Saturday, July 31, 1875

Saturday July 31st. I went to Brother Wooley's and blessed his eight day old babe. Leicester, like Nottingham, is a clean place compared with Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield. I notice that, generally, where extreme poverty is found, vice is the cause - drunkeness - which wastes time, destroys ability and takes a heavy account from meager earnings of the unfortunate victim or provider and there is so much of this vice. It and prostitution are the dominating vices of this country.

At 12:00 P.M. I took a train for Birmingham. I passed through Hinckley and arrived in Birmingham at 2:30 P.M. I took a cab to No. 26 Tenby, the Mission address. I met R.V. Morris and V.S. Haliday in the street and we recognized each other. I took dinner and supper at the hotel and was shown around town. I wrote letters to Job Welling and Thomas Steed, then visited Bro. Spook, a business man in good circumstances.

Friday, July 30, 1875

July 30th. I visited Saints at their homes. Then I went to a meeting, where I gave an address and was followed by President Smith and Brother Ferral. I had supper with Sister Parker, and then to bed, as last night, at the Earl House.

Wednesday, July 28, 1875

July 28th. Letter writing, visiting and studying. Then took the train on the 29th with Brother Ferral to Leicester, where we visited various old relics, the grave of Richard III with some legends of his last Battle at Bosworth which he lost. Then we saw a fragment of a wall said to have been built by the Romans in 55 B.C. I finished a fifteen page letter to Joseph F. Smith.

Tuesday, July 27, 1875

July 27th. Dinner with Bowler, then four miles with Ferral and Moss to Carlton. We had a Gospel conversation with a Mr. Dennis who was opposed to the Orthodox religion but soon became so interested in ours that we didn't leave till 11:20 P.M. He strongly urged us to call again.

Monday, July 26, 1875

July 26th. I went back to Nottingham, where I was shown around by L. Ferral. Saw the park, the walls of an old Castle where Queen Bess was imprisioned, the long underground secret passage by which her paramour, Mortimer, held the private interviews that cost him his life.

Sunday, July 25, 1875

Sunday, July 25th. I took the train for Long Whatton 7:00 A.M. reached Loughborough 8:00 A.M. Then I walked to Long Whatton, arriving at 9:30. I took a two mile walk into the country with Bowler, had dinner and then to meeting outdoors - a farm wagon for a stand. Dryan, Squires and Maughn occupied the time. At 5:30 P.M., I spoke 25 minutes on Daniel, third chapter. Then Arta Young and Lina Ferral spoke. There was good singing. Then I went back to Sheepsheds.

Saturday, July 24, 1875

July 24th, 1875. Pioneer Day. Last night I dreamed of home and friends, of business, chores, supper, etc. Then came the recollection of the journey to England and all that had transpired but not of a return home. Then came a thought of what Thomas Steed had told me that President Young said, "If Arizona missionaries were sent, we would expect them back in a few days", and here I was back home. Then came the thought, I am only here in spirit and must so return. I saw tears and weeping from my wife, was lifted from the earth and started horizontally like a bird when my brother, Joseph, with uplifted hand, took hold of my coat and, running under me, was trying to dissuade me. Then I awoke and lo! I am in England, fulfilling, so far, my mission and very thankful.

Brother Squires, Maughn, and Bryan took the train for Sheepsheds to attend a two day camp meeting. I visited the market, an aristocratic Saloon where finely dressed young ladies sat at tables with men, drinking various kinds of intoxicants. I also visited art gallery. I saw a fine display, including lace, as this is the great lace manufacturing town of England.

Friday, July 23, 1875

July 23rd. I took the train for Nottingham at 10:40 A.M. passing Chesterfield at 11:00 , Trent at 11:35, Besshon at 12:00. We have been passing farms covered with water, also hay stacks standing in water at Besshon, houses surrounded with water and boats being used, teams in water to the horses' sides and the train passing in water from a few to eighteen inches deep. This is along Trent River, the highest flood in many years, the result of rain, rain, we have had. At Nottingham I met Brothers John Squires and Arta D. Young, who have been earnestly laboring, often holding outdoor meeting. They converted several and have several more investigating. This afternoon I was shown around Nottingham, the cemetery, the noted Robin Hood's Caves, where he and his bold robbers had their midnight orgies. The evening was spent in religious conversation. The Brethren are full of quotations applicable in support of the Gospel and quite convincing.

Thursday, July 22, 1875

July 22nd. I wrote a letter to Wm. Harrod of Sunderland, spent the afternoon visiting and in the evening attended meeting and spoke.

Wednesday, July 21, 1875

July 21st. I wrote letters to wife, Ellen Wandless, and F. Coombs and visited Sister Oldroid, whose husband, a Non-Mormon, is kind and jocose.

Tuesday, July 20, 1875

July 20th. I wrote letters to Job Welling and Thomas Steed and visited a Brother Addies and family.

Monday, July 19, 1875

July 19th. Raining. Barton and Maughn returned. I took an afternoon walk. In the evening, I had a good visit and conversation on the Gospel with quotations.

Sunday, July 18, 1875

Sunday July 18th. Storming. I attended meeting and spoke. I had a good visit with several remaining after the meeting. In the evening another meeting at which I spoke, encouraging the Saints and preached the Gospel to the strangers. After meeting I visited a dying women, then took a walk through town. The meeting house is about two miles from 65.

Saturday, July 17, 1875

July 17th. I took a bath and at 3:00 P.M. took a train for Sheffield, arriving at 4:20. Here I met Brothers Griffin, Peter Barton, and Wm. Maughn, out on a preaching tour. The address 65, is about two miles from the depot.

Friday, July 16, 1875

July 16th. After further visiting, I took the train at 7:30 P.M. back to Leeds, where we arrived at 12:45. In going to Sunderland and back we have passed through much attractive country, cities, towns, villages, hamlets, farms and parks. I note such such names as Darlington, Arlington, Durham, Hilton, Pallon, Ripon, Harrogate, Horsforth, and Hobback, where we pass over the housetops.

Thursday, July 15, 1875

July 15th. I visited the docks and shipyards and saw many large ships, some of iron of the largest size. I counted seventy vessels at one time coming into port. Sunderland is by the North Sea. At 2:00 P.M. I went again to visit Widow Wandless at Southwick.

Wednesday, July 14, 1875

July 14th. At 10:00 A.M. I took train for Sunderland, Durham County, in the north of England to visit Mr. Wandless, where we arrived at 2:05 P.M. I went to Southwick, one and a half miles, to the Wandless place to find that he died last April 17th, that he had married about two years before his death at 85 years, that his grandson, John Wandless, was at the place, where I stopped over night, after a nice walking visit over the town and park. In the evening I had an interview with Wm. Harrod, Administrator and Minister of the Baptist Apostolic Church. We compared views and notes until near midnight.

Tuesday, July 13, 1875

I walked through town and another park. I went to a museum and fair with Brothers Gallway and Clark and saw collections of all kinds. It is a holiday in Leeds.

Monday, July 12, 1875

July 12th. I had dinner with Sister Coop, after which I went on an excursion to Rhondda Park - seven miles - with good company. The ladies, seven in number, were all good singers and gave good vocal music. Among the attractions were the Hermit's House, fruit and flower gardens, a hot-house, trees and shrubs of various kinds, water falls and lakes. The largest lake - Waterloo - is 100 by 200 rods. We had an hour's row on the lake, with our company of twelve in one boat. It was a good afternoon and evening. Reached 38 about midnight.

Sunday, July 11, 1875

Sunday, July 11th. At 10:00 A.M. I attended Sunday School and at the close addressed the school. After dinner I attended meeting and spoke, encouraging the Saints. Also went to meeting at 6:30 P.M. and spoke on the first principles of the Gospel. Brother Gallway also spoke. He is a good reasoner.

Saturday, July 10, 1875

Saturday, July 10th. Walking about the place, I saw nice houses, lawns and gardens. At 1:00 P.M. I took cars for Leeds with Brother Sagar, who escorted me through the exhibition where I saw many kinds of machines at work and specimens of art, science, natural history, geology, ancient implements of war and industry and heard good band music. We spent three and a half hours with much interest. I took a cab to 38, my address, went to a theatre by invitation and saw "A Perfect Used-Up Man" and "Cool as a Cucumber".

Friday July 9, 1875

July 9. Brother Sagar showed me through the Woolen Factory. They run 400 looms, 90 spinning frames with 140 spindles each = 12,600 spindles. Wool passes through sixteen processes before it is spun and wound on the bobbins and warping spools. It is estimated that Bradford has 300 such mills which would be 120,000 looms and 3,780,000 spindles, weaving mostly women's woolen and mixed goods.

Thursday, July 8, 1875

July 8th. The mayor has been entertaining the Sultan of Zanzibar, Africa. It was amusing to see the grand display; carpet spread from hotel to car; band playing; discharge of signals, etc.

Job Welling started to see his folks and I took the 11 o'clock train for Bradford district, 72 miles. President Joseph F. Smith thought to send me to London to labor with F.M. Lyman, but, having a number of introductions to people in different parts of England, with requests to call, he and I marked out a circuit with dates to different conferences, and he notified the presidents to expect Elder Miller at such a date, be prepared to show him around and put him through. Bradford was first on the list. Two New York men, just off the steamer this A.M. are on the same car. We were spotted by four "three-card monty" men who tried for some time to get us to put up money. Their game was well played, but my distrust made me impregnable

We passed several cities and villages - Manchester being the largest. I arrived at 3:15 P.M. with a letter to Sister Coombs' sister, Sister Sagar, and learned something of her history before I had been in her home fifteen minutes. (Population of Bradford, 155,000). In the evening I was shown around by Brother Sagar, an engineer of a wool factory. We saw a Robert Peel Monument, a monument to Hesler, who is noted for opposing slavery and later, opposing slavery of factory people. He tried ameliorating their conditions. We also saw a statue of Titus Salt; then City Hall, the Exchange, and others of the best buildings.

Wednesday July 7, 1875

July 7th. Last night I had two severe attacks of nightmare. God grant that it may not be repeated while I am on this mission I earnestly ask in the name of Jesus. Visited the museum and was much interested, especially with relics of antiquity, among which were Egyptian mummies said to be over 3,000 years old- casket made of wood covered with a kind of cement, but opened to show the mummies and showing wrought nails and screws.

In the evening we attended another street meeting - Wm. Barton was the speaker. The text, was second chapter of Daniel, "I saw another angel having the everlasting Gospel," etc., the Savior's baptism by John, His talk to Nicodemus, His final charge to His Apostles. Burton was followed by Joseph Parry.

Tuesday July 6, 1875

July 6th. We were shown about Liverpool by Wm. Barton. Last evening we listened to Brother Parry preach to a traveling audience in the street. Two made some disturbance: others interfered in favor of peace, and all ended well. I think outdoor preaching in the street will be a great trial to me. I pray God for sufficient strength for this and every duty that may be placed upon me.

Monday July 5, 1875

July 5th. I am measured for 5.8. (five pounds-eight shillings, about $20.00 at that time) Ministerial Suit. We are shown over the city some and are surprised to see here, a procession in honor of July 4th.

Sunday, July 4, 1875

ARRIVAL IN LIVERPOOL

Sunday July 4th. Independence Day. We are passing the Welsh coast and see some nice villages. We reach Liverpool at 3:00 P.M., leave the vessel at 4:15, after passing excise officers. A large forest of masts is in the dock.

We are made welcome at 42 Islington - L.D.S. headquarters. Joseph F. Smith is in charge. The Millenial Star is published here. At evening meeting 38 are present. President Joseph F. Smith introduced us and we talked in turn - Brothers Welling, Steed and I, followed by Joseph F. giving many scripture quotations supporting the establishing of the Gospel and the coming of Christ. "In the resurrection there is neither marrying nor giving in marriage because this is an earthly ordinance. He that worships with his lips and not with his heart will receive the sad verdict; "Depart". He quoted Job. "There is a spirit in man and the spirit of God giveth it understanding." He said, "That is what we call conscience. The coming of the Son of Man is close at hand and this Gospel must first be preached to every tongue and people". After meeting we were introduced to several, among them, Ernest I. Young, Wm. B. Barton, E. Hanham, J.H. Burrows, J.H. Parry, who are working in the office, doing street preaching and meeting various appointments.

Saturday, July 3, 1875

Saturday, July 3rd. Up early. Breakfast at 8:00 and then, "Land Ho" - Mountains of Ireland. We have been coasting along Ireland since 9:00 A.M. and see nice farms, villages and castles. A shore wind is quite refreshing.

Friday, July 2, 1875

July 2nd. On deck before 4:00 A.M. I had a little breakfast and lost it. Oh how miserable I feel! More talk with Oakley on the Gospel, how missionaries are called and supported, how polygamy is managed, etc. He told of life in New York - how a child, girl of misfortune, is cast out without any effort to redeem her, while her destroyer is welcome in the best society. I explained to him the principles taught and practiced by us are a preventive for this worst of all social and moral evils. I turned in at 10:30 P.M. and rested poorly.

Thursday, July 1, 1875

July 1st, 1875. Rough sea. I had a talk with a Mr. Oakley, a minister, and others. On deck I was conversing until 10:30 P.M.