many who urged complaints against Elders, who had cut them off from the Church for inability to pay their Tithing, had been cut off, he had discovered, for something else. People are very apt to take advantage of the ignorance of the Elders respecting their cases, and represent themselves as having been unjustly dealt with. Now, I believe that, in many cases, we would find, by investigation, that there were other reasons than those frequently assigned as the causes for action being taken upon them by Elders in the past. I, therefore, think that the Elders should be careful in giving credence to stories of this sort, & should not give implicit heed to them. It seems to me that a man who values his standing in the Church of God would rather sacrifice everything than forfeit it. I think such persons who, under the circumstances which surrounded the Saints in years past, would pay Tithing and respond to the other calls for the building up of the kingdom, rather than allow themselves to be cut off — even had such extreme measures been in force — would prize their association with the Work of the Lord more than those who would permit themselves to be cut off for not doing so, and I would esteem the former for their praiseworthy love and devotion to the Work. I love such Saints because they value their positions as members of the Church. Do not, therefore, believe every man because he tells a fine story. See what manner of men and women they are, and you may readily discover the real cause of their complaints.
I think it would be well now to give the meeting into the hands of the brethren to speak as they feel led by the Spirit; and I pray that while they speak they may be influenced by it, and that we may have a time of rejoicing together. Amen.
Elders Joseph L. Barfoot, Edmund F. Bird; George Gibbs, Justin C. Wixom, David P. Kimball, Miles P. Romney, Septimus Sears, William Sanders, Parley P. Pratt, John L. Dolten, James Lythgoe, John South, David E. Jones, Thomas O. King, Charles S. Kimball, Franklin Merrill, George W. Grant, David Gibson, Jonas N. Beck, James C. Brown and Samuel Neslen, expressed their pleasure at meeting in General Conference, and of listening to the counsels that had been given for their benefit; they also bore testimony to the joy and satisfaction which filled them for the privilege of being the messengers of life and salvation to the nations of the earth.
Many of the other Elders also spoke upon the principles of salvation; the Spirit of the Lord was powerfully manifested in the remarks that were made, and many excellent and precious truths were dwelt upon.
The hymn commencing, “Come, come ye Saints,” was sung; after which the meeting was adjourned until Monday morning. Prayer by Elder Joseph G. Romney.}
3 January 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Jany 3. 1864. Met in General Conference with the Saints to-day at the Odd Fellows Hall, and held 3 meetings. A number of the brethren spoke, in the morning and afternoon and an excellent spirit prevailed. The Hall was much crowded. I spoke for a short time in the afternoon and occupied the entire time in the evening. Took dinner &tea at Sister Crump’s and supper at Sis Boddingtons.
4 January 1864 • Monday
Monday, Jany 4/64. (See minutes) {At 10.30 A.M. the Council again convened, and opened with singing & prayer after which I spoke a few words as follows:— I do not expect that we shall be able to hold a very long meeting to day, in consequence of the party which the Saints of Birmingham Conference intend to hold this evening, and at which, I presume, the brethren would like to be present. We will, therefore, have a short meeting this morning; and, this afternoon, I would desire to see the Presidents of Districts in this room for a short time, with regard to the course we shall pursue the ensuing year, & that the necessary changes in the various fields may be made.
Elder Charles Norman, in representing the Channel Islands’ Conference, said, — I shall never forget the happy times I have spent with you, while in this Council, and I thank President Cannon for his kind invitation. I have been so very happy while in this Council that, if it were necessary, I would gladly spend the rest of my days here with you. As far as my Conference is concerned, I have as good people to labor with and amongst as, I expect, can be found anywhere else. I have learned a great deal since I have been at this Council; and I intend, God being my helper, to strive to build up his kingdom upon the earth with increased zeal. It is true, we have not baptized as many as we could wish, in the Channel Islands’ Conference; but the Saints are united and faithful. I desire to magnify my calling, and I pray that the Spirit of God and the power of my Priesthood may rest upon me. My meeting in this Council with you, and the blessings which I have received while here, have given me a foretaste of what I may expect when I go home to Zion. May the Lord be and continue with us, is my prayer. Amen.
Elders Jens Hansen, P. C. Carstensen, Jens, C. Olsen, and C. C. Sorensen made some remarks in the Danish language, expressive of the joy they felt in the society of their brethren, and the great happiness they had experienced while laboring in the ministry in their native land; the interpretation of their remarks was given by Elder Jesse N. Smith.
Elder Robert Pixton said — Brethren, seeing that I am called to speak, I do not think I can do better than to represent the Conference I have labored in. The Warwickshire Conference is in a good condition, and doing well. In financial things the Saints have acted cheerfully. The brethren, who have assisted me in the ministry, have labored faithfully. Brother Joshua K. Whitney is one with me, and is doing all the good he can in building up the kingdom of our God. I pray, my brethren, that we may go forth into our fields with renewed diligence, and that we may discharge the important duties of our callings with more zeal and success than we have ever done before. I want to be humble and prayerful, & ready, at all times, to be used by God our heavenly Father as he directs. May this be so with you & me, is my prayer. Amen.
Elder Charles B. Taylor said — This is the happiest time of my life. I have constantly endeavored, since I have been on this mission, to do all the good I could, and help, as much as possible, to build up the Lord’s kingdom upon this earth. I have been laboring in the Staffordshire Conference since I have been in this country. As in other places, there are some in my Conference who think they have all the light and intelligence concerning the Gospel that are necessary for them to have, and that there is nothing more to be learned by them. Such persons have their own peculiar ideas about the Gospel, and they know so much that it would almost be superfluous for anybody to attempt to instruct them. I have done more fire-side preaching since I have been among the Saints than anything else. Brother Kay represented our statistics for the past year. The prospects betoken, at the present, that a much larger emigration will take place than did last year, from the Staffordshire Conference. Elder Finley C. Free has labored with me, and we have got along together without other than the best of feelings. He has labored faithfully. May we all remain attached to this Work, and magnify our callings, is my continual prayer. Amen.
Elder William Gordon said — Brethren, I feel glad to meet with you. I can say I rejoice in the Work of my Father. The field of labor that I have been called to labor in is the Glasgow Conference. My labors since I have been in the ministry have been confined to that Conference; and I have rejoiced in the privilege it has afforded me of bearing testimony of the great Work with which I am associated. I can say that the people of the Glasgow Conference are a good people, and most of them are striving to live their religion. We have been obliged to cut some off for practicing iniquity. Respecting those who are laboring with me I can say, they are doing their best to honor their callings, and many, who in previous years left the Church, have, by their instrumentality, been brought back into the fold. There have been 124 persons baptized this year, and 106 have emigrated. There was a debt against us a few months ago, but, by a little exertion on our part, we have reduced the sum considerably, and very soon we hope to be entirely free in that respect. I pray that we may magnify our callings, and that by our united help to establish the kingdom, we may be successful servants. Amen.
Elder Collins M. Gillet said — Brethren, I suppose when we rise, here, we are expected to express our feelings. I will say that I am happy, and have been exceedingly pleased while in this Council. It has been wisely observed, by one of the Elders, that we never felt better. I can endorse that sentiment; and can say, furthermore, that since I left my home and entered upon my labors in this mission, the Spirit of the Almighty has been with me, — it has been my counsellor and guide. This has been because I have been in the path of duty. I take pleasure in representing the Reading Conference. I trust that if we have not increased in numbers, there is a slight increase in quality. I believe there is a little better influence prevailing, and more honesty and sincerity among those who are called Saints. Our prospects for the future are, to me, very promising. Brethren, I feel to press onward in the cause of truth, that I may be prepared for eternal exaltation. May God give us his holy Spirit, is my prayer. Amen.
Elder William H. Shearman made some remarks expressive of his pleasure at having the opportunity of meeting with his brethren in Council, stating that, having been called to labor in the Millenial Star office, he had but “a very small field to report, still, to him, at least, a very important one — it was himself.” He felt truly glad of the privilege of coming upon this mission, had derived great benefit from his experience thus far, and looked forward to his future labors in these lands with pleasurable and hopeful anticipations. His feelings, he said, were in perfect unison with those of his brethren who had spoken, and with the instructions and counsels which had been given. He then dwelt upon the power of faith, and the necessity of cultivating and possessing it to an increased degree, so that we might be able to accomplish anything which it might be necessary for us to perform in the discharge of our duties. He said that he believed that the words of Jesus, — “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove” — meant just what they said, and needed no qualifying; and that the time would come when, through our knowledge and faith, we should be able to control the elements.
I, then, followed with some remarks elucidatory of the principle of faith and upon the necessity of its development in the conduct of the Saints; which remarks were reported by brother Graham, but retained by him in skeleton notes until I had time to correct and revise them for the press.
The hymn, “An angel came down from the mansions of glory,” &c., was sung; after which the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Elder Wilford Woodruff, Junr.}
In afternoon met in counsel with the leading Elders and made the changes and appointments in view of the prospective release of a number of the Elders. {As intimated in my remarks, a special meeting was held in the afternoon of this day, composed of the Presidents of Districts, and a few other brethren. The changes for the ensuing year, in the various fields of labor, and the release of several Elders to return home, were made at this meeting. Other business was conducted with reference to the welfare and progress of the Work in the European Mission.} After which attended a very fine Concert of the Saints at the Odd-Fellow’s Hall. Refreshments were handed round, and the singing, recitations and so forth passed off in a <highly> satisfactory and pleasurable manner. Bro Charles Cook was the Conductor of the Singing
5–6 January 1864 • Tuesday to Wednesday
Tuesday Jany 5th <& 6th>/64 (See Minutes) {At 10.30 A.M the Council was opened by singing the hymn, “How often, in sweet meditation, my mind,” &c. Prayer by Elder John Sharp, Junr.
After the hymn, “Hail to the brightness of Zion’s glad morning,” &c., was sung, I arose and said — While the subject is on my mind, I wish to say to the brethren, and especially to the young brethren, that they would find it greatly to their advantage to do all in their power to cultivate the habit of singing. I am not, naturally, a singer myself, still I have found it very convenient to know a few tunes. I think it an excellent habit, and one that all should cultivate.
There was a Council meeting held here yesterday afternoon, composed of the District Presidents, and some others of the Elders, at which the releases, changes and appointments were made, for this year, as follows:—
Releases.
Elder John L. Smith
From the Presidency of the Swiss, Italian, and German Mission, to return home.
Elder Jesse N. Smith
From the Presidency of the Scandinavian Mission, to return home.
Elder John Smith, (Patriarch)
From laboring in the Scandinavian Mission, to return home.
Elder J. P. R. Johnson,
From laboring in the Scandinavian Mission, to return home.
Elders Paul A. Schettler, and John T. Gerber,
From laboring in the Swiss, Italian and German Mission, to return home.
Elder Warren S. Snow,
From the Presidency of the Southampton District, to return home.
Elder Richard Bentley,
From the Presidency of the London District, to return home.
Elder John M. Kay,
From the Presidency of the Birmingham District, to return home.
Elders Thomas E. Jeremy & George G. Bywater,
From the Presidency of the Welsh Mission, to return home.
Elder George Halliday,
From the Presidency of the Bristol District, to return home.
Elder Joseph Bull,
From the Presidency of the Sheffield District, to return home.
Elder John D. Chase,
From the Presidency of the Nottingham District, to return home.
Elder Samuel Neslen,
From the Presidency of the Norwich Conference, to return home.
Elder Matthew McCune,
From the Presidency of the Dundee Conference, to return home.
Elder Thomas O. King,
From the Presidency of the Bedfordshire Conference, to return home.
Elder Parley P. Pratt,
From the Presidency of the Nottingham Conference, to return home.
Elder William Gordon,
From the Presidency of the Glasgow Conference, to emigrate.
Elder James Bullock,
From the Presidency of the Lincolnshire Conference, to emigrate.
Elder William Sanders,
From the Presidency of the Kent Conference, to emigrate.
Elder George Taylor,
From the Presidency of the Worcestershire Conference, to emigrate.
Elder Alexander Ross,
From the Presidency of the Leicestershire Conference, to emigrate.
Elder William North,
From the Presidency of the Derbyshire Conference, to emigrate.
Elder Francis D. Hughes,
From the Presidency of the Western Glamorgan Conference, to emigrate.
Elders James Lythgoe, John Alexander, and Joseph Machin,
From laboring in the Manchester District, to emigrate.
Elders John Miller, George Webb, and John R. Howard,
From laboring in the Norwich Conference, to emigrate.
Elder William Warnock,
From laboring in the Edinburgh Conference, to emigrate.
Elder James C. Brown,
From the Presidency of the Edinburgh Conference, to emigrate.
_________________
Changes and Appointments
Elder Isaac Bullock,
is removed from the Presidency of the Scottish District, to the Presidency of the London District, comprising the London, Kent, and Essex Conferences.
Elder Henson Walker,
is removed from the Presidency of the Cheltenham Conference, to the Presidency of the Scottish District, comprising the Glasgow, Edinburgh & Dundee Conferences.
Elder William H. Shearman,
is appointed to preside over the Birmingham District, comprising the Birmingham, Warwickshire, and Staffordshire Conferences.
Elder Frederick W. Cox,
is removed from laboring in the Preston Conference, to the Presidency of the Newcastle-on-Tyne District, comprising the Newcastle-on-Tyne and Durham Conferences.
Elder Collins M. Gillet,
is removed from the Presidency of the Reading Conference to the Presidency of the Sheffield District, comprising the Sheffield, Leeds, & Hull Conferences.
Elder William Willes,
is removed from the Presidency of the Land’s-End Conference, to the Presidency of the Bristol District, comprising the Bristol and Land’s End Conferences.
Elder Edmund F. Bird
is removed from the Presidency of the Dorsetshire Conference, to the Presidency of the Southampton District, comprising the Southampton, Reading, & Dorsetshire Conferences.
Elder George W. Grant,
is removed from the Presidency of the Herefordshire Conference, to the Presidency of the Manchester Conference.
Elder William H. Waylett,
is appointed to preside over the North Wales District, comprising the Carnarvonshire, Flintshire and Denbighshire Conferences, in which Conferences he has been travelling.
Elder David P. Kimball,
is appointed to preside over the Southampton Conference, in which Conference he has been travelling.
Elder David Gibson,
is appointed to preside over the Bedfordshire Conference, in which Conference he has been travelling.
Elder Junius S. Fullmer,
is appointed to preside over the Dorsetshire Conference, in which Conference he has been travelling.
Elder Franklin Merrill,
who has been laboring in the Cheltenham District, is appointed to preside over the Worcestershire Conference.
Elder John Sharp Jun,r
is appointed to preside over the Dundee Conference, in which Conference, he has been travelling.
Elder Heber J. Richards,
is appointed to preside over the Nottingham Conference, in which Conference he has been travelling.
Elder Stephen W. Alley,
is appointed to preside over the Derbyshire Conference, in which Conference he has been travelling.
Elder Evan A. Richards,
who has been laboring in the Welsh Mission, is appointed to preside over the Western Glamorgan Conference
Elder George Swan,
is appointed to preside over the Leeds Conference, in which Conference he has been travelling.
Elder John V. Hood,
is appointed to preside over the Glasgow Conference, in which Conference he has been travelling.
Elder M. F. Farnsworth,
is removed from the Presidency of the Newcastle-on-Tyne District, to labor in the Nottingham District.
Elder Septimus Sears,
is removed from laboring in the London Conference, to the Presidency of the Liverpool Conference.
Elder George Sims,
is removed from the Presidency of the Essex Conference, to the Presidency of the Kent Conference.
Elder Elnathan Eldredge, Junr
is removed from laboring in the Manchester Conference, to the Presidency of the Preston Conference.
Elder Miles P. Romney,
is removed from laboring in the London Conference, to the Presidency of the Cheltenham Conference.
Elder Justin C. Wixom,
is removed from laboring in the Bristol District, to the Presidency of the Leicestershire Conference.
Elder Joseph G. Romney,
is removed from laboring in the Millennial Star office, to the Presidency of the Norwich Conference.
Elder Henry C. Fowler,
is removed from laboring in the Sheffield Conference, to the Presidency of the Hull Conference.
Elder John Nicholson,
is removed from laboring in the Hull Conference, to the Presidency of the Sheffield Conference.
Elder Joseph H. Felt,
is removed from laboring in the Manchester District, to the Presidency of the Durham Conference.
Elder Charles W. Stayner,
is removed from laboring in the Essex Conference, to the Presidency of the Newcastle-on-Tyne Conference.
Elder Charles A. Benson,
is removed from laboring in the Newcastle-on-Tyne District, to the Presidency of the Herefordshire Conference.
Elder Jonas N. Beck,
is removed from laboring in the Welsh Mission, to the Presidency of the Reading Conference.
Elder John Rider,
is removed from laboring in the Bedfordshire Conference, to the Presidency of the Essex Conference.
Elder John South,
is removed from laboring in the Kent Conference, to the Presidency of the Land’s-End Conference.
Elder J. A. Cunningham,
is removed from laboring in the Newcastle-on-Tyne District, to labor in the Bedfordshire Conference.
Elder Benjn F. Stringham,
is removed from laboring in the Sheffield District, to labor in the Bedfordshire Conference.
Elder John L. Dolten,
is removed from laboring in the Bristol District, to labor in the Cheltenham Conference.
Elder Finley E. Free,
is removed from laboring in the Birmingham District, to labor in the London District.
Elder Henry Arnott,
is removed from laboring in the Nottingham Conference, to labor in the Lincolnshire Conference.
Elder Henry Walters,
is removed from laboring in the Manchester District, to preside over the Lincolnshire Conference.
Elder John Bird,
is removed from laboring in the Lincolnshire Conference, to labor in the Staffordshire Conference.
Elder Harry Luff,
is removed from laboring in the Bristol District, to labor in the Leicestershire Conference.
Elder John C. Graham,
is appointed to assist in the editorship of the Millennial Star.
Elder John Day,
is removed from laboring in the Lincolnshire Conference, to labor in the Liverpool Office.
____________
I think the brethren will all feel satisfied with their appointments. It is expected that those of the District and Conference Presidents whose names have not been mentioned, will continue to labor in the fields in which they have been laboring. We have endeavored to have the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord in making these arrangements, that everything might be done according to his mind and will. You all have the opportunity of showing to the Lord and to the Saints, when you get into your new fields of labor, what manner of men you are. As Presidents of Districts and Conferences and Travelling Elders, your responsibilities are very great, and when you mix with the people it is soon seen whether you are the men you profess to be, and whether you are qualified for such positions and equal to the management of the things entrusted to you. In the position of a President of a Conference there is a great deal of care required. The man acting in such a position should go into the midst of the people as a man of firmness and judgment, and yet filled with humility. I do hope that, as soon as you get into your fields of labor, you will not apologize to the people for your weakness, and tell them how incapable and unfitted you are for such positions as you may hold. Do not tell them that you are more fit for lassoing cattle and driving teams, &c., than you are for your present duties; because you are not. Should any of you, however, even be more fit for the former than the latter, the people will find it out soon enough without your telling them. Go, therefore, into your fields of labor as men of God, appointed by him to minister unto them the things pertaining to their salvation, and they will find that you have power which no other men, devoid of the authority you have, possess. The people will realize, my young brethren, if you will pursue a course that becomes the servants of God, that, although young in years, you have a power superior to that possessed by the generality of men — a power which comes, alone, from our Father and God. There is a power and an influence with Elders from Zion which are very much felt. One of the greatest preachers in this Mission at one time, remarked, “How is it that these boys, who come from Zion, have so much greater influence with the people than I have?” There was a power, which those who came from Zion wielded, that he felt he had not got. Do not, therefore, go and tell the people how inadequate you are for the responsibilities which rest upon you. Do not say, when you arise to address a congregation upon the principles of the Gospel, “unaccustomed as I am to public speaking,” &c or anything bearing the same idea. There is no necessity for you to mourn over your weakness & want of that ability which is possessed by men of the world. Go to work and do the best you can.
Another thing I wish to caution you against[.] There are some men who like to be exceedingly witty and funny. Now, the exercise of this faculty in some is very well in its place; but people look for something different from a preacher of the Gospel. People look for propriety in speech as well as in conduct, from persons who claim to be ministers of the Gospel. I, therefore, do not wish my young brethren to try and obtain a reputation among this class or among the Saints for being witty. I have seen young men get a credit for wit, but they never became men of weight among their brethren and sisters. Now, do not seek to have such a credit; do not let the strength of your intellect run in that direction; but when you get up to preach the Gospel, do it in a serious manner. When the Spirit of God rests upon a congregation, a laugh will break the current of the Spirit. Do not allow yourselves to study and think how you can best amuse the people, without having their instruction in view. That sort of thing is but evanescent, and does not live. Try and cultivate your language and manners and everything about you, so as to make yourselves fit servants of God; and if you establish a character of this kind, it will be far better for you and more lasting, than to give vent to jokes & obtain a reputation for being wits. I do not want the people to remember, when I am gone, how funny I was, and what witty sayings I uttered. If they recollect me, I want it to be for good, and to be remembered for my good deeds.
There have been some allusions made to the female sex. I will say another word or two upon the subject. Keep the sister’s at arm’s length. Do not be too familiar with them. Do not allow them to take liberties with you, nor you with them. If you want wives, this is not the place to get them. Leave them alone until you see the prophet of God. We have no business to make any such arrangements here. Our missions are of a different character.
When you go from this place, I want you to bear in mind what has been said upon these and other subjects during the period we have been together. Remember what has been said upon finances, and take the steps necessary, under the circumstances in which you may be placed, in your fields, to effect a reformation where such is needed. Do not be lavish — you that may have means under your control — but dispose of the funds in the way prescribed, and according to the requirements of your fields; and endeavor, in all your financial operations, to benefit the people.
There is a case that will have to come before the Council, of an Elder who came on a mission to these lands in 1860, and who, last season, was released to return home. He has been suspended from acting in the Priesthood for refusing to return home when released to do so. I have written to him to attend this Council, and, in the event of his having any excuse for not doing so, I requested him to write, or he might expect that he would be dealt with. Bro’ Jeremy will now will now state the case, as the Elder, whose name is [first and last name redacted], labored in Wales under his Presidency.
Elder T. E. Jeremy said that he had caused several brethren to visit [first and last name redacted], and endeavor to persuade him to repent of the course he was taking before the Saints. Said that he ([first initial and last name redacted]) was in the habit of attending Methodist meetings, and making himself conspicuous among that sect with the view, it was affirmed of becoming a preacher among them. [last name redacted] had rejected those who were sent to expostulate with him, and considered that no man away from Zion had any authority over him. He professed to have immediate revelation from the Divine Source respecting his mission, and maintained that he was sent to the rich and noble & wise of the earth to proclaim the Gospel. He refused to return home, to Zion, and did not desire to hold any further communication with the Elders. Elder Jeremy said that [last name redacted] had endeavored to lead the Saints away from their duties, by misrepresentations of the nature of his mission, and had tried to injure the progress of the Work in Carnarvonshire Conference. He further stated that [last name redacted] was known to live with a woman who bore a disreputable name; and when reminded of the woman’s bad name, and advised by the brethren to leave her house, he flatly refused to do so.
I inquired if it was not true that [last name redacted] had endeavoured to weaken the faith of the Saints.
Elder Jeremy replied that it was so; and that [last name redacted] had told the Saints that Tithing had no right to be taught in this country; but that it was only to be observed and obeyed in Zion.
Elder William H. Waylett bore testimony to the statement of Elder Jeremy, and that he had personally visited [first and last name redacted], and found him to be possessed of a bad and rebellious spirit.
Elder David E. Jones also bore testimony to the statement of Elder Jeremy, and remarked that [last name redacted] had told him and others of the brethren, that there was no further occasion to preach the Gospel in North Wales, as he had closed up the Work.
I then said—You have heard what these brethren have stated. When a man refuses to return home, while having a family there, as [first and last name redacted] has done, it is clear that something is wrong, and that he is in transgression. I now move that [first and last name redacted] be cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This motion was seconded and unanimously carried by the brethren present. I then spoke again as follows — To obtain an approximate idea of the numbers that will be likely to emigrate the coming season, I would like those of the Conference Presidents who think they will not have as many from their Conferences as last year, to stand on their feet. (About six Presidents of Conferences rose to their feet.) I will now request those who think there will be more go from their Conferences next season than went last season, to stand up. (Mostly all the Presidents of Conferences here arose to their feet.) I would like the Elders to pay proper attention to the instructions that may come out in the Star from time to time, or through any source, upon the subject of emigration, that you may be able to conduct the business in a straight-forward and satisfactory manner. You can save the brethren in the office a great deal of unnecessary trouble — and at emigration periods, that is a consideration — by observing and seeking to understand everything connected with the business of the emigration. If the Elders were to make it a practice to constantly read the Star, they would realize considerable information and benefit therefrom. It would prove to them just as profitable as the Scriptures; and, in saying this, I do not disparage the worth of the Bible. There is scarcely a point upon which you ought to be informed, and which you will be required to act upon when the business commences, that has not been written upon. I think the course a wise one of reading, & causing to be read, in the different Branches, the editorials in the Star, when they are of a character particularly important for the Saints to understand (as brother Bull said he had done in his District). You have an invaluable aid in the Star, and adopting a course of this kind will keep that periodical before the Saints, and its value will be increased. I would not exchange the volumes of the Star, which have been published, for any encyclopÃ…“dia that I know, because its contents are of a character that will teach men and women the pure principles of salvation.
I closed my remarks with some advice to the Elders respecting the course necessary to be taken where Conferences are in debt. I strongly recommended those of the Elders who may return home the coming season, in making the transfer of the business of their Conferences to their successors, to have written statements, with the signatures of the persons succeeding them, relating to the financial condition of the Conferences when they left. This plan, I considered, would prevent any misunderstanding hereafter.
I thought it would, also, be well for the successors to have copies of such statements. The same advice, I said, would apply to those who would not be emigrating this year, but who might be removed from one field to another.
Five persons here came forward to whom I administered, assisted by several of the Elders.
The hymn, “O, ye mountains high,” &c., was sung; after which the meeting was adjourned, Prayer by Elder Oscar F. Lyons.
At 4 o’clock P.M. the meeting was called to order by singing, “Weep, weep not for me Zion.” Prayer by Elder Franklin Merrill.
After singing, — “Children of Zion, awake from your sadness,”
Elder Jesse N. Smith arose & said, While speaking before, I omitted to mention a few items connected with our labors in the Scandinavian Mission. I have thought they might prove interesting to you, so I have requested permission to speak for a short time upon them. We publish a periodical, semi-monthly, in the Danish language, which is called the Skandinaviens Stjerne, or the Star of Scandinavia. Its number of subscribers is 2,500. I have found it somewhat difficult to find brethren who could assist me in the publication of that periodical, as the Gospel has failed to gather into the fold many who were endowed with the education supposed by the world to be necessary for ministers & preachers of the Gospel to possess. Still the Lord has opened up the way for us, and controlled circumstances in our favor. In those lands, however, education is not so common, among the masses, as it is in these countries and in America. Almost all the learned of the land are fostered by Government, and it is almost an universal understanding that those who are educated are the proteges of Government; and that the latter owes them positions. All the wise and learned are Government officials. It is, perhaps, politic on the part of the Government to adopt and pursue this course.
There are thirteen Conferences in the Scandinavian Mission. By some fatality our financial matters have become somewhat entangled; but I can refer to them with satisfaction, because active steps have been taken to reduce our indebtedness. We have excommunicated from connection with the Church about six hundred, during the past year. Such a course, on our part, was unavoidable, having borne with them as long as we could justifiably. We have found, however, as one of the brethren remarked was the case in his field of labor, that where we lose one soul in this way, we gain many good, honest hearted people. It has been with considerable regret that I have seen people leave the Church; still I am convinced that myself and the Elders have done our best to save them. I have great faith in the spread of the Gospel there. My sympathies have been largely tried in behalf of the Saints, for they are very poor as a people. We depend upon the Millennial Star for most of the matter for our little periodical, — deeming it the best source from which to obtain the necessary matter, containing, as it does, besides the editorials, many excellent articles which we have published in our Star. It is the universal testimony of the people that our Star does good. It finds its way into places where the Gospel has been but little known, & by this means many have been led to give the principles thereof the consideration they merited. I have felt, at many times, in a critical position, but I have asked the faith and prayers of my brethren, which I know I have received, for the Lord has strengthened me and made me equal to my calling. The brethren from the Valley have succeeded in getting the confidence and love of the Saints. We could not expect to enjoy their confidence unless we met them half way, and love them in return. I have travelled a great deal, myself, and very often alone. If I never did before, I have, since I labored there, learned to trust in my God. The kingdom of Denmark was the first in Scandinavia to throw open its doors to the Gospel. I have felt that God will remember that nation, if they continue to act towards his Work, as they have done, and that he will overrule the designs of nations who may seek its overthrow. I believe that so long as the nation of Denmark, or the nation of England, or any other nation, will give shelter to the Lord’s anointed, he will preserve that or those nations. Brethren, I solicit on behalf of my brethren in Scandinavia, as well as myself, your prayers and faith, that we may feel their effects when laboring for the same Work that you are engaged in building. My feelings are very warm for that land, for I am convinced that the Lord has a great & mighty work to achieve amongst its inhabitants. May God bless and preserve us, is my constant prayer. Amen.
I then said — I think we may devote the rest of the time to those who have not yet spoken. I would like to hear the voices of all who have been in this council. I have the greatest joy in seeing my brethren feel well; it enhances my happiness. If it should only be but a few words that you utter, I shall feel happy to hear them. Remember, however, one thing that I have endeavored to impress upon your minds, that is — speak to the point. I hope that the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon and be felt by us, while the time is occupied in this direction.
The following brethren readily availed themselves of the privilege granted them, of expressing the happiness which they experienced while convened as a Council, and the determinations they felt to labor for the work of salvation:— Elders Joseph H. Felt, William North, Ensign I. Stocking, George Taylor, William Lewis, Charles A. Benson, Junius S. Fullmer, Evan A. Richards, James Bullock, Francis D. Hughes (The last named, who was one who had been administered to, for partial restoration to eye-sight, in the morning, said that, by the power of God, he could then see with his eyes as well as any person in the room), Joseph G. Romney, Thomas Priday, Thomas C. Patten, Henry C. Fowler, John Rider, William H. Waylett, Oscar F. Lyons, Charles W. Stayner, George Webb, John V. Hood, Matthew Lyon, George Swan, George Stokes, Harry Luft, Benjamin F. Stringham, James A. Cunningham, John Nicholson, Finley C. Free, David L. Davies, Wilford Woodruff Junr John Sharp junr Heber J. Richards, George Sims, Stephen W. Alley, Elnathan Eldredge Junr Joseph Machin, Joshua K. Whitney, Robert Watson, John Bird, Oswell Knight, John Day and Henry Amott:
I then arose and spoke as follows:— I will make a remark or two on the manner of administering to the sick, by the laying on of hands and in anointing with oil. I have seen some ignorance exhibited on the part of the Priesthood, as to the right mode of administering to the sick. I have seen men, when using the oil, take the bottle in their right hands and administer with their left hands. I have, also, seen men, in laying their hands upon the sick, to pray over them, when using but one hand, place their left hands upon their heads. This is not proper. When one hand only is used it should be the right; for in the right hand is the power of the Priesthood. You who have received your endowments will, doubtless, know this. Therefore, when you lay your hands upon the head of an individual — whether it is to heal the sick, to ordain to the Priesthood, or to confirm upon him the Holy Ghost — let your right hand always be used; and when you administer with one hand alone, let it be with your right. Again, when you lay your hands upon the heads of persons, for any purpose which I have mentioned, do so in the name of Jesus Christ, and by the authority of the Priesthood, which you have received. Do not be content with expressing your intention “to confirm” the individual, or “rebuke disease,” or “to ordain” to such and such office in the Priesthood; but say, that you do confirm the individual a member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, &c; and so, also, in regard to other ministrations.
Another thing I will refer to. I should be pleased to hear the use of the word “Mormon,” or “Mormonism,” when applied to ourselves & the Gospel, discontinued, as far as possible, among the Elders and the Saints. This subject was alluded to at the last General Conference of the Elders held in this place. The term “Mormon” is not a proper one to be applied to the Saints of God; and we should refrain from its use as much as we possibly can. We are not “Mormons” — we are Latter-day Saints. Our religion is not “Mormonism,” — it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, & we take our rightful name through obedience to the commandments that he has revealed. We have become members of the Church of Jesus Christ. We are not followers of Mormon. We are just as much followers of Nephi, Lehi, Elijah, or any of the ancient Prophets of God. We are as properly Brighamites, Josephites, Smithites, or any other ites, as we are “Mormons” or Mormonites.” When I use the term “Mormon,” I feel as though I was condescending to the use and acknowledgement of an epithet applied to us by our enemies.
I have been highly pleased with the remarks that have been made. I desire to see humility on the part of the brethren. If they are humble, they will be strong in faith and influence among the Saints. It will prove their safeguard when assailed by the insidious attacks of the Adversary. I would like all to realize the truth of a remark made by brother Heber J. Richards: he said he was but the agent, not the motive power. Many have not yet learned this. To judge by the course they have pursued, the reverse of this sentiment has been the view of many. The great thing for us to learn and retain a knowledge of, throughout our lives, as our experience increases and our sphere of usefulness extends, is, that we are but agents after all. There is great danger, when men become accustomed to preaching and standing before congregations, of their forgetting this. Those who have got the idea in their minds that they can preach pretty good discourses, and have disregarded the Spirit of God, have lost that Spirit, and have been thus made weak and susceptible to the encroachments of Satan. Men may get into the habit of speaking and be able to deliver long and eloquent discourses, but if it is not the Spirit of God which they speak by, they can do but little, if any, good. If they have the Spirit of God their words will be sealed by its power, and the effects that will be produced will be far superior to those which follow the words of uninspired men. By the words of the latter there will be few who will be benefited, and, although they may be able to interest a congregation, they will not be able to do them permanent good. The Spirit of God conveys truth to their minds, and seals upon them impressions that can never be effaced.
I think we had better come together to partake of the Sacrament; before we separate; and would like us to do so tomorrow. I wish the brethren to think of all that should be attended to, before we separate and go to our respective fields of labor. If there is any instruction required, now is the time, while we are together, to impart and to receive it.
It is sometimes the case that persons who labor for, or are in any way connected with the Church, view their interests as being distinct from the interests of the kingdom of God, and as requiring their first or primary consideration. Now there should be no interests outside of this Church, that, to us, are of greater importance than the interests of the Work of God. We should have no interest separate from it, and all that we have, and are, should belong to that Work. We should use every faculty that we have for the advancement of the interests of the Church of God, and never feel that we have separate and distinct interests from it. We will find this the best and safest preventative against apostacy. So long as a man feels that all he has, and all that he ever hopes to possess, belong to the kingdom of God, and he feels to use all for the advancement thereof, there is less danger of apostatizing than there otherwise would be. He is identified with the Work — he forms a part of the great structure — and there is no distinction between the man and the kingdom, because he is completely absorbed in it; therefore, such an individual — so long as he retains that spirit and feeling — is very unlikely to forsake the Church of God. You young men, who are growing up into years and experience, be careful upon this point. Completely identify yourselves and everything you have, with the kingdom of God, and you will become great and mighty men. It is upon that principle that heaven is organized — there, is no diversity of interests, or it never could be the exalted sphere of happiness that it is. Therefore, if we ever expect to attain to the same sphere of glory in which the Most High dwells, enthroned amidst innumerable hosts of celestialized beings, we must have no interests aside from those which pertain to that exaltation. We ought to feel that there is nothing in our possession but what we would cheerfully give, were it required, to further the prosperity of our Father’s kingdom; & we should, in our teachings and instructions to the Saints, impress this very important principle upon their minds, for with their growth and experience the importance of this principle will grow and enlarge within them, and they will thereby become more identified with, and attached to the Work of our Lord.
I would like the brethren to come here tomorrow morning fasting, and we will partake of the Sacrament. I feel to bless you; my heart is full of blessings towards you. You will from this time have more of the power of God, more of the Spirit of prophecy and revelation. The enemies of the Work of God will have no power over us; we will trample every opposing power under our feet; we will triumph over evil and apostacy, through the power of our God. May God grant it. Amen.
The hymn “Awake, awake the world from sleeping,” &c., was sung. Meeting was adjourned with Prayer by Elder Frederick W. Cox.
6 January 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Jany 6th Meeting was called to order at 11.30 A.M. by singing — “When first the glorious light of Truth,” &c. Prayer by Elder George W. Grant. Singing, — “Ye children of our God,” &c
Elders Alexander Ross, John C. Graham, and George Reynolds expressed the pleasure they felt in associating with their brethren in Council, and their increasing desires to be useful in the cause of God upon the earth.
I then administered the Sacrament to the Elders, and afterwards spoke for some time on various subjects of interest.
Several of the Elders who had taken severe colds, while in Birmingham, were administered to; after which the hymn, “When shall we all meet again,” &c., was sung.
After making a few remarks upon the subject of emigration, and requesting the Presidents of Conferences to obtain and furnish me, as early as practicable, the approximate number of those who would be likely to emigrate, the approaching season, I moved the adjournment of the Council, sine die, which was seconded and carried.
I then gave the closing Benediction.}
7 January 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, Jany 7th All the brethren, with scarcely an exception have been complaining of colds. I have escaped entirely and never felt better in my life, though my labors have been exceedingly arduous. Since we have been here the weather has been piercingly cold. After taking leave of the brethren and Sis Kay this morning, I started for Bristol. The ride was an exceedingly cold one. Was met at the Station by Bro Geo. Halliday and by him conducted to his room, where we took dinner. Late in afternoon started by rail for [blank] {Wincanton} and was met at the Station by Bro Wm Alford with a pony and trap — a two wheel vehicle with two seats. He drove us to their place at [blank] {Bourton,} four miles distant. Bro. John Alford was at the house and had supper ready for Bro Halliday and myself when we arrived. My object in making this visit was to comply with a very pressing invitation which I had received from Bro John Alford to make his Mother, an old lady upwards of 80 and a very firm member of the Church, a visit, to counsel with them her and her son John respecting family matters.
8 January 1864 • Friday
Friday Jany 8. 1864.1 {A clear cold day. Bro John Alford took Bro Halliday and myself to a tower which had been erected upon a crowning spot of ground commanding a fine view of the surrounding country, in commemoration of King Alfred, it being the spot, so said, where he erected his standard & rallied his Saxon subjects, to repel and drive out the Danes who had invaded his kingdom. The tower is of brick and [blank] feet high, a winding staircase inside leads to the summit, up which we climbed, and from the platform at the top gained a view of hill and dale, & beautiful landscape which I have seldom seen excelled.
A tablet in front of the tower bore the following inscription:— [5 lines left blank]
We returned to Bro Alford’s, having walked about 10 miles. I enjoyed this trip exceedingly as it was sufficiently cool to make walking a pleasure, and the country through which we passed was very fine & interesting. Going and returning we saw traces of ditches and embankments which were said to have been thrown up by the Danes to defend themselves in their position when assailed by King Alfred. In the evening had quite a long & interesting conversation with Mother Alford & her son John, and we blessed the old lady & him. The old lady is very firm in the work in which her husband had died a member in full standing. Her son William, though nominally a member, has but little faith & her daughter, who lives with her is quite opposed to the principles. Her son John appears to be very faithful and anxious to gather.
9 January 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Jany 9th Bro John Alford took me over in his trap to [blank] Station, (Bro Halliday having walked ahead there), where Bro H, and myself took train for London. We found Bro’s Bentley, Jesse, N. Smith John L. Smith, Bullock, Barfoot and Free here. Wrote some letters.
10 January 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Jany 10th Met with the Saints in Conference at the Music Hall, Store Street, a very fine building, which had been hired expressly for the occasion, a number of the Elders spoke in the afternoon and I occupied the evening. The Hall was crowded during the two meetings and an excellent spirit prevailed. I received a letter from President Young to-day, which gave me great pleasure, as it relieved my anxiety respecting the coming down of teams this season for the purpose of carrying up the poor from Florence, rumors have reached here from various quarters that teams were not to be sent down this year. I insert the following extracts:—
G. S. L. City, Nov 30th 1863.
Dear Brother,
Your welcome favors of Sep. 28 and Novr 24 came duly to hand, the latter while I was absent on a short visit to Sanpete county.
Your account of your trip to Scandinavia was read with much interest, and we coincide with your trust that your visit was mutually agreeable and beneficial, and feel assured that it will be followed by very satisfactory results.
In regard to sending Brother Widerborg, or some other Scandinavian in the Spring, I cannot at present write definitely, but think it probable that we shall be able to accomodate you. But in case anything transpires to prevent, you of course will have to do the best your judgment may direct in selecting from the Elders who are going to remain another season in your field. It is also possible that we may, as you request, be able to send you two or three Welsh Elders in the Spring, but cannot now determine.
We were pleased to learn of the continued good condition of the mission and its affairs on your return, and especially of the good health and good conduct of the young Elders sent from here, regretting that R. H. L. Parker took so injudicious a course.
As yet but little has been said in regard to next season’s immigration, though we presume the way will be open, in which case as heretofore, we expect to send ox-trains to Florence, the number not yet concluded upon. They will, probably, arrive there on or before the first of July, in readiness to load up and return. So far as what are called ‘independent’ passengers are concerned, if the early chartering of ships makes a material difference in price of passage, and their number will warrant, it may be well to forward them in time to reach Florence, fit out and start as soon as the grass will sustain their animals. But as to those who expect to be brought from Florence, their expenses, should they tarry long there waiting for the trains, would probably out-value the difference between an earlier and later price of passage. However, on this point you will doubtless be able to judge in time, keeping in mind that the trains sent, as before stated, will probably be ready to return on or before the first of July. Though probably one or more persons will be sent from here to New York, and one or more to Florence, in the Spring, as our agents to attend to business and the affairs of our immigration, still it will doubtless be best for you, as usual, to send over in time the two most suitable persons you may have at your disposal as assistants, of course furnishing them plainly and fully the necessary instructions, &c. In addition to those two assistants I will suggest br Paul A. Schettler as an excellent person to send to Florence to assist in the book-keeping there, that we may have an accurate account of all loading and business transactions in which the church is a party.
On the 16th inst, in company with Elder John Taylor, my sons Joseph A, Brigham Junr, and John W and several others of my family, also quite a number of our Home Missionaries & others of the brethren, & I started on a short visit to Sanpete. We went by way of Nephi to Manti, and returned by the road through Spanish Fork Cañon, reaching home on the 25th having enjoyed a very pleasant and, we doubt not, mutually beneficial trip. I spoke at only a few of the meetings, having caught a cold in a meeting at Lehi, on our way south, that somewhat interfered with my speaking, though not with my traveling, and from which I am pretty well recovered.
The troops and others at Camp Douglas remain very quiet, the Lord having thus far thwarted their evil designs, at present the great majority of them are in the mountains getting out wood for camp use. Their past plans having failed, they at present are trying to induce an influx of outsiders by inflated representations of rich gold and silver deposits in Utah’s mountains, awaiting discovery and development. ( I think they will wait a good while) But the new discoveries in the territories of Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona bid fair to outblow them, which will again result in sad disappointment in their fond expectations, and lend greatly to hasten their departure without having accomplished the purposes for which they were sent here.
As you will learn by the ‘News’ our theatre is well attended, and affords innocent & useful relaxation, recreation and amusements to a large number, many of whom might otherwise spend their leisure hours in a less beneficial manner.
The grain crop of the past season has been comparatively light in several places, but there has been enough raised to very comfortably last the people till another harvest, provided it be wisely distributed and economically used, notwithstanding the large quantities of flour that have been sold to the mines north and west of us. Winter weather set in tolerably cold and stormy on the 21st inst., which will probably check further exportations of breadstuff until the people can learn how much should be retained for home consumption, and govern themselves accordingly.
The health of the people has materially improved since cold weather set in, and is again becoming usually good.
Brother Wells is again about, after a lengthy and, part of the time, severe illness; and br. Kimball enjoys his usual health. My health and that of your friends generally is good.
My son Brigham informs me that he has written to you, and wished me to give you his kind remembrance and respects. Please also accept the good wishes and prayers in your behalf of,
Your Brother in the Gospel
(Signed) Brigham Young
11 January 1864 • Monday
Monday, Jany, 11th. Had an Editorial to write while the Brethren went out visiting.
In the evening attended a Concert, in the Music Hall, Store Street, given by the choir of the London Conference under the direction of Brother George Careless. The singing was most excellent and gave much gratification to every one present. The Sisters composing it were most beautifully dressed in white. Many pieces were much applauded none heartier than two pieces sang by a company of children whom Brother Careless had trained. They were encored.
12 January 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Jany, 12th. Variously engaged. In the evening saw a Miss Bateman in her splendid character of “Leah”, at the New Adelphi Theatre, in the Strand, several of the Saints having kindly extended an invitation to myself and other Elders to accompany them there.
13 January 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Jany, 13th. Visited Bro’s Humphrey’s and Stickles who were living at Bow, a suburb of London, and spent the afternoon with them and their families. We did not see Sister Humphries, she having been just confined. A young man, not in the Church, a brother of Brother Stickles and their families have recently arrived from South Africa en route for Zion, they having joined the Church in that land. The afternoon & evening were spent very agreeably. From there we went to the Poplar Branch and held a very fine meeting with a Hall full of Saints and some strangers at which Bro Jesse N. Smith and myself spoke. Bro’s Humphrey and Stickle kindly furnished us a cab to take us to Florence Street: we reached there a little after midnight.
14 January 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, 14th, My birthday was on Monday the 11th, it not being convenient on that day to celebrate it, Sister Griffiths provided a big dinner for us to-day of which the Elders partook with Bro and Sister Andrews and Brother and Sister Tuddenham and family. In the evening attended a meeting of the Priesthood at the Goswell Road Hall. We had a fine time together. Bro Bullock and I addressed the meeting.
15 January 1864 • Friday
Friday, Jany, 15th. Visited the Crystal Palace to-day in company with Bro’s Bentley & Jesse, N. Smith, and spent a very delightful day in traversing the grounds and visiting the interior of that magnificent structure. Returned to London & in the evening saw the play of “Bel Demonio,” which was splendidly put upon the stage at Mr Fechter’s Theatre — the Lyceum. Mr Fechter, who is a German, took the principal part, he is a very finished actor, though his foreign accent is quite distinguishable.
16 January 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Jany, 16th. Met Brother Wootten in company with Bro’s Bentley & Smith by appointment who after providing us with dinner kindly showed us over the Houses of Parliament, and the grounds of Westminster Abbey, the surroundings of which he is very familiar with, being a clerk in one of the Government offices, he afterwards took us to the spot where Charles the 1st was beheaded, near which stands a statue of his son James the Second pointing to the spot where his father was killed. Spent the evening at Bro’ Groves’, in company with Bro’s Bentley, Bullock, and the two brothers Smith.
17 January 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Jany 17th. Visited the Saints’ hall at Lambeth in company with Bro’s Bentley, Jesse N. Smith, and Bull. Meeting commenced about 3, brother Smith and myself spoke. Brother Bentley and I took tea with Bro & Sister Gray. In the evening Bro Bull and myself occupied the time.
18 January 1864 • Monday
Monday, Jany, 18th. Went with Brothers Bentley, Jesse N. Smith, and Bull to Bro’ Payne’s at Woolwich, where we found Sister Smith from London. Brother Payne afterwards took us through the Arsenal where we had an opportunity of seeing vast quantities of munitions of war, gun carriages, wagons, saddles and harness, and every thing necessary to equip an army for the field. We saw very large masses of iron welded together under tilt hammers for the purpose of making Armstrong guns. Took tea at Bro & Sis Payne’s and returned by rail in company with Sister Smith to London.
19 January 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Jany, 19th. Variously engaged. Took tea in the evening with Sister Andrews, Bro A being absent. They lived in the same house with Brother Bentley. Our conversation in the evening was very interesting that we did not get to bed until a very late, — or more properly speaking, — early hour. This is a London fashion, scarcely any body ever thinks of going to bed before midnight or later, which makes them late risers.
20 January 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Jany, 20th. I had an appointment to meet Brother Kay at Leamington at 2.15 p.m to-day; but having to see a lawyer, Mr Carr, of Liverpool, (Grimmer & Carr) on some business for brethren in the Valley, Brother Jesse N. Smith started by train for Leamington to meet Brother Kay, & I remained in London and met Mr Carr. I afterwards started for Leamington, reached there at 5.45 P.M. and was met at the Station by Brothers Kay and Smith. Bro Smith and I stopped at Brother Hole’s where a number of the Saints came and spent the evening with us. I found Leamington a very beautiful town, very clean and somewhat fashionable. It has waters which possess peculiar properties, and it is a place of resort for invalids and others who wish for recreation. The people complain of a falling off of their business and say that since the tradespeople of Birmingham and other places have commenced to resort to their town in the fashionable season, the aristocracy and gentry have deserted them for they will not mix up together. A ball now-a-days in Leamington is a very different affair they say to what it was a few years ago. The aristocracy of those days were not uncommonly present on such occasions, now, there is nothing but tradespeople seen, and they are stingy and mean in their dealings with the people.
21 January 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, Jan, 21st. After looking around the town, and drinking the waters of the Spa, Bro’s Kay, Smith and myself started for Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of the illustrious William Shakespeare. We passed Warwick Castle on the way & had a very fine view of that building. Were met at the Station by Brothers Robert Pixton and W. Timms who took us to Brother Morriss’ whose family, though not in the Church, kindly entertained us. After eating, Bro Morriss took us through the fields to the village of Shottery, distant a little over a mile from Stratford. Here was situate the Hathaway Cottage the residence of Shakespeare’s wife, Ann Hathaway. A collateral descendant of Ann Hathaway’s was living in the Cottage, an elderly woman, who showed us through the various rooms and pointed out the various relics of the family. The Cottage is “a long tenement, with thatched roof, and timber-framing filled in with brick & plaster work. The foundation of the walls consists of slabs of the lias shale obtained in the neighborhood. The edifice had been a single dwelling, though apparently composed of two distinct houses. It is now divided into three tenements. A stone in the central chimney with the inscription I H 1697, indicates the time when the house was last repaired by a John Hathaway. Since that time the external appearance has been little altered. Going into the interior, we observe an old kitchen with stone floor, roof of strong beams, and spacious fireplace, with cozy chimney corners for the privileged. The every day sitting place of the family is a tolerably large apartment, with timbered roof and some portions of the wainscot panelling still existing. The bacon cupboard to the left of the fireplace has the letters I H E H I B and date 1697 marked on the crossbar of its latticed door. These are the initials of John and Elizabeth Hathaway, and some third person unknown, perhaps the joiner who made it. Above the parlor is a bedroom containing an old bedstead of carved oak, which may possibly be as old as Ann Hathaway’s time, and which is said to have been handed down as an heir-loom. There is also a specimen of heavy home-spun linen preserved in an old chest, which is marked with the initials E H.
Looking at the house as a whole, we would infer that this, in Queen Elizabeth’s time, was the dwelling of a substantial farmer. It must at that time have possessed the appearance of taste & comfort, when its occupants were surrounded with abundance. The garden and orchard which formerly belonged to the house have not been detached from it.” We drank at the well in front of the house, and returned to Stratford again. We then visited the Church in which he was interred. The Church is a very old one, and is pleasantly situate on the bank of the Avon. “The monument is on the north wall of the chancel, at an elevation of about five feet from the floor. It must have been erected soon after the death of the poet, and is mentioned in the commendatory verses prefixed to the first folio edition of his works, published in 1623. The niche in which the bust stands is arched over and fronted with Corinthian columns of black polished marble, of which the capitals and bases are freestone gilded. Architraves of marble have been substituted for former ones of alabaster. The arms of Shakespeare, in relief, are supported above the entablature. The armorial bearings are — a shield or, on a bend sable, tilting spear of the first, the point upwards, headed argent. The crest is a falcon with spread wings, grasping in its talons a golden spur, and standing on an esquire’s helmet. The supporters are two boys in a sitting posture. The one towards the right has the eyes closed, and rests the right hand on a skull, while holding in the left an inverted flambeau, as if to extinguish it. This figure probably represents Death. The one on the left holds a spade in the right hand, and rests the left on a fragment of rock. The eyes of this figure turn towards the others, and it probably represents the Grave. A skull, colored brown, occupies the summit of the monument. The poet is figured with a sheet of <paper> on the cushion before him; and in his hand, at one time, was a pen of lead, for which a real pen had been substituted, but both are now removed. The dress was a slashed doublet colored scarlet, over which was a black gown without sleeves. Originally the cushion was green in the upper part and crimson in the lower, with the cord along the middle and the tassels gilt. The bust, which is of a bluish limestone, had been stained with the natural colors. The face and hands were flesh-colored, the eyes of a light hazel, and the hair and beard auburn. In this state it was allowed to stand till 1748, when the monument was repaired, & the original colors carefully restored at the instance of Mr John Ward, grandfather of Mrs Siddons and of Mr Kemble, who gave the profits arising out of a performance of “Othello,” for that purpose. Unfortunately, Mr Malone, in 1793, was permitted to execute what he considered an improvement; namely, to coat the bust with white paint. This piece of barbarity has spoilt the expression. The sculptor who executed the bust was Gerard Johnson, a Dutchman of Amsterdam, — the same who made the monument of John Combe. Probably it was modelled from a cast taken after death, sent to the sculptor, who lived in London. Mr Fairholt has made a number of acute and valuable strictures, some of which we quote:— ‘A very careful examination of the bust, will enable us to detect minute and delicate traits of features, which would scarcely have been preserved to us except through means of the artist working from a cast. There are slightly indicated furrows in the forehead; a very marked peculiarity in the muscle which passes from the summit of the nose round the lower part of the right eye; and a most life like exactness and individuality about those which surround the mouth, particularly on the left side. The eyes are not only badly executed, but are untrue to nature. They are mere elliptical openings, exhibiting none of the delicate curvatures which ought to be expressed; the ciliary cartilages are straight, hard, and unmeaning; and the glands in the corners next the nose are entirely omitted. The remarkable want of truthfulness can easily be accounted for, if we believe the sculptor to have worked from a cast of the features, in which the eyes would have been closed. In his copy it was essential that they should be opened; and the inartistic manner in which this is done is a still greater proof of his inability to have executed the rest of the face so well, had he not entirely followed a good model in every particular.’ It is thus almost absolutely certain that we have here the genuine lineaments of Shakespeare’s features, — a thing which makes it a thousand-fold more valuable than an idealized bust, though it were the work of a Phidias or a Praxiteles. The brow is capacious, though not unnaturally high. The central ridge from the top of the forehead towards the crown is elevated, as is the case in many poets. To this remark Schiller is an apparent exception; but in him the same elevation becomes evident when we notice the depth of the ear. A remarkable feature in this bust is the length of the upper lip. It is related by Mr Britton, that when he, Sir Walter Scott, West, and Spurzheim, were invited by Bullock to examine a cast made by him from the monument, Scott could not reconcile himself to the extraordinary length of the upper lip. It was found, however, on applying the compasses, that Scott’s own upper lip was a quarter of an inch longer. It may be remarked that no wood-cut or engraving hitherto made gives at all the expression of the bust, which is a remarkable one. In fact, from the gradation of depth, this could hardly be done except by a photograph, or, of course, by a perfect cast. There are distinctly two men in Shakespeare, just as there are in Socrates and Immanuel Kant. If, by cutting off the view of the lower portion of the face with a book or a like object, you look at the upper part of the face and head, so as to include the eyes, the expression is intellectual and noble; while, if you similarly cut off the view of the upper part of the face, the expression of the lower is sensual and gross. These two antagonistic elements undoubtedly existed in the character of the man, and there is evidence of the struggle between them in his sonnets.
Below the cushion in the monument is the following inscription:—
Jvdicio pylivm, genio socratem, arte maronem
terra tegit, popvlvs mæret, olympvs habet.
STAY, PASSENGER; WHY GOEST THOV BY SO FAST?
READ, IF THOV CANST, WHOM ENVIOVS DEATH HATH PLAST
WITHIN THIS MONVMENT: SHAKSPEARE, WITH WHOME
QVICK NATVRE DIDE; WHOSE NAME DOES DECK YS TOMBE
FAR MORE THAN COST; SITH ALL YT. HE HATH WRITT
LEAVES LIVING ART BUT PAGE TO SERVE HIS WITT.
Obiit. Ano. Doi. 1616.
Ætatis. 53. Die 23 Ap.
Immediately below the monument, in front of the altar-railing, are the graves of Shakespeare and his family. The slab nearest the wall is the gravestone of Anne Hathaway, his wife. A brass plate in the stone contains the following epitaph, expressive of a daughter’s dutiful regard:—
Heere Lyeth Interred the Bodye of Anne, Wife of Mr. William Shakespeare, Who Depted. this Life the 6th Day of Avgvst, 1623, Being of the Age of 67 Yeares.
Vbera, tu mater, tu lac vitamq. dedisti,
Væ mihi; pro tanto numere Saxa dabo!
Quam mallem, amoneat lapidem, bonus Angel’ ore’
Exeat ut Christi corpus, imago tua.
Sed nil vota valent, venias cito Christe, resurget
Clausa licet tumulo mater, et astra pretet.
Under the slab rest undisturbed the ashes of the poet himself.
The following lines are inscribed on it:—
Good friend for iesus sake forbeare,
To digg the dvst encloased heare:
Bleste be yE man yT spares thes stones,
And cvrst be he yT moves my bones.
Tradition ascribes the lines to Shakespeare himself, and assigns as a reason for them his horror of having his bones lifted and thrown into the adjoining charnel house.”
From there we proceeded to visit an old bridge over the Avon, built by Sir Hugh Clopton, Lord Mayor of London, at his own expense, in the reign of Henry the Seventh.
We then visited Shakespeare’s house; but were too late to be shown the interior, as soon as it grows dark visitors are no longer admitted, no light being permitted within the building. Tradition and concurrent evidence point to this house as the one in which he was born, and at least must have been the home of his boyhood. It is a “humble edifice, with nothing of interest about it except its air of antiquity.” The following is a description of the interior. “It was unquestionably, however, a highly respectable house in the sixteenth century; and in looking at it we must divest our minds of the associations which would be connected with such a dwelling in our own day, and judge of it rather, from the social status of the family which then occupied it. The basement floor now consists of a butcher’s shop in front, with a kitchen behind. Entering by the doorway, we observe a dilapidated, cheerless apartment, with its broken stone pavement, its open window, a a sill board still spread out, and the hooks sticking in its walls. It was here one of the Harts (a grandson of Joan Hart, Shakespeare’s sister) had plied the trade of a butcher. The gloomy place back from this is the old kitchen. Doubtless the dreamy boy would often sit by its glowing hearth, and hear many a tale of the olden time. In his youthful days books had not become common, and few could read; in consequence of which, the people were thrown back on the unwritten literature of story and tradition. The byegone history of England was rich in events that would tell by a fireside, from the days of Robin Hood and his merry men in Sherwood forest, down to the murder of the young princes in the Tower by the hired villains of Richard the Third. By this kitchen hearth, the sitting place of some portion of the household at least, now cold and deserted, Shakespeare, as a boy, had often listened to these old tales, as they plied the busy task in the long winter evenings; and many an old ballad had he heard sung or recited about Douglas and Percy, and other heroes, as he sat on the chair in one of those ample chimney corners, and gazed into the gleaming embers, or looked up the wide chimney at some passing star. In the window of this apartment there existed at one time a pane of stained glass, having on it the arms of the Merchants of the Woolstaple. This was supposed to favor the idea that John Shakespeare was a wool merchant; but probably the pane had been transferred from one of the chapel windows by one of the Harts, while engaged in repairing them. There was, moreover, on the wall a representation in relief of the combat between David and Goliath, with the inscription,—
Goliath comes with sword and speare,
And David with a sling;
Although Goliath rage and sweare,
Down David doth him bring.
Samuel, XVII., A.D. 1606.
Ascending by a dark and narrow staircase, we enter the chamber where the poet was born. It is a rather low room. The old ceiling is covered with lath and plaster, but the antique oaken floor still remains, though much worn at the seams. The whole surface of the walls, and even the ceiling, is covered with the names of visitors, among which may be seen the autographs of Scott and Byron. These inscriptions made a narrow escape from destruction on the occasion of a quarrel, having been brushed over with whitewash; but as the important article of size had been omitted in its preparation, this coating was carefully washed off, and the names were restored. Washington Irving speaking of them says: ‘The walls of its squalid chamber are covered with names and inscriptions in every language, by pilgrims of all nations, ranks, and conditions, from the prince to the peasant; and present a simple but striking instance of the spontaneous & universal homage of mankind to the great poet of nature.’
In this room there is a plaster cast of the bust in the monument, which may be studied with advantage, as the other is too high for close inspection. The place now looks bald and dingy, but we have no doubt it wore an air of taste and comfort in the sixteenth century, when it would be hung with the painted cloths then common.”
In the evening we held a meeting at Bro Morriss’ where a number of the Saints had gathered from the surrounding country, they having been notified that we would be there that evening. Bro’s Kay, Smith, and myself spoke, and we had a very good meeting. Mrs Morriss and some of her children seemed to be favorably impressed with what they had heard.
Arrangements having been made by Brother Timms for us to go over to his house at [blank] a distance of twelve miles, he had started home on foot in the afternoon, and had left a pony and trap with a driver to carry us to his place. We started at 11 P.M. and when we all got into the vehicle (Brothers Kay, Pixton, Smith, myself and the driver) we thought that the animal was entirely overloaded, as we estimated our united weight at 950 lbs; but the driver assured us that his pony could take us without any difficulty, as he had drawn nearly as heavy a load twelve miles in the single hour. As the vehicle was only two wheeled we had to be very careful in having those who rode in front, climb in first as there was danger of lifting the pony off his feet, and even after we were in, those behind had to sit as close over the axle as we could to keep the pony to the ground. We had a very pleasant and merry ride, and reached Brother Timms’ between twelve and one, where we received a hearty welcome.
22 January 1864 • Friday
Friday, Jany 22nd A rainy day. Brothers Smith, Pixton, and myself walked over to the town of Redditch, while Brother Kay, and Brother Timms and family followed in a covered cart. We stopped at Brother Harris’s, whose wife is not in the Church, who kindly entertained us. Himself, son, and daughter are members, and they are very anxious to gather to Zion, to which Mrs Harris is averse. Brother Harris is a baker by trade, and is doing a good business. His father, who lives with him, is an old man of 77 years of age, who has hardly been 20 miles from his birthplace. The country in this neighborhood is very beautiful, and we caught some very fine views from a ridge on which we travelled from Brother Timms’ to Redditch. In the evening met with the Saints at a tea party in their Hall, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. Many of the Saints had walked a long distance to be present. Brother Smith & myself spoke, and we had a very good meeting. We slept at Brother Harris’s.
23 January 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Jany 23rd. Redditch is noted for the manufacture of needles, in the straightening and sorting of which many of the females obtain employment, and at which they become surprisingly dexterous. In company with Brother and Mrs Harris, and Brother and Sister Timms, we visited Ragley Park, one of the residences of the Marquis of Hertford. It is situate close to Alcester, a town 7 miles distance from Redditch. The park is a noble one and well stocked with deer; but is gradually being encroached upon for agricultural purposes. The house is a very noble edifice; but as damp was in it, the servants in charge did not like to open the rooms for our inspection, as the admission of light and air would prevent them freeing the building from the noxious vapors.
Every thing connected with the place showed the want of the master’s eye, the stables, carriage-houses, and grounds, as well as the mansion itself wearing a look of dreariness and partial decay. The owner had never visited this place, though drawing a large revenue from the adjacent property; but spent the most of his time in France, and when in England at other residences which he owned and admired more than he did this. Returned to Alcester, and ate luncheon at Sister Lyon’s. Here we parted with Brother Pixton and Brother and Sister Timms, and returned in the cab with Brothers Kay, Smith, Harris, and his wife to Redditch. It rained all the way, Brother Harris who rode on the outside, only escaped a wetting by the excellence of his overcoat. We took rail for Birmingham this evening, and received a warm welcome from Sister Kay.}
24 January 1864 • Sunday2
Sunday, Jany 234rd/64. In afternoon went to the Farm St. Chapel in company with Elders Kay and Smith[,] and I addressed the Saints upon the practical duties of their religion. <Bro Smith followed.> In evening met with the Saints at Oxford St. Chapel, Bro. Smith spoke and I followed and had great freedom. Took Supper with Bro & Sister Kay and Bro Smith at Bro Napper’s.
25 January 1864 • Monday
Monday, 25th. Quite unwell in the night through eating a late supper last night. Started in company with Bro. Smith to Liverpool where I found all well. Bro’s Bull and Shearman were busy as <in> preparing my editorials published in the Western Standard, San Francisco, California, to publish in book form. Reading letters received during my absence.
26 January 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Jan. 26/64. Wrote a letter to my wife, Sarah Jane, and dictated several other letters.
27 January 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 27/64 Busy in the Office, writing and dictating letters.
28 January 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, 28/64. Wrote <an> Editorial for the Star – The General Council — Debts — Our teachings should be exemplified in our Conduct.
29 January 1864 • Friday
Friday, Jan. 29/64 Wrote to my wife Elizabeth, and to Bro. Chauncey W West, and dictated a number of letters.
30 January 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, 30/64. Attending to business in the Office and dictated a number of letters –
one long one to Bro. Clayton.
31 January 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 31/64. <Met with the Saints this morning>[.] Bro’s Geo. Reynolds and J N. Smith spoke; I followed in a few remarks. In evening I addressed the meeting.
1 February 1864 • Monday
Monday, Feb. 1st/64. Busy in Office.
2 February 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 2nd/64. do. do. Dictated a great <several> letters.
3 February 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Feby. 3/64. Wrote several letters. [blank]
Opening letters. Recd one from Bro. Wilford Woodruff, Sen. He wrote cheerfully and encouragingly. The Army were quiet at-home, because they had to depend on our people for bread. Bishop John Sharp had been appealed to by them to furnish them with provisions. He said he would do so but he must know what quantity of provisions they had on hand the same as he would any member of his Ward. The Commissary threw open his store room and they had but a few days food on hand. We had been supplying them since at $12 per 100 lbs. Thus has the Lord overruled a seeming evil for our good[,] and our enemies are under the necessity of depending upon the people they would like to slay for the food they eat. Bro. Jesse N. Smith and myself took train to Hull and arrived there late in the afternoon. <Our object was to try and arrange for steamers to carry our people from Copenhagen to England.> Went to Bro Williams’ and was soon joined by Bro. Fowler. Ate tea and then went to meeting; Bro Smith and myself spoke. Slept at Brother Williams’
4 February 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, Feb. 4/64. Ate breakfast at Sister Wilsons. Started to Grimsby and had an interview with Mr. Reid[,] the manager for the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway at Grimsby: he introduced us to Mr. [blank] a gentleman connected with the steamers running between Grimsby and Hamburg. He held out no hopes of our being able to effect any arrangement with them as they had a regular trade and it would not be wise to withdraw from that for transient custom such as ours would be. They were very affable and treated us with great courtesy. Mr. Reid having also taken great pains in facilitating rendering our people, whenever they have been passing through, every facility in his power. We returned to Hull and had an interview with two of the firm of Thos Wilson, Sons & Co. They could bring a few of the Saints from Gottenburg and Christiana on their steamers which ran weekly; but the accommodation would be very poor and they would come very slowly, too much so to suit our purpose. Copenhagen being foreign trade from Hull, which Hamburg was not, made it next to impossible for English steamers to bring them in large quantities, owing to the regulations of the Board of Trade, and those they did bring would have to pay a high fare.
Hoped to get away this evening to Liverpool; but was not disappointed by not finding either of the principals of the firm of Bailey and Leetham at their place. Saw their manager; but could learn nothing definite.
5 February 1864 • Friday
Friday, Feb. 5/64. Called upon Mr. Bailey and received further confirmation of the seemingly utter hopelessness of trying to sending send steamers from England to Copenhagen or of hiring passages on the regular steamers for the people. Returned to Bro. Williams and corrected a discourse for Star, and at 3 p.m. started for L’pool which place I reached at ½ past 9 p.m. Snowed to-day. Bro. Jesse N. Smith stopped at Hull, intending to sail to Copenhagen on Sunday next.
6 February 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Feb. 6th/64. Started off this morning though feeling a severe pain in my <at 9 o’clock> for Nottingham. I had a severe pain in my breast from which I had been suffering since Thursday. Was met at the Station by Bro’s J D Chase and Heber John Richards. They took me to Bro. Thos Pallett’s for dinner. Administered to his child. Started after dinner with the brethren for Mansfield were joined on the way by Bro’s P P Pratt and M. F Farnsworth. Went to Bro. Dean’s and ate a hearty meal; then spent some time at Bro. Watsons <where we confirmed three into Church> and afterwards went to Mrs. Mary Warren’s (whose neice Sister Jane Cree lived with her) where Bro. Chase and I stopped all night.
7 February 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 7/64. Held meetings in both afternoon and evening at a hall hired for the purpose which was very much crowded. In afternoon confirmed six persons on Sun and administered the sacrament and I occupied the remainder of the time in addressing the people. In the evening the Bro. Farnsworth made a few remarks and I followed. I had most excellent liberty as I had also in the afternoon. Went to Bro Watson’s and had a very interesting time[,] afterwards to Mrs. Warren’s to sleep.
8 February 1864 • Monday
Monday, Feb. 8/64. Baptized Mary Warren and Martha Powell at the Bath Rooms, being the first persons I have baptized in England. The former has kept an open house for the Elders for many years and took <bought> all our books and publications and paid Tithing and Mission Fund as though she were in the Church; but never went forward to be baptized. I told her yesterday that whenever she wished to be baptized I would attend to it if I were here, as she said she and Mrs. Powell, who is an overlooker in the factory, had said that whenever she, (Mary Warren) were <should be> baptized, she would go forward also. The latter had to keep her intention secret as her many friends would oppose and persecute her very much <and ♢♢♢♢♢ them>. I We confirmed <them, I> being mouth at Sister Warren’s. They both felt exceedingly well. We started for Sutton, calling at <Bro. &> Sister Orton’s on the way. Stopped at Brother <Geo.> Stringfellow’s and took dinner and then went through the Silk Factory with him. Hel Went to Sister Thorpe’s and then to the Meeting House, where I addressed the people. Slept at Bro Stringfellow’s.
9 February 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Feb 9/64 Sister Betts brought me a ticket from Mansfield this morning; I could not buy a through ticket to L<iver>pool from Sutton by 3rd Class Train. I started at 7 A.M. It was very cold riding in the carriages to-day, and I was much chilled. I <had to> stopped stop nearly two hours at Derby for a train. I reached Liverpool about 3 P.M. After my return Bro. Kay, who was here with his wife, called in and communicated the sad and very painful intelligence to me, <which he had received in a letter from home,> that my youngest child — George Hoagland, born in Liverpool on the 19th May/63 — died on the [blank] {29th} of December <1863> and was buried on the [blank] of the same month. He has never been well since he was attacked with the measles and whooping cough; from the effect of which my darling daughter Georgiana died on the plains. My poor dear wife, how deeply I sympathize with her in this affliction. It is a source of grief to me; but I have been led of late to call upon the Lord to prepare me of for every trial. No longer ago than to-day, while at Derby waiting for a train, I was much drawn out in prayer to the Lord for the strength and grace necessary to enable me to bear up under every trial. I think of Job; he lost all his children at a blow, and his flocks and his herds also; but I still have three — half of mine — and I pray that they may be spared unto me.
10 February 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Feb 10/64. Wrote a letter to my wife Elizabeth and dictated a number of letters to various brethren. There was a party at the Saints’ Chapel, at which there was singing, recitations and a farce given. It had been postponed purposely to meet my convenience in attending it; <and> though I felt that it would be irksome to me to attend on account of my sadness, I was persuaded to go.
11 February 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, Feb. 11/64. Dictated an Editorial which Bro. Graham took down in short-hand — Extra Luggage of intending Emigrants. Dictated and wrote a number of letters to various persons[,] <and> among the rest wrote one to Bro. Jesse N. Smith. I went to the Government Emigration Office this morning in company with my two sureties — Mr. A. Brown of the firm of Cearns & Brown, Provision Merchants, and Mr. Thos Fazakerly, Bookbinder and Stationer — and signed my bonds as a Passage Broker.
12 February 1864 • Friday
Friday, Febr 12/64. Received a number of likenesses which Bro. Wm Reynolds of Lowestoft had been painting for me. Finished a letter to President B. Young, which I had commenced under date of the 9th instant. Spent the evening in company with Bro. & Sis Kay, Bro. & Sis Graham, Bro’s Thos Taylor, Shearman, Bull and Sears at Sister Spencer’s and Charlsen’s.
13 February 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Feb 13/64. Writing letters and attending to other business until 4.20 P.M. when I started with Brother Taylor to Manchester; we walked and rode from there to Pendlebury, where we took tea with the Saints in their meeting room. The[y] spent the evening in singing and reciting; I also made a few remarks. Slept at Bro Pitts’, President of the Branch.
14 February 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 14/64. Met with the Saints in the morning and afternoon and spoke <at> both meetings; brother Geo. W. Grant, who had recently been appointed President of Conference and who has just come here, also spoke in the afternoon. We took dinner at Mr. Sharple’s, who I believe is married to Sister Harrop that was; and tea at Bro. Rushton’s. Walked to Pendleton and then rode to the meeting room in Manchester. The room was very full and the stairs were crowded with people. The last hymn was being sung when we entered. I was much tired and had my name <it> not been advertised that I would speak I should have called upon somebody else. I called on the Lord for strength and I was much blessed in my remarks. Several strangers came and spoke to me after the meeting, among the rest a Mrs. Life, a sister, as she informed me, of Mary Wood, one of Bro Parley P. Pratt’s wifes. A nephew also of Bro. Chas. Lambert, my sister Mary Alice’s husband, came and spoke to me. His name is David Charles Lambert. He is a young man and is thinking of going out to America. I wished him to call upon me at Liverpool. I went to Newton Heath with Bro. Taylor and slept at Bro. Ashman’s who with his wife, made us very comfortable.
15 February 1864 • Monday
Monday, Feb 15/64. Administered to a child of Bro. & Sister Malam’s and to a person who was not in the Church; but who promised to be baptized as soon as she would be able to attend to it. Also Bro. & Sis Ashman and their daughter Harriett by their request. Took dinner at <with> Bro <John> Schofield at Daisy Bank and then I went to Ashton-under-Lyne to attend to some business for Sister Wareham in the Valley sent me by Bro. Clayton and Bro. Taylor returned to Manchester. My trip was useless as the lawyer I went to see was away. Reached Liverpool about 7 P.M.
16 February 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Feb. 16/64. Wrote several letters, and attended to other business.
17 February 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 17th Preparing matter for the Star and for my Book of editorials. Bro & Sister Thu Kay, Sisters Charlsen, Spencer and Mary, spent the evening with us at the Office.
18 February 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, 18th. Bro. & Sis. Kay started this morning to Birmingham. Finished Editorial for Star – {“Man rewarded according to his Diligence.”}
19 February 1864 • Friday
Friday, Feb 19th/64. Wrote a letter to <Bro> Brigham Young, Jr., and commenced a letter to Bro Joseph F Smith. In evening went up to Bro Graham’s for an hour or two.
20 February 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, 20/64. I arose very unwell this morning. I have been seized every night, for several nights back, with a severe pain in the region of my stomach which has given me great pain in breathing. Last night it extended itself to my lungs[,] and it was with difficulty I could breathe at all. I was administered to twice to-day by Bro’s Shearman and Bull. Wrote to my wife, Sarah Jane & finished Bro Joseph F Smith’s letter. I felt too unwell to join Bro. Thos Taylor at Manchester for the purpose of going to Oldham to meet with the Saints to-morrow. Brother Bull went.
21 February 1864 • Sunday
Sunday 21st Febr Passed another painful night. Late in the afternoon went up to Sister Spencers in company with Brother Shearman and took tea with her[,] Sisters Charlson & Mary Spencer, and went from there to Chapel. Bro’ Shearman spoke first and I followed. There was a very good spirit in the meeting.
22 February 1864 • Monday
Monday February 22nd I applied a mustard plaster to my breast last night; the pain was almost unbearable. Dr J. K. Smith, a Thomsonian Doctor, who used only herbs and who attended my wife when she was sick with the Gastric fever, called in to see me. He said my liver was deranged which had produced a congestion of the lungs. He furnished me some medicine to take, being the first Doctor’s stuff I have had occasion to take for 18 years. Busy in the Office. Received a letter from Brother David M. Stuart of Ogden, in which he informs me that he is appointed to preside over the first ward under the jurisdiction of Brother C. W. West. I dictated a letter in reply to his and also 3 other letters.
In to day’s London Times the exposure of the troops — Danes and Germans — now fighting in Schleswig Holstein is said to be very terrible, the weather being dreadfully severe.
23 February 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday Feby 23. 1864 I arose this morning feeling, if anything, worse than I have done yet since I have been attacked by this sickness. As the day advanced I felt an improvement. Had a long conversation with Brother Thomas Taylor, who had just come in from the country. Attending to office business, and dictated several letters, one of which was to Bro C. W. West.
24 February 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday Feby 24th Felt much better, tho’ I had a dull, heavy, and oppressive pain in my right breast. Dr. Smith called in to see me this morning. We had a very interesting conversation; he taking great interest in affairs in our country. He spoke in strong language of the corruption which existed in society here. He said there were [blank] medical men in Liverpool, and [blank] of them were engaged solely in the management of cases afflicted with venereal diseases. One of his acquaintances, <he said,> valued his practice in that line alone at £3000, he described the corruptions which existed in society as being almost too great for belief, unless a person were actually brought in contact as he was. He is <appears> very favorable to our principles. Wrote an Editorial for the Star, embodying extracts from Judge Kinney’s speech in the House of Representatives Jany 27th 1864. Wrote a long letter to Brother <Wm> Fotheringham, South Africa, counselling him respecting his and the Elders’ course who are laboring there. I have had to use Bro Robert R. Anderson as an amanuensis lately on account of a pain in my breast. It is reported By Telegram to day that England has invited the German Federation and the Powers which signed the 1852 treaty respecting Denmark to a Conference in London, and that Austria and Prussia had accepted the proposition. I applied a Muster [mustard] plaster again this evening to my breast.
25 February 1864 • Thursday
Thursday Feby 25./64 I do not feel so well this morning. Busy in office and assorting letters all day. Received letters from Brother[s] W. H Perkes, D. M. McAllister, W. W. Cluff, and my Wife Elizabeth’s nephew Joseph A. West. They were all excellent letters, and I was very much pleased to receive them, especially Joseph’s[,] as it was excellently written, & breathed an excellent spirit for so young a boy.
26 February 1864 • Friday
Friday <Febry> 26th 1864. Had a visit from Doctor Smith this morning. Engaged in Office business. Wrote a letter to Brother Wilford Woodruff Senr. In the evening Bro Taylor came to stop with me, as the brethren were all out. Had some very pleasant conversation upon our principles. Mr Smith, of Tapscott, Smith & Co; called to see me this evening. He informed me that he had been making inquiries about ships going to Gottenborg, Sweden, for our Saints who wished to emigrate from Scandinavia; but he found that there were objections to the port on account of the shallowness of the water — no vessel of more than 500 tons being able to go there. We had considerable conversation about our people and our principles; and the interview was on the whole, a very agreeable and instructive one. I spoke to him about our views and our objects[,] and he assented to their excellence and propriety. He thought there was a great destiny and that we were a wonderful people. He had been often asked, he said, about us, what kind of folks we were, etc. He said, “I tell them that, in the whole course of my life, I never met with such men as you are.”
27 February 1864 • Saturday
Saturday Feby 27. 1864. Wrote a letter to Bro Kay, which I requested Brother Shearman to take down, so that he might make explanations concerning its contents. Had my own health permitted, I should have gone down myself. Wrote a long letter to my wife Elizabeth.
28 February 1864 • Sunday
Sunday 28th February/64. Bro Bentley arrived this afternoon from London. He and Bro Warren S. Snow have been selected to go over to the United States as Agents for the Emigration this season. His health is poor, having a very severe cold on his lungs. He brought me from Sister Griffith’s an elegant brooch, containing my hair and my daughter Georgiana’s, as a present to my wife — it cost £7-2-0; also a pair of beautifully worked slippers.
29 February 1864 • Monday
Monday Feby 29th 64 Busy at various matters connected with the office. I have not felt so well to-day. Received a call from my Fathers cousins, Mr James Crawford and his sister Maria, Mrs Christian and her daughter Anne. Dr Smith called in to see me. We had some further conversation about our principles. Commenced a letter to my Uncle and Aunt Taylor.
1 March 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday March 1. 1864 Finished the letter commenced yesterday. Received this morning Mail from the Valley; I had a letter from President Brigham Young and Geo. A. Smith. From them I learn that Elders Ezra T. Benson and Lorenzo Snow of the Twelve Apostles and Elders W. W. Cluff, and Alma L. Smith had been appointed a mission to the Sandwich Islands. Captn Gibson is on the Islands and has been ordaining Apostles, High Priests, Seventies and Bishops, and Bishop’s counsellors, styling himself a Prophet and charging for ordaining Apostles
Brothers Benson and Snow will only remain, it is probable, for a short season, and then return home again; they were to start on the 1st of March, from home. Other Missionaries were selected at the April Conference; I am informed that Bro Joseph F Smith will then start. While I deplore the necessity of which calls for the appointment of these Elders, still I am pleased that the mission is to be favored with the presence of experienced men. My past labors in those lands, cause me to have a deep interest in the welfare of that nation and people. The President advises me that it is his intention to send down teams; but probably not so many as last year. He requires me to furnish me [him] semi-monthly the probable number of emigrants. Dictated a circular to the Elders on Emigration matters which I embodied in an Editorial. I was pleased to hear that the health of the Presidency was good.
2 March 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday March 2/64. Brother Warren S. Snow arrived in the night last night to accompany Brother Bentley to the States to act as Emigration Agent[s]. Revising discourse for the Star. Dictated a letter to the President. I went out to day for the first time for eleven days, though I felt very unwell all day.
3 March 1864 • Thursday
Thursday Mar 3. 1864. Balancing Cash account; dictating some items for the Star and engaged in other matters in the office.
4 March 1864 • Friday
Friday March 4./64. Had a very singular dream last night. I dreamed of being at home, in the company of C. W. West and his wife. I afterwards left them and went to another place and after a while my wife Elizabeth and two other females came in dressed from head to foot in white; they were radiantly white[.] there was a man with me whom I introduced to my wife and the other females who were also dressed in white. The effect was very singular upon me and I thought it remarkable in my dream. The rest of my dream was quite indistinct. When I awoke the dream was very vivid and it made a deep impression upon me.
I was very unwell this morning when I got up.
Busily engaged dictating letters, and instructing bros Snow & Bentley respecting their duties as agents
5 March 1864 • Saturday
Saturday 5th. I suffered a great deal in the night from cholic. I blessed bros Snow & Bentley this morning preparatory to starting on their mission; and they afterwards blessed and administer me. I have been administered to a number of times and have received benefit therefrom.
The brethren left the Office for the Steamer at 20 minutes to 8 a.m. Bro Shearman prepared me an injection this morning having a portion of composition and lobelia in it, the first administration of the kind I ever took, and I really thought it would be the last for my feelings for a while were deathlike, I was so dreadfully sick; I believe I should have fainted had bro Shearman not got me some water. After the sickness passed I felt much releaved from my cholic, though I suffered from it more or less from it all day. My pain was so great I felt quite incapable of work. I wrote a letter apiece to my wives.
6 March 1864 • Sunday
Sunday 6th Passed a much easier day to day. Received a letter from bro Jesse N Smith in which was conveyed the pleasing intelligence that he had made a contract for the carrying of the Saints from Copenhagen via Lubeck &Hamburg to Grimsby with Morris & Co of Hamburg. This intelligence gave me great relief; as up to this time, it has appeared somewhat dubious respecting the saints getting out of Scandinavia. Bros John Wright and John Anglesey called in to see me to day.
7 March 1864 • Monday
Monday 7th Went down to see Mr Smith first thing this morning about ships. He assures me that he will have all the ships we need he thinks the price will be the same as last year.
Wrote to bro Jesse N Smith, and corrected the report of my remarks at Birmingham for the “Star.” Dictated two or three letters to bro Geo Reynolds.
8 March 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, March 8th/64. Dictated an editorials to Bro. Graham and two letters home: one to my brother-in-law, Chas Lambert and my sister Mary Alice, and one to Bro. Wm H. Perkes. I felt a little better to-day. I intended to Wednesd have gone to Southport to-day for a few days in company with Bro Thos Taylor for the benefit of my health, thinking that change of air and scene, and freedom from the cares of business, might have a beneficial effect upon me. It stormed dreadfully all day.
9 March 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Mar 9/64. Wrote a short letter to Brother Brigham, Sen., and dictated a letter to Bro. Wm Clayton. Busy otherwise also. Started at 2.35 p.m., in company with Bro Thos Taylor to Southport. Put up at the Victoria Hotel. I felt much improved in my spirits and walked out for about two hours. Enjoyed an excellent appetite for my food afterwards.
10 March 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, 10th/64. Snowed heavily for this country last night. The sun arose bright and warm. We had a donkey carriage and took a ride out in the country to see some coursing — greyhounds in couples chasing hares. The <A> hare would be let free and started to run, and after it would be fairly underway, a man who would be holding two hounds in a leash would let them free and they would start after the hare and chase it until one of them caught it. It Rained in the afternoon. Was administered to by Bro Taylor in the evening.
11 March 1864 • Friday
Friday, 11th/64. A fine but windy morning. Rode and walked out. Hailed and rained in gusts[,] and the wind was dreadfully high during the afternoon.
12 March 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, March, 12th. A finer day than yesterday; rode and walked out.
13 March 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, 13/64 Left Southport this morning for Liverpool. I have felt much benefited by my visit to this place, though not yet free from pain, I am much stronger. Found Elder M McCune here, who has just come over from Ireland; He is visiting the various Conferences in the mission. Met in Confce with the Saints three times to day, I spoke twice and enjoyed the meetings very much. I received letters from President Young, my uncle John Taylor[,] Wm C. Staines, and my wife Elizabeth. The news in all was very good. The President informed me that his son Joseph A. and Brother Staines, accompanied by his son John W., were coming to New York to act as Agents in the business of the Emigration. Brother H. B. Clawson was coming down with them to make purchases and Bro Joseph W. Young to act on the frontiers in the management of the affairs of the Emigration there[.] Uncle wrote cheeringly, very encouragingly. Elizabeth expressed herself as being very anxious to see me, so anxious that she would gladly make the trip to England again, if she could be allowed, so that she might be with me.
14 March 1864 • Monday
Monday March 14/64 I felt very unwell today. Bro McCune, who is a homeopathic doctor, has such confidence that he could do me good that I was induced to try some of his remedies; I thought about them as the old lady said about the catnip tea:— “If they could do no good they could do no harm” — The doses are wonderfully small. I wrote a long letter to Brother Jesse N. Smith, attended to various matters in the office.
15 March 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday March 15th 1864. Correcting matter for the Star and variously engaged in the office. Received a letter from my wife Sarah Jane; she and Franklin were both well.
16 March 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday March 16th Dictated letters to President Young[,] Brother Wm C. Staines, and a joint letter to him and Joseph A. Young, and to Bro R. E. Miller of Parowan. Made a visit, in company with Brothers McCune and Thomas Taylor, to the Tilley family at Bootle, we spent a very pleasant afternoon and evening.
17 March 1864 • Thursday
Thursday March 17./6. My health is much improved under Bro McCune’s treatment. Dictated a portion of an Editorial to Bro Graham. Finished it myself. Spent the evening at Sister Spencer’s with Bro’s McCune, Taylor, Sears, & Graham, and Sisters Graham and McManus.
18 March 1864 • Friday
Friday March 18th 1864. Dictated several letters and otherwise busy in the Office. Wrote a letter to my wife Elizabeth.
19 March 1864 • Saturday
Saturday March 19th 1864. Bro McCune left this morning for Manchester. Bro Taylor also started for Copenhagen. Wrote a letter to Brother Jesse N. Smith for him to take. Finished letter to my wife; at 2.20 P.M. started for Glasgow, Scotland and was met at the Station by Brothers <Henson> Walker, Hood, John Sharp Jr [,] J. C. Brown, M. Lyon and R. Watson Jr and a number of other brethren. Brother Walker and I slept at Brother John Crawfords. I suffered great pain in my breast, all day.
20 March 1864 • Sunday
Sunday March 20th/64 had three meetings in the day in the Trongate Hall with the Saints in Conference. There was a large attendance and a good spirit manifested. All the Before mentioned brethren spoke[,] and I spoke for a short time after them in each meeting. Took dinner at Sister McGregors.
21 March 1864 • Monday
Monday March 21. Gave the Elders some instruction this morning. Took dinner at Brother Burlington’s and started at 4 O’clock for L’pool. I have felt pleased at the decrease of unpleasant symptoms in my health. This trip, under the blessing of God through the laying on of the hands of the Elders and the faith and prayers of the Saints, has benefited me. Arrived in Liverpool at ½ past twelve midnight and found Brother Paul A. Schettler, who had arrived at the Office about 9 Oclock this evening from Switzerland, by way of Holland.
22 March 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday Mar 22 1864 Busy in Office during day and spent the evening in company with Brothers Shearman and Schettler and some other Saints, at Brother Graham’s
23 March 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday Mar 23rd Busy in Office. Brother Schettler took his departure for New York on the S. S. City of London, to assist as Clerk in the business of the Emigration on the other side.
24 March 1864 • Thursday
Thursday Mar 24th. Busy in Office.
25 March 1864 • Friday
Friday. Mar 25th This is Good Friday and a holiday. I took a trip on the river down to New Brighton and back. In evening went to the Saints Chapel and partook of tea with them and listed to singing.
26 March 1864 • Saturday
Saturday Mar 26th <See Tuesday March 29.> (I forgot to mention on Saturday that I received two letters from Home, one from Brother Wilford Woodruff Senr and the other from my wife Elizabeth; both were very interesting.) Called on Mr Smith, of Tapscott, Smith & Co; to see him about chartering a vessel; not finding him at home, he afterwards called upon me. Wrote a letter to my wife Sarah Jane, and at 3.50 P.M. started in company with Brothers Bull and Graham for Sheffield. Met at the Station by Bros Gillet, Nicholson and Fowler and went with them to supper to Bro John Cutler’s. Slept with Bro Bull at Bro Favel.
27 March 1864 • Sunday
Sunday March 27th 1864. Bro McCune joined us this morning. Attended three meetings today. In Conference with the Saints, and enjoyed myself very much. All the Elders addressed the Confce, and I spoke <during> a portion of the afternoon and in the evening. Took dinner and tea at with the Elders at Bro John Stevensons and supper at Bro Charles Parkins.
28 March 1864 • Monday
Monday Mar 28. By invitation I visited Mr Siddall, a Knife manufacturer, &c, in company with Elders Bull & Fowler. He was at our last nights meeting by invitation of Bro Fowler who had formerly been one of his forgers. He insisted on making Brother Bull and Myself a present of some knives, my packet consisted of 8 Butchers Knifes and a pair of razors. We 3 afterwards visited a portion of the scene of the inundation caused by the bursting of the Bradfield Reservoir on Friday night, the or Saturday Morning early the 12th of March, through which whole villages were swept away and a tremendous amount of property amounting to upwards of half a million — was destroyed and nearly 300 souls swept suddenly into eternity. Mills, dwelling houses, <iron & Stone> bridges, fences &c &c were swept away by the force of the flood, and in some instances scarcely leaving a vestige to mark the spot where they once stood. Boilers were carried for miles down the river Don[,] and a very heavy log, about 3 feet in diameter at the butt, was drifted into the centre of one of the main thoroughfares of the town of Sheffield. The large portion of the town near the river had been completely flooded[,] and in passing along the Streets, the traces of the current were plainly visible on the sides of the houses, in most instances being nearly up to the first floor. The Reservoir was situate about 8 or 10 miles above the town. Attended a Tea party of the Saints in the evening at the Temperance Hall and had a very fine time; but to the regret of the Saints, I was compelled to leave in company with Brothers Bull and Graham for L’pool, at 9. O’clock, and reached there awhile after midnight.
29 March 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday March 29. Busy in Office. Wrote several letters. Received a letter from Prest Young in which I received the very pleasing intelligence that I should be at liberty to return home in August next. He said, “So soon as my mind can rest upon the proper person I intend him to to send him to take your place. In the meantime make all preparation to come home, and you are at liberty to leave in August. In the event of no person arriving from here to take your place in time, arrange to leave the best man in your place until he is relieved.”
30 March 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday Mar 30./64 Wrote letters to Jesse N President Young, Brothers Jesse N. Smith, and Brothers Joseph A Young & Wm C. Staines, and busy about other business in the Office.
31 March 1864 • Thursday
Thursday Mar 31. Wrote several letters and an Editorial; — Spiritual influences and their effects.
1 April 1864 • Friday
Friday, April 1 1864 Busy all day, attending to chartering a ship, — “The Monarch of the Seas,” Capt P. Kirkaldy. I chartered of Tapscott Smith & Co; and had to pay £52/ -- four shillings more than I had to pay last year. I did my best to get this ship on lower terms but could not. Ships are in great demand and passages are being sold at £5.0.0 per head; but at the price I have paid the tickets can be afforded at £4-5-0. I am assured that at present prices my bargain is worth £400. more than I gave. Wrote a letter to Brother Jesse N. Smith[, ] dictated a letter to Bro Bertrand and wrote a letter to my wife --Elizabeth.
2 April 1864 • Saturday
Saturday April 2/64. Started at 9. Oclock A.M. for London, intending to attend to a little business there and then <go> to Bedford to meet in Conference with the Elders and Saints on the morrow. Brother Thos E. Jeremy, who arrived last night accompanied me to the Railway Station. I travelled to London, a distance of 210 miles, in 5 hours and a half. Met at the Station by Bros Bullock and Barfoot and found Brothers John L. Smith and F. C. Free at the house.
3 April 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, April 3, 1864. Arose early <and> started to Bedford. Met in Conference and had two long meetings. There was a larger attendance of Saints than had been seen for some years and the meetings were very good. There were present of the Elders:— Joseph Bull, W. S. S. Willes, Thomas O. King, David Gibson, Benjamin Stringham, and James A. Cunningham.
4 April 1864 • Monday
Monday, April 4./64 <Brother Bull and I> Took train for Birmingham, <at 7.15 A.M.> where I wished to attend to some business. Saw Brother Kay and family while there, and Brother C. S. Kimball. Left for Liverpool in the evening. leaving Brother Bull there. Upon my arrival in Liverpool I found Bros Joseph A and John W. Young sitting up awaiting my arrival, they having arrived from New York on S at four o’clock on Sunday morning. They were both well. They came <left> from home for the purpose of attending to the Emigration in the States, Brother Joseph A. having charge of that Mission. They have come to England for a short trip previous to the Emigration.
5 April 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, April 5.64. A miserably stormy day. Busily employed in Office.
6 April 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday. April 6./64 Brothers Joseph A and John W. Young started this morning for Birmingham. This our <is the day for holding our> General Conference. At home they are enjoying themselves, and I would like, if I could get at a peep at them. Variously engaged in the Office.
7 April 1864 • Thursday
Thursday April 7/64. Wrote several letters, and an Editorial for the “Star”:-- <“The> Preaching of the Gospel still needed.” Brother Joseph A. Young returned this evening.
8 April 1864 • Friday
Friday, March <April> 8th/64. Wrote to Brother J. N. Smith, and busy with other matters. Visited Mr Smith, of Tapscott Smith & Co, in company with Bro Joseph A. Young. <Brother Geo W. Grant came in from Manchester last night.>
9 April 1864 • Saturday
Saturday March <April> 9/64 Brother John W. Young returned from Birmingham this. Wrote a letter to my wife Sarah Jane. Started for Bradford this evening to attend Conference there to-morrow. Was met at the Station by Bro’s. Gillett and Swan. At the house of Brother Haigh <where we slept> met Brother Lee. Took supper at Bro Nichol’s.
10 April 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, April 10th/64. Met in Conference this morning with the Elders and Saints. Business was attended to & Bro’s. Gillet, Lee and Swan and I spoke. Just as meeting was being dismissed[,] Bros. Bull and Joseph A and John W. Young arrived from Liverpool. We took dinner at Brother Smith’s. In afternoon Bro’s. Bull, Joseph A and John W Young spoke in afternoon and I followed. Six persons were confirmed in afternoon and two in the evening. Bro’s. McCune, Joseph A. and myself spoke in the evening. Took supper at Sister Lugden’s.
11 April 1864 • Monday
Monday, April 11th/64. Start Bro’s. J A & J W Young Bull, Graham and myself started for L’pool. At 5 p.m we started for London. Reached there at 11.10 p.m. Bro Barfoot met us at the Station.
12 April 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, April 12/64. Visited the Crystal Palace to-day in the company of the Brothers Young. Enjoyed an excellent day; the weather was very fine and everything combined to render the trip a pleasant one. Bro Bullock, who was out of town in Kent, came out in the company with Bro Wm Sanders to meet us at the Palace. In the evening went <to Drury Lane> and saw Shakespeare’s play of Henry 4th, Mr. S. Phelps taking the part of Sir John Falstaff, Mr. Walter Montgomery as Hotspur. The scenery was very splendid and the acting very excellent. A representation of the battle of Shrewsbury excelled everything of the kind that I ever saw on the Stage.
13 April 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, April 13/64. Bro’s. Bullock, John L. Smith, Finley C. Free, J. S. Barfoot and Jos. A. and John W Young and myself visited and climbed the fire Tower, erected on the site (see Guide) and then visited the Thames Tunnel and the Tower and afterwards Westminster Abbey (see Guide) {This column was erected by Sir Christopher Wren, as a memorial of the Great Fire of 1666, & of the rebuilding of the city. It was commenced in 1671, and completed in 1677. Its total height from the pavement is 202 feet, the pedestal being 40 feet, the shaft 120 feet, and the terminal portion, from the gallery to the summit of the gilded urn, 42 feet. The base of the shaft is 15 feet square, the pedestal 21 feet, and the plinth (or extreme outside measurement) 27 feet. It is of the Doric order of architecture, the column fluted, the pedestal adorned on the west side with a sculptured design, in alto and basso relievo, by Cibber. In this design the artist has represented King Charles on horseback, who, it is well known, exerted himself greatly to check the progress of the flames, and to protect the wretched inhabitants. Freedom, Science and Genius are symbolised in the panel, as directing the restoration of the city. The four angles are ornamented by dragons, the work of Pierce. The other three sides of the pedestal contain suitable inscriptions.
A bird’s eye view of surpassing interest may be had from the summit of the Monument. Entering through a door in its eastern front, we ascended by a spiral staircase of 345 steps to the balcony over the abacus, which, until late years, was protected only by an iron pallisade of suitable height. The additional security, forming a barred cage over the visitor’s head, was rendered necessary by two frightful suicides — the first of a young woman, the second of a young man, who leaped from the balcony into Monument Yard, and were dashed to pieces on the pavement. From the summit of this noble column we looked with wonder on the scene spread below — at the myriads of human habitations, and the multitude of ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples, which mingle with them. There is an old story that the Monument shakes, and would have been pulled down many years ago, but that no builder had the hardihood to enter upon the task, for, if only one stone were removed, the whole fabric would fall in ruins! This delusion originated in the use once made of the Monument for astronomical observations, for which purpose it was found unfit, owing to the vibrations natural to such an erection, however secure in its build. We then visited the Thames Tunnel; it was planned in 1823, by J. K. Brunel, and commenced in March 1825, a company having been established in the interval to supply the necessary funds. During the seven years, 1828 to 1835, the works were suspended, in consequence of the irruption of the Thames; but being resumed in the latter year, the Tunnel was completed, and opened to the public on the 25th of March, 1843. The total cost of the works was about £614,000; but the approaches for carriages are not yet made. The length of the Tunnel is 1,200 feet; its width, 35 feet; its height, 20 feet; clear width of each archway and footpath, about 14 feet; thickness of earth between the crown of the Tunnel & the bed of the river, about 15 feet. Foot passengers descend by a cylindrical shaft of 100 steps, and at high tide they are 75 feet below the surface of the water. The Tunnel is lighted with gas, & is open day and night. Foot passengers are allowed to pass through either way, on payment of one penny. The yearly income, about £5,000, is but just sufficient to pay the current expenses for maintenance of works, attendance &c
From there we went to the Tower of London which is situated close by the bank of the Thames. The space around it is called by the general name of Tower Hill. Upon this hill, was the place of execution, which is still marked by a distinct pavement. There is a tradition that Julius Cæsar first erected the Tower, by more recent antiquarians the erection of the square White Tower, is ascribed to William the Conqueror. Nevertheless, in 1777, Roman remains were found at a great depth within the walls of the fortress; and in 1852 additional remains were disinterred on Tower Hill. The question is one, perhaps, that never can be settled. It is, indeed, by no means clear what buildings were erected, either by the Conqueror, or by succeeding kings, or what condition the Tower was in, until we arrive at the period of Henry 5th who lodged two of his most illustrious prisoners here — Charles, Duke of Orleans, and his younger brother John, Count of Angoulême — taken at the battle of Agincourt.
From the iron gate by which we entered, we passed under a strong bastioned portal, named the Middle Tower, once defended by a double portcullis, the grooves of which are still visible. It commanded the bridge over the moat, which we cross to a similar gateway at its other end, called the Byward Tower. Having passed this, we find ourselves in the outer ward, or space between the exterior and interior works. We were shown the Traitor’s Gate, beneath which prisoners of state were conveyed into the interior of the fortress; also a sort of bastion on the right, surmounted by a small wooden turret containing the alarm bell of the fortress, called the Bell Tower, said to have been the prison of Bishop Fisher and of the Princess Elizabeth, and a little farther, in a line with Traitor’s Gate, the Bloody Tower, so called because the two princes are here believed to have been murdered by order of Gloucester. It was in a vaulted chamber, on our right as we entered beneath the Tower that the bones supposed to be those of the murdered princes were discovered.
When we entered the interior of the fortress, the White Tower, or Citadel, was before us. It is a quadrangular building, with a turret at each corner; its dimensions are 176 feet long (north and south) by 96 feet wide, & 92 feet high. The external walls are from 10 to 12 feet thick, and the internal walls 7 feet. The building annexed to the south side of the White Tower was erected in 1826, and is called — The Horse Armory — a handsome gallery, 150 feet long by 33 feet wide, containing a collection of mounted figures clothed in suits of mail of different periods. The mounted figures occupy the centre of the room, and are placed in chronological order, from the time of Edward 1st to James 2nd. — 1272 to 1688. Each suit of armor is assigned to a knight or king; and though it is only in some instances that they are known to have been actually worn by such persons, the representation is said to be trustworthy. From this room a narrow staircase winds up into an apartment on the first floor of the Keep itself called Queen Elizabeth’s Armory. This room, shares in the antiquity of the White Tower, and has recently been lined with wood in the Norman style. The windows are filled with stained glass, part of which is ancient; the walls are very thick. The equestrian figure of Elizabeth is dressed in a fac simile copy of the robe worn by her on going to St. Paul’s to return thanks for the victory over the Armada. Here are shields, pikes, boar-spears, bows, and instruments of torture — authentic relics of the olden time — a Lochaber axe, a matchlock arquebuse, a matchlock petronel, mace cannon carried at the saddle bow, an ancient cresset, guisarmes and glaives, partisans and halberds. Here is also the axe with which the Earl of Essex was executed, and the block on which the rebel lords — Balmerino, Kilmarnock, and Lovat — laid their doomed heads.
We were also shown a small cell made in the walls of this room in which Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned a number of years.
From the White Tower we were conducted to the Jewel Office [blank]}
14 April 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, April 14/64. In company with the Bro’s Young and Thos O. King visited the Polytechnic and listened to Professor <Pepper’s> Ghost Lecture and another on burning to death and microscopic experiments with an Oxy-hydrogen light. The experiment of burning a dress on a figure prepared for the occasion was very startling. This dress was made out of ordinary muslin. <Afterwards> A young lady, dressed in muslin &c prepared with incombustible starch walked through two rows of fire placed on the platform without her dress being in the least injured thereby. The object of this lecture, seemed to be apparently, was to impress upon the minds of the audience, the especially the female portion, the necessity of taking every method of lessening the inflammability of their clothes. Visited Kensington Museum for about an hour and a half. In the evening attended meeting at Goswell Hall, the Bro’s Young and myself spoke; the attendance was quite large.
15 April 1864 • Friday
Friday, April 15/64. Started for L’pool, and found Bro’s. Shearman, Bull and Sears all complaining and somewhat affected as I have been of late. Busy during evening in the Office.
16-17 April 1864 • Saturday to Sunday
Saturday, April 16/64. Had a visit from Mr. Grant and Mr. Hickson, representatives of the Grand Trunk Railroad, Canada, on the subject of sending our passengers by their line. Met Mr. Smith of Tapscott & Co about a ship from London. Bro. Jas. Townsend and wife & two grandchildren with Brother Brigham W. Kimball, son of Pres. H. C. Kimball, arrived to-day from the Valley; they left there on the 9th March. The two brethren have come here on missions. Started to Manchester to meet with the Saints there in Conference to-morrow. Went to the Temperance Hall and found Bro’s. Geo W Grant, Wilford Woodruff, Elnathan Eldredge, Jas. Lythgoe and Joseph Machin with many of the Saints at a Tea Party. Spent a very pleasant evening. Expecting Bro. Joseph A. Young and his brother John W. I went to the from London[.] I went to the Station to meet them; but but they did not arrive but Bro’s. Jesse N. Smith, Thos Taylor and John E Evans came into the Station from Hull. We <were> very glad to meet one another. Bro’s. Smith and Taylor stopped in Manchester to attend the Conference. Bro’s. Joseph A & John W Young stopped arrived at ¼ to 3 A.M. on Sunday, April 17th/64. Stopped at Bro. Boardman’s last night with Bro. Jesse N Smith. Met in Conference to-day and had excellent meetings; the congregation was large. Bro’s. Taylor, Grant, All the Elders whose names I have mentioned and myself spoke and had good freedom. Started for Liverpool Monday, April 18th/64. in company with the Brothers Young, Smith, and Taylor.
18 April 1864 • Monday
Monday, April 18th/64. Bro. Brigham W. Kimball underwent an operation this morning for strabismus, which promises to be quite successful. Busy in Office all day. A Bro. Timothy Metts arrived to-day to settle u from Rotterdam, Holland, to settle up and arrange for <the> emigration of himself and the Saints there.
19 April 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, April 19/64. Bro. Shearman started for B’ham, his field of labor. Chartered the ship Hudson, Capt. Pratt, to sail from London on the 16th of May and to carry 750 Statute Adults, at the same price that I did the “Monarch of the Sea.” I feel to thank the Lord for the success which has attended my efforts to secure ships for our people. Our prayers have been answered thus far & I pray that we may find favor with the Lord to have our way continually open before us. While our passengers are receiving their tickets to New York at £4.5.0; they are selling them in other Offices in town at £5.5. and £5.10.0.
Wrote to President Young and to my wife Elizabeth. The Brothers Joseph A. & John W Young started this evening for London.
20 April 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, April 20th/54. Transacting business with Mr. Geo. Urie respecting the carriage of goods for his <son> (of Cedar City) from Liverpool to Wyoming. Bro. David P. Kimball arrived here with his emigrating Saints from Southampton. Bro’s. G. W. Grant and Robt Pixton, the former from Manchester and the latter from Coventry, arrived to-day. Busy in Office with business connected with the emigration of the Saints. Telegraphed to Bro. Kay, who was at Grimsby with the Scandinavian Saints[,] to keep them back another day as the Ship was not ready to receive them. Received a reply that it was too late to stop them and that they would be down soon after noon to-morrow.
21 April 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, April 21st/64. Went down and saw Mr Smith this morning and visited the “Monarch of the Sea.” Found her quite unprepared to receive passengers, only part of the berths being up and men busily engaged unloading her cargo. Made arrangements with the mate for the people to go on board at 5 p.m. and go to bed out of the way as the men would be working all night. The Scandinavian Saints arrived and went down to the vessel. There was considerable inconvenience resulted from the ship not being ready according to contract.
22 April 1864 • Friday
Friday, April 22/64. Busy all day with matters connected with the ship. Visited her in the afternoon and sent a sick child up to the hospital.
23 April 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, 23rd. Most of the day at the ship and very busy. Served out provisions to the Saints. A child of Danish parents had died on Thursday last, and I had considerable trouble, in consequence of its burial being deferred, to obtain a Certificate to inter it. Very tired to-day.
24 April 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, 24th. Held a meeting on board the Ship with the Saints to-day. Bro’s. Jesse N. Smith and J P R Johnson spoke in Danish and Bro. Thos Taylor and myself in English to the people. I intended to avoid talking, as my lungs are still very tender, and therefore requested the brethren to speak; but there were so many things to be said that I could not refrain. I organized the company and placed Bro. John Smith (Patriarch) to as President, and Bro’s. John D. Chase, J. P R Johnson and Parley P Pratt as Counsellors. The feeling at the meeting was excellent. In evening attended meeting with the Saints at the Chapel. Bros Chase & M P Romney spoke and I followed. Had considerable freedom.
25 April 1864 • Monday
Monday, April 25/64. Busy at the Office all day. Several brethren left to-day for their fields of labor.
26 April 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 26th. Cleared the Ship for sea to-day. The Ship and passengers all being examined by Capt. Saunders, R. N., <one of the> Emigration Commissioners and Dr. [blank] The people were generally healthy and presented a very creditable appearance, far ahead of the most of passengers. There were two children sick and they were stopped and the families to which they belonged went ashore. <Bro J. M. Smith & myself> Dined on board with the Captain and the above named gentlemen and Mr. Smith. Found Bro. Joseph A. Young here upon my return to the Office, he having arrived from Birmingham. Went out with him & Bro J N Smith in the evening to see Mr. Alfred Wigan as Shylock in the Merchant of Venice and a burlesque “Rumpstiltskin” or the “Woman at the Wheel.”
27 April 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, April 27th/64. Busy in getting off a few more passengers to make up for those stopped yesterday. Settled for “Monarch of the Sea,” paying £2 [blank] and £9 [blank] for provisions. There were 973 souls of our people on board this vessel, including a number who went as sailors. Sailors are very hard to obtain at this Port. The inducements are <so> strong for men to enter the American Navy, through the enormous bounty they receive, that seamen are very scarce. Brother M McCune arrived to-day from the Isle of Man and Bro. John W. Young from Birmingham.
28 April 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, April 28th/64. Received a letter from my wife Sarah Jane, <dated> March 18th. She wrote cheerfully. She and Franklin were both well. Busy in Office and went down with Bro. Joseph A Young and secured a passage for him on the Steam ship “Africa,” to sail on Saturday for Boston. In evening went to Sister Spencer’s in company with the Brothers Young, J. N Smith, & Bull. Spent a pleasant evening; Sister McManus was there.
29 April 1864 • Friday
Friday, April 29th/64. Wrote and dictated articles for the Star: “Departure of [“]Monarch of the Sea” and “Modern Worship and its Fruits.” Arranging for business items for the departure of Bro. Joseph A. Young to the States New York to-morrow.
30 April 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, April 30th/64. Went down to see Mr. Smith about ships. He despairs of obtaining ships in Liverpool and I urged him to write to London. <Yesterday> He offered 8/- per adult yesterday for more for a ship than I gave for the “Monarch of the Sea” but was refused her. With Bro. John W. Young up the river accompanied Bro Joseph A Young up the river to the Africa[,] on which steamer he embarked for New York. Bro. Townsend arrived to-day from Birmingham and Bro Bull took his departure for that point. Wrote some letters.
1 May 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, May 1st/64. Recd some letters from the Valley this morning, in one of which Bro. David O. Calder communicated the (to me news to me as a secret that Bro President Daniel H. Wells was coming to England to take charge here accompanied by Bro Brigham Jr. This intelligence was somewhat surprising; for in canvassing the names of those who were likely to come here and[,] I had not allowed myself to think it possible for one of the First Presidency to come. I had thought that Bro. Wells would do splendidly here; but did not for a moment imagine that he would be spared from home for such a purpose. The change of climate will may have a beneficial effect upon his health, which has been very poor of late; besides, being an apostle, a visit to foreign lands, which he never yet has had an opportunity of making, will be in consonance with the nature and requirements of his calling. I have been <am> greatly pleased at this news, as I know President Wells will do a mighty work here. Held meeting in the morning and in the evening. Bro’s. Townsend, John W. Young and Jesse N Smith spoke in the morning and Bro. Smith and myself in the evening.
2 May 1864 • Monday
Monday, May 2nd/64. Variously engaged through the day. Wrote several letters. In the evening went with Bro’s. Townsend, Smith and Young to the Collegiate Institute to hear Henry Vincent Esq. lecture on Cromwell and the Commonwealth. His voice was very poor; but he was is the best lecturer I ever listened to, and afforded me considerable delight. He handled his subject in a masterly manner; his action was quite dramatic, and his voice has been injured, by the strain upon it in speaking.
3 May 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, May 3rd/64. Down again to see about shi a ship. Had <an> interview with Capt. Trask of the ship Gen. McLellan. He is quite anxious to let me have his ship; but he asks more than I think I can give that is, 8p more than. I offered him 2/- more than I paid for the “Monarch of the Seas.” He offered me He promised to give me an answer at 4 P.M. We I returned to the Office and Bro. Townsend, Smith and Young and myself united in prayer to ask the Lord to open up my way and enable me to accomplish my duty wish in chartering. Saw Capt. Trask at Mr. Smith’s, and, after considerable talk, he offered me his ship at 8/- more than I paid for the “Monarch.” I declined to accept; but requested till Thursday morning to give him a decisive answer. <Heard Mr. Vincent lecture upon the “Protectorate”> Wednesday May, 4/64 Busy I sent Bro. John C. Graham this evening to London to see what he could do in obtaining ships at a cheap rate there. <Went with several of the breth[ren] and heard Mr. Vincent lecture upon the “Protectorate”.
4 May 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, May 4th/64 Busy all day in visiting <ship> broker’s to try and secure ships; but without meeting with any spec particular success. Received a telegram from Bro. Graham, reporting his success; he was hopeful but there was nothing definite. He informed me, much to my surprise that the ship Hudson, which I had supposed was sure chartered and fully secured for our people, had not been positively engaged by Tapscott, Smith & Co and that Grinnell, Tinker and Morgan had offered her to him; but at a high figure. Bro’s. Jesse N. Smith & John W Young went to the Chester races to-day.
5 May 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, May 5th/64. Recd a letter from Bro. Graham; but though he appeared to have considerable hope, brokers having talked favorably, it was plain to me that there was nothing to be depended upon, and I determined to close with Capt. Trask for the Gen. McClellan, which I did. Capt. Trask appeared much dissatisfied with himself for offering his vessel so cheap – and told me that he could readily get 5/- per adult for than he was letting me have her. He offered me £30 to let him off, adding that if his feelings had not overpowered his judgment[,] I could not have had her at the price he had offered to take. Dictated letters to-day, which Bro. Foster wrote, to President B. Young, Bro. Chauncey W. West, <and a number of others.> Bro’s. Kay and Bull arrived to-day from Birmingham.
6 May 1864 • Friday
Friday, May 6th/64. Bro. Graham retd in the night from London; had a conversation with him respecting matters ships in London. Mr. Smith of Tapscott & Co. came up and [in] a Hansom and took me down to their Office to read me a letter from the owners of the Hudson advising them of her arrival in London. Taps Mr. Tapscott and Mr. Smith thought I <we> ought to offer 3/- (that is 55/- for her without provisions) more for her per adult than I had given for the “Monarch of the Sea.” When I expressed my surprise to Mr. Smith at there being any doubt now about the price, when I supposed it was I had been led to conclude, by wh all he had told me, that the arrangement for the Hudson had been firmly and reliably made, he replied that until the Captain should arrive, he being a part owner, no posit nothing positive could be done. In this matter, though I do not accuse them of a wilful design to deceive me, they have misled me by their leading me to rely upon the arrangement I had made with them as being perfectly secure. Finding that there was no help for the matter I agreed with them to offer 55/-. Grinnell, Tinker & Morgan asked 63/-. This was refused. They then lowered to 60/-. This was also refused.
There were some letters recd by Bro. Jesse N. Smith yesterday from Copenhagen which had been forwarded to him by Bro. Pigan, President of the Fredericia Conference, that contained language and sentiments which <that which> led us to conclude that there had been a criminal intercourse carried on by Elder [first and last name redacted], a<n> Valley Elder from Zion, now laboring in the Scandinavian Mission, and who came from home last year, with a young sister by the name of [first, middle, and last name redacted]. These letters were written in Danish by the young woman to [first and last name redacted], & were, some of them, in reply to letters written by him to her. Many of the expressions were low and vulgar, and the whole correspondence was of such a character as to be quite unsuited for for persons in their condition. When I heard the correspondence read by Bro. Smith yesterday, I immediately wrote to Elder [last name redacted] who is now in Norway—having been recently removed from Jutland <where he has been laboring,> in consequence of the war which is now raging there – recalling him to England, The f and also to his President, Geo. M. Brown. The follow. These letters read as follows: -- (Insert letters) 223- & 221
{“May 4th 1864
Elder [redacted first and last name]
Dear Brother,
I would like you, upon the receipt of this letter, to make your preparations to come to Liverpool by the first conveyance. There are steamers sailing from Christiana to England, I believe, regularly. On one of these you can probably secure a passage, without having to wait too long. But if you can come any quicker by some other line, do so, as I want you here as quickly as possible. You had better bring all your things with you.
The news I have written to Brother Brown about the sailing of the ship.
With love, in which the brethren here join,
I remain, Your Brother
(Signed) Geo. Q. Cannon.
May 4th 1864
Dear Brother Brown
Enclosed I forward you a letter for Elder [first and last name redacted] requesting him to come to Liverpool by the first and most direct conveyance, and to bring his things with him. I do not wish him to go to any great expense to reach here; but I suppose there are Steamers running direct from Christiana to Hull on which a passage can easily be secured. On one of these I would like him to come if possible. If he lack the money to pay a cheap passage, will you please furnish it. Of course, I would much prefer your doing this out of the Mission Fund, if it is at all possible; but if this be out of your power, you can use the necessary amount out of the Tithing, and credit yourself with the amount in your settlement with Bro’ Sprague. But I would much prefer your using it out of the Mission Fund, if it is possible.
The “Monarch of the Sea” sailed in excellent condition, and with the passengers all feeling finely, on the 28th of April, and was progressing excellently at latest accounts. All the Scandinavian Saints sailed on her. She carried 974 Saints with her. I expect to send two more large ships in about two weeks.
All the brethren join me in love to you. Be faithful, pure and diligent, and humble; live near unto the Lord always, and be a man of God in very deed, Brother George, in whom your brethren and your Father in Heaven can always put confidence. May He bless you is the prayer of Your Brother, Geo. Q. Cannon
P.S. Give my love to the Saints, whose love & kindness to me I always remember.”
G. Q. C.}
When I heard these letters read, I made felt led as to interrogate Bro. [first and last name with middle initial redacted], (who had come here with Bro Smith from Copenhagen to assist in the business of the emigration, and to whom there were some slight allusions made in this improper correspondence above referred <to> -- allusions which were not, however, in any wise criminating) as I had been unfavorably impressed with his spirit and manner since he had been here. He did not have such a spirit, as he now appeared to have, when I last saw him in Copenhagen last fall; and I had asked Bro. Smith what Bro. [last name redacted] had been doing to produce such a change in him. Bro To my great surprise <Bro. [last name redacted] when interrogated by me in Bro Smith’s presence> immediately told me that [last name redacted] had confessed his transgression to him when they were in Copenhagen together. I asked [21 words redacted]. Astonished at this avowal, I asked him how he could, being in Bro. Smith’s company as he had been for so long after knowing about this wickedness, conceal it from him & suffer the girl to sail to New York and [last name redacted] to be appointed to a new field without communicating with his President. He made some paltry excuse about the matter, saying that he did not think the girl was hurt, and that he did not like to tell about it – as [last name redacted] had charged him not to do so – thinking that it would come out soon enough of itself! I asked <him> what sort of confidences existed between [first and last name redacted] and himself that [last name redacted] could entrust him with such a horrible secret as this, and not be afraid of his exposing him? He said there was no confidences &c. I to I told him that I had no confidence in him after what he had told me, and questioned him closely about his own conduct; but he denied strongly all wrong doing, said he was pure &c. He added that Bro. L. L. Sprague, Jr. knew this matter as well as he, that [last name redacted] had communicated it to him also. I talked very severely to Bro. [last name redacted]; but he seems to [too] thick-skinned and obtuse to take severe reproof at all seriously to heart, and, so far as appearances went, he was feeling as unconcerned as if nothing had happened, half an hour after our interview terminated. Reproofs which would have cut a sensitive man <or a man softened by the Spirit of the Lord> to the heart, and filled him with sorrow and regret because of his folly and blindness in a matter of such importance, had no more effect upon him, apparently, than a <trivial> cross <fault-finding> remark would have of from his their President would have on some men. When I heard respecting Bro. Spragues knowledge <of this affair> I could not refrain from shedding tears, because I had hoped that he would have been more valiant for the Truth and would have crushed such iniquity wherever it had made its appearance in his jurisdiction. I determined to send Bro. Jesse N. Smith back to Denmark, and giving him a written authority to preside, I also wrote as follows to Bro. Sprague: -- (Insert letter) 61
{“May 6th 1864.
Elder S. L. Sprague, Jr
Dear Brother
The day before yesterday, evidence of an almost indisputable character came into Bro’ J. N. Smith’s hands, which was by him immediately placed in mine, to the effect that Elder [first and last name redacted] had committed whoredom with a young sister who sailed last week on the ship “Monarch of the Sea” with the Saints for New York. Upon hearing all the evidence, I immediately wrote a letter to Elder [first and last name redacted] at Norway requesting him to come as soon as he possibly could, after receiving my letter, to this place, and to bring his things with him. I also wrote to Elder George M. Brown requesting him to furnish [first and last name redacted] what he might need to secure him a cheap passage by the first conveyance from Christiana for England, and that if he could not possibly raise it out of the Mission Fund, to pay it out of the Tithing, and to forward the account to you that you might give him credit for the amount. Brother [first and last name with middle initial redacted] was not in Liverpool when this matter came up. At the first opportunity after his return I sought an interview with him in the presence of Bro’ Smith, and interrogated him respecting his conduct, telling him what I had heard respecting [first and last name redacted]. To my great astonishment and grief, he informed me that [last name redacted] had confessed his transgression to him while they were in Copenhagen together, and that he ([last name redacted]) had concealed it from his President, Brother Smith, “thinking,” as he says, “that the girl was not hurt, and that the matter would come out soon enough without his telling it.” He furthermore adds, what has given me great sorrow to hear, that you also were aware of [last name redacted]’s transgression while you were all together in Copenhage. In [last name redacted]’s words “you were told by [last name redacted] that he had slept with this girl.” Now, Brother Linsey, if this be so that you knew about [last name redacted] having thus broken his covenants and grossly violated the commandments of the Lord and the laws of his Church, and yet did not expose this wickedness and have it rooted out, and suffered the man who was thus criminal to be placed in another field where he could still continue to practice his wickedness and destroy virtue as much as he pleased, suffering him to partake of and administer the sacrament and other ordinances of salvation while you knew he was corrupt and defiled, my course is clear; I cannot sustain or uphold you in the position which you have been called to occupy. Bearing the responsibility which I do, I deem myself entirely unwarranted in maintaining any man, or appointing any man to preside, whose views and ideas upon these points are so lax as to permit iniquity to fester unchecked among the people over whom he is appointed to preside; cutting members off from the Church for whoredom (which Bro Smith informs me is frequently done at meetings which you all have attended in Copenhagen) while at the same time you knew one of your brethren by your side, was guilty of the same wrong, and yet you were cloaking his sin & countenancing him. Do you not know that he who does this virtually becomes a co-worker with the transgressor; when you keep his secrets of wickedness you become confederate & partner with him, lend yourself to the devil and operate against virtue and godliness? To suffer men, who have no higher conceptions of the truth and its requirements and the duties of their callings as Elders in Israel, to hold leading positions in the Church and among the people of God, would be wrong in me, or, in my opinion, in any other man holding authority; such men must not be entrusted with the guidance of the people.
I have appointed Brother Jesse N. Smith to return to Copenhagen, and, if it be true, that you were aware of all that I have stated above, to take charge of the Mission for the present & until some other move shall be made. You will please, therefore, transfer to him the entire business of the Presidency of the Scandinavian Mission and place yourself--or view yourself--as being under his direction.
I write in this strain upon the supposition that you were aware of [first and last name redacted]’s wrong-doing, and I do so with much sorrow; for I can assure you that it is painful to me to be under the necessity of finding fault with my brethren and reproving them upon such matters. It would be a source of great joy to me to learn that you were ignorant of all this matter. I hope and pray that it may be so.
Accept my love, and that the Lord may bless you and enable you to walk in purity and faithfulness before him and give you full and clear conceptions of the duties of your high calling, is the prayer of your Brother
Geo. Q. Cannon.”}
Brother John W. Young concluded, after counselling with me, to accompany Bro Smith, deeming it a good opportunity <to see Denmark> to get a little acquainted with the people and the land. They started this afternoon for Hull.
I had a call from a Mr. Flynn, a Passenger Broker, offering me the “Albert Gallatin” for our people. Wrote several letters connected with changes in the ministry. Brother Joseph G. Romney arrived to assist in the Editorship of the Star
7 May 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, May 7th/1864. Recd a letter this morning from Prest Young from which I extract the following:—
{Great Salt Lake City
March 28th 1864.
Elder George Q. Cannon,
Dear Brother
Since my letter of March 15th I have drawn upon you the following drafts:—
[blank, indicated by line of asterisks]
President Wells will leave here with the mule train, on or about the 20th April, to take your place, and is expected to reach Liverpool about the middle of July. He will be accompanied by my son Brigham. You will remain till about the middle of August, to give him an opportunity to be somewhat acquainted with the mission before you leave. [blank, indicated by multiple asterisks]}
Went down to Tapscott, Smith & Co. They were determined to have secure the Hudson for me; Mr Smith said, and I could depend on her. Called upon Mr. Flynn. He seemed very anxious to get a chance to do our business. A telegram was recd from London accepting the terms offered for the Hudson. Wrote several letters:- one to my wife Elizabeth and as follows to Bro Joseph A. Young, and Bro’s. Jesse N. Smith and John W. Young:-
(insert letters) 265-69.
{May 7th 1864.
Dear Brother Joseph A
I hope that long before this reaches you the ill effects of your sea voyage will have fully passed off. Your favor from Queenstown reached Brother John W and myself, and we were very glad that you had enjoyed your voyage so well that far. We trust that the remainder has and will prove equally pleasant. Bro John W. started yesterday, in company with Bro Jesse, N. Smith, for Copenhagen, Denmark. The call for Brother Smith to go was very sudden, and arose in consequence of evidence coming into my possession, which I consider indisputable (but which if it should be disputed and controverted successfully would give me great pleasure) to the effect that Elder [first and last name redacted], a Valley Elder, and whom you are acquainted with, I believe, has committed himself with a woman or women. Until it is fully proved against him, I would prefer that nothing may be said about it; and I would not mention it now only that I may be able to explain Bro John W’s sudden departure.
As soon as I requested Brother Jesse to start for Copenhagen, it struck Brother John that it would be a fine opportunity for him to visit that part of Europe, and upon mentioning it to me, I coincided with him. They will probably sail to day from Hull to Copenhagen.
I received the intelligence from your Father to-day that President Wells will leave the City with the mule train, on or about the 20th of April, to take the presidency here, and is expected to reach Liverpool about the middle of July. Your brother Brigham will accompany him. Your father informs me that I am to stay here until about the middle of August to give Brother Wells an opportunity to get somewhat acquainted with the Mission before I leave. I presume you will have heard of this some days before this reaches you. I mention it for the purpose of asking you, whether my departure from England at that date will be too late to admit of my joining you at Wyoming? If so, it is well for you to know so that you may not purchase any outfit for me. I would like to hear from you upon this subject when you write. The President has not said a word about how he expects me to return, but I presume he will allude to it in some future communication, or at any rate Brother Wells will have an idea upon the matter. Being so late in the summer, I presume he thinks of my returning by stage.
I have chartered the Ship “Genl McClellan” to carry 688 Statute adults, to sail from this Port on the 20th of May. The “Hudson” from London will scarcely get off before the 25th of May if then, as she only arrived in London, the 5th inst much later than I had calculated upon. I have had to pay a high figure for the McClellan, & even that, the Captain feels is too low for his ship under present circumstances. Ships have been in extraordinary demand here of late, and they still are. I shall feel exceedingly thankful when our people are all safely embarked on good ships and afterwards when they reach the frontiers in safety and the Valley. I hope you are all right in regard to your contract for the Railroad travel on that side.
Please excuse the hasty style of this note, & accept my love to yourself, and remember to Brothers Staines, Hiram B., Schettler, and all the Brethren of my acquaintance who may be with you. That the Lord may bless you abundantly in all your labors, and give you great success in them, is the constant prayer of your Brother, as ever, Geo. Q. Cannon.
May 7th 1864.
Dear Brothers Jesse N & John W.,
I have received a letter to-day from President Young, in which he writes as follows: “President Wells will leave here with the mule train on or about the 20th of April, to take your place, & is expected to reach Liverpool about the middle of July. He will be accompanied by my son Brigham. You will remain till about the middle of August, to give him an opportunity to be somewhat acquainted with the Mission before you leave.” Brother Bull has been informed that they are bringing a wife apiece with them; but no children. I have written this news to Brother Joseph A, so that, if he should think that, if I do not start from England until the middle of August, I will be too late to travel with the party across the plains, he will not order my outfit. I have requested him to write upon this as soon as he can. I hope you have had a pleasant and prosperous voyage, and found things there, so far as the object of your trip is concerned, in a better condition than we were led to believe they were when you started. I shall await word from you with some anxiety. Do not forget justice, yet be as merciful as you can consistently with your conceptions of right. When you have reproved Bro Linsey, if he needs it, comfort him and make him feel that, though you reprove, you can & do also love; and be no more severe and condemnatory than are absolutely necessary to do your duty. I do hope that you will find it unnecessary to remove him from his position; for, however censurable he may be, I would be deeply pained to be under the necessity of doing this, or of humbling him in any manner in his own eyes and the eyes of his brethren & the Saints. Give him and all the brethren my love, remember me to Brothers Winberg and Petersen.
I have arranged for the Saints in the South of England to sail from London on tolerably good terms. Accept my love, in which the brethren join, and that the Lord may bless you in your labors, and preserve you from every danger and evil is the prayer of
Your Brother & Friend, as ever,
Geo Q. Cannon.}
I was exceedingly tired to day, having performed a very heavy day’s work.
8 May 1864 • Sunday
Sunday May 8th Attended meeting with the Saints this morning at the Crown Street Chapel. Brother McCune and myself addressed the Saints. Two persons were confirmed and Sacrament was administered. In the evening met again at the Chapel. There was a very good congregation and a number of strangers present. Bro. J. G. Romney spoke for a short time; I followed & had excellent freedom.
9 May 1864 • Monday
Monday May 9th Busy opening letters. Corrected also the Introduction to my book of Editorials from the “Western Standard” which I am publishing. Attended to business down town connected with the provisioning of the London ship “Hudson.” Visited Bro Anglesey’s in the evening.
10 May 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday May 10th. Wrote the Preface for my Book. Waited upon Tapscott, Smith & Co to learn whether Messrs Grinnell[,] Tinker & Morgan (the owners of the ship “Hudson”) were able to get her ready for sea any earlier than the day they had mentioned (June 1st)[.] They had informed them by letter that they could not send her off any earlier. Thinking, after hearing Mr Smith’s letter to them, that he had not put the case to them so strongly as it might be done, & feeling the importance of even a few days now that the season is so advanced, I determined to take train immediately for London. By exerting myself I was able to step into the 11:30 train just as it had started. At Chalk Farm Station I changed to the North London line which took me to Fenchurch St Station[,] London, not far from the office of the gentlemen whom I wished to see. To my surprise I met Bro Barfoot at this Station. Bro Reynolds having telegraphed to Bro Bullock after I started that I would be there by that train. I found all the principals of the firm had left business for home[,] it being nearly 6 P.M. when I reached there; but learning the address of Captain Tinker, one of the firm, I resolved to repair to his residence as I was anxious to return to L’pool by the last train. I found his house at the West End of London and had a pleasant interview with him. He said they would do all in their power to get her ready earlier than the date mentioned, though she was so large a ship that it would be difficult, and such business could not be crowded forward in this port as it can be in Liverpool. He pressed me to remain in London tonight as he would like me to see the Ship and her Captain. Thinking that by stopping & seeing Captn Pratt I might be able to impress him with the importance of hurrying the labor of unloading and loading, I consented to remain. Found Bro Bullock at Florence Street, his health is improving.
11 May 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday May 11th After breakfast went down to Messrs Gunnell, Tinker and Morgan’s and was introduced to Captn Pratt, who I found upon inquiry to be of the same stock as Brothers Parley P and Orson Pratt, & who, I thought, bore some resemblance to them. He took me down to see his ship, which I found a remarkably fine vessel. He appears a very gentlemanly man, and is quite delighted at having our people to take on his ship.
I learned some items connected with emigration during this visit which if I had known earlier would have saved considerable money to the Saints and to the Church. Coming here, as I did, without any body to give me any instruction respecting the best way of doing business[,] I have had to find out everything connected with emigration the best I could. The regular business was pretty well known to the young men who were clerks; but about the chartering of ships and upon the basis upon which these charters were effected by Tapscott Smith & Co and other firms <with> which my predecessors in the Liverpool Office had done business, they knew but little if anything. When I came here I commenced chartering as my predecessors had done; but I had my suspicions aroused last year by the chartering of the Amazon to sail with our people from London, that there was a good round Commission being made by Tapscott Smith & Co of our business. I tried, but in vain, to get some clue to this, and to ascertain upon what terms ships were chartered by them & what commission they received. I had been under the impression that the ships which I chartered from them were their own ships, which some of them undoubtedly were; but I have found that, though they publish a large number of vessels in their lists as their ships, they are not owners but merely agents for them; and I think (a point which I mean to fully satisfy myself upon at the first opportunity) that I could by taking proper steps, secure these ships myself, by going direct to the owners or consignees & Captains & thereby save, if not all, at least a portion of the commission which Messrs Tapscott Smith & Co make out of the transaction. I have been baffled in doing this heretofore through being {ignorant of the mode of doing business; and, when a man is} ignorant upon such points in a place like Liverpool[,] those with whom he does business take no pains to dissipate his ignorance as their own profits would be affected thereby. I do not think that I should have been kept so long in ignorance upon this point had I not been under the impression that every ship I chartered from Tapscott & Co was their own. <The Amazon I knew was not>[;] but what commission they got on her, I could not ascertain; I did not think[,] however, that it would be more than 2½ per cent. or 5 at the outside. Still I was curious to ascertain exactly, & when I sent Bro Graham to London, I particularly requested him to find this out if possible, which he possibly might by affecting to know more than he really did. He was not successful, however. In conversation with Captn Tinker[,] I told him I had been so much bothered and misled about the “Hudson” by Tapscott Smith & Co that I would much prefer doing business direct with them in future, adding, as a feeler, that I thought it could be done much more satisfactorily in that way to both themselves and me, as it would save Tapscott’s commission. To this he assented. “By the way,” I continued carelessly, “what commission do you allow them[,] Capt Tinker?” The question was so naturally natural, and innocently put that he was thrown off his guard, and replied “10 per cent.” I saw by his countenance, the moment after he answered me[,] that he felt that he had been incautious, and had been telling tales out of school. Though I evinced no surprise in his presence[,] this information nevertheless startled me. Ten per cent, I thought; is it possible that they are making 5/6 out of every adult passenger which I put on the “Hudson”! I was indignant at them and felt really vexed with myself for not finding this out before. But when I calmly review the past I can scarcely see how I could, under the circumstances, have done any better than I have. But I am determined that, in the future, if I can have any influence, this game of theirs shall be stopped. Though I am likely to return home myself, I shall endeavour to make Prest Wells so well acquainted with all the ins & outs of this business, which my experience here has put me in possession of, that he will escape the imposition[,] for I can call it by no other name[,] to which I (and I have every reason to believe my predecessors also) have been subjected. Had the Lord not blessed me greatly in other ways, and had business in the Liverpool Office not been done on a much more honorable principle than in other offices, the Saints could not have had their passages upon such terms as they have had them. But the Lord has overruled circumstances very wonderfully in our favor, and though we have been imposed upon in this instance, yet the hearts of owners and Captains have been softened towards us to let me have their vessels at much lower rates than they would to other Passenger Brokers who ship ordinary passengers. All that Tapscott Smith & Co do, connected with clearing the vessels[,] can easily be done by myself and the brethren in the Office.
I introduced Brothers Bullock and Barfoot to Captn Pratt. The brethren & myself then returned to Florence Street where we partook of dinner, being joined by Brothers John L. Smith & W. W. Riter (the latter having just arrived from Switzerland with a few over a hundred emigrant Saints) and then Bro Riter & myself started for L’pool where we arrived at about 8.15 P.M.
12 May 1864 • Thursday
Thursday May 12th Wrote a circular upon Emigration matters to send out to the Elders & Saints. Had a call from Mr A Godbe, who proffered to take letters or anything I might have to send to the States.
Busily employed in Office business.
13 May 1864 • Friday
Friday, May, 13th Wrote letters to send by Mr Godbe, to Bro’s Joseph A Young, & also to Bro’s W. C Staines, & W. S. Godbe as follows:— (See Private L. B. Pages 74 & 76.)
{May 13th 1864.
Dear Brother William,
Your favor of April 9th came safely to hand in due course, and was much appreciated by me. I was glad to hear that you were doing so well, and that prospects connected with your mission were so generally flattering. I hope that you and all the brethren may be blessed exceedingly in your labors. I feel much obliged for the kind interest you take in my health. I can assure you that the prospect of having the privilege to return home this summer is very pleasing to me, and I should have no regrets if the time had already come; I do not wish to be impatient, however. The news about President Wells and Brigham Junr coming here, I am sure you must have heard some time ago. I did hope that I would be able to get away from here in time to join you at the Frontiers and cross with you all to the Valley; but as I am advised by the President that I will have to stay here until the middle of August, I scarcely think it probable that I can reach there in time to be one of the party; this I shall regret, for I think I should have enjoyed the trip with such associations exceedingly. I am much pleased with the news about the brethren coming here; I feel that a great work will be done here by them, and that they will have much joy in their labors. When I heard of their coming, I almost felt to volunteer to stop and labor a year longer to be under the presidency of such a President as I feel that Brother Daniel will make. You have doubtless heard from a letter I wrote to Brother Joseph A. about Bro John W. having gone to Denmark and the sorrowful cause of his going. Such occurrences cause me to feel very bad, and I think it would be better for such men if they had never been born. The Elders generally are feeling and doing very well, as far as I know; those who are returning this Spring are feeling very happy in the privilege which they have. London Conference continues to flourish and there is scarcely a part of the Mission where the Work bears a more promising appearance than it does there. Of this, I am sure, from your past labors there, you will be glad to hear.
You will please excuse this brief and hastily written note. I thought that I ought to write, even if but a few lines. When you visit Philadelphia again or see any of Mr Fenton’s family, please remember me kindly to them, and to all of my old acquaintances.
In case Brother Joseph A, should be too busy to attend to a request which I have made of him to change the name on a case which was shipped on the “Monarch of the Sea,” from Thos Taylor, G. S. L. City, to Wm S. Godbe, care of Stebbins & Porter, Atchison, Kansas, and to have it forwarded there, probably you may have a little leisure to get somebody to attend to it. Please ask Brother Joseph. A. to pay the freight to Atchison, and charge to me here; I forgot to mention this in my letter to him. I shall be happy to reciprocate for this favor at any time. Accept my love, and may the Lord bless you is the prayer of your
Brother and friend, as ever,
Geo. Q. Cannon
May 13th 1864.
Dear Brother William
As your brother Anthony has kindly proffered to take anything I may have to send to the States, I thought that I could not do better than to improve the opportunity and write you a few lines, if no more than to thank you for the kind and liberal offer, which, I have just learned from Brother Shearman, you have made to carry a Piano through to the Valley for me. The presentation of the Piano was a surprise to me, being quite an unexpected and unlooked for gift, and your offer to carry it is equally so, as I had no knowledge of your being written to on the subject before you received the letter. I feel under many obligations to you, Brother William, for the kindness you have evinced in this matter, and I shall be happy, I trust, at all times, to reciprocate in any way that may be in my power and an opportunity offers. You doubtless recollect the fable of the Lion & the Mouse, and though you may not be willing to admit that you are the Lion and I the Mouse, still it answers my purpose to illustrate my feelings.
The Work in Europe is in a tolerably prosperous condition, and the prospects are good for a continued increase in the numbers of those who will be saved. War is afflicting poor Denmark, and there is a large portion of the kingdom which is being overrun by the Germans (Jutland) that has been an excellent field of labor for our Elders in the past. The Emigration this year, though not likely to be so numerous as last, is still by no means inconsiderable.
The Elders, generally, are feeling and doing very well, and rejoice much in our labors. We are all feeling much pleased at the news which has reached us, that President Wells accompanied by Brother Brigham Junr is coming here to preside. All receive this as an assurance that the Work in Europe claims a large share of the watchful care of Brother Brigham, and that its future, so far as the Elders and Saints are concerned, under the wise management of Brother Wells affords every promise and assurance of prosperity.
Accept my love to yourself, & please remember me to all my acquaintances who may be near you. Hoping to have the pleasure of meeting you this coming Fall in our lovely home, and praying the Lord to bless you in all your labors, and to preserve you from every evil, I remain as ever Your Brother
Geo. Q. Cannon
Wm S. Godbe Esqr
P.S. Please give my love to Bro Bentley.”}
Bro Riter started to Sheffield to-day en route to London
14 May 1864 • Saturday
Saturday May 14th Called upon Mr Smith of Tapscott & Co to represent the condition of the Saints who were awaiting in London the departure of the Hudson & to see what he would do towards helping them, as it was through leading me to expect that the Hudson would sail on the 16th that they were there. He promised to see his partner & ascertain what they could do. Busy packing my trunk to send away with Bro Bull on the Gen McClellan, as I intend to keep a very few things, only barely enough to get along with, to carry with me. In the evening wrote two letters.
15 May 1864 • Sunday
Sunday May 15th Met with the Saints this morning and evening. Bros T. Taylor & McCune spoke in the forenoon & sacrament was administered. Bro Graham and myself spoke in the evening[.] I had good liberty; Bro Grahams remarks were of a leave taking character, as he expects to sail on the Gen McClellan. In the afternoon Bro’s Taylor[,] J. G. Romney and myself went down to New Brighton and back on the ferry steamer. This was a most lovely day.
16 May 1864 • Monday
Monday May 16th 64 Variously employed. Received the following letter, the contents of which gave me great satisfaction:— (Insert J. N Smith’s letter)
{“Lorentzengade 14, Copenhagen
May 12th 1864.
President Cannon.
Dear Brother,
After a very pleasant journey Brother John W. and myself reached this place this morning by steamer “Halland” from Lubeck. At Cuxhaven we passed near the two Austrian frigates which had been engaged with the Danish the previous day; one of them had lost her foremast and bowsprit & received some shot in her hull, the other was much riddled, we counted fifteen shot holes in her hull.
In presence of Brother John W. I have already talked with Brother Sprague respecting [first and last name redacted]’s case; he solemnly assured me that he knew nothing about the criminal intimacy existing between [last name redacted] and [first and last name of woman redacted]; he further says that [last name redacted] did tell him that he had slept with both mother and daughter on a certain occasion; but as there were two other missionaries occupying a bed in the same room he did not understand that anything criminal occurred; he further says, that before he expected to preside over the mission, [last name redacted] requested baptism at his hands, what the baptism should be for he did not know; that he answered [last name redacted] that he could not be baptized here unless he was sick; further says that [last name redacted] had spoken to him in high terms of [first and last name of woman redacted] and expressed an inclination to marry her to which he had said that such talk was balderdash, or words to that effect; further says, the reason why he sent [last name redacted] to Norway was because I recommended it before I left.
I read your letter to Brother Sprague but have it still in my possession. Bro Sprague repeated his solemn assurance that he was not knowing to this criminal life of the parties I have before mentioned; he however stated that he knew that all was not square with [last name redacted]. I have talked with Brother Winberg, he says, that he knew nothing about the whoredom; but that Brother Sprague told him a few days ago that [last name redacted] and J. P. R. Johnson were on bad terms about this same [first and last name of woman redacted].
I hasten to send you this statement which will place you in possession of all that I know, I rejoice that it is no worse, I have read this to Brother Sprague, he says, it is right that he heard [last name redacted], when speaking of the girl, say that Johnson was jealous of him. I shall await your instructions before I make any farther moves. Please write early if convenient. Brother John W. wishes me to say that Joseph A was to have procured in England, four cavalry sabres with steel scabbards, but forgot about it; he suggests that Brother Kay had better get them.
The brethren all send you their love in which I join them. Your brother in the Gospel
Jesse N. Smith.”}`
Bro. W. F Cox The arrived to look after the emigration of his people. Visited & spent the evening with at Sister Spencer’s. Sister Charlson, Bro & Sis Graham, Sis McManus and her husband who was not in the Church were there also.
17 May 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, May 17th/64. Bro’s Jeremy, C. B. Taylor, C. M. Gillett <Jas Townsend> and Wm Sanders arrived to-day. Had my likeness taken to-day for Bro’s. <C. B.> Taylor & Jeremy. Wrote the following letter to Bro Jesse N. Smith in reply to his (Insert letter)
{“May 17th 1864.
Dear Brother Jesse N.,
Your very welcome favor of the 12th inst. has come to hand, and its contents have been perused with great feelings of relief & satisfaction. The news that Brother Sprague is innocent of any collusion with Brother [last name redacted] is exceedingly gratifying. I have not the slightest reason to suppose that he would deceive, or attempt to deceive, in a matter of such importance respecting the extent of his knowledge, and to tender solemn assurances that he was really ignorant of any criminality on [last name redacted]’s part, if he was not thus ignorant. Impart all the instruction you can to Brother Sprague on this and kindred points, and then, as soon as it is convenient, you can return. I hope that this affair will be a warning to Brother Sprague, and that, when an Elder informs him that he has slept in the same bed with two women, he will not think it a matter of small importance and a cause of no suspicion; but will reprove such an action as unwise and wrong, and however innocently done, as likely to lead to gross evil.
You will please excuse brevity as I am very busy. The “Gen. McClellan,” takes her passengers on board tomorrow and next day, and clears for sea on the 20th. The Elders have already began to come in. The “Hudson” will sail from London on the 1st of June. Brother Riter has been here from Switzerland. Hearing that we were talking of going to Paris, he proposed a visit there by way of Genoa, which can be made very agreeable, and not take too much time or money. I told him that before he returned — that is, before the “Hudson” sails — you would both be here it was likely, and then the project might be canvassed. He said he would write to Brother John W.
Accept my love, and give the source to Bro. John W. (who, I hope, feels repaid for his trip) and to Bro’s Sprague, Winberg and Petersen. May the Lord bless and preserve you both from every evil while you remain & in returning, is the prayer of
Your Brother and Friend,
Geo. Q. Cannon.”}
and also wrote <finished a letter> to my brother Angus in reply to his received last Monday, 9th inst. (Insert letter)
{“May 16th 1864.
My dear Angus,
Your favor of the 7th Feby. came to hand last Monday, and I embrace this, the earliest opportunity of answering it. I have long looked for a letter from you; but had almost began to think that such favors would be vouchsafed to me no more. I am really glad that the spell is broken, and hope now that you will write more frequently, because the resolution to write the first letter after a protracted silence, is required to be much greater than that needed for any subsequent one; you have made the first plunge, and like the diver, in rather cool water, your nervousness and dread have left you.
I have been surprised and pleased to learn from your letter that you have four children; the birth of your son David I had not previously heard about. I think you have been greatly blessed of the Lord in your family, and I trust that you will be enabled to rear them to man and womanhood, and that they will prove an honor and comfort to you and their Mothers. The loss of my little ones has been a very serious blow to me, and I have grown old very fast since hearing of their deaths. I never was so affected by any grief that ever befel me as I was by the death of my little girl. To this day I cannot think about her loss or death with any degree of composure. Had it have been in my power to have altered her in any respect, I do not know where I could have done it with any hope of improving her in my eyes; to me she was perfection itself. But she is gone to help strengthen the ties which bind me to that future existence and world, where so many who are very dear to me have gone. It is right that it should be so, & though I grieve over the separation, I know that in the good providence of our Almighty Father there is a wise purpose to be accomplished by these afflictions — the bonds which bind us to this earthly existence must be weakened, and we must learn to take an interest in, and look forward to the world to which our predecessors have gone, and not become so groveling and earthly in all our hopes and aspirations. I notice, in this country, that those who have friends and relatives in Zion, have an interest in everything pertaining to the Work of God there which those who are not thus favored have but little or no conception of. They picture to themselves the joy they will experience, and the warm & kindly welcome they will receive, when they go there, from those who have preceded them; the thought of leaving their native land and its familiar habits and associations is stripped of all its sorrow in the contemplation of the happy reunions ahead of them, and their hold upon Babylon is much weakened thereby. I frequently counsel people who cannot go themselves to send some suitable member or members of their family to Zion, knowing very well what effect it will have upon those who remain. So, I doubt not, in the providence of the Lord it is wise that those whom we love should occasionally be taken from our midst, that we may be led thereby to lift our thoughts and aspirations from the too steady contemplation of the affairs and cares of this life, and permit them to rise to the life which is to come and to take an increased interest in it and the Work of our Father & God there.
I am glad to hear of your re-election to the office of Mayor, and I hope that you will magnify the position acceptably in the sight of God and his people. The office of prosecuting attorney, or any office connected with law, I have a well-grounded dread of. If we were all wise lawyers in the laws of God, it would be a great blessing to us; but there is an influence attends the study and practice of Gentile law, that is opposed to the spirit of the gospel; and it is by no means difficult to count up the names of many persons, who, through turning their attention to the study of law, have lost the Spirit of the Lord and have become apostates from the Truth. Permit me then, Angus, to caution you on this point. Seek no triumph or success at the expense of right and truth; for such a victory is a costly one to the seeming winner; he is in reality a badly vanquished man. Never suffer professional pride, or an anxiety to appear to advantage, to hurry you into the adoption of measures, or the advocacy of arguments, which were you anything but an attorney — say an Elder upon a mission, for instance — your convictions would revolt against. No man can act in opposition to the Spirit of the Lord, which produces the convictions of the mind, and systematically grieve it, without blunting its revelations, warnings and effects within and upon him, and weakening its power so much within him that he is not in a position to progress in the things of God. You should, therefore, act strictly up to your convictions of right, taking care that those convictions are the fruits of the Spirit.
As I suppose you have learned long before this, I am released to return home. I expect to start from here about the middle of August. This is delightful news to me and I am exceedingly thankful for it. Brother Wells, will, I feel confident, do a mighty work here, and we are all very glad to hear that he is coming. My health has been but poor (for me) for some time back. I have overtaxed myself in speaking, I imagine, and am troubled with pains in my chest. A voyage and journey home will do me good, and I shall eagerly welcome the opportunity of entering upon it. I am thoroughly disgusted with this country. The wretchedness and corruption which prevail here make my heart sick, and it will be a relief to be beyond the sight and sound of the wickedness indulged in her. Aunt Eleanor is and has been living with me. I have invited her to go to the Valley; but she thinks she will wait, she says, until next year, when she hopes her son will be back to go with her. This is an illusive hope, and, I think, entirely unwarranted under the circumstances. Persuasion might induce her to go; but that is something which I religiously abstain from using, especially in such cases. She has seemed to enjoy herself since she has been here. Aunt Margaret I see occasionally; Aunt Mary I have not seen for a long time. Cousin Leonora does not call often, as she cannot very well get out; but her husband does. They have had a son lately whom they call David William. The Kidds’ call quite often to see me. I have not heard from Aunt Hetty for some time. Charles Quayle’s wife was in Liverpool last Christmas and called twice. They all have a great many inquiries to make about yourself and family and all the folks. Not having heard very frequently from you, I have had to frame my replies as I best could from the little driblets of information I have been able to obtain in the letters of others and from the brethren who have come here.
You gave me so little news about the folks: David, Wilhelmina, and child or children, Orin, Annie and family and Leonora, that I am quite disappointed. You speak of writing another letter which will contain the news, I hope it will soon come, as I am anxious to hear it., Give my love to them all; though our communications have been unfrequent, I still think of you all very much, and anticipate great happiness in seeing and mingling with you once more. Who will be likely to enjoy such associations to the fullest extent, if not myself, who have been an exile from the society of my brothers and sisters and kindred for so large a portion of my life? Remember me to Sarah, Maria, Amanda and the children, and Brother Erastus Snow, Jacob Gates and all my acquaintances.
Praying the Lord to bless you all, and to preserve you from every evil, and to keep you in the faith,
I remain, as ever,
Your loving brother
George.
(Private)
P.S. My dear Angus: The contents of your letter & the business items have all been duly noted. Your difficulty, is one that, I believe, is common to some of our family — namely, procrastination — and you ought to fight against it. If you allow it to master you, it may lead you into many difficulties, which you otherwise might avoid, and keep you in slavish dread, haunted by the recollection of duties neglected and unperformed. Make it a point to do everything, however disagreeable it may be, at the proper time; deferring it, only makes the matter worse and the consequences more serious. I have not the slightest hard feeling towards you upon any of the points alluded to in your letter since my perusal of it; and I do not wish you to feel in the least bad about this matter, only try and profit by the past so that you may avoid a similar difficulty in the future. My only regret is for the Church; you doubtless recollect my feelings upon this matter, how desirous I was that everything should be turned over to it; myself I cared nothing about, and I do not yet, so far as all I left in your hands if concerned; but whatever you sold I wished to go into the hands of the Church. As fast as you can convert means to cover this matter I would like you still to dispose of it in that way. I want it all made up, sooner or later; and, should circumstances favor me, I shall gladly assist all in my power in making it up. I viewed that whole affair — that is, the property — as no longer mine personally, but the Church’s; and I shall view it as a duty devolving upon me to make what exertions I can to make it all good to it. I want to keep as free as it is possible from that miserable feeling that the Church owes me a living, or, that I am a “Kingdom man,” which, with some, means that they have a right to rely upon the kingdom for a livelihood. I believe your feelings are like mine upon this subject. I am in an embarrassing position here at present in relation to the money I borrowed to meet Savage’s note, for which I went security. Bro. Rich writes me that he has settled with Savage, and taken a span of mules for the debt, and turned them over to the President. I did hope that he would get cash, so as to send it to me to relieve me here; but I am disappointed, and I scarcely know what to do. I have written home very strongly on the subject, and intend to write again as soon as I can get a little time. Unless this is arranged before I transfer the business to President Wells, I shall feel very bad; but I think that it will be. I hope you will consider your letter which I have just received as though it had never been written; I shall destroy it. Let there be no feelings of despondency or shame in the future on any of these points; let the past suffice for that; but look the matter square in the face, with the firm resolve that by the help of the Lord, you will do all in your power to make every thing right.
May God bless and comfort you and open up your way is the prayer of
Your Brother
George.”}
18 May 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, May 18th/64. Bro’s. G. W. Grant, Elnathan Eldredge Jr.[,] C A Benson, J C Wixom[,] <Jas. Townsend,> G G Bywater, M F Farnsworth and a number of native Elders all arrived with their emigrating Saints to-day.
Wrote an Editorial: “Peace Congresses cannot avert War.” In the evening went down to the Ship — “Gen. M’Clellan[”] — to see how they were progressing in the business of weighing.
19 May 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, May 19th/64. Busy packing things <to send by> Bro. Bull <who> arrived to-day from his district. Yesterday and to-day we have been very busy in the Office in settling up with the Saints. Down at the Ship again this afternoon and evening.
20 May 1864 • Friday
Friday, May 20th/64. The weather which has been exceedingly hot for the past week — hotter than it has been <at this time of year> for three quarters of a century in this country — seemed lowering to-day, & we had some very heavy thunder & lightning in the afternoon which interfered somewhat with the clearing of the ship. The Government Officers — Capt. Boucher & Dr. Grugan — thought we had better clear them between decks, which we did, assembling the people aft on the two lower decks. Though they were subjected to some inconvenience and were penned up very closely[,] I did not hear an angry wor or unpleasant expression[,] which <conduct> produced favorable comments from the officers. We could not finish clearing to-day and adjourned until tomorrow. It poured The rain poured down and we had a violent storm at the time we left the ship. I sympathized with a poor woman named Davies, who, because one of her children had the premonitory symptoms of chicken p or small pox was turned back and not allowed to pass by the Dr., and had to return on shore. Sisters Charlson & Mary Spencer and a Miss Kellett were on board, and as it was raining heavily I obtained a cab and took them up to Sister Spencer’s where I took tea.
21 May 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, May 21st/64. Arose early and went with several Elders on board the Ship in the river where we held meeting with the Saints and organized them. Bro Taylor and myself spoke[,] and there was an excellent spirit prevailed. Bro. Thos E Jeremy was appointed President and Bro’s. Joseph Bull and G G Bywater his first and second Counsellors; Bro Farnsworth acts as Steward and Bro Graham as Clerk. <including all the Saints there were 803 aboard.> After my return to the Office, wrote a letter to Bro Joseph A Young and forwarded him a Letter of Credit for £1500. Went down in the evening and settled with Mr Smith for the Ship, paying him £2059.6.3.
22 May 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, May 22/64. Held meetings to-day in the forenoon and evening at the Saints’ Chapel. Bro’s. Wixom & Hood spoke in the forenoon and Bro’s. Taylor & Hood in the evening.
23 May 1864 • Monday
Monday, May 23/64. Settled Variously employed. Visited, with some of the Brethren, Sister Spencer’s in the evening upon the invitation of Sister Charlson.
24 May 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, May 2/64. Settled for provisions of Ship with Cairns & Brown, paying them £818.15.0. Wrote several letters. Bro. George Reynolds started to London to commence shipping passengers <on the Hudson>.
25 May 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, May 25/64. Wrote to Bro’s. Brigham, President B. Young to Bro’s. & Pres. Kimball, Bro’s. Clayton, Staines. (Insert Bro Brigham’s letter <dated 23rd inst.>) {My letter to President Young I insert as follows:—
“May 23rd 1864.
Dear Brother Brigham.
Your welcome favor of March 28th reached me on the 7th. instant, the day after forwarding my last to you, and the news respecting President Wells and your son Brigham’s intended departure for England was perused with much pleasure. If the feelings of satisfaction and delight with which this news has been received by myself and all who have heard it be an augury of the good results which will follow their labors here, then, indeed, will their Mission here be rich in blessings to the Saints and honest-in-heart, which I fully believe will be the case. Some of the brethren, when they heard of my release, expressed a regret that I was so soon to leave — though they qualified the regret by saying that they were glad on my own account that I was going home — I told them that I thought it altogether likely that when they heard who was coming they would cease to entertain any such feeling; and though I have no reason to believe that any of the brethren are glad to think that I am released to return home, yet the news of President Wells and Brigham’s coming is very agreeable to them all, and they look forward with anticipation to their arrival. For my own part, I have ever been thankful to the Lord for his kindness to me in permitting me to be his servant, and in calling me to go forth as one of his messengers to the nations; but I believe I am just as thankful now to have the privilege of returning to once more enjoy your and the brethren’s and Saints’ society in Zion as I ever have been to go away. There is a delight in reflecting upon returning to Zion, which is not felt while contemplating a departure from Zion to labor in the midst of Babylon.
Since the receipt of your last favor I wrote to Brother Joseph A. and acquainted him with the likelihood of my having to remain here until the middle of August. When he was here he thought if I left here at the beginning of August that I would be at the frontiers in time to return with himself and the brethren. To prevent disappointment, I gave him early intimation of my having to stay longer, as I scarcely think it will be either desirable or wise to stay any longer at the frontiers than the time he named, namely, the middle of August. It is probable that Brother John W. will cross — unless something should occur to require an alteration — to New York in company with Bro Jesse N. Smith, so as to be in time to return with Bro. Joseph A. Had it have been convenient, I should liked to have had his company in crossing very much. He and Brother Jesse N. Smith started for Copenhagen from Hull, by way of Hamburg and Lubeck, on the 9th instant, and reached there on the 12th. I am expecting them to return here this week. They started from here very suddenly in consequence of my having heard—and the evidence seems to be quite indisputable—that one of the Valley Elders—[first and last name redacted]—had fallen into transgression with a woman or women. There would have been no particular necessity for them to go on his account alone, however, as I had written to Norway for him to come here as soon as possible, but I was informed that Brother Linsey Sprague was aware of his transgression and had permitted him to be appointed to a new field without communicating to Bro Smith at the time the knowledge of Brother [last name redacted]’s criminality. This transpired as follows: A package of letters from a young Danish woman to Brother [last name redacted] had fallen into the hands of his Conference President, who forwarded them to Brother Smith at Copenhagen, accompanied by a written statement of a brother who testified that he had seen Brother [last name redacted] and the writer of the letters in bed together. These letters reached Copenhagen after Brother Smith had left there, and were forwarded after him to Liverpool. The perusal of these letters and the accompanying statement, if accepted as true, could leave no doubt in the mind of the reader respecting the guilt of Bro [last name redacted] and the writer of them. As Brother [first and last name with middle initial redacted], also a Valley Elder, was here at the time, having come to England with Bro Smith to assist him in the business of the emigration, and was on the point of returning to Denmark, I felt led to interrogate him respecting his conduct up there, for I had remarked that he did not seem to have the Spirit as I like to see it manifested in the Elders. To my great astonishment he acknowledged to having known about [first and last name redacted]’s transgression some time before leaving Denmark, the latter having confided the matter to him; he added also that he believed that Bro. Linsey Sprague knew about it also, as [first and last name redacted] had told him about being in bed with the girl and her mother. This I am happy to say Bro. Sprague has explained to Bro Smith and John W. since their arrival at Copenhagen. He solemnly denies having any knowledge of [last name redacted]’s criminality; but says that he told him about sleeping with this mother and daughter—two other Elders being in the same room—because he had no other place to sleep. I have reproved Brother [last name redacted] in severe terms for concealing this wickedness from Bro’ Smith, and suffering it to be cloaked over and [first and last name redacted] to be appointed to a new field in Norway when he knew that he was utterly unfit, according to his own confession to officiate in the Priesthood. I am pleased to find that Brother Sprague was ignorant of the existence of this wickedness; because, as I wrote to him by the brethren when they went, if he knew about [first and last name redacted] having thus broken his covenants and violated the commandments of the Lord, and yet did not expose this wickedness and have it rooted out, he would not be suitable to fill the position to which he had been called. I would not have alluded to this matter in this letter to you, had it not been necessary to explain Brother John W’s movements and whereabouts. I should have preferred waiting until Bro’ [last name redacted] had come here and the affair had been fully investigated. He may be able to make explanations that will put another face on the matter when he reaches here; and until I hear what he has to say, I do not wish his guilt to be a foregone conclusion in my mind.
The Ship “Gen. McClellan” with 802 souls of our people on board, sailed on the 21st instant for New York. The company is presided over by Brothers Thomas E. Jeremy, Joseph Bull and Geo. G. Bywater, and they all appeared to feel glad that they had been enabled to emancipate themselves from Babylon. The ship “Hudson” which was to have sailed on the 16th of May, will not be able to get away now, owing to her lengthy detention in New York, before the 1st of June. This has been a great annoyance to me, and I have done all in my power to get the people off earlier but this detention seems unavoidable. This late departure is principally attributable to the scarcity of ships, which precluded any change from the “Hudson” to another ship. From present appearances, the emigration from Europe this year will number between 2600 and 2800. Accompanying this I send you the list of the passengers by the “McClellan.” The list for the “Monarch of the Sea,” I sent by Brother Joseph A. who doubtless has forwarded it to you.
Hearing of the cold you caught in going to San Pete last Fall, & knowing that, in travelling, you are exposed to the cold, I thought that a suit of furs (Coat, hat, boots and mittens) such as is worn in the north of Europe, would be very useful for you, and I had it bought, and have forwarded it by the hand of Brother Jeremy to Brother1 Joseph A. I hope it will suit you exactly.
Accept my love to yourself, and please remember me to Brother Heber and the brethren of the Twelve and Brother Carrington.
That the Lord may endow you with every qualification for your high calling, and preserve you from every evil is the constant prayer of
Your Brother, as ever
George Q. Cannon.”
President B. Young.}
26 May 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, May 26/64. Wrote an Editorial entitled: War as a scourge for shedding innocent blood — Its desperate character. Visited Mr Smith in the evening about the Hudson, having recd a letter from Bro Reynolds who had gone to at London stating that they were not doing fair towards us on the Ship.
27 May 1864 • Friday
Friday, May 27/64. Busy <with> various We <Bro. <Thos.> Taylor & self> started to London at 3.45 p.m. and reached there at 9.15 p.m. Bro’s. Henson Walker & Geo Halliday, & Bro Robert Anderson met us at the station. Found a number of the Elders here — Jesse N Smith and John W Young, who returned from Copenhagen to-day being among the number.
28 May 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, May 28th/64. Went down to the Hudson and stopped <there> doing business, until the middle of the afternoon. I found Capt. Pratt feeling very well, and found ascertained upon inquiry that Brother Reynolds had been mistaken in writing to me respecting the unfairness they were practicing. Capt. Pratt proffers to do everything that he can to make the people comfortable and to accommodate them. Went from there to Hyde Park and saw Grand Review of the London Volunteer Corps. We had a very good view of many of the notabilities — the Prince & Princess of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge. The Princess sat in an open carriage and was dressed in mourning. She appeared very interesting and is quite rather a handsome woman; the Prince & Duke were dressed in Uniform.
29 May 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, May 29th/64. The Elders were all appointed to go to the various halls to meet with the Saints in their branches. Bro’s. Bullock, John W Young[,] <W. W. Riter> and myself went in the afternoon to Islington Whitechapel meeting room and Bro’s Riter & David Gibson spoke[,] followed by John W Young and myself. We had an excellent meeting and I had great liberty. We Bros Bullock, John W & myself went to tea with Bro. Larkin and Sis. Atkinson. Went in the evening to the Poplar Branch, and, being rather late, found Bro. Jesse N Smith speaking; Bro John W Young followed and afterwards <i> spoke. We had a very good meeting.
30 May 1864 • Monday
Monday, May 30th/64. Spent the day at the Ship and was very busy all day arranging and counselling. When I left the ship for Florence St. I felt very exhausted and tired. My health has not been as good this Spring as usual. My chest gives me considerable pain occasionally and there has scarcely <been> a day passed for some time without my experiencing some pain and a feeling of oppression about the chest. I have almost been disposed to be scared occasionally; for a weakness of the lungs is something which I have not been subject to from the commencement of my preaching labors in the ministry until this Spring; on the contrary, my lungs and voice have been remarkably strong and clear, enduring great fa labor and exertion in public speaking without failing in the least. Hoarseness of the voice I have never experienced but once, I think in my life, and I was then on the Sandwich Islands.
31 May 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, May 31st/64. Busily employed on board of the Ship all day. In the eve Took dinner with the Captain Pratt. In the evening sat up very late, having an engaging conversation with the brethren upon interesting subjects connected with the gospel and the future of America.
1 June 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, June 1st/64. Went to the Loan Joint Stock Bank to-day to arrange about money to pay for the ship. Received a telegram from Bro Romney at Liverpool informing me that Bro [first and last name redacted], wou for whom I had sent to Norway, would be in London at 2.30 p.m.. today. In the evening Bro. Jesse N. Smith and myself retired with [first and last name redacted] to a private room and I interrogated him respecting his conduct. He confessed to [5 words redacted] with a young sister named [first and last name redacted] in Scandinavia. He cried bitterly when he alluded to the effect it would have upon his Mother and said he would rather have been killed than have done what he did. I brought him Considerable passed; but as I have shall insert extracts from the minutes of the meeting which I afterwards called, I will not insert it. I called the brethren together (Insert from minutes)1
2 June 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, June 2nd/64. The Government Officers (Capt. Westbrook and Dr Sparks) examined the passengers to-day. I dined with <Capt Pratt,> the government Officers <Mr. Smith> and two other gentlemen and had considerable conversation upon our principles. <Afterwards attended Priesthood meeting at Goswell Road.>
Source Note
Daybook, 1864
George Q. Cannon, Daybook, 3 June–1 Aug. 1864; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 166 inscribed pages of journal text and 2 inscribed pages of financial notations; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Small pocket-size notebook measuring 4½ × 3¼ × ¾ inches (11 × 8 × 2 cm). The white, unlined paper of the text block measures 4¾ × 2¾ inches (11 × 7 cm). The text block is made up of eighty-three leaves and two flyleaves, one at the front and one at the back. The endpapers are green paper with decorative golden stars. The cover is made of black leather. The front cover has a built-in pocket for loose papers, which opens to the inside. The cover is also bound with a pouch for a small writing instrument and has a clasp for securing the covers. The edges of the text block are marbled. The inside front cover has a seller’s label (“Improved Metallic Book”). The inside front cover and recto of the first flyleaf have financial notations. A plain white archival sticker on the front cover bears the typed call number “Ms d 5504 | fd 3 v. 6”.
Cannon’s daybooks were donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one of his grandsons at an unspecified time.
3 June 1864 • Friday
Friday, June 3rd/64 [first and last name with middle initial redacted], for whom I telegraphed yesterday, arrived this morning and Bro. Jesse I had an interview with him in presence of Bro. Jesse N. Smith. He prevaricated and lied so much that I became very much disgusted with him and felt indignant to think that he should to seek to impose upon us by such miserable falsehoods as he framed, and which I could see him framing as he went along. He would acknowledge, just as when it was proved against him, [19 words redacted]; but he persisted in saying that he had gone no further, even <calling upon God and angels and> swearing with uplifted hand in the presence of God &c the Elders that he had never touched a woman and was innocent. I brogt brought him before the Elders who were in the house2 (Insert from minutes) After getting on board and seeing [first and last name redacted]’s familiarity with [last name redacted], though3 laughing and joking with him, though I had told him not to go with him, and behaving very improperly and not as though he had any sorrow for his past conduct, I thought it wise to have him return on the “Hudson” also, as I felt that he would do no good for himself or anybody else by stopping with the spirit he appeared to have. Besides, as I told him, I was convinced, that there was much more evil of which they had both been guilty which had not come to light. He had concealed from me until [last name redacted]’s case was investigated that he had been twice with him to brothels.
It was very wet to-day and we were disappointed in holding the meeting which I had appointed to organize the people, many strangers had expected to come. Passed the people again to see that no one should be able to smuggle themselves on board without a ticket. The Saints felt very well. I appointed Bro John M. Kay to preside and Geo Halliday, John L. Smith (who has charge of the Swiss & Holland Saints) and Matthew McCune <his counsellors>. Bro. Alex Ross is to act as Clerk and Elder Jas C Brown as Steward. We anchored The vessel moved out of her berth between 11 and 12 A.M. and late in the afternoon we dropped anchor below Gravesend. Here Capt. Westbrook came on board again, accompanied by an inspector from the Board of Trade, who had <to> Examine the Ship’s apparatus for condensing fresh water out of sea water and pass it before the ship could clear for sea. Went on shore in the evening with several of the Elders and returned to London
4 June 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, June 4th/64 I learned from Mr. Grinnell, of the firm of the Grinnell, Tinker & Morgan, owners of the “Hudson,” that the ship had sailed at 3 A.M o’clock this morning. Brother Riter and myself called upon him and had an interesting conversation. I think from what I have learned that we can do much better by doing business directly with this house than we have done in the old way. Went to Bro. Groves to supper in company with Bro’s. John W Young, W. W. Riter, and Isaac Bullock.
5 June 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, June 5th/64. Had a curiosity to hear Mr. Spurgeon, a noted preacher who had the largest congregation in London. His tabernacle is as fine a building of the kind as I ever saw and well adapted for hearing the speaker distinctly. There are two galleries extending clear around the building which with the body of the building are capable of holding 5000 persons. The building was well filled. The platform was elevated and roomy[,] surrounded by a plain, open railing. A crimson-cushioned sofa was his seat and his bible &c laid on a table which he wheeled about on castors to suit his convenience. At the back of the stand several of his leading men were seated. A lower platform was occupied by the Choir. All the congregation joined in the singing. Mr. Spurgeon is a man <apparently> about 35 years old and about 5 feet 8 inches high <and> of a full habit of body. His face is rather a heavy one with full puffy cheeks and rather a contracted forehead. His voice is very good and one of the chief advantages of his <qualifications which> he possesses. This and his impudence help him through. I did not like his style as well as I expected. His doctrine was the most soul-destroying of anything I ever heard from the pulpit. Baptism as a saving ordinance he derided. He attacked the baptism of the Church of England he attacked and exposed <it thoroughly,> and, starting from this, he indulged in <a> general denunciation of <all> ordinances, making his statements very specious by the admixture of truth which he contrived to advance. His language was occasionally striking, being frequently more forcible than elegant. His attitude was theatrical in many instances. From here Bro’s. J. N. Smith and J W Young and myself went to the Paddington Branch where we met with the people. We all spoke. Went and took tea with Brother Tansell & family. From here Bro. Young and myself went to the Goswell Road Meeting room. We found Bro. Cha’s. S. Kimball speaking. Brother Young spoke and I followed.
6 June 1864 • Monday
Monday, June 6th/64. Started for Liverpool this morning at 6 o’clock in company with Bro. Geo. Reynolds. Found all well. A number of letters were awaiting my arrival. One was from my wife Elizabeth in which she advised me of her own health, which was rather poor, and also informed me that my son Franklin had broken his arm by a fall. They thought he would do well; but the great trouble was to keep him quiet. While it was being set he did not seem to notice it[,] whistling all the time. I received a letter from Bro. Joseph A. Young in which he wrote as follows respecting his brother John’s return:4
(Insert extract) I wrote to Bro. John W. Young at London the following letter (Insert letter)
7 June 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, June 7th/64. Received the following telegram from Bro. John W. Young: <“Recd your letter. Will wait and accompany you home. Will go to the Continent, if agreeable to you.” > Wrote a number of letters and attended to a great variety of business to-day. Had an interview with Messr’s. Tapscott & Smith this morning.
8 June 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, June 8th/64. Wrote to the President Young (see letter) and to several other brethren. At 3.45 p.m. I started to London with the intention of going to Rotterdam and up the Rhine with the brethren. I did not decide upon going until to-day, though the brethren have been very anxious to have me accompany them. Found a number of the brethren at London.
9 June 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, June 9th/64 Bro’s. Jesse N. Smith, W. W Riter, John Sharp Jr. and John W. Young & myself embarked on the small steamer Fyenoord for Rotterdam this morning early. At ¼ past 8 A.M. she sailed. In passing down the river Thames we passed a cigar shaped iron vessel that was being built as a yacht for Mr. Winans, its inventor, of Baltimore. It looked like an immense iron yard of a ship in shape, or a cigar. It is expected to be driven through the water at the rate of 30 miles an hour. It was a beautiful day, the water being scarcely disturbed by a ripple. We did not get clear of land before 5 or 6 p.m. I dreaded sea-sickness very much; but I was not troubled with it, as the sea was very smooth. I dreaded the <thought our> passage on this boat <would be anything but pleasant> when I first got on board as it was small and crowded; but we it proved more convenient than I expected. Holland cleanliness prevailed on board in the linen of the bed, the arrangements for eating &c.
10 June 1864 • Friday
Friday, June 10/64. A beautiful morning, and when I got upon deck after a pleasant night’s rest, we were passing up the Meuse (Maas). The banks of the river were low, windm but in the bright morning sun, everything look[ed] pretty. We passed the mouths of numerous canals, <the sides of which were> lined with shipping. Windmills were very abundant; but the most striking characteristic of Holland, and which I remarked before when I visited Amsterdam, is the scrupulous cleanliness of the people in the houses, streets, personal appearance &c. We landed at Rotterdam at 6.30 A.M. and were taken in a Cab by Bro. Riter to his old stopping place – Hotel Frankfurt – Mr. Bakker. After breakfast we took a carriage and went out to the Hague – the residence of the Court and Foreign Ministers – to try and obtain a passport for Bro. Sharp and to get mine renewed. We took a <young man as a> guide and interpreter with us. The <country along the> road was very pretty at some points and we passed some very fine residences. The road lies alongside of a canal the most of the way. It would be difficult, however, in this country to find a place for a road that would not be near a canal, the country is so intersected by them. Canal boats are used for transporting heavy goods &c from one place to another as we would use wagons in our country. Men and women have a loop of a broad piece of leather or cloth which the [they] slip over their arms and across their breasts, and which is attached to a cord fastened to their boat and in this way they tow it along. Horses are used, but we saw men drawing much more frequently than we saw animals. On the road dogs are greatly used to draw light carts with. There are great many small mirrors fastened in front of the windows in such a position that the occupants of the house can sit in the window and see in these mirrors the persons and carriages passing up and down the street. I feel a great interest in the Hollanders and their country, because of it being the land of my wife Elizabeth’s forefathers. I fancied, indeed, that I could see a resemblance in many instances to the members of my father-in-law’s – Bishop Hoagland’s – family in persons whom I met. We passed through Schiedam, noted for its <man[u]factory of> gin; a very clean, quiet place. Eight miles from Rotterdam we passed through Delph a town of 18,500 inhabitants. This place was formerly famous for its pottery; delf-ware taking its name from this town. It is the place where <Prince> William 1st of Nassau Orange (known as the Silent) was assassinated by Balthazer Gérard, July 10th/1584. The house is now used as a Barrack for soldiers. We afterwards saw his <grey> leathern doublet which he wore at the time he was shot. It is sprinkled with his blood round the bullet hole and is blackened with powder. The pistols of the assassin and the <two> fatal bullets lie in the same cabinet. When we reached the Hague we drove up to the American Minister’s. He was absent from town. His man said that the English Minister did business for him in his absence. We waited upon him but he could do nothing for us of the character we wanted. We went from to the Royal Cabinet of Curiosities, and among many other objects of interest saw the beautiful and unique collection of rarities of <from> Japan. The lacquer work was very fine, and their dirks, swords &c are said to be excel everything of the kind manufactured in the world, excelling those even of Damascus. With one blow of their swords they can cut a man’s body in two. The armor of Admiral de Kuiter with the medal and chain given him by the Sates General <and> The armor of Admiral Tromp with several bullet marks on it <were also to be seen, as well as> The shirt and waistcoat worn by Wm 3rd of England at the time when he fell from <or with> his horse which hastened his death. The gallery of paintings contained some very fine works of some of the great masters. [“]Paul Potter’s Young Bull” was is, I think, the finest picture of the kind I ever saw. A bull, <a cow,> some sheep and a man standing by them with his hand leaning on a tree under which the animals were standing and lying <formed a group;> to the right of the picture and in the distance a beautifully <cultivated> plain was spread out. Every thing was beautifully <very> life-like, the animals being life-size, they seemed ready to start out from the canvass. The next picture which impressed me was a painting by Rembrandt of a Surgeon, Professor Tulp, attended by his pupils proceeding to dissect a dead body. The body is cut at the wrist and the forearm. Nothing can be more <truly> the color of dead flesh than the painting of this figure. The professor is surrounded by six pupils all evincing eagerness to see in their attitude and expression. It is stated that [by] physicians that it is the body of a person who died from inflammation of the lungs; the chest is very full. From the Hague we went out to Scheveningen, a bathing place about 3 miles further, where we took dinner. It was at this place that Charles the 2nd of England embarked for that country at the Restoration. The drive to this place through a very fine avenue of trees was very pretty and agreeable. We reached After our return fro to Rotterdam, we went and saw Bro. Samuel Mets who has a tobacco shop in town and had some conversation with him and took supper at his house. As he was almost alone here and there were some who were favorable I felt led to suggest his ordination as an Elder, to which all assented, and we ordained him[,] I being mouth.
11 June 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, June 11/64. Started a little after 8 A.M. for Cologne, Mr. Bakker kindly accompanying us to the Station and doing our business for us. We changed at Emmerich and had our baggage examined and about 3 p.m. reached <Deutz and crossed the Rhine to> Cologne and put up at the Grand Hotel Victoria. The weather is very pleasant, making it agreeable travelling. Went and viewed the Cologne Cathedral and ascended into the roof from which we had a very fine view of Cologne and the surrounding country. <Visited the Church of the Jesuits[.]> In the light of the setting sun the river Rhine and all its surroundings appeared very beautiful.
12 June 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, June 12th/64 Arose this morning early and breakfasted at the Hotel and embarked on the steamer Prince <von> Preussen to sail up the Rhine to Mannheim. The sail was very fine. <During> The early part of it I was engaged in writing an editorial Wrong Ideas respecting the obligations of the Work of God. We dined on board. The views on the river were very fine and though I did not feel quite so enthusiastic this time as I did when I first passed in Septr 1862, still I enjoyed the beautiful views exceedingly. When The first time I went up darkness came upon us at Rheinstein, the summer residence of Prince Frederick of Prussia. This beautiful castle is mentioned as early as 1279, but its origin is unknown. It has been completely restored by its present possessor and is fitted up and furnished in the old style, making it a very interesting and beautiful residence. Above this tower, which is on the left bank of the river, the ruin of Ehrenfels rises on the right bank. This castle was erected about the year 1210. Close by this castle are very famous vineyards, which are known as Rüdesheimer Berg. So valuable is this soil, with its excellent frontage to the sun, that the entire hill is covered with walls and arches, terrace rising above terrace to secure the soil from falling. According to the <an> old tradition Charlemagne is said to have observed from his palace at Ingelheim (on the opposite side of the river higher up) that the snow always melted first on the Rüdesheimer Berg, and that he therefore caused vine-plants to be brought from Orleans and replanted here. Opposite Ehrenfels <on an island in the river> is the Mouse Tower, which derives its name from a legend of the cruel Archbishop Hatto of Mayence who was eaten up <destroyed> by mice or rats in this tower where he had taken refuge from them, they having been sent upon him as a judgment for his cruelty to the peasantry whom he had gathered together, under pretence of giving them corn, of which he had plenty at a time of great scarcity, and burned up in the building in which they had assembled, saying, “the country ought to be greatly obliged to him for ridding it of rats that only consume the corn[.]” Above Bingen the view of the Rhine and surrounding country is superb. Here the country spreads out wider and the river is not hemmed in by mountains. The theory is advanced that the this was, at long ages ago, a lake but that finally the waters force for themselves a passage through the mountains where they at present run. We passed Briebich [Biebrich] where there is a very fine palace of the Duke of Nassau and reached Mentz, or Mayence or Mainz, at about 8 p.m. We put up at the Mayence Hotel. After arriving here Bro. John Sharp missed his purse containing £14 which he had left under his pillow at Cologne. It was concluded that it would be best for Bro. Riter to return by the rail to Cologne to get it, if possible.
13 June 1864 • Monday
Monday, June 13th/64. Bro. Riter started this morning early and I was much pleased to receive a telegram from him about noon informing me that he had obta “got the money.” Had this not been a first class hotel, it is quite doubtful in my mind whether we would have obtained or not <it.> A guide which our hotel keeper engaged took us through the Cathedral, the interior of which has been very splendidly restored. There is something about these Cathedrals & churches to me. I never enter them without experiencing such feelings as I would have if I were entering a tomb. Evil <and gloomy> influences prevail, chilling the mind and loading the one with a feeling of oppression that makes it a positive relief to emerge into the free air. This was my feeling in this building. I left the brethren and rushed out as quickly as I could, for I felt quite sick. In the Cathedral of Cologne I omitted to mention that we saw a number of persons confessing to several priests. Those who were confessing were all women. The confessional is somewhat like a sentry box with a seat in it. In this the priest is seated. The penitent kneels outside and whispers her confession through an open grating close to the Priest’s ear. He sits with a <white> cloth or napkin in his hand, with which he covers his face from any person who may be facing his box, and behind which he hides his features while speaking to the person confessing. When one had finished another stepped forward <and knelt> on the other side, both sides of the box having an open grating in them. The whole proceeding appeared horrible and disgusting to me, and caused me to have, if possible, a worse opinion than ever of the practices of the Romish Church. It must be a terrible power which these priests wield over these females, every secret of whose hearts is known to them. They must hold them by a tie stronger and more dreadful than steel chains would be. Licentiousness must inevitably grow out of such a practice, for [a] man must be more than human who could under such circumstances stifle all his feelings and the yearnings and promptings of his nature, confined as they are to a life of celibacy. If the <lawful> female associations are not forbidden (which they are) by the Church, they will be obtained unlawfully, and the confessional gives every opportunity of indulging in them; the women being taught to look upon the priest as possessing all power to remit and retain sin, to view him, indeed, as one standing in the place of God. I returned to the hotel to write while the brethren went to see other objects. After dinner we all went and saw the Eigelstein <or Tower of Drusus> within the walls of the citadel – a monument erected by the 2nd and 14th <Roman> Legions in honor of Drusus, son-in-law of the Emperor Augustus, who had been sent to the Rhine by the latter in the year B.C. 14 as Commander-in-Chief, and who first built where Mayence now stands. <it is believed the Drusus was buried here.> This tower is now a grey, circular mass of stone, 42 feet in height, and is furnished with a spiral staircase in the interior, made in 1689. The external masonry which originally surrounded the building or monument has disappeared and it presents a very ragged, dilapidated, tumble-down appearance at present. But there is one peculiarity about this and the pillars of the Roman acqueduct, which we afterwards visited, that strikes a visitor: though they the work seems to be ready to fall down at any moment, the stones being small and projecting nearly two-thirds in in a very loose, ragged way from the general pile, it is almost impossible to loosen them even with heavy blows, the stone itself breaking off easier than the cement <with> which it is fastened. The fortifications around this place, and a very good view of which we obtained from the top of the tower, are very elaborate and strong. Soldiers abound. Although the town belongs to Hesse Darmstadt, the fortifications belong to the German Confederation and are maintained by <an equal number of Austrian & Prussian> soldiers. On our way from the tower we called at St. Stephen’s Church, which had been recently restored and presented a very fine appearance. Though not so fine as some churches, I like it the best of any that we have seen. Four <brass> Candelabra in this Church are said to be the finest in the wor Europe. From here we walked out to the Roman acqueduct, which had been built to convey water to the garrison from a spring 5 miles off. The acqueduct was nearly 3000 feet long. There are 62 piers remaining, some 30 feet high; but it is said that originally there were 500. These we found about 3/4 of a mile outside of the city. Mayence is famous for two things which have had great influence on the condition of Europe, and, of course, the world – the liberation of trade from the exactions of the feudal aristocracy, and the Printing Press. It was a citizen of Mayence, Arnold Van von Wallboten, who first suggested the confederation of cities in the Rhenish League in 1247, by which commerce was freed by the oppression of the Knightly highwaymen with whose strongholds the Rhine and, indeed, the whole continent was infested. Here also John Gensfleisch (literally Gooseflesh), called Guttenberg, the inventor of moveable types, was born and resided. A bronze statue of him erected by subscriptions from all parts of Europe, stands in a public place. I omitted to mention that in the Cathedral there is a monu stone-tablet built into the wall, with an inscription to the memory of Fastrada, the third wife of Charlemagne, who died at Frankfurt in 794, and was interred in the Church of St. Albans, which was destroyed in 1552, whence the tablet was removed here. I returned to the Hotel to-night <feeling> very tired and sick. Had a bath and the brethren administered to me. <We found Bro. Riter, who had returned from Cologne, at the Hotel.>
14 June 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, June 14th/64. We started this morning at 5 o’clock by boat for Mannheim, passing Worms on the way, and reached there at 10.45 A.M. We took train from here to Carlsruhe, passing through Heidelburgh and a very fine fruitful country on the way. We put up at the Hotel Zum Geist (Hotel of Spirit) and was joined by a young Elder, who is laboring here by the name of Jakob Miller. He is <a> very zealous, determined young man, and to give an idea of the nature of the difficulties which have to be contended with in preaching the gospel in this land, I need only mention that he has been imprisoned for teaching our principles sixteen times since last February the 14th. These lands are dreadfully oppressed by priest and king craft, and liberty cannot be enjoyed by any Latter-day Saint. In the evening Bro. Miller led Bro’s. Riter, John W Young and myself to the house of a family of Saints by the consisting of the father and mother and five children, by the name of Vier.
Here five others came, all sisters, to meet with us. We did not think it wisdom to have a regular meeting, yet Bro. Riter sat and talked to them on the principles of the gospel for about an hour. The police are on the watch all the time and would readily pounce upon an elder if they could find him holding a meeting. I really pitied these folks and deeply sympathized with them in their condition, almost deprived of every means of obtaining a knowledge of God and his truth, except as they could gain it by faith and prayer. After talking with them, they sang two or three hymns with much sweetness and feeling. We then administered to a child which had the scarlet fever and also to one of the young women.
After we arrived here in the afternoon and had ate dinner Bro. Miller took us to the Grand Duke’s Palace, <which was> erected in 1750 and is in the form of a semi-circle. It is a very splendid building and occupies a very fine position. We were shown through the Palace, the apartments, such as the dining-hall, ball-room, and throne-room and the Queen’s private rooms are magnificently fitted up. We ascended the tower, called the Bleithurm, which is part of the palace, from which we had a very fine view of Carlsruhe and the surrounding country. The town is regularly built, and all the streets radiate from the tower, which we ascended, like the spokes <of a wheel> from the hub. They all The tower terminates the vista in every street. We visited the monuments of two of the Grand Dukes, and the Pyramid erected in honor of the founder of the city. The town is nearly surrounded by the Haardt Forest, through which the roads radiate and afford fine views.
15 June 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, June 15/64 We started this morning at 6 o’clock, Bro. Miller accompanying us to the Station, for Zürich. We passed through a fruitful and picturesque Country to-day. It rained all day. My health has not been good to-day and for some two days back, being troubled with a bad cold and a pain in my chest. We <passed Basle and> changed cars at Wildshut and changed at Turgi and arrived at Zürich at 5.30 p.m. We put up at the Hotel Belle Vue an Lac. Had the brethren administer to me.
16 June 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, June 16th/64. Bro. W. Perry Nebeker came in this morning, having walked a number of miles this morning since hearing that we were here. He looks well and is in good health, and has made very good progress in learning the language. I feel much better this morning than I did yesterday. We took rail at 4.50 p.m. for Lucerne, <Bro. W. Perry Nebeker accompanying us.> The scenery along the route to-day was exceedingly fine. In coming to Zug and passing the end of the lake a most beautiful scene presented itself to us. Zug The town of Zug lay nestling under the foot of a mountain and presented a very picturesque appearance in the evening sunlight. The lake itself is a beautiful sheet of water, and the glimpses of the mountains in the distance, which we caught as the clouds shifted and we changed our position in travelling, were most grand. The mountains Rigi, <Rufi or Rossberg> and Pilatus tower in the distance; besides these, there is a very fine chain of mountains – the snowy Alps, which fill up the horizon. Not far from this is the church of Kappel, the place where Zwingli, the reformer, fell in a civil war between the men of Zürich and Unterwalden &c. This was originated in religious differences. He was struck down in the fight, and a soldier, who did not know him, killed <finished> him with his sword as a dog and a heretic, because he refused to call upon the Virgin and the Saints. His body, when recognized by his foes, was burnt by the common hangman, and his ashes subjected to vile indignities. The Lake of Zug is 8 miles long <and about 3/4 of [a] mile broad> and 1340 feet above the sea. The Rigi mountain is one which is frequently ascended by travellers. The Rossberg is associated with the melancholy catasthrope which occurred on the 2nd of September, 1806. A land slide occurred on that day of about a league long in length, 1000 feet broad and a 100 feet thick, by which the rich pasturages in the Valley <and> on the slope of the mountain were entirely overwhelmed and ruined, and the villages of Goldau, Bussingen, and Rothen, and a part of Lowertz were entirely destroyed. One hundred and eleven houses and more than two hundred stables and châlets were buried under the rocks, and <more than> 450 human beings perished and whole herds of cattle were swept away by this catasthrope.
The Pilatus, according to a tradition of considerable antiquity, derives its names name from <Pontius> Pilate, the governor of Judea, who having been banished to Gaul by Tiberius, wandered about among the mountains, stricken by conscience, until he ended his miserable existence by throwing himself into a lake at the top of Pilatus. From its position as an outlier, it is remarked that almost all the storms which burst upon the Lake of Lucerne gather and brew on its summit. This almost perpetual assembling of clouds was long attributed by the superstitious to the unquiet spirit still hovering round the sunken body, which, when disturbed by an intruder, revenged itself by sending storms, and darkness, and hail on the surrounding district. So prevalent was the belief in this superstition, even down to times comparatively recent, that the government of Lucerne forbade the ascent of the mountain. We passed along the bank of the Reuss, a river emptying into Lake Lucerne, and saw some very beautiful scenery. We arrived at Lucerne about 7 o’clock p.m. and put up at Hotel du Cygne (Swan), beautifully situated on the bank of the lake. The view from the balcony of our room was most grand. The lake lay spread out before us (or rather a portion of it, for but of portion of this interesting lake can be seen from any one point) with the snow-covered mountains in <the> background, irregularly-shaped and many of them covered with pines. Pilatus looked very dark and frowning right in front of us and Rigi at our left hand and partly in front. The town itself lay partly behind us and at our left hand. Bro’s John W. Young, Wm W Riter and Jno Sharp, Jr, took a row on the lake after supper. Bro. Jesse N. Smith was quite unwell this evening.
17 June 1864 • Friday
Friday, June 17th/64. We were awakened this morning at 4 o’clock to sail on the Winkelried for Flüelen, the other end of the Lake of Lucerne. The Lake of Lucerne, or of the Four Cantons (Vier-Waldstädter-See) so called from the Cantons of Uri, Unterwalden, Schwytz, and Lucerne, which exclusively form its shores, is said to be distinguished above every lake in Switzerland, and perhaps in Europe, by the beauty and sublime grandeur of its scenery. I think, however, that <the> scenery of our country is not a whit inferior to this; but one of the chief charms of this region to my mind is its historical associations. It was on this lake where many of the stirring scenes in early Swiss history transpired. Here Tell, figured and other heroes, his compatriots, figured. The Lake lies at a height of 1406 feet above the sea level, and is of a very irregular shape, several bays branching off. The morning (and in fact the entire day) was an exceedingly rainy, and clouds and mists obscured the mountains and our view of their summits, occasionally we caught glimpses <of them> as the clouds and mists lifted. The views of the mountains Rigi and Pilatus, the one on the left in sailing and the other on the right as we sailed up the lake were very fine. We touched at Weggis, a small town, where the passengers came off in a boat; and after passing two rocky headlands, projecting from the Rigi on one side and the Burgenburg on the other, called the Noses, from their resemblance to that feature, we came into an oval basin called the Gulf of Buochs and in view of two fine mountains Buochser and Stanzer-Horn at the base of which is the village of Beckenried, once the place of assembly for <of> the council of the four Cantons. Opposite this village, and lying shut out almost from the world, except as it can be approached by water, in a cove with of the Rigi mountain, lies the little village of Gersau. This village and its surrounding cultivated & meadow land, measuring probably of about 3 miles by 2, formed for 4 centuries an independent state, undoubtedly one of the, if not the, smallest in Europe. It is recorded that the people of this village bought their freedom from a state of serfdom <in the year 1390> from the Lords of Moos, citizens of Lucerne, whose servants they had previously been. The ransom consisted of 690 lbs of pfennings—a copper coin worth [blank] – which they scraped together after 10 years hard toil. They maintained their independence apart from any other canton, and governed by a landamman and council, chosen from among themselves, until the French occupied Switzerland in 1798, since which they have been united with the canton Schwytz. The situation of the town is quite romantic, the cottages scattered around upon the hills giving it a very picturesque appearance. Scarcely an acre of it is level ground, yet <it> is covered with orchards, and supports a population of 1348 souls, dwelling in 174 houses, 82 of which form the village. I was pleased to learn, that as an evidence of the virtue and honesty which I thought ought to exist in so secluded a spot, so far removed from the outside noisy and corrupt world, that though it possessed a criminal jurisdiction of its own, no instance of a capital execution had occurred during the whole of its existence as a separate state. I am much struck at seeing <so many> houses built on seemingly inaccessible places on the sides and even on the tops of all these mountains where there is a little spot large enough for pasturage. The mountains are generally very steep and covered with timber, where verdure appears it is very green, and apparently, rich. I have been noticed also that Switzerland differs from the most of the countries of Europe which I have visited: the people are scattered all over the country and possess the right of the soil, like the people of America, and are not crowded into cities and while rich land-holders monopolize the land. To this much of Switzerland’s independence, doubtless, may be traced.
We touched at Brunnen, the port of the Canton Schwytz, and the place where the first alliance was formed between the Forest Cantons in 1315, after the battle of Morgarten. From here along the bay of Uri, which we now enter the scenery is most magnificent. Passing along by the precipices on our right hand, the head of Napoleon the Great is pointed out to us on the face of one. It is doubtless <been> formed by a freak of nature, and would not bear the slightest resemblance if inspected near at hand; but [from?] a distance the resemblance is striking. After this we come to a small ledge of meadow land, coming down to the water, which is especially famous in Swiss history as the place where Werner Stauffacher of Schwytz, Arnold an der Halden of Melchthal, in Unterwalden, and Walter Fürst of Uri met in secret, in the dead of the night, at the end of the year 1307, to form a plan for liberating their country. from They were oppressed beyond endurance by their Austrian governors. They foll swore to be faithful to each other. The following new year’s day their scheme was carried into execution, and from this origin the Swiss Confederation sprang. The place selected was most suitable for such a purpose; it is known by the name of Rut Grütli. Passing this and on the opposite side of the lake we come came to Tell’s Chapel. Here, according to the tradition, <William> Tell sprang on shore out of the boat in which Gessler was carrying him a prisoner to the dungeon of Küssnacht, when the sudden storm on the lake compelled him to remove Tell’s fetters, in order to avail himself of his skill as steersman. The chapel is a rude <an open> one lined with rude paintings, representing the events of the delivery of Switzerland. It was erected 31 years after Tell’s death, in 1388, and by canton Uri, and in the presence of 114 persons who had known him personally. The depth of the Lake, opposite Tell’s chapel, is 800 feet. The Lake, I imagine, is very deep; the green color of the water giving evidence of this. The mountains are very steep close down to the water’s edge and the water is evidently deep. We landed at Flüelen, the port of the canton Uri, and took breakfast at the Eagle Hotel where we also obtained a carriage and pair of horses to carry us to up to Altorf [Altdorf] and Bürglen. It rained so heavily all the time that walking was out of the question. Altorf is famous as being the place where Gessler’s cap was stuck up for all men to do obeisance to as they passed, and where Tell shot the apple from <off> his son’s head. A statue of Tell with the arrow in his right hand which he had concealed in his breast for the purpose, as he said, of shooting Gessler in case he had hit his son, and the cross-bow in his left, stands in the spot assigned <designated> by tradition to that him as being the place where he stood when he fired at the apple. The place where the boy stood is some distance off. A tower erected which stands in the square, is said to occupy the spot, or be near it, where the lime tree stood on which Gessler’s cap was placed. Altorf is about 2 miles distant from Flüelen. It is said to be the early home of the great Guelph family. Bürglen is a short distance further. Here Tell was born, and in the stream which we crossed to reach <the site of> his house and almost within sight of it, he was drowned, when an old man, in endeavoring to rescue a child from the waterfall of Bürglen. A little chapel was built in 1522 on the spot where his house stood. This still stands, and is close to the grave yard which surrounds the Church. We wrote our names and our place of residence on its front wall. The view from his house is very fine, and it is just such a place, as I would imagine such a man as he is represented to be, would reside. It would seem scarcely possible for any one but a freeman to dwell in the midst of such surroundings. The valley stretching out in front of his dwelling place, with the opposite mountain, reminded me very much of scenes which I have beheld on the Sandwich Islands, differing mainly in the height of the mountains here. The more I see of Switzerland the more I am impressed with its suitability as a residence for freemen and the less I wonder at the desperate efforts which they have made in various generations to defend & preserve their liberties. It is said that the inhabitants of this valley are considered the finest race of men in Switzerland. We returned to Flüelen with the intention of visiting Tell’s Chapel on the Lake; but a carriage could only go a portion of the way, and as it was somewhat dangerous for that to go, in consequence of the 14 days rain which they had had here, loosening the soil and stones on the mountain side, and it was raining heavily we gave u the idea. My health is such that I think it highly advisable to take care of myself and [not] to expose myself unnecessarily. We had a fine run back to Lucerne and before we reached there the weather cleared up for a little while and we were favored with some fine views. After reaching Lucerne we visited the bridges, the walls and the Lion, erected modelled by Thorwaldsen of Denmark and executed by Ahorn, a sculptor of Constance, as a Monument to the memory of the Swiss Guards who fell while defending the Royal Family of France in the first French Revolution. This is the most magnificent monument of the kind I ever saw. It is hewn out of the living rock in the face of a precipice and is 28 feet long by 18 feet high. The lion is wounded to death, with a spear sticking in his side, yet endeavoring in his last gasp to protect from injury a child bearing the fleur-de-lis of the Bourbon, which he holds in his paws. The expression of the Lion’s face admirably conveys to the spectator the designed effect. A small basin of water lies in front of the rock. The names of the officers who fell are carved beneath on one side, and the names of those who survived on the other. An old man, 86 years of age, dressed in uniform, and, <as he says,> said to be the last survivor of the Swiss Guard showed us the monument. I was so unwell to-night that I requested the brethren to administer to me.
18 June 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, June 18th/64. We arose at a little after 3 o’clock this morning to take the early train at 4.15 for Berne. We passed close by the field of Sempach, where the Swiss gained a great victory over the Austrians in their struggle for their liberty. Here Arnold of Winkelried showed his patriotism and devotion. He was Knight of Unterwalden, and when he observed, at this battle, that every effort of the Swiss to break the ranks of their enemies was foiled by the long lances of the latter, he rushed in and gathering <in his arms> as many <lances> as he could grasp, exclaiming as he did so: “Protect my wife and children, and I will open a path to freedom.” The gap this made enabled the Swiss to break up the mail-clad ranks of their foes and they gained a great victory, 1400 of them crushing the Austrians and killing 600 nobles and 200 common soldiers. We changed at Aarburg and arrived at Berne about 11 A.M. After breakfasting we repaired to the American Minister’s, Mr. Geo. G. Fogg’s ”Bureau” and introducing ourselves had a very long and interesting talk with him. Bro. John Sharp, Jr. and myself got passports from him and we all got our passports visaed at the French “Chancellerie” so as to have no difficulty in passing into French territory. We paid 5 francs apiece to the French Minister for doing this. Mr. Fogg escorted us to the Bears Den where the Bernese keep several living bears. Their city is named after them – Berne <in German> signifying Bear in English. The founder, Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen, who established this place in 1191 being at a loss for a name for the city ordered a hunt and the first animal that should be killed the city should be named after. He killed a bear and the spot where where the bear fell is marked by a stone with a suit able inscription. The bears have ever since been kept here and are much regarded. The [They] appear everywhere through the city in effigy. The French took the bears away when the [they] captured Berne and with them a million and a quarter of francs which had been bequethed by an old lady to them. Since they have been brought back 100,000 francs have been raised by public subscription for their maintenance. We were taken by Mr. Fogg up to his residence which commands the finest view to be had in Berne. He regretted, he said, that he had not known earlier of our arrival, as he would <have> liked to have given us a dinner. From his house we had a fine view of the Bernese Alps which are very magnificent when not obscured by clouds, as they were partially to-day. He treated us with great kindness and courtesy and we were highly pleased with our interview. He is a bachelor and a man, I should think, rising of 50 years of age. We visited the Federal Capitol and passed through its rooms, a description of which I have given in my journal in which my former visit is mentioned. Was administered to by the brethren again this evening. Bro’s Sommer and Beuttler called in to see us. We stopped while here at the Schweizer Hof.
19 June 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, June 19th/64 We started this morning by rail for Lausanne. At Freyburg we crossed the longest suspension bridge <with a single curve> in the world. It is 905 feet long, 180 feet high and 22 feet 11 inches broad. The workmen, <who> constructed this bridge, were, with the exception of one man, natives of this country who had never seen such a bridge before. It cost £24,000 Sterling. The view as we emerged from the tunnel and came in sight of Lake Geneva was sublime, but as I described my impressions when I saw it before I need not repeat them. At Lausanne we took the steamer “Helvetie” for Geneva. This is a most beautiful lake and I gazed upon it with admiration. Its surface is about 1142 feet above the level of the sea. It is the largest lake in Switzerland, being 55 miles long in its North shore and 40 miles along its South bank. The Lake is very smooth & not <frequently> troubled with winds. We st called at a number of towns to take off and land passengers on our way down. There was a large crowd of people on the quay to see the steamer land her passengers, which, as it was Sunday, were very numerous. Bro. Riter guided us to his place of residence <Rue de> Cantepoulet, No. 9., where we found Bro. Saml Hill who had come here from Biel to meet us, and the Saints holding meeting. I was <am> acquainted with the most of them, and they were very glad to see me again. Bro. Portman, <President of the Branch,> and his family are keeping house for Bro Riter.
20 June 1864 • Monday
Monday, June 20th/64. Bro. Hill has made very creditable progress in learning the German language and speaks it with tolerable fluency, though probably not yet with grammatical accuracy. We visited the “Jardin Anglais” and saw a very well-executed model of Mont Blanc, the work of an artist <named> Etienne Sene, who employed ten years upon it. It affords a very fine idea of the White mountain and its neighboring ranges and peaks. We passed through the city afterwards. Three <Several> bridges cross the Rhone and unite the – which here issues from the Lake of Geneva with water as blue as indigo and very clear – and unite the city. The surrounding hills bear some resemblance to those in the neighborhood of Edinburgh.
I received a letter from Liverpool this morning, informing me that all was well there, and also a letter from my wife Elizabeth in which she expresses her own and the family’s desire to see me at home again and informs me that they are all well. Wrote an Commenced an editorial.
Had a magnificent <Sunset> view of Mont Blanc, the whole range standing out in bold relief with<out> a cloud to obscure the view.
We took supper at Bro. Daniel Lang’s and then took a boat ride on the lake. The view of the city with its dazzling lights and the bridges with their rows of lamps, looking like a belt of diamonds glittering in the distance, was very splendid.
21 June 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, June 21st//64. We dined and supped at Bro. Schweizer’s. Held meeting in the evening. Bro’s. Riter, Nebeker and Hill spoke in German and Bro. Portman interpreted in French. Blessed <several children> and administered to several others and was administered to myself.
22 June 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, June 22/64. After breakfast strolled through town and visited the Museum Rath where we examined several paintings and <some> sculptures. There was a curious clock in this museum, which was made in the 16th Century. At the top of the clock there is a rooster standing which when the clock strikes the hours flaps his wings three times and crows <three times> after each flap. Twelve figures, representing the Twelve apostles, strikes strike the quarters at the same time. A figure lower down, representing the Virgin Mary, who is standing reading out of a book, is saluted by an angel who emerges from a door at the side, to whom she turns and apparently listens; at the same time <the figure of> death emerges from another door and the a dove to represent the Holy Ghost descends from above. When they disappear, a man appears from the a door at the back of the Virgin with a watch in his hand, then the hour strikes. We took dinner at Bro. J. B. Lang’s, and I returned to the Office and finished my editorial and wrote to Bro. Geo Reynolds <& Bro Romney> at Liverpool. I was much saddened by hearing from Bro Reynolds that 46 children had died of measles during the voyage of the “Monarch of the Sea,” and 4 had died after they landed. She landed on the 4th of June. In the evening had a row on the Lake and afterwards held a meeting, in which I gave the Elders some instruction and set apart Bro. Wm W. Riter to preside over the <missions of the> Church in Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Holland.
23 June 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, June 23/64. My health which was better yesterday is not so good to-day. I have considerable pain in my chest, and my voice is husky and has been for some days, giving me some pain to speak. At 3:50 p.m. we took train for Paris. We had our passports and valises examined at [blank]. We reached Paris, after passing through [blank] Macon and Dion at 6.25 A.M. on [blank]
24 June 1864 • Friday
Friday, June 24/64. We put up at the Hôtel des Etrangers at No. 3, Rue Vivienne. Strolled around in various directions, looking at several monuments and places of interest, visited also the Church of the Madeline. In evening strolled through the “Champs Elysee”
25 June 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, June 25/64. We started out with a guide in a carriage to visit various places. We first went to the cathedral Church of Notre Dame. This Cathedral occupies the spot where a roman temple once stood. Is considered one of the finest specimans of Gothic Architecture extant. In the Sachristy we were shown gorgeous robes, profusely embroidered in gold and silver worn by Pius VII at the coronation of Napoleon the 1st, at the coronation of Napoleon the III, and at his marriage, and the christening of the Prince Imperial. All the vestments were of the most splendid description. We were also shown a number of Church utensils of very fine workmanship and of very great value in a golden cross which we saw a piece of what is said to be the cross on which our Savior was crucified is inserted. We were shown a ghastly relic of the troubles of 1848 a piece of the back bone of Denis Affra Archbishop of Paris with the ball which passed through it when he was attempting to persuade the insurgents at the barricades to desist from fighting these soldiers. From this church we went to the Jardin des Plants. In the evening we went to the Circus and saw Leotard <upon the flying trapeze and> on some feats of riding. on
26 June 1864 • Sunday
Sunday June 26. 1864. We hired a carriage and with our guide visited Versailles, which we thoroughly examined, and St Cloud where we saw very fine fountains play. In the evening we visited The Théatre Impérià l Du Chatelet, and saw a piece entitled the Youth of Henry the IV. we enjoyed it very much. In a hunting scene a pack of hounds were <was> introduced onto the Stage, and the characters, male and female, appeared on horseback. I never saw anything to equal it. For a trifle I bought the text of the play, by the aid of which I was able to understand everything myself and explain it to the other brethren.
27 June 1864 • Monday
Monday, June 27. 1864 Visited St Stephens, the Panthenon, the two [tomb?] of Napoleon <the> 1st and the Hotel des Invalides and afterwards Zoological Garden in the Bois de Boulogne. In the evening visited the grand Imperial Opera. The play was “William Tell” with the aid of the play text I was able to comprehend it all and explain it to the brethren. There was some very fine singing, and the scenery was very true to nature in the representation of the locale.
28 June 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, June 28. 1864. Visited the Tuileries, the Luxemborg, Louvre, and the Place De la Vendome. In the evening rode out on the Bois de Boulogne, and visited the cascades, and afterwards rode through the principal Boulevards – Des Italiens, Strasborg & Sebastapol.
29-30 June 1864 • Wednesday to Thursday
Wednesday, June 29. 1864. We made preparations for departure this morning; but through making a mistake as to the time of departure of the train, we were compelled to wait until the next train 7.45. P.M. we spent the day in looking through the Louvre. We parted with Bro Riter with regret. He is a very intelligent and interesting companion, and I enjoyed his society very much. We reached Calias [Calais] at ½ past 1 A.M and had to walk nearly half a mile to the boat. The vessel tossed so much about, and I think I should have been seasick had I not been so fortunate as to secure a good place to lie down. We reached Dover about ½ past 3, having been about making the passage having been about one hour & a half making the passage. We had our baggage examined at Dover. We reached London at ½ past 6 in the morning of
Thursday, June 30. 1864 We drove to 30 Florence St, but found Bro Bullock absent on a visit to the Essex Conference. Bro Barfoot shortly afterwards came in. After breakfast we took tram for L’pool which place we reached about 3.30 P.M and found all well. I felt very glad to get back, went to the Baths in the Afternoon
1 July 1864 • Friday
Friday July 1 1864 The following missionaries arrived to day from the valley[:] C. Widerborg, Jesse Cherry[,] Geo W Cleavland],] Geo W. Gee, Seth M. Blair Jr[,] Ephraim Williams, George J. Linford & Wm Williams. They were <are> all enjoying good health and spirits and are fine looking men. They left New York on the 18th of June. I received a letter this morning from Bro Brigham Young Jr in which he informs me of Bro his and Bro Wells’s safe arrival across the plains with their folks. He and his wife reached New York on the 15th of June. Bro Wells had gone by way of St Louis to attend to some business. Busy in the Office all day
2 July 1864 • Saturday
Saturday July 2nd. 1864. Variously engaged in Office[;] wrote a letter to President Young, and one to Brother Joseph A. Young. Bro Jesse N. Smith sailed on the S.S. Australasian this morning at ½ past 8 Oclock for New York. Bros Weiderborg, John W Young & myself accompanied him on board
3 July 1864 • Sunday
Sunday July 3rd 1864 Attended meeting to day at the Saints Chapel, Bros Weiderborg, Ephraim T. Williams[,] Seth M. Blair Jr[,] John Sharp Jr and John W. Young & myself spoke this morning in the morning. Bros In the evening Bro T. Taylor & myself spoke. A number of strangers were present. I bore a farewell testimony, conforming thereby the testimonies and teachings previously given them. After this meeting I returned to the Office and held a meeting with the Missionaries, and gave them such instructions as the Spirit dictated, dwelling particularly upon the dreadful consequences which attended lusting after women and solemnly warning them against this same. Much excellent counsel was given, and we rejoiced in the Spirit which we enjoyed. Bros T. Taylor & Widerborg bore testimony to what had been said
4 July 1864 • Monday
Monday, July 4.1864 Wrote some letters and engaged in Office business. Wrote a supplement to an article of Brother Geo Sims of [on?] Phrenology, expressing my views on that subject.
5 July 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, July 5. 1864 Wrote several letters, and dictated several items for the Star. I forgot to mention on Friday July 1st that I received a letter from Elder Ezra T. Benson, on n began April 12th at Honolulu Oahu finished May 21st at San Francisco, in which he informed me of his & Brother Snow, Joseph F Smith & Alma L. Smith’s journey to the Sandwich Islands and their Cutting off Walter M. Gibson. He had gorged himself and grown rich out of the labors of the natives, despensing the Priesthood for money, and best pretending to bestow authority upon them which he himself did not hold. Elder Joseph F Smith[,] W. W. Cluff & A. L. Smith, remained on the Islands. I learned by the Deseret News that Elders Benson & Snow reached home in safety on the 29th of May having performed their Mission to the Islands from the 2nd of March. Bro Benson informs me that they had a very narrow escape from drowning while landing at Lahaina[.] The Vessel anchored out in the roadstead and they came ashore in a small boat. The In consequence of a Strong South wind which had been blowing for several days, the surf was running very high and their boat was capsized[;] they remained some time in the water and were rescued by some natives. Bro Lorenzo Snow was out of the water twenty minutes before he gave signs of life. Their escape was truly a narrow one.
6 July 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday July 6. 1864. Variously engaged in Office[.] Sent off a letter to my wife Elizabeth and another to Sarah Jane. Fanny Kidd, my cousin, called upon me.
7 July 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, July 7th/64. Received a letter from my wife Elizabeth to-day, from which I learn with much pleasure that they were well, though John Q. and Abraham had had the measles. They were all looking anxiously for my return. John Q. had told his mother as she was writing that “there would only be three more fast days until before Pa would return.” Rather an amusing way of measuring time. The news which I have received through the letters of Bro Joseph Bull and John C Graham, received which came to hand this morning from New York, respecting the same arrival of the ship “Gen M’Clellan” with her precious freight, has filled me with great joy. They reached New York on the 23rd and had after an exceedingly delightful passage. One infant, whose mother had died before it left England, died on the passage and two children were born. Bro. Graham writes as follows: I received a letter from Bro. Joseph A. Young in which he informs me that Bro. Wells had not arrived in New York from the West and that Bro. Brigham, Jr intended to stay at New York until Bro Joseph A. had about finished his business – say July 10th – and then he would sail for England. Commenced an editorial: [blank]
Went up with Sister Brothers John W Young, Thos Taylor & J. G. Romney to Sister Spencer’s to tea. Sister Lawrenceson was there. Bro John Sharp <Jr> and Seth M Blair Jr. started for Scotland to-day.
8 July 1864 • Friday
Friday, July 8th/64. Finished my editorial. Wrote some letters. Went up in the afternoon with several of the brethren and sisters to the <a> Bazaar which had been instituted for the purpose of purchasing a yacht for Garabaldi.
9 July 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, July 9th/64. In company with Bro. John W. Young I started at 11.30 A.M. for Southampton to attend Conference there to-morrow. We had a very tedious day’s travel, having to go to London and make four changes of carriages on the way, and not reaching until a few minutes before midnight. We were met at the Station by Bro’s. Junius S. Fullmer and Jonas N Beck who escorted us to the Conference House where we found Bro’s C. Y. Bird, who was afflicted with sore eyes, Bro’s D. P. and Brigham W Kimball, who welcomed us warmly.
10 July 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, July 10th/64 Held meetings three times to-day with the Saints and had a very a good Conference, much good instruction having been given. I spoke in the three meetings and was much blessed with strength and the Spirit in speaking. All the Elders before-named <also> spoke briefly. We took dinner at Bro. Miller’s and tea at Bro. Marchbank’s.
11 July 1864 • Monday
Monday, July 11th/64. Telegraphed to Bro. Wm Willes at Bristol that I would meet him at Bro Alford’s to-morrow. We went in the afternoon and had a bathe in the sea. There were five eight of us from the Valley and two or three native elders. There was a boat anchored out a tolerably good distance from the shore to which two or three of the brethren swam. When Being warm I did not go into the water as soon as the rest and when I saw them sitting there I swam out to them and climbed on to the boat. Just as I did so, the owner of the boat seeing us, shouted to us to get off the boat. When I jumped back into the water, feeling much out of breath, I turned over on my back and swam for a little distance; but upon perceiving that I did not make headway in the direction I wished, owing to the drifting of the tide, I turned over again. After swimming about half way back, I found my breath failing me so fast that I thought I would scarcely reach where the landing. Not wishing to go under without <the> brethren knowing my position, as they were all busy swimming and playing close to the bath-house and were not noticing me, I called to them to come and help me. My call for help scared them considerably and three of them: Bro’s. Jonas N Beck, David P. Kimball and John W. Young, immediately started towards me. Bro. Beck being the nearest reached first and he, and afterwards Bro. David, put their hands as though to sustain or help me. When I felt their hands touched me they disturbed and embarrassed me, and I told them not to touch me. They then swam alongside of me, Bro. John W. Young telling me to take it easy. Their presence encouraged me and I kept on and finally reached the platform from which we started to swim, Bro. Bird was standing there and he stretched out his hand which I grasped, and felt wonderfully thankful and relieved upon landing. After getting ashore I was seized with cramp so severely that I could not dress for some time. In the evening there was a tea party in the Saints’ Hall which I with the other elders attended. Songs & recitations enlivened the Saints and I spoke also also made some remarks to them.
12 July 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, July 12th/64. Started for Gillingham this morning to go to Bro Alford’s. After Not finding anyone to meet me I started afoot to Brouton, to and while on the way met a boy with a pony coming to meet me. I found Bro’s. Alford and Willes had not yet returned from Bristol. They came ab late in the afternoon. Bro. Willes took me out and com into the garden and told gave me a relation of Bro. Alford’s troubles. He had before joining the Church become diseased and his health had been somewhat impaired thereby. He had formed an engagement with a girl with the expectation of going to the Valley this season and they had been married by one of the Elders but not by the according to the requirements of the law. He found himself unable to go this season; but the mother of the girl thought that as the matter had gone so far, that the marriage should be completed legally. She pressed this, but Bro. Alford ever since the girl was married to him by one of the Elders has suffered much torment of mind & feels that he has committed an unpardonable sin. He <has> recoiled at the idea of consummating the marriage, thinking that he is unfit to take the part of a husband and that he would be perpretating a great wrong upon the girl. His wife and her mother cannot understand his course and they are beginning to feel indignant at the his treatment of them. This increases his misery which is very great; in fact, his folks have feared that he would lose his senses, and he acts now more like a man that has a living hell in his bosom than like a Saint. He attaches blame to Bro. Geo. Halliday for urging the match and counselling him as he did. I counselled him to fully make known his condition to his wife – it was but a common justice to her, and then if she chose to have him, all right; if she did not, though it would be a disappointment to her, as the he had not consummated the marriage, and the ceremony which had been performed was not recognized as legal by the laws of England – the harm would not be so great as if he had gone further. This I told to Bro. Willes and afterward to Bro. Alford himself. I never saw a man, scarcely, who appeared <to be> in such torment as the latter. I talked to him very freely and encouragingly and as I thought with some effect; but the adversary had great power over him and <it> seemed to be extremely hard for him to shake off his influence. His health was so poor that I recommended his baptism seven times for his health. I was much moved by this young man’s wretched condition, and it afforded me a vivid picture of punishment which follows transgression & the violation of the laws of life and salvation.
13-30 July 1864 • Wednesday to Saturday
Wednesday, July 13th/64. I started early this morning for Liverpool. Through the pressure of business I have not kept my journal daily for several weeks, so that I am under the necessity of summarizing.
Bro. Thos. Taylor had appointed a conference at Manchester for Sunday, the 17th, with my approval, I hoping that Presidents D H Wells & Brigham, Jr., and Bro. Orson Pratt, would be there. Bro. Pratt and [blank] Missionaries arrived on Sunday, the 17th; but Bro’s Wells & Brigham, Jr., did not arrive. The names of the Elders were as follows: [blank] Raymond, [blank] Donovan, J. E. S. Russ and Robt. Russell, John Hubbard, Geo. B. Spencer, Hiram Folsom, Jose Anson V. Call, Geo. W. Mousley, L. D. Rudd, <R.> <Francis Plsett[?]>[,] Hy. L. Parker. I went out to Manchester and Bro. Taylor stopped to meet Bro. Pratt and escort him out. Conference had commenced when I reached there in company with Bro. Widerborg. Bro. Felt was speaking when I came in; Bro. Sears followed, and <i> spoke afterwards. In the afternoon I spoke <&> had considerable liberty. I took dinner at Bro Boardman’s and tea at Bro. Armstrong’s and while there Bro. Pratt arrived, accompanied by Bro. Taylor. In the evening he spoke to a very attentive audience who listened with pleasure to his remarks. Bro’s Pratt, Taylor, Widerborg, Romney, Sears, Reynolds and myself returned to Liverpool that night & were met by several of the Elders at the Station. I think it was the next night, Monday, the 18th, that I called a meeting of the Missionaries and Bro. Pratt & myself spoke to them & I appointed them to their several fields of labor. I would not have done this before until Presidents Wells & Young arrived had I not been led to expect that they might not be in Liverpool for a week & the elders were at expense for their board & lodging. On Tuesday, the 19th, Bro. John W. Young arrived from London and six Elders arrived on Missions: Jas. Ure, W. S. Phillips, Geo. Marsh, L. D. Rudd, Joseph Weiler & Ed. Frost. This week was spent very agreeably in the society of Bro. Orson Pratt and I enjoyed his conversation very much. He was busily employed in studying German to prepare himself for his Mission to Austria. On Sunday, July 24th/64 we held a Conference in Liverpool at which <Bro. Pratt &> the Elders who had not been appointed to their fields were present and we had an excellent time. On Monday, the 25th July, I telegraphed to the owners of the Steamship Brittania, on which I had learned by letter from New York, the brethren had embarked to know when they expected her as I had learned she was coming to Glasgow and Bro’s. Pratt, J. W Young & myself proposed going there to meet them, if we would be in time; but they replied that the passengers had all landed and had proceeded to their various destinations. A few minutes after 5 p.m. Bro’s. Wells & Brigham, Jr., and their wives & Abraham Hatch and Harrison Shurtleff, arrived at the Office. I was exceedingly pleased to see them , and they were equally glad to arrive and to meet us. The sisters and Bro. Wells were feeble, the former particularly, having suffered greatly from sea-sickness. That evening we had a meeting and appointed the last six missionaries which had arrived, & three more which had arrived to-day – Wm Wheeler, Seth [blank] Pym and [blank] – to their fields of labor. Bro’s Wells, Brigham Jr., Pratt & myself spoke to them and gave them such counsel as the Spirit dictated.
The week was spent by me in giving the brethren an insight into the business, in writing editorials and correspondence.
31 July 1864 • Sunday
On Sunday, August 2 <July 31st>/64 we attended a Conference at Birmingham, which was held in the Odd-Fellows Hall and was attended by a large concourse of people. The attendance of the Elders was quite large, a number having come from other Conferences & Districts to be present. We all spoke & enjoyed ourselves. Bro’s. Wells & wife and Bro. Pratt & myself stopped at Bro. Nappers. We took tea at Sister Crump’s and supper at Sister Boddington’s
1 August 1864 • Monday
On Monday, the 3rd 1st of August, I spent a considerable portion of time in conversing upon doctrine with President Wells & Bro. Pratt. In the evening we had a tea party at the Odd Fellow’s Hall, which passed off very well – the Choir and individuals singing beautifully and others giving recitations. I made some remarks. The remainder of this week was spent as <was> the last. My Aunt Eleanor left the Office to prepare for her new place, and as Bro. Brigham, Jr., had sent his wife to London until he could get the house fixed up comfortably for her, he and I boarded & lodged at Sister Spencer’s. Bro. & Sister Wells stopped at the Office. The latter Bro. Wells was considerably occupied in preparing his residence with furniture, carpets &c that he might be able to soon get settled. He had taken a small house in West Derby Road – No. 9 Dunkeld St. Bro. Brigham was busy also fixing up the the rooms of upstairs of the Office, which he fitted up <in a> very fine manner.On Sunday, August 9th/64. we all went to London and held Conference at the Store St. Music Hall and had an excellent time. We all spoke. We took dinner at Bro. Ferguson’s and tea at Bro. Tansell’s.
Insert Journal from Loose Sheets1
Have the Records examined respecting the sealing of Elizabeth Broweth to Daniel on or about the 10th Feb. 1846
A H Baker Omaha City
Tell Bro Heman Hyde to have a dish of potatoes cooked on the night of the 20th for Bro Wm Hyde
<Sarah Elizabeth Lance>
Hy Luke Heber City
Provo Valley Write to her
Bro Philip Smith
the are also well uncertain when he will return; but if any trouble in family write to him at Bridger
Time of the Overland Stage Line – Summer Travel
First Division, 54 hours
Leave Atchison 7 A.M. Arrive at Fort Kearney 1 P.M.
Second Division, 44 hours
Leave Fort Kearney at 2 P.M. Arrive at Julesburg 10 A.M.
Third Division, 34 hours
Leave Julesburg 10.30 A.M. Arrive at Latham 8.30 p.m.
Fourth Division, 44 hours
Leave Latham 9.30 p.m. Arrive North Platte 5.30 p.m
Fifth Division, 44 hours
Leave North Platte 6 p.m. Arrive at Green River 1.30 p.m.
Sixth Division, 40 hours
Leave Green River 2 p.m. Arrive at Great S. L. City 6 A.M.]
Source Note
Daybook, 1864–1865
George Q. Cannon, Daybook, 5 Sept. 1864–11 Nov. 1865; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 116 inscribed pages of journal text, 8 inscribed pages of financial and other notations, and 11 blank pages; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Small pocket-size notebook measuring 5⅝Â × 3¾ × ¾ inches (14 × 9 × 2 cm). The white, unlined paper of the text block measures 5½ × 3⅝› inches (14 × 8 cm). The text block is made up of sixty-eight leaves and two flyleaves, one at the front and one at the back. The endpapers have a nonpareil marbling pattern with red, brown, yellow, orange, and black. The cover is made of dark blue leather. The back cover has a built-in pocket for loose papers, which opens to the inside. The cover is also bound with a pouch for a small writing instrument and has a clasp for securing the covers. The edges of the text block are marbled. The inside front cover has a seller’s label (“T. J. & J. SMITH’S | IMPROVED PATENT | METALLIC PAPER, | Memorandum Book”). A plain white archival sticker on the front cover bears the typed call number “Ms d 5504 | fd 4 v. 7”.
Cannon’s daybooks were donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one of his grandsons at an unspecified time.
5 September 1864 • Monday
Monday, Sept 5th/64. Still rainy. I commenced a letter to Presidents Wells & Young at Liverpool, so that it might be ready, by the addition of a postcript, for the Mail upon landing. A boil or carbuncle that has made its appearance on my leg gave me considerable pain to-day.
6 September 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept 6/64. Showery again to-day. Sighted land in the morning to our great joy – it was Long Island. Though the day was gloomy yet the sight of the land as we passed up the harbor – Staten Island, part of Long Island &c – was exceedingly pleasing to me. There is no land that I have seen which suits me so well as this beautiful land of Joseph. With all their wickedness I cannot help being attached to the people and to many of their manners and customs. Upon landing in New York it seemed to me that nowhere since I left here had I seen a people who could compare with the Americans in good looks. We dropped anchor in North River at 4 p.m. The baggage was put on a steamer which came alongside and (with the passengers who went on another steamer) was taken to the Jersey City where it underwent an examination by the Custom House Officers. It was a labor of no small difficulty, amid so much bustle and so many people crowding around to see their friends, to get one’s baggage from the midst of the baggage of 250 passengers. Bro. John W Young and myself were quite fortunate in getting ours passed. Nearly everyone had one or more pieces left unexamined and had to defer passing the Customs until morning as darkness had overtaken the officers before they had finished. We went to the St. Nicholas Hotel to put up; but, finding it full, went to the Metropolitan Hotel.
7 September 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept. 7th/64. <Bro John W. & myself> Called upon <at> Bro. Miles’ place of business this morning; but learned that he was in Philadelphia. We went from there to Mr. Ben Holladay’s, who expressed his pleasure at seeing us, and who informed us to our great surprise that Indian difficulties on the road had caused the suspension of the Stage service between Atchison and Julesburg. They The Indians, (Sioux, Cheyennes and Arapahoes) had come down as low as Big Sandy and had attacked settlements, trains &c, killing hundreds of people and carrying off and destroying immense quantities of goods and other property. So great was the panic that men fled from the trains, leaving them to the Indians, the Stations were deserted, by the men in charge running into the settlements with the horses and harness. Mr. Holladay hoped to be able, if they <Government> only sent out soldiers enough, to resume Stage service next week. He advised us to stay here a few days & then go westward and watch our chances. He instructed his Clerk to write to his man on the frontiers – Mr. Gillespie – to give us reserve two places for us in the first out-going stage. From Julesburg to the Great Salt Lake City the stages were running regularly. He said he had been informed that everything was moving on quietly at-home and that there had never been such crops before as there were this year. He informed us also, which we were very sorry to hear, that the last of our emigration had been compelled to stop because of these troubles, and that (as he was informed by Mr. Otis, one of his employees) Bro. Joseph A. Young was in considerable trouble in consequence, having so many people on his hands. Upon these points, however, he could not give us as many details as we wished to know. My leg gives me a great deal of pain to-day. Went in evening with Bro. John W Young to Niblo’s Garden & saw the play of the “Duke’s Motto”; Mr. Wheatley taking the part of Henri de Lagadere.
8 September 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 8/64. I stopped at the Hotel all day nursing my leg and Bro. John W. Young went and visited some acquaintances on Long Island. Dane
9 September 1864 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 9th. Bro. John W. Young returned to-day from Long Island. Kept in the House all day to-day, quite unwell from the diarrhea.
10 September 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept. 10/64. Bro. Wm H Miles called and saw me to-day. We had a long conversation together. Called upon Ben Holladay with Bro. John W Young. He expressed his willingness to do all he could to assist us, if we needed it. He gave Bro. Young a letter, or Order, on Mr. Gillespie his Agent on the Frontiers for to let him and myself have passages on the Stage by an Order on President Young. We started for Philadelphia at 4 p.m. and reached there about 9 p.m. We went to Mr. Fenton’s. They were all very much surprised to see us; but very glad. Sammy Fenton has gone to the Valley this season with Bro. Joseph A. Young. My namesake, Geo. Q. Cannon Fenton, has grown very much and is becoming a <very> fine boy.
11 September 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 11/64. Attended a meeting of the Saints at their Hall in Arch near the corner of 8th Street. There were but few present. I spoke first and was followed by Bro. John W. Young. I had considerable freedom.
12 September 1864 • Monday
Monday, Sept. 12/64. We went down this morning to make inquiries about Col. Kane (now, how no longer <Colonel> but General). We met his brother Rob’t. P. Kane, who informed us that the General was out at his place in Elk County. He suffers still from the wound in his leg, which is still open, and has occasional severe spells of neuralgia arising from the old wound in his cheek. He cannot ride; but is able to walk around a little with the aid of a stick. His spirits are tolerably good. His brother is anxious to have an operation performed this winter upon his leg, which the doctors hold out hopes will be successful in healing it. Mr. Kane said he would like us to dine with him before we leave town. In evening went to Walnut St. Theatre with Bro. John W. Young and Mary Elizabeth Fenton and two little girls, companions of Emma Fenton named Emma & Sally McLean, whom Bro. John W. Young invited. The play was Richlieu[,] Edwin Booth being the Star[.] I admired his style of acting very much.
13 September 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Septr 13/64. <Bro. John W. Young and myself> Went down this morning and called upon Mr. Kane and had a brief conversation with him. He is very busy, having been absent <from there> about three weeks. He said he should be happy to do anything in his power for us. Went and visited Bro. Saml Harrison and family. They received us very kindly; but I think that the spirit of the world has more influence with him than the Spirit of the gospel. Br. John W. Young went and visited some relatives of his wife’s by the name of Canfield and returned with them to Mr. Fenton’s with the intention of going to the Negro Minstrels (Carncross & Dixie’s). I accompanied him and afterwards went to their house with them. Two of their companions by the name of Ross sang <with them,> played beautifully on the Piano.
14 September 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept. 14th/64. Called upon Mr. Kane but had to call several times before I saw him. I had some interesting conversation with him about political matters. He is an old-line Democrat; he informs me that Gen. Kane is friendly to the Administration.
Mrs. Kane, the mother of the General[,] called in while we were there and was very glad to see us and expressed her regret that she had no home to invite us to visit her[.] She is living with her daughter.
Called at Sister Snyder’s.
15 September 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 15th/64. I intended to have returned to New York yesterday; but Bro. John W. Young was not quite ready. His eyes are still very sore and he is almost afraid to start West for fear of their becoming worse. Yesterday I omitted to mention that Mr. Fenton received a telegram from his son Samuel F., who is <going home> with Bro. Joseph A Young, dated Julesburg, Sept. 12th, 64 in which he states that they had reached that point all safe. They expected to reach home about Octr 1st. They had been travelling with the last company of our emigrants and had about 500 well-armed men in the party and were quite safe from Indian attacks. We were much gratified and relieved by this intelligence. Started for New York at 2 p.m. The folks regretted to have us go.
Heard Mrs. Wood in the evening burlesque Opera singing in a farce called Jenny Lind. She did her part excellently.
16 September 1864 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 16/64. Called at Mr. Holladay’s this morning. He had gone West. Also at Bro. Miles’. I called upon Mr. Wm Martin of the Chicago, Quincy & Burlington Railroad and had a very agreeable visit. He took me down to introduce me to Mr. Cha’s. E. Noble, the Agent of the Michigan Central Railroad and the successor of Mr. Darius Clark, the gentleman with whom I formerly did business. Mr. Noble was not in. He very kindly sent, a Pass over his line to the Hotel just as I was on the point of starting from the Hotel, a <Free> Pass over the line he represents for Bro. Young & myself. Mr. Martin also gave me a letter of introduction to his brother, Mr. Henry Martin of Chicago, in which he requested him to give me a free pass over their line. As these favors came <to me> unsolicited, I felt much gratified at receiving them. Called also upon my wife, Elizabeth’s cousin Mr. Nicholas D. Herder and had a pleasant but rather brief chat. I gave him our likenesses and he gave me one of his. He regretted that I had not time to do down to Jersey to see the folks there. His Father is still living and smart, though he will be 90 years old his next birth-day. Had to be much hurried to get off at 6 p.m. Succeeded in getting berths in the Sleeping Car which went without changing to Niagara Falls. I met in the cars with Mr. King[,] Postmaster of the House of Representatives when I was at Washington and who was very kind to Capt. Hooper and myself. He introduced <me> to a Mr. Roberts, an important Telegraph man. King was appeared very glad to meet me. He & Roberts & myself had some interesting conversation.
17 September 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept 17/64. Missed our connection at Rochester and [had] to stay until 11 A.M. before we left – the time that we ought to have been at the Suspension Bridge. We had, after reaching the Bridge, to wait there eight hours for the next train. We put up at the Central Hotel and took advantage of this time to go up and visit the Falls, which we had both seen before, however, but which can<not> be viewed, no matter how often, without seeing something in their sublime magnificence to admire. We ascended <the> Biddle Tower and had a fine view in the evening sunlight. We left the Bridge at 11 p.m., having secured good places in the Sleeping Car.
18 September 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 18/64. Reached Detroit between 8 and 9 A.M. and found that we would have to stop until to-morrow morning for a train. Put up at the Biddle House. Wrote to (Insert extract)
Copied a letter for Bro. John W. to his wife’s Cousin in Philadelphia – Elizabeth Canfield.
19–20 September 1864 • Monday to Tuesday
Monday, Sept 19/64. Called upon Mr. Rice, Superintendent of Michigan Central Railroad. We took rail this morning for Chicago, dined at Albion and reached Chicago at about 9 P.M. I had did not see Mr. Hy. Martin but Mr. Harris, Assistant Superintendant, to whom I showed my letter of introduction gave me a pass. We obtained good sleeping accommodation on Car. We reached Quincy,
Tuesday, Sept. 20/64, at about 9 A.M., breakfasted and I called on Mr. Cha’s Meade, Assistant Superintendant of Chicago, Burlington & Quincy RRoad. Crossed in a ferry boat to the Missouri side of the river. The Mississippi is lower now than it has been for many years. We had some trouble in getting across; running aground several times. Changed cars at Palmyra and got dinner & supper combined at Brookfield, and reached St. Joseph betwe about 11 P.M. This road is in poor condition, and though a money-making road, does not do its business with any regularity. A great many bridges have been burned and other damage been done to the Road by rebels and their sympathizers. To prevent such acts troops are stationed along the line, and there are occasionally good block houses near to large and prominent <expensive> bridges. We took train to Atchison and thro insufficient accommodation had to stand nearly all the way. An accident had happened on the road to-day[,] two cars having been overturned and broken up, the passengers having escaped with no very serious injury. We had a very rough crowd on the cars, whose language (the name of the Almighty being used in nearly every sentence) was very disgusting to me. These Western people, as a rule, are dreadfully blasphemous. Every sacred name being used on the most trivial occasions and in the most vulgar associations association – most shocking to hear. I have felt very indignant at listening to their profane and blasphemous expressions. Possessing a lovely land and having had unequalled advantages of government and for accumulating every thing necessary for comfort, they are a miserably degraded set race, and now their blessings are fleeting from their grasp and they seem to be under the displeasure of heaven. The course they are taking will eventually result in their entire destruction. The judgments of the Almighty will sweep them from the land unless they repent and that, too, speedily. From the East where we started to this point I can understand, in hearing these people talk, how the prediction of the Lord through Brother Joseph, respecting men in this generation lifting up their voices and cursing God and dying, can be fulfilled. The familiarity with which and irreverent manner in which they now use the name, will prepare them to curse him when his judgments and calamities come heavy upon them.
From the East, where we started, to this point, the change produced by the war has been very apparent to me, who have been absent with the exception of the few weeks I was at Washington, nearly four years. In the cities there is a great deal of glitter and seeming prosperity. Extravagance in dress and equipages and living and every expenditure, is everywhere apparent. But in the country there is a visible decay, which was is very noticeable. The war is being felt in the almost total suspension of improvements, affording a striking contrast between affairs here and with in our country.
21 September 1864 • Wednesday
Put up at the American House at between 2 and 3 o’clock of the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 21st/64. Breakfasted early and was taken from here in a bus to Atchison crossing the Missouri River in a Steam Ferry Boat. We put up at the Massasoit House. Was introduced by Bro. John W. Young to Gen. Bela M. Hughes, a lawyer who has been out to our country, and who entertains warm and friendly feelings towards us as a people. He introduced us to his son Andrew, and put us in his charge as he was going off to attend a meeting. From what we can learn the prospects for the resumption of the service on the Mail line is not very good, though Mr. Gillespie the Agent here thinks it may be running in about ten days. Andrew Hughes is a very strong Democrat and he spoke his mind very freely to us on the subject of the government and its measures while we were at his Father’s Office. Mr. Holladay is at St. Joseph; but was expected from there to-day. As he did not come Bro. John W. thought we had better return there and see him. We accordingly crossed the river again and after waiting upwards of three hours for the train – until 9 P. M. – we returned to St. Joseph, reaching there about 10.30. We put up at the Pacific House.
22 September 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 22/64. Met Mr. Holladay and Mr. Warren Leland of the Metropolitan Hotel, New York, this morning. The former seemed to be at a loss to know what to do. He could hear nothing from Mr. Otis the Superintendent of the Road who had gone out to stock it and get things in order. While he was talking with us a telegram was handed to him from Mr. Otis, which informed him that the Indians had attacked a John Green’s wagon at Willow Island had <on the 19th> and captured it and killed his five men who were with it, and had killed five soldiers at Cottonwood. The telegram was dated the 20<th> at Plum Creek. The inference to be drawn from the message was that Green (John Y., and a nephew of Pres. Young) was not with the wagon at the time it was attacked. Otis said further that they must have soldiers to guard the stations and he thought Mr. Holladay ought to see Gen. Curtis. At 1 p.m. we returned to Atchison and Mr. Holladay, Senator Pomeroy and Mr. Leland went down to Leavenworth to see Gen Curtis. Mr. Street, paymaster of the Overland Mail Stage Company came in from Fort Kearney this evening and reported matters on the road as being rather favorable; but he had left there before the occurrences, of which Mr. Otis had telegraphed, had taken place.
23 September 1864 • Friday
Friday, Sept 23/64. Mr. Holladay returned with favorable news from Gen. Curtis. and The latter had promised to send out all the soldiers that would be needed to guard the road and make travelling safe. Ate supper at a Restaurant with Mr. A Hughes
24-25 September 1864 • Saturday and Sunday
Saturday, Sept. 24/64. and Sunday. These days have been spent in visiting Gen Hughes’ Office, reading and walking about.
26 September 1864 • Monday
Monday, Sept. 26/64. Saw Mr Holladay this morning. He intends to start for Salt Lake City to-day. Through coaches will not be put on until he first goes up the road and learns how every thing is moving. He thought, at first, that it would be better for us to wait until he telegraphed back from Fort Kearney, but, afterwards, he thought we had better follow on up to Thompson to-morrow and watch our chances to get through. Thompson’s is the furthest point to which the stages run at present. Beyond that the Indians are troublesome. He loaned me $50 – when he found out how much money we had on hand – for which I gave him a draft on Pres’t Young. He also gave us a letter on his Agents authorizing them to let us have anything we wanted – money &c. In case he should be gone from Fort Kearney when we reached there, we had a letter also given us authorizing the Agent there to send us on by the first coach. He loaned us a Ball and rifle to take through. I felt grateful and obliged for his kindness to us. He and Mr. Warren Leland of the Metropolitan Hotel New York, and Mr. David Street, Paymaster of the Overland Stage Line, started about 2 P.M. We bought some extra provisions for use on the road of Messrs Bartholow Bro’s. In evening we went up to Gen. Bela M. Hughes house by his invitation to take tea with him. His son, Andrew, led us up. The General and his wife and daughter received us very warmly. He lives They live here in very good style. The house is a very fine frame and it is furnished elegantly for this western country. The supper was served up in style – there being quite a display of silver ware. Negro servants served at table. A thunder storm coming on in the evening the family insisted upon our sleeping at the house, instead of returning to the hotel to sleep. We had a fine bed and bed-room.
27 September 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 27th/64. Returned to the Hotel and packed up and breakfasted and went over to the Overland Stage Co’s Office. My baggage weighed 90 lbs; 25 lbs were allowed free, which left me 65 lbs to pay for at $1.50 pr lb, amounting to $9750/100. The fare is changed $300 being an increase of $50 since the Indian troubles and $150 within a few months. This made my bill $39750/100 for which Bro. John W Young drew a draft on his Father, including his own bill in the draft. There was another passenger going out on the road to meet his train who started with us and a Messenger belonging to the Line. We started about 9 A.M. Gen Hughes & son, Mr. Butterfield and others coming to see us start. We changed horses about every 12 miles. We ate dinner at a place <called Kinnekuck [Kennekuk]> 24 miles from Atchison. The roads were excellent through last night’s rain, being quite free from dust. The brake of our coach gave us considerable trouble this afternoon. The block slipped out at the top of a very bad-timbered hill and the brake handle slipped forward and struck the off wheel horse, and they the <team> ran away. We had a very narrow escape and came very near being upset. In the afternoon we passed through the city of Grenada, a city of but few houses. Before coming to it we also passed the Kickapoo and Pottawottamie Reserve – a very fine body of land.
We stopped and took supper at Seneca. It commenced to rain in the evening and rained, more or less, all night.
28 September 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept. 28/64. I did not sleep very well last night, not being accustomed to the motion or to sleeping sitting up in a cramped position. I took a heavy cold in the night. A beautiful country – the roads rather heavy through the rain[.] Breakfasted at Rock Creek Station 120 miles from Atchison. Crossed the Little and Big Sandy – the latter place is about 40 miles from Atchison and 110 from Fort Kearney. Here some of the folks ate dinner, not feeling well in my stomach I did not eat. We drove from here over to Thompson’s Station, <about 12 miles>. The Stages have been running no further West than this point and our driver demurred about taking us further, as he had no orders to this effect. The messenger tried and we tried to induce him to go on, but all to no purpose; he would not move. Mr. Holladay had left here this morning; but without leaving any word respecting us. It rained heavily all afternoon. Slept on the floor in the house.
29–30 September 1864 • Thursday to Friday
Thursday, Sept. 29th/64. We made our minds with the Messenger to borrow a harness and take a span of the Stage Coy’s horses, which were here, and go on this morning to Yulick’s, 16 miles from here, where we had reason to believe there would be horses. When our driver found that we were bound to go on anyhow, he came to the conclusion that he might as well go on with us himself as to be left here without a coach to return with. After breakfast we hitched up and drove on. We found a change of horses at Yulick’s and we then drove on to Little Blue – 12 miles from Yulick’s and 28 from Thompson’s. Here we found another team and driver and we left the one who had brought us thus far. Bro. John W. Young and myself gave him $5 between us for the extra labor he had been at in bringing us forward. We left our fellow-passenger Mr. Jno. A. Nye of Coloardo [Colorado] and Idaho –he having places of business in both Territories – at this point. We next changed at Buffalo Ranch and then at Spring Ranch. At this point we met two coaches with through passengers from Denver, the first who had come through since the Indian difficulties. They had a number of horses &c along to stock the road. We next changed at the Muddy, and here we took on a driver who drove the coach to Fort Kearney, changing horses three times. We reached Fort Kearney at about 2 o’clock of the morning of Friday, Sept. 30th/64. We moved out of the coach into one that the man in charge of the coaches told us would be the one we would have to go in to-day. We learned that Mr. Otis would be going West to-day, which pleased as we <are> both acquainted with him and he is the General Superintendent of the Overland Stage Line. We slept tolerably well until morning.
From the passengers who came through on the Coach from Denver this morning we learn that the Indians had fired into a train <last night> on Plum Creek close <which was> camped close to the station and the soldiers’ quarters and had killed at least one man (we afterwards learned that two more men were wounded). They <(stage passengers)> were at supper at the time, and having ladies with them, had concluded to push out this way as fast as they could. Mr. Holladay was at supper there at the time of the occurrence. All along the road that we came yesterday, after leaving Thompson’s until dark, there were burnt houses & stations & other disagreeable evidence of the vengeance of the Indians. A number of people had been killed at various points which we passed and the whole country had been deserted. To make matters worse the militia that had been raised in Kansas & Nebraska to come up here and fight the Indians, had on many instances plundered <robbed> the Stations and Ranches of every thing they could conveniently carry off. Goods also which the freighters had unloaded at the Stations in their panic, had been extensively plundered & destroyed until scarcely a fragment could be found. We heard some very laughable cases of thieving, <one man having been seen with his horse loaded down with monkey wrenches,> and this militia had in a very brief space of time acquired a very unenviable reputation. The majority <of the people> declare that they had done more mischief than the Indians themselves. There have been no adequate measures taken by the military authorities to put an end to these Indian troubles, and I see no probability of their being soon ended unless more vigor is infused into their operations[.]
Mr. Holladay telegraphed this morning that no more coaches were to be sent West; but telegraphed a second time that they were to be sent on as usual. Mr. Otis, Mr. Street and Mr. Geo. Lloyd, Division Agent here, treated us very kindly. We had a new coach provided us, and Mr. Otis, Bro. John W. and myself got in. There were seven men altogether; but the others were all outside. We left Fort Kearney about 2 P.M. <having changed horses twice on the way.> We reached Plum Creek, where there were some troops, just at dark, and two soldiers were put on by the Officer in command as an escort. We had just reached the station – about three fourths of a mile further than the Post – when the Coach from the West with about 14 men on board drove up. They were much scared, and were very voluble in their description of the danger they had <just> escaped. About 4 or 5 miles back on the road as they were passing a an <abandoned> ranch known as Tom French’s, and just after the coach had passed it, they were fired upon <twice> by some Indians who made their appearance from behind the house. Both shots struck the coach; one entering in the corner, passing through the post just above the head of the passengers, & after breaking one of the bows, lodging in the roof; the other entered the lamp & was stopped by the steel candle spring of the lamp. The driver stopped the coach; but the passengers insisted on his driving on. It was <a> very narrow escape for them, as the inside of the coach was full <of people> and the top was also covered. It seems remarkable that no one was hit. Though a serious matter, I could not help laughing at some of their language & descriptions, they were so ridiculous. One of the passengers, in describing the occurrence, said that when the ball struck the coach, one of the soldiers, who was sent with them as an escort, was sitting inside, and he pushed him out as quick as he could so that he could have a chance to fight the Indians; “he was not a fighting cuss,” he said, “himself, and as the other had been sent along as an escort he wished him to have every chance at the Indians.” We could see the blaze of the burning house <from> where we were, the Indians having fired it after the coach passed. My mind was to go on, as I thought we would really be more safe after dark than in the day-time, and I thought that the Indians, knowing soldiers to be near, would be likely to go off as soon as they had set fire to the house for fear of being pursued. The driver was a little averse to going on, and Mr. Otis thought we had better stop there for the night. The passengers on the other coach did the same. We slept in our coach.
1 October 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept. 31st <Octr 1st>/64. We started after breakfast. I felt that our trip, if made successfully, must be made by faith and through the protecting care of our Heavenly Father. Last night’s occurrences and the shooting killing of a man and the wounding of two others near this spot the night before has caused a fear to fall upon almost every person, and shows very plainly that the Indians are daring and mean mischief to all whom they can attack with impunity. We changed horses at Willow Island, [blank] miles from Plum Creek, and near to the spot where the wagon and men of John Y. Green was attacked and massacred by the Indians. From here we drove about 30 miles to Gilman’s Ranch before changing again, passing Midway Station. We passed a number of teams and soldiers on the road this afternoon. We reached Cottonwood station which is about 1½ miles or 2 miles from the Fort. At the Fort I met with Capt. Porter, who was is out with his men for 60 days in pursuit of Indians, and whom I formerly knew in Omaha, where he acts as the Agent of the Hannibal & St. Joseph RRoad. At Cottonwood Mr. Otis had <to> stop, rather unexpectedly to him, to attend to some business. He kindly gave us a letter to the Agents & Employees of the line informing them that we were “especial friends” of Mr. Holladay’s and that they were to use every exertion to make our trip to Salt Lake “comfortable, safe & pleasant.” We regretted to part with [him] as he is a clever, gentlemanly man and a pleasant companion to travel with. We had an excellent meal at this Station. We were joined here by a young man from Philadelphia & an acquaintance of Bro Saml Y. Fenton, by the name <of John Thos. Bladen,> who is going on to Denver. Our escort of two soldiers from this place were two boys, the youngest of which might have readily passed for 13 or 14 and the eldest for 16 or 17 and I do not think they were much older. They slept in the boot all the way. The driver said he would as soon have two cats along as guards as to have them. It really seems farcical to send such boys with a coach as an escort against Indians.
2 October 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Octr 2nd/64. Rained in the night and was very dark, and we did not make such good time.
Breakfasted at Alkali, changed at Diamond Spring and one or two other places and reached Julesburg at about 5 p.m. We telegraphed from here to President Young. Here we took supper and were joined by a young man by the name of Wm H Adams, a dentist, from Great Salt Lake City and a member of the Church, who had been down to the States on business and was now returning. At the second place where we changed after leaving Julesburg, <28 miles> the driver found one of his horses sick and refused, despite our remonstrances, to go any further until morning.
3–5 October 1864 • Monday to Wednesday
Monday, Octr 3rd/64. We left a sick German here this morning who joined the Stage yesterday. <Last night was> A very cold night, there being <was> considerable ice this morning. We travelled the 22 miles to the Valley Ranch, where we changed horses & drivers. We took supper at the place where we changed the second time after leaving Valley Ranch – a distance of 29 miles from the latter place. Changed twice once before reaching the Junction. We changed horses and driver here, and several times between there & Latham, which place we reached between 5 and 6 o’clock in the morning of
Tuesday, Octr. 4/64. The last night was very cold, and there was considerable frost. The Black Hills lay before us this morning in great beauty and grandeur, from the summits half-way down being covered with snow. The coach that we should have connected with left here at 10 o’clock last night, and we are now under the necessity of waiting here, much as we dislike to do so, until this evening before we can go on. I have showed Mr. Otis’ letter; but the Agent says he has no power to vary from the specific instructions which he has received. Had some conversation with Mr. McIlvain, the Agent, who is sick abed with the pleurisy. He is a liberal-minded man, and entertains very favorable views of us and our proceedings. A Denver Coach, a Salt Lake Coach and an Eastern Coach came in between 5 and 6 p.m., and we started West about 7 p.m. Changed mules once; at the second place where we ought to have changed animals, two of the mules were gone and the driver declined going any further until morning. The name of this place is LaPorte, and it is 35 miles from Latham. We reached here a little after one in the morning of
Wednesday, Octr 5/64. Bro. John W. Young and Bro. Sharp and myself bought us each a buffalo robe apiece here. After breakfast we started with four mules instead of six. Passed Virginia Dale & <Cooper’s Creek> and other places where we changed teams and <& at the two former places> drivers. We ate supper at Big Laramie. Our night’s ride was a very rough one and I did not sleep any.
6 October 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, Octr 6/64. Conference day and how much I wish we were at-home to participate in the precious privileges of this season. We breakfasted at Elk Mountain Station near Fort Halleck, and here met the coach going East which left Salt Lake City on Sunday. We drove to North Platte, <30 miles> changing once on the road, and reached there about noon. Here we changed coaches, having entered upon another division of the road. Jack Gilmore, the division Agent from this Point to Green River, was here and accompanied us. We crossed the North Platte by fording. From this point to Green River is a complete desert, with an oasis here and there and the water is very bad. At Pine Grove Station the surroundings are rather pretty and antelope and elk abound. We changed horses here and once before reaching here. We crossed Bridger’s Pass, 26 miles from North Platte, and Sulphur Springs in the night. Near these latter Springs we presume we passed Bro. Warren S Snow’s train, in which were Bro’s. John M. Kay, Geo. Halliday, Thos O King and a portion of the Saints which crossed from London to New York in the Amazon. A cold night.
7 October 1864 • Friday
Friday, Octr 7/64. We passed a large company of Saints <in camp> this morning <who are> travelling under Capt. Wm Hyde, among the Elders <persons> with him were Elders Neslin, McCune, John L. Smith, Louis A. Bertrand, Parley P. Pratt and Alex Ross. There had been forty deaths in the company since they started and many were still suffering from a species of typhus fever. They were exceedingly glad to see us and it was almost with difficulty that we could tear ourselves away from them. Bro. Hyde came up, having been out with the stock, just before we started. His health is not very good; but has been full as good or better since he has been on the road as it was at-home.
We travelled on and reached the head of Bitter Creek about 2 p.m. We had to wait here for our sometime for the mules to be brought up to carry us forward, and while we were waiting here, Bro. Hyde drove up in his carriage. His company were following up & would be here by 8 p.m. We found Bro. Wimmer here with provisions & help for the companies. We slept but little to-night, the road being rough.
8-9 October 1864 • Saturday to Sunday
Saturday, Oct. 8/64. We travelled rather slowly to-day, and lost the six hours start that we had at when we left North Platte. We met the Coach which left Salt Lake City on Thursday, and Mr. Gilmore, the Agent, returned with it and we pursued our way towards Green River.
We reached Green River about 1.30 p.m. We met several brethren here who had come out with flour and help for the companies. Three of them waded the river to see us: Bro’s. James Lamb, Hy. Luke & Philip Smith. The former had crossed the plains with me in 1860 and we were glad to meet one another. We urged them to make their flour as secure as possible here and for the rest to go on with all the help they could to meet the trains and assist them. Now, that we are across Green River and are in our own Territory I feel much better than I have felt. It seems as though we are near home. Green River does not look so well here as it does above where I have crossed it. The country here is very desolate looking and there is scarcely any timber fringing the water. Passed Bro. Houtz’ mule train after starting. Changed animals two or three times and reached Millerville at 2 o’clock in the morning of
Sunday, Octr 9/64. The two coaches from the City <one of> which was due <in> this the morning night and the other this morning had not come to hand and there were no animals or driver to take us on further. Bro. John W. Young offered our last night’s driver $5 to take our coach on to Fort Bridger – 12 miles distant – which he did, after breakfast. We learned here that the first coach due had broke down at Yellow Creek.
We left Fort Bridger between 2 & 3 p.m. Changed horses several times and changed our driver at Bear River, where we took supper.
10 October 1864 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 10/64. We found ourselves at the mouth of Echo Kanyon on the Weber this morning at daylight. By offering the driver a premium of $5 he agrees to drive us in at extra speed so that we can reach the City before sundown. The morning is very cold. Inquired at Coalville for Bro. Wm Peck. He is the husband of my wife, Sarah Jane’s sister Olive, and my wife’s mother is living with him. My wife also spent the <last> winter here with her Mother. He lives so far off the road that it is out of my power to see him if I keep on with the Stage. The road is pretty rough up Silver Creek. I am surprised at the improvements there have been made in Weber Valley and throughout this section. The grain stacks of hay and grain to be seen on all sides, give evidence that Nature has bountifully repaid the labor of the husbandman. Passed Bro. Wm H Kimball’s place and called into see him. He is the eldest son of President Heber C Kimball. During the troubles with the United States in 1857-8 he was appointed General of the Standing Army which we were raising. Being an adjutant of that organization, and my time being almost solely occupied with that business, I had frequent opportunities of seeing Bro. Wm H Kimball. I admired him very much, & then thought him that he was one of the most promising men in the Church. I was much shocked at seeing him this morning and witnessing the change which had taken place, and of which I had heard considerable. He was considerably the worse for liquor, though quite early in the day, and his face was <so> very much bloated as to <have> changed the his features & their expression. He seems to have become a regular sot, and keeps a small grocery, where he peddles liquors &c. When I saw the wreck of this once noble man I felt very sad and I deeply sympathized with this family who must feel deeply his degradation. Oh how cursed are the effects which follow this baneful habit!
We changed horses at a Station about two miles from Wm H Kimballs and drove slowly from there until we reached the divide; from there we drove rapidly to Hardy’s Station (belonging to Leonard W. Hardy) where we again changed horses. The road down Parley’s Kanyon was very dusty and full of chuck holes. We had Capt. Baldwin inside with us from this last Station to the City. He spoke very favorably of the energy and progress of the people. The view which gladdened our eyes as we emerged out of the Kanyon on to the bench was very beautiful and heart-cheering – a four years’ absence enabled me to appreciate it and to gaze upon it with delight. I could see many new buildings which had been erected since I left home, conspicuous among the rest was the Theatre – a very fine structure. In passing through the streets, there were very few points which I recognized. Emigration Street, every stone of which I was formerly so well acquainted with that, had I been dropped there, I could have told where I was by the appearance of the ground, I we travelled on for several blocks without my recognizing it. We were carried to the Stage Office and from there up to the President’s Office. Main or Whiskey Street has undergone great changes since I left home. It looks more like the Street of a Gentile City than one <a street> in Zion. Gentiles throng it & many of their evidences of civilization are to be seen all around. Bro’s. W. S. Godbe and Jennings have two <a> magnificent Store each on the opposite corners of this Street and 2nd South Temple Street. Bro. Jennings’ is finished and occupied; Bro. Godbe’s will not be ready for use for a month yet. President Young was not at the Office; he and the leading brethren were at a Party at the Social Hall which was convened for the purpose of having the Members of Zion’s Camp meet together. It was Thirty years had elapsed since that Camp had journeyed up to Missouri, for led by the Prophet Joseph, for the redemption of Zion. Our meeting with President Young, was most warm and the brethren, was most warm and cordial. He embraced us very heartily and bade us welcome home in an affectionate manner <terms.> The brethren prepared food for us, which we ate, being the first meal we had had to-day. Uncle John Taylor came, with other brethren, and sat with us while we ate. The President desired us to go home and clean ourselves and come back to the party and bring our wives with us. I was taken down in a carriage and received a fond welcome from my wife, Elizabeth and the my children, John Q. and Abraham H. and our adopted daughter, Rosey, and Grandma Goodfellow. My wife Sarah Jane and my son Franklin J. and my brother Angus, who wa is up from the South at to attend Conference, also came in and I met them with pleasure. The folks felt that they would rather stay at home, under the circumstances, than go to the Party, so I went alone. The party was a very pleasant one and much good instruction was given. Bro. Brigham called on myself and Bro. John W. Young to speak. We did not separate till about 2’ o’clock in the morning of Tuesday the 11th of October. The meeting was adjourned to meet <until> that day next year.
6 November 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 6th/64. Attended morning meeting at the Tabernacle. Bro’s. Talbot, Thos O. King and John Y. Gerber spoke, followed by Bro. Wilford Woodruff. In the afternoon Bro’s. Warren S. Snow, Wm Fotheringham and Geo. Halliday spoke and Bro. Brigham followed in some excellent remarks (Extract from sermon)[.] Attended Quorum meeting with Bro’s. Brigham, Woodruff and Taylor. I opened by prayer; Bro Brigham was mouth in the Circle. It rained in the evening. I attended meeting in the 13th Ward School House. I spoke, and was followed by Bishop E. D. Woolley. I did not have that freedom which I desire to have in speaking to the people. After meeting I went with Bro. Godbe, who is Bishop Woolley’s counsellor, to his house and ate Supper with him.
7 November 1864 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 7/64. Bro’s. Bull and Bentley and their wives and Sister Griffith’s and her children took supper at the house and spent the evening with us.
9 November 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 9/64. Drawing out instructions for Elders F. A. Hammond and Geo. Nebeker, Missionaries to the Sandwich islands.
10 November 1864 • Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 10/64. Finishing instructions and writing letters for the brethren to take with them. The brethren started to-day, having first been set apart under the hands of Presidents Young and Kimball and Elder Wilford and myself. They evinced considerable feeling, especially Bro. Hammond. May the Lord bless and preserve these brethren, and enable them to accomplish their Mission successfully. Attended <the> Bishops’ Friday, Nov. 11/64. meeting this evening in company with Pres. Young. He spoke upon the propriety of the Bishops taking measures to prevent persons with disfigured faces &c coming to meeting without covering their faces – the effect of such sights is injurious to women in a delicate condition. The opening of a canal between the upper part of the Jordan and city was discussed and a Committee of eleven person chosen to give shape and organization to the company. President Young expressed his feelings very strongly in favor of the speedy completion of that part of the canal from Cottonwood to the City, so that the granite rock for the Temple can be brought by boat to there. He offered to contribute, as Trustee-in-Trust $50,000 towards the Canal. He thought the company ought to calculate on having $500,000 worth of stock in the Canal.
Thursday, Nov. 10/64. At the Office and wrote two or three letters.
11 November 1864 • Friday
Saturday <Friday>, Nov. 11/64 Wrote two letters this morning. Made preparations and started at a few minutes past noon in company with President Brigham Young and one of his wives, his sons Joseph A. and John W., Bro. Wilford Woodruff, Col. R. T. Burton, Bro. Geo. D. Watt & wife, Bro’s. Zebulon Jacobs and Geo. Crisman and Wm Streeper, the last two named were with Bro. Woodruff. I rode in the carriage with Bro. Geo. D. Watt and wife. The horses were Bro. Joseph A. Young’s and the carriage the President’s. The day was beautiful and the ride a very pleasant one.
We reached Kay’s Ward about 4 p.m., and I stopped with the most of the brethren at Bishop Cristopher Layton’s, who treated us with great kindness. In the evening Bro’s. John Taylor and Geo. A. Smith came up from the City. Uncle Taylor had his wife Jane with him.
12 November 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 12/64. The meeting commenced at 10 o’clock this morning. The Meeting House is a very fine one – the only fault being the lowness of the ceiling. The house is [blank] feet long and [blank] feet wide. Bro. Geo. A. Smith, John Taylor and Joseph A. Young [blank]
5 December 1864 • Monday
Monday, Dec. 5/64. I received $50 in gold to-day from Bro. Wm Taylor on the order of his brother, Thos Taylor, to whom I advanced the money in 1863. I went had an interview with Bro. Wm S. Godbe, and he offered to take that the money and use it for my benefit and give me the profits that would be gained by the exchanging.
6 December 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Dec. 6/64. My wife Elizabeth gave me $20 in gold coin and $4.25 in dust that she had on hand. The former she had obtained by selling several articles of clothing, and the latter her sister Mary had given her. Besides this, I had $5 in gold that Bro. Wells gave me in L’pool for carrying him some things home. I handed these amounts to Bro. Godbe, and he gave me his note for $8025/100 in gold coin, being the amount which I handed him altogether.
7 December 1864 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Dec. 7/64. Wrote to Bro’s. Wells and Brigham, Jr, and sent them a draft for £62.5.0 drawn on their Office in my favor, which I wished applied to pay that amount borrowed by me from the funds in the Office while I was there to pay a liability which I had incurred by going security for David Savage. I felt very pleased to have it in my power to pay this as it has been a source cause of much trouble to me. Besides this I sent a draft also drawn by Bro. Albert Carrington in my favor, and which the I wished credited to me in that Office. My object in sending this was to have the amount (£26.17.4½) credited, if not all, at least the greater part of it, to my account – that is, to offset the money advanced to me to pay my passage home.
10 December 1864 • Saturday
Saturday, Dec. 10/64. Busy at the Endowment house most of the day. I sealed [blank] couple to-day. Went to the Theatre in the evening and took my wife Elizabeth with me.
11 December 1864 • Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 11/64. Attended meeting to-day. Bro. Taylor preached in the forenoon a very edifying discourse. In the afternoon I spoke and was followed by Bro. Brigham. The meeting was a very excellent one. From the meeting went to the Quorum meeting. There were five of us present: President Brigham Young, Bro’s. Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Geo. A. Smith and myself. Took supper with Uncle and Aunt and my wife Elizabeth at my brother Lambert’s who is the husband of my oldest sister, Mary Alice. I then went to the <Seventh> Ward meeting and addressed the people; had excellent liberty.
12 December 1864 • Monday
Monday, Dec. 12/64. Busy at the Office until evening when I went with my wife wives to Bro. Franklin D. Richards’ to spend the evening. Bishop Hoagland and his wife Rebecca was there, also a Mr. & Mrs. Jones who do not belong to the Church and who board at Bro. Richards’. Bro. R. had two of his wives, besides his first wife, there. One of them is my wife Sarah Jane’s mother. Had a very pleasant evening’s association.
13 December 1864 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Dec. 13/64 Busy at the President’s Office writing letters &c. Invited by him to accompany him to dinner at <his son’s> Bro. Joseph A. Young’s. There were several of his family present.1
29 September Reactions of wife Elizabeth to Cannon’s marrying another wife
1 October Efforts to make peace with American Indians
16 November Brigham Young “showed how contemptibly Congress had acted towards us.”
25 November “Very little attention paid to” soldiers marching through the city
7–8 December Elizabeth’s labor pains and delivery of a daughter
15 December Cannon’s father-in-law, Abraham Hoagland, blessed baby Elizabeth Hoagland Cannon, and then Cannon later blessed the baby.
7 July 1865 • Friday1
Friday, July 7th/65. Myself and wife, Elizabeth started from the City this morning for Provo. We did not start for half an hour after Bro Brigham Young and did not come up with him and company until we reached Lehi where we took dinner together in the School House. After dinner we started for Provo; it threatened with rain all the time. In coming across the point of the mountain to Lehi we had a very heavy shower. We stopped at Bishop Miller’s at Provo City.
8–9 July 1865 • Saturday and Sunday
Saturday & Sunday, July 8th & 9th Held meetings in the Bowery; a good attendance of the Saints and excellent attention was paid by all the people. After eating in the evening of Sunday we started to Springville. We put up while there at Bishop Aaron Johnson’s.
21 September 1865 • Thursday
Friday Thursday, Sept. 21/65. I went down from Bro. John D Lee’s at Harmony, where we stopped for the night, to Bro. Joseph L. Heywood’s to breakfast. Sarah Jane accompanied me. We started for Cedar City a little after 9 A.M. I was taken very sick on the road and came near fainting. Bro’s R. T. Burton and A. M. Musser administered to me. I went without eating the remainder of the day]1
Thursday, Sept. 21/65. I went down from John D. Lee’s at Harmony to Bro Joseph S Heywood’s to breakfast. My wife Sarah Jane accompanied me. Bro <Lorin> Farr and daughter and neice were there. Started for Cedar City a little after 8 A.M., passing the ruins of Old Harmony by the way. I was very sick on the way and came near fainting and was administered to by Bro’s R T Burton & A. M. Musser. I fasted the remainder of the day. After bathing in the Creek, in company with Bro Wm Streeper, at Cedar City, I felt somewhat better. Read papers for two or three hours to the President. The people had prepared a public dinner which I did not attend. A party in the evening I attended and danced twice.
22 September 1865 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 22/65 Felt somewhat better this morning. Wrote out a decision given yesterday by Bro. Brigham in the case of Saml Hamilton & Wm Hunter respecting a Farm sold by the former. Breakfasted at Bro. John M. Higbee’s. Attended meeting. Bro. Wilford Woodruff, Geo. A. Smith and Lorenzo Snow spoke. Had half an hour’s intermission when we again met. Bro’s. Benson, myself[,] Bro. F D Richards and the President Young spoke. We had an excellent meeting and I enjoyed considerable freedom in speaking. We bade Bro. Hy. Lunt and family, with whom the President and myself stopped, good bye, and started directly after the meeting to Parowan, which place we reached in 2½ hours. We took dinner or supper at Bishop Warren’s (he is off on a Mission to England.) In the evening we held a meeting with the people of Parowan. Bro’s. F. D Richards, E. T. Benson and myself spoke. I ha We had an a very good meeting; I enjoyed considerable liberty in my remarks. After meeting I accompanied Bro. F D Richards with Bro. Benson to la administer to a child named Dalley, a little girl, who has had a severe sickness which has left her entirely deaf and partly blind, through her deafness she has nearly lost the use of speech. Bro. Franklin was mouth in anointing and I in administering. We stopped at Bro. Dame’s.
23 September 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, Sept. 23/65. We started early this morning. Before starting I went and saw Sister Burnham, whom I had known on the Sandwich Islands when there on a Mission. She is a widow, her husband having died in 1859. They were very kind to the Elders while there. She is very poor and has three children – two girls and a boy. We stopped at Bishop Murdock’s at Beaver, which place we reached after a dusty drive of about 6 hours.
24 September 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Sept 24/65. Went up to Bro Saml White’s to breakfast. Had two meetings here to-day. In the morning Bro’s. Woodruff, Benson and myself spoke. In the afternoon Bro’s. Lorenzo Snow, <Franklin D. Richards>[,[ Geo. A. Smith and Brother Brigham spoke. The meetings were excellent. I enjoyed (as well as the other brethren) an excellent flow of the Spirit. Busy between the meetings in company with Bro. Brigham who was conversing with Bro. A. M Harmon about putting him up the wood work of for the machinery and the building of the Cotton Factory. After the evening meeting went up with Pres. Young to look at a hill belonging to Bro’s. Barton & White, the former’s share he wished to buy out, but his offer, though a good one, Barton was unwilling to accept.
25 September 1865 • Monday
Monday, Sept. 25/65 Drove from Beaver to Fillmore, stopping two hours at Corn Creek, on the way. We ate at Bro. John Webb’s[,] an uncle of my wife Eliza L. Reached Fillmore after night. The dust to-day has been excessively disagreeable. Stopped at Bishop Callister’s.
26 September 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 26/65. Breakfasted at Bro. Melville’s who gave us grapes and peaches[.] I forgot to mention that my brother David came up to us at Beaver on his way to Conference at the City. Meeting at 10 A.M. in the State House. Bro’s. Lorenzo Snow, F. D Richards, myself, C C Rich, and E T Benson and Bro. Brigham all spoke. From meeting we started for Round Valley, which place we reached about 5½ p.m. Very dusty travelling in consequence of the wind. I put up with Bro. Thos Yates who had been a Traveling Elder in England while I was there and who lived in a dugout; we stopped there as we went South.
27 September 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept. 27/65 Started early this morning. Stopped at Chicken Creek and fed our teams. During the time we stopped here I read newspapers to Bro. Brigham which we obtained from the Mail wagon as it passed here. Drove to Nephi and reached there about 2 p.m. Held meeting at 5 p.m. Bro’s. F. D Richards, C C Rich myself and C C Rich spoke upon union and were blessed in so doing. The Spirit led us to speak upon this subject, and I think the people needed instruction as they had ran three men for the Legislature and had had a regular scrub race to the disgust of the right feeling and well-informed portion of the people and had achieved the unenviable notoriety of being the only county in the Territory that had had division in an election. Had a dance in the evening at the Music Hall, which passed off very well.
28 September 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, Sept. 28/65. We were aroused this morning very early by the brethren who had charge of the teams moving around the house. We stopped at Bishop Bryan’s. The House was a frame and unplastered and every noise was distinctly heard all over the building as much almost as though it were made in a drum. We reached Santa Quin about 9.35 A.M. I borrowed Bro. Musser’s buggy and Sarah Jane and I rode on to Payson, the rest of the company stopping to feed their animals at Santa Quin. Eliza My wife, Eliza, was at her Mother’s at Payson. She fixed up and accompanied me from there to the City. The Company reached Springville a little after 3 p.m. In the evening held meeting, Bro’s. L. Snow, E. T. Benson and W. Woodruff spoke. We slept at Sister Boyer’s.
29 September 1865 • Friday
Friday, Sept. 29th/65. Started directly after daylight for Provo. Breakfasted at Bishop Miller’s. Started about 9 A.M. for the City, stopping at Lehi on the way for dinner. We stopped at Bro. Naile’s but ate at a public dinner expressly prepared for us. When near the <Big> Cottonwood we met an escort from the City and we went into the City with considerable display, a band of music from the City accompanying us. The streets were lined with people and to see us, and several flags were displayed. [I met up with my wife and children; they were all doing well health wise, but my wife was upset with me for taking another wife to my house right now. I tried to speak kindly to her, and remind her but it was useless; she was not comforted whatsoever by me. I was extremely troubled by this matter, and so I prayed mightily unto the Lord to help me and to change my wife’s heart towards me. On the morning of the Sabbath day she cried a lot and my heart was pained for her. I expressed extensively to her that the thing causing her perplexity was that she was listening to the Evil spirit, and it was necessary for her to repent immediately regarding this matter. I spoke to her in this manner because I knew that she was weak and also that she was ashamed of her behavior. I was very happy after conversing with her because I knew she had repented of her acts and she wanted me to forgive her if I could. I told her that I could forgive her numerous times, every single day, if I knew she was repentant.]2
30 September 1865 • Saturday
Sunday Saturday, Sept 30/65 Busy at the Office all day, except the time spent in the Endowment House – about three hours – where I sealed a number of persons, and among the rest Bro. H a wife to Bro. Hy G. Boyle. Took dinner with Pres. Young and afterwards went out a riding with him.
1 October 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 1/65. Attended meeting at the Bowery this morning and afternoon. I spoke and was followed by Bro Franklin D. Richards in the morning. In the afternoon Bro. Woodruff spoke, and as soon as he sat down up jumped Rob’t. Williams – a man that is little better than crazy – and spoke for about 20 minutes. Bro. E. D. Woolley followed. The meetings were very excellent, and a good many strangers were present. Attended quorum meeting at 5 p.m. The propriety of making peace with the Indians who had <been> committing depredations was asked by Pres. Young of the Twelve. It was deemed wiser to do this than to fight them. [Col. Irish, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, related to the President that he would be giving him clothes and other miscellaneous things to be given to the Indians for them to stop their fighting, and the President deemed that they should give all those these resources to them in order to stop this warring and also to save the lives of our brethren, to keep them from dying in war.]1 I spent the evening writing <a letter for Bro. Brigham> to the President Hyde, the Bishops, Presiding Elders and brethren of Sanpete Co. and up the Sevier, informing them of our intention to make them presents and try and secure a peace; also a letter to Bro. D. B. Huntington requesting him to find Sandpitch and inform of our wishes and for him to send an indian messenger to the disaffected Indians informing them of our wishes. what we want and asking them to come in and make peace.
2 October 1865 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 2/65. Busy writing at Office all day.
3 October 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 3/65 do. do.
4 October 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 4/65 do do
5 October 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, 5/65 do. do. Had an attack of chills this evening. I came home and spent the evening with Bro. Naile and his wife. My wife Elizabeth went <had gone> to the Theatre this evening in company with her sister-in-law, Adelia Hoagland before I got home. A little before <i thought> the Theatre would let out I went there to escort them home.
Da My brother David and his folks and my sister Elizabeth spent the afternoon at my house.
6 October 1865 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 6/65. Met in Conference this morning, being the first Semi-annual Conference that I have had the privilege of attending in this City for 16 years. President Heber C. Kimball spoke at some length, and was followed by Bro. Alfred Randall who gave a description of his mission to the Sandwich Islands. In the afternoon Bro. Erastus Snow described the condition of the Settlements outside the rim of the Basin and afterwards spoke excellently on principle. He was followed by Bro. Rich and Bro. Hyde, describing their <his> places place of residence – the former at Bear Lake and the latter Valley.
7 October 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 7/1865. President D. H. Wells arrived this morning very unexpectedly. We were not expecting him until to-morrow and a telegram which he sent from Bridger to Pres. Young was not delivered until after his arrival. Several brethren calculated to go out to meet him with the band and an escort; but his early arrival disappointed them. He looks pretty well considering the fatiguing journey which he had just finished. He attended meeting this forenoon. Judge Phelps, Bro’s. Hyde and Geo. A. Smith, spoke in the forenoon and Bro. Brigham and Elder Taylor in the afternoon. The first business this afternoon was the presenting of the authorities to the Conference for their the Saints’ votes. Bro. Brigham called upon me to present them. A vote was taken to continue this Conference until the Servants of God should feel to say that is enough. It was on this point that Bro. Brigham spoke, and he did so very spiritedly. Bro. Taylor spoke powerfully upon the gospel. Bishop C. W West and his wife Mary (my wife Elizabeth’s sister) and Adelia Hoagland took supper at my house, with Bro. J. C Naile and folks who came here on Thursday to spend Conference.
8 October 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 8/65. Bro. Brigham called upon me to speak this morning, which I did to a very large congregation. I enjoyed great freedom and power which I feel to thank God for. Bro. Geo. A. also spoke in <a> very happy and effective manner. In the afternoon Bro. Wells spoke lengthily and was followed by Bro. Brigham in a few remarks that contained many sermons in a short space. We met between 5 and 6 p.m. in our quorum circle meeting. There were present Bro. Brigham and Bro. Wells of the First Presidency and all <of> the twelve apostles who are in the Territory with the exception of Bro’s. Woodruff and Lyman who are sick. There were nine of the Twelve present. The propriety of sending teams down this coming Spring to help up the poor was discussed and a motion was made and carried that we send down 500 teams to help up the poor. It commenced storming, and we adjourned to Bro. Brigham’s Office, and spent a very agreeable evening there conversing on various subjects. Elders John Taylor, F. D Richards and myself went and administered to Bro. Woodruff.
9 October 1865 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 9/6 A rainy day. Met in Conference in the Tabernacle; Bro’s. F. D. Richards and Lorenzo Snow spoke. In the afternoon I was called by Bro. Brigham to read the article published in the News of Aug. 27, 1865, on the works of Bro. Orson Pratt. Bro. Brigham occupied the remainder of the afternoon, excepting a few remarks that Bro. E. T Benson spoke.
10 October 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct. 10/65. The Convention met to-day; but I could not attend being engaged in the Endowment House all day. Seventy-three persons were endowed and 53 sealings were performed, I sealing all of them with some 4 or 5 exceptions. The day’s work was a heavy one. Attended Zion’s Camp Party in the evening; ♢♢ my wife Elizabeth accompanied me. The party was a very agreeable one, considerable speaking and singing being done by the brethren as well as dancing. The food was excellent.
11 October 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Oct. 11/65 Busy in the Office.
12 October 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 12/65 do. do.
13 October 1865 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 13/65. Busy at the Office. Took dinner at <with> Bro. Brigham at his beehive house, where Sister Lucy D Young lived, Bro. Erastus Snow and wife and son and daughter dined there also.
14 October 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 14/65. Attended Endowment House and sealed, among other labors, 25 couple. Bro. Brigham sealed 1 couple and Bro Heber 8 couple.
15 October 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 15/65. Met at the Tabernacle to-day. Brother Wm Willes and President D. H. Wells occupied the forenoon, and Bro’s. Joseph W Young and Amasa M. Lyman the afternoon. Attended Quorum meeting. Bro. Brigham was absent, being very sick with a cold; also Bro. Heber. Bro’s Wells, Taylor, Woodruff, G. A. Smith, A. M. Lyman, Erastus Snow and myself were present, and Brother Joseph F. Smith. My health was poor, having caught a severe cold.
16 October 1865 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 16/65 Spent the most of the day at the Historian’s Office with the Twelve selecting Missionaries to strengthen the Southern Settlements. Spent the evening with Pres. Young in his bedroom, where he has been confined since Saturday evening by sickness.
17 October 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 17th, 1865. In the Office most of the day; but felt very sick from cold. <My brother David started home to-day>
18 October 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 18th, 1865. Attended Endowment House, and among other labors, sealed 8 couples. There were 13 couples sealed; Bro. Heber and I did the sealing. In the Office the balance of the day and evening. I have felt somewhat better to-day. My wife Elizabeth gave my feet a good soaking in hot water and put a hot flat-iron to them after I got into bed, which threw me into a profuse perspiration.
19 October 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 19/65. Busy in the President’s Office all day.
20 October 1865 • Friday
Friday, 20/65. [My first wife was upset this morning about my going to pick up my wives and take them home from the theatre last night. The two of them simply went by themselves, but I thought it was necessary for me to go there for them and to accompany them from the theatre to my house because of the large number of strangers and ill-spirited individuals at the door and on the street in front of the Theatre hall.]2 At the Endowment House to-day. there were 59 persons who received their endowments, and 30 <Thirty couple> Sealed. Bro Heber sealed 7 couple and I 23 couple. Busy at the Office. I was called Saturday, Oct. 21/65. upon this evening between 9 and 10 to go to the 6th Ward to administer to Sister Thomassen formerly from Copenhagen, who is possessed of an evil spirit. Bro. Priestly came for me.
21 October 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 21/65 Went down again this morning in Company with Bro. F. D. Richards and Joseph F Smith to administer to Sister Thomassen. At 2 P.M. accompanied Bro. Brigham to the Endowment House, and he called upon me to seal couples, among the rest a second wife by the name of Watts to Bro. E. L Sloan. After which we drove down to Bro. Hooper’s where we dined. There were present: Presidents Young and Wells, Bro. Geo. A. Smith, Gov. Durkee, Mr. Head, the Gov.’s friend and private Secretary, Jas. Street, Waddy Street, Mr. Tracy, Treasurer of the O. M. Stage Co., Col. Irish[,] Super’t. Indian Affairs, Mr. Jone’s and myself. The dinner passed off very pleasantly.
22 October 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 22/65. Went to meeting this morning; Bro’s. Geo. Reynolds, F A. Hammond and I spoke. In the afternoon I accompanied Bro. Brigham to the Endowment House where Bro. Wm C Staines took to himself another wife, a widow of Thos S. Williams, maiden name Priscilla Mogridge. Went to the Tabernacle and reached in time to say Amen to Bro. Woodruff’s remarks. Attended Quorum meeting at 5 P.M. Bro’s D H Wells, Woodruff, Geo. A. Smith, Joseph F Smith and myself were present. I took supper at Bro. Woodruff’s. In evening went to 14th Ward Meeting. Bro. Woodruff spoke and I followed.
23 October 1865 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 23/65. Busy at Office all day. I returned home at supper time, and went to the Office again and stayed until 10 P.M. reading sermon for Press to the President. [243 Hawaiian words redacted because they address deeply personal matters between Cannon and his family.] [My heart is extremely saddened by this matter, and I pray to God that he will help me and give me wisdom and also show me the right path to take because I greatly desire with the energy of my soul to do the works of my Father in Heaven, and [pray] that he will redeem me and my wives and my entire family. It is God who will help me and bless me because of Jesus, and this is my prayer to him. Amen.]3
24 October 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct. 24/65. Went to the Endowment House. Busy in the Office the remainder of the day. In the evening accompanied Bro Brigham down to the Theatre, and stopped while they performed two acts of the “Lady of Lyons.”
25 October 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Oct 25/65. I was quite sick all day, considerable pain in my bowels attended with a dysentery and a touch of flux.
26 October 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 26/65. Busy in Office all day. Received a letter from John S. Hittell, Editor of the Alta California, an infidel who took considerable interest in my efforts in publishing the “Western Standard”, introducing E. W. Perry, Esq., an artist of considerable distinction. He also had two letters of introduction for <to> President Young. The news this evening from the last company (W. S. S. Willis Captain) is that they are 40 miles East of the Sweetwater, 380 miles from this City, and that the snow is two feet on the level and four feet in the hollows. Steps are being taken by Pres. Young to send out more help to that Company.
27 October 1865 • Friday
Friday, Oct. 27/65 The news from the Emigration is very saddening and I feel to sympathize with their condition exceedingly. Went to the Endowment House this morning. Bro. H C Kimball sealed 5 couple and I 13 couple.
28 October 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, Oct. 28/65. At the Endowment House. I Sealed 9 couple and Bro H C Kimball one couple
29 October 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 29/65. My son John Q. was brought home by Bro. Naile from Lehi last night. We were all delighted to see him. Attended meeting morning and afternoon. Bro’s. Mathew Lyon, Wilford Woodruff, Finley C. Free and myself spoke in the forenoon. I had good liberty. Bishop Sharp spoke in the afternoon. Attended Quorum meeting after the afternoon meeting; Bro’s. Brigham, Woodruff, John W. <Young> and myself were present. In the evening I attended meeting at the 7th Ward and spoke and [had] excellent liberty.
30 October 1865 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 30th/65. Busy at the Office. I took dinner with Bro. Brigham at Bro. John W. Young’s. I went with Bro. Brigham to Savage & Ottinger’s gallery where he gave Mr. J. Wood Perry, Jr., a sitting for a portrait.
31 October 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct. 31/65. Busy at Office. Went with Bro. Brigham again while he gave another sitting for his portrait.
1 November 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 1/65. Busy in Office writing Circular to the Bishops respecting a Telegraph Wire. Rode out with the President. I omitted to write in Monday’s proceedings that I accompanied Bro. Brigham to the Telegraph Office and he held a conversation with Bro. Thos Taylor at Sweetwater Bridge. The people are well; but Bro. Geo. Sims was drowned while after cattle in North Platte. How sad I felt over this intelligence, for I loved Bro. Sims; he was a man of guileless innocence and childlike simplicity. Bro. Taylor says there is help enough sent out now.
2 November 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 2/65. Accompanied Pres. Young in his carriage to the Encampment on the Jordan in the Church pasture to see the brethren who are out training. Sis. Amelia Young and Mrs. Julia Dean Hayne, the actress, were also in the carriage. There was quite a number of carriages along; all the principal Elders were in company as well as the Governor (Durkee) and the federal officers of the Territory. We passed in the carriages in review of the troops and then the carriages and the Commanding General and Staff took their positions and the troops <marched> passed. in I was delighted with the appearance of the officers and men, and every thing passed off very creditably. Several gentlemen (strangers) remarked to me that they had never seen a Militia gathering that appeared to so good an advantage as did our people to-day. The troops were then formed into a <hollow> square, and after prayer, which I was called upon to offer, Gov. Durkee, Elder John Taylor and Gen. D. H. Wells made remarks. Col. Rob’t. T. Burton was then elected unanimously Major General in place of Geo. D. Grant who resigned his position. We took dinner with a great number of visitors in Gen. Clawson’s tent.
3 November 1865 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 3/65. My wife Elizabeth’s birthday. She is thirty years old to-day. Busy in the Office.
4 November 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, 4th/65. Busy in Office. The militia marched into Town in fine style to-day and paraded in front of Pres. B. Young’s
5 November 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 5/65. Attended meetings in the Tabernacle. Elders M. P Romney, Jr.[,] C B Taylor and President Kimball spoke in the forenoon and Elder John Taylor in the afternoon. attended Quorum meeting. Pres’s Young, Kimball & Wells were present and Bro’s. Taylor, Woodruff, Joseph F. Smith and myself. Bro. Brigham proposed a certain course for Capt Hooper to take at Washington <with> a <view> relation of our <to our> admission as a State for us to counsel upon. Bro. Geo. A. Smith disapproved of it and spoke warmly on the subject. The President said no more and told me afterwards that whenever a proposition met with any opposition in the Council he dropped <it> as not being right to carry out. Unanimity must be had to give any matter force. I Preached in evening at the 8th Ward and had good liberty.
6 November 1865 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 6/65. Busy in Office and out riding with Bro’s. Brigham and Wells.
7 November 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 7/65 At Endowment House, sealed 26 couples. In the evening in company with quite a company composed of Presidents Young & Wells and several brethren and sisters in the Green Room of the Theatre listening to music on the Piano by Mrs. Gen. Roberts. The evening passed off agreeably. Bro. Brigham’s daughters played and sang. Gen. Roberts <also> sang; his voice was very fine.
8 November 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 8th/65 Busy in Office[.] In evening went to the Theatre with Bro. Brigham and Uncle John Taylor to see the play of Evadne. Our folks (especially David McKenzie and John S. Lindsay) played excellently well.
9 November 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 9/65. Accompanied Pres. Young to get his photograph in a standing position for Mr. Perry to paint his attitude &c from. Afterwards accompanied him to sit for Bro a portrait for Bro. Dan. Wegeland. Busy at the Office in the evening.
10 November 1865 • Friday
Friday, 10th, 1865. At Endowment House. Sealed thirty couple and wrote a letter for Bro Heber C. Kimball to his sons David, Cha’s. and Brigham. Dined with Bro. Brigham. Busy writing in Office the remainder of the day and evening.
11 November 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, 11th,/1865. Arose early this morning and obtained a span of horses from Bro. Godbe and a carriage from Bro. Brigham, and went over Jordan in company with Bro’s. Geo. A. Smith, F. D Richards and Geo. B. Wallace – the latter President of the West Jordan Canal Co. – to look at some land with a view of obtaining a farm. At the Endowment House. Bro Heber C. Kimball sealed 4 couple; Bro. Wilford Woodruff [blank] couple, and myself 9 couple.
[from back to front]
Small red cow 5 <or 6> years of age, white face, <& between horns> lined back, two hind legs white about half way down, white tail and belly; branded G. I,AMBER’I’ on nigh horn. A faint brand on her hip [picture of a curl on top of a J]
Daniel C. Sill to go on a Mission in Spring if it meets to Pres B. Young’s mind
26 of Sept. 1864 Died
6 ʺ Oct 1817 Born Bury
Buried 7 miles this side of Little Laramie
Baptized in Fall of 1841 at St. Helens by Saml Crier
Ordained an Elder by John Allen. Travelled after baptism and preached in neighboring villages & towns.
[Seven pages of extracts from Macaulay’s History of England:] Extracts from Maucaulay’s History of England, 2nd Volume of 8vo Edition, page 83. [Selections also from pp. 264, 292, 298, 403, 515]
[The remainder of entries of 1865 come from daybook v. 8.]
Accounts of various speakers and the lengths of times of their talks. Some of these are overwritten.
[One entry begins:] June 13th, 1869, Ogden [followed by speakers and the length of times of their talks]
[back to front: expenses; subscriptions to Juvenile; note dated Nov. 1st/69 Promised $75 towards hauling rock; also a load of wood for poor; other notes]
Source Note
Daybook, 1865–1870
George Q. Cannon, Daybook, 12 Nov. 1865–20 Jan. 1866; 10–26 Dec. 1866; 15–19 Apr. 1869; 30 Oct.–21 Nov. 1870; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; seventy-nine inscribed pages of journal text, thirty-three inscribed pages of financial and other notations, and two blank pages; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Small pocket-size notebook measuring 5 × 2¾ × ½ inches (13 × 7 × 1 cm). The white, unlined paper of the text block also measures 5 × 2¾ inches. The text block is made up of fifty-six leaves and two flyleaves, one at the front and one at the back. The endpapers are light yellow. The cover is pasteboard covered with green lace material. The edges of the text block are painted with gold paint. The inside front cover had attached to it a seller’s label, no longer extant. A plain white archival sticker on the front cover bears the typed call number “Ms d 5504 | fd 4 v. 8”.
Cannon’s daybooks were donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one of his grandsons at an unspecified time.
12 November 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 12, 1865. [38 Hawaiian words redacted because they address deeply personal matters between Cannon and his family.]
I attended meeting to-day at the Tabernacle: Bro’s. Alfred Lee and Minor G. Atwood, returned missionaries, spoke and <did> well. In the afternoon Bro’s. Winberg and Swenson, spo returned missionaries, also spoke and I followed. In evening I attended 14th Ward Meeting[.] Bro. John Taylor spoke and I followed and had good liberty.
13 November 1865 • Monday
Monday <Nov> 13th/65.> Busy at Office. I was gratified this morning at Bro. Ott catechising my boys John Q. and Abraham H.; he is their schoolmaster. John Q. read from the French Book of Mormon first in French and then gave a free translation in English, and did so very readily. Busy at the Office.
14 November 1865 • Tuesday
<Tuesday, Nov 14th/65.> Visited in company with Pres. Young and Bro. Carrington Bro. Hooper previous to his starting to Washington to represent us as Delegate in the Halls of Congress. From there I went with Bro. Brigham to visit Bro. Geo. B. Wallace’s first wife. Reports had reached Bro. Brigham’s ears respecting the condition in which Bro. Wallace suffered her to live and he wished to ascertain it for himself. Bro. N. Davis, Bishop of the Ward, accompanied us. The President gave her some money and told the Bishop to take up a collection in the Ward and to make her and her children comfortable and if he lacked anything he could draw $100,00/100 from him in clothing, groceries, &c.
15 November 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 15/65. Busy at the Office. In evening went to the Theatre with President Young, as we were going down Bro. Orson Arnold and his company bringing in all the women and children passed us on their way to the Tithing <office> yard. Rainy and stormy to-day
16 November 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, 16/65. At the Office[.] Bro. Brigham does not feel very well to-day. Attended Bishops’ Frida meeting this evening. Presidents Young and Wells and Elders John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, F. D . Richards were present. The object in attending the meeting was to counsel the Bishops and the High <City> Council, some of whom with the Mayor were present, to take steps to organize a police force to maintain peace and good order in the City this Winter. We <that is, the apostles> all spoke and the President closed. His remarks were wise and exceedingly forcible. He showed how contemptibly Congress had acted towards us in their mean attempt to curtail us in our rights and privileges by passing laws to restrict Churches in the Territory from owning more than $50,000 of property, aiming directly at us. “The poor fools,[”] said he, “did not look far enough to see that Brigham Young could own millions of property and no one could touch it, and that he could hold all in his own name.” He spoke in the most withering and scornful manner of them and their course. I felt considerable of the spirit in making my remarks.
17 November 1865 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 17/65 At the Office all day.
18 November 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, 18/65. At the Endowment House; Bro. Heber C. Kimball sealed 8 couple; I sealed 29 couple. Attended Theatre in the evening for a short time.
19 November 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, 19/65. Attended meeting morning and afternoon at the Tabernacle. Bro’s. Pixton and Geo. W. Grant and Pres. H. C. Kimball spoke in the forenoon and Pres. B. Young in the afternoon. No circle meeting, the door being locked and most of the brethren being absent. Attended 13th Ward Meeting, and had an excellent meeting; Bishop E. W. Woolley followed in a characteristic discourse of 50 minutes length in an endeavor to raise $130 to purchase a stove.
20 November 1865 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 20/65. Busy in Office.
21 November 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 21st. Started early in company with Bro. Brigham and a number of other brethren up City Creek kanyon to see a Steam Saw Mill belonging to Pres. B. Young but put into operation by Bro. Joseph A. The circular saw cut an inch and a quarter at a stroke and made about [blank] strokes a minute. We had a very pleasant time. The view of the Lake and Skull Valley and part of Stansbury Island which we obtained through an opening in the Mountains down the kanyon was very beautiful – the distance was about 75 miles.
22 November 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 22/65. At Office all day. Bro. Brigham was very sick all to-day, having an attack of pleurisy and bilious cholic. I with some other brethren administered to him. We had a Circle Meeting this evening to pray for him – Bro’s. D. W. Wells, Taylor, Geo. A. Smith, John W. Young and myself were present. We then went over to his room and administered to him. As near as we could tell, the very moment that we met in the Circle to pray for him Bro. Brigham was relieved from pain.
23 November 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 23/65. At the Office all day. Bro. Brigham was seized <again> with the pain that had been troubling hm. H was relieved about 11 A.M. Bro. Joseph A. started to Washington, Washington Co. to-day. I sent some money, $11450/100 in gold, by him to my brother David who had sent up Greenbacks to exchange from gold; also 77 dollars to pay for cotton that I want. With Bro’s. Heber, Wells, and Geo. A. Smith in Bro. Brigham’s room. He was feeling much better and was sitting up in a chair.
24 November 1865 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 24/65. Bro. Brigham was feeling quite weak to-day.
25 November 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, 25/65. Connor’s men marched through the City this morning on the way over Jordan to have a review. There 20 platoons of cavalry and 13 of infantry and 8 Cannon; each platoon was supposed to have 24 men in it. The intention doubtless is to make an impression on us and to create some excitement. There was very little attention paid to them as they passed along and I thought their appearance inferior to our Militia. Brother Heber sealed 5 Couple and I 6. At the Endowment House; Bro. Heber sealed 5 and I 6 couple.
26 November 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov 26/65. Met in the Tabernacle. Bro. Joseph Young spoke in the forenoon and myself and Bro. Wells in the afternoon; there was an excellent spirit. Met in Quorum; Bro’s. Wells, Woodruff, Geo. A. Smith, Joseph F. Smith, John W. Young and myself were present. Attended Ward meeting in 14th Ward; Bro. D. Candland and Joseph F. Smith spoke and made some excellent remarks; I followed for about 15 minutes.
27 November 1865 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 27/65. Pres. Young is still improving. Busy at Office.
28 November 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 28/65. Rode out with Pres. Young to-day. In evening went with Bro. J. C. Naile to the Theatre to see the play of Lesbia or the Lion of St. Mark performed. Sat through the evening with the President in his private box.
29 November 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 29th/65. <The> President spent some time in the Office.
30 November 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, 30th/65. do. do.
1 December 1865 • Friday
Friday, Dec 1st/65. At the Endowment House to-day. Bro. Heber C. Kimball sealed 3 couple and myself 35 couple. It commenced storming heavily.
2 December 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, 2nd/65. do. do. Bro’s Heber and Woodruff sealed [blank] couple and I one couple.
3 December 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 3/65. Attended meeting to-day at the Tabernacle. Bro’s. John Van Colt and E. L. Sloan spoke in the forenoon, and Elder John Taylor with great power in the afternoon. Attended quorum meeting[.] Bro’s Wells, Taylor, Woodruff, G. A. Smith, Joseph F. Smith and myself were present. In evening attended meeting at the 15th Ward and spoke to the people.
4 December 1865 • Monday
Monday, Dec. 4/65 The weather is very clear and cold. Busy at the Office.
5 December 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 5th/65 do. do. do
6 December 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 6, 1865 do. do. do.
7-8 December 1865 • Thursday to Friday
Thursday, 7/65 do. do. do My wife Elizabeth was taken with labor pains this evening before I reached home. She sent for her Mother and Sister Emily and Sister Harrington, the midwife. My Sister Mary Alice and her husband, Charles Lambert also dropped in. The pains passed off for awhile and I persuaded all the women to go to bed and I sat up. I awakened them about one on the morning of Friday, Dec. 8th/1865. At [blank] minutes before 2 o’clock she was safely delivered of a daughter. The two last throes were very severe. The delivery was a good one; but longer than is usual with her. The midwife said that the cord was round the neck of the child three times and this was the cause of the delivery being longer. At the Office yesterday and at the Endowment House. Bro’s. Kimball and Woodruff sealed 10 couple and I sealed 22 couple. In the evening there was an opening Ball at the Social Hall, to which I was invited. I took my second wife, Sarah Jane, there, and remained until about half past ten. Besides the First Presidency and <several of the > Twelve and the company usually invited to the Hall, there was Governor Durkee and his Secretary, Mr. Head, Mr. Perry, the Artist, Mrs. Hayne, <actress,> Mr. and Mrs. Leslie, <the actors,> Mr. and Mrs Jones, Mr. Halsey, Mr. Waldon, the actor.
9 December 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, Dec. 9/65. At the Endowment House. Bro. Woodruff sealed 19 couple and I 11 couple.
10 December 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Dec 10/65. Cold, stormy morning . Attended meeting[.] Bro. David Evans, Bishop of Lehi, spoke and I followed. The congregation was small, the smallest I have ever seen in the Tabernacle; but there was an excellent spirit and I felt very free. With the President all afternoon. Attended quorum meeting: Bro’s Woodruff, G. A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson, Joseph F. Smith and myself were present. Bro. C. C. Rich and Joseph C. Rich, his son, came in this evening from Bear Lake Valley. It was snowed heavily. Monday, 11th To-day is the Anniversary of my first wedding, with my wife Elizabeth. Eleven years to-day we were married.
11 December 1865 • Monday
Monday, Dec. 11/65. The Legislature convened to-day. I have been elected a Member of the Council. The Council organized and <the Members> were sworn by Secretary Reed. Bro. Geo. A. Smith was elected President and Patrick Lynch and Samuel Pitchforth, Secretary and Assistant; John Smith Serjeant-at-Arms; Wm Dan. Brown, Messenger; Joseph Busby, Foreman; Joseph Young, Chaplain. A few items of business were attended to and the Council adjourned. At the Office the remainder of the day. Eleven years to-day on my return from <my mission to> the Sandwich Islands I was elected Messenger to the House; Bro. Jedediah M. Grant, Speaker.
12 December 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Decr. 12/65. Bro. John W. Young’s only son died suddenly last night. He is also sick. I visited him and with Joseph A. administered to Sister Young[,] Joseph and John’s mother. The Governor’s Message was read by Thos Bullock, to the Joint Session Chief Clerk of the House, to the Joint Session, Governor Cha’s. Durkee and Secretary Reed being present, having been introduced to the Assembly by a Committee of Members. The Message was a good document to have been written by a Governor who was is not of us. Bro. Amasa M. Lyman and his son Lorenzo and Bro. Cha’s. C. Rich and his son Joseph C. stopped at my house, intending to remain during the Legislative Session.
13 December 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Dec. 13/65. At the Endowment House. Bro. Woodruff sealed [blank] couple and I sealed 7 couple. Afterwards repaired to the Council. Busy at Office during remainder of the day.
14 December 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, Dec. 14/65. Busy at Office and at the Legislative Council. Writing instructions on behalf of the President to Hon. Wm H Hooper.
15 December 1865 • Friday
Friday, 15th/65. We have had very cold weather for several days. It is snowing again this morning. At Office and afterwards at Legislative Council. I had a number of friends at my house to dinner intending to have a blessing meeting. My little daughter was named Elizabeth Hoagland Cannon after her mother. Uncle John Taylor was mouth by direction of Bishop Hoagland, my Father-in-law, who thought that being Bishop of the Ward it was his right to take the child in his arms and either bless it himself or call upon any other person to do so. The Bishop, Uncle Taylor and Bro’s. Amasa M. Lyman and Chas. C. Rich join with me in blessing the child. I was not aware that the Bishop was going to take this course until he called upon Bro. Taylor. After the company had withdrawn I blessed the child myself. Sister Bull was present and she had a daughter blessed, I being mouth.
16 December 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, Dec. 16th/65. Snowing heavily. At the Endowment House. Bro. Heber C. Kimball sealed 3 couple and I sealed 24 sealed couples.
17 December 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, 17th/65. The snow fell very deep last night—being the heaviest fall of snow we have ever had a one time since we settled the Valley. In afternoon attended Meeting; Bros. Hy. Walters, Hy. C. Fowler, Hogsted and Kemp all spoke; the two last are Scandinavians. Attended Quorum meeting. Bro’s Wells, Hyde, Woodruff, <Geo A. S> L. Snow, E. Snow, Joseph F. Smith and myself were present.
18 December 1865 • Monday
Monday, Dec. 18th/65. At Office and Legislative council.
19 December 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 19th. do. do
20 December 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 20th do. do
21 December 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, 21st do. do My wife, Eliza L. Tinney, started on a visit this morning to her mother’s at Payson.
22 December 1865 • Friday
Friday, 22nd. Busy at Office and at Legislative Council. Wrote a Biographical Sketch of the Prophet Joseph Smith for the “Juvenile Instructor” also a Salutatory for that paper. My wife, Eliza, returned this evening; the snow was so deep they could not proceed around the Point of the Mountain South.
23 December 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, Dec. 23/65. At the Endowment House. I sealed 12 couple and Bro. Woodruff 2[.] At the Office during remainder of day.
24 December 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 24. Snowing heavily all day; excessively disagreeable. I stopped at home all day in company with Bro. C. C Rich.
25 December 1865 • Monday
Monday, 25th. The children were up early in search of their Christmas gifts. At the Office part of the day. We had a Christmas diner, at which all the family were present and Bro’s Lyman & Rich and their sons, Joseph C. and Lorenzo. In evening I attended the Theatre.
26 December 1865 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Dec. 26/65. Busy at Office all day. Snowed again during evening. We have had more snow this winter, thus far, than we ever had here since our Settlement.
27 December 1865 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 27/65. At Office and at the Territorial Council. The day is fine
28 December 1865 • Thursday
Thursday, 28th/65. At Office and at Council. Sat for my portrait to Mr. E. W Perry.
29 December 1865 • Friday
Friday, 29th/65. do. do.
30 December 1865 • Saturday
Saturday, 30th. At Endowment House; Bro. Heber C. Kimball sealed 3 couples and Bro. W. Woodruff 2 couples.
Sat again for Mr. Perry to paint my portrait.
31 December 1865 • Sunday
Sunday, 31st. Attended meeting at Tabernacle; Bro. Jacob Gates spoke in the morning and Bro. Amasa M. Lyman in the afternoon. The latter’s remarks on the education <& training> of children were very excellent. Attended Quorum meeting; Bro’s. Hyde, Taylor, Woodruff, G. A. Smith, Lyman, Benson and Jno. W. Young and myself were present. In evening Bro. Lyman and myself attended meeting in the 14th Ward School House; the Bishop called upon me to speak, which I did, and was followed by Bro. Woodruff.
1 January “God had chosen” Orson Hyde, “and it was not for man to oppose and fight him.”
10–20 January On 19 January wrote “a Memorial to Congress to repeal the Anti-Polygamy act”
23 December Brigham Young’s counsel in respect to “our dealings with the Merchants”
1 January 1866 • Monday1
Monday, January 1st, 1866. The Twelve Apostles, or that portion of them which were in town—Orson Hyde, John Taylor, W. Woodruff, G. A. Smith, A. M. Lyman, E. T. Benson, C. C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, F. D. Richards and myself—met at the Historian’s office at 10 A.M., and at 30 minutes past 10 proceeded in a body to President B. Young’s Office to pay our respects to him at this the commencement of another year. He blessed us all. We then proceeded to <President> Heber C. Kimball’s and Daniel H. Wells, who also were much gratified to see us, and also blessed us. The interview with Bro. Heber was particularly interesting. I have rarely, if ever, seen him to better advantage than he appeared this morning. He told <prophesied to> President Orson Hyde that though men had tried to ride him in the past, that whoever should do so should be rode until his back would be as sore as ever his (Bro. H’s) had been—that God had chosen him and it was not for man to oppose and fight him; for he that did so, would find that he was butting against a rock. He said that what he now said applied to all of us the same as to Brother Hyde. He spoke words of comfort to Bro’s. F. D. Richards and Amasa M. Lyman. The spirit of prophesy rested powerfully upon him, and I think all felt much softened (I was quite melted) by what he said. We called upon Gov. Durkee, Mayor Smoot and the Sisters Orson Pratt and then repaired to Elder John Taylor’s where we all took dinner together. Altogether this was as pleasant, if not the most pleasant, day that I have spent since I have returned home.
2 January 1866 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Jan. 2/66. At Office and Legislative Council.
3 January 1866 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 3rd, do. do.
4 January 1866 • Thursday
Thursday, Jan. 4/65 [66]. At the Legislative Council and at the Office.
5 January 1866 • Friday
Friday, 5/65 [66]. do. do. do.
6 January 1866 • Saturday
Saturday, 6/65 [66] At the Endowment House. Brother Kimball sealed 2 couple, Bro. Woodruff 10 and I 1 couple. At the Office.
7 January 1866 • Sunday
Sunday, 7/65 [66]. Attended meetings at the Tabernacle. Bro. L. H. Harrington spoke in the morning and Bro. Orson Hyde in the afternoon. Attended Quorum meeting: Bro’s. Hyde, Taylor, Woodruff, Smith, C. C. Rich, L. Snow, E. Snow, Jos. F Smith and myself were present. After which, upon invitation of Pres. B. Young, I went over to his house to attend the funeral of his wife, Ellen Rockwood Young, who died yesterday. Bro’s. Geo. A Smith, Woodruff and Rich also went along. Bro. Joseph Young, Son, spoke and Bro. Brigham followed. We all repaired to the grave and were there blessed and dismissed by President Young.
8 January 1866 • Monday
Monday, Jan. 8/65 [66]. Attended the Dedication Meeting of the New City Hall. The First Presidency and Twelve and the Members of both Branches of the Legislature, and the Governor and Secretary of the Territory and the Mayor and City Council and some few others invited to be present, were there. After calling the roll of the City council, and we then had a song from Bro. Wm Willes. I was called upon to offer the Dedicatory prayer, which I did, though somewhat nervous from my inexperience in the enumerating the technicalities of building and the phrases used. But I did the best that I could. After the prayer we had another song, then remarks from <Mayor Smoot>[,] Governor Durkee, Geo. A. Smith, John Taylor, President Young and President Kimball,
In evening with my wives Elizabeth and Sarah Jane[.] I attended a Banquet at the City Hall. The City Council furnished sleighs to carry us there and back. The building has an elegant exterior and the rooms up stairs were beautifully finished and made the best suite of rooms for a Ball that I have seen in the Territory. The banquet was very fine, and with the dancing and opportunities for conversing with friends were much enjoyed.
9 January 1866 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Dec. [Jan.] 9/65 [66]. At Office and Legislative Council. Attended the funeral of Sister L. H. Gibson, the wife of Elder Wm Gibson, now on a Mission to Great Britain, and the principal actress among our performers at the Theatre. She has been living at Bro. Brigham Young’s since Bro. Gibson’s departure for Europe. By request of Bro. Young I spoke and was followed by Bro’s. Joseph Young, Sen., D. H. Wells and himself. We all followed her body to the grave.
10–20 January 1866 • Wednesday to Saturday
Wednesday, Jan 10/65 [66]. The Juvenile Instructor, a child’s paper, which myself, Bro. Wm H Shearman and E. L. Sloan have commenced publishing, my name being attached as Editor, was issued to-day for the first time. At the Office and the Legislative Council.
From this time until the Legislature adjourned I was busy at the Office and in the Council. The last of the Session was a very arduous for me. A School bill, which was passed by the House, came up to the Council and was so very badly worded and compiled that it was referred to the Committee of Education; Bro. Lorenzo Snow was Chairman and himself and I worked at it until we completely remodelled it. The last evening of the Session a Memorial to Congress to repeal the Anti-Polygamy act was suggested, and the subject was referred to the Committee on Memorials and I was appointed to act with the Committee, which I did and wrote the Memorial which passed unanimously both branches that evening. About Midnight Jan. 19 – Friday –the Secretary furnished <us> while in Joint Session with some crackers[,] cheese and oysters, and brandy and wine to those who would drink. We did not adjourn until after 5 A.M. of Saturday, Jan. 20th, 1866, tired out.
Sunday, Jan. 21st
Saturday afternoon I had a party at my house at which the first Presidency and Twelve were present: Presidents B. Young, H. C. Kimball, D. H. Wells and all of the Twelve except Bro. O. Pratt, and his wife was there; Bro’s. Joseph A. and John W. Young were there and also Brigham Jr’s wife.
10 December 1866 • Monday
Monday, Dec. 10/66 I resume my writing in my Journal, after a stoppage of nearly 12 months. In reading what I have written it is very interesting, and I now regret that I have not kept up the practice regularly; my only excuse for this neglect is the press of business. I have been very busy indeed. My duties in the Office and writing for and publishing the Juvenile Instructor.
This day the Legislature convened. Being a member of the Council I met with it. Geo. A. Smith was elected President of the Council; Patrick Lynch was elected Secretary and Cha’s. W. Stayner, Assistant Secretary; John Smith, Patriarch, was elected Sergeant-at-Arms; Frank H’y. Hyde, son of Orson, was chosen Messenger and Joseph Beesley, Foreman.
11 December 1866 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Dec. 11th/66 Met in Council and then in Joint session where we listened to Governor Durkee’s Message – a pretty good document for such a man – a Gentile – to deliver. Bro. Rob’t. L. Campbell, Chief Clerk of the House read it.
12 December 1866 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Dec. 12/66. Busy at Office and at the Council
13 December 1866 • Thursday
Thursday, Dec. 13/66. At the Endowment House and at the Office and Council.
14 December 1866 • Friday
Friday, Dec. 14/66. At the Office during the forenoon and at 1 p.m. met with the Council. Busy at the Office until between 9 and 10 p.m.
15 December 1866 • Saturday
Saturday, 15th/66. At the Office and then the Endowment House.
16 December 1866 • Sunday
Sunday <16th> and through the week busy as usual.
23 December 1866 • Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 23/66. Pres H C Kimball spoke in the morning, and I met between meetings with the Circle with which I was connected and over which I presided. In the afternoon Pres. B. Young spoke respecting our dealings with the Merchants. The counsel has been given of late to the people to deal with their friends and especially with our own brethren in preference to doing business with any body else. Some of the brethren in their zeal in talking to the people on this subject had counselled them to not deal with any Gentile, and if they did, they would be disfellowshipped. This had made a great stir among the Gentiles, and they had come out with a card signed by 23 houses, offering to sell out their goods and other property and improvements at a cash valuation, with a deduction of 25 per cent; but all their outstanding accounts must also <be> paid. They sent a copy of the Card to Pres. B. Young and another for publication as an advertisement to the Telegraph. Bro. Brigham wished me to write a reply to the Card, which I did on Friday, the 21st. He thought He told me how he wanted it written, and it was handed to the Telegraph for publication and appeared on Saturday, the 22nd, over his signature. This had an excellent effect.
Attended Council after the afternoon meeting, the subject of the second anointing was alluded to, and the President said that he was desirous that they this ordinance should be attended to. In the evening went with Bro. C C Rich, at his request, to the 15th Ward meeting. Bro. <Edward> Stevenson was speaking when we went in. Bro. Rich followed, and then I spoke for about half-an-hour.
24 December 1866 • Monday
Monday, Dec. 24/66. Met in the Council and attended to the business of legislation. Also busily employed at the office.
25 December 1866 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Dec. 25/66 At the Office in the former part of the day. Had Bishop Hoagland and his wife (my father-in-law and mother-in-law) Bro. Chas Lambert and his wife (my sister Mary Alice) Lucas Hoagland (my wife Elizabeth’s brother) his wife; my Uncle <Elder John Taylor>[,] and [two illegible words] Uncle John Taylor Leonora and Bro. Rall and his two wives at dinner and spent the evening at home.
26 December 1866 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Dec. 26/66. 42 [blank]
[written at a later time:] Virgen city came out to meet 80 scholars Sunday School
Bro. [blank] Jepson Superintendent
sing a song]
15 April “We should obey the laws which God revealed gladly.”
15 April 1869 • Thursday1
Thursday, April 15/69 Started to-day about ½ past 1 p.m., having my wife Elizabeth with me. The promise was made to me that my buggy, which I was having repaired and a caleche top made for it, would be ready first thing this morning; but when I sent my brother Angus and nephew Geo. C. Lambert for it they returned to inform me it would not be done for some time. I had promised Bro. Brigham, Jr., that I would try & be ready at 8 A.M., as he intended to start at that time; but I could not. My adopted son, Geo [2 illegible words] I sent early in the morning in Brigham, Jr’s., baggage wagon. We traveled steadily along & reached American Fork at 7.15 p.m. The people were gathering for the meeting, which had been appointed by President B. Young as he went through to Provo, yesterday, for Brigham, Jr. and myself. We went to Bishop L. E. Harrington’s and ate supper & then repaired to meeting. Bro. Brigham, Jr., was speaking. I followed and spoke about law and the effect obedience to law would have upon the people. We should obey the laws which God revealed gladly. They were for our elevation. He had revealed celestial principles and was giving to us, according to our strength, celestial laws. Those who obeyed the Word of Wisdom, tithing, celestial marriage, obedience to the priesthood and consecration would receive the blessings affixed to them, and they were nearer to God, to Jesus & the angels than those who did not obey these laws. There was an excellent spirit & I felt well; but I noticed the members of the choir preparing their music and selecting their hymn to sing, & acting as though they thought it was time to sing, so I remarked that as I saw the singers were preparing to sing I guessed it was time to quit and I sat down. The Bishop & people were disappointed; but it was 5 minutes of 9 & really time to close. But the singers were confused & could scarcely sing. My wife & myself stopped at Bro. Robinson’s.
16 April 1869 • Friday
Friday, April 16th/69. Pres. D. H Wells stopped at Battle Creek, or Pleasant Grove, & held meeting. We passed him there; but he took the lead into Provo. The President we found at his residence there, and he wished us to stop with him.
17 April 1869 • Saturday
Saturday, April 17th We left the women at Provo & the elders went to Springville and held meetings there in the new meeting house, which was opened for worship <to-day> for the first time. I rode over in Bro. Wells’ carriage. Bro. Wells offered the dedicatory prayer. The President spoke in the morning, and President Joseph Young & Elders W. Woodruff and H. S. Eldredge in the afternoon. We took dinner at Bishop A. Johnson’s and returned to Provo, The Meeting House at Springville is 64 x 40 and is handsomely finished with a fine gallery inside. The vestry is the & entrances to the galleries are the width of the building, and over the vestry is a prayer room 15 feet square. The building is plastered white outside with granite colored corners, and the green venetian blinds to the windows set the building off. It stormed to-day.
18 April 1869 • Sunday
Sunday, April 18/69. We all went over to Springville this morning excepting Bro Joseph Young, Sr., and Bro’s. Dunford & John Squires who stayed at Provo to hold meeting there and Bros. W. Woodruff and H. S Eldredge who went on to Spanish Fork last evening with Bishop A. K. Thurber to hold meetings there to-day. Bro’s. D. H Wells and Brigham Young, Jr., spoke this morning at Springville and in the afternoon I spoke and was followed by President Young. I had excellent liberty. Until this afternoon we have all felt that the people were cold and it has been hard to speak & pray; but the meeting had warmed them up & they felt better this afternoon. We ate dinner at Bishop Johnson’s & then drove to Payson. Myself & wife stopped at Bro. Simond’s, whose wife Jane Tenney, is sister to my wife Eliza Lamercia Tenney. Eliza had come down here the day before we did, and was stopping at her mother’s. I breakfasted with them the next morning. It stormed heavily this evening. Bro’s. Jacob Young & D. H Wells addressed the meeting.
19 April 1869 • Monday
Monday, April 19/69. My son John Q’s, birthday. He is 12 years old to-day. The roads were heavy. We passed through Santaquin without holding meeting. They did not expect one and had not collected together. The roads were heavy to Nephi. Held meeting
30 October ff. Sorrow over the death of “lovely little angel” Lillian Ann Hoagland Cannon
4 November Leak in newly built dam
5 November ff. Summary of remarks by church leaders at a conference in Tooele, Utah Territory
30 October 1870 • Sunday1
Sunday, Oct. 30th, 1870. My daughter, Lillian Ann Hoagland, youngest child of my wife Elizabeth was taken sick on Wednesday last while I was absent on business with Presidents B. Young & Geo. A. Smith and O. Pratt, J. Taylor, W. Woodruff of the Twelve to attend a trial of Bishop A. Johnson of Springville before the High Council & First Presidency at Provo; we also had a two days’ meetings. I returned on Thursday afternoon. As soon as she heard I was coming she became lively & appeared delighted to see me. She has always been fond of me. On Friday she was no better; on Saturday the same, Her teeth troubled her. She was over one year old & had not cut a tooth, Her gums were very much swelled and she suffered from them, was feverish but could not, or did not care about eating. On Sunday morning she became worse. We administered to her, as I had done before, & Bro. Woodruff called in; afterwards Bishop Hoagland; afterwards Bro. Jesse C. Little, who all administered to her. She seemed better after they had administered; but death had settled upon her, & there was not faith enough to rebuke him. She died precisely at noon. Her mother grieved terribly – it was the fifth child with which she had been called to part. And oh, how lovely a little angel Lilly had been. A sweet-tempered, patient, loving & intelligent little girl whom no one who loved purity & innocence could be with long without becoming attached to her. Our house was a sorrowful one this day, and we all felt chastened & humble. My prayer is that we may all live so as to be thought worthy to meet our little one once more in that world of purity whither she has gone, and dwell eternally in the presence of God.
Attended meeting at Tabernacle in afternoon, and quorum meeting in circle afterwards.
31 October 1870 • Monday
Monday, Oct. 31/70 Attended Bee & Stock Convention at the Tabernacle, organized a Society, was chosen Vice President, Bro. Woodruff being President.
At 1 p.m. met at my house to attend funeral of Lillian Ann, who yesterday was one year & 14 days old. Pres. G. A. Smith[,] Elders Woodruff & Taylor addressed the friends assembled. A large number of carriages (15) filled with people followed her remains to the grave. It was a sad office, the first time that I had ever performed it for any of my children. The house seems desolate after the departure of our little pet. I deeply empathize with my wife in this bereavement. I have business and cares to occupy my thoughts and attention; I am not under the necessity of staying around the house to see the many things to remind me of the absence of our daughter; but not so with her. There are objects constantly in sight, incidents recurring to remind her of the great loss of her little loved one’s society and to sadden her. My wife Martha’s little twins are also sick, Hester especially and her symptoms are similar to those which Lillian had. I am alarmed. Sickness among children is very common in the city just now; there are many deaths. I have resolved to get a carriage and send Martha & her children out to her Aunt’s at Weber, and also to request my wife Sarah Jane’s mother, Sister Sarah S. Richards to nurse or doctor them.
1 November 1870 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 1/70 Caroline Beebe, now the wife of Moroni Pratt, adopted sister and cousin of Martha’s, accompanied her to help her with the children to Wanship. Bro. Thos Taylor loaned me his team, his driver & carriage to carry them out. Busy at the Office.
2 November 1870 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 2/70 Busy Went out with Bro. Hy Grow to Paper Mill. The overshot wheel having broken down, I desired to examine & see whether a turbine wheel would not answer better than any other to drive the machinery. Busy at office through the afternoon.
3 November 1870 • Thursday
Friday, <Thursday,> Nov. 3/70. Started from the City at 8 a.m. in company with Prests. B. Young, Smith, Wells & Jos. Young, Sen. to attend to an investigation of a difficulty between Thos Grover, & his wife Hannah. We held it in Bro. Grover’s house at Farmington. The family was present and a good feeling was manifested. It was decided that Bro. Grover [blank]
At 12 o’clock went to meeting house where people were assembled and Bro’s. Geo. A. Smith, Jos. Young, Sen., myself and Pres. Young addressed the people. A good spirit prevailed. After meeting took dinner at Bishop John W. Hess’. The special train which brought us up came back at 4 p.m. for us, bro’s. Jos. A., Brigham, Jr., & John W. Young & D. O. Calder accompanied the train. Reached the city at 5 p.m. Spent the evening in writing history & missionary sketch for the Juvenile Instructor.
4 November 1870 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 4/70. Started this morning with Brigham, Jr. in his buggy for Tooele city. The First Presidency were in company & besides ourselves of the Twelve Apostles, there were Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Jos. F Smith, & Albert Carrington and Bro’s. Musser, Faust, Thos Taylor, John Hy. Smith, John Squires and O. P. Arnold. We were met by escort, and passed thro’ E. T. city to the Woolen factory. A newly-built dam, an expensive work, was leaking, the wall had partly fallen down & the dirt had settled. The soil was very porous and was underlayed by a bed of quicksand, which caused the whole structure to give way. The factory was in danger through the soaking of the water under the ground; <at> the spot a circular hole had sunk in which the water had raised & run off. This hole was probably 16 feet deep & was not far from the building. It was deemed best to let the water out of the dam. A channel was dug, which the water soon widened. It was a grand sight, for the water was an immense body and it made quite a cataract as it poured over the dam. We took a lunch at a house close by. Then drove to Tooele City. Were met by the Band and the people & children, who lined the street on each side. I took supper at Bishop Rowberry’s. Slept with Bro. Carrington at Bro. Tait’s.
5 November 1870 • Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 5/70. Met at 10 o’clock in the fine stone meeting house in this place. Pres. Young spoke 13 minutes. His words were instructive & consoling. He was glad to see the people and to meet with them in so comfortable a place. He dwelt upon the manner in which the spirit of apostacy grows upon the people. Pres. Wells followed upon the command of God to gather out from Babylon to do the will of God, not our own will. His remarks were very spirited & instructive. He occupied about 50 minutes. He was followed by Br. W. Woodruff who spoke very earnestly & with force upon the ancient prophecies and the victory the Lord has given to His people and the manner in which the enemies of Zion & those who fight against her have perished. Were he an officer under the Government he would not want to accept an office in Utah—it was not a healthy place for those who opposed the work of God, He fought against them & they perished. His remarks occupied 23 minutes. After singing I was requested to dismiss. We administered to a deaf woman, Pres. Young being mouth. Met at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, Prayer by O. Pratt. Elder John Taylor spoke 64 minutes on various principles that were instructive & well-adapted to the circumstances of the people. He referred to the apostacy of men & said no man ever apostatized from the truth who knew it without cause. He had transgressed in some manner. He exhorted the Saints to live so as to have the light of the Spirit shining upon them continually, to think more of their religion and of the things of God than of what they should eat or drink or with what they should be clothed; to be honest, loving, kind; to co for husbands & wives to be as kind & courteous to each other after marriage as they were before; for everyone to seek to do to others all the good possible. As for anger it should not be indulged in. We hear of mad bulls, mad dogs; but who can think about a mad Saint. Grantsville choir sung, & then Bro. Joseph F. Smith addressed the congregation for 34 minutes. He cited the example <of Jesus,> his prayer at his death for his enemies, his precepts, his willingness to do the will of his Father and made application <of it> to the Saints. Bro. Pratt dismissed the meeting. Ate dinner at Bishop Rowberry’s. In evening at ½ past 6 met. Bro. Musser prayed[.] Bro. Albert Carrington addressed the congregation for 77 minutes. Choir sung. Bro. Brigham, Jr., spoke for 23 minutes; his and Bro. Carrington’s testimonies & instructions were very excellent. Bro. Woodruff spoke a few minutes about the organization of the Parent Society for the cultivation of Stock, Fish, Bees, &c. I was called upon to dismiss.
6 November 1870 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 6/70 <A very windy morning> Bro. Wells opened with the meeting with prayer. Bro. Orson Pratt read the 3rd par. of 12th chapter of 2nd Book of Nephi, and spoke for 41 minutes. He showed the manner in which the Adversary led the people along to deny God, to disbelieve in the devil & in hell, and how plainly the predictions of Nephi had been fulfilled by <in> the system called Spiritualism. He made a calculation of how many spirits there are cast out with Satan & he reckoned that there were at least 50 of these spirits to every inhabitant now on the earth. I was afterwards called upon to speak, which I did for 46 minutes, commencing by reading an extract from the 3rd chap. of 1st Book of Nephi and commenting upon that & showing how Satan had obtained power over the people by suppressing or taking away of the plain and precious parts of the scriptures, & how this power would decrease by the restoration of those parts, by the revelation of other records & by the doing away of the false traditions which had fastened themselves upon the people. Then depicted the blessed condition we were in through our obedience to the Priesthood -- <all> that which we enjoyed to-day which distinguished us from other people had been bestowed upon us because we had listened to counsel. I had a good flow of the spirit & spoke freely. Meeting dismissed by Elder Thos Taylor. A list of <names of> brethren were called to form a school of the Prophets in this place & Grantsville. They met after meeting, elected Bishop John Rowberry, President, Bro. Atkin, Sen., Vice-President, Bro. Geo. Atkin, Secretary and Bro. Richd Warburton, Treasurer. Met at 1 p.m. Bro. Orson Pratt prayed. Pres. Geo. A. Smith read a portion of 1st chap. of Job, and spoke for 59 minutes. He alluded to the effect of wealth on the minds of the people, also to mining, counseling the people to open farms, build houses, make orchards & gardens, establish factories and develop the country instead of spending time in digging a hole in the ground. If a man had what he thought was a good claim to secure & make what he could out of it; but not to spend his means and his time upon it. If a man did follow mining it was not necessary that he should curse, swear, smoke & chew tobacco, drink whisky & mingle with the wicked. He ought not to lay his religion aside under any circumstances, but to always carry it with him. He dwelt plainly & pointedly upon <the > Word of Wisdom; also about Co-operative herding, cheese-factories, farming, &c. President B. Young then addressed the Saints for 39 minutes on a great variety of interesting subjects. The spirit should preside over the body, the flesh & the traditions of the world should not lead the spirit. Mining is associated with wickedness. It is a tradition that if a man have wealth, he must indulge in luxury; if he have luxury, he must have extravagance; and with extravagance he must have sin. Better for the Saints to raise potatoes & to live on them and live their religion & enjoy its blessings than to have the riches of the earth & apostatize. If the Saints work at mining, let them save <earn> their wages honestly & save what they earn & spend it wisely. But shall we <not> mine for ourselves? If you do, do it as you would sow wheat & not in a spirit of speculation. He served a liberal master the Lord rewards his faithful servants; he did Job. This land will yet be Th Zion will be built in this valley, in other valleys & on the entire continent. The riches of the earth will be brought to Zion. Let the gold be dug, it will save the Saints the trouble of digging it. The streets of the New Jerusalem will yet be paved with it, vessels, untensils [utensils], candlesticks &c will be made of it. The Lord when he needs it can bring it to the surface & he can hide it. For eighteen years men have been hunting for the precious metals as much as they are now; but they now begin to find it. The Lord can cover it up as easily as he has brought it to light.
[approx. 12 illegible words] in the person of [approx. 8 illegible words] to settle [1 illegible word] I have had trouble with him
12 November 1870 • Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 12/70 This morning a party consisting of the First Presidency and Bro’s. John Taylor, Geo. Q. Cannon, B. Young, Jr.[,] Jos. F. Smith & A. Carrington of the Twelve Apostles, star and many other elders & bishops with portions of their families left <Salt Lake City> by special train for Ogden meetings for to-day and to-morrow having been appointed . We reached without accident and in good time. I took with me my wife Elizabeth, <John A. West> and my daughter Mary Alice. We went to Bro. John Hoagland’s inviting Bro. Carrington & his two wives & boy to accompany us, he being but little acquainted here. At 10 o’Clock we assembled at the Tabernacle and the meeting was opened by prayer, Bro. Brigham, Jr., being mouth. President Geo. A. Smith addressed the Saints for 28 minutes. President D H Wells followed in remarks occupying 55 minutes. The remarks made this morning were reported in full. Dismissed by Bro. Carrington praying. I enjoyed an excellent dinner at Br. John’s having started without my breakfast. Met at half past one. Bro. E. D Woolley prayed, Bro. Carrington spoke 35 minutes. I followed in remarks occupying about 50 minutes. I obtained great freedom, the Lord blessed me with a goodly outpouring of the Spirit and I felt to cry aloud with joy. I was called upon to dismiss. In the evening at ½ past 6 we again met[.] Bro. Joseph F. Smith addressed the congregation for 12 minutes.
13 November 1870 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 13/70 Passed a quiet night & slept sweetly. At 10 o’clock again met at the Tabernacle. Bro. E. F. Sheets prayed and Elder John Taylor occupied 51 minutes in speaking[.] He was followed by President Joseph Young who occupied 52 minutes. Meeting was dismissed by Elder S. W. Richards. I accompanied President Young to Br. Lorin Farr, where he was staying, & partook of a little food. Afternoon meeting opened by Br. Elias Smith in prayer. Sacrament administered to the large <crowded> congregation. President B. Young addressed the people for 85 minutes. This discourse embraced a great variety of instructions, and was reported by Bro. D. W. Evans. Meeting dismissed by prayer – Geo. A Smith being mouth. We returned to the city that evening.
14 November 1870 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 14/70 Rode up on horseback to the Warm Springs and took a bath. Busy writing for News and Juvenile Instructor.
15 November 1870 • Tuesday
Tuesday, 15th. Rode down to my farm and examined with Bro. Swenson, one of the neighbors, the canals. Busy all day at office, writing &c. In evening attended meeting at Historian Office to canvass articles of agreement, drawn up by committee appointed for that purpose at meeting of stockholders of Zion’s Co-operative Mercantile Institution, for the purpose of organizing under the Statute passed by Legislative Assembly last winter for to provide for the organization of Co-operative associations.
16 November 1870 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 16th. Busy at Office, writing for Evening News and Juvenile Instructor. At President Young’s office in the evening.
17 November 1870 • Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 17th, 1870. Engaged as yesterday. In evening read sermon to President Young which he delivered last Sunday – with a view to its publication.
18 November 1870 • Friday
Friday, Nov. 18th. Attended funeral of little son of Bro. Thos Williams. Finished reading sermon to President Young. In evening attended meeting of corporators of Zion’s Co-operative Mercantile Institution and signed articles of agreement. I was elected one of the Board of Directors. Sent a carriage & horses out to Wanship this morning in care of Bro. Moroni Pratt to bring in my his wife and my wife and twins, who had gone out <there> for their health.
19 November 1870 • Saturday
Saturday, 19th. Dictating to my son John Q. articles for Juvenile Instructor & busy variously. Attended School of Prophets at 1 p.m. President D H Wells prayed and President Geo. A. Smith spoke very instructively. Bishop Hunter spoke, <&> called for labor tithing to work on paper mill. By request of President Young and <i> followed, also on the labor necessary to remodel the paper mill; then followed on principle and had very good liberty. Pres. Young made the closing remarks. He was very kind & fatherly in his expressions. He alluded to his and Bro. Geo. A. Smith’s departure in a few days for the South, to spend the cold season in a warmer climate. President Wells would be left in charge, and in alluding to him the President spoke more eulogistically than I think I ever heard him speak about any man before, at least to the man’s face. He said if the people would follow him they would be safe & have “good peace” this winter, he would warrant that. Pres. Wells was an excellent judge of law, equity, <truth> and righteousness, & he would point out to the people, if they would listen to him the path to pursue; he had knew him before he joined the Church and had been intimate with him since. In closi I was pleased to hear the President speak in this strain of Bro. Wells, for he is a modest, kind & lovely man. In closing President Young blessed the brethren & their families. Went to Warm Springs in buggy with Bro. Brigham, Jr.; Joseph A. & John W. Young were along. In evening attended meeting to give bonds and Director of Zion’s Co-operative Mercantile Institution and to qualify – the Probate Judge, Elias Smith, being present. My bondsmen were B. Young, Jr and Robert L. Campbell. The amount of the bond was one thousand dollars. Afterward called on Uncle John Taylor, who was sick.
20 November 1870 • Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 20th, 1870. Pres. Geo. A. Smith called at my house to have me accompany him to Uncle Taylor’s. We found him a little better. Meeting at Old Tabernacle at 11 a.m. Bishop E. D Woolley prayed; Bro. Geo. A. spoke, occupying 40 minutes. I was called upon to dismiss. Met at Endowment House with my circle, I being mouth in prayer & H P Richards mouth in circle. At 1 p.m. met again at Tabernacle. Jas. W. Cummings opened by prayer. Sacrament was administered and President B. Young addressed the people for 75 minutes. His remarks were sweet & excellent. They were reported. Meeting was dismissed by prayer from Orson Pratt. Met in circle, and in evening spoke at 14th Ward meeting and was followed by Bro. W. Woodruff.
21 November 1870 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 21/70 [573 Hawaiian words redacted because they address deeply personal matters between Cannon and his family.] 1
26 November Travel to Washington DC; meeting with Thomas L. Kane
Source Note
Journal, 1872–1873
George Q. Cannon, Journal, 25 Nov. 1872–9 Mar. 1873; 1 Dec. 1873; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; seventy-two inscribed pages, including six pages of financial accounts; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Pocket-size journal, measuring 5⅞ × 3¾ × ¾ inches (15 × 10 × 2 cm). The text block measures 5¾ × 3¾ (15 × 9 cm). The journal was published as an “Excelsior” journal for the year 1873. The front matter of the journal provides printed reference information, such as a calendar, postage rates, and state populations. Each page of the journal itself has a printed header with the name of the month, the day of the week, and the year; three pink lines provide a border for the header, two lines above it and one below. Below the header, each page is lined with twenty-seven blue lines.
The journal has a light brown leather cover with geometrical blind tooling, an overlapping flap, and a built-in pocket at the back of the volume for loose papers. The inside covers have light blue pastedowns. The first flyleaf has two pencil inscriptions: “$1.13” and “1873”. At a later point, a small red-bordered archival label was pasted to the upper left corner of the front cover. In black ink, the label reads: “No. 6 | G.Q.C. Journal | 1872–1873 | Utah – Washington”.
Cannon began this journal with an entry for 25 November 1872, modifying the printed headers with handwritten corrections to the proper day. He sometimes followed the page headers but usually ignored them. Following his 8 January 1873 entry, he left multiple pages blank until the 28 January page. His penultimate entry of the journal, made on the 12 March 1873 page, is dated 9 March 1873. He wrote one more entry dated 1 December 1873, which spans three pages. He also inscribed six pages of financial accounts at the back of the journal.
In 1932, Sylvester Q. Cannon, who was then serving as the presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated George Q. Cannon’s journals to the church’s First Presidency. The First Presidency transferred the journals to the Church History Department in late 2008.
25 November 1872 • Monday
Monday, Nov. 25/72.1 This was the day on which we intended to start – Capt. W. H. Hooper, his family and self – for Washington; but Pres. Young had received a telegraphic dispatch from Gen. Thos L. Kane, from which it was expected he would reach Salt Lake City to-day. To see him we decided to stop. A dispatch to Bro. John Sharp from Green River conveyed the impression that the General and wife and children had stopped there to rest. The President proposed that Brigham, Jr., John W. Young and myself should take train to-morrow morning and go out to meet him.
26 November 1872 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 26/72. We started at 5 o’clock a.m. At Ogden found the General and family, in a sleeping car. The dispatch had been sent by the conductor and he meant to say they would lay over in his car instead of at Green River. He and Mrs. K. and the children were very glad to see us. They (Gen. K. and wife) were in feeble health. When he learned I was about to go East, he requested me to sit beside him and we conversed intimately till we reached the city. Having telegraphed the President he had carriages there at the depot. We escorted General Kane and family to the American House, kept by Col. Little. He was very tired. In the evening Capt. Hooper and myself were set apart – the President pronouncing the blessing. Mine was very comforting and encouraging. We then called on Gen. Kane and had over an hour’s conversation with him. President Young sent two policemen to guard me through the night and to escort me to the cars in the morning. He did the same for Bro. Hooper. He had heard something that caused him to suspect evil designs on the part of our enemies. I had the policemen – Bro’s. Phillips and Alex. Burt go to bed. <Bro.> Angus and I sat up very late at work. He left; [29 Hawaiian words redacted because they address deeply personal matters between Cannon and his family.]
27 November 1872 • Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 27/72. [40 Hawaiian words redacted because they address deeply personal matters between Cannon and his family.] My sons John Q. and Abraham H. and the policemen accompanied me to the cars; also my brother in law John Hoagland. The Central Pacific train was behind time and we had to wait at Ogden for it. We met Bishop W. B. Preston and wife and child here and I went and breakfasted with them at Bro. F. D. Richards’. He was at the city. My son Franklin J. is here and working for Bro. F. S. Richards in the county clerk’s office. We left Ogden about 10 a.m. Bro. Bull and two missionaries were on the cars. We had a very pleasant and agreeable trip to Omaha, at which place we arrived about 2 p.m. on Friday, the 29th. We secured our passages on the Chicago and Rock Island R.R. and received many favors from the agent, Mr. S. S. Stevens.
30 November 1872 • Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 30/72 At Davenport where we ate breakfast, Capt. Hooper family took passage for Galena. We continued to Chicago. We reached about 4 p.m. and went to the Clifton House, Mr. Jenkins, proprietor who treated us very kindly and expressed a desire to have his house patronized by our people.
1 December 1872 • Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 1st, 1872. Snowed last night and to-day. Sarah Alexander had placards out to lecture this evening on “the inner workings of Mormonism.”
2 December 1872 • Monday
Monday, Dec. 2nd Visited Mr. Cleland and got passes over his road the Fort Wayne & Pittsburgh. I called on Mr. Sarjent of the Michigan Central and had a pleasant renewal of our old friendship. Called on Mr. Smith of the Chicago and Rock Island and Mr. S. P. Rounds who sells type, presses &c. He insisted on getting myself and friends tickets to the McVicker’s Theatre. Miss Jane Coombs was the principal character – a most beautiful lady. The play was the School for Scandal, and it was well performed and the dresses were magnificent.
3-21 December 1872 • Tuesday to Saturday
Tuesday, Dec. 3/72. Capt. Hooper arrived this morning. We called on Mr. Coolbaugh, Pres. of the Union National Bank, and on Mr. <N.> Corwith. The former took me to the Board of Trade and introduced me to many members. There was considerable buying and selling going on. The building was a magnificent one. But We (Bro’s. Hooper and Preston and wife & myself) left this evening by Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne and Pennsylvania Central, for New York. Reached there at 6 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5th, I employed myself giving round a little with Bro. Hooper and in purchasing engravings for the Juvenile Instructor. I called on Spencer Clawson, son of Bro. H. B. C., at H. B. Claflin & Co’s. On Friday eve. Bro. H. and I took cars at Jersey city for Washington. Reached there 6 a.m. Saturday 7th of Dec. 1872. Put up at Willard’s Hotel. Excellent house. On Monday visited House of Representatives and was very kindly received. I was not surprised at the warmth of feeling shown towards Bro. Hooper, for he is an old member and very well acquainted; but I was a little surprised at the cordiality shown to myself. We moved from Willard’s to the Hamilton House, Bro. Hooper having found rooms there that suited him for his family, on Tuesday, Dec. 10th, 1873 [1872]. We I remained here, attending Congress and visiting the Departments every day with Bro. Hooper until Thursday, Dec. 19th, 18732, when we started, he to go to Galena to his family, I to visit home. Congress had resolved to take a recess from Dec. 20th to Jan. 6/73[.] This would enable me, if I made connection, to go home and spend a week there. We had several Members as companions – Griffiths of Penn., McKinney & Samison of Ohio, Coburn & Wilson of Ind., Snapp of Ill. and Rusk of Wis. We missed connection at Pittsburgh and also at Chicago. We reached the latter point at about 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21st. Terribly cold. We stopped at the Clifton House. Sunday morning went out on C. & Rock Island Road. Very cold at Omaha. As we traveled West weather moderated. Tuesday night quite warm in cars. Reached home on Wednesday eve., Christmas. Found ground soft, weather rainy. Bro. Angus met me at Depot. Found family well, and [56 Hawaiian words redacted because they address deeply personal matters between Cannon and his family.] President Young and Gen. Kane had gone to St. George. Pres. Wells was confined to his room, having symptoms of Inflammatory Rheumatism. Reported by dispatch to President Young. The Line was down.
30 December 1872 • Monday
Monday, Dec. 30th, in the evening received the following dispatch from Pres. Young, it came via Pioche, over the Western Union Line, ours being down.
“I wish you to hop in the Stage and come to this place. Let me see you before you go East. Or if you choose, let John W. Young take you into a buggy and bring you to this place.”
The stage ran irregularly and was slow and dreadfully uncomfortably, it was said, at this season. John W. Young had also a dispatch requesting him to visit St. George also. After consultation we determined to take buggy and harness from the city to the end of the Utah Southern at Lehi and arrange for a change of horses every ten miles or thereabouts to take us through. Telegraphed Bishops to know if they could furnish teams and received affirmative answers in very instance.
1–4 January Travel to St. George, Utah Territory, and return to Salt Lake City; followed Brigham Young’s request to stop for rest
4 January Brigham Young said that next to himself, Cannon “was the most hated of any of the authorities.”
28 January ff. Described those in Congress who are “bitter against Utah”
4 February U.S. president Ulysses S. Grant resolved to “carry out the course of tyranny and oppression entered upon by [Judge James B.] McKean.”
5 February Introduction by Samuel Augustus Merritt of Idaho Territory of a bill that would attack “the lives, the liberties and property of the Latter-day Saints”
6 February “The President of the United States wants us sacrificed.”
11 February “The Agent of the Associated Press at Salt Lake city is the champion liar in his class.”
14 February Dream of being an officer in an army under attack, and then the enemy disappeared
18 February ff. Investigation of the Crédit Mobilier scandal
20 February William Henry Hooper, congressional delegate from Utah, “does not believe in special providences.”
21 February “T. B. H. Stenhouse and wife have been in the city some days. She advertised to lecture on Polygamy in Utah.”
26 February Cannon believed that “the constitution has fallen into disrepute and the will of the majority has taken its place.”
1 March ff. Efforts by “our enemies … to get up the Frelinghuysen Bill and pass it”
1 December Heavenly help and comfort given to Cannon
1–4 January 1873 • Wednesday to Saturday1
Wednesday, 1. We left the city at 7 a.m. on <Wednesday,> Jan. 1st, 1873. The buggy and harness were on a flat car. Bishop Harrington had sent us a span of horses to the end of the track by the owner, Bro. Mc [blank] They took us to Provo. Bro. Smoot had a team of Bro. McDonald’s which took us to Spanish Fork. Bro. Thurber furnished teams and guided us on mule back to Payson. Bro. Douglas’ team took us from Payson to Summit or Santaquin. Bro. David Holladay had team to carry us to Stewart’s Ranch, where he had another team to carry us to Mona. Bishop Joel Grover of Nephi had brought a team from Nephi to Mona for us and we drove it to Nephi. He had a team there belonging to Bro. [blank] who accompanied us to Lavan. There Bro. Elmer Taylor had a team to take us to Sevier Bridge, Bro. Harper, son of Bro. Chas Harper, guiding us on horseback. At the Bridge we found Bro. [blank] of Scipio, with his team and a horse to ride, sent by Bishop Dan Thompson. We reached that place between five and six on Thursday morning, the 2nd. Slept an hour and drove team furnished by Bro. Thompson to Cedar Springs, where Bro. Stevens had team to carry us to Fillmore. From Fillmore were carried to Corn Creek by team furnished by Bish. Callister, and there we had team belonging to a Bro. John W. Young furnished to carry us to Cove Creek Fort. But on reaching this last point there was no team, so we had to drive Bro. Young’s team, his son accompanying us on horseback to Pine Creek. Until we reached Fillmore the roads were horribly bad, some portions of the way worse than I ever saw them in the Territory. The people called them very bad south of that point; but contrasted with the roads north we called them good, with the exception of the road through Wild Cat Cañon. We got a team at Pine Creek, and a young man on horseback to guide us, to carry us about half way to Beaver. At that point we found Bro. Riddle and another Brother awaiting us with a team, and riding horses for themselves, by a fire which they had built by the roadside. We reached Bishop Murdock’s at midnight. This point, the Bishop says, is 220 miles from Salt Lake City; we have traveled from the end of the track in 38 hours. We intended to push right on; but were stopped by the following dispatch, which was prompted by the fear on the part of the President in hearing of our fast traveling, that we would injure ourselves.
“Don’t come any further than Beaver and stop there and get six hours rest; then come to Cedar city and stay the night. Saturday come to Belleview and Sunday come here (St. George) Then when you arrive here you will be fresh and good. You must remember the heavens are full of days, and they are all for us, if we will only be calm and steady and ready to receive them. You will receive this at Beaver. If you are willing to abide this my advice, let me know by telegram. I will send a team to Jacob Gates at Belleview to meet you.”
Brother John was dissatisfied at this telegram. My remark was that I was there by President Young’s request. If he said, stop, I would stop. If he said, turn around and go back, I should do so. I wrote a dispatch that we would take his advice and travel as he suggested. I signed this myself, John W. would not sign it. At daylight with a team given us by Bro. Murdock we rolled out of Beaver. At Buck Horn Springs found team sent from Paragoonah, and at the latter place found <Bro.> Silas S. Smith suffering from a wrench he had received. He furnished team to Parowan. Bro Dame furnished team to Summit Creek, where we found a team, and its owner, <from Cedar City> which carried us there. At Parowan Bro. John W. telegraphed to his father to the effect that he did not know how to spend so much time as he had allotted us to reach St. George. He did this in his own name and without letting me see his dispatch. President Young replied to his, and afterwards sent <we received> the following, addressed to me and him:
“President says come to Kanarra to-night (the 3rd.) and early to-morrow morning come to Bellevue, where you will find a pair of his horses in good trim to bring you to St. George tomorrow
R. C. Lund”
(Tel. Operator)
From Cedar we were carried to Kanarra by a team belonging to Bro. Parry, who accompanied us on horseback as guide. We got about four hours’ sleep at Bishop Lorenzo Roundy’s and at about 4 o’clock of Saturday morning, the 3rd <4th>, furnished with a team <and guide> we started for Bellevue. We reached the dug way to descend as daylight began to show itself. At Bro. Gates’ we found LeGrand Young, son of Bishop L. D. Young, waiting with Pres. Young’s team for us.
For further particulars see back part of this book under <printed> date of Dec. 30, 1873.
4 January 1873 • Saturday2
Saturday, Jan. 4, 1873. At <quarter to> one p.m. we reached St. George – Bro. John W. Young and myself – having traveled from the end of the track at Lehi in three days and three hours and three days and seven hours from Salt Lake City. We would probably have reached here in nine hours less than three days from end of the track had the President not telegraphed us to stop and rest at certain points. In conversation with President Young in the presence of his son John W. Young and Bro. W. C. Staines he said that I ought to be careful about my movements in Washington – that I would be watched and everything I did scrutinized and I ought to keep a journal of my movements that I could prove where I was at any time. If any thing should occur to Gen. Grant he (the President) would be accused of having prompted its commission, and I would probably be charged with having had it done. He said that next to himself I was the most <hated> of any of the authorities. They did There was no feeling of dislike against either Bro’s. Geo. A. Smith and D. H. Wells or any other of the brethren like there was against me. They would seek my life with the greatest anxiety after seeking his, and I ought to be careful of myself. In all the publications of our enemies there my name was generally held up to the public next to his own.
In conversation with Gen Kane he told me to keep myself neutral from all entanglements until he got down. Make the acquaintance of at least one man on each committee from whom I could get information as to what was going on
8 January 1873 • Wednesday
On Wednesday, Jan. 8th, 1873. After two o’clock and nearly three in the afternoon the President had his carriage hitched up and getting into our buggy with Bro. John W. Young, and as requested by Gen. Kane arranging for us to ride together in the carriage, we drove out to Washington. Here we separated, they to return to St. George and we to pursue our way to the city. The President treated me with remarkable kindness, as he always has done; if I had been his own son, he could not have been more considerate and fatherly than he had been since my arrival at St. George. Gen. Kane also gave me much valuable advice which his familiarity with public affairs and the public men of the country enabled him to do. With many expressions of kindness and the blessings of President Young we started. Le Grand Young, Bishop L. D. Young’s son accompanied us to take back the horses of the President which we drove. We got supper at Bro. Jacob Gates at Bellevue and drove on to Kanarra, the moon shining brightly. After ascending the dug way and coming on to the rim of the Basin we took the wrong road. We took the Harmony road. When we became convinced of this we took the first road we came to which promised to lead us to Kanarra. It was an old trail, and after wandering around for a long time and encountering many obstacles we, at last, got on the Kanarra road. All were abed when we reached Bro. L. Roundy’s. We aroused him, and while he, Bro. John W. and Le Grand greased and mended the buggy, (some bolts which fastened the bed on the thoroughbraces having being broken) and got the team changed, they persuaded me to lie down. I did so and slept about two hours. We changed <horses> again at Cedar city and drove to Parowan where we again changed. At Paragoonah we had another change. At Buck Horn Springs expected to meet a team, but did for some miles out. We then drove it to Beaver, where we got a team to carry us to Pine Creek. The team which we got at that place carried us to Cove Creek, and we changed there for a team which took us to Corn Creek and <which> belonged there. By this time it was far into the night; but the moon was shining, and we concluded we would avail ourselves of its light to drive to Fillmore. Bro. Cuthbert King furnished us a team. We reached Fillmore (Bishop Callister’s) before daylight and threw ourselves down for a rest of two hours. Breakfast by that time was ready, after eating which we started. We had a change of horses furnished us at Cedar Springs by Bro. Stevens; another at Round Valley by Bishop Thompson; another team awaited us at Sevier Bridge, and, at Lavan, Bro. Elmer Taylor gave us a team and accompanied us on horseback to Nephi. We supped at Bishop Joel Grover’s and drove to Mona where we changed; changed again at Stewart’s Ranch; then at Bro. David Holladay’s at Santaquin; then at Bishop Joseph Tanner’s at Payson, whose son accompanied us on horseback to Spanish Fork. At this latter place we met Pres. Orson Hyde with whom we had conversation; he sat up to see us – it was about 3 a.m. At Springville obtained a team from Bishop Bringhurst, whose son accompanied us on horseback to Provo. Bishop Smoot and family were at up awaiting our arrival with breakfast. Owen, his son, accompanied us to Bro. McDonald’s farm where we got another team which carried us to the end of the track. We reached there a few minutes after nine o’clock on Saturday morning, the 11th. having made the trip from St. George in 66 hours over the worst roads, from Corn Creek up, that I think I ever saw for the distance. The buggy in which we made this trip was a California C Spring buggy – wood springs – manufactured by the Kimball Carriage Manufacturing Co. and I never saw a vehicle stand a trip better than it did. It was a light affair, probably not more than 275 pounds, and it stood a great deal of banging about. I did not feel very much fatigued, but I looked as though I had just got over a drunken spree. We got on the train and reached the city at 11.30 a.m. My folks were very glad to see me. My brother in-law Peter Hoagland, who was sick when I left for St. George, had died during my absence. He His disease was Typhoid-pneumonia, and he died at 12 min. past 9 on Thursday eve., Jan. 2nd. I went up town to the Office, saw Bro. Wells, and about 5 o’clock in the evening, when I went home and soon retired to rest. I did not wish to sleep too soundly, so I arranged to have the folks awaken me occasionally. In the morning I awoke at 6 o’clock and thought of getting up; but, before I was aware of it, I was fast asleep and did not awake again until 10 min. of 11, making over 17 hours sleep. I was faint and sick when I awoke, and for some time afterwards. Attended Circle meeting at 12 o’clock. Spent the aft time until half past 2 with Pres. Wells, then attended meeting at the 13th Ward. Bro. Woodruff was preaching. They pressed me to speak, which I did, and had excellent liberty. Attended Circle meeting of the with Pres. Wells and the Twelve. Gov. Mann called upon me with evidence in the Maxwell contest case for seat in Congress. We read it over at Pres. Wells’; then attended 14th Ward meeting. Elder Woodruff <John> Taylor was speaking and he gave way for me. The house was crowded and <i> had great freedom. Went home with Pres. Wells, accompanied by Col. Winder, and selected names for witnesses in my contested case.
28 January 1873 • Tuesday
The amendment which Capt. Hooper made to the Colorado Bill for the admission of Utah, with Sarjent’s amendment for the prohibition of polygamy, &c came up today. The Capt. heard that a bitter discussion would be evoked, so he tried to withdraw his amendment, having obtained Mr. Sarjent’s consent. But Coghlan of Cal. objected. He consented to withdraw; then Negley of Penn. renewed the amendment; he was induced to withdraw, and then Merriam of N.Y. renewed again. Claggett of Montana was charged for the occasion, and, as it was known he was very bitter against Utah, and would attack her savagely, our enemies wanted to fire him off. Others had each five or ten minutes granted them by Taffe of Nebraska who had the floor; he also gave Claggett five minutes. He fulfilled expectations in the fierceness and brutality of his attack. The five minutes the ended, the House gave him five minutes more. Still eager to hear more of his brutal and slanderous abuse, they gave him three minutes more – ostensibly thirteen minutes, but really upwards of 20 minutes. There were numbers of men on the floor who had been to Utah, who if they knew anything, must have known that he told falsehoods and misrepresented the people; but no voice was raised to correct his statements, to check the torrent of the vile stream of vituperation which flowed from his lips; not even to refuse to grant him more time to the extent he desired, though one objection was all that was necessary to stop him under the rules. The fact is the modern politician is a <moral> coward. He has not the courage to defend a weak, unpopular side, especially if the question of “Mormonism” be involved. They are as afraid of being suspected of having any sympathy with that, as they would be of the contagion of small-pox. The truth is there is no sympathy in the case between them and it – between vice and purity, betw error and truth, fraud and honesty. I am disgusted with them. Col. Sam. Merritt of Idaho, who resides in Utah, was evidently pleased with the performance. I afterwards went to where he and Kendall of Nevada – a man whom our people’s votes helped to elect – were sitting talking and told them a little of mind. I was indignant. Kendall soon moved off to his seat. I talked plainly to Merritt and made him acknowledge that statements made by Claggett he knew to be false.
After dinner went to Mr. Fitch’s with Capt. Hooper and from memory arranged speech for the Captain to deliver in reply to Claggett’s.
29 January 1873 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 29th. From early morning until noon copying and arranging speech. Capt. Hooper, his wife, two daughters and myself went to Capitol in carriage. By appealing to the House he succeeded in obtaining half an hour to deliver his speech in. As he finished Claggett jumped up and requested to have ten minutes granted to him for reply. Then succeeded <a scene> of which I scarcely ever saw paralleled in Congress. The members gathered around him and listened to him with great interest; when his ten minutes were exhausted cries of “go on, go on” were heard from all sides. Time was granted him to continue, not an objection being made. Oh, it was pleasure to them to hear the “Mormons” denounced, to hear Brigham Young villified and Utah held up to public odium and execration! He had not finished his tirade when his time again expired. Again his time was renewed; but a motion of Mr. Cox <of N. Y.> on the condition that the Delegate of Utah have <five minutes> time to reply. to With these extraordinary evidences of sympathy from his audiences audience Claggett was greatly fired up. They were ready to swallow any <every> thing he might say. He let <gave> his imagination rein, he reveled in his false descriptions of affairs in Utah and closed with a sensational attack upon the marriage institution of Utah, and when he closed Members and galleries joined in hearty applause unchecked by Speaker Blaine in the chair.
Bro. Hooper commenced to reply; but the interest was ended. No one listened to him. Members all scattered to their seats and engaged in conversation, writing, &c. He labored through his time and requested more time, but this was refused, Bird of New Jersey, a democrat, making objection; but he asked as a boon the privilege of printing his remarks, this was not objected to, they were utterly indifferent as to what he did if he would only stop, so by their silence it was assumed by the Speaker that he could print his remarks which he wished to make. Bro. Hooper is one of the best and most efficient members in attending to his duties; but he has no faculty for debate. An off hand, ready debater like Claggett, however sophistical his argument and false his statements may be, has the advantage of him; but fifteen minutes by a self-possessed, good debater, well-posted in Utah affairs, would only be required in which to utterly demolish Claggett’s fictions and sophistry and laid them bare to the country. I was disgusted with Democrats on this occasion. Capt. Hooper has always been a Democrat, sat with them, been counted and published as one of them and has been proud to avow himself as such, yet not one of them stood by him, not one had a kind word to say for him or his people. They were cowards.
30 January 1873 • Thursday
Thursday, Jan. 30, 1873. Cannot get word to Bro. Bull at New York, telegraphed him to-day. Mr. Baldwin, who is getting up a Mining expedition for Utah and Arizona, called upon Capt. Hooper and myself.
31 January 1873 • Friday
Friday, Jan. 31. Went to the Treasury Building with Bro. Hooper. Called upon Col. Hemphill Jones, chief Clerk of the First Comptroller. Introduced to the First Auditor, Mr. Mahen. Went to the War Department saw Gen. Sherman and Secretary of War Belknap with Mr. Baldwin who wanted escort for his expedition which they could not grant. Wrote several letters home. Telegraphed again to Bro. Bull at Philadelphia.
1 February 1873 • Saturday
Saturday, 1, Writing journal &c this morning. Business at the Capitol not of an important character.
2 February 1873 • Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 2nd, 1873 Bro. Bull arrived from New York via Philadelphia this morning. Capt. Hooper and myself called upon Mr. Fitch. Talked over subject matter of speech in reply to Claggett.
3 February 1873 • Monday
Monday, Feb. 3rd, 1873 Busy with Brother Bull in going over his accounts; also in preparing Capt. Hooper’s speech in reply to Clagett. Pres. Grant was waited on by Clagett and Merrill of Idaho and Negley of Penn. on last Saturday to represent the terrible condition of affairs in Utah and ask for action. Grant is reported to have said the “the final issue with Utah cannot be avoided.” Merritt and Negley are enemies of Utah. The former has moved his law office there and expects to practice there; the latter has been the advocate of Bills giving enormous powers to R. Road companies in the Territory. They are both in their way as bad as Clagett.
4 February 1873 • Tuesday
Yesterday Grant went to the Capitol. His unusual presence there excited surprise and comment. It was soon noised about that Utah affairs had called him there. He had interviews with the Judiciary Committees of the Senate and House and told them that there must be legislative action on Utah. He appeared to be resolved to get some Bill passed that would enable his myrmidons to carry out the course of tyranny and oppression alt entered upon by McKean, and in pursuance of which, as he said by the expressed wish and approbation of President Grant, he had been checked by the decision of the Supreme Court. He is reported to have said that if the 4th of March came without legislation he would put his troops and the nail the thing by that means. What he would do with his troops of course his hearers were left to imagine.
Still busy preparing Capt. Hooper’s speech. It kept me in the house all day. In the evening went out for a walk on the Avenue (Penn.) There had been heavy rain but it had passed off, and it was pleasant. We have had very cold weather here of late.
5 February 1873 • Wednesday
Capt. Hooper could not get the old statutes of Utah Territory from which we wanted to get data, and therefore his speech, though finished with that exception yesterday, was not handed to the Globe till to-day. It will appear to-morrow. Merritt of Idaho presented Memorial to the House yesterday from <a number> of Lawyers of Salt Lake City bar, setting forth the inadequacy of the laws of Utah, their hurtful tendency, their opposition to the genius of the government and the disloyal sentiments and actions of the Legislative Assembly of Utah, asking for Congressional action. He also introduced a Bill to promote Justice in the Territories, &c, which had all the hateful features of the Voorhees Bill of last session and every other Bill framed and introduced against us. The passage of such a Bill would put the lives, the liberties <and property> of the Latter-day Saints at the mercy of the ring of U. S. officials and their satellites, and open wide the doors for every species of corruption to flow in unchecked. Our enemies hate us. They covet our property, they envy our prosperity. They also want to get power over the priesthood. They thirst for the blood of President Young, and if they could get him out of the way, they would then seek the destruction of others. Bro. Hooper and myself talked the situation over, and concluded that as the Memorial just presented was an appeal to lawyers we ought to employ legal talent to present an argument in reply to it. We decided that Mr. Fitch and Mr. Hillyer would be as good as any we could employ for this business, as they were both familiar with Territorial laws and also with ours. I saw Mr. Fitch and told him our conclusion. He said that he was at our service and he would see Mr. Hillyer. He could not find the latter, however, so he told me when I saw him in the evening. He had concluded to commence with the argument, write it up, get Hillyer’s counsel and criticism, and make frame it as a speech or argument delivered by him. He thought without egotism that when printed his name attached to [it] would cause it to be read. He said he would do all that would be required, go before the Committees and make the argument if they would permit, &c, for [Five hundred dollars]1 I consented to give it.
6 February 1873 • Thursday
Thursday, 6th. I wrote yesterday a long letter to President Young. Mr. Fitch is getting up a very good argument. He finds upon comparing the references made in the Memorial to the laws with the laws themselves, that they have quoted laws which have been repealed, they have quoted as laws of Utah <extracts> which have no existence, they have garbled laws, and <they have> left out the context of laws. The whole is a tissue of misrepresentation and falsehood. This is the constant practice of our enemies – to lie and misrepresent. But will Congress be enlightened? The President of the United States wants us sacrificed. There are those who would have no sentiment of pity for us, if they knew we were innocent of the charges <made against us.> There are those who if the truth were laid before them, would not take the trouble to examine it and satisfy themselves about the matter in a proper manner. We must, however, do the best we can and leave the event with the Lord. He is a friend who never has nor never will forsake His people. I have felt tranquil and joyous this week. I have no fears or apprehensions, though humanly speaking the prospects are threatening. This is a time concerning which the prophets Joseph and Brigham and others have spoken – the time when we would have <the government> arrayed against us in a national capacity as towns, counties and States had done in their spheres. If this the Bills framed against us should any of them pass, it would be as gross a violation of the Constitution and the spirit of the government, as the acts of the mobs of <Missouri and> Illinois. It would be nothing more than the law of might. I feel that the Lord will provide a sacrifice in our stead, as he did the ram in the thicket when Isaac was bound and laid upon the altar.
7 February 1873 • Friday
Friday, 7 We got a printed Bill introduced by Mr. Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey, into the Senate. It is similar to the Merritt Bill. They will have them grinding at both ends, so that there may be no delay about the passage. Our enemies are sure of catching us this time. Sam. Merritt said to-day, so I was told, that on Monday next the Judiciary Committee would meet to take his Bill into consideration; they would report it to the House, as they have the right to do at any time under the vote of the House last Monday, and the House would pass it. Mr. Sam. Merritt does not take the Almighty into account at all. These are transactions with which, in his opinion, he has nothing to do. But we shall see. Oh, Lord defeat these men in their wicked and blood-thirsty schemes, and save those who put their trust in thee, for thou alone can save, thou alone has pity for us! I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. Wrote a long letter to President Young also to Pres. D. H. Wells.
8 February 1873 • Saturday
Saturday, 8. Busy to-day getting out proof slips of Mr. Fitch’s argument against the Memorial of the lawyers of Utah and the Bill introduced, by Mr. Merritt, for the Members of <the> Senate Judiciary Committee who meet to-day to consider the Frelinghuysen Bill. Merritt told Mr. Fitch that the intention was to “go for” me first thing under this Bill when it passed. I have been aware of this and told Bro. Hooper so sometime ago. Whenever we take a step in advance, the devil seeks to beat us back. There is a principle involved in my nomination and election, and I feel that it should be maintained. In building up the Work of God and striving to bring to pass the redemption of Zion, there is no spot where we can standstill, certainly we can not go backward.
9 February 1873 • Sunday
Sunday, 9th. Very cold wind. Went around with Bro. Hooper and delivered a copy of Mr. Fitch’s argument to each member of the House Judiciary Committee. They are to meet on Tuesday. Reading French Book of Mormon.
10 February 1873 • Monday
Monday, 10th. Was at the House to-day, wrote a number of letters. I forgot to mention on Saturday that I wrote a letter to Pres. B. Young.
11 February 1873 • Tuesday
The Agent of the Associated Press at Salt Lake city is the champion liar in his class. Every day we have a batch of inflammatory and lying dispatches from there, sent with a view to influence the action of Congress in our case. The House Judiciary Committee met to-day to discuss the Merritt Bill. Efforts have been made to get an opportunity to make an oral argument before them; but the chairman, Judge Bingham, would not consent. He was, however, induced to say that if Mr. Fitch would attend the meeting this morning, he might have time accorded him. Mr. F. was there and had about ten minutes given him. The other members would have liked to have heard Mr. F. longer; but Bingham was evidently anxious to have him stop, though he complimented him on his written argument which he said he had read. Butler, of Mass., in speaking of the plan proposed in the Bill for the summoning of juries, said that when he was in the army they got up a case against him at Baltimore, and the U.S. marshal summoned the jury. He found among the jurors three men whom he had had in irons.
12 February 1873 • Wednesday
Yesterday afternoon Bro. Hooper got a scare. He heard from two sources that the Judiciary Com. had agreed to report the Frelinghuysen Bill. He did not believe the first report, but when he heard the second, he thought it was so. It was traced to the clerk of the Committee, a man named Johns, not of good repute, who had started the report for some purpose.
The votes of the several States were counted to-day in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, in the hall of the latter body. Colfax, as President of the Senate, presided with Speaker Blaine on his left. The Senate were seated on the right of the chair. Senator John Sherman of Ohio and Representatives Dawes and Beck of Mass and Ky. were the tellers. They sat in the clerk’s desk with Mr. Gorham, Sec. of the Senate on their right and Mr. Macpherson, Clerk of the House, on their left. The Senate walked over from their chamber, the Serjeant-at-arms and Doorkeeper, locked arms leading, the Secretary and President next and then the Senators two and two. holding When they came into the House the Members arose to receive them, and the Doorkeeper of the House announced them to the Speaker and he repeated the announcement to the House.
13 February 1873 • Thursday
Yesterday when a question arose, it had to be submitted in writing. To discuss it the Houses separated. They must concur in their action, if not, the vote of the State concerning which the question arose would be lost. There was non-concurrence respecting the votes for Horace Greely – a dead man at the time the electoral vote was cast – the Senate had voted to receive or count them and the House to not count them; also the vote of Arkansas, the Senate voting to reject and the House to receive. Louisiana’s vote was rejected by concurrent vote. I was not impressed <favorably> with this system. It was farcical to me. The constitution should be altered in my opinion so as to permit the people to vote direct for the President and Vice-President.
At the House to-day I was told in confidence that President Grant had a message in course of preparation on Utah which would probably be sent in to-morrow. It would ask for legislative action so that Utah might be put under the control of the civil power (Grant assuming I suppose that it is not at present) or he would be under the necessity of putting it under the military
14 February 1873 • Friday
Before going to bed last night I asked the Lord to give me a dream, my mind being occupied with the what I had been told concerning Grant’s message. He heard my prayer. I dreamed that a company of brethren were assembled, who were dressed in uniform. I was among them, and was one of the officers. We were expecting an attack from an enemy, who was formidable in numbers and equipments, and whom we were looking for every minute. They were moving upon us I thought with rifled cannon, improved fire-arms and ammunition and in great force. I thought we were drawn up in line to receive them. In falling into line with the other officers I thought I got into the most exposed position. I was aware of it, and saw that from the direction of the enemy I should be hit before they <those who were near me> could be reached, as my body covered, in military parlance, theirs. We were all nerved up expecting each moment the shock of battle. There was no flinching. I thought my position a very exposed one, and I seemed to take in all the <its> danger and to feel that a volley of grape and canister would be likely to hit me; and I was nerved up and had a feeling of suspense that was intense, such as a man might have who expected the next second the attack of a desperate foe. While in this frame <of mind> all at once we found the enemy had disappeared. How they had gone or where they had gone I do not now remember; but the reaction when I knew they were gone, was as great and real as it seems to me it could possibly be, if it were a scene in real life. We felt that we had been brought face to face with death and had escaped, and praise and thanksgiving filled our hearts. I then awoke and thanked the Lord for the comfort conveyed to me in the dream. The message was brought in, as my informant Mr. Wight, told me it would be; but was not read. The N. Y. Herald of this morning gives an account of a conversation that Clagett & Merritt had with Grant; they urged him to send a Message. The prospect looks threatening. But God reigns, and as Gen. Grant seems disposed to emulate the example of Pharaoh of old, we shall see whether he will be any more successful than Pharaoh was. I have no doubt but that the Lord will make Grant’s wrath a cause of praise to Him. Wrote to Pres. Young, as I did yesterday, Wednesday & Tuesday, but directed them to Pres. Wells also that he might read them.
15 February 1873 • Saturday
The Message appeared in the morning appe papers, and whether it was on this account, or some other, when read in the House to-day it fell like a wet blanket upon the Members. I never saw a document read which appeared to attract less attention than did this. I was around all day conversing on the floor with Members. A better feeling prevails than I could expect under the circumstances. Senator Pool of North Carolina, member of the Judiciary Com. of the Senate, told me some of the features of the amended Frelinghuysen Bill which they had agreed to report. He is very friendly and feels kindly towards Utah and her people; but he could not get the Bill modified as he would like it to be. It will be reported to the Senate on Monday. Had a conversation with Merritt of Idaho in the presence of McCormick of Arizona, Herford of West Va. and Garfield of Washington Ter. on affairs of Utah. We had considerable discussion.
16 February 1873 • Sunday
Sunday, 16. Stormy day. Remained in house reading and wrote correspondence to the News.
17 February 1873 • Monday
The House met this morning at 11 o’clock. The Memorial from the Attorneys at law, Bankers, Merchants, Miners and Business men of Salt Lake City, protesting against any legislative action by Congress as requested by the Memorial of the Members of the Bar, and showing up the fallacies of that instrument, &c &c was received by Bro. Hooper by telegraph. Copies were sent to Pres. Grant, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. It was a lengthy document and very well written. Bro. Hooper presented it to the House and had it ordered printed and published in the Globe. Senator Thurman in the Senate moved that it be printed for the use of members. Stenhouse and his wife were round the Capitol to-day. She has come to lecture on Thursday evening on “Polygamy and Mormonism”. Mr. Ramsdell, of the N.Y. Tribune and Cincinnati Commercial invited me to dine with himself and family. Judge Miller of the Supreme Court was there also. Stenhouse visited Capt. Hooper and family
18 February 1873 • Tuesday
Met at Mr. Ramsdell’s yesterday a Mrs. Murphy wife of the Reporter of the Senate, who said she knew me having seen me at Salt Lake when on a visit there with the Senatorial party. She saw me here last Session and this. To-day was the most solemn time I ever saw in the House of Representatives. Judge Poland chairman of the Committee to investigate the Credit Mobilier, made his report. The galleries of the House and the floor were crowded and a deathlike stillness prevailed while it was being read. It was a lengthy and ably-written document. The men whose names and conduct were reviewed were closely observed. The report recommended the expulsion of Oakes Ames and Jas. Brooks. The former bore it very stoically; the latter was suffering from illness and looked like death. He made some remarks, quoting from two documents to show that the Committee’s report was partial, unjust and persecuting. The further discussion of the question was postponed until Tuesday. There is a good deal of feeling about the report. The Some of the Democrats denounce it strongly, and say the Republicans ought also to be expelled.
19 February 1873 • Wednesday
We called yesterday at the Chronicle office and conversed with Teasdell a Methodist preacher who edits that paper. It has been filled with <false> statements and misrepresentations against and concerning us. He is one of a party to whom my brother Angus and myself showed many attentions at Salt Lake and which cost us time and considerable money last Summer. He was with a party of Iowa editors. He has no more gratitude in him than the most degraded creature that crawls would have. I called on Mr. Noyes of the Eve. Star who wrote a denial of the report that we were authorized by telegraph from home to employ counsel and to spend $100,000 in defeating legislation. Had an interview with Senator Pool of North Carolina in the evening on the Frelinghuysen Bill, Bro. Hooper and myself having addressed notes to him and Senators Carpenter and Thurman asking for the same. He was very friendly to us; but from his conversation we saw how hopeless it was to expect any modification of the Bill. I became much aroused in my feelings and talked very plainly, but succeeded in checking myself before saying anything very bad unwise.
20 February 1873 • Thursday
Had a conversation with Bro. Hooper this morning about our case. He feels satisfied that Congress will pass some Bill against us. I doubt them their doing so; but if they do, am certain it will be so overruled in the providence of the Almighty so that it will be no injury to us. He does not believe in special providences, and on this <and kindred> points our conversation dwelt. He seems to think that God does not give himself any concern about us. He governs by great natural laws. Bro. Hooper seems to run in streaks. At one time he appears to have faith; at another as if he had none and was full of skepticism. He thinks the Latter-day Saints the best people in the world; but he don’t know, he says, about angels visiting Joseph. He doubts very much about that, and so also with regard to the resurrection of the body, he can’t understand it, and has very little faith in it. Our conversation was kind and friendly; but we did not come any nearer to an agreement by it. I cannot see how a man can be a Latter-day Saint and have doubts about these cardinal points. I feel exceedingly thankful for the testimonies and knowledge which God has given me concerning himself and I pray to be <ever> delivered from unbelief
21 February 1873 • Friday
T. B. H. Stenhouse and wife have been in the city some days. She is advertised to lecture on Polygamy in Utah. The town has been placarded with flaming bills announcing the lecture. It was delivered last evening. I am told there were about 200 there. She was heavy on President Young and Orson Pratt; but praised the women. I do not suppose this lecture paid expenses. They stopped at a first-class hotel, they advertised largely and printed costly placards, and altogether, unless helped by some means more than derived from the proceeds of the lecture, they must have lost money. “Rev. Dr.” Newman introduced her to the audience. [I prayed unto God to change the nature of this woman’s speech for the building up of his kingdom.]2 And in conversing with those who were present I think it did the Saints more good than harm.
Yesterday the prospects for the passage of the Bill through the Senate looked brighter than they do to-day. There seems to be a prevalent idea that the Bill should contain a provision to put past plural marriages out of the reach of prosecution and to legitimatize the children.
22 February 1873 • Saturday
Did not go to the House to-day. Had writing to do and stopped at the hotel to do it. Bro. Hooper came home feeling very cheerful and hopeful. Merritt of Idaho had seen Gen. Grant last night, so he confidentially told one of the Members, and Grant had told him that it was too late now to do anything about the Utah Bill, it would have to go over this Session. The Member took Bro. Hooper aside and, in strict confidence, told him what Merritt had said. Merritt shortly afterwards told Bro. Hooper the same news. Gen. Sherman, also, whom he met in the Senate chamber, told him that he had said to Grant, with whom he had attended a dinner party, that his action in relation to Utah was all wrong. For his advocacy of our cause they had laughingly called him a Mormon. This news was pleasant; but I felt that we ought not to relax in the least our vigilance.
23 February 1873 • Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 23. A cold stormy day; did not go out.
24 February 1873 • Monday
The story of Merritt respecting the Bill against Utah is unfounded. He is an unreliable man and tells such things as he thinks will throw us off our guard. They intend to do what they can to pass the Bill. We have a persevering and unscrupulous enemy in John P. Newman, Senate Chaplain. This is a day that Bro. Hooper dreads; but nothing special occurred. Mrs. Stenhouse gave a lecture <this afternoon> to the ladies at which they had the privilege of asking questions. We hear nothing about it. They cannot have made their expenses here.
25 February 1873 • Tuesday
Tuesday, Feb. 25/73. To-day was an exciting day. The Credit Mobilier came up for discussion. The galleries were very crowded. By vote ladies were admitted to the floor and they came in like a stream. Poland of Vt. chairman of the com. of investigation opened in a two hours speech. He was followed by other members, the most telling speech being made by Judge Merrick of Maryland. The discussion was kept up after recess until near midnight.
26 February 1873 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 26. I have been writing an interview for the World of New York, Bro. Hooper being the person interrogated. Mr. Adams of the World desired me to write it. The Credit Mobilier discussion occupied the day and was continued until late in the evening in the House. The great speech of the whole was by Gen. B. F. Butler of Mass. and was a masterly effort. He spoke in the evening and had a magnificent audience. He was listened to with rapt attention for one hour and forty minutes. I heard it and then went to the Senate where Capt. Hooper had spent the entire day. The subject of discussion there was the Frelinghuysen Bill. It passed at a little after midnight on a vote of 29 for and 10 against. The Democrats and <Carpenter,> Trumbull and Schurz voted against it. It was fought inch by inch by Thurman, Bayard, Carpenter[,] Trumbull, Casserly, Stewart, Nye; the bitter speeches by made by Logan of Ill. and Windom of Minnesota had a telling effect though composed of illogical and tyrannous and untrue statements. I saw the effect of the cry of being tainted with Mormonism on some of <the> Senators such as I have previously described. Nye especially was very desirous to let them know, in reply to Windom’s insinuations, that he had no sympathy with the system. The clause giving the deputies deputy marshals the authority to call on the military when he they were threatened with resistance was discussed with ability by Bayard and Trumbull. They denounced this ready appeal to the bayonet to enforce civil process. I felt that the day would come when those who were determined to have this feature in the Bill would yet be made to groan under the tyranny of soldiers and be humbled in the dust. The constitution has fallen into <disrepute> and the will of the majority has taken its place. There was an amendment made in relation to the selection of jurors at the suggestion of Bro. Hooper that was a great improvement to the Bill. Mr. Thurman made moved it. Three jury commissioners to be elected by the Legislative Assembly to act with the U.S. Judge, Clerk and Marshal in selecting juries. They altered it to two. He and others tried to get appeals to in criminal cases to the U. S. Supreme Court; but they voted down everything but appeals in criminal cases where capital punishment was <should be> the penalty. Maxwell is here bobbing around, as ugly as ever. Merritt professes to be very friendly; but he is as full of hatred to the Saints and everything not Gentile in Utah as a man can be. New Members of Congress elect are crowding in. I wrote a letter to President Young
27 February 1873 • Thursday
Sent a telegraphic dispatch to President D. H. Wells describing the amendments in the Frelinghuysen Bill. Mr. Fitch was at the House to-day having just returned from Florida whither he had been with his wife for her health. She had not improved, though he thought her heart disease was better. The Credit Mobilier discussion continued to-day and Oakes Ames and James Brooks were absolutely condemned, and an attempt was made to censure all the others – Bingham, Dawes, Garfield, Kelly, Saml Hooper and Schofield – the name of Kelly being first introduced in a resolution to censure. It seemed for awhile that they would not escape; but it was finally voted down, and I guess every one felt relieved to have the business ended. Their There was a visible improvement in the appearance of the men threatened.
28 February 1873 • Friday
Received letters from John Q. lately in which he speaks of his progress in acquiring the printing business and how much he likes it. I had promised that when he could get set three thousand ems in one day and distribute as much that I would give him $25. He claimed the amount. If he commenced at 8 o’clock and worked all day, he thought he could set and distribute 5,000 The usual business was attended to and bills were crowded through. In the discussion of the appropriation bill the question of salary came up. It was discussed freely in the afternoon and again in the evening. I was much amused at the members who wanted this increase in salary; but did not want to vote for it. Each one was exceedingly anxious that his neighbor should vote for it while he himself should not be put on the record as being in favor of it. Several members of the Kentucky delegation reserved their votes until they saw it would not carry. then they voted against it. Others changed their votes[.] Ben Butler had taken an active part in urging the increase of salary, and when a number had changed their votes he arose and changed his. This created remark and some said he was going back on his own measure; but he soon showed his motive, by making a motion to reconsider his the vote and to adjourn. He could not have made a motion to reconsider under the rules if his vote had stood in favor of the measure.
1 March 1873 • Saturday
Saturday, March 1. The question of salary came up this morning and <it> was by motion changed to $6,500 per annum for Senators and Members and passed. To-day our enemies were anxious to get up the Frelinghuysen Bill and pass it. They had resolved upon getting it up this evening. All the feelings that I had in my dream I began to experience this evening. There was a time that I awaited its advent as I imagined in my dream that I awaited the shock of battle. I was nerved up in the same way. Clagett acted like a hen that wanted to lay. He was fidgetty and anxious and was charged ready to fire off. He got the floor and was twice recognized by the Chairman of the Com. of the Whole, Mr. Wheeler, and had his speech prepared, written out and in his hand; but was choked off both times; the first by Mr. Farnsworth introducing an amendment; the last time by Gen. Garfield moving the previous question, despite the remonstrances of Clagett, by which further debate was cut off. He intended to commence by speaking on some claim and then branch off on to the Utah question, feeling confident from his past success in getting the ear of the house that he could secure a hearing again. Merritt had also come down to the front to be near Clagett to support him. As soon as Clagett found that he could not interject his speech in then, he went over to Judge Bingham of Ohio, chairman of the Judiciary Com. and had a consultation with him. It was then arranged as I afterwards learned that further on in the evening B. was to try and get it up. Maxwell was back in Clagett’s seat waiting for the onslaught with great anxiety; Clagett went back to him and had a talk with him and then went off to smoke. In the meantime a collation had been prepared in a Committee room down stairs and some excellent punch, so said, had been furnished. Of this many partook freely and about midnight the effects were very visible in the noise and confusion which prevailed. Beck of Kentucky made a motion to take a recess until 9 o’clock Monday morning; other motions to adjourn and take a recess were also made; but with no effect; they were voted down two to one. Every moment I expected our matter to come up. The noise and confusion increased, and finally Gen. Garfield made a motion to take a recess until 9 o’clock Monday morning – the same motion they had voted down just before – and it was carried. We rejoiced exceedingly. We had another day’s grace. We had a quiet Sabbath granted unto us and I praised the Lord. Merritt afterwards told me that it we owed our escape that night to that punch. Bingham had got tight he said and they could not trust him to present the matter. Clagett, Merritt, Maxwell & Co. were mad; but we were gratified.
2 March 1873 • Sunday
Sunday, March 2 We had prepared amendments which Bro. Hooper would do his best to get adopted. I have kept a copy of them. We were tired to-day. It was stormy. We rested and had peace.
3 March 1873 • Monday
Monday, March 3. The same old feeling of being nerved up as if expecting a shock. I prayed earnestly and constantly in my heart for the Lord to defeat our enemies and I had peace. The first proceeding after the reading of the minutes was to commence at the calendar. Each man was striving to get his measure through. The Speaker told the members that if they would keep their seats and not call for <the> ayes and noes, unless they wished to stop a measure and to find out if two-thirds were in favor of it, he thought they might get through the calendar in a few hours and every Bill could come up in its regular order. Then the Bills were crowded through like grain through a hopper, under the suspension of the rule. There appeared no human possibility of escape, for the Frelinghuysen Bill was on the calendar, low down it was true but <at> the rapid rate they were crowding through legislation it could not be long until it was reached. Clagett and Merritt were very active and very gleeful. The latter told me they had got us now, and swore by his Maker that they were going in for results now and not for talk. Bro. Hooper saw Clagett, and to see how he felt, asked him if he thought the Bill would pass. He swore and said that it had got to pass, that he would force it through. They, every little while, would go up to the Speaker’s Desk where the Bills lay and examine the pile to see how far it was down. Maxwell and they were in great glee. I did not see how we were going to escape, but yet I had faith that something would interpose to prevent the passage of the Bill; but I did not know what it would be, or how it would be prevented. At 5 p.m. took recess till 1/2 past 7 and still it was not reached. I paced up and down one of the cloak rooms within hearing of the business, and calling called upon the Lord in my heart for that deliverance which I knew that no one but He could give. The exultation of our enemies was unconcealed. In imagination they already had their feet upon our necks. Two o’clock in the morning of Tuesday came and still they were crowding through Bills. There were but two Bills to pass which could be passed in two or three minutes and then the Frelinghuysen Bill was reached. Confusion and excitement prevailed and it seemed like a time that an attempt to reason upon such a subject, with so great a feeling of hurry prevailing, would be useless. We had done all in our power, and if the Bill was not to pass, only the power of God could prevent it. Just then the Judiciary Committee brought up the impeachment cases of Judge Delahay of Kansas and Judge Sherman of Ohio. This subject consumed an hour. Three o’clock had come and still no action on the Frelinghuysen Bill. Then members began to present resolutions, bills &c upon which they wanted action. Speaker Blaine recognized them and half an hour was thus consumed. Our enemies active and urgent tried to press the Frelinghuysen Bill on to the notice of the House; but in vain. I felt faint and hungry, went down to the restaurant and got a piece of pie, was only absent a few minutes and when I came up the House had just adjourn taken a recess until 1/2 past 9. I was surprised and yet exceeding glad. I thought of my dream again. The dispersion of the Members reminded me of the dispersion in the dream. Our enemies were swearing mad. Merritt said we had bribed the Speaker and <that> damned old Bingham. Clagett and Maxwell were also furious.
4 March 1873 • Tuesday
Tuesday, March 4. This morning they commenced at the calendar. The two Bills were soon passed, then came the Frelinghuysen Bill; but Mr. Sarjent of California objected to the consideration of so important a Bill when there was no quorum present. It was laid aside informally; and from that <time> until half past eleven, when upon motion it was decided to transact no more legislation, it could not be reached. Business of various kinds was attended to; but that could not be got up. Our enemies were furious. Maxwell said he would take out British papers and be an American citizen no longer. Clagett asserted that we had spent $200,000 on the Judiciary Committee and Merritt swore that there had been treachery and we had bribed Congress. But I thanked and praised God who was our Friend and mightier than they all. By seemingly small and insignificant means he had brought to pass marvelous results, and to Him all the glory was due. I was hurt this afternoon by a remark of Capt. Hooper’s. I was speaking in the presence of Sister Hooper of how wonderfully God had delivered us and how plainly His hand was to be seen, when the Captain said that it was all perfectly natural, that God had nothing to do with it or words to that effect. I was shocked, for after our experience of the past weeks and especially the past few days, I thought that he of all men ought to recognize and acknowledge His hand and providence in what had occurred and told him so, also that I did not like to hear him make such remarks, I thought them sinful; in which Sister H. joined. He replied that he could say, he guessed, what he pleased, and then the subject was dropped. I was deeply pained. I knew that he was skeptical; but I was scarcely prepared for this denial of God’s interposition in our case. To my mind His Hand had never been more plainly manifested than I have seen it these few days. How relieved and glad I am at what has occurred. I have felt for two or three days like a m mentally as I would physically if I were holding up against a heavy load that was likely to roll on to me. I saw the inauguration ceremonies. The day was a dreadfully cold one. I hunted up Willard Young who was here with the West Point cadets and had a long conversation with him. He and Spencer Clawson came up and visited us in the evening.
5 March 1873 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 5 Went to Post Office Department and attended to business. Saw Postmaster with Capt. Hooper about having box delivery extended to Salt Lake. He said whenever he could be satisfied there were 20,000 people there he would extend the delivery there.
6 March 1873 • Thursday
Thursday, 6. Busy to-day. Called at Navy Department and saw about Cadet-ship. Left Washington for Philadelphia at 5.20 p.m. Could not get lodgings at Continental Hotel and put up at the St. Lawrence.
7 March 1873 • Friday
Friday, 7. Bought rag cutter of W. Gavitt and visited paper mill. Looked at carriages for Bro. Hooper at factory of Rogers. Left for N. Y. at 3. p.m. Reached at 6 p.m. Put up at the St. Nicholas Hotel; met Bro. John W. Young.
8 March 1873 • Saturday
Saturday, 8. Bought engravings for Juvenile Instructor of Rev. John Liggins. Bought stereotyping machine of Mr. Senior. Called upon Kountze Bro’s. Bought piano of U.S. Piano Co. Called upon Hoe & Co. about printing machine. Bro. Sharp and son John arrived from Boston last night. The latter took me to see Sothern as David Garrick.
9 March 1873 • Sunday
Sunday, 9. Called upon Mr. Lyman Richardson of the Omaha Herald, also Stirling Morton of Nebraska city. Spent the day with Bros. Sharp and Bro. Spencer Clawson. Bro. Hooper telegraphed that he would leave Washington in the morning. I replied that I would join him at Harrisburg.
1 December 1873 • Monday
[I prayed to God in my temple clothing.]1 I called upon him mightily in prayer to help me. This is a great comfort to me. I am here without a man who is in sympathy with me; but I have a Friend more powerful than they all. In this I rejoice. I feel there are angels with me, and as one of old said they that are for us are more than they who are against us. When I pray I feel comforted and filled with joy. Of myself I feel very weak; but in my Lord I feel strong. Called at office of Mr. White correspondent of N. Y. Tribune who told me of Maxwell and Howell calling upon him to get Maxwell’s side as he describes it published in the Tribune, Mr. White told them he would not publish there [their] side alone. He would publish theirs as soon as mine, and mine as soon as theirs, but neither one alone. They did not like this and Maxwell whined out that he did not want the Tribune to favor the Mormons and go against him, &c[.] He is a miserably low creature as are his associates.
A man by the name of Digges wrote me a letter on Saturday desiring an interview with me at the Tribune office. He wished me to infer that he could give me valuable information and help as he knew Maxwell’s plans. The letter did not strike me favorably. I showed it to Mr. White and asked him about Digges and who he was. He had been out to Salt Lake City, and had come and offered to sell Mr. White news about Maxwell’s case to publish. Mr. W. made the same reply to him that he did to Maxwell. He appeared then to be all on the latter’s side. Then he said he could interview me. Mr. W. told him that if there was anything of public interest in the case stated fairly he would buy it. Mr. W. thinks him a “dead beat” and that he it was who sold to the N.Y. Herald the infamous dispatch which appeared in the Washington correspondence of that paper on Saturday. Digges came to me on the floor to-day before the House was called to order and told me what great influence he had with members. I treated him very coolly. He has a smooth, plausible address and could easily impose on an unsuspecting person. For the particulars of the organization and the discussion over my being sworn in I will refer to the minutes as published. I felt profoundly thankful to the Lord and praised him with all my heart. How blessed it is to be his servant!
[preprinted:] Cash Account – October
date.
received.
paid.
1873
Dec. 4
Tithing
560.00
Jan. 4
〃
65.00
Paid to Parish
50.00
〃 for Bates Telegram
3.50
〃 〃 Copying Court Records
3.50
Nov.
From Jas. Jack for expenses
500.00
Expenses to and from K.
20.00
Tithing on Traveling expenses
33.00
Woman’s Journal
5.00
Jan. 22
Dispatch on Overton a/c
4.37
Jan. 23
Paid to A. F. Boyle
100.00
27
〃 〃 Donn Piatt for ballot box
20.00
28
Loaned Donn Piatt
500.00
Feb. 4
Tithing on Salary
53.88
Jan. 29
Harford hoakuka o Ko’u enemi
10.00
31
Dispatch to Pres. Wells on Overton a/c
4.27
Feb. 28
Copying
2.50
Mar. 6
To Baltimore and Back
6.00
Carried Forward
1211.88
729.14
Cash Account – November < December>
date.
received.
paid.
Dec 4
Salary
5625.00
Dec. 4
Draft on Sub Treas. N.Y. sent to Jas. Jack
2,500.00
6
Cash drawn to pay notes of <due> W. H. Hooper
1,369.00
12
〃 〃 〃 〃 〃 Retaining fee to Gen H. E. Paine in contest case
500.00
13
Draft on Sub Treas N.Y. to settle S. P Round’s a/c
442.50
19
Cash for self
125.00
Jan 3.
〃 〃 〃
100.00
〃 to pay Parish for helping W. H. H.
50.00
Jan 4
Month’s salary
625.00
Expenses for traveling
330.00
〃 21
Sub. treasury draft towards press from S. P. Rounds
500.00
26
〃 〃 〃 to J. M. Stevenson for electros
195.00
Feb. 4
Month’s Salary
538.77
Jan. 23
Chge Tithing to pay A. F. Boyle
100.00
28
〃 〃 to loan Donn Piatt
500.00
Feb. 2
Cash for self ($50 to loan to Mr. Somes
150.00
Carried Forward
7118.77
6531.50
date.
received.
paid.
Brought Forward
1211.88
729.14
Mar. 10
To Wilmington & return
12.60
〃
To Boyle for printing article on Ann Eliza
25.00
〃 D. Piatt for papers
10.00
〃 4
Tithing on Salary
41.67
〃 30
Cash to Cone for articles
30.00
Apl 1
〃 〃 Corkhill
100.00
〃 from Mrs Jennings which I telegraphed <W. H. Hooper> to pay D. Bonelli $200 and John Pym $100 at St. George, and which I wrote Jas. Jack to pay W. H. Hooper
300.00
〃 from Mr. Ingalls, Indian agent, which I telegraphed W. H. Hooper to pay D. Bonelli, St. George, and telegraphed Jas Jack to pay W. H. H. Mr. Ingalls paid <arranged for> the dispatches thro’ his pass
200.00
14
Cash to D. Piatt for papers
10.00
〃 〃 Chapman for copying Capt Burt’s letter
3.50
4
Tithing on salary
41.67
30
Cash borrowed from W. C. Staines
300.00
May 4
Tithing on Salary
41.67
5
Cash from home
500.00
12
〃 paid to W. C Staines $300.00
Dispatch home about seat
5.05
23
Madder seed
5.44
A F Boyle
50.00
Carried Forward
2636.89
980.73
January – Bills Payable.
date.
name.
dolls.
cts.
Brought Forward
$7118.77
6531
50
Feb. 9
Cash for self
50
00
Mar. 4
Month’s salary
416.68
〃 to loan Hon. C. L. Cobb
200
00
Cash
100
00
〃
50
00
〃
47
00
〃
25
00
26
〃 for self
50
00
23
〃 to pay part of draft to S. P. Rounds
270
00
Apl. 1
〃
125
00
8
〃 to loan to C. L. Cobb
125
00
4
Month’s salary
416.68
20
Cash to pay Gen Paine
200
00
22
〃
50
00
24
〃
50
00
30
Draft on Duncan, Sherman & Co from W. C. Staines
300.00
〃
Cash to pay Gen Paine
275
00
May 4
Month’s salary
416.68
〃
Cash for self
100
00
5
Draft on Kountze Bro’s.
500.00
12
〃 〃 Ass. Treas. N.Y. to pay W. C. Staines
300
00
14
Cash for self
50
00
19
〃 〃 〃
50
00
Carried Forward
9168.81
8648
50
February – Bills Payable.
date.
name.
Dolls.
Cts.
dolls.
cts.
Brought Forward
2636
89
980
73
June 4
Tithing on salary
41
67
〃 〃 Stationery a/c
12
50
Printing (McGill & Witherow)
84
00
July 4
Tithing on salary
41
67
June 24
Cash for articles
100
00
〃
〃 〃 〃
50
00
July 28
Note to Jas Jack for cash
3 – 2
73
March – Bills Payable.
date.
name.
Dolls.
Cts.
dolls.
cts.
Brought Forward
May
26
Cash for self
9168
81
8648
50
〃
Cash for self
25
00
27
〃 <in> exchange for Treas. Draft of one of pages who couldnt get it <cashed that evening>
77
50
23 January Spoke to the Committee on Territories against the Poland Bill
25 January A former slave now in Congress is equal “to the old slave owners of the South.”
3 February Cannon sworn in to Congress
9 February ff. Cannon’s dealings in the U.S. government in Washington
16 February Cannon spurned by Vermont senator George F. Edmunds, chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary
2 March “I presented to-day, under the call of the States and Territories, a Bill for the admission of Utah as a State.”
30 March ff. “The contest case of ‘Maxwell against Cannon’”
2 April ff. Bitter attacks upon Cannon; lobbying against him; “spirit of prejudice”
28 April ff. The Poland Bill “aimed at the destruction of all local government”
5 May ff. Poland Bill
14 May Heard lecture on “heart diseases arising from strain and overwork”
19 May Extensive visit with Thomas L. Kane
28 May Utah Bill postponed; thus “another day of peace and deliverance is granted”
2 June Vicious things said by members of Congress against Mormons
26 August ff. Travel south from Salt Lake City to hold various meetings
28 November ff. Travel to Washington DC
Source Note
Journal, 1874
George Q. Cannon, Journal, 23 Jan.–9 Dec. 1874; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 192 inscribed pages, including 6 pages of financial accounts and memoranda and 1 slip of paper inserted into the journal; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Pocket-size journal, measuring 5⅞ × 3¾ × ¾ inches (15 × 10 × 2 cm). The text block measures 5¾ × 3¾ inches (15 × 9 cm). The journal was published as an “Excelsior” journal for the year 1874. The front matter of the journal provides printed reference information, such as a calendar, postage rates, and state populations. Each page of the journal itself has a header containing the name of the month, the day of the week, and the year; three pink lines provide a border for the header, two lines above it and one below. Below the header, each page is lined with twenty-seven blue lines.
The journal has a light brown leather cover with minimal blind-tooled outside borders, an overlapping flap, and a built-in pocket at the back of the volume for loose papers. The back cover had a place for a ribbon or lace (now missing) to secure the journal. The inside covers have light blue pastedowns. The inside front cover has a penciled inscription: “1875 Jan 23 | to | Oct 1.1874”. The first flyleaf bears the inscriptions “113”, “63”, and “1300” all in pencil and an illegible marking in blue ink. At a later point, a small red-bordered archival label was pasted to the upper left corner of the front cover. In black ink, the label reads: “No. 7 | G.Q.C. Journal | 1874 | Washington & | Utah. Memorial | ♢♢♢ Statement”.
The journal begins 23 January 1874, and each page thereafter is inscribed through 4 June. There is one entry inscribed on the 12 June page, and then the journal picks up from 19 June through 21 June. Another lengthier run of the journal covers from 26 August through 1 October. The final series of entries runs from 28 November through 9 December. Two pages of memoranda record a list of towns, distances traveled, and meetings held from late August through early October. Four pages of financial accounts were inscribed at the back of the book. A slip of paper with financial accounts was inserted at the back of the journal. The back flyleaf and inside back cover bear a series of math calculations.
In 1932, Sylvester Q. Cannon, who was then serving as the presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated George Q. Cannon’s journals to the church’s First Presidency. The First Presidency transferred the journals to the Church History Department in late 2008.
23 January 1874 • Friday
Met with Com. on Ter. According to previous arrangement I spoke 45 min. against the Poland Bill which resembles McKee Bill as far as it goes, but is not near so sweeping in extent. Was listened to closely and had freedom. I said not a single instance of improper verdicts rendered by Mormon juries had been adduced by those who advocated legislation, while I had proved that when they <(McKean & Co.)> had the selection of juries they had carefully excluded Mormons and had packed juries. I quoted from our jury law & from decision of U. S. Supreme Court Clinton vs Englebrecht to show that we had a law similar to those which prevailed elsewhere and that we had a right to enact such a law, &c. I clearly proved that the lock up of the Courts was not the fault of the laws but of the Court. Maxwell was afraid I would have too good an effect and interrupted me when my time was nearly up. He followed and was very bitter, trembled considerably, quoted from McGrorty in his contest for W. H. Hooper’s seat, also from Cradlebaugh, from Deseret News to fasten certain utterances upon me as the editor, quoted from his evidence in his contest case against me to show that Now I would not render verdict against polygamy as adultery, also that I denied being a polygamist, &c. His talk was so intemperate it had but little effect. Carey followed, accusing us of all kinds of crimes, rehearsed Mountain Meadows, Parrish and Robinson murders. I followed in a five minutes talk, quoted from Haliburton’s English in America to show that just such charges were made against early Colonists, yet who justified the Mother country for her treatment of the colonies. I cannot give an epitome of what was said by Maxwell & Carey or by myself. I think my arguments had the most effect because it was plain to be seen that they were <are> to be benefitted by the proposed legislation. The Com. have been patient and courteous and disposed to give the subject due consideration. Wrote a number of letters – one home to my wife Elizabeth.
24 January 1874 • Saturday
Saturday Called upon <at> Senator Thurman’s to see him about an amendment in a Bill which gives the Territorial Legislatures the authority to assign the U. S. Judges their districts and when not done by them to give Judges authority to assign themselves. Utah is made an exception, because a previous law of Congress gives this power to the Governor of the Territory. He was not at home. Saw him afterwards at the Capitol, and explained to him what I wanted. The exception was an invidious one, there was no just cause for such a discrimination; but it forms a precedent to be acted upon in other matters until the idea becomes a fixed one that Utah can be and ought to be treated differently to the other Territories. He promised to see if it could be amended as I wished. Left A. Hatch’s papers against Indian Agent Dodge at Commissioner of Indian Affairs office.
25 January 1874 • Sunday
After attending to Department business yesterday I went to the House. Mr. Robbins of North Carolina was speaking against Civil Rights Bill. His speech was able in many respects, but indiscreet and impolitic. The Democrats are not wise in their movements. They lack a great and respected leader in the House to whom they would look up and be guided by. There are several who would probably like to be leaders, but no one acknowledged as such. A full-blooded negro – Cain, of South Carolina – followed Robbins to the delight of the Republicans. He is a glib talker and made several sallies in reply to Robbins, which created great laughter and applause. Such a scene must be very bitter to the old slave owners of the South. Their former slaves recognized as their equals on the floor of the House and applauded to the echo in their retorts upon Southern men and in holding up to shame Southern policy. In looking back to my first visit to Washington in <1858->1859-1860 in ante-bellum days and contrasting the situation then with affairs now I can scarcely repress my astonishment at the wonderful change which has been accomplished. [I received a letter today from my youngest wife. I was filled with joy while reading that she was pregnant. It is God who has blessed her. A windy, cold day. I prayed to God in my temple clothing just like I normally do every Sabbath day.]1 In evening preparing copy for the Juvenile
26 January 1874 • Monday
I have much satisfaction in my privileges. I have rooms which are well suited for me; clean, well kept, cheerful and quiet. After washing and shaving in the morning I lock the doors, pull down the blinds and dress in [my temple clothing and pray to God.]2 This is a sweet and precious privilege to me, and not a day has passed in which I have not availed myself of it. I know the Lord hears and answers my prayers. Wrote letters yesterday to John Q., Franklin and [to my last wife,]3 also to-day to Pres. D. H. Wells and others. Had a call in the evening from Maxwell’s striker, Harford. He tells me M. is going to Utah on Wednesday, his object, as he states it, being to get affidavits against me and Memorials to Congress. Sloanaker called and told me that Jenkins of Va. had been offered the place of Gov. of Utah, but his wife objected to going there. He confirmed what Whitney told me on Sunday that McKean’s friends want the place for him.
27 January 1874 • Tuesday
Bought a patent ballot box of Col. Donn Piatt this morning to send as a sample to Bro. Wells, as I wrote to him yesterday. Paid $20 for it. Met in Committee with Delegates of Ter. Discussed various projects. I told them my feelings kindly but plainly about allowing Utah to be excepted in bills for general good of Territories and to be made the subject of special legislation. There should be a feeling of brotherhood. Utah cannot be struck without injuring the rest and freedom everywhere. They should not feel indifferent. And much more I said, to which they responded kindly. Chaffee says he likes Utah, but dislikes polygamy, wants to see it put down. Those who spoke did not agree with him.
Busy as usual at the House. Wrote to Bro’s. John T. Caine and Jos. A. Young. Went to hear John B. Gough lecture in “Night Scenes in London”. Was disappointed. He is a good actor and on some subjects may be a good orator; but this lecture in many of its parts was humbug. His stories, many of them, smacked of sectarian missionary meetings and Sunday Schools, such as form the staple of religious tracts. I was glad that I invested no more than 50 cents, the $1 seats were all taken.
28 January 1874 • Wednesday
Received letters from John Q., Geo. <C.> Lambert and Geo. Reynolds. Evening Session at the House. This morning called at Post Office Department on business for Mr. Greathouse, who brought me a letter of introduction from Heber P. Kimball. He has failed in a contract which he had, or rather the party to whom he sub-contracted has failed and this makes him ineligible as a bidder
29 January 1874 • Thursday
Had a conversation with Mr. Curtis, acting Chairman of Com. on Ter. He is ardently opposed to special legislation. Evening Session at the House. Called again at Post Office Department about Mr. Greathouse’s case. Met him and Mr. Hailey, Delegate from Idaho there.
30 January 1874 • Friday
Wrote a letter to President Young. Busy all day. Met Gilbert Webb at dinner at the Hotel – Willard’s. He had arrived from Salt Lake to put in bids for Mail Contracts. He left there on Sunday. Maxwell’s striker called on me. M. has a Serjeant from Salt Lake City who has brought down two soldiers for the Insane Asylum – insanity M. is telling around produced by brass knuckles of Mormon police – he wants him as a witness. Bro. Webb very desirous I should go to Theatre with him. Went to Ford’s Opera House saw Sothern as Lord Dundreary in our American Cousin. A capital performance. This is the first time we went to theatre at Washington since winter of 1859, except with Mr. Kaufman in 1827 to Opera to hear Nillson.
31 January 1874 • Saturday
Called upon Senator Stevenson of Ky. this morning. He is a member of the Senate Com. on Judiciary, who have four bills hostile to Utah before them – Frelinghuysen’s, Logan’s and Sarjent’s two. The latter were introduced by Sarjent to save the clause woman’s suffrage law of Utah. After he introduced them I saw him upon the subject. He had always been opposed to such legislation as proposed in these Bills, and I could not understand how he could consistently introduce them. He informed me that should the Bills come up he would oppose them. He had not changed in his views respecting letting Utah alone; but in case there was danger of any passing, he wanted woman suffrage saved. I had heard that Carey had been before the Judiciary Com. and I wanted to know how that was, as I had been promised by the Chairman and several members that I should be notified. He said Carey had only made a brief statement & no argument. Wrote to Pres. Wells and to [my second wife.]4 Showed Gilbert Webb around the Capitol and took him into the Bath Room where he had a bath. Speech day in the House. Went to Theatre in the evening with Bro. Webb and seen “Saratoga,” a rather trifling play.
1 February 1874 • Sunday
This day I observed as a fast day according to custom. [I prayed unto God in my temple clothing].1 Read the Book of Mormon and a sermon in the News of Bro. Orson Pratt’s. Enjoyed the day in the solitude of my chamber. Gilbert Webb called upon me and got me to fill out a number of bids for him. Mr. Durell, a banker of Salt Lake City and Dr. Taggart called upon me in the evening.
2 February 1874 • Monday
Snow fell last night. Storming heavily this morning. To-day is what is called “Devil’s day” at the House. I was made angry by the introduction of a Bill, by Hazleton of New Jersey, providing for minority representation in Utah. I asked him afterwards how he introduced such a Bill as that. He said a man named Wilcox gave it to him. This Wilcox is an officious, intermeddling newspaper correspondent. I told him that this practice of introducing special legislation for Utah was wrong and I was opposed to it; the Legislative Assembly of Utah was in session and if this system were desirable, they would introduce it; in fact, already a Bill was introduced there which proposed to give the minority representation. His reply was apologetic and to the effect that this would do no harm – the Committee would not notice &c. Mr. Axtell of Cal. wants to be Governor of Utah, saw me on Saturday about it; saw me again to-day. Senator Wright of Senate Com. on Judiciary informs me I am to be heard on bills before that Com. hostile to Utah.
3 February 1874 • Tuesday
Rained in the night, which falling on the snow makes the streets like glass. At the House. Wrote letters to my son Abraham, to Miss Georgia Snow about Census Reports for Salt Lake Library, and to [my third wife.]2 Received letters from Presidents Brigham Young & Geo. A. Smith dated St. George, and from my son Franklin. Met Mr. Sayler of Ohio and Capt. Tom Sherlock as I was coming out from dinner. Sherlock proceeded to introduce me to Sayler. The latter replied that Mr. Cannon and he were quite intimate. He then proceeded to relate when it was that he had formed a liking for me, premising the narration by remarking that he had never told me anything about it. Said he: “it was the day we were all sworn in; Mr. Cannon walked up to be sworn with the rest of the Delegates, when a fool from the other side (Mr. Sayler is a Democrat) jumped up and objected and afterwards offered a resolution. Mr. Cannon walked out as coolly to one side and stood there, and I was struck with admiration at the manner in which he went through the scene; he showed such pluck and betrayed so little agitation. He looked as though he didn’t care a damn whether they swore him in or not. I told our fellows we must stand up to that man, and we did, not one of our side that did not give him his vote.”
4 February 1874 • Wednesday
Wednesday Called at Senator Conkling’s to see him about <my> meeting with the Senate Judiciary Com. and Axtell’s appointment as Governor of Utah. He was not up, being ill. Busy at the House.
6 February 1874 • Thursday
Called again upon Senator Conkling and failed to see him, not being up. Wrote to my wife Elizabeth and son John Q. Met with Committee of Delegates. Sloanaker told me to-day that Jenkins of Va. had been offered the office of Governor of Utah. Axtell wants me to see President Grant about his being Governor. Talked with Senator Sarjent and he thinks I had better not. Busy at the House.
6 February 1874 • Friday
Busy at rooms and then at House. Mr. Somes called and spent the evening conversing upon various topics, but mostly upon his inventions – ventilating, heating & cooling, ice-making &c.
7 February 1874 • Saturday
Wrote a number of letters. Ground covered with snow. Yesterday a very stormy day. I cannot account for my not receiving letters from home, especially in reply to mine to Prest’s Young & Wells. Have written Pres. Wells on the subject.
8 February 1874 • Sunday
[I fasted today]3 according to my custom. I enjoyed the day. It was a day of peace and rest. [I prayed unto God in my temple clothing].4
9 February 1874 • Monday
Introduced bill for <Wasatch and> for Jordan Valley R. R. to-day. I met this morning with the Committee of <Delegates of> Territories. Maxwell led Mr. Fort out of the House to have an interview with Carey who gave him a Memorial to present from the non-Mormons of Utah. Fort came to me afterwards and told me about it. Said he did not want to commit himself to either side, wanted to keep unbiased so as to judge fairly. The Memorial was like all such documents, misrepresentation and lies, framed for the object of creating an impression on Congress to get that body to pass laws against the Saints.
This has been an exciting day in the House.
10 February 1874 • Tuesday
House was in Com. of the Whole after morning hour on Army Appropriation Bill. Dr. Taggart appealed to me to help get Overton, the Receiver, confirmed. Wrote to Pres. Young at St. George, also to Geo. C. Lambert, among other things requesting him to look after John Q. and not let him work too hard. In evening wrote editorial thoughts for Juvenile on Indians.
11 February 1874 • Wednesday
Received letter from <my son> John Q. which alarmed me. I have felt much impressed to write to him about taking care of himself. To my letter he replies that he is afflicted strangely in body and mind, cannot eat, is nervous and has bad dreams. Does not mention it to his Mother for fear of alarming her. I telegraphed immediately to Geo. Lambert to relieve John Q. from the Office and have him take horseback exercise. The difficulty with John Q. is he would work till he dropped and never tell anybody that he was ailing. I pray the Lord to bless and heal him[.] Wrote him a letter, in which I told him what course to take to regain his health. Wrote also to my wife Elizabeth. At the House all day, and again in the evening.
12 February 1874 • Thursday
Met with Delegates in Committee. At House during day, also in the evening.
13 February 1874 • Friday
At the House and talked to a number of members about our affairs.
14 February 1874 • Saturday
Called upon Senator Conkling about having a hearing before the Com. on Judiciary of the Senate when the Bills against Utah were to be discussed. He was in favor, he said, of my being heard. Saw Senator Frelinghuysen upon same subject. He at first said I could not be heard. “But,” said I, “Carey was before you.” “Not for more than four minutes,” he replied. “He saw how impatient the Com. were and withdrew.” “But Senator Edmonds, the Chairman, said I was to say to you that I was to be heard. As a Member of the other Branch of Congress, and representing Utah, is it not my right?” He finally acknowledged that, taking that view, I am entitled to a hearing, and am to be there at 11 a.m. on Monday.
Debating in the House. Wrote several letters – Capt. Hooper, Geo. C. Lambert, David Tyler, A. Christensen and [my second wife.]5
15 February 1874 • Sunday
Fasted and [prayed to God in my temple clothing].6 Read in Book of Mormon and had a very peaceful, happy day by myself.
16 February 1874 • Monday
Met with the Senate Com. on Judiciary. But it was an unsatisfactory meeting. Edmonds, the Chairman, was evidently impatient. He said the Com. had but little time and I must be brief. I proceeded with my reasons against the Bills before the Com. hostile to Utah. He kept looking at the clock as though he wished me to stop. Finally he asked me: “Then you think that the world’s people, or whatever you call them, in Utah have their rights as the Mormons do and are not interfered with improperly?” I promptly replied, “I do.” “That’ll do,” said he, as h jumping up at the same time and walking towards the fireplace, “the Com. have no more time to spare.” I kept my temper and made some few remarks to one and another who spoke to me and withdrew. Senator Thurman, while I was speaking, took interest in what I said and asked several questions which enabled <me> to speak with greater freedom. I wonder when Edmonds’ turn comes to be judged (as come it will) if he won’t think those who <have> his case in hand are not very hard if they manifest as little interest in him as he did this morning in listening to the defence and justification of 130,000 American citizens who are at least his equals.
17 February 1874 • Tuesday
I was saddened yesterday by getting the news from home about the division among the people at the election. The apostates and anti-Mormons had dropped their ticket and united with the disaffected Mormons on theirs. This latter was headed by Wm Jennings as Mayor. I do not care how much we have to fight outside. With the blessing of the Lord upon a united people we can fight a good and a winning fight; but with disunion at home there is no promise of success. I beat Merriam of New York again. I presented the Memorial of the Legislative Assembly of Utah to the House and the following extract from the Congressional Record will give the details. I do not know what ails Merriam unless it is “pure cussedness.” Busy at House all day. Saw <Senator> Sarjent about introducing Memorial to the Senate.
18 February 1874 • Wednesday
Busy at House through the day and in the evening. Mr. Potter of New York told me that the Judiciary Com. were going to have the Poland Bill up and wished me to get it and go over it with him. I did so. Referred to the Memorial for Investigation. That was the best course to be taken. If legislation by Congress must be had, let it be in the shape of an investigation. I saw Charles Eldredge of Wis. also Gen Butler of Mass, the Chairman. He said he would like me to appear before the Com.
19 February 1874 • Thursday
Bro. Chas Nibley, the Ticket & Freight Agent of the Utah Northern R. Road called upon me this <yesterday> morning. He is here to try and get the mails sent to Montana over the Road. Called upon Pres. Grant with the Memorial from the Legislative Assembly of Utah asking for an investigation. He had seen it in the papers and read it he said. In response to my inquiries he thought an investigation would be good; but it ought to have been made last December. However it did not take long to go out to Utah now, and it could be made quickly. By this remark I inferred he was anxious to have it made before Congress adjourned so as to get legislation. I told him that Gov. Woods had vetoed the Memorial but the Assembly had passed it nevertheless. They were not afraid of investigation; they more there was of it by impartial men the better they would like it. If one-twentieth that was said about the people of Utah were true, I remarked, they had everything to fear from an investigation. At the House during the day and in the evening.
20 February 1874 • Friday
Busy at House. Bro. Nibley spent most of day and evening with me.
21 February 1874 • Saturday
Same as yesterday. House adjourned till Tuesday to honor Washington’s birthday.
22 February 1874 • Sunday
I quit eating at the Hotel last Monday afternoon and settled up. I got Wm Johnson, our colored man who represents Utah as a laborer in the Treasury Dep’t. to bring me each day boiled cracked wheat. This I eat with sugar. I find the Hotel living makes me feel gross. I would rather live poorly here away from my family, and live better at home, than to live well here and have the best hotel fare, and then return to plain home diet. How it will agree with me I cannot yet say; but I mean to experiment with myself for awhile. I remember my fare on the Sandwich Islands, how sweet the Lord made the poi to me.
23 February 1874 • Monday
This was a holiday, but I kept busy at work.
24 February 1874 • Tuesday
Busy at House.
25 February 1874 • Wednesday
The Committee on Foreign Affairs was called to-day in the morning hour and exhausted the hour. The next Com. is that on Territories. They did not want to miss the call and they wanted to report some Bill and have the time occupied so that they could get time to decide on the McKee Bill against Utah. But they were relieved by not being called. They are bound to make some kind of a report on the McKee Bill. I was busy talking with Members of the Com. I find Crounse of Nebraska, Mills of Texas, Brown of Kentucky, Curtis of Penn. and probably Hines of Arkansas are not in favor of the McKee Bill, but want a substitute which Crounse has partly prepared. Crounse urged me to get all my friends to be sure to be at the meeting <of the Com.> in the morning. The above named members promised to be there at the time (10 o’clock). I saw Schumaker of New York also, thinking from what he said, at the only meeting of the Com. at which <he was present when> the Bill was discussed during the arguments for and against it, that he would oppose it. He promised to be at the meeting.
26 February 1874 • Thursday
I learned before the House got fairly at work that a majority of the Committee had agreed to the McKee Bill and would report it and the minority had been authorized to report the minority substitute. Schumaker had gone to the meeting, but had voted for McKee’s Bill. Curtis failed to be present. He is an old man and I suppose thought they would not vote for the McK. Bill – he seemed to be of that opinion yesterday. The Committee stood five for McKee’s Bill, four against it. He expected to get the morning hour to report it; but there was a special order that excluded him. I had seen the Speaker and told him I would like to have the time for consideration postponed as long as possible. He said he would remember it and he thought it would be put off for four weeks yet. McKee had amended the Bill somewhat I got made copies and sent them out to Bro’s. Calder and Caine of the Deseret News and Herald. I spoke to McK. about having the consideration postponed. He seemed willing for three weeks. It looks as though they might get a blow at us with this infamous, outrageous Bill; but the Lord can foil them. I have been busy among the leading men of the House appealing to them in various ways to aid me in having the consideration postponed. To the friends of Woman Suffrage I particularly appealed as the Bill <proposed to> abolishes that in Utah. I feel calm and free from fear. The Speaker told me the Committee would not be called now till Tuesday.
27 February 1874 • Friday
To-day was private Bill day
28 February 1874 • Saturday
The House met and discussed private bills and late in the afternoon went into the Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union. John Young Brown made from his standpoint a very fine speech[.] Mr. Milliken also of Kentucky spoke well.
1 March 1874 • Sunday
I spent the day peacefully. I fasted and prayed as usual. I worked at preparing articles for Juvenile Instructor.
2 March 1874 • Monday
I presented to-day, under the call of the States and Territories, a Bill for the admission of Utah as a State, with a Memorial and Constitution accompanying which were adopted and framed two years ago by the Constitutional Convention. Before going to the House I called upon President Grant and told him of my intention. I hoped to be able to draw him out. He treated me courteously, said being requested by the Assembly of the Territory to present the Memorial I ought to do so; but was very non-committal.
I called upon Gen. Butler at his house this evening and talked with him about the McKee Bill and the action of the Committee upon it and that they would report to-morrow. He promised to be on hand.
3 March 1874 • Tuesday
The morning hour was consumed this morning by other business and the Committee on Territories was not called.
4 March 1874 • Wednesday
The Committee on Territories was called this morning. The following extract from the Congressional Record describes the manner in which the Bill was disposed of. (insert extract) The rule under which this was sent to the Committee of the Whole was <is> a new one, adopted since th we met. To my mind the hand of the Lord is plainly apparent in <all> this. By what seemingly simple and insignificant means the Lord brings to pass His marvelous designs! Who can see it? Not the wicked, for they deny His power and give all the glory to man. Members said to me “How well you have managed this!” God is not thought about.
Attended a dinner party given by Gov. McCormick of Arizona at his house to the Delegates. All were present but Chaffee of Colorado and we had a very pleasant time. Col. Steele of Wyoming was somewhat elated and very amusing. Mr. Chapman, Gov. McCormick’s private Sec. played excellently on the piano. McC. has an elegant home here, and his dinner was unexceptionally fine.
I enjoyed the evening and felt to glorify the Lord for His goodness. McKee looked plauged and annoyed at the Bill being so unceremoniously taken of his hands. I got up this morning feeling well. Had a sweet and heavenly time in waiting upon the Lord this morning; my joy was very great. Had a very pleasant and encouraging dream last night. I thought I was swimming a race with some other parties. They were on one stream and I on another a little way apart. I thought they started as though they were going to win; but I went through the clear, sparkling water with such ease and swiftness that I soon outstripped <them,> as I saw upon looking over towards the water they were in soon after I started. I arrived at my stopping place without the least trouble or difficulty, but no one knew anything about them, they had not been heard from.
5 March 1874 • Thursday
The day spent in discussing the Franking Bill.
6 March 1874 • Friday
Soon after the House opened this morning I received a dispatch from Gen. Thos. L. Kane informing me that he would like to see me at Barnum’s Hotel at Baltimore, where he then was, this afternoon as he had to go to Wilmington in the evening. I spoke to a number of my friends and to the Speaker to see that nothing should be considered in which I sh would be interested during my absence, which they promised they would do. I reached Baltimore a few minutes before 3 p.m., met the General and had a most delightful visit with him. I saw him go off with the train, then went to the Depot <from> which the cars were to start to Washington; reached there a little after 4 p.m. Found a letter from Bro. H. S. Eldredge, informing me that Bro. Jos. F. Smith had arrived from the Valley en route for England to preside over the mission there and that they would leave New York tonight for Washington.
7 March 1874 • Saturday
Got up early and went to meet the brethren. I missed them. Returned to my rooms and shortly afterward they came, accompanied by Bro. Hy. Sadler. Busy all day taking them around. Introduced them to President Grant and many leading men. Spent the evening in conversation.
8 March 1874 • Sunday
We spent the day in conversation and visited the unfinished Washington monument and called upon Col. Piatt, Editor of the Capital. I accompanied the brethren to the train for New York. They started a few minutes after nine in the evening. My feeling was one of loneliness after the brethren left.
9 March 1874 • Monday
Very busy this morning. The news of the death of ex-President Millard Fillmore had been received, so as soon as the morning hour was through, the House adjourned at 1.13 p.m. I started for Wilmington, I having promised Gen. Kane that I would meet him there this afternoon. Reached about 6 p.m. and found him, he having just arrived. We ate together and spent the evening and night until a few minutes before 2 o’clock when I went to the train for Washington. We had a very pleasant time together. I had, by the General’s request, taken with me from our previous interview, the Mss of Mrs. Kane’s diary to examine and give my views concerning. I wrote him the following letter in the subject: (insert copy of letter. Rough draft filed among private letters) At Wilmington I stopped at the Clayton House. I got a sleeping berth on palace car to Washington.
10 March 1874 • Tuesday
Maxwell is pushing the contest case, and is anxious to have the Committee on Elections set a time for the hearing of the case. Looking at the matter as men view such things and it would seem as though, with the prejudice existing on the subject of Mormonism, he would be able to give me trouble. But my trust is in the Lord. He sent me here; he knows my position; he has always been my Friend and I rely upon him now. At the House all day.
11 March 1874 • Wednesday
Busy in the morning and at the House. Senator Sumner was said to be dying. Dispatches were sent to the House reporting his condition. At 10 to 3 p.m. he died and the House adjourned.
12 March 1874 • Thursday
The House met to-day. After prayer by Chaplain waited without doing any business for 15 or 20 minutes for Resolutions from the Senate respecting Senator Sumner’s demise. After they were read, Judge E. Rockwood Hoar arose and in a few very appropriate and feeling remarks alluded to the great loss the country & the State of Mass. had sustained in the death of Charles Sumner, presented Resolutions, after which the Speaker appointed nine members of the House to attend the funeral and accompany the remains to Boston in addition to the Mass. delegation. The House then adjourned.
13 March 1874 • Friday
House met at 12 m. At 12.20 walked over to Senate chamber to participate in ceremonies over the remains of Charles Sumner. He had lain in State since 9 o’clock in the Rotunda, where thousands had been to see his corpse. After the House entered the Senate Chamber the Supreme Court of the U.S. were announced, then the President & his Cabinet. They with the House Com. sat in front of the circle on the right of the President of the Senate, then the Diplomatic Corps, then the House of Representatives. The Senators sat on the left of the President of the Senate, occupying that side, Sumner’s chair being empty and draped in mourning. The officers of the Army & Navy occupied the sofas in the rear. The galleries were jammed. Chaplain Butler of the House prayed and read a portion of scripture. Then Chaplain Sunderland of the Senate read a portion of scripture and prayed and afterwards pronounced a benediction. His prayer was much criticized for its length and verbosity. Gov. Hawley of Conn. who sat next to me, said to me at its conclusion that Sunderland was “a damned ass.” After this we withdrew to the House and adjourned. The corpse was taken to the special train and with Committees started for Boston.
14 March 1874 • Saturday
Very busy answering letters. The day was devoted at the House to debate only. Was there until adjournment. In evening had a visit from Mr. Somes, ex-member from Maine, one of the men who first organized the Republican party. We talked about the principles of Mormonism, the gospel, which I explained to him and with which he was much interested. He leans to Spiritualism, though he says he is not a Spiritualist. He told me of a woman medium with whom he was acquainted during the war who had remarkable revelations. Abraham Lincoln, then President, and his wife had him her brought to the White House and he and his wife were invited. She had manifestations in the presence of the President and dictated a line of policy for him to pursue in regard to several public measures. Whether he would intended to carry them out on his own judgment in that way, of course Somes said he could not tell, but he did carry them out just as she had suggested. If her suggestions had not influenced him, then there was to say the least, singular unanimity in their thoughts. She was a frequent visitor there. I have heard it said that Lincoln consulted mediums in regard to the conduct of public affairs. This confirms it. Somes tells me that there is a secret political organization of Spiritualists now in process of formation from which he expects great results. He does not want it mentioned. There is but one individual besides myself to whom he has given any hint of it.
15 March 1874 • Sunday
A quiet Sabbath-like day to me. I offered my prayers to the Lord and spent the day resting quietly and reading the Book of Mormon. Took dinner at Welcker’s after which took a walk. In evening had a visit from an old Kirtland Mormon by the name of C. R. Tuttle, who lives at New Brighton, Penn. He is here getting a patent for a knitting machine. He seems to have a love for the principles and people, esp and looks towards the Valley; but he is like a stray sheep. He has acted as an Elder and presiding officer of a branch for the sons of the Prophet Joseph. He is not, I infer, connected with them now, and says they are in the dark. He <has practiced medicine.>
16 March 1874 • Monday
Not much business was done in the House after the call of the States and Territories. House adjourned at 3.30 p.m. I spent the evening reading Smile’s “Huegenots in France.”
17 March 1874 • Tuesday
Went to Agricultural Bureau to-day about seeds to send home. Wrote to Bro. McKenzie. Busy at House all day. It was voted to devote to-morrow to discussion of the question of cheap transportation only as the Members having been invited to go to the launch of the City of Pekin, one of Pacific Mail S. S. Co’s fleet, at Chester, Penn., wanted to go there. In evening had a visit from Mr. Somes and explained many principles of Mormonism to him, in which he was much interested; but he is charmed with Spiritualism, though he continues to assert he is not a Spiritualist. Judge G. P. Styles also called.
Carey, U. S. Attorney for Utah, I see has got back from Utah whither he has been for some purpose, probably to raise funds and concoct more schemes to accomplish their base designs against the people. What a spectacle in a Republican government! A man conspiring against the liberties of a people whom he has been appointed <and paid> to serve!
18 March 1874 • Wednesday
I concluded to go to the launch myself as I had never seen one, and I thought the trip would do me good. Sat in Drawing Room with Senator Kelly of Oregon, Judge Drake, formerly Senator from Missouri, <Judge Crounse, Member from Nebraska,> Col. Steele, Delegate to Congress from Wyoming and a Mr. Smith from the Naval Construction Bureau. There were a great many in the company. The launch was a great success. The vessel is iron and said to be the second largest steamship in size to the Great Eastern. Her tonnage is upwards of 5,200 tons. Her length 431 feet and breadth of beam 48 feet. A collation was furnished after the launch which took place at 1 p.m. We returned to Washington at 8.30 p.m. having had a very pleasant trip.
19 March 1874 • Thursday
Busy at the House. Sam. Merritt, ex-Delegate from Idaho, now a lawyer in Utah, who introduced the Merritt Bill against Utah in the last Congress was at the House to-day having just arrived from Salt Lake City. He has come down in the interest of the “Ring” to help get legislation through. He professes to be friendly with me. Mr. Tuttle spent evening at my rooms.
Sent two sacks of various kinds of seed to persons in various parts of the Territory.
20 March 1874 • Friday
Called at the Botanical Garden and selected plants to send home. Arranged with Adams’ Express to carry them. At the House all day. Mr. Somes spent evening with me.
21 March 1874 • Saturday
At P.O. Dept. on business. Saw Mr. Somes freeze ice in a vial at his Office by means of a spray of atomized vapor ether. Did this to illustrate his patent freezing or ice making machine. At the House. Judge Barber of Wis. told me secretly that Merriam of N. Y. had the affidavit of a man who says that I tried to induce him to kill Babbitt while he was going to the States in his company on the ground that he was a wicked man and he should make a “blood atonement” – that he did not kill him but Babbitt was killed two years after and doubtless for that reason. The man’s name was a German one, and as he pronounced it was that I think of the Jew Abraham, who has recently returned to Salt Lake City. B. told Merriam in reply to his question as to what he thought about it that it was a damned lie, he believed. I rejoice that I am counted worthy to have such charges made against me falsely. The wicked lied about the Lord Jesus, the holy prophets and why should I escape if I wish to be one with them? This false wretch I never saw or spoke to in my life that I know anything about, and when Babbitt was killed I was in Cal. and had been for upwards of two years.
22 March 1874 • Sunday
Col. Grafton, partner of Gen. Paine my attorney in the contest case brought me a notice <yesterday> to sign to serve on Maxwell, objecting to the interrogatories propounded to his witnesses and all the answers thereto for the reason that I had not received notice according to law of his intention to take their depositions and because they were not taken before a legal officer.
A quiet Sabbath which I enjoyed in my usual way.
23 March 1874 • Monday
Clerk of the Com. on Elections gave me notice to-day that the Committee had appointed next Monday morning for the hearing of my contest case. Had interview with Gen. Paine, my attorney on the subject.
To-day is always a disagreeable day to me. The rules can be suspended by a 2/3 vote and anything be put on its passage. Much mischief can be done. It is called by the Members “Devil’s Day.”
Called upon Col. Steele, Delegate from Wyoming in the evening.
24 March 1874 • Tuesday
Merritt, Carey and Maxwell keep very busy pouring their lies into the ears of members and all who will listen to them. My prayer is that their lies will recoil on their own heads and they be caught in the snares they spread for the feet of the Saints.
Sent a telegraphic dispatch to-day to <ex->Gov. Mann at Salt Lake City asking him about notices for depositions served by Maxwell or his attorneys.
Judge Styles called on me in the evening.
25 March 1874 • Wednesday
Recd letter from my son John Q. in which he says all are suffering from colds but otherwise are well; also a notice from Bro. Geo. Swan of a dividend of 3 pr. cent on the stock of the Utah Central. Merritt, in a conversation to-day, told me he could arrange a Bill which he thought would suit me; but said he you are opposed to everything. I told him I was the determined opponent of special Congressional legislation. It was not needed for Utah. What was <is> wanted is the removal of the obstructionist officers – Judge McKean &c. You know, said I, that he is the sole cause of the difficulty. I was told, I added, by a man who knew him intimately (Dr. Taggart) that he was the laziest man he ever knew. I have no compromises to make &c. &c. He would like to have me concede something. I do not feel to yield a hair’s breadth. If they force legislation, then I shall try and amend it the best I can. Merritt talks very differently now to what his talk last winter. Then he told me I had better let influence Hooper to yield to their Bill, for it would be much worse for us this session as there would be 50 Methodist preachers in this Congress. I told him the Lord could manage them as easily as could that Congress. To-day I told him he had better quit his foolery and help get the Territory into the Union as a State, then they could have courts. His reply was they would run him out of the country. He admitted, however, that if Congress did not legislate, Utah should be admitted. Wrote to Gen. Kane.
26 March 1874 • Thursday
Busy at House. Met Bro. W. C. Staines at R. Road station this afternoon, he having come from New York on a visit. I arranged for a bedroom in the house where my rooms are, and we can take our meals at Welcker’s.
27 March 1874 • Friday
Enjoyed the visit of Bro. Staines. Was at the House all day.
28 March 1874 • Saturday
Was at the House. Bro. Staines has made his visit very interesting by his lively conversation.
29 March 1874 • Sunday
Enjoyed the day with Bro. Staines. In the evening I accompanied him to the Railroad Station and he took the train to Philadelphia
30 March 1874 • Monday
The contest case of “Maxwell against Cannon” came up this morning at 1/2 past 10 before the Committee on Elections. Ex-Judge Hawley, formerly U. S. Ass. Justice for Utah, appeared as Maxwell’s attorney. He occupied the time. He endeavored to prove from the testimony that I was a polygamist and therefore ineligible, that the people who voted for this me knew this and therefore their votes were void and Maxwell, though a minority only voted for him, was the duly elected delegate. He tried to be very severe, and was very bitter and abusive.
31 March 1874 • Tuesday
Again before the Com. on Elections and again Hawley occupied the time. His talk to-day was principally a rehash of what he said yesterday. Of course I cannot tell what effect his talk and arguments have on the Com.; but they are very flimsy and shallow to me. He was very much disconcerted by a remark of the Chairman to the effect that the authorities which he was quoting to prove that under certain circumstances votes were thrown out, would prevent Maxwell from taking the seat. He put it as a question: “How do you propose to show that Mr. Maxwell can be elected if the vote <is to> be thrown out? If the vote is thrown out, he has none.” This nonplussed Hawley and he stammered and finally said that there was no attempt made to prove that Gen. Maxwell’s votes were not all right! He went on with his argument and again the Chairman told him that in the cases he quoted both candidates, Democrats and Republicans – were thrown out. I feel very calm and undisturbed. My trust is in the Lord.
1 April 1874 • Wednesday
Notified to-day that the Com. on Judiciary would give me a hearing on Friday morning at 1/2 past 10. Busy at House all day. Had interviews with Col. Corkhill of the Washington Chronicle.
2 April 1874 • Thursday
Hawley occupied half an hour before the Com on Elections this morning. He talked bitterly and abusively of me, said I was one of the founders of a system of murder and an inaugurator of bloodshed. I should have denounced him on the spot; but Gen. Paine urged me not to do so. Gen. Paine followed. His argument was written and it was clear, forcible and incisive; he read it very well. The Com. listened to him very attentively and they appeared to pay a respect to what he said that they did not to Hawley.
3 April 1874 • Friday
Gen. Paine finished his argument before the Com. on Elections this morning. I thought it a very conclusive one. He denied <repelled> in the most emphatic language the charge of Hawley respecting murder.
4 April 1874 • Saturday
I wrote a synopsis of the argument of Gen. Paine for the Evening Star. Mr. Kaufman <one of the proprietors> invited me to eat dinner with him to-morrow, Easter Sunday.
5 April 1874 • Sunday
I dined with Mr. Kauffman and family and had a very pleasant time.
6 April 1874 • Monday
A. G. Riddle, an ex-member of Congress, who formerly lived near Kirtland, made the closing argument for Maxwell to-day. He is a better talker and more able lawyer than Hawley, and he was very bitter in his attacks upon and denunciation of me. Till I listened to these I had no idea I was such a man. I never suspected I was the monster they wished to make me out to be. Gen. Paine told the Committee he would not reply then and take up their time, but would print his remarks and add them to his previous argument. I sat up till four o’clock Tuesday morning preparing my argument for Com. on Judiciary. I have been impressed to do so.
7 April 1874 • Tuesday
It was fortunate I wrote my remarks. I was limited to 20 minutes; then Merritt, Carey & Gilchrist who were present, were to have half an hour, and I was to have ten minutes to reply. I was stopped at the end of the 20 minutes, but by a vote allowed to proceed and occupied the <whole> time of the meeting, which had my argument not been written I would not have been allowed to do. Dropping my reading near the close, I asked who were the parties urging legislation against Utah? Were they the capitalists, the tax-payers, the property owners? No; they were not here. But who were here? The U.S. Attorney, the U.S. Marshal, who if this bill should become law would give them fees and make their positions more valuable than that of the President of the U.S. I said it was infamous that these men, (and I pointed to Carey) should be here lobbying such a bill through congress. One would think that any person having any sense of shame would hide his head, and not go about the floor and the Com. rooms of Congress logrolling for such legislation. This is an epitome of what I said. But the Spirit was on me and I spoke with power, and the Com. felt it, and Carey cringed, turned purple with shame and appeared to shrink into his seat.
8 April 1874 • Wednesday
Busy at the House. Wrote a number of letters in the evening.
9 April 1874 • Thursday
To-day has been a somewhat important day in the House. The question of the currency has been up. This appears to be a war of sections. The East protests against the increase of currency. The South and West are for it. The feeling on the subject is as earnest and bitter as in the early days of the slavery agitation. These sectional differences are ominous of future evil. It would not surprise me if I saw dreadful results follow this action upon the currency.
10 April 1874 • Friday
Met with the Com. on Judiciary this morning. The time was assigned to Carey and Merritt; Maxwell was also there. Merritt occupied the most of the time. He reviewed the decisions of McKean, quoted Orchard vs. Hughes to show that he had decided correctly, and, by inference, that in the case of Clinton vs. Englebrecht the U.S. Supreme Court had decided improperly; dwelt upon Mountain Meadows and other murders; upon the meagreness of the laws of Utah; the “Mormon game” of incorporating cities and covering the country with them; the influence of Brigham Young; the power of the Mormon hierarchy; the summoning of the juries by Mormon bishops and many other slanders. Carey followed in the same strain, quoted Buchanan’s message, McGrorty’s evidence in contest case with Hooper and was generally bitter as usual. I could perceive the spirit of prejudice in some of the Com. Merritt in his argument said that the Assembly of Utah had passed another law on juries which the Gov. had vetoed; addressing me, he said “perhaps, you have not seen it.” I replied that I had the original. To this he sneeringly replied that he was not so favored, he had only a copy. Ward of Chicago, Ill., at this point to Merritt. “You were not near enough to the head of the Church to get the original.” The remark aroused me. I immediately arose and addressed the Chairman and the Com. and remarked that I had the original Bill sent to me because I was the Delegate in Congress from the Ter., and not because I was near the head of the Church. Ward muttered something in an undertone in reply. In the House afterwards when I spoke to him about this, he said he was irritated when he spoke as he did. It is a painful thing to <have to> sit and listen to our enemies’ lies, and feel the spirit of which they are possessed. Yet the Lord has blessed me in bearing this better than I could expect. I feel that we shall conquer them, and that their wicked schemes will be defeated. What a fate would be ours if these wretches were to get power over us! Maxwell a drunkard and a low, vile creature that would hesitate at nothing. Carey a smirking, smooth-talking (when it suits him) hypocrite, who if I am told the truth is a whoremaster; and Merritt, a rollicking, dressy, profane man whose chief boasts are to tell about his money and whose aim the number of women whom he knows, but not as a husband.
11 April 1874 • Saturday
House was in Session to-day (Saturday)
12 April 1874 • Sunday
Busy writing my reply to Merritt and Carey which I am to make before the Com. at the next meeting.
13 April 1874 • Monday
At the House
14 April 1874 • Tuesday
Was to have met with the Com. on Judiciary this morning but got word that they could not listen to arguments on our case till Friday.
15 April 1874 • Wednesday
At the House and busy
16 April 1874 • Thursday
At the House
17 April 1874 • Friday
Met with the House Com. on Judiciary to-day. Present: Gen. Butler of Mass., Poland of Vermont, Frye of Maine, Cessna of Penn., Tremain of New York, Eldredge of Wis., and at the close Potter of New York and White of Ala. I was granted 25 minutes to make an argument and Merritt and Carey the same time to reply. Upon some of the Com. my argument seemed to have an effect, others appeared to be made more determined to do something. Poland said but little, yet I could feel that he was determined on having legislation; Cessna was outspoken in favor of action against the people and Ward could not conceal his dislike of the Mormons. After the arguments were finished several asked me questions; I told them I would with pleasure answer everything I could. Ward was very anxious to draw me out on the doctrine of blood atonement. He asked me to explain it. I told him if the Com. could spare the time I would do so. They had not the time some said. Then I told him that I had just received a communication on that subject published by Elder John Taylor, a prominent man in the Church, which I would let him have to read. This satisfied him for awhile; but he <was not easy, he> again asked me to give a little explanation of our doctrine of “blood atonement.” I said we believed that a man who committed murder, adultery or seduction ought to be killed, had forfeited his life and that he ought to make it would be better for that man in eternity if he atoned for his crime with his blood in this life. “And,” said Ward, the Church out of mercy to the man takes his life?” Not at all, I replied. Such things I know are charged; but I defy any person to show a case where life has been taken by the Church. “But then,” said he, “how do you carry out the doctrine?” Probably, I answered, you believe that a murderers should be hung for their crimes; but because you believe this, does it follow that you consider it your duty to execute murderers? This quieted him. Others questioned me about juries finding against polygamy. I said I believed if the question were tried fairly, with a view to carrying the question up to the U. S. Supreme court, a Mormon jury would bring in a verdict. But it was asked, suppose it was not to carry the case up; suppose Brigham Young were to be tried for polygamy, what then? If they went into the jury box and did not excuse themselves, they would, I believed, render a verdict in accordance with law and fact, whatever they might be.
Carey and Merritt were annoyed at the result of this meeting. They plainly showed that they thought I had got the best of them. M. said to me that I was very specious and though I did not exactly suppress the truth still he conveyed the idea that I gave it a different coloring. I told him that I was a truthful man and told matters frankly as I understood them. I felt that the Lord had been with me at the meeting. I, however, did not think I had convinced an enemy of ours that we ought to be let alone. Strong arguments and reason only make such men more angry and determined to fight the work.
18 April 1874 • Saturday
At the Departments and at the House (Saturday)
20 April 1874 • Monday
Spent the day <yesterday> reading the Book of Mormon. Poland of Vermont introduced a resolution to-day with a preamble setting forth that there was a conflict between the Courts (Ter. & U.S.) in Utah and that the Judiciary Com. have be instructed to bring in a Bill and to report at any time. I spent the evening in visiting Eldredge <of Wis.> and White of Ala. on the Com. on Judiciary, giving them a recital of the condition of affairs in the Ter.
21 April 1874 • Tuesday
Our enemies were very busy and lively to-day. I always take that to be a sign of mischief. Carey was particularly busy talking with members. Poland brought in his amended Bill on Utah and asked that it be printed and re-committed. I keep busy talking to one and another. Had Judge Crounse of Nebraska, a warm friend of ours, talk, and with good effect too to Tremain of N.Y. In the evening I called upon Jewett of Ohio, a member of Com. on Judiciary and had a long and satisfactory talk with him.
22 April 1874 • Wednesday
Busy at the House
23 April 1874 • Thursday
White of Ala. told me he wanted to get a copy of jury law passed by Utah Assembly which Governor did not sign. Sent and had 50 copies printed for distribution. Poland took me into one of cloak rooms and read me <a new> section which he had prepared on subject of juries. It proposed to give Gov. authority to select two men <in each county> who with the sheriff should act as board of Commissioners to select <make list of> all names of citizens of U. S. who had resided 6 mo’s in co. and could read and write. From this list the co. clerk would write names on slips and after they were put in covered box and mixed U. S. Marshal should draw fairly the jurors. I told him it suited me better than his previous plan; but I was opposed to the whole bill. Merritt came and urged me to not to fight it. Judge Field of U. S. Supreme Court met me this morning and almost entreated me as the friend of Utah and my personal friend to let legislation go through validating past action of our Probate Courts. The U. S. Supreme Court was with holding decision for this to be done. I told him I could not do otherwise than oppose proposed legislation for they wanted to destroy us, &c. For farther particulars see letter to Pres. Young.
24 April 1874 • Friday
The House Judiciary Com. met and adopted Poland Bill as amended and instructed him to report it.
Bro. Dwyer arrived from Philadelphia to-day.
Wrote to President Young.
25 April 1874 • Saturday
Very busy all day at house. Poland gave notice that he should report his bill on Utah after morning hour on Tuesday.
26 April 1874 • Sunday
Bro. Dwyer left this morning for home. Reading most of day.
27 April 1874 • Monday
After the morning hour resolutions were brought into the House from the Senate on the death of Senator Charles Sumner, and the rest of the day was occupied in delivery of eulogies upon him. E. Rockwood Hoar, <of Mass.,> Lucius Q. C. Lamar of Miss., Godlove Orth of Ind., Dawes of Mass., Rainey of S. C. (colored); G. F. Hoar of Mass., Potter of N. Y., Nesmith of Oregon, Conger of Mich., and Phillips of Kansas delivered the eulogies. The most remarkable and effective was Lamar’s.
28 April 1874 • Tuesday
Busy doing all I could among members in preparation for the Bill to be reported by Poland today. Merritt spoke to me a number of times not to oppose it but let it pass. “It was a good bill, much better than we would get if I fought it,” &c. He got Kendall of Nevada to come and talk to me also. He said it was a fair bill &c. I told him if he thought so and was a Democrat then I had to unlearn my principles of democracy. It aimed at the destruction of all local government. <We had considerable talk;> He made me angry so I walked away. He expects to try cases at Salt Lake and wants to carry favor with the “ring.” Such men would, if they could, trample us under their feet to make money and to accomplish their ends, and yet all the time talking about how fair they want to be; they only want to do right, &c. Poland asked me if I wanted to speak on the Bill when it came up. I told him I certainly did. I understand Ward of Ill., and Burrows of Mich. are going to speak in favor of the Bill. Garfield occupied the entire day with his appropriation bill and Poland’s did not come up.
29 April 1874 • Wednesday
Snowing this morning and quite cold.
Went to the House trusting in the Lord to help us and to deliver us from our foes. Felt very weak and called upon the Lord to comfort and help me. Carey had a copy of the petition from the Anti-Mormon bar of Salt Lake distributed <laid> upon the desk of every member in expectation of the Bill coming up. After the morning hour Poland tried to get the floor, but on motion of Loughridge of Iowa the House went into Com. of the Whole on the Indian Appropriation Bill and the Speaker called Poland to the Chair. Our enemies again disappointed and I relieved. I saw the Speaker (Mr. Blaine) before the Session and he assured me if <when> the Bill should come up I should have the floor to speak upon it. In evening at the request of Mr. Gobright, agent of the Associated Press in this city, went to hear his lecture in rhyme on Progress with his edition of Nursery Rhymes, which were decidedly amusing. He got me to promise to go on this wise: He said he had been waited upon by some persons (Maxwell among them I inferred) to publish <ask him to send> extracts from Ann Eliza Webb’s lecture over the wires to the press throughout the country; The particular extracts were in reference to me and my family. He declined to do so. He was again requested to send a dispatch to the press of the country to the affect that Pres. Grant had expressed the opinion that the House of Rep’s owed it to itself to expel me, that it was a disgrace for me to be allowed to sit as member. This also he refused to send, assigning as a reason that he never heard Grant say so, and had only his informant’s word that he had said so. One of them, and from his imitation of his voice &c I took it to be Maxwell, said “I suppose if Cannon were to come to you and ask you to send something, you would do so.” He replied that Mr. Cannon had never asked him to send anything that he ought not to send. When he related this to me, which he did, as he said, confidentially, I thanked him. He said I must now be sure and attend his lecture, which I promised I would.
30 April 1874 • Thursday
Thursday Received letters from Bro. Joseph F. Smith in England, Bro. Staines, N. Y. and Gen. Kane. They were very cheering. The latter is indisposed, but promises to come to Washington as soon as he can. Just before adjournment this afternoon Hazleton of Wis. made the report of the Com. on Elections in my case. See printed report in Congressional Record. Mr. Pike and Mr. Harrison and Mr. Speer were indignant at Hazleton for the course he had taken. The former explained the matter to me for fear I should have feelings against him (in fact, they all told me how it had been arranged); he said Hazleton had been “snaky” and guilty of a breach of faith. Hazleton evidently intended to defame me and is in league I suspect with our enemies.
1 May 1874 • Friday
A beautiful day. I feel that Hazleton will not prosper from this time. Judge Harrison of Tenn. made the minority report in my case (which see) to the effect that I am entitled to the seat. An evening session on Indian Appropriation Bill which I attended.
2 May 1874 • Saturday
At the Dept’s and at the House. Merriam of New York and Burrows of Mich. are united against myself and constituents and are busy working against us as I learn
3 May 1874 • Sunday
Wrote a long letter to Bro. Joseph F. Smith, Liverpool, England.
4 May 1874 • Monday
At the House.
5 May 1874 • Tuesday
Poland reported his Bill this morning and according to an arrangement we had made Judge Crounze [Crounse] made <raised> a point of order upon it that it ought to go to the Com. of the Whole because it contemplated paying officers out of the U. S. Treasury which would require appropriations. Mr. Crounse stood up gallantly for which I felt thankful to the Lord and I also expressed my gratitude to Mr. C. (for particulars see <Congressional> Record) It is most strange that they did not perceive that this point of order would be raised after McKee’s experience; but they did not, and the movement was quite unexpected to them and Poland and the rest were taken by surprise. The object in withdrawing it was to keep it out of the Com. of the Whole, with the idea, I suspect, of getting it passed under suspension of the rules or of getting a resolution passed to have it considered at any time. They had a consultation about it afterwards in one of the cloak rooms. The Lord can defeat their plots. I met Merritt coming from this Council as I was passing to the other side of the House. Said he: “You told me in Salt Lake City that the Lord was on your side, and I am d---d if I don’t begin to believe it.” I replied: “He is, and you will yet find it out.” His retort was, irreverently, “Bully for the Lord.” I passed on.
6 May 1874 • Wednesday
At the House. Merritt takes the opportunity whenever he can of talking to me. He told me to-day that they would prepare a Bill that would not be open to the point of order made against the other Bills. To use his own language, “he don’t care a d – n about prosecuting polygamy; all he wants is the courts to run.” I believe but little that he says, for he is an arrant falsehood teller and coward, and as corrupt in regard to women, according to his own confessions, as he can be.
7 May 1874 • Thursday
The discussion of the Centennial occupied the most of the day. House now meets at 11 o’clock. Judge Crounse told me that Poland had shown him a new bill which had been prepared. It was not so objectionable in some respects as the other.
8 May 1874 • Friday
Maxwell has just returned from Utah. He has been very busy on the floor to-day interviewing members. I am told that he has brought evidence now that will unseat me, he says. I saw him showing documents to one and another, and he handed a number of papers to Merriam of New York. Another plot doubtless and another batch of lies.
9 May 1874 • Saturday
House engaged in the discussion of Indian Appropriation Bill.
10 May 1874 • Sunday
Spent most of day reading Book of Doctrine and Covenants and Book of Mormon
11 May 1874 • Monday
Today Poland asked that the Bill on Utah be considered in the House as in the Com. of the Whole. I did the best I could to prevent this; but it was carried by a heavy majority. Judge Crounse came to me and said that he had objected and Poland had appealed to him not to object as discussion would be allowed upon it, and he did not like to appear partisan and I had better get somebody else to object. Mr. S. S. Cox and Judge Holman said they would object. Mr. C. did so and a vote by tellers was demanded with the above result. Gen. Garfield, to whom I told what I wished to accomplish, came to me and said Poland was willing to put off the discussion for some time yet, so he had told him; but P. told me afterwards he wanted it called up as quickly as possible. Merritt, Carey and Maxwell and their sympathizers are urging action (see Com. Record for to morrow for proceedings)[.] Learned from Judge Harrison that Hazleton was going to bring up to Election case to morrow. Talked over the best plan of bringing the matter forward. He thought his resolution should be brought forward first. I thought the resolutions of the Com. on which all were agreed, then his. Called to see Speaker Blaine, but he was not at home; also upon Judge Crounse who agreed with my view as to manner of bringing case forward.
12 May 1874 • Tuesday
Saw Mr. Blaine this morning. He thought the resolutions upon which all the Com. had agreed would be the best to call for action upon first. (Insert proceedings from Com. Record) I had thought this resolution of Hazleton in every way bad; but through it I got a much heavier vote than I would have had without it. Indeed without it the vote declaring I was entitled to the seat might have been defeated. But this resolution enabled many to set themselves right on the record. It let them down easy, and was a tribute to their high morality and clear sense of virtue. Oh, the hypocrisy of this generation! Buffinton said to a number in my presence that if I had only four wives I was well off. He knew Members who had more women than that. He himself had <had> more than four pulling at him. Yet when it came to voting for the resolution his voice was loud for it. Milton Sayler of Ohio told me that one man voted against me, and he asked him why he did so. His reply was “O, polygamy; I don’t believe in it.” Sayler added: “Well, I will move for a Committee to investigate you. I know you have been guilty of adultery and I can prove it.” The Member replied “I did not think of that.” I feel very thankful to the Lord for His goodness. (See letter to Pres. Young to-day’s date)
13 May 1874 • Wednesday
At the House.
14 May 1874 • Thursday
At the House of Rep’s. In evening went to hear Dr. De Costa deliver one of the Toner Lectures. It was on heart diseases arising from strain and overwork. I was much pleased with the lecture and was struck in listening to it with the advantage Latter-day Saints had in having the word of the Lord to tell what is good for them and what is not good, and how to live, &c. Ruptures of the heart can be produced by <violent> physical exertion; it <they> can also be produced by sudden mental shocks, of which he gave instances. Functional derangements long continued will pro- become organic disease. Among the causes of heart disease, besides those mentioned are, everything that will produce excessive heart action, <excessive> dancing, great use of tobacco, tea, wines and spirits, heavy eating and drinking, going to work too soon after fevers, especially typhoid, long engagements have a bad effect upon that organ, there is danger of it being brought on at age of puberty (he did not say but I suspect by secret habits) <and by> dyspepsia. Besides these causes it is inherited in many instances and in others produced by rheumatism. Rowing and base ball rarely produce it, because there are seasons of rest; but if these were to be followed persistently there would be danger. Haste, excitement, violent shocks, running to catch trains, &c &c ought to be avoided. Where there is violent or quickened heart action, lying in a recumbent posture is good two hours a day say; digitalis, aconite and bromides are good <remedies.> But the removal of the cause is the first thing. All this the Saints are taught in the gospel. Not to use <tobacco> tea, coffee, liquors, not to stimulate or excite themselves, to eat and drink moderately, to retire and rise early, to avoid haste, excessive or loud laughter – to avoid all the causes which this Doctor says produces diseases of the heart. He and his fellows have obtained this knowledge by years of study and close observation, the Latter-day Saints’ children are taught it in a few words by revelations from God. He mentioned ice, not too long applied, over the heart as <a> good remedy for excessive cardiac action.
15 May 1874 • Friday
At the House - Recd letter from Pres. Young (9th)
16 May 1874 • Saturday
At the House.
In evening called upon <Mrs.> Charlotte Cobb Godbe at Mr. & Mrs. Kiskadden’s. They had called upon me the day before. Mrs. G. has lost her confidence and faith, and she is now chasing bubbles. Her feelings are in many respects kind to the people; but she has been led away by her husband and is now afloat and is now pursuing a phantom. She has a mission now to redeem and elevate her sex
17 May 1874 • Sunday
Spent the day reading Books of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants.
18 May 1874 • Monday
Received a notice to appear before the Committee on Elections this morning. I was asked by Hazleton of Wisconsin what course I wished to <have> taken in the investigation of my case. I replied that as I was to be investigated and not to investigate I had nothing to suggest. Did I wish to make a statement? No, I had none to make at present. Did I wish to have more testimony taken? No; but this would, of course, depend on what the Committee did. If they had more taken, I might have to take additional. Would I be willing to have the case submitted on the testimony already taken and printed in the contested case? I had no objections to that. Mention was made of an affidavit made by Ann Eliza Webb giving the Endowment covenant or oath and describing my family &c, but Hazleton said that would not be used.
19–21 May 1874 • Tuesday to Thursday
To-day I received a letter from Bro. Staines at New York informing me that Gen. Kane would be at Barnum’s Hotel, Baltimore, on Wednesday morning, where he would like to see me. I made up my mind to go over there to-morrow morning early to see him. While at the House to-day a page came to me and said a gentleman was in Mr. Curtis’ seat (Mr. C. is Representative from Gen K’s district) who wished to see me. It was Gen. K. We took dinner together at Willard’s and we sat up conversing until 11 p.m. He says he gets bad reports about our affairs, that there is danger of legislation hostile to us, the Poland Bill, passing. He would be alarmed if he had not seen times fully as threatening from which we had escaped. He thought of publishing another edition of Mrs. Kane’s correspondence to circulate privately. The few copies he had published had done good. He thought of getting his father-in law, Wm Woods, Esq., to consent to write a preface and have it published in his name. He is as full of love and concern for the people as ever. The United order delighted him. He talked very plainly to me about taking more pains in keeping papers. I ought, he said, to be a counselor in legal matters. I am too diffident, he says, the most diffident of any man he ever met. He spoke flatteringly of my powers and the logical and judicial character of my mind; that I myself was not aware of my power in this particular; that I ought to use the influence which I had and carry things through, that people would like it better. He compared it to tying up the♢♢ articles in bundles, and finishing the work on them. My companions, Pres. Young and others and the people would be better pleased <he thought> if I would have more confidence in myself and tie things up ready for putting away. This he meant as a figure. But he thought I had powers which I ought to use with confidence. In legal matters especially I ought to put myself in communication with a good sound lawyer, who could correct any solecisms I might be fall into, upon being referred to and then I could act with confidence and use the powers which God had given me. Recurring to a conversation we had had of one time in which I had intimated a desire to see him yet a U. S. Senator for our Territory when it should become a State, he said, it had been on his mind to tell me his feelings upon this point when he saw me. He had no wish to be in Congress, had no desire to be a Senator, could have had gratifying public positions if he had desired, but he wished to be free, and in private life his influence was greater in many respects than if he were in office. If our people wished to do him any favor, the greatest, he felt now, they would confer upon him would be to let him carry out as he pleased his views in the education of the rising generation. On this subject he spoke very enthusiastically. His feelings upon this subject in relation to our children are intense, and I cannot refrain from fully sympathizing with him. He wishes them educated at home, free from evil and corrupting influences and examples, where faith in God and virtue and purity can be preserved. I hope that he may have the amplest opportunity of putting his views into practical operation for the benefit of our children.
He intended to have gone to Philadelphia on Wednesday morning; but stopped the day. I again spent the evening of with him; we sat up till near midnight.
Thursday morning I bought him gloves; he went to Nellie Grant’s wedding and afterwards started for Philadelphia.
Poland got the floor twice to-day (Thursday) to have his bill considered and was taken off both times by calls for the regular order. He is like a hen which wants to lay, he is so uneasy. Merritt and Carey are both very anxious. I keep praying and trusting in the Lord that he will defeat them.
22 May 1874 • Friday
The Committee on Elections have had two meetings since Monday to consider my case. Yesterday <Hazleton> introduced a Resolution which he wished them to adopt and then submit to the House asking for authority to send for persons and papers. This was to furnish evidence, which he found they did not have, to prove that I had married a wife or wives since the passage of the law of 1862. Four voted against the Resolution – a majority. He called for the ayes and noes and still he was in the minority. This plagued him. I had a conversation <to day> with Mr. Pike of New Hampshire, who is on the Com. and he surprised me by his statement of his views and the arguments which he used on my side in the Com. Surely the Lord has touched his heart and enlightened his mind, as He has those of others of the Com. I thank the Lord for His goodness.
23 May 1874 • Saturday
Again Poland tried to get his bill in. The Clerk commenced to read it, when a motion to adjourn was made and insisted on and was carried. I praise the Lord for His wonderful providences. We are gaining time and this is what we want. I returned to my rooms happy in the Lord and anticipating a peaceful day to-morrow.
24 May 1874 • Sunday
To day was a happy, peaceful day to me. I fasted and prayed and had an exceedingly precious time. O the goodness and mercy of our God, how great they are! When I think of what He has done for me, from my childhood through my life till now, my heart almost melts within me and I cry for joy. O if men only knew Him and would turn from their sins and serve Him how blessed they would be. He has been a kind and tender Father to me all my days – a God of revelation, teaching me His will, pointing out to me what to do, revealing unto me what course He desired me to pursue and what the results would be. He has never left me at any time during my life in doubt or darkness. In my boyhood He revealed His will unto me, gave me a knowledge of His gospel and has heard my prayers and shielded and preserved me. When I think of all that He has done for me and the favors He has shown me, my heart swells with thanksgiving and praise and I could cry aloud his glory. My prayer now is Oh, that He will deliver Zion from the present peril, ward off every attack and blow, deliver me from my enemies, and permit me to return in peace and safety without any unfavorable action by Congress on our affairs.
25 May 1874 • Monday
As I reached the House this morning I was told by one of the doorkeepers that I was wanted at the Com. on Elections. I went there and found Maxwell and Bella Kimball, who had been Hry Lawrence’s second wife, a granddaughter of Pres. H. C Kimball’s, being a daughter of his son Wm’s, awaiting my arrival. There were present: H. Boardman Smith, the Chairman, Hazleton, Todd, Robinson, Hyde and Crossland. When I went in I shook hands with Bella and took my seat. Hazleton then made a motion that her testimony be taken. No one voted for it but himself and none dissented. He proceeded to interrogate her and brought out the following that she was in <the> company in which my wife Eliza and myself traveled after our marriage, that she was my fourth wife, that we were assigned a room together, that she saw my things in the room, that she was introduced to her as my wife by her grandfather, that my first wife was in company, that sometime after she met her again and she had a child which she said was hers, &c. After they had got through their questions Hazleton wanted to know if I wished to ask her anything. I replied I had not. She then proceeded in an apologetic manner to say how embarrassing it was to her to have to give <come here and give> such testimony about a man whom she had respected; but she felt that she owed it to herself and the people of Utah to do this. In the meantime Kiskadden, Carey & one or two others came in the room.
26 May 1874 • Tuesday
The gentlemen who voted against the resolution of Hazleton respecting the sending for witnesses were not present yesterday, excepting Mr. Hyde. They met with the Com. this morning and had a lively time I understand. They (Harrison, Pike & Speer) felt indignant that a witness should be introduced there when they were absent. A claimant for a seat (Gen. Sheridan of La.) told me that they had a h—l of a row.” This he had been told by one of them.
Poland watching for a chance to get his Bill in. He asked for some amendments to be printed to-day.
27 May 1874 • Wednesday
At the House, watching and working.
28 May 1874 • Thursday
According to the statement of the condition of business by the Speaker Mr. Poland had the right to the floor for the Utah Bill. This morning I was greatly comforted while [praying in my temple clothing]1 by the spirit of prophecy. I felt assured that nothing should be done to hurt Zion. I felt peaceful and happy. Poland saw that Maynard was ready to dispute for the floor with his currency bill, so he offered to yield with the understanding that he waived none of his right of precedence by so doing. The Speaker said that <after> the currency Bill there would be the Army Bill which had been set for that day, then the Utah Bill would have the right. Thus another day of peace and deliverance is granted. A short time before the meeting of the House this morning the Clerk of the Com. on Elections, Mr. Wells, came to me and said the Chairman desired to know if I had any statement to make or any farther evidence that I wished to have taken. I replied that I had not. I was too busy at the moment to go the Com. Room in person. Afterwards I saw the Chairman and explained to him why I did not wait upon him myself in reply to his inquiry. He said that was all right. I explained to him that I did not feel to make any statements, explanations or defence; but to leave the matter entirely in their hands. I thought that Mr. Hazleton had acted basely in this matter. For myself I did not fear investigation, not even microscopic. He replied he saw perceived that, and said he, Mr. Cannon, the Com. all like you personally and you are very strong in the House, you have a great many warm friends. He then proceeded to state what kind of a Report would be made, though he admitted that the Com was divided. They would report for my expulsion and bear testimony to my character as a gentleman, &c, &c, (all of which was intended to be very complimentary to me) and recommend the adoption by the House of some rule by which no polygamist would be allowed to sit as a Member. There was an issue between us and the Government and it would not do to appear to sanction polygamy. He said that he would not suffer any reflections to be made upon me without speaking himself and he should not hesitate to declare that the man who married four wives and kept them was far more honorable than a man who had mistresses. All he had to say did not impress me in the least with the idea that I should be expelled. Thus far I have had no impression that I would be unseated. Sometimes I am almost inclined to think that <maybe> I am too unconcerned about this; but I have had no apprehensions of such a result. I rep said nothing to him about my feelings on this point. I told him, however, that the adoption of such a Resolution by Congress would be a terrible precedent and one they would be sorry for. I sketched to him the course which statesmen should take in dealing with this question, in which he partially acquiesced and to which he offered no objection. We had a very free and pleasant talk.
29 May 1874 • Friday
Friday, the 29th The Army Bill was not finished yesterday, and it came over as unfinished business and was disposed of to-day. After which an appropriation Bill to which the Senate had made amendments was discussed. We adjourned till Monday. Another week gone and we still unharmed by legislation. How thankful I am to the Lord for His tender mercy! All day yesterday our enemies were on the alert expecting the Bill to come up – Merritt, Maxwell & Carey on the floor, Mrs Kiskadden, Bella Kimball and one of Maxwell’s strikers in the gallery; but they were disappointed. Merritt begins to accuse Poland of treachery as he did others last Congress. He says nothing to me, but I hear of it. Gen. Kane sent me 16 copies of “Pandemonium or Arcadia, which?” being written by his wife as her visits to 12 Mormon homes in Utah. I arranged with Col. Piatt to have the leading correspondents here get each a copy and saw Mr. White of the <N. Y.> Tribune, Mr. Wight of the N Y Times and Mr. Adams of the N. Y. World, myself.
30 May 1874 • Saturday
Saturday, 30 Decoration day – a holiday.
31 May 1874 • Sunday
Sunday, May 31 Fasted and prayed
1 June 1874 • Monday
At House
2 June 1874 • Tuesday
This morning Poland got the floor for his bill and was determined to put it through under the previous question. I saw Speaker Blaine and asked him about getting more time. He could do nothing only as P. permitted unless the House voted down the previous question. He urged me to see Poland. I did so. He said he would speak a few minutes, then move the previous question and give me three quarters of an hour and he would use the remainder of the time. (See Record for proceedings) Judge Crounse and Mr. Potter both wished to speak. It was a bold thing to speak in favor of us. While Crounse was speaking some were swearing at him. Hawley of Illinois was particularly bitter. He sat within my hearing of his remarks. McKee said if he could he would have every Mormon man castrated. The subject of Mormonism arouses madness in some men when mentioned as the waving of a red flag does in a wild bull. Jasper D. Ward: let him be remembered, O God. I was thankful that we did not worship such a God as he did. Our God is Him whom Abraham, Isaac and Jacob worshipped – Jehovah – the friend of the polygamist Abraham. While he spoke the a vision of the scenes of the past swept through my mind: The murder of Joseph and Hyrum, the shooting of Uncle Taylor, the driving into Nauvoo of men, women and children by the mob, who burned their houses and destroyed <everything they could not> off and robbed them of], their property – the expulsion of the Saints from Illinois – leaving their Temple and all behind, for which no one had been punished – no murderer or robber had received the least punishment! And yet this bullying, vaporing representative from that State can talk of fair play!
Our enemies are jubilant. My trust is still in the Lord. He has promised to take care of us and to redeem Zion.
3 June 1874 • Wednesday
Wednesday, 3 The opinion seems general that I shall be expelled. Mr. Pike asked me what I should think if I were expelled. I replied I would think it all right. God had this matter under His control and I felt calm and unconcerned. I talked to him till my own eyes filled with tears and his too. The spirit rested upon him and he talked very strongly setting forth legal reasons in favor of my side of the case. I got a hint to-day that Mr. Blaine did not feel friendly to us, and rather favored harsh measures.
4 June 1874 • Thursday
Thursday Mr. Fitch told me as a great secret that Grant had promised if the bill did not pass he would call an extra session. He thought without doubt I would be expelled. His talk was very discouraging for us. I cannot get concerned. I feel very calm and devoid of fear. I cannot feel yet that we are to have hostile legislation or that I am to be expelled. I so wrote to President Young yesterday (see letter) The Lord has not revealed to me (or if He has I have failed to comprehend it) that these events shall occur, yet if I trust my outer senses they would seem inevitable. Horace H Harrison of Tennessee and Jason Niles of Miss. both told me they regretted voting for that Bill. Roderick R. Butler told me that he voted for it after he saw it was carried. He did not want it, but he saw his vote would not defeat it and therefore voted as he did. We cannot trust man, God is our only strength and Friend.
12 June 1874 • Friday
I called upon Senator Frelinghuysen this morning evening and had a free and full and, to me, satisfactory conversation upon the Poland Bill. I pointed to him amendments which should be made in the Bill[.] He said he would admit them as far as he was concerned, but they would have to be presented by some one else, he would not like to offer them. One was [blank]
19 June 1874 • Friday
I thought I would fast to-day, and ask the Lord, as I had done before, to grant unto me the privilege and blessing of returning home when Congress should adjourn of returning home in peace and safety and without anything having been done in the shape of legislation hostile to Utah or to endanger my seat. I called upon Senator Frelinghuysen this morning. He said he thought the amendments which he had shown me would be inserted in the Bill. I said I hoped he would see reasons not to report. He replied with some asperity that that would be an act of perfidy; that Utah should obey the same laws as the rest of the Union; how could laws against polygamy be enforced in New Jersey if Utah were a State and it was practiced there; it could not be permitted, &c. I replied very gently. I was in no mood to quarrel or to strike back in the spirit which he had; but my usual combativeness which such language and manner arouses was did not manifest itself. He said that the President and the Attorney General both said that legislation was needed. I spoke of the motives which actuated our enemies. He was disposed to get angry at that, because he said that his motives were good. I told him that if I viewed him as prompted by the motives which I knew others to be possessed of, I should not think of calling upon him. Before I got through talking to him my feelings almost overcame me. He noticed it and he was touched by it. He said it was a painful duty which he had to perform and he wished he did not have it to do. Before we got through he was much softened, and when I attempted to go he stopped me. As it terminated, I was glad I called upon him. Whatever he may do, I now feel that I have done my duty. I was overcome by my feelings after leaving there and I wept like a child. For myself I care but little, my feelings go out for Zion and the welfare of her children. Received a letter from my son Abraham, dated the 13th, informing me that he had a sister born at 1/2 past 1 o’clock of that day. His Ma was feeling pretty well. I feel very thankful for and glad at hearing this news.
20 June 1874 • Saturday
Saturday Called up Senator Sargent. He intends to present the amendments to the Poland Bill which I made out for him. Merritt & Carey haunt the Senate. In fact they <are> on the floor all the time. Both Houses are working very hard.
21 June 1874 • Sunday
Had a peaceful day. Fasted all day. Busy packing. Had a call from Judge Stiles and a friend of his, Professor Tibbits.
26 August 1874 • Wednesday
Started this morning for Provo by rail in company with Bro. A. M. Musser. Found his buggy and team awaiting us. Rained part of day. Ate dinner at Bro. Coombs’, Payson. Called upon Sister Jane Simond’s, and her mother, Sis. Tenney, my wife Eliza’s sister and mother. Conversed with Bishop Tanner and Bro. Coombs upon United Order. Drove to Mona, but too late to fill appointment made for meeting. Bro. Joel Grover waiting for us there, also Bro. Hy. Goldsborough, in whose carriage we rode to Nephi, Bro. Musser leaving his buggy and team for his boy to drive in to-morrow morning. Put up at Bishop Grover’s.
27 August 1874 • Thursday
Met with Saints this morning and had excellent liberty in speaking upon the United Order and explaining articles of association. Drove to Levan. Stopped at Bishop Elmer Taylor’s. United Order doing well here. Met with folks in evening and addressed them upon the United Order and organizing. Bro. Taylor drove us over by moonlight to Little Salt Creek, Bro. Musser having sent the buggy ahead with his son. Stopped at Bro. Martin Taylor’s, a brother to Elmer.
28 August 1874 • Friday
Bro. Martin Taylor furnished us a team (and sent a boy along) to take us across the Sevier. Held meeting at Scipio; good attendance and spirit. Bishop Thompson furnished team to take us to Fillmore, where we held meeting in the evening, the house crowded. Put up with Bishop Callister.
29 August 1874 • Saturday
Bishop Callister furnished team to take us to Cove Creek. We held meeting at Kanosh. A good spirit and an attentive congregation. At Cove Creek got two horses from Sister Hinkley, her husband being absent. Left Bro. Musser’s son at that point to drive in his father’s horses loose tomorrow morning. Reached Beaver at dark. Found Bro. Erastus Snow and his wife and son and wife here. Put up at Bishop Murdock’s.
30 August 1874 • Sunday
Held two public meetings with people to-day and in evening met with principal men to explain how to organize the United Order and to answer questions. In morning I occupied time and part of afternoon.
Many persons had come from St. George to meet us.
31 August 1874 • Monday
Started for Panguitch this morning, 45 miles distant. In driving down a rocky hill, the buggy in which Bro. Musser and I rode upset. I was on upper side and escaped unhurt. Bro. Musser’s leg grazed an oak stub and was skinned and bruised. Reached Panguitch after dark and put up at Bro. Jas. Henrie’s.
1 September 1874 • Tuesday
A beautiful country, summers cool and subject to frost. Met twice in day and <once> in the evening with people. Bro’s. E. Snow and self occupied principal portion of time. Bro. Musser and Tyler also spoke.
2 September 1874 • Wednesday
The drive to-day to the Upper Kanab was through a most beautiful country. We reached there at sundown. Cool evening and night. Put up with Bro’s. Roundy, sons of Lorin at Springville, both had married cousins, one the daughter of Lorenzo Roundy, the other the daughter of John D. Parker
3 September 1874 • Thursday
Drove to Glendale and put up with Bro. Warren Foote. Held meeting in evening and addressed the people
4 September 1874 • Friday
Held meeting at Glendale this morning at nine o’clock. Bro’s. Musser, Dan. Tyler, Snow and myself addressed the people, many of whom had come up from the lower settlement, and we had a good time. We were treated (Bro. Musser and self) very kindly by Bro. Warren Foote and family. Drove down (6 miles) to Mount Carmel. Put up at Bro. Israel Hoyt’s. Held meeting myself and Bro. Snow preached and had excellent freedom. Division here between Bros Bro. H. B. M. Jolley and party and the Board of the Order and the Muddy brethren. Held meeting in evening till midnight to try and settle or reconcile difficulty. Heard statements from Bro. John Heaton, Sec. of Board and Bro. Jolley. Difficulty irreconcilable apparently. Before the meeting had interview with [first and last name redacted], who while on a mission in Wisconsin ordained a young man purposely to have him marry his mother to him ([last name redacted]) while at the same time he had a wife living in the Valley. He was disfellowshipped until he moved the family to the Valley, or until it was evident they would not come.
5 September 1874 • Saturday
Went down valley, climbed high hill, sandy road, scenery grand, views of surrounding country splendid, distance 25 miles. We stopped and fed at the Lake, a big cave here. Put up at Bro. Levi Stewart’s at Kanab. Treated very kindly. Jacob Hamlin and Ira Hatch, Indian Interpreters here with number of Piedes. Outlook from this point very fine. Buckskin mountains in distance and Arizona stretching out like ocean before us. Only 3 1/4 miles to Arizona line from stake in Kanab. Five thousand five hundred feet above sea level. Climate mild. Gardens beautiful and productive. About 300 souls here. A little few more than this in each settlement of Long Valley.
6 September 1874 • Sunday
Held meetings at 9 1/2 and 1 o’clock in bowery. Bro. Musser and self occupied forenoon and Bro’s. Snow and self afternoon. Ate dinner with Bro’s. John R. Young and Oliphant. Drove to Winsor Castle, occupied by Bishop A. P. Winsor, 20 miles. Camped there for the night. Slept out on some hay. Bro. Snow heard his son Erastus Beeman was worse. Resolved to drive for St. George to-morrow. It was at this point that Dr. Whitmore and his step-son, Bro McIntyre were killed in 1867.
7 September 1874 • Monday
24 miles to Canaan Stock Ranch, where Bro. Jas. Andrus lives. Passed the point where the Brothers Berry and a wife of one of them were killed by Indians. Watered at Short Creek, five miles from the Ranch. Stopped at Ranch all night.
8 September 1874 • Tuesday
Drove to Virgen City, stopping on the way at Bro. Jacob Workman’s to water. Put up at Bishop Parker’s. They had dinner prepared. Afterwards went to meeting. Bro. Musser spoke. I followed at length. Held evening meeting. I occupied time. Called upon Bro. Alexander Wright, one of first missionaries to Scotland; crossed in Sidney with us; crossed the plains as Uncle Taylor’s wagon master. He is paralyzed. Bro. & Sister Jepson also crossed in Sidney. They reside here. Ate grapes at their house.
9 September 1874 • Wednesday
Bro. Musser rested at Virgen while I went up (Bro. Sam Adams driving) to Rockville and held meeting. Bishop Smith’s family was sick and he took us to Bro. Bowman’s to breakfast. He is from Liverpool. Drove back to Virgen to dinner, then drove over to Tokerville. Bros Bro. Erastus Snow and wife, Bishop Gardiner and my brother David came over from St. George and joined us here. Put up at Bishop Wm Bringhurst’s, son of Samuel. Held meeting in the evening. I occupied most of time in warning and reproving the people. The Spirit led me to speak in this strain. Bro. Erastus Snow followed in a few remarks. People are divided here. Have broken up and discontinued working in the Order.
10 September 1874 • Thursday
Held another meeting at Tokerville at 8 a.m. Bro. Snow had me speak first on the United Order and explaining the articles of association. He followed at length. Bro. Seth Johnson made us a fine present of black Hamburg grapes. Drove to Harrisburg and held meeting. I spoke to the people. Reached St. George at a little after 7 o’clock. Put up at my brother David’s. At Harrisburg ate dinner at Bishop Willis Fuller’s
11 September 1874 • Friday
Had a bath in a spring that was dammed up. Went down to the Temple in company with Bro. and Sister Artemesia Snow and Bishop R. Gardner, thence to Price City. About 40 or 44 persons had lived together here as one family, principally Swiss, and had been very contented. They were all pleased with the arrangement, and when I saw how inconveniently they were situated I thought that if they could be satisfied with their circumstances how much better they would be pleased if they had proper conveniences for cooking &c and in a proper house. This experiment was very interesting to me and I talked freely with the Superintendent, Bro. Geo. Baker, and Bro. Sam. Miles, the Secretary, and the leading sister. Ate dinner at my sister Anne Woodbury’s.
12 September 1874 • Saturday
Held meeting in the basement of the Tabernacle. In the morning I gave an account of affairs in Congress. At the request of Bro. Snow I occupied the afternoon in speaking upon the United Order. Ate dinner in company with a number of brethren at my brother-in-law’s, Robert Gardner’s.
13 September 1874 • Sunday
Met with Sunday School and addressed the children. Bro. Snow occupied the forenoon and the greater portion of the afternoon. I followed and had great freedom. Ate dinner with a number of brethren at Bro. Sam. Adams’
14 September 1874 • Monday
Held two meetings with the principal men. Heard reports from the various Bishops and Superintendents respecting the working of the United Order. <and giving gave instructions, counsel and suggestions.> Reports very interesting. Took a synopsis in little pocket book.
15 September 1874 • Tuesday
Met again with brethren and gave instructions and explanations respecting organizing under the Articles of Association, which we urged all to do as soon as possible. We showed the Bishops how to draw up Articles and incorporate. A long meeting. Bro. Snow <and I> stepped out of meeting and got into a carriage and drove to meeting at Washington. Ate dinner at Bro. A. R. Whitehead’s[.] Had good liberty in addressing the people. Returned in evening and met with Rio Virgen Manufacturing Co. Before meeting ended felt to reprove brethren for gloomy discouraged feelings.
16 September 1874 • Wednesday
Wrote a letter to Gen. Kane. Made several calls. Bro. Snow learned towards night that his vehicle was not in condition to make the trip to Western Settlements. Sent to Bro. Dan McArthur to take his team and <open> carriage and carry me.
17 September 1874 • Thursday
The delay in getting Bro. McArthur’s team ready prevented us from starting till 9.15 a.m. A very rough road. Distance 35 miles. Stopped at Bro. Jeffry’s, 21 miles from St. George. Ate dinner. Drunk water at this point, the first I had tasted for a week. Since my first visit to St. George I have made <it> a rule to abstain from drinking water there. It creates thirst in me and keeps me constantly drinking. Reached Pine Valley after dark. Stopped at Bishop Wm Snow’s. Held meeting. Bro. McArthur and I spoke. I did not feel that satisfaction in speaking at this place that I had had at other points. The people are not in a good condition if I may judge by my feelings. Cool weather here.
18 September 1874 • Friday
Started from Pine Valley at eight o’clock. Rough road for some few miles. Reached Pinto at a little past 11 o’clock. Put up with Bishop Rich, and Robinson, one of my old companions in the mines in 1850. Held meeting and had excellent freedom. A different feeling to that we had at Pine Valley. Called upon Bro. Richd Harrison and family who crossed in the Sidney with us. Left there at 3.10 p.m. reached Hebron about 7.30 p.m. Evening cool. Put up with Bishop Geo. H. Crosby. Held meeting. Good spirit and attention. Myself and Bro. McArthur spoke.
19 September 1874 • Saturday
Ate breakfast at Bro. Charles Pulsipher’s. His first wife is a daughter of Sister Beers. Drove about 25 miles to Summit Spring, where we paid 25 cents for water for the horses. Drove 15 miles to Pannacca and put up with Bishop Thos J. Jones. Held meeting in the evening. This is Meadow Valley and a very interesting point to me. It was in this valley that in 1849 while packing through to California we came near perishing for want of water. The Spring which we called Division Spring is about nine miles from here and is now known as Bennett’s Spring.
20 September 1874 • Sunday
Had a fine bath in a bath house built by the Saints about a mile from town. The water is partially warm. Met with Sunday School and addressed the children. Held meeting at 10 o’clock several strangers from Bullionville and Pioche present. Drove out 27 miles from Pannacca, Bishop Jones filling his carriage with hay, water and bed clothes to enable us to encamp on the desert. Bro. Wadsworth accompanied him and us. Encamped about 8 p.m. Enjoyed talking around camp fire until after 10 o’clock, when we made our beds on the ground and went to sleep.
21 September 1874 • Monday
Bro. Jones’ animals turned his carriage over about daybreak, causing us all to jump up. Nothing broken. We separated about 7 a.m. They to go back, we to proceed to Iron City. We ate lunch about 2 miles from the place. Bro. Bagley of Tokerville was on his way west with fruit and furnished us grapes and peaches. Put up at Bro. Ebenezer Hanks’.
20 September 1874 • Sunday
Visited Iron Mine as we went on our way. Reached Cedar City a little after 2 p.m. Held meeting at 4 o’clock. Occupied time; house full, people from Kanarra having all come to the meeting. Had excellent freedom. Held evening meeting. Bro’s. McArthur, Musser, <L.> Roundy and myself occupied the time. Bro. Musser and wife and son came to Cedar this evening. Sister Musser joined her husband at St. George and was returning with him.
23 September 1874 • Wednesday
Drove over to Parowan with Bro. Hy. Lunt in his lumber wagon. Had waited at Cedar till last moment for Bro. Snow. Ate dinner at Bro. Dame’s. Myself and Bro. Musser spoke and Bro. Snow came in and followed. I did not have freedom and before meeting closed told the people so and that we ought to seek for the Spirit so that we could impart what we had in our hearts for them. Myself and Bro. Snow occupied the evening. Had considerable liberty. Put up with Bro. Jesse N. Smith and was very kindly entertained. [I gave five dollars to]1 H. Lunt.
24 September 1874 • Thursday
Bro. Dame took Bro. Erastus Snow and self over to Paragoonah. There Bro. Silas S. Smith hitched his team on to the carriage and drove us to Beaver. Bro. Snow occupied time at evening meeting at Beaver, and it was so late, I did not follow. Court was being held here and many jurors, lawyers &c attended meeting. Put up at Bro. J. R. Murdock’s
25 September 1874 • Friday
Heard from John Q. that all the folks were well. Drove Bro. E. Snow concluded to return to St. George; his wife Minerva and his son Erastus B. and his intended wife Sister Crosby are going to city. I rode in their carriage to Cove Creek. Bro. Ira Hinkly entertained us.
26 September 1874 • Saturday
Sister Musser went on with her brother Nephi to Fillmore and I rode with Bro. Musser. Fine scenery in Clear Creek Cañon. Was met by Bro. Joseph A. Young and Bishop Thurber before we emerged from Cañon. Rode with Bro. Joseph A. Young from there to Richfield stopping on way at Joseph City to eat dinner with Bro. Isaacson. Put up at Bro. Joseph A. Young’s at Richfield, his wife Clara and family being here.
27 September 1874 • Sunday
Held morning and evening <afternoon> meeting. I occupied forenoon and Bro. Musser and self afternoon. Had very good meetings. Visited Bro. John Allen formerly of Coalville and ate supper at Bishop Thurber’s.
28 September 1874 • Monday
Drove over with Bro. Jos. A. Young to Salina. A delightful drive, the scenery is fine. Held meeting at Salina and spoke to the people, Bro. Musser having led in a few remarks. Bro. M. and self drove on to Gunnison and Bro. Young stopped with Judge Bean to organize a branch of United Order. Put up at Bishop Jos. Horne’s[.] Held meeting, had a good attendance and excellent liberty.
29 September 1874 • Tuesday
Reached Manti in time for meeting at 11 a.m. Bro. Jos. A Young went to Fayette. Bro. E. B. Snow and folks drove to Mount Pleasant. Put up at Bishop Moffitt’s. Had full meeting and excellent liberty in speaking to the people. Bro. Musser followed in brief remarks. Reached Ephraim just as meeting commenced. Drove to meeting house. Bro. O. Hyde was speaking, but stopped upon our entrance. Bro. Musser at my request spoke and I followed and had excellent liberty. The house was well filled. Put up at Bro H. F. Peterson’s. Held evening meeting and occupied time. An excellent meeting.
30 September 1874 • Wednesday
Administered to Bro. Thompson for Cancer. Drove to Spring City. Put up at Bro. Hyde’s. Held meeting and had a pretty good time. Drove to Mount Pleasant and Bishop Seely accompanied us, his son Nephi driving, to Fairview. Bro. John Van Cott also drove there. Put up at Bishop Amasa Tucker’s. Held meeting in evening, spoke 65 minutes, Bro’s. Musser and Van Cott following.
1 October 1874 • Thursday
Bro. Nephi Seeley drove us over to Mount Pleasant for meeting breakfast. Held meeting at 9 o’clock. Bro’s. Musser and Van Cott led occupying about 65 minutes between them, and I followed speaking about 85 minutes. An excellent attendance and liberty. Bro. Nephi Seeley drove us to Moroni and then to Fountain Green. Held meetings at both places and had a free spirit. Rained heavily all night. Put up at Bishop Johnson’s at Fountain Green.
28 November 1874 • Saturday
Bishop <A. O.> Smoot, who with his wife stopped at my house last night, started this morning with myself for the East, he to go to Philadelphia, I to go to Washington. Sister Smoot and Bro. S. son Owen accompanied us to Ogden; Elder John Taylor & Woodruff also went up there. Bro. F. D. Richards and my son Franklin and others came to the platform at Ogden to see us off.
29 November 1874 • Sunday
On the cars. Having a pleasant journey. Dr. Taggart is going East. Bro. Harding of Millard City is on a mission is on board,
30 November 1874 • Monday
Reached Omaha. Met Bro. Simpson Molen who is going East on a mission. Took passage on Chicago & Rock Island R. R. to Chicago
1 December 1874 • Tuesday
Reached Chicago between 3 & 4 p.m. Put up at Clifton House.
2 December 1874 • Wednesday
Called with Bro. Smoot on Van Schaack, Stevenson & Reid, druggists, also on Enos Brown & Co. and Mr. Cleland’s
3 December 1874 • Thursday
Started at 9 a.m. this morning on Pittsburg, Fort Wayne R. R. Was joined in car by Mr. Burrows & wife of Mich and Mr. Sayler of Ind. The former was a great friend of Maxwell’s at last session and introduced a resolution to compel the Com. on Elections to report on my case, hoping thereby to get me expelled. He was very cordial to me to day. Has his defeat and the result of the elections anything to do with his cordiality?
4 December 1874 • Friday
Parted with Bro. Smoot at Harrisburg. Reached Washington at 9.10 p.m. Stopped at Willard’s. Mr. Sheer and Mr. Cessna joined as in Penn.
5 December 1874 • Saturday
Kindly and cordially received by members.
6 December 1874 • Sunday
[I have been praying daily to God in my temple clothing].1
7 December 1874 • Monday
Met at the House at 12 m. There was a full house, and a great time in handshaking.
8 December 1874 • Tuesday
Met at House. Senator Sargent told me what he had been doing about our affairs. Did not wish to excite hopes, but Attorney General had admitted that Pres. Grant had said to him that he did not know but they would have to change McKean.
9 December 1874 • Wednesday
Wrote to President Young and to Elizabeth and others.
Memoranda
| Nephi, | Aug. | 26 | 1 | Meeting | ||||||||||||
| Levan | 〃 | 27 | 1 | 〃 | ||||||||||||
| Scipio | 〃 | 28 | 1 | 〃 | ||||||||||||
| Fillmore | 〃 | 28 | 1 | 〃 | ||||||||||||
| Kanosh | 〃 | 29 | 1 | 〃 | ||||||||||||
| Beaver | 2/2 | 〃 | 30 | 3 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| Panguitch | 45 | Sep. | 1 | 3 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| Upper Kanab | 35 | 〃 | 2 | 〃 | ||||||||||||
| Glendale | 12 | 〃 | 3 | 2 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| Mount Carmel | 6 | 〃 | 4 | 2 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| Kanab | 20 | 〃 | 5 | 2 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| Winser Castle | 20 | 〃 | 6 | |||||||||||||
| Canaan | 25 | 〃 | 7 | |||||||||||||
| Virgen | 25 | 〃 | 8 | 2 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| Rockville | 10 | 〃 | 9 | 1 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| Toker | 18 | 〃 | 9 | 2 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| Harrisburg | 9 | 〃 | 10 | 1 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| St. George | 15 | 〃 | 10 | |||||||||||||
| Price | 〃 | 11 | 1 | 〃 | ||||||||||||
| Washington | 10 | 〃 | 15 | |||||||||||||
| St. George | 〃 | 16 | 9 | 〃 | ||||||||||||
| Pine Valley | 35 | 〃 | 17x | 1 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| xHebron | 32 | 〃 | 18 | 1 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| Pannacca | 40 | 〃 | 10 | 3 | 〃 | |||||||||||
| xPinto | 〃 | 18 | 1 | 〃 | ||||||||||||
| Desert | 〃 | 20 | ||||||||||||||
| Iron City | 60 | 〃 | 21 | |||||||||||||
| 629 | 39 | |||||||||||||||
Memoranda.
| 629 | 39 | |||||
| Cedar City | 27 | Sep. | 22 | 2 | Meetings | |
| Parowan | 20 | 〃 | 23 | 2 | 〃 | |
| Beaver | 35 | 〃 | 24 | 1 | 〃 | |
| Cove Creek | 26 | 〃 | 25 | |||
| Richfield | 35 | 〃 | 26 | 2 | 〃 | |
| Salina | 20 | 〃 | 28 | 1 | 〃 | |
| Gunnison | 15 | 〃 | 28 | 1 | 〃 | |
| Manti | 15 | 〃 | 29 | 1 | 〃 | |
| Ephraim | 8 | 〃 | 29 | 2 | 〃 | |
| Spring City | 19 | 〃 | 30 | 1 | 〃 | |
| Mt Pleasant | 6 | Oct. | 1 | 1 | 〃 | |
| Fairview | 6 | Sep. | 30 | 1 | 〃 | |
| Moroni | 14 | Oct. | 1 | 1 | 〃 | |
| Fountain Green | 8 | 〃 | 1 | 1 | 〃 | |
| Nephi | 15 | |||||
| Mona | ||||||
| Payson | 25 | 〃 | 2 | 1 | 〃 | |
| Provo | 18 | |||||
| Salt Lake | 50 | 57 | ||||
| 981 |
Cash Account – March.
| date. | received. | paid. | ||
| 16 | Registered letter | 14 | ||
| Stamps | 1 | 50 | ||
| Umbrella | 3 | 50 | ||
| Lunch | 60 | |||
| Boots 10c, Breakfast 80c | 90 | |||
| Vichy 20c, papers 15c, oranges 40c | 75 | |||
| Postage on seeds $1200, Express on plants | 21 | 75 | ||
| Dinner 1.55, sugar 36c, boots 52c, lunch 30c | 2 | 73 | ||
| Dispatch to Mann 4.37, papers 8c, dispatch 40c | 4 | 85 | ||
| Lunch 1.40., dinner 2.50c B\'fast 2.00, stamps <1.50> | 7 | 40 | ||
| Car 15c, postage Finlayson 74c, paper 3c Postage on Books to Bates 60c, do. to Brough <40c> | 1 | 92 00 | ||
| Dinner 2.10, Boots 50c, Supper & lunch <1.40> | 4 | 00 | ||
| Fruit 25, Vichy 10c, papers 16c | ||||
Cash Account – April.
| date. | received. | paid. | |||
| on hand | |||||
| April 1 | Cash | 24 | 39 | ||
| 〃 | 〃 | 25 | 00 | ||
| 〃 | 〃 | 100 | 00 | ||
| 〃 | Books bought | 40 | 65 | ||
| 〃 | Lunch 1.00, Lunch 1.45, Lunch 55c, | 3 | 00 | ||
| Lunch 30c, stamps 1.00, Wm Johnson <$5.50> | 6 | 80 | |||
| Boots 50c, sugar 70c, gloves 1.85, stud 38c | 3 | 35 | |||
| Lunch 35c, Bath 30c, Kissengen 10c | 75 | ||||
| Fare 15c, papers 30c, Necktie 50c, lunch <40c> | 1 | 35 | |||
| Stamps 17c, Stamps 1.50, Rent $80 | 81 | 69 | |||
| Barber 60c, Jockey club 1.00, Vichy 20 | 1 | 80 | |||
| Lunch 1.40, Dinner 2.00, papers 12c, oranges 25c | 3 | 77 | |||
| Fare 7c, Poor 2c, Record 10c, Lunch 1.55, | 1 | 74 | |||
| Gen. Paine $25, Mammoth M Co\'s, patent $5 | 30 | 00 | |||
| Cash, Mammoth Mining Co. | 5 | 00 | |||
| Boots 50c, lunch 1.00, papers 10c, | 1 | 60 | |||
| Cash | 400 | 00 | |||
| 〃 Loaned to G. P. Stiles | 200 | 00 | |||
| Chapman 3.50, D. Piatt for papers $10, Stamps <1.50> | 15 | 00 | |||
| Stamps 1.94, lunch 35, papers 6c, hair oil 85c | 3 | 20 | |||
| sugar 70c, fare 5c, boots 50c, dinner 1.85, | 3 | 10 | |||
| Fruit 75c, papers 8c, lunch 1.95c, papers 9c | 2 | 87 | |||
| Cash from J. Finlayson (postage) | 2 | 00 | |||
| 〃 paid to Gen. Paine (chg\'d above) | 00 | 00 | |||
| 〃 〃 〃 McGill & Witherow <printers> | 184 | 00 | |||
| Meals for self & Dwyer 10.50, Stamps &c 2.31, Lunch &c 1.33 | 14 | 64 | |||
| Sundries 1.57, Stamps 50c, shirts 27.00 | 29 | 07 | |||
| Cash | 100 | 00 | |||
| 〃 on hand | 28 | 03 | |||
| 656 | 39 | 656 | 39 | ||
Cash Account – May.
| date. | received. | paid. | |||
| 1 | Cash | 28 | 03 | ||
| 2 | Johnson 10.00, poor 1.00, sleeve button 50c, Vichy 10c, Nuts 15c, dinner, 2.00, poor 1.00, boots 50c, lunch 40c, poor 5c, papers 8c, Rent 80.00, Grace Greenwood 75c | 96 | 53 | ||
| 4 | Cash | 100 | 00 | ||
| 9&10 | girl 25c, Vichy 10c, Lunch 40c, paper 10c, lunch 40c, stamps 75c, cars 25c, fare 5c, vichy 20c, lunch 1.40 papers 7c, alcohol 75c, hair 50c, paper 11c lunch 55c | 5 | 88 | ||
| fruit 40c, dinner 2.65, vichy 40c, boots 50c, sugar 70c washing 1.00, M.Y.C 10.00, dispatch 5.05, stamps 11.50 lunch 70c, papers 8c, car 5c, lunch 35c, record 40c, lunch 35c lectures 25c, vichy 20c, paper 6c, lunch 35c, car 5c, Kauffman 20.00 | 45 | 04 | |||
| 14 | Cash | 50 | 00 | ||
| <E. L. Sloan> Copyright 1.00, 2 dinners 3.35, lunches 1.15, papers 11c, boots 50c, vichy 20c, vichy 30c, stamps 1.56, Le Grand Young 25.00, waiter 50c, girl 25c, papers 12c | 34 | 04 | |||
| Cash | 50 | 00 | |||
| lunch 20c, stamps 60c, Johnson 1.25, lecture 1.00 likeness 13.00, paper 3c, necktie 50c, madder seed 5.44, poor 13c, papers 8c, E H.C. 10.00, board 12.50 | 44 | 73 | |||
| 26 | Cash | 25 | 00 | ||
| stamps 3.25, waiter 1.00, boots 50c, lunch 90c alcohol 70c, papers 19c, girl 25c, lemons 25c, errand 10c, paper 3c | 0 | 00 | 7 | 17 | |
| Cash | 77 | 50 | |||
| Carried Forward | 97 | 14 | |||
|
| 330 | 53 | 330 | 53 | |
Cash Account – June.
| date. | received. | paid. | |||
| Brought Forward | 97 | 14 | |||
| June 1 | <Heaton> pictures 5.55, waiter 1.50, boots 50c, papers 10c board 13.75, Rent 80.00, Clothes 104.50 Boyle 50.00, lemons 25c, Vichy 10c, tickets 30c | 256 | 55 | ||
| 3 | Cash | 80 | 00 | ||
| 6 | 〃 papers 29c, board 12.50, McPherson\'s work, 22.50, stamps 1.50, neckties &c 3.20, cologne 1.00 Johnson 5.00, fares 40c, papers 17, papers 75c, boy 10c, camphor & perfumery 2.25. 49.37 [49.66] | 104 | 50 | ||
| 9 | Cash | 50 | 00 | ||
Cash Account – November.
| date. | received. | paid. | |||
| Nov. 27 | <Bg> From J. J. | 1000 | 00 | ||
| To Col. Ford\'s paper | 2 | 00 | |||
| 〃 Dried Peaches | 235 | 00 | |||
| 237 | 00 | ||||
| balance | 763 | 00 | |||
| carrd Forwd to book for 1875 | $1000 | 00 | 1000 | 00 | |
Cash Account – December.
| date. | received. | paid. | |||
| Nov. 27 | Clothes | 95 | 00 | ||
| Expenses to Washington | 67 | 00 | |||
| Dec. 14 | visiting cards 4.50, postage 8.20, gloves 3.70., papers 2.10, car fare 25c waiters 1.70, vichy 1.00, | 22 | 97 | ||
| Hotel Bill -- -- -- -- -- -- | 56 | 65 | |||
| Neck tie 50c, bus 50c, Pullman 1.75 fare to Balt. 1.20, easy chair 50c, carriage 50c., fares 1.18, Pullman 1.00 books to W. C. Staines 5.70, gloves 2.00 scarf 2.00, medicine 50c, necktie 1.50 Hat 8.00, perfumes 75c, washing 4.00 | 31 | 50 | |||
| Board &c at Hotel | 67 | 25 | |||
| Fare 14c, barber 1.00, vichy 20c, fare to Washington 1.45, lunch 50c, fares 85c, waiters 45c, Bywater children $2.00 | 6 | 60 | |||
| Carried Forward to book for 1875 | 346 | 97 | |||
[writing on a loosely inserted flap torn off from an envelope:]
| on hand | |
| May 5 – | 30.75 |
| 6 – | 29.25 |
| 8 – | 26.81 |
| 9 – | 26.08 |
| 11 – | 20.00 |
| 13 – | 2.65 |
| 14 – | 1.87 |
| 15 – | 1.14 |
| 16 – | 30.61 |
| 19 – | 24.30 |
| 22 – | 44.60 |
| 23 – | 30.58 |
| 25 – | 25.43 |
| 30 – | 21.39 |
| 31 – | 20.76 |
| June 14 – | 9.28 |
[on the verso of an endpaper]
20
20
75
25
10
18
9
15
[on endpaper on the inside of the back cover]
142
212
82
177
100
713
5 January ff. Newspaper articles and Cannon’s comments on interference of the U.S. troops with the Louisiana legislature
7 January Rejection of a suggestion to hire a lobbyist
9 January ff. Cannon’s case before the Committee on Elections
1 February ff. Activities in Congress; attempts to exclude Cannon from his seat
19 June ff. Travel south from Salt Lake City to meet with the Saints
25 June Locating a site for the Manti Temple
20 August ff. Meeting with the Saints in the northern part of Utah
1 September Cannon’s love and esteem for George A. Smith
5 September Funeral of George A. Smith
7 September ff. Meeting with the Saints in the northern part of Utah
15 September “Visited the various departments of manufacture which have been started here on the cooperative principle”
18 October Brigham Young’s response to the Ann Eliza Webb case
21 October Rebaptizing church leaders
1 December ff. In Washington DC
Source Note
Journal, 1875
George Q. Cannon, Journal, 1 Jan.–27 Dec. 1875; handwriting of George Q. Cannon; 135 inscribed pages, including 8 pages of financial notations; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Pocket-size journal, measuring 5⅞ × 2⅞ × ¾ inches (15 × 7 × 2 cm). The text block also measures 5⅞ × 2⅞ inches. The journal was published as an “Excelsior” journal for the year 1875. The front matter of the journal provides printed reference information, such as a calendar, postage rates, and state populations. Each page of the journal itself has a header containing the name of the month, the day of the week, and the year; three pink lines provide a border for the header, two lines above it and one below. Below the header, each page is lined with thirty blue lines.
The journal has a light brown leather cover with minimal blind tooling for outside borders. The journal is missing the back cover, which probably had an overlapping flap as do several of the other journals. The journal’s front cover has a small pocket, possibly where the overlapping flap could be inserted to secure the journal. The inside covers have light blue pastedowns. The inside front cover has a pencil inscription: “#47 | 2.75 | pas.” A small sticker in the lower left corner provides the supplier’s location and name (“SOLOMONS | AND | CHAPMANS”). The first flyleaf bears the dates “Jan 1875 | to | Dec. 26, 1875” in pencil. At a later point, a small red-bordered archival label was pasted to the upper left corner of the front cover. In black ink, the label reads: “No. 8 | G.Q.C. Journal | 1875 | Washington & | Utah.”
The journal begins with 1 January, and each page is inscribed through 2 March. The journal then picks up again on 17 June for ten pages. The next set of entries is for 20 August through 17 September. There is a single entry on 16 October and another on 22 October. Entries were made for 24 and 25 November, 27 November through 1 December, and 4 and 6 December. Cannon’s final series of entries was for 17 through 27 December. There are an additional eight pages of financial notations at the back of the journal.
In 1932, Sylvester Q. Cannon, who was then serving as the presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated George Q. Cannon’s journals to the church’s First Presidency. The First Presidency transferred the journals to the Church History Department in late 2008.
1 January 1875 • Friday
Dressed myself in what is called, full dress and hired a carriage and attended the reception of the President at the White House. Though the attendance of Diplomatists and officers of the army and Navy was good, the general attendance was not near so good as last year. Messrs. Steele & Maginnis of Wyoming & Montana accepted seats in my carriage, and Mr. Hailey of Idaho with a friend followed in another carriage. We called upon Secretaries Fish, Bristow, Delano, Jewell and Williams, Chief Justice Waite, Senators Thurman, Sargent & Pease, Gov. McCormick and others. I enjoyed the day very much and was well received. It was not, however, personal enjoyment which prompted me to make these calls, it was what I thought to be policy.
2 January 1875 • Saturday
Busy at the Departments
3 January 1875 • Sunday
[I fasted today and prayed to God].1 Spent the day in peace.
4 January 1875 • Monday
Determined to get rooms out of the Hotel (Willard’s) as I felt too cramped there. The room was a very convenient one, but it was rather gloomy. I am charged $38 a week for the room, my board and fire. I can for a less price get good rooms outside and pay my board at the Hotel. Saw Mr. Chapman and he promised to hunt me up rooms. Those I had last session suited me very well; but the people had moved to Chicago.
5 January 1875 • Tuesday
House met to-day. Mr. Chapman secured me rooms at Mr. Dougherty’s 1340 I Street N. W. on the first floor, to which I moved to-day.
[various newspaper clippings taped together overlaying page]
W [torn][illiam] Belknap, Secretary of War, Washington D. C.
[torn] [It] is with deep regret that I have to announce to you the existence in this State of a spirit of defiance to a lawful authority, and an insecurity of life which is hardly realized by the General Government or the country at large. The lives of citizens have become so jeopardized that unless something is done to give protection to the people all the security usually afforded by law will be overridden. Defiance to the laws and the murder of individuals seems to be looked upon by the community here from a standpoint which gives impunity to all who choose to indulge in either, and the civil government appears powerless to punish, or even arrest. I have to-night assumed control over the Department of the Gulf.
P. H. Sheridan, Lieutenant General.
Headquarters Military Division of the Missouri,
New Orleans, La., Jan. 5, 1875.
The Hon. W. W. Belknap, Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.
I think the terrorism now existing in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas could be entirely removed and confidence and fair-dealing established by the arrest and trial of the ringleaders of the armed White Leagues. If Congress would pass a bill declaring them banditti , they could be tried by a military commission. The leaders of this banditti, who murdered men here on the 14th of September, and more recently at Vicksburg, Miss., should, in justice to law and order and the peace and prosperity of this southern part of the country, be punished. It is possible that, if the President would issue a proclamation declaring them banditti, no further action need be taken, except that which would devolve upon me.
P. H. Sheridan,
Lieutenant General United States Army
War Department,
Washington, D. C., Jan. 6, 1875.
Gen. P. H. Sheridan, New-Orleans:
The President and all of us have full confidence in and thoroughly approve your course.
Wm. W. Belknap, Secretary of War.
Washington, Jan. 6, 1875
To Gen. P. H. Sheridan, New Orleans, La.:
I telegraphed you hastily to-day, answering your dispatch. You seem to fear we will be misled by biased or partial statements of your acts. Be assured that the President and Cabinet confide in your wisdom, and rest in the belief that all acts of your have been and will be judicious. This I intended to say in my brief telegram.
Wm. W. Belknap, Secretary of War
New-Orleans, Jan. 6, 1875.
The Hon. W. W. Belknap, Secretary of War, Washington:
The city is very quiet to-day. Some of the banditti made idle threats last night that they would assassinate me because I dared to tell the truth. I am not afraid, and will not be stopped from informing the Government that there are localities in this Department where the very air has been impregnated with assassination for some years.
P. H. Sheridan.
[End of newspaper articles]
6 January 1875 • Wednesday
The news from Louisiana of the interference of the U. S. troops with the Legislature, and the despatches of Sheridan Lieut. Gen. of the Army, in which he and the replies to them by the Sec. of War (Belknap) are creating great excitement. It is easy to perceive in these events the fulfilment of the word of the Lord concerning this nation. It will devolve upon the Latter-day Saints to uphold constitutional government upon this land and that day does not seem far distant as affairs are now shaping. Anarchy reigns in Louisiana and Mississippi, Arkansas and South Carolina are nearly in the same condition. How long before other States in the conflict of parties for power will be in the same position? or until the General Government will be contended for by factions? He that will not take his sword to fight against his neighbor must yet flee to Zion. Grant and others would like to involve the Saints in trouble, to have an excuse for letting the military loose upon us and to strip us of all our rights under the civil government; but thus far they have failed. They must beware or the evils they would bring upon us will fall upon themselves.
7 January 1875 • Thursday
I had a call from a man named Randall, a Claim Agent, an attorney, really a lobbyist. He showed me letters from Geo. C. Bates, Esq., to prove that he was friendly to Utah &c. After conversing about having McKean changed &c he then turned the conversation to my case. He said that the Com. on elections would take up my case this morning. He had been conversing with an ex-Member of Congress, a Radical, a strong man, &c, about it to know if anything could be done in the matter. He had replied that he would find out. Last night he had come to him and said that the proceedings could be stopped if I wished. The idea being that if I would pay money those who were pushing the matter (Hazleton of Wis. and others) could be bought off. After saying considerable about this ex-Member and his influence, I asked him if he was at liberty to give me his name. He hesitated. Said I “is it Kelsey?” At my mention of the name he appeared surprised. He had told me that he claimed to be the author of the Poland Bill, which I knew was not true. “Why,” said I, “he was Maxwell’s striker last session, was hired by him, did all in his power to get me unseated, to get the Poland Bill through; and I beat him by keeping my seat and by getting that bill emasculated.” “Yes,” said Randall, “he did help Maxwell last session; but his retainer is now out. He is at liberty to work on your side, and is an energetic, tireless worker.” I gave Mr. Randall to understand that I asked no odds of Kelsey or any of the lobby, and as to my employing any of them it was out of the question. He had a good deal to say upon our affairs and we then parted. I cannot express the feelings of contempt I entertain for this man Kelsey and men like him. They are treacherous, dishonorable and so thoroughly mercenary that they would betray any cause for money. The Committee met but there was no quorum, so my case was put off till Monday.
8 January 1875 • Friday
Friday
Hazleton announced his programme again respecting me through the newspapers. It is to the effect that he is going to move his resolution as soon as a quorum of the Com. can be got together and afterwards introduce it to the House. I think of Haman and the gallows he told his friend she had prepared for poor Mordecai. But little done in the House to-day. The Senate has been excitedly discussing Louisiana affairs, all the interest is concentrated there. House adjourned till Monday. Spent the evening in a call upon Mrs. Briggs and Son.
9 January 1875 • Saturday
Busy at the Departments, attending to <pay for> freight & transportation of Gov. over Utah Central R.R.; also increasing mail service from Salt Lake City to Park City via Parley’s Park; also to get estimate of appropriations for surveying increased. Also called upon Gen. Paine to consult him about writing a letter to the Com. on Elections stating that as I am indicted and under bonds and liable to be called home to trial at any time, I do not think it fair to me to decide upon my case in Congress, &c. The Gen. wrote the letter; but I did not like the way he framed it. Very cold this evening.
10 January 1875 • Sunday
I fasted to-day; but was so crowded with correspondence that I spent time writing to the President Young and others, and also in writing the following letter to the Committee on Elections in reference to my case
11 January 1875 • Monday
I called upon Judge <H. Boardman> Smith, Chairman of committee on Elections and gave him the letter to the Committee. I told him I did not want to bring up my own case; and therefore did not wish the letter read to the Com. until it did come up.
Crossland <of Ky.> came after the House had met and told me that the Committee, eight of them being present, had by a majority vote agreed to report to the House the resolution to expel me. The Chairman would get up the majority report and Harrison of Tenn. and he were to get up the minority report. Pike of New Hampshire afterwards told me I had better get ready for the case would soon be brought up in the House.
12 January 1875 • Tuesday
Todd of Penn. told me he hoped to tie up the resolution in the Com. but and therefore voted against it; but when he found his vote would not do that, and afraid of the attacks which he might be made upon those who voted against it, he had changed his vote. He had told the Chairman he said in making his report to state to the House that the Committee was divided and as it was a delicate question, they preferred submitting it to the House for its decision. Mr. Rainey of South Carolina, a colored man, a light mulatto, came to me and said that he wished me to understand that without any solicitation on my part he should vote against the resolution. I was touched by his gentlemanly conduct. Succeeded in getting a general bill for Railroads over the public lands through the House, a very important measure. Fought a bill for a toll road in Little Cottonwood Kanyon introduced by Bradley of Mich. I spoke against it; but after a gallant fight by the Democrats & a few Republicans it was carried.
13 January 1875 • Wednesday
I thought the toll road bill was carried last night; but this morning I succeeded in getting enough members to vote for the ayes and noes, on the motion of Mr. Finch of Ohio, and the bill was beaten by a vote of 126 to 95. I was much pleased at this result, for it was unexpected, though I had talked to many members about it. Mr. Bradley who introduced and reported the Bill came to me afterwards, and said he guessed I must have been up all night interviewing members. I laughingly replied that I had lost no sleep over the bill. Well, said he, every member I spoke to said he <you> had seen him. He was chagrined at the defeat of his bill, for he supposed its passage was an accomplished fact.
14 January 1875 • Thursday
At Departments and House. Wrote to Gen. Kane also a long letter to Hon. Eli K. Price of Philadelphia describing my case, the attempt that was to be made to unseat me, the reasons why it should not be done and appealing to him as a man of influence, not to have members pause and reflect, not for my sake personally but for my constituents whose right to select their representative would be struck down in my person.
15 January 1875 • Friday
Had conversation with several members upon my case. House adjourned until Monday and I concluded to go to Philadelphia
16 January 1875 • Saturday
Arose this morning at Philadelphia. Took breakfast at the Continental, then went to Gen. Kane’s. His wife and daughter had gone to his father-in-law’s. Wrote a letter to Mr. Speer, who had been at Vicksburg on Congressional Investigating Com., and directed it to his home at Huntingdon, Penn., thinking he might return there instead of to Washington. I told him what the Com. on Elections had done and asked him, if he would not be at Washington on Monday, to telegraph his views to the Com. Called upon Mr. Price. He and Gen. Kane are doing what they can in my favor. Visited Academy of Arts after dining with Gen. Kane. Took 6 o’clock train for Washington. Gen. Garfield on train had interesting conversation with him on our views and doctrines.
17 January 1875 • Sunday
[I fasted today and prayed to God that he would help me.]2 Received the following letter from Mr Price (insert letter). Called upon Alex. H. Stephens and talked over my case with him
18 January 1875 • Monday
Busy at the House. The Com. of Elections met but had no quorum
19 January 1875 • Tuesday
Busy at the Departments. Met with Com. of Delegates. Introduced to a Mr. Blair of San Francisco who had just returned from Mexico where he had been in the interest of a company to obtain a grant of land for the building of a Railroad from the port of Guaymas in Sonora to the line of Arizona, a distance he estimated of about 287 miles. He called the distance from Guaymas to Tucson 363½ miles. For every mile of R. Road he is to receive 22,600 acres of land until half the waste lands of the State of Sonora are exhausted. There will <are> probably not more than six to eight million acres of waste land in the State, as <half> this quantity will not cover his grant, he expects the Mexican government will make up the difference to him. He came here purposely to see me on the subject, thinking we would take hold of the scheme and furnish emigrants to settle the land. He can select the land any where in the State, but the latter must have the alternate piece and he is bound by the concession not to sell to any American[.] He spent some time in the evening talking the subject to me.
20 January 1875 • Wednesday
Ben Holladay has had conversation with Speaker Blaine upon my case. He speaks warmly of us. He denounces the proposed action in my case as tremendous folly on the part of the Republicans. He is a very rough, swearing man, but his views of our position and his estimate of the character of Pres. Young and the people of Utah are very correct.
21 January 1875 • Thursday
Mr. H. Boardman Smith presented report of Com. on Elections in my case to the House with the request that it be printed and laid on the table. Being a question of privilege it will be taken up at any time. Judge Harrison’s report adverse to expulsion was not presented to-day. It was not quite ready. Himself, Thomas of North Carolina, Lamar of Miss., Crossland of Ky., and Speer of Penn. signed it. Pike of N. H. would sign neither report, though his sympathies were with me, but there is the election in his State pending, and as he is a candidate I suspect that <is> his reason for not signing the report.
22 January 1875 • Friday
Private Bill day. Mr. Harrison made his report and it was ordered printed.
23 January 1875 • Saturday
Busy at work at my speech, and up at the House. Answered letter of my son John Q. respecting going to West Point.
24 January 1875 • Sunday
Bro. Spencer Clawson arrived to-day from home en route to N. Y. He reports all well.
25 January 1875 • Monday
Up till 5 o’clock this morning preparing and copying speech. Bro. S. Clawson helped me copy. Gen. Kane had made me promise that I would let him see before delivering it what I had to say. Sent him copy. Busy at House.
26 January 1875 • Tuesday
Took Bro. S. Clawson through the note printing department of the Treasury. A large number of females, generally young, are employed in counting and examining & printing notes greenbacks. In the rooms where the word got out that I was the Delegate from Utah whose four wives they papers had had so much to say about, we were much stared at.
Busy at House.
27 January 1875 • Wednesday
Fillibustering commenced to day to prevent the passage of the Civil Rights bill, the Republicans were determined to pass it and to break down the opposition to it. The contest was is one of physical endurance.
Received my Mss. from Philadelphian with a letter from Mrs. Kane stating that as the General was absent and would be all week and I had said I would [need] the speech by to-day she thought it better to return it unopened. Was. up at the House till past midnight
28 January 1875 • Thursday
Still fillibustering. Remained at House till midnight.
29 January 1875 • Friday
Fillibustering till 25 min. past 10 this morning when the Republicans broke, made a motion to adjourn till to-morrow at 12 and the Members left glad to go and get some rest. The House had been in continuous session 46 hours and 25 min., during which 75 roll calls were made, involving the call of upwards of 50,000 names
30 January 1875 • Saturday
Met at 12 m. Democrats insisted on the reading of the roll calls as the votes were recorded. Republicans protested; but Speaker ruled that if demanded they must be read. The object in this was to consume time so that no notice to amend the rules could be introduced. This monotonous reading continued until nearly five, the Democrats taking turns to check the clerks to see that no skipping was done. Finally the Republicans made a motion to adjourn, having got the ruling from the Speaker that if the House adjourned before the reading of the journal was completed it could not be called for on Monday; to-day’s journal would be the only one in order.
31 January 1875 • Sunday
A wet day. [I fasted today and prayed to God].3
1 February 1875 • Monday
Mr. Hale of Maine introduced a resolution, under the call of the States and Territories, to amend the rules. Mr. Randall of Penn. raised upon it the point of order that it being neither a bill nor a joint resolution it was <could> not properly be introduced. The Speaker ruled against the point of order. Mr. Cessna introduced another resolution to the same effect. Mr. Randall again made the point of order and the Speaker again ruled against him. R. then appealed to the House from the decision of the chair and the latter was sustained by a strict party vote: 174 ayes; 84 noes and 32 absent, a very full house. Afterwards Mr. Butler of Mass. introduced an amendment to the rules which he wished to have adopted under suspension of the rules. Two-thirds did not vote for it and it failed. He next tried to get a resolution adopted for the Com. on Rules to report a <new> rule and no dilatory motions be allowed to interpose. For this also he failed to get a vote of two-thirds. A recess was afterwards taken till 10 to-morrow. This was for the purpose of introducing a new rule under the suspension of the rules, hoping by that time to get 2/3 of the House to vote for it. This has been a very exciting day. Considerable feeling manifest.
2 February 1875 • Tuesday
Another very exciting day. After two or three attempts to suspend the rules had failed, a motion of Mr. Kasson’s to that effect was successful; the vote stood 181 ayes; 90 noes; not voting 19. The House is very full. The Republicans have spared no pains to get all they could to be present; the Democrats have been equally diligent, only 4 of their party being absent. Mr. Garfield from the Com. on Rules reported a new rule. A most exciting discussion followed participated in by Garfield, Beck, Butler, Cox, Schofield, Lamar and the Speaker, Blaine, who left the chair and took the floor. Mr. Butler having been called to order for not addressing the chair and making his points with the galleries he left his place and addressed the House from the Clerk’s desk. Mr. Randall, Williams of Wis., and Hawley of Conn. addressed the House also. The rule was carried. This has been a field day, the best speakers were on the floor and they were full of fire.
3 February 1875 • Wednesday
The Civil Rights Bill was reported to-day and Mr. Butler spoke so strongly of the South that Mr. McLean of Texas retorted and considerable feeling was shown. A number of members addressed the House. A recess was taken till ½ past 7 and the evening was occupied in discussion.
4 February 1875 • Thursday
Appeared before the Com. on the Department of Justice to show the impropriety of a Bill now before them, and urged by ex-Gov. Woods & Maxwell, making the expenses of the Courts chargeable to the countries and the Ter. They said they were satisfied it was wrong after hearing my statements and views. Another exciting day in the House. Many spoke and among others John Young Brown of Ky. He delivered a most severe philippic on Gen. Butler, which created tremendous excitement. Two resolutions were introduced one to censure him at the bar of the House, the other to expel him. Such was the excitement that I think the latter would have carried had it been submitted without discussion. The talk, especially the citing of similar instances in past times, cooled the House somewhat, and Mr. Dawes withdrew his resolution to expel and the other was adopted. Mr. Brown was led to the bar of the House by the Sergeant at Arms and <was> censured by the Speaker.
The House took a recess till 10 to-morrow.
5 February 1875 • Friday
Discussion continued on Civil Rights Bill. In his remarks Gen. Butler tried to get even with Mr. Brown by repeating some passages in his history – a rebel letter &c but was called to order by Mr. Hale several times. The Bill passed by a vote of 162 ayes; 99 noes and 28 not voting.
The Legislative and Appropriation Bill was brought up. In this Bill ex-Gov. Wood had had inserted in the Senate an amendment to the following effect. I had labored with the Com. and had succeeded in having it non-concurred in. Woods had heard of this and when the Bill came up this afternoon he went around to Merriam, Shanks and every other anti-Mormon member to get them, I thought, to stick to the Amendment, the House refused to concur in it. So it is beaten for the present. For these things I am thankful.
6 February 1875 • Saturday
An attempt was made to-day by Mr. Smith, Chairman of the Com. on Elections, to bring up my case to-day with a view to my exclusion. Mr. Hale of N. Y. raised the point of order that this was not a privileged report. The Chair desired time to consider it and so it went over. One of the Members said it did seem as though the Lord was on my side. I know He is. Called in evening to see Senator Sarjent. He says Mr. Blaine appears to be of opinion a majority vote can expel a Delegate; but he thought the co-relative proposition ought to hold good, that a Delegate not being a Member a report to exclude him was not a privileged one. He said he would see Mr. Blaine.
7 February 1875 • Sunday
A very cold, stormy day. Snowing and blowing. I did as usual on Sunday.
I had a visit on Monday last from Bro’s. M. Thatcher and C. Nibley. They stayed till Friday and were joined by Bro. Jos. Thatcher; he having been in Virginia.
I sent my manuscript speech, – which I had prepared to deliver when my case came up – to Gen. Kane to revise, he having requested me to do so. He returned with a very few <verbal> amendments. He said the speech was a strong one and would do me credit anywhere.
8 February 1875 • Monday
At the Departments in the morning, then went to the House. Numerous inquiries were made into about my case by Members of me, when it was coming up, &c. I understand that Judge H. B. Smith intends to bring it up to-morrow if he can.
9 February 1875 • Tuesday
Mr. Smith tried to get the floor to have my case brought up. For my description of the scene see letter to Pres. Young of to-day’s date; also Congressional Record. I felt very undisturbed and calm. I know the Lord hears and answers my prayers.
10 February 1875 • Wednesday
At the House. Nothing of particular importance transpired.
11 February 1875 • Thursday
At the House; busy writing letters
12 February 1875 • Friday
Same as yesterday
13 February 1875 • Saturday
At the Departments and the House
14 February 1875 • Sunday
I fasted as usual to-day
15 February 1875 • Monday
At the House. A day of confusion until 2 o’clock when the Com. of the District of Columbia got the floor. Judge Hoar announced death of his colleague, Mr. Saml Hooper. A resolution was adopted to meet at 11 A.m. from now till again changed
16 February 1875 • Tuesday
Met at 11 o’clock. At 2 p.m. the funeral of Hon. Sam’l. Hooper took place at the House of Rep’s. Dr’s. Butler and Aiken officiating. The first read portions of scripture. The second read prayers out of the Episcopal prayer book. The Hall and galleries were crowded. President Grant and Cabinet, the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Senate & the Members of the House being present.
17 February 1875 • Wednesday
At the House. Judiciary Com. had this evening assigned to them to report bills. Among others (H. 3996) was one giving to the district courts of the Ter. of Utah the power to condemn land for Railroad purposes – a power held under our Territorial laws by the Probate Courts until <the> Poland bill took it away from them. Some of my friends, thinking I was not there, had questions to ask and remarks to make about it. I afterwards spoke and endeavored to show how much better it would be to have this power given to any court of record which would include probate and district courts, and made a motion that the bill be so amended, which Poland accepted. Felt thankful for my success.
18 February 1875 • Thursday
At the House. Evening Session.
19 February 1875 • Friday
At the House.
20 February 1875 • Saturday
The Bro’s. Thatcher and Nibley arrived. The appropriation bill in which ex-Gov. Woods had got an amendment inserted, described in my journal of Friday, the 5th, had been returned to the Senate. They refused to agree to the changes made by the House, among others to that made in our legislative appropriation, and they asked for a Committee of Conference. Sargent was one of the Senate conferees, and I wrote a strong letter to him against this feature in the Bill and gave him a copy of a dispatch I had received from Mayor Wells in response to my inquiries. This letter and dispatch he had read to the Conference Com. and the Senate conferees admitted that if they had had this letter before they had amended the Bill they would not have amended it. Senator Sargent dropped me a note informing me that I must get proof that the Legislative Assembly had not met since passage of Poland Bill, as that was a pivotal point in the minds of the Com. I found a Memorial from the Assembly to Congress which I had presented last session, and gave that to Sargent. From that it was plain that as it was in Session in Feb. and <could> only sit by law 40 days it could not have been in session in June when Poland bill became law. Saw and had talk with Starkweather, one of House conferees
21 February 1875 • Sunday
Moses and Jos. Thatcher went to see relatives in Virginia. Bro. Nibley was with me most of day. I did not omit my usual Sunday practice of fasting and prayer.
22 February 1875 • Monday
A noisy, busy day at the House. Introduced bill taking away absolute veto power from the Gov. of Utah. Held an evening session.
23 February 1875 • Tuesday
Discussing the tax bill. I attended Pres. Grant’s reception in the evening
24 February 1875 • Wednesday
The House had under consideration the Sundry Civil Service appropriation bill. Took recess a little before 5 p.m. until 7½ p.m. with the understanding to continue work on that; but in evening attempted to get up what is known as the “force bill”, which among other things gives the President the right to suspend the writ of habeas corpus. The contest was badly managed on the part of the Republicans. The Democrats succeeded in filibustering all night, the Republicans not having of their own numbers a quorum of the House were unable to check them. There was bad leadership on the part of Gen. Butler; I think his move was ill-timed and badly arranged and only wasteful of the physical strength of his men. By arranging beforehand he could have secured a quorum of Republicans, and when at 10 o’clock in the evening he saw this could not be obtained, he ought to have tried some other plan. I was reminded of what the Swedish Chancellor Oxenstjerne said to his son when he took him to see the Swedish Parliament: “Behold, my son, with what <how> little wisdom the world is governed.”
25 February 1875 • Thursday
I was at the House until breakfast time this morning watching the contest. The contest continued until afternoon before a quorum of Republicans could be obtained. Twenty-nine hours from the time of meeting yesterday the House adjourned.
26 February 1875 • Friday
By agreement – a sort of compromise – the reading of the journal was not insisted upon by the Democrats on the condition that the House proceed to-day until 5 p.m. with the Sundry Civil appropriation bill, then a recess to be taken till 7.30 p.m. when the “force bill” should be discussed. Coburn of Ind. led off in the discussion in the eve. He is the man who introduced the “force bill.” He was followed by Buckner of Mo. who divided his time with Willard of Mich. (who made a very telling speech against the bill) and Sener of Vir. Then Albright <of Penn> spoke an hour. Then Hays of Ala. and Hawley of Conn. The latter made a bold speech against the bill. After midnight adjourned.
27 February 1875 • Saturday
This morning discussion of “force bill” resumed. Luttrell of Cal. divided his time with Cook of Ga. and Eldredge of Wis., then spoke himself and gave Lamar some time, but he was interrupted and his time consumed. The House treated him discourteously, the Southern carpet-baggers especially were determined he should not speak if they could prevent it. Cannon of Ill. had the next hour, which he in part also only occupied. Several others spoke, but Burrows of Mich. brought down the House in applause at his speech which was splendidly delivered, but which was an inflammatory, denunciatory attack upon the South. Under the skilful management of Mr. Sam. Randall the House was kept from reaching a vote upon the Bill until near midnight, and it would not have been affected then, had not the Republicans compromised and agreed to adjourn, the Democrats agreeing to not require the reading of the journal on Monday morning.
28 February 1875 • Sunday
Busy to-day sorting papers, &c
1 March 1875 • Monday
After doing considerable other business commenced on <Sundry> Civil Appropriation bill. Several eulogies were delivered on Senator Buckingham. Recess from 5.20 till 7.30 p.m. House remained in session till a few minutes before 4 o’clock in the morning. The Sundry Civil appropriation was passed
2 March 1875 • Tuesday
Appeared before Com. on Elections about the expense of my contest.
17 June 1875 • Thursday
To-day Senator J. K. Kelly of Oregon who was en-route to the West called upon me. I had the buggy hitched up and took him to the Warm Springs and around town to various points of interest, among others to see the font and oxen for the St. George temple, which were being cast by Davis, Howe & Co.
18 June 1875 • Friday
Arranged for a special train to take Judge Field of the U. S. Supreme Court (who arrived last evening from the East) and Senator Kelly and a few brethren and sisters for company to Provo. Judge F. could not go, but his mother-in-law and her daughter (Mrs. & Miss Swearingin) went with the company. Afterwards took Senator K. up to the President’s Office, but Pres. Young was not in. Busy getting ready to go.
19 June 1875 • Saturday
I sat up till 3.15 this morning busy writing. Slept till 15 min. to 6, and after <my bath and> dressing and praying in my robes and getting ready I had no time to eat breakfast; but took a little lunch with me. John Q. (my son) and Geo. C. Lambert (my nephew[)] accompanied us to the end of the track. I gave them a number of directions about business which John Q. took down in short hand. Abraham H. (my son) accompanied me as teamster. Went to York by rail, that being the end of the track. A man who had got on the train at American Fork, and who had been sick, by the name of Robt Hunter, died suddenly upon our arrival at York. We had taken our horses and carriages on the cars with us. We hitched up and drove to Nephi; Bro. Brigham, Jr., rode with me and Abraham took his place in Bro. Pitchforth’s open vehicle. Stopped with Bro. Pitchforth, where Uncle Taylor also stopped.
20 June 1875 • Sunday
Had an excellent night’s rest. Met with people at 10 a.m. The President stayed at the house where he stopped (Bro. Knud Brown’s) to rest. Pres. Wells presided. I was called upon to speak. My thoughts were pretty clear; but I was not so much edified by my own remarks as I like to be. Pres. Wells followed. Ate dinner at Bro. Pitchforth’s. Met in afternoon at 2 o’clock. Elder John Taylor addressed the people, occupying 53 minutes. He was followed by Bro. Brigham Young, Jr., who occupied 40 minutes. Met with Sunday School at 6 p.m. I spoke to them and was followed by Bro. Musser.
21 June 1875 • Monday
We left Nephi at 9.30 a.m. Part of the bed for a narrow guage R.R. is surveyed and thrown up through the Canõn of Salt Creek. At Fountain Green the people were drawn up to do the President honor as he passed through. We stopped while the children sung a song of welcome and the President stood up in his buggy and addressed them for a few minutes. We then drove over to Moroni and I was invited to stop at Bro. Swenson’s, the first counsellor of the Bishop. The Female Relief Society held a meeting, at which Sister Bailey spoke, followed by Sisters Horne, E. R. Snow and Howard. Then President Young spoke.
22 June 1875 • Tuesday
Drove over to Mount Pleasant. Just as we reached a storm broke upon us. The people left the bowery and repaired to the Meeting House. Bro. John Van Cott spoke and was followed by President Young. In afternoon Bro’s. Wells and Taylor spoke. Then Pres. Young requested me to read a letter which had been written by David Candland and published April 21 in the Salt Lake Herald concerning the Indians in Thistle Valley. The spirit of the letter was that of the Gentiles who had murdered and driven the Indians. I spoke severely of it. Bro. Wells and Pres. Young followed. The latter was very pointed and severe in his remarks.
23 June 1875 • Wednesday
Met with Sunday School this morning at ½ past 8. Addressed the school at some length. Elder Taylor followed for a few minutes. Met under Bowery at 10 a.m. Bro’s L. and Erastus Snow and President Young addressed the Saints on the United Order. The success of Bro. Lorenzo Snow, as described by him, was very gratifying. Pres. Y., his wife Eliza B. and sons Joseph A and Brigham, Jr. and Julia Young, the President’s adopted daughter, dined at Bro. Peel’s, where Uncle Taylor and myself were stopping. In afternoon myself, Bro. Franklin D. Richards, Brigham, Jr., and Pres. Young spoke. I had a goodly flow of the spirit, and all, especially Pres. Y., spoke with power. Bro. John Taylor proposed to the meeting to disfellowship [first and last name redacted], which was done. Attended Relief society in evening: Sisters Barney and Snow spoke.
24 June 1875 • Thursday
Drove over to Spring City and stopped a short time at Bro. Orson Hyde’s; thence to Ephraim. I was assigned to Bro. Sorenson to be taken care of by him. He was the 24th person baptized in Denmark after the arrival of Bro. E. Snow there. A clean place and an excellent family. After eating a lunch drove around to look at place proposed for the erection of a temple. This was South of the city – a fine, sightly place with a substratum of hard pan and distant from the quarry of excellent stone; 3 miles. Abraham took Bro. Lorenzo D. Young over to Manti in my buggy. Pres. Young and Wells also drove over there.
25 June 1875 • Friday
We drove to Manti this morning, Uncle Taylor gave me a seat in his carriage. Pres. Young and the entire company drove to various points proposed for the Temple. We ascended the point of the mountain on top of the stone quarry. The view from this point was magnificent, and I felt here as at no other place that this was the spot for the Temple, nevertheless I am desirous that it should stand on the spot designated by the Lord. Ate dinner at Bro. Geo. Peacock’s. Drove back to Ephraim in time for Council meeting at 2 p.m. (see minutes)
Pres’s Young and Wells returned to Manti.
26 June 1875 • Saturday
Bro. Erastus Snow was the first speaker this morning. Meeting convened at 10 o’clock. Meeting House crowded full of people. He occupied 62 minutes and had good liberty. Pres. D. H. Wells followed, occupying 76 minutes. In afternoon Elders John Van Cott, John Taylor and Pres. B. Young addressed the people. Valuable instructions given. After meeting held a conversation with Bishop Wm Seeley of Mount Pleasant and the members of the Order who wished to withdraw therefrom. After supper <Pres Y.> held a Council meeting of the apostles. It was decided to have Bro. Erastus Snow remain in Sanpete and labor. Instead of going to St. George the President has decided to return from here to Salt Lake City. Bro. Wm McBride was ordained a patriarch at the council.
27 June 1875 • Sunday
Meeting House again crowded. Bro. Lorenzo Snow spoke.
20 August 1875 • Friday
Started this morning for Morgan City. Bro. Woodruff was to have accompanied me, but failed to reach the train. I reached Morgan at 5 minutes past eleven. No one expected me, my letter to Bishop W. G. Smith not having reached him. There was no appointment given out for meetings. Bro Timothy Metz, who has charge of the Cooperative store, gave me dinner and sent word to Bro Fry, who got up his team and with Bro Eddington took me over to Littleton where Bro Smith lived. I found my wife Elizabeth here with Mary Alice, David and Emily. We were invited to stop at Bishop Smith’s. We took supper at Bro. Jesse C. Little’s.
21 August 1875 • Saturday
Drove over to Morgan and met Bro and Sis. Taylor, and Bro’s Woodruff and Sheets, who came by the train. Meeting was held at 2 p.m, there was a moderately good attendance. Bro Woodruff and I addressed the people; had excellent liberty. I returned to Littleton. Elizabeth was quite sick to-day
22 August 1875 • Sunday
Elizabeth and the children accompanied me to Morgan. Bro’s Sheets and Taylor occupied the forenoon, and myself and Bro’s Woodruff and Taylor the afternoon. Took dinner at Bro. Hemming’s. Returned to Littleton.
23 August 1875 • Monday
I bade my wife and children farewell and with the party started to Coalville. We were accompanied by the leading elders and some of their wives. At Echo we got off the Union Pacific Railroad and got on the Coalville road, which is a narrow guage. Bro Taylor and wife (Sophia) and Bro Woodruff and myself stopped by invitation at Bro Cluff’s, and were treated very kindly. After our arrival Bro. Woodruff and myself, Bro’s Sheets, Cluff and one or two others were taken down the river on the train to a place which was thought suitable for fishing. Bro. Woodruff and myself kept together. I am no fisherman and got no bites. Bro Woodruff caught two small fish and a large one which broke his hook and line and got away before I could help him get it out of the stream. The rest were no more successful. Bro. Cluff caught two small fish also.
24 August 1875 • Tuesday
We held meetings in the Bowery in the grove and had a most excellent day. We had a goodly portion of the spirit in our remarks. We read the rules and catechized the leading men who wished to be baptized and they expressed their determination to keep the commandments of God before the congregation. A suitable spot having been found for baptism I entered the water and baptized 17 of them, Bro’s Taylor and Woodruff confirming them. It was a very cold day and there was frost that night.
25 August 1875 • Wednesday
Bro Cluff provided us teams and we drove over to Wanship where we met Bishop Samuel Atwood. Here we held meetings, and invited the people to go with us to our other meetings. I took dinner at Bro. Jared Roundy’s whose wife is a sister of my wife Sarah Jane. Upon leaving this place we divided our party; a part of us stopping at Rockport and the rest driving on to Peoa. Bro’s Taylor, Cluff and myself went to the last named place. We had a very good meeting here and then we drove over to Kamas Prairie. Bro Woodruff and myself were invited by Bro. Phineas H. Young to stop with him. A meeting was held in the evening by Bishop E. F. Sheets, who addressed the Saints on tithing[.] Elder Taylor was joined to-day by his son William and his wife – Sarah Hoagland that was.
26 August 1875 • Thursday
Held meetings today at this place, and had a goodly flow of the Spirit. When we speak to the people, stirring them up to repentance, and setting before them the careless lives we have been living and how many sins were being practiced by those who call themselves Saints, and dwelling upon the necessity of a thorough repentance of sin and of leading stricter lives and enforcing the laws of the Church more strictly, the Spirit of the Lord rests down upon them and us, and we can speak upon these principles with power. I know that God requires us – His apostles, to labor with zeal and diligence to stir this people up to repentance. I have never in my life had such peculiar feelings as I have in these days. It seems as though the Lord desires us to warn his Saints to prepare them for things which are about to take place. When I look at our lives I almost tremble for many of us, for I know that unless there be deep and heartfelt repentance many who are called Latter-day Saints will lose their standing before God and will never attain unto celestial glory. I am strongly reminded of the condition of the children of Israel who were led out of Egypt by Moses. Only two out of all who started, who were over 20 years of age were permitted to enter the Promised Land. The carcasses of the rest dropped by the roadside. The Lord was provoked and angry at their hardness of heart and their unbelief, and I ask myself how it is with us: The prophet Brigham has felt called upon to lay before this people the word of God concerning the United Order and how reluctantly they listen to him and receive this principle. They almost say by their conduct that they do not want the Lord to reveal any thing unto them of this kind. Unless there’s repentance of this Spirit, there can be but one result – the withdrawal of the Spirit of the Lord and the stoppage of the growth in faith.
In the afternoon meeting the rules were read and the leading men interrogated. I baptized some 16 or 17 and Elders Taylor and Woodruff confirmed them
27 August 1875 • Friday
Friday, 27 Bro Cluff resolved to accompany us over to Heber City where we had appointments for a two days’ meeting. Bishop Atwood also hitched and drove over with us. Bro’s Taylor Woodruff and myself were entertained by Bishop Hatch
28 August 1875 • Saturday
We had a very plain talk this morning with Bishop Abram Hatch respecting doctrines he was charged with having taught. He was accused of having taught false doctrine on the subject of plural marriage. He told us what he had taught and upon being directly interrogated by Elder Taylor as to whether he in his heart believed fully in the doctrine of celestial marriage he replied that he did, and that if he did not he would consider it dishonorable in him to hold his office. We had two excellent meetings to-day[.] Afterwards we drove over to Midway where there are very singular springs. There are several mounds which look like inverted cauldrons with holes in the bottom. In these is warm water, which runs off and as it runs deposits a sediment which constantly increases the mounds in hight. The ladies withdrew from one of them and Bro. Cluff and myself dived in. The water was about 30 feet deep, warm and pleasant, and although not very large is a beautiful place to swim in. Midway is a very flourishing little place from its appearance – in fact this whole valley has greatly improved since my previous visit. I know of no place in the mountains that has made greater improvement considering the population, in the same length of time. There were spots around Midway that reminded Bro Cluff and myself of the Sandwich Islands as the farming in some places was carried on close up to the mountains
29 August 1875 • Sunday
Sunday 29 Held meetings to-day. I occupied a portion of the forenoon and was led to speak with great plainness upon plural marriage. Elders Taylor and Woodruff had alluded to this subject yesterday. After I got through many brethren came up and expressed their pleasure at hearing what I had said upon this subject. I have no doubt that Bro. Hatch, who has but one wife, has not strengthened this principle in the minds of the people as he should have done. He seems to have entertained the idea that because a man had taken one wife according to the covenant and sealing ordinances that he was practising celestial marriage, which is true as far as it goes. But the Lord requires practical obedience to the revelation. I think that Bro. Hatch has learned a good deal during these meetings. The rules were read and the officers interrogated in the presence of the congregation and required to give expression to their views, after which we want down to the river and I baptized upwards of twenty of them Bro’s Taylor and Woodruff confirming them[.] Since leaving home on this trip I have baptized 56 persons and we have held 17 meetings.
30 August 1875 • Monday
The brethren who had accompanied us thus far parted with us this morning and returned. Our meetings and associations had been so delightful that they evidently parted with us with regret. They had been very kind to us as had also Bishop Hatch who sent his carriage and secured another carriage to carry us to Provo[.] On passing down the canyon <river> we came to a little settlement and learned that the people were out hunting a bear which had killed a flock of their sheep. We saw two grizzly bear cubs that they had captured and killed and were then after the old she bear. We reached Provo a few minutes after noon and as Bro. Smoot was absent we drove to Bro Isaac Bullock’s, (who keeps a tavern) and put up for dinner. Sister Bullock; however, would receive no pay from us. We afterwards took train for Salt Lake City arriving there at 6.20. Bro. Woodruff and myself called upon the Prest and were invited by him to stop as there was going to be a meeting of the committee on the United Order and he wanted us to be present. The articles of association were read and some corrections were made in them. We also called upon Bro. George A. Smith, had conversation with and administered to him. He expressed a desire to live, though perfectly resigned to submit to the Lord’s will.
31 August 1875 • Tuesday
Met according to appointment at the Old Tabernacle with the brethren who had joined the United Order that had been got up by the Prest, and their families. President Young and Elder Taylor spoke with great plainness and I was called upon to read the articles of the Order. The president gave those who covenanted to abide by the rules the privilege of being rebaptized. In the afternoon I baptized some 20 in the font, among whom were the wives of Elder Taylor, Bishop Burton and Bro’s Winder and McAllister and portions of their families as well as my two sons John Q and Abraham H. Elder Taylor did the confirming.
1 September 1875 • Wednesday
Prest Wells and Elders Lorenzo Snow and Franklin D Richards and Bishop Burton and Party started this morning on a trip to St. George, the President’s health not admitting of his making the journey. But they were summoned back by a dispatch from the President communicating to them the sad news that Prest. Geo. A Smith had died at 20 minutes to 9 o’clock this morning[.] They left their teams at Santaquin and returned that day. I received a message from the President (which was the first intimation that I had of Bro. Geo. A’s decease) requesting me to come up and write his obituary. I did so and I it was published in the Deseret News this evening. By reference to it my feelings in relation to this sad event will be partly seen. Bro. George A. Smith was a man whom I loved and esteemed. Our intercourse had always been of the most pleasant character. Not a thing ever occurred in any shape to create the least feeling but those of the warmest friendship between us. He was a man greatly beloved by the people and his departure creates a void, which, naturally speaking, it would seem impossible to fill, but in this work of our Lo[r]d’s he fits and prepares men who lean upon him and seek his aid to discharge whatever responsibilities he may assign unto them. Elder Taylor and myself expected to have gone on a preaching tour to Cache Valley tomorrow morning, but this sad occurrence compels us to postpone that visit.
2 September 1875 • Thursday
Thursday 2 Variously engaged.
3 September 1875 • Friday
Variously Engaged.
4 September 1875 • Saturday
Variously engaged. Part of the time preparing matter which I dictated to my Son J. Q and he took down in shorthand for the Juvenile Instructor.
5 September 1875 • Sunday
The funeral of Bro. George A had been appointed for 10 o clock to-day in the New Tabernacle. All the proceedings of his funeral were directed strictly in accordance with his expressed wish written nearly 2 years before his demise. Every thing was plain yet neat. There was no hearse though there were more carriages than had probably ever followed any person to the grave yard in this city. At 8 o’clock the body was carried from his house to the front of the stand in the Tabernacle and the face was exposed to the gaze of the sorrowing thousands who thronged the Tabernacle from that hour until the hour appointed for the commencement of the services. The means taken for their his preservation had been very complete and there was but little change in his appearance. In fact he looked quite natural. At 10 minutes past 10 Prest. Young directed the sexton to close the coffin and to lift it on the bearers that had been placed in the centre aisle to receive it. The mourners were seated upon the front seats on one side and the near friends, such as the families of the President and Twelve on the other side. Prest Young directed all the proceedings of the meeting. The choir sang suitable hymns in a most pathetic manner and Elder John Taylor offered prayer. Prest Young called upon me to read the 15 chapter of 1st Corinthians, Bro. George A. having expressed a wish that chapter or the vision in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants or a portion of the Book of Mormon be read at his funeral. I also read a portion of Alma’s remarks to his son Corianton, contained in the 19th chapter of his book and also afterwards read the vision from the book of Covenants. The Lord blessed me with his Spirit in reading and my voice kept up, though to make so large an audience will hear was a severe labor. There were probably fully 12,000 people present, the vast Tabernacle being crowded to its utmost capacity[,] hundreds of persons standing up. He then called upon Elder Hyde, Bishop Woolley and Elder Taylor to make remarks, which they briefly did and he followed in Some very consolatory remarks upon the character and services of his deceased friend and first counselor. After singing and prayer the body was followed to the graveyard[,] the first presidency, the twelve and thousands of people following in the procession[.] When we returned from the cemetery the afternoon meeting had commenced but no one had spoken. I was called upon to address the congregation, Brigham, Jr. followed in a few remarks. Then we repaired to our regular prayer and counsel meeting and by the time I got home I was more exhausted than I have been for many months, as I had eaten a very light breakfast and had nothing to eat through the day, and my labors had been unusually severe. I did not feel well during the evening.
6 September 1875 • Monday
Monday 6 Accompanied Prest Young and a number of other friends to the end of the track to do honor to Prest Wells and party, they having started again on their tour to the south. We returned at 5:40 in the evening
7 September 1875 • Tuesday
Tuesday 7 Started this morning on the train for Ogden in company with Brigham Jr and my brother Angus. There was an excursion train going to Cache Valley; we accompanied it as far as Mendon, where Uncle Taylor and wife Mary Ann (who joined us at Ogden[)], Angus and myself got off. Angus and myself were entertained by Bro Andrew Anderson. Brigham jr. went to Logan and returned with Bishop Preston to meeting in the evening. I spoke and Uncle Taylor afterwards. Had a tolerably good meeting, but not so free as if the people had not been so tired.
8 September 1875 • Wednesday
Drove over to Wellsville in Bishop Preston’s wagon. Held meeting there. I spoke first followed by Elde Angus then by Elder Taylor. Had a very free time. I had a good flow of the spirit, and also afterwards at Hyrum, to which place we drove for meeting at 2. p.m. Elder Taylor spoke first and I followed. Angus drove over with Bro. Preston to Paradise. I stopped at Bro. Frank Allen’s; he was absent.
Bro. Brigham jr. having returned with his wife and Sister Amelia Young (who had come from Logan to meeting) to Logan, I rode over in his carriage with Hyrum Taylor, son of Uncle Taylor, who had joined the party there, and Uncle Taylor and his wife to Paradise. This is the first time that I ever visited this place in Cache Valley and I was very much pleased. with the appearance of what I saw. The crops are very good and the land is fertile. We drove to Bro. Jackson’s, who is acting bishop of the place, and from there went to meeting, being joined by Brigham Jr. who had travelled that morning from Logan. Our meeting was at 10 o’clock, but the people were not there punctually at the time. I was called upon to speak first, but so many kept coming in that I got disturbed and annoyed and did not say much. Uncle Taylor followed and then Brigham Jr. spoke and reprimanded the people for their lack of punctuality, that it was always the case when he came to Paradise, he had had occasion to speak of it before, the spirit of God was grieved by their conduct &c. He urged me to speak again and I did for a few minutes, but I did not feel well in this place. The people are divided, I learn, and there is great need of preaching. There is no place which I have visited for some time where, according to my feelings, there was a greater necessity for repentance. Angus and myself drove over in Brigham’s buggy and he drove Elder Taylor, wife and son to Logan. He invited us to stop at his house. At 5.30 we took train for Richmond, Bishop Preston accompanying us. Angus and myself were assigned by Bishop Merrill to Bro. Traveler who made us very comfortable.
10 and 11 September 1875 • Friday and Saturday
Friday & Saturday – 10 & 11. We held meeting these two days at Richmond. The attendance was not very good, though it improved at our last two meetings. We were joined here by Bishops L. D. Young and Elder George Teasdale. We all spoke at these meetings, Elder Taylor and myself twice. I had considerable freedom in my remarks and more liberty the second day when the people got warmed up than at first. I visited Bro. A, C. Brower and took supper with him and his family. I also visited the Bishop and took dinner with him. On Saturday afternoon Bro. Preston had provided a special train to take us down to Logan. Bro. Angus, L. D. Young and George Teasdale stopped at Smithfield and held meeting there on the evening of Saturday[.] I went to Brigham Jr’s house, as invited by him and his wife Sister Lizzie Fenton Young.
12 September 1875 • Sunday
Sunday and Monday 12 & 13. Attended Sunday School and meetings these two days. Our meetings were very good, we had good liberty and declared in great plainness unto the people the sins of which we as a people were guilty and of which we ought to repent. The power of God was manifest. There was a good attendance both days and especially on Sunday, many of the people coming by a special train from the other settlements. Bro Joseph Young Senior was up here on a visit and he spoke once to the people. There were evening meetings on Sunday in the ward School Houses. We attended one of these meetings and Bro’s Teasdale and Angus spoke. On Monday afternoon after the meeting Brigham Jr took me in his buggy to see the church hay which had been cut on his father’s land, also drove up to his father’s farm, where Bro Samuel Holt was. Uncle Taylor and Angus were also there. On the way he shot two prairie chickens.
13 September 1875 • Monday
See last page!
14 September 1875 • Tuesday
Examined a new house of Bro. Moses Thatcher’s. He has had his adobies painted with oil paint, and from my observation this is the best coating for adobies to preserve them I have yet seen. Called upon Father Thatcher, Sister Tarbet, Sister Watterson and Bro. Chas Cowley. These latter persons are from the Isle of Man, and were all well acquainted with my parents and grandparents. Sister Watterson remember my grandfather and grandmother Cannon very well as also my grandfather and grandmother Quayle. I regretted that I had not more time to talk with her about them. At 2 o’clock we started in a special car for Brigham City, where we had made an appointment to hold meeting on the morrow, at the request of Bro. S. Smith, who was at the meeting at Logan on Sunday. Angus stopped to have a day’s hunting with Brigham Jr, and Bro’s L. D. Young and Teasdale proceeded to Salt Lake City. At Brigham City we put up at Judge S. Smith’s, who treated us very kindly.
15 September 1875 • Wednesday
Held meetings at 10 & 2, the house being crowded. I spoke first at both meetings and Uncle Taylor followed. He did not feel very well, but spoke freely though not with his usual power. It is rarely that I have had a greater flow of the Spirit than I had at these meetings especially in the afternoon. While here we visited the various departments of manufacture which have been started here on the cooperative principle. I had a conversation with Judge Smith respecting their method of doing business. I learn that most of the stock is owned by Bro Lorenzo Snow, Judge S. Smith, Bishop Nichols and Bro. Hunsacker and their families. The people do not enter into this system which they should. He tells me in reply to my enquiries that their stock increases more rapidly than the stock of the others. Will not this, after a while excite jealousy? Will not the people, if this system be continued as at present get the idea after a while that they are laboring to enrich capitalists? After the meeting this afternoon we repaired to the train on which I found Bishop Sheets and Angus. Uncle Taylor and wife stopped at Ogden, the rest of us proceeded to the city.
16 September 1875 • Thursday
Called upon the President. Found him recovering from an attack of rheumatism which he had during my absence. Spent the day and dined with him.
17 September 1875 • Friday
Spent the day again with the Prest. Uncle Taylor was also there. He took us out riding around the city, invited us to dine with him and afterwards took us riding again, then brought us to his house where we sat down to a table, although unable to eat anything, at a surprise party, got up by his family for his son Willard, who intends to leave on Monday to go to the post assigned him as second lieutenant in the engineer corps. He is going to Willett’s Point, long Island. The party was a very enjoyable one. Our conversation to-day has been principally upon the resurrection, Elder Taylor having, at President Young’s request written an article upon the subject, exposing the fallacies of an article written by Sister E. R. Snow on the same subject and published in the Woman’s Exponent.
16 October 1875 • Saturday
The President spoke to me yesterday about going up to Bountiful to meet with the people there and investigate the case of Henry Tingey who was cut off by Bishop Call, his counselors and a few leading men. He telegraphed to see if Bro. Lorenzo Snow could be there and received a reply that he could The President thought that if he were able he would go along, but at night he said he said he scarcely thought that it would be safe for him to go in the condition of his health. He suggested my asking some of the brethren to go with me. At his instance I invited Bro Geo. Reynolds and my brother Angus. I afterwards called upon Bro’s Woodruff and Taylor and invited them to go.
17 October 1875 • Sunday
Started this morning to Bountiful, my son Jno Q. accompanying. We were met at the station by Bro. Anson Call, and by him & Bro. J. B. Noble were carried to his house. We held meetings at 10 o’clock, Bro Lorenzo Snow and myself spoke. In the afternoon we met again with the people at 2. Elder Taylor spoke and then the minutes of the trial of Bro. Tingey and some correspondence were read by Bro. Geo. Reynolds. Elder Taylor requested me to state to the people that if agreeable to Bro. Call and to Bro. Tingey we would submit the case without further comment, as we thought to investigate every little detail would only take up a great deal of time without adding any benefit to the result. Bishop Call and Bro. Tingey both agreed to submit the case. Seventeen persons sustained the decision of the Bishop in cutting Bro. Tingey off, but the great majority of the people refused to acquiesce in the decision. Elder Taylor, myself and Bro. Snow then addressed the people showing where Bro Call had erred in having a case brought before him of this character, thereby laying himself open to the charge that he was seeking to gratify a personal pique against Bro. Tingey, there having been an old difficulty between them, and Bro. Tingey’s stubbornness and disrespect for the priesthood were also pointed out. I felt to warn the people to be on their guard against the influence of such an action as they had just taken, for the adversary was ready to instill a feeling in their hearts against the priesthood and to cause some to rejoice that the bishop’s decision had been reversed. Much valuable instruction was given, Bro Woodruff closed with a few remarks. After we had got through speaking, Bro Tingey asked the forgiveness of the brethren and sisters, he having been requested to do so, and Bro. Call, without any request desired to say that wherein he had offended any one or committed an error, he desired forgiveness. The people voted to forgive Bro. Tingey and also to uphold and sustain Bro Call in his position as Bishop. Bro. Call afterwards went down from the stand in the presence of the whole congregation and shook hands with Bro. Tingey. The act was so manly that I noticed many people moved to tears by it. The reconciliation seemed perfect and we all hoped that it may prove so. The meetings altogether were very satisfactory and we have reason to believe much good has been done. We returned home in the evening on the 8.20 train.
18 October 1875 • Monday
Monday, 18. Dictating articles to my son John Q. Spent remainder of the day with Prest B. Young. Captain Smith, a deputy U.S. marshal served papers on Prest. Young to-day in the Ann Eliza Webb case. The lawyers are very anxious to get some $12,000 out of him if possible, notwithstanding Chief Justice Lowe declared the whole proceeding illegal. Judge Boreman, who has been assigned to this district, is a miserable tool in the hands of this plotting ring, and will doubtless use his power to the fullest extent to rob the President, or if he fails to do that, to punish him by sending him to the penitentiary. I rather favored the idea in my feelings of the President avoiding the service, as I have a strong objection to his going to the penitentiary, and I hoped that if the service could [be] postponed for a while, Chief Justice White, who has been newly appointed might reach here and that we could get more justice from him than from Boreman. But the President was resolved to meet the issue and endure all the consequences, even if he should have to go to the penitentiary for some Time. He thought it the more manly course, but he was resolved that he should not pay one dollar to gratify these scoundrels.
19 October 1875 • Tuesday
Tuesday 19 – 1875 – Suffering from bowel complaint, which has troubled me considerably the past ten days. Spent the evening at Prest. Young’s office and at the City Council with him.
20 October 1875 • Wednesday
Went out to the penitentiary in company with Bishop John Sharp, for the purpose of seeing Bro. Dame and learning the condition of the penitentiary and what kind of a man the warden might be, so as to have a better idea of what to do in case Prest B. Young should be committed for contempt by Judge Boreman as in the case of Judge McKean to the penetentiary. We found Bro. Dame enjoying considerable liberty and feeling very well. Affairs at the penetentiary were somewhat better than we expected to find them. Dined with the Prest. To-day and in the evening attended a meeting of the presidents of seventies in the City Hall.
21 October 1875 • Thursday
Repaired to the font at the Endowment House this morning at 8 o’clock for the purpose of baptizing the presidents of seventies, the presiding bishop, and some other bishops and authorities. We were led to speak to the elders with great plainness and especially about settling all their difficulties with their brethren and having the right feeling in their own hearts before they went into the water to be baptized. After I got through my remarks Bishop E. D. Woolley arose and said that I was digging in pretty deep, and that if my instructions were carried out, he could not go into the water, and he did not believe that many could. I replied that the object was to dig deep, and where there were wrongs existing to have them righted. A good many of the elders had questions to ask as to what to do in such and such cases, and we gave such counsel as the gospel warranted; but I was surprised to find men who were teachers and rulers in Israel so ignorant of the very simplest principles of the gospel. It is a principle as old as the gospel itself, that a man should not partake of the Lord’s Supper while he had feelings against other brethren; but here were elders coming forward to be baptized with feelings, some of them with bitter feelings against their brethren. We had considerable talk to and fro, but we were determined that not one should go into the water with our knowledge unless he went forward with the right spirit and right feeling. After Bro’s Taylor, Pratt and myself had expressed our feelings, a vote was taken as to whether our doctrine was not correct, and they all voted that it was, but a large number were prevented from going into the water. But even after this plain talk there were several whom I had to stop as I knew of there being feelings against them. The President had feelings against Bishop Kesler. Bro. Feramorz Little also I had feelings against for transactions wherein I thought he had not dealt fairly with the President, though he told me that it was his intention to settle the transaction just as the President wanted it to be. There were also feelings that Bro. Eldredge bore against him, which, however, Bro. Eldredge had not himself told him of. I officiated in baptizing [blank] when I called Bro. John D. T. McAllister to go into the water and baptize the remainder. There were in all [blank] baptized. In the afternoon I went down with Bro. Sheets to examine a ditch for the purpose of bringing water on my land on the Jordan, through the Church meadow. In the evening attended a meeting of Zion’s Saving Bank
24 November 1875 • Wednesday
Busy packing up and getting ready for my journey to Washington. At President Young’s office a good part of the day. Was set apart by himself, Bro. Wells and Bro. John Taylor, the latter being mouth. An excellent blessing.
25 November 1875 • Thursday
Started this morning alone to Ogden. Met by Bro. F. D. Richards and my son Franklin there. My pass for which Bro. Sharp had sent did not arrive until the last minute. How difficult to travel without being recognized! No sooner did I enter the sleeping car than I overheard a lady say to her family and company, “that’s Mr. Cannon.” I afterwards learned that she had seen me at Washington. Lieut. Birney was on the train returning from an exploration of Panamint and vicinity under Lieut. Wheeler. Gov. Walker of Va. and wife, a member of the present Congress, was also on the train. Snow was deep in the mountains.
27 November 1875 • Saturday
Reached Omaha; crossed to the Bluffs. Received a pass by Rock Island & Chicago road to Chicago
28 November 1875 • Sunday
Reached Chicago and put up at the Clifton House.
29 November 1875 • Monday
Last night was very cold and to-day also. Called upon Mr. Cleland of Pittsburgh & Fort Wayne R.R. He had resigned.
Started in evening on that Road to Washington. Gen. Rusk, of this Congress & Mr. Philetus Sawyer of last were on the train
30 November 1875 • Tuesday
Mr. Stone of Mo. joined us at Pittsburgh.
1 December 1875 • Wednesday
Reached Washington this morning and put up at Willard’s
4 December 1875 • Saturday
Democratic caucus met and nominated Speaker and other officers. Delegates from Territories (Democratic) admitted, but not allowed to vote.
6 December 1875 • Monday
House met to-day. Macpherson, Clerk of last House, called the House to order, called the roll, declared a quorum present. M. C. Kerr elected Speaker. Members and Delegates sworn in. No objection made to me, though Baskin was present. If there was any intention to object, the discussion on Louisiana case would have prevented. (which see)
17 December 1875 • Friday
Accepted invitation to visit Centennial buildings at Philadelphia. A large train. Was assigned to Girard House and carried there in carriage through <street> illuminated by lights from mansions on route
18 December 1875 • Saturday
Visited buildings in carriage with Mr. Bradley of Mich and Col. Tayler, first Controller of Treasury. Mr. Harris of Phil. one of Com. had us in charge. The buildings are magnificent. Partook of splendid banquet in Horticultural Hall. Went to New York. Met <Bro> John W. Young, returned with him to Philadelphia.
19 December 1875 • Sunday
Spent day at Mr. Canfield’s John W’s brother in law. In evening took train to Washington.
20 December 1875 • Monday
House met. Committees announced by Speaker. House adjourned till Wednesday, Jan. 5/76.
21 December 1875 • Tuesday
Busy writing letters all day
22 December 1875 • Wednesday
Writing letters. Received a letter from Col. Thos A Scott, President of the Penn. Central R.R., enclosing passes for myself to Chicago and from that city to Washington by way of New York, excepting from Phildelphia to Baltimore. Bro. John W. Young had written to him asking them for me. I returned my acknowledgements to Mr. Scott for them.
23 December 1875 • Thursday
Expecting letters from home respecting my wife, Elizabeth’s starting for Washington. Received none from her, but a very good letter from the President. I telegraphed to know if she could start on Saturday morning and I would meet her at Omaha. My brother Angus replied that she and Mary Alice had started that morning in company with Bro. Staines and Bro. Brigham, Jr.
24 December 1875 • Friday
Wrote to Pres. Young and to my family. At 7.40 p.m.
started for Chicago. A very rainy day.
25 December 1875 • Saturday
Telegraphed to Bro. Staines from Pittsburg that I would meet them at Chicago. I did this for fear he should take some other route.
26 December 1875 • Sunday
Reached Chicago this morning. Stopped at the Clifton House. Went to McVicker’s Theatre and heard Prof. Swing who has had difficulty with the Presbyterians, of which Church he was a minister. He has set up an independent church. The day was wet but the place was crowded. I was disappointed somewhat in the address. There was very little light in all he said. Worldly wisdom, what folly much of it is. With such a guide, people would never find God. His language was good; but he has an affected style. Met Bro. Brigham Young, Jr., Bro. Staines, my wife Elizabeth and daughter Mary Alice at the Depot. They were well and we were very glad to meet. Went in evening to Gen. Chetlin’s house, and spent an agreeable time; Mrs. Chetlain was quite unwell. I had met him in the morning at the meeting and he pressed me to call upon them.
27 December 1875 • Monday
Walked around the city today.
| Memoranda. | |||||
| 1874 | Received | Paid | |||
| Decr 27. | From J. J. | 1000 | 00 | ||
| To paper (Herald) | 2 | 00 | |||
| 〃 Fruit | 235 | 00 | |||
| 〃 Carriage | 00 | 00 | |||
| 1875 Jan. 4 | By Tithing | 178 | 30 | ||
| 〃 〃 | 20 | 00 | |||
| 〃 〃 | 14 | 50 | |||
| To Nautical Almanac | 2 | 00 | |||
| 22 | By Cash (Stiles) | 20 | 00 | ||
| Feb. 3 | To Cap‘t Burritt <Sunday> Herald | 35 | 00 | ||
| 〃 visit to Gen. T. L. K. | 13 | 00 | |||
| 〃 table of W. H. H. paid Gen Paine | 18 | 00 | |||
| 〃 dispatch from W. H. H. | 6 | 00 | |||
| 〃 cash loaned D. Savage | 12 | 00 | |||
| 4 | By tithing | 41 | 70 | ||
| 〃 ticket (Stiles) | 12 | 50 | |||
| 28 | 〃 tithing | 12 | 50 | ||
| Mar. 4 | 〃 〃 | 41 | 70 | ||
| Feb 28 | 〃 Cash (stiles) | 10 | 00 | ||
| 〃 | 〃 book for Cameron | 1 | 25 | ||
| 〃 | 〃 Sundries | 1 | 85 | ||
| 〃 | 〃 loan | 165 | 00 | ||
| Cash Account – January. | |||||
| Date. | Received. | Paid. | |||
| To my Cr. with Serjeant at Arms for salary & For months of Nov. & Dec. | 833 | 00 | |||
| 〃 〃 〃 for mileage | 950 | 00 | |||
| 4 | To Middleton & Co. draft To pay my share of life insu<rance> | 200 | 90 | ||
| 〃 | To tithing | 178 | 30 | ||
| 〃 | 〃 expenses bro‘t from books for 1874 | 346 | 97 | ||
| 6 | papers 1.18, postage 3.47, gloves 2.00, hackman1.00, Fenton‘s 5.00 candy 30c, soap 35 c, medicine 20c, boots 20c, fare 10c | 13 | 80 | ||
| Hotel bill &c | 35 | 75 | |||
| Draft sent to G. C. Lambert | 300 | 00 | |||
| From J. W. Y | 200 | 00 | |||
| 7 | Rent of Rooms | 75 | 00 | ||
| 15 | Hotel Bill, &c | 21 | 00 | ||
| 19 | Cash for steel engraving W. H. Barnes | 100 | 00 | ||
| 27 | 〃 〃 book | 50 | 00 | ||
| 29 | 〃 to loan Gen. Paine | 300 | 00 | ||
| Feb. 4 | 〃 for self | 35 | 00 | ||
| 6 | 〃 〃 rent | 75 | 00 | ||
| Jan. 25 | Hotel Bill | 13 | 00 | ||
| Feb. 1 | 〃 〃 | 12 | 50 | ||
| Loaned Hon. E. Crossland | 20 | 00 | |||
| 4 | Salary for January | 417 | 00 | ||
| From Jan 8 to Feb. 8 | papers, 4.31; car fare 1.19; waiters 4.35; postage 8.11; charity 3.12; meals on journey 4.30; missing 52c; <(over)> | ||||
| Carried Forward | 1777 | 22 | |||
| Cash Account – March. | |||||
| Date. | Received. | Paid. | |||
| continued from previous page | matches 25c; bath 50c; fine art exhibition 50c; boxes for Chapman 6.66; studs 1.00; dispatch 1.30; Wm Johnson 5.00; Paine 2.00; sent home 14.10; neckties 2.00; paper for Jas. Dwyer 2.50; waiter 30c | 62 | 01 | ||
| Feb. 16 | Cash to H. H. Harrison | 150 | 00 | ||
| 19 | 〃 returned by Gen Paine | 300 | 00 | ||
| Mar. 4 | Salary for Feb. | 417 | 00 | ||
| <November> Cash Account – October. | |||||
| Date. | Received. | Paid. | |||
| Nov. 24 | From Pres. B. Y. pr. J. J. | 500 | 00 | ||
| To Herald for Col. Ford | 4 | 50 | |||
| 〃 Indian Relics for Major Poore | 25 | 00 | |||
| 〃 Reporter | 25 | 00 | |||
| By Tithing for Nov. pd. Dec. | 41 | 60 | |||
| 〃 〃 J. W. Y | 2 | 50 | |||
| To Reporter (Peck) | 6 | 00 | |||
| 〃 〃 (Henderson) | 30 | 00 | |||
| 〃 Barnum for Dem. Com | 50 | 00 | |||
| 〃 dispatch home | 2 | 50 | |||
| 〃 freight on peaches | 4 | 00 | |||
| 〃 papers 30c, trip to Phil. to see Gen. T. L .K. at his request | 15 | 57 | |||
| By Tithing for Dec paid Jan. | 41 | 70 | |||
| 〃 〃 〃 Jan. pd. Feb | 41 | 60 | |||
| 〃 〃 〃 Feb. pd. Mar. | 41 | 70 | |||
| 〃 〃 〃 Mar. 〃 Apl. | 41 | 70 | |||
| 〃 〃 of mileage | 96 | 16 | |||
| To printing argument | 41 | 65 | |||
| 〃 Porter U. S. Dep.<&c> Mar. | 15 | 00 | |||
| 〃 Peaches (see a/c |
|
| 137 | 40 | |
| By Tithing for April paid in May | 41 | 70 | |||
| To Ousley & Walton | 10 | 00 | |||
| 〃 see Gen T. L. K at his request | 14 | 02 | |||
| 〃 J. B. Milner expense | 239 | 40 | |||
| 〃 〃 〃 (loan) | 20 | 00 | |||
848 66 640 04
| Cash Account – November | |||||
| Date. | Received. | Paid. | |||
| Nov.25 | Berth 8.00, porter 1.00, meals 3.15. Fare 58, papers 20c, dispatch 1.50 sleeper 2.50 porter 50c, Bus 50c, car5c | ||||
| 29 | sleeper 5.00, poor 10c, fare to Washington 19.50, hotel 5.00 bus. 50c. oranges 25c, meals 1.90, papers 29c, bus. 50c, porter 83c, boots 20c, papers 19c, missing 15c. | ||||
| 640 | 04 | ||||
| 848 | 66 |
|
| ||
| May 22 | To Mr. C. A. Eldredge Attorney‘s fee | 300 | 00 | ||
| June 4 | By Tithing for May | 41 | 60 | ||
| 7 | To lunch & gratuity on J. B. Milner A/c | 4 | 00 | ||
| May 29 | 〃 Carriage to carry attorney To Com. meeting | 1 | 00 | ||
| June 15 | 〃 Gibson Bro‘s for printing argument | 62 | 60 | ||
| By J. B. Milner (loan) returned | 20 | 00 | |||
| July 4 | By Tithing for June | 41 | 70 | ||
| 〃 | 〃 〃 of stationery | 12 | 50 | ||
| To Walton (newspaper) | 5 | 00 | |||
| 〃 Phonographer report Ë— election argument | 40 | 00 | |||
| 〃 C A Eldredge | 100 | 00 | |||
| 〃 T L K visit to him | 11 | 50 | |||
| 〃 Barnum (Dem Com) | 50 | 00 | |||
| 〃 C. A Eldredge | 84 | 00 | |||
| 〃 〃 〃 〃 | 416 | 00 | |||
| Aug. 4 | By tithing (July) | 41 | 60 | ||
| Sep. 4 | 〃 〃 (Aug) | 41 | 60 | 20 | 00 |
1047 66 1596 76 <1784 14>
| Cash Account – December | |||||
| Date. | Received. | Paid. | |||
| 1st to 8th | Board | 32 | 65 | ||
| sponge 1.25, alcohol 50c, waters 75c, boots, papers, cars, vichy, sealing wax 77c. | |||||
| 8 | Drafts ($278 to A. M. Cannon to pay assessment on Wasatch & J. V. R. R. and $100 to Elizabeth H. Cannon to pay her and Mary Alice‘s way to Washington) | 378 | 00 | ||
| To Jan.18 | valise 7.00, rent 10.00, Wash- ing, & Wm 5.25, board 17.75, lunch & meals 27.05, telegrams 5.00, papers 26c, fares 10.60, porters &c 4.05, berths &c 19.65, Hotels 81.75, sundries 25.57 sundries $4. Sent to Elders C. N. Smith & Geo. White missionaries From Valley to Canada $1000/100, Sis. Cannon for Housekeeping &c 45.50, Lunch 60c, theatre 2.50 for B. Y. Jr., fruit, candy, fares, papers, sundries 4.64 | ||||
| October – Bills Receivable. | |||
| Date. | Name. | Amount | |
| November. | |||
| Serjeant-at-Arms Dr. | |||
| December | |||
| By salary | 416 | 00 | |
| Jan. 4 | 〃 〃 | 417 | 00 |
| 〃 mileage | 916 | 60 | |
| Feb. 4 | 〃 | 416 | 00 |
| on hand at S.-at Arms | 1508 | 60/100 | |
[Diagonal deletion through entries from Serjeant-at-Arms through 60/100 with this note:] transferred to book for 1876
| October – Bills Payable. | |||
| Date. | Name. | Amount | |
| November. | |||
| S-at-Arms Cr. | |||
| December | |||
| To Draft | 100 | 00 | |
| To Drafts | 278 | 00 | |
| 10 | 〃 〃 | 38 | 00 |
| 11 | 〃 〃 | 20 | 00 |
| 18 | 〃 〃 | 50 | 00 |
| 24 | 〃 〃 | 150 | 00 |
| Jan. 14 | 〃 〃 | 50 | 00 |
| 〃 18 | 〃 A. Bruce Taylor | 50 | 00 |
| 〃 21 | 〃 Self | 50 | 00 |
| 〃 28 | 〃 〃 | 150 | 00 |
| Feb. 5 | 〃 | 50 | 00 |
[Diagonal deletion through entries from S-at-Arms Cr. to bottom of page with this note: transferred to book 1876]