William Clayton Diary

Extracts from William Clayton's Diary

October 10, 1840 Saturday. About 8 a.m. land was discovered by the sailors from the fire mast and in about two hours we had a pleasant view of Long Island. About half-past eleven we spoke the Tuscany. New York--56 days from Gibraltar. About five o'clock the Pilot came on board. We saw the lighthouses on the Island.

October 11, 1840 Sunday. This morning early we cast anchor and a little after four o'clock I went on deck and found that we were between two Islands. We had a pleasant view of the Sailors Hospital and a many beautiful white houses and fine trees. 'Twas indeed a pleasant sight. The Doctor came on board about eight o'clock and about the same time the child belonging to Brother Parry from Herefordshire died. All the rest passed the doctor without difficulty. The doctor ordered him to be sent ashore which was done in a small boat. Here I may say that we struck a sandbar last night and had it not been calm we might have gone to pieces. This was off Sandy Hook. After the boat returned the ship was turned land.

In a short time we was on our way for New York. Considering the wetness of the morning we had a very pleasant sight of the fowls and islands. After about an hours sail we arrived in New York exactly at a quarter before twelve. It was truly delightful to see the multitude of shipping in the Harbour. There is no docks here but a very good harbour. The buildings look elegant. When our vessel came to harbor she pressed against a small schooner and stove in her bulwarks and broke some rigging.

After the ship was made fast Elder Turley and me and Joseph Jackson left the ship and set our feet on land exactly at 10 minutes past 12 o'clock. This was another treat to us to set our feet on terra firma although the streets was dirty in consequence of rain. In taking a slight glance I must confess I was delighted to see the superior neatness and tastly state of the buildings many painted white others brick and some have the door steps painted yellow. We bought some large red apples for a cent each which was truly delicious. The streets are wide but not so well flagged and paved as in England.

The first house we entered was Brother Delong's where we took dinner. From here we went to meeting at the Military Hall in the Bowery. The first thing that struck my attention was all the men and women I saw sitting cross legged and all the left leg over the right. Elder Adams preached on the principles of the gospel. After preaching we took bread and wine. We went to Elder Fosters and took tea with Brother Simmons after ten. Elder Turley went on business and I went to writing. We slept on board the ship. Many of the Saints went to meeting and was much pleased. We learn nothing of Brother Hardman nor the other two brethren who were turned back at Liverpool.

October 12, 1840 Monday. This p.m. a lighter came to the ships side into which we put our luggage. We slept on board the North America again.

October 13, 1840 Tuesday. Having finished loading our luggage those of the company who were present went on board a steamer (the Congress) and sailed to the Albany basin. We bid adieu to the North America at 12 o'clock. The Captain seemed very friendly and said he should wish to bring another company of us over. He inquired if we had a church in New York and where they meet. Elder Turley introduced him to Elder Foster. I gave Elder Adams 25 letters for England for which I paid 25 cents. The agreement which Elder Turley made with the proprietors of the Congress was that we should sail this day but they have broke their bargain and Elder Turley is much troubled. We slept on board the Congress. I feel struck to see the horses and carts even to see the light harness and small carts and light loads drawn by them. The drivers all ride. The fruit is quite delicious to English people. I slept in best cabin.

October 14, 1840 Wednesday. About nine o'clock this a.m. H.C. Greenhalgh died after being ill eight or nine days. The city coroner came and sat over by him. I was one of the jurors. Verdict--died from unknown cause. A coffin was provided and he was taken into the city to be buried. At five o'clock p.m. we had a very beautiful sight. Seven steam boats all left the harbour at once. It seemed as though the harbour was on a move. We left about 20 minutes after five. The company in good spirits. As we left New York we had a pleasant view of the North part of the city. The buildings chiefly white and very neat. The several spires towering towards the sky bore a majestic appearance. On one part there was a large lot of wood which we was told was provided for [poor] folks against winter.

We had not gone far before it began to grow dark and we could only discover by moonlight the lofty rocks on earth since the river which is Hudson River especially the west side which was indeed beautiful with here and there a beautiful white house scattered on the banks. Before we started from New York we learned that the Mary Kingsland was arrived in New York and that Brother Hardman and the other families was arrived. Some one went over to get them along with us but it found impossible. We left Brother Richard Tell at New York. He got work there and was likely to do well.

Extract from Clayton's Letters

  In my last letter which I hope you have received I gave you a general
  outline of those things which passed to the time we landed at New
  York; In this, I will give you a history of events since that time to
  the present. We tarried in New York until Wednesday the 14th of
  October, during this time we moved our luggage from the ship to the
  steam boat Congress for West Troy about 6 miles beyond Albany. I had
  not very much privilege of inquiring into the state of things here
  being so much busied with our luggage. Previous to our leaving the
  ship the custom house officers came to examine our boxes which was
  soon done for they only looked at the top of the goods without
  examining to the bottom of our boxes. The Captain of the ship North
  America, told Elder Turley that he should be very glad to bring
  another company the Saints over. He inquired into our principles and
  if we had a church in New York. Elder Turley introduced him to
  President Foster, who told him where they held their meetings, etc.
  While here we learned that Bothers Hyde and Page were in Philadelphia
  on their way to England. We desired to see them, but had not the
  privilege. Three of the brethren left New York for England the week
  before we arrived there. The day before we left here I received a
  letter from Brother John Moon directed to a brother in New York. When
  I read this I felt a little troubled for it stated that they were then
  residing in Allegheny in the State of Pennsylvania. They had nearly
  all been sick, but was then recovering, except Thomas, who was dead.
  Their calculation was to come up here in the spring. Some of them have
  got work about 25 miles from the family, but work was scarce. They
  have had a hard time of it, but not at all discouraged. This news made
  Thomas and Lydia sorry because they had expected to have a happy
  meeting at Commerce, but it was not so.
  
  Provisions at New York were cheap. We could have a good supper for
  about 6 pence or 9 pence, English money. Honey, 5 pence per pound,
  fruit very cheap. We left New York about 5 o'clock on the Wednesday
  afternoon and a delightful sight we had at this time. Seven steamboats
  all left the harbor at once which was a noble sight. Three or four of
  our company tarried at New York. One family from Macclesfield, named
  Mops. The brethren here were much interested in our welfare and showed
  great kindness towards us. We slept on board the ship until this
  Tuesday and this night we slept on the steamer.