1866-07-04-American Congress

Autobiography of Henry Crane

Crane, Henry, [Autobiography], Our Pioneer Heritage, comp. by Kate B. Carter, vol. 19 (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1976) pp. 409-10.

" After a long and tiresome voyage, we arrived in New York Harbor on the morning of July 4th, as that was a holiday we had to remain on board until the next day. We had a splendid view of the fireworks that night from the ship as we lay in the harbor.

The next day towards evening we went ashore and then went aboard one of the large river steamers which took us up the Hudson River to New Haven, where we arrived early in the morning, "

Autobiography of Sarah Keep Buttars

Buttars, Sarah Keep, [Autobiography], Our Pioneer Heritage, compiled by Kate B. Carter, vol. 10 (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1967), p. 249.

…

We landed in New York the 4th of July, 1866. We anchored and saw many beautiful fireworks. A ship was set on fire on the sea and with flames coming out of its many windows, it was a great sight. Next day we went on the pier, and then came another task. We had to pass a man who read our names off the list. When he came to my name, as I was called Sarah Keep, and child, he said, "Stop, where is your husband, and how do you know he is not here? Stand back!" He shouted. I stood back and all the young men passed. My old friend, Will Penney, came and asked what was the matter. I told him, and he said, "Come with me, they will not know who I am." I went with him, and all was well. We stayed in New York three weeks. My sister's baby was born. Then came another task. My father did not have enough money to take me on to the Valley. I sold my wedding ring to buy my baby a pair of shoes and a hat; also to pay for an advertisement to be a wet nurse. My mother was to take my baby on to Zion, and I would follow. I went to the office and was engaged at twenty dollars a month. I was returning and met father who had been to the office where Brother Bullock and Thomas Taylor were looking after the emigration company, and they told him not to leave me in a strange land, since I had left my husband for the gospel. My father told them he did not have the necessary money, and they said the Church would take me and I could pay the money back when I got to Zion. Father decided I could go on with him if I wanted to. Later I decided to go. …

Diary of Joshua K. Whitney

Whitney, Joshua K. Diary (September 26, 1865 - July 29, 1866) (Special Collections & Manuscripts; Vault, Mss 76, box 7, fd. 8), pp.9 0-113. Harold B. Lee Library Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.

…

Tuesday the 3rd, fine day, the sea was calm this afternoon. According to the request of Captain Woodard [Woodward], had a concert on deck where many recitations & songs was given & take it all together, it went off well which pleased the captain and the cabin passengers. In the evening I was in company [with] Brother Nicholson & the captain & a few others on the quarter deck enjoying ourselves in recitations & songs.[p. 106] According to the request of the captain I sung "John Brown Caught A Little Indian" which pleased them & made the ladies laugh. Today I have been delighted in seeing Long Island & plus places as we passed along.

Wednesday the 4th of July, arrived here opposite New York in the Hudson River early this morning which made the Saints feel well. Having accomplished their voyage in safety across the Atlantic. This afternoon the officer over the Saints was invited in the cabin by Captain Woodard [Woodward] out of respect to take a glass of champagne, which was accepted. He will be long remembered for his gentlemanly conduct to us as a company. This afternoon Brothers John N. [Nicholson] & [Joseph] Andrews, myself, [James A.] Cunningham, [John] Rider chartered a small boat, went ashore to [p. 107] New York, which cost us 50 cents apiece but as it was the 4 month business was being done owing to this [UNCLEAR]. After walking around we returned to the American Congress. The trip costing us 7/" shillings apiece. This evening has been very fine & the sight has been truly delightful as the fireworks has been plain to our view from the city of New York to our vessel.

Thursday the 5, fine day. The Saints have been very busy moving their things up on deck. This afternoon the government officers came on board and our goods was passed & not examined & were soon taken off by the steamer [-] & just as all hand was moving off three cheers was given for Captain Woodard [Woodward] & the ship American Congress. We was conveyed to the Castle Garden in New York where the passengers [p. 108] were all required to have their names registered according to law. After this some of the Saints remained there as they had not means sufficient to pay their way any further. While some two hundred & twelve moved on in the Hudson River this evening just after the changing of our luggage from one packet to another in New York; Brother R.[Robert] Pike stepped overboard as it was dark. The person that saw him give no alarm until 10 minutes after & then it being too late nothing was done and he sank no more to be seen. It created a gloomy feeling among us as we thought much of the young man. We looked for him with a light but all in vain & soon was obliged to leave & was soon moving along in the Hudson River. We passed through many fine places & among them was the Canadas. …

Reminiscences and Diary of Charles Denney

Denney, Charles. Reminiscences and diary (Ms 1820), pp. 11-15, 24.

… We had pretty good weather, very little storms, and a generally prosperous voyage, landing in New York on July 4, 1866, rather the 5th. I had my bunk on the 2nd deck. On board I got acquainted with a number of boys, one whose names was Robert Pike who was drowned soon after leaving New York as he was passing from the steamer to the shore. He was much respected by all on board. His body was found about two days after the Saints left the New Haven steamboat station where he was drowned.

Left New York on the afternoon of the 5th and arrived at New Haven steamboat station by the next morning. Stayed there all day. [p.12] In the afternoon we took the cars for St. Joseph, Missouri which occupied about 6 days. …