1878-10-29-Wyoming
Autobiography of William B. Ashworth
Ashworth, William Booth. Autobiography (Ms 801), vol. 2, pp. 83-90.
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Tuesday at noon we were informed that we were just 270 miles from New York. In the afternoon we were met by a tender, or pilot boat. The pilot of the tender came on board our ship and the captain gave him possession. This was in compliance with the regulations of the insurance companies.
We were nearing New York Harbor, and we understood that the ocean was shallow in places and the pilots were posted and knew the safe routes.
The leading brethren announced that it was customary to take up a small subscription to aid in getting the custom officers to let us through as quickly and cheaply as possible.
Some distance out from the landing, we were met again and the vessel stopped to let the doctor come aboard. His business was to find out if there was any sickness aboard, and any contagious diseases. No one was molested on this account.
The captain and his staff arranged for a concert on this, our last evening. It was for the benefit of the sailors. Two of our sisters were asked to sing.
On the last day we were all up before 5 as the cry had gone up that land was in sight. A number of sky rockets were thrown up in the air, so that searchlight men could telegraph our approach to the U.S.
We arrived in New York Harbor about 10 a.m. Our trunks and bundles were on hand ready to be run down the tramway to Castle Garden, where the custom officers required all luggage to be opened. The passengers were asked if they had any dutiable articles. Some told the officers to look through their trunks and bundles, while others objected. This latter, our course, [p.87] aroused the suspicions of the officers, and a thorough search would be made of all that person's luggage. There was some dispute as to the value of some articles and such trunks as contained these articles were taken to the inspector's office and there held until the duties were paid.
Fortunately, my trunk passed, and my roll of blankets that had been kicked around was not opened, or my roll of linen would have been held. The collection that had been taken to sooth the temper of the officers had not worked. Anyway, we were not honest, although many of us did not know that we were violating the customs law. Through some misunderstanding, Brother Stainer [PROBABLY: William C. Stains], the agent who had made the arrangements with the railroad office for our transportation, had not make it clear just what were allowed to take duty free and, what we were not.
I was very busy arranging an extra guard, and keeping the emigrants in close quarters, as we were warned that there were characters who would endeavor to lead the young women astray. Our train did not appear until 9:30, and then no one except responsible persons were allowed to get off to get provisions or other needed things. The train consisted of emigrant cars with wooden seats, and the users had to furnish clean cushions, if they had any. There were stoves in each car that could be used for cooking. The elders had a special car, with sleeping compartments and food. I did not get much sleep for I was busy going through the cars, helping to arrange and find seats for those who were standing. Some had lost their outfits and others had other troubles to tell me. I tried to make Mrs. Teal, the lady I was to look after, as comfortable as possible. I had only two or three hours rest, but was out and on the job early next morning. I spent most [p.88] of the days with the emigrants, and I enjoyed being in their company very much. Most of the elders preferred being by themselves.
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Journal of George Barber
Barber, George. Journal (Ms 8237 2 #14), pp. 244-52.
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Mon. 28 - Weather beautiful. Smooth sea and but little wind. Several ships in sight. Pilot came on board about 10 a.m. I employed the time in forenoon writing letters. The pilot brings word that there has been fearful storms with great loss of life around this coast within the past few weeks even more than for the 5 years previous. After our evening meeting attended concert in the saloon. Our people were all invited to attend and the feature of the evening was a piece spoken most splendidly by one of our small children. It passed off pleasantly.
Tues. 29 - Did not sleep much. Arose this morning early. Found that land was in sight. Went around and collected some 4 lbs. to sweeten the custom house officers so that they would not give us unnecessary trouble with our luggage. Also collected some 50 lbs. to exchange for American money, the passengers being unacquainted with the exchange. Got alongside the pier at 10 a.m. but had a good deal of trouble with our luggage having so much of it and some persons having a quantity of goods upon which their duty was chargeable. Elder [Aurelius] Miner's [p.249] luggage was taken off to the office to be examined and I was compelled to pay $14.00 on a large box of books belonging to Joseph F. Smith. 10 a.m. terrible tired having had a heavy day's work with the care and responsibility of the company, Elder [Aurelius] Miner being away all day with his luggage. Elder [William C.] Staines came on board and we went through the company list finding some without means to go any farther. Finally the company got on board the emigrant tugboat and moved down to Castle Garden. I stayed with them all night.
Wed. 30 - Got the company's tickets and Elder [William C.] Staines gave those who were without means passes through taking their notes for the same. Got all my business arranged and took a ride on the cars this afternoon. We went on board the cars on the Jersey side about 7 p.m. In the hurry getting the passengers situated on the cars someone stole my silk umbrella. Started about 8 p.m. Elder [Aurelius] Miner came on board just as we were about to start when a little misunderstanding arose between him and Elder [William C.] Staines., Elder M.[Miner] assuming authority that did not belong to him. He immediately left after giving his luggage into my hands.
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Letter from George Barber - October 29, 1878
Barber, George., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 40:46, (Nov. 18, 1878) p. 733
Castle Garden, New York, Oct. 29, 1878President William Budge
Dear Brother,--We arrived here at 10 a.m., all well, after a very pleasant voyage of 10 days, �
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Elder [William C.] Staines came on board as soon as we touched the pier, and arrangements for the further prosecution of our journey was entered into.
We leave here on the cars at 3 p.m. tomorrow, for Utah. The brethren of the elders join in kindest regards to all at the office. Yours in the gospel,
George Barber.
