1870-08-01-Minnesota

Journal of Jesse Nathaniel Smith

Smith, Jesse N. Autobiography and journal (Ms 1489), pp. 259-62.

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Sun 31- A pilot came on board, he reported exceeding hot weather. He brought a file of papers which showed that France and Prussia had begun the war without much progress yet on either side.

Mon. Aug. 1- Reached New York and landed about 10 a.m. Brother W. [William] C. Staines the passenger agent came down. I handed him the list of passengers, and accompanied him to Wall Street where we negotiated the drafts for gold. Sister Bengta Peterson [Pehrsson] from Sköne whom I assisted thus far on her road, failed to get her money here according to promise, so she had to go to her brother in St. Paul, Minnesota and I had to go without the means I had advanced for her. I could not help about passing through the custom house but the brethren got the luggage through to pretty good advantage. Put up at the Stephen's House.

Tues 2- Bought a Winchester rifle, a revolver and a brace of Derringer pistols. Settled up with Brother Staines for the railroad fares. My drafts were for gold which had advanced in price since I left Denmark making a profit on the transaction. Brother Staines asked me on behalf of the emigration to share the profits with him, which I did, he receiving about $400. Left Jersey City with the emigrants bout 4 p.m. Did not reach Philadelphia Station until the morning of Wed.

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