1861-05-14-Manchester

Autobiography of Eliza Burdett Horsepool

Horsepool, Eliza Burdett, [Autobiography], Utah Pioneer Biographies, vol. 13, pp. 111-113. (FHL)

... We arrived in Williamsburg where we stayed for 5 weeks, father working in a knitting factory while we were there. We then took [p.111] a train for Florence, Nebraska or what was then known as Winter Quarters. ...

Autobiography of John Durrant

Durrant, John, [Autobiography], Our Pioneer Heritage comp.by Kate B. Carter, vol 9. (Salt Lake City: Daughter of Utah Pioneers, 1966) pp.289-293. (CHL)

... The ship Manchester was tugged into New York Harbor May 16th, 1861, anchored out that night.... My brother Edward hired a row boat and came out to the vessel, bringing some provisions on board with him. I was looking over the bulwarks with one of those hard biscuits in hand, trying to eat it when he held up a handkerchief with some food in it for us. We were very much pleased to see him for we had not seen him for twelve months. That next day they took us into Castle Garden to get us registered and then I started out to Astoria, Queens County, Long Island, to A. C. Henery's. It was late at night when we got there. All hands were gone to bed. Edward and I laid in the same bed; we were talking about the old country all night. We saw the daylight approaching before we dropped off to sleep. The boss got up, made the fire and got the breakfast for all hands. After breakfast he told me I could go and saw wood into lengths for the stove. It was very hard hickory, the saw being very dull, it made me sweat. The boss came to me and tried it and sent me off to get it sharpened.

About this time Henery Groom came to see me and inquired about his brother Nathan and the rest of the people at Beachwood Green where he came from. I was pleased to see him because he was the first one that brought the everlasting gospel to Bovingdon and Edward was the first to receive it. Henery inquired of me about Martha Newland, a young lady that Henery promised to send for and marry, but he found out she was coming with me but he never came near the vessel to see her and what was the reason? He had taken up with an Irish girl in the States and married her. He had broken his word in twelve months. Consequently he apostatized and he never came any further.

After working around there a few days my boss says, "John, I want you to take charge of my horses if you will." "Yes, sir," [p.290] says I, "that is just to my hand." Now this required me to get up a little earlier in the morning, about 5 o'clock. This was quite different here to what it was in Old England, three hours less work per day and more pay. I gave very good satisfaction. The horses began to look much better in flesh. I continued with them until the 22 of July, 1861, when the boss came and said, "John, I am very sorry that the war continues; my business is very dull and I am compelled to discharge some of my men." "Now," he says to me, "It matters not to me whether Teddy emigrated, or you, both suit me very well. You can see your brother Teddy and make it up between yourselves, and I will pay either of you and send my team to the depot with your luggage as I understand that the last of your people will start for Salt Lake City on the 23rd." I laid the matter before my brother, and he said Elizabeth had only just got a place to work and I've not sufficient means to take us both through, and another thing, you are only getting 10 dollars per month and I am getting 12. I told him my nine weeks wages would not take me to Florence. Edward said "How do you feel about going this season?" I answered that I would just as leave go this season as any other if I had sufficient money to take me to Florence. Edward said, "I will give you $10.00 to help you on your way if you wish to go, and William Icom and his wife will start with you. The boss says he will send the wagon to take the baggage for all three of you." I agreed to go and Edward gave me the $10.00. We started and took the train on July 23, 1861. ...

Diary of Lars Larsen

Lars Larsen, Diary, pp. 5-6, 8 typescript. [Ms 1789] (HDA)

May 14th And the next day they were lying in New York Harbor where young Elder Lars Larsen had the joy to have a conversation with Apostle Erastus Snow, who from a small ship, or boat, in the harbor came aboard the emigrant ship to bid the Scandinavian emigrants welcome to America. Thereafter he went back to New York again (likely in the boat that brought him out) and L. L. writes, that he kept looking after Erastus Snow's boat as long as he could see it. The emigrant ship then proceeded to Castle Gardens.

May 15th All the emigrants to America at that time were landed and examined before they were allowed to enter the city proper. After the landed emigrants had been taken a little around the big city, they were taken in a ship to some railroad point, from where they went to Dunkirk and at the place they were transferred to another railroad train, which took the [PROBABLY, them] to Cleveland, Ohio. Elder Lars Larsen did not write down any points relating to the journey of the Danish emigrants from Cleveland, Ohio, to Omaha, Nebraska, where they arrived May 24, 1861.

Journal and Autobiography of Barry Wride

Wride, Barry. Journal and Autobiography, 1867-68, 1901-1903. (Special Collections & Manuscripts, MSS SC 204) pp.11-16, 19. (Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah).

... We landed at New York on the 15th of June 1861. We were met by Apostle [p.13] Erastus Snow, N. V. Jones, Thomas Williams and others from Utah connected with the emigration. We arranged for our passage from New York to Florence, fare about $15.00. ...

Journal of David John

John, David, Journal (Special Collections & Manuscripts, MSS 21, vol. l), pp. 243-53 (Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.)

13th. Fine, sailed at the rate of 5 miles an hour. At 7:30 a.m. a pilot came on board to pilot us in. At 10 a.m. we discovered Long Island in the State of [p.250] New York on the right, and the State of New Jersey on the left. In the afternoon we passed Sandy Hook (?) and at 7 p.m. we cast anchor at quarantine within 9 miles of New York. The sight was beautiful to behold. One glance at land, houses, green trees bearing foliage, on the right and left of us, within one mile to us, created happy sensations within us after being on the ocean deprived of our present surroundings about one month. Held meeting at 6 p.m. when a vote of thanks was presented to our kind captain and his officers for their kind treatment towards the emigrants. We gave three cheers to the land of our adoption.

14th. At 7:30 a.m. a doctor came on board and examined the health of the passengers. All passed as being healthy. We were taken in by a steamer within one mile to Castle Garden where we remained all day.

15th. At 9 a.m. the custom house officers came on board and examined our luggage. We presented them with a few pounds sterling, and had no difficulty. Proceeded, landed, and went to Castle Gardens, and got our names registered according to law. Went to one of the docks and got our luggage weighed, and crossed the river by a steamer, over to New Jersey. At 1 p.m. I took a walk through the city and examined the surrounding scenes for a few hours. Met a man and his wife from within 2 miles to my father's house, by the name of Thomas Evans, a member of the Church, who had gone so far towards Utah, but had given way to drinking, and remained there, seemingly contented with his situation in the midst of wickedness. As a token of his great regards to me he offered me some brandy to drink. I told him that I had left my native land for the sake of my religion, and hoped that he would quit his evil habits, save his means, and gather up to Zion, he promised to do so. [p.251]

15th: Elders Erastus Snow (one of the twelve), N. V. Jones, and Thomas Williams, (emigration agents) spent the day with us, and afforded us much joy. At 9:30 p.m. took the Railway cars and started at 10 p.m.

Reminiscences and Diary of William Jeffries

Jeffries, William. Reminiscences and diary, pp. 21-23, 145-58, 160. (CHL)

May 13, 1861. Monday. A little wind from the southeast. Going about 4 miles [p.153] an hour. About 7:20 a.m. a pilot came on board. He was coasting round in the "William and Mary." We were then about 45 miles from New York. He brought us New York papers, which gave us more information concerning the increasing troubles in America. Arrived at Sandy Hook in the afternoon. At about 5 p.m. a meeting was called on the upper deck. President C. [Claudius] V. Spencer made a few introductory remarks, and then some motions were made and some resolutions were passed. Here is a copy: "At a meeting of 370 passengers, held on board the fine packet ship Manchester, May 13, 1861, President Claudius Victor Spencer, being called to the chair, rose and briefly and happily alluded to the object of the meeting, and stated that he should be very pleased to put to vote the name of any persons, who should be nominated as a committee, to draft resolutions of appreciation, and thanks, to Captain Trask, for his courteous and liberal conduct towards us while on our voyage from England to America. Whereupon, Barry Wride Esquire nominated Judge William Jefferies. Seconded by the Reverand David John and Benjamin P. Evans Esquire nominated President Edward Hanham. Seconded by Captain George P. Ward. Both names were carried by acclamation. The committee retired for ten minutes, and returned with the following resolutions:

1st. That we deem it not only a duty, but a pleasure to express our approbation to Captain Gustavus D.S. Trask for his gentlemanly and courteous bearing, liberal acts, and solicitous spirit, by which he has sought to make our voyage as comfortable as possible.

2nd. That we unitedly tender our thanks to Captain Trask, with our best wished for his prosperity.

3rd. That we remember, with very kind feelings and much respect the officers of the good ship Manchester for the propriety which has characterized their conduct towards us; & also the crew, for their general civility.

4th. That we say frankly and with one voice, to Dr. J.R. Chamberlin: Sir, you have been most kind and attentive, in the discharge of your duties, and, in doing so, we have discovered an excellent feature, prominently developed in your practice, namely: "Prevention is better than cure." [p.154]

May you, with all on board, who have shown a manly and unprejudiced bearing towards an oft misrepresented people, be blessed in life, and saved in eternity. The chairman proposed prosperity and long life to the noble ship Manchester, which was carried enthusiastically by 3 cheers.

Signed in behalf of the passengersC. [Claudius] V. Spencer.E. [ Edward] Hanham.William Jefferies."

This passed off in first rate style. An excellent spirit characterized the proceedings. At the close the captain replied with a few pointed remarks, concluding by "wishing us happiness and prosperity during the remainder of our journey to Utah, and the realization of all the blessings we anticipated when we arrived there."

President Spencer concluded the proceedings by hoping that the captain and his officers may be there to enjoy a share in those blessings.

We arrived at quarantine ground, and dropped anchor between 7 & 8 p.m. I believe this place is about 10 miles from New York. Before the anchor was properly down, a reporter boarded the ship and the captain handed him his report.

This is a beautiful spot here. When the rich vendure which clothed Staten Island and Long Island met our anxious gaze, it was quite a treat, after having the monotony of the broad Atlantic before our view for nearly a month. Surely this is a beautiful part of the harbor of New York! It was misty and dull; but, had it been clear, and the sun shining gloriously on the scene, we should have almost supposed we were having a view of fairyland. Attended to our prayers, and retired to rest, thankful to our Heavenly Father for his kindness and preserving care which we had experienced throughout our voyage from Liverpool to New York.

May 14, 1861. Arose at 5 a.m. The medical officer was on board soon after. [p.155] Rallied the Saints and though it was a very wet morning, the whole company were passed, with few exceptions, in a very short time. This occurred on the upper deck, and before the medical officer.

We had our luggage all packed and ready for starting immediately by steamer for Castle Garden, but Brother N.V. Jones, who was emigration agent, visited us, and on account of the above place being occupied by U.S. Troops, he deemed it wise for all hands to remain on board ship. Counsel was given to the company to that effect. On account of the dreadful, warlike attitude of the North and South, these troops were collected there. They were a very mean set, too, and Brother Jones had informed the proprietors, that unless the Garden was cleared of them, he should not land his people there.

A fine day. Very busy managing for the best interest of the Saints, as Brother Spencer had gone ashore. So far as we are able to see New York, we believe it to be a beautiful city. Anyway, it is a fine harbor. We would like to land and take a walk in it, so as to view some portions of it, but that privilege and pleasure are denied us, on account of the martial state it is in, in connection with what is before stated concerning Castle Garden. At about 4:30p.m. the "Isaac Webb" was towed by us. She left Liverpool the same day we left, came in yesterday, and one which sailed from there 3 weeks before us, foundered. She ran into the "Progress," and went down- all hands saved by the "Progress." A nice day, after the rain in the morning. Done the best we could at night, considering that all our luggage was packed ready for removal. However, we had to unpack a little for conveniences during the night.

May 15, 1861. Put our luggage on a barge. Went on the barge ourselves. Luggage examined by custom house officers and all passed. Went to Castle Garden registered our names, etc., and returned to the boat. Went to the railway depot got all our luggage weighed by the railroad company, got it put into the railroad bars, and started for Florence at 10:30 p.m.

This was a busy day for me, as I had to superintend the handling of all the luggage, and I was very glad to have the privilege of sitting down to rest and quiet in the railway car.