Diary of Thomas Tew
Tuesday, September 12, 1882

Started from Salt Lake City to England on a mission assigned me by
the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, with 22 other Elders. We were set apart for our mission the
day previous. Bidding my wife good-by and giving my youngest child
Erma a kiss while she was asleep, I left for the train, arrived at
Ogden at 9:A.M. Started for New York at 10:30 A.M. We arrived at
Laramie at 9:30 A.M. on the 11th, made Cheyenne 12:30 PM. Started
for Omaha at 1:40 P.M. arrived at Chicago on the 15th at 3:30 PM.
Left for New York at 5:15 P.M. Paid 25 cents (?) to go over the
Suspension Bridge between Council Bluffs and Omaha, arrived on the
16th at Detroit at 5:P.M. Crossed over the bridge, passed on and was
ferried over the river on a Steam Ferry Boat, after which we
traveled through a part of Canada, through a forest of timber on a
good road at the rate of 50 miles an hour. After traveling a
distance of 252 miles this morning we crossed Niagara River, saw the
Erie Canal at 12 A.M. passed over the canal, got our tickets,
started for New York at 2 P.M. saw the well and canal on our way.
The Bluff Bridge is a mile long that we crossed.

We arrived at New York on the 17th at 7:25 AM. Tuesday Sept. 19th on
board the Wyoming to start for Liverpool at 9:30 AM. Ship 390 ft.
long, 40 ft. wide 3010 ton. This is the Wyoming's 107the voyage, the
first cabin below is about 28 by 45 in the clear. One of the
officers on the ship made a remark that he wanted us to be used well
as we were from Utah. We started from New York with a head wind, but
when we got 10 or 15 miles out the wind became more favorable.

Wednesday, Sept. 20th. Passed through a heavy fog, ship steering a
little north of east, with south wind. I could not see more than 5
or 6 rods south east with all sails ruffed and a calm sea. Having
gotten over my sea sickness I hope. A heavy fog set in 12 m,
headwind and calm sea.

Friday, Sept. 22nd. Head wind and raining. Ship steering a little
north of east. Got out of the fog toward evening.

Saturday, Sept. 23rd still a head wind ship steering in the old
course about 14 knots an hr. Rolling some on account of the swelling
of the sea. Fine weather. It takes 60 ton of coal every 24 hours to
feed the engines on the ship. We have a lead with a 1500 feet line
and could not find bottom. Our ship still keeps rolling and pitching
which makes it very disagreeable, but it is too late to retrace our
steps if we wished to do so. Saw two whales and cold enough for an
overcoat.

Sunday, Sept. 24th a light breeze from the north, we have had a
rough night, the ship rolling and pitching and tumbling about. It
makes a person about half sick. Today is fine and pleasant, saw some
porpoises.

Monday, Sept. 25th wind still north, 13 knots per hour looks like a
storm, sails up and much wind, a rough night with rolling and
tumbling about, could hardly sleep. This was a wet day, in the
evening we were favored with a lecture from Professor Fowler,
somewhat interesting.

Tuesday, Sept. 26th a fine morning, the decks washed clean, indeed
they have been washed clean every morning. Wind from the north with
ship steering south of east, the day was rough and the ship rolled
and tumbled about fearfully, we had a rough night.

Wednesday,Sept. 27th got up feeling sick. I went up on the deck
found the wind in the north steering south of east and sails well
filled, afternoon it became cloudy and storm came on, wind in the
west, saw some more porpoises, at night wind changed into the north.

Thursday 28th, 6:45 PM. land in sight-very cloudy, rained in night,
head wind, all sails ruffed. Steam vessel just passed, others in
sight, very cloudy, ship steering E. S. East passing along the Irish
Coast, on the slopes of the coasts of Ireland. Thousands of farms
were to be seen small and great of all shapes and sizes.
Light-houses and beacons were to be seen, the sea being very smooth.
It was quite a treat to what it was in 1851 when I passed this way
before we arrived at Queenstown. 5:PM unloaded the mail and started
for Liverpool.

Friday 29th, fine morning, some small ships in sight, also the Welch
mountains on our right. England in front of us, the sea smooth, head
wind but with plenty of steam, we wended our way towards our destined
haven. We arrived at Liverpool at 12 AM. Brothers Anderson and Felt
met us and took us to the office at Islington. We then received our
appointment for our several fields of labor. I was appointed to
labor in the Birmingham Conference under the direction of Robert
(Urie?) president of said conference. Bro. Carrington asked if I had
any relative there. I replied that I had if they were not all dead.
He asked if I wanted to go to Birmingham, I replied that it made no
difference to me. He said "very well," that he liked to accommodate
all the brethren if he could.

Sept. 30th stayed at the office with the Brethren then went up town
took a bath and felt better for so doing.

At 11:AM Oct. 1 I left Liverpool for Birmingham. At 3:Pm found the
conference house. Brother Urie was not at home. I took a walk down
town to see the sights and to find my uncle William Tew. Upon
inquiry found that he was dead.

Oct. 2nd took another walk into town. passed through New Street down
the Bull ring, saw Lord Nelson's Monument and went through the
market hall, everything looked natural to me as it used to be in my
boyish days.

Oct. 3rd Bro. Urie sent a note to Bro. Baily who was in
Wolverhampton stating my arrival wishing to know where to meet him,
as it was expected I would have to labor with him in his district. I
was afterwards appointed to labor with Elder C. Sharp in the
Worcester and Hereford district. Today I went and found Jos. Brindle
and gave him the letter sent by his sister. I found out by talking
to him that he had no love for the gospel, for he stated to me that
he had revolted and was cut off. I did not stay with him long, he
gave me no invitation to call again. Went out to Ballsal Heath found
out that Uncle William and his wife were dead, also found Emma
Millard my cousin, daughter of my Uncle James Tew, she was very much
surprised to see me. I introduced myself to her, for we had never
saw each other before. She appeared to be a good disposed and kind,
although seeking after the things of this life. She cares nothing
about a future, not at present. also saw two other cousins,
daughters of William Tew, deceased. Promised to see them again on
the morrow and take dinner with them. On my return called and went
through the arcades a lovely sight to behold. Returned to conference
house having enjoyed myself very well.

Oct. 4th Paid a visit to my cousin Mary Ann Tew, met my Uncle James
Tew also Aunt Ann Tew and Cousin Emma Millard. I was made welcome by
all of them. Saw Cousin Pittaway, paid a visit to my Uncle Wm. Tew's
grave at St. Mary's at Mosley. Mary Ann's family's names are as
follows: William Thomas Garner, 26 yrs. of age. Mary Ann Garner -
John Garner 23 yrs - Emma Garner 19 - Hannah Garner 14 - William
Garner 12.

Cousin Emily Millard: James Millard - Emily Millard - Florence Emily
10 yrs. William Henry - Frank Francis - Kate Ann - Alice Maud Mary -
Alfred Ernest.

William Tew, my cousin is 58 yrs. of age, He has one son, a soldier
33 yrs. of age. Huther? has no family only a wife. Emily Jane Tims,
no husband and no family - age 35.

Oct. 5th stayed at Mary Ann's, wanted to see Huther Tew, saw William
Tew my cousin also found Amelia Smith. She stated she had a copy of
the will and I saw it and heard it read. She said all that was
needed was the Marriage Certificate, she felt certain that if she
could get it that all was right.

Oct. 6th. Saw Emily Smith she did not know me, she was very busy so
I left and went to my cousin Emma Millard's, stayed to dinner and
went back to the Conference House.

Oct. 7th - paid 616 also a razor and box and collars.

Oct 8th - went to meeting. congregation small, called upon to speak
for the first time, felt well, after meeting went to do tea with
Bro. (Croton?) an old acquaintance of my father.

Oct. 9th, Lawyer Dolphin sold Seleg Hall for 8000 pounds to Lawyer
Docker, 8 new streets. have been cut through the estate as far as I
can find out this part of the property was leasehold and the lease
had run out. Went to Hoston Park with Bro. Urie and Baily and
family, but the fog was so heavy we could not see the fire works,
saw a Balloon ascend and discharge some fire-works, but could see
very plain. We returned to Bro. Bailey's and old Bro. of the Livery
Street times, also supper, talked of old times and was treated very
kindly.

Oct. 10th, after breakfast Bro. Urie and I went to Bro. Spokes,
President of the Birmingham Branch, took tea with them then went to
Counsel Meeting.

Oct. 11th,  Tried to find a Bro. by the name of Ash but could
not so I went back to the Conference House.

Oct. 12th,  Paid a visit to Amelia Smith talked some about the
property which is left to the family, saw the copy of the will
again, heard it read again and went back to the Conference House,
and wrote a letter home in Utah. This two letters and two cards I
have sent home since I left home. I should like to see them once
more.

Oct. 13th,  Left Birmingham in company with Elder C. Sharp to
got to Worcester, walked to Broms Grove 16 miles, and then rode 11
miles, by train to Worcester as I have been appointed to Labor in
the Worcester and Hereford District - in the Birmingham Conference
took lodging at Mrs. Barber's.

Oct. 14th, took breakfast with Sister Gittins, her husband being in
Birmingham. A very fine family. The weather here is very bad, very
foggy, wet and cloudy and then we have a change, cloudy, wet and
foggy. Such is the state of weather here in Old England, very
different - to that of Utah my happy home. We went and visited a few
of the Saints, although very poor, very kind. After strolling
through the city some time went to our lodgings.

Oct. 15th,  Went to Bro. Urie took breakfast and then went to
Bro. Gittins' for dinner, sang songs of Zion all afternoon and then
went to meeting at Bro. Williams, and of course was called upon to
speak and open the meeting, felt free and enjoyed myself. The Spirit
of the Lord was there and enjoyed by the Saints although poor, yet
felt well and treated us kindly.

Mon. Oct. 16th took breakfast at a coffee house and then went to
Brother Gittins' and took dinner, enjoyed ourselves in chatting and
singing, and then left for Cradley 10 miles. We traveled all the way
in a very heavy rain. Reached Malvern at dark, stayed at Sister
Water's for tea and traveled on to Cradley. Stayed all night with
Sister Symonds, they having a little amusements previous to their
departure for Salt Lake.

Tues. Oct. 17th, Took breakfast with Sister Symonds and left and
called on Bro. Gibbs and family, ate a bite with them and left for
Frooms Hill, saw Bro. Phillpots who was nigh unto death. His wife is
an old Tarter full of the devil. We found him full of faith we
administered to him and cheered him up all we could and was
satisfied he would live, if took care of as he should be. We went to
Bro. Bough's, took supper, stayed all night and was well treated.

Wed. Oct. 18th took breakfast with Bro. Bough and wife, and left for
Sister Waters' to assist her son in packing up his things, previous
to starting for Salt Lake City. Six of the brothers and sisters
leaving for the valley, which takes about half the people from the
district. Took dinner at Sister Waters', also supper at Bro. Bough's
and went to bed.

Thurs. Oct. 19th took breakfast at Bro. Bough's, went to Bro. Gibbs
and then to Sister Symonds to assist them in getting ready to start
for Salt Lake . Lost my way which caused me to walk 6 miles out of
my way. Took tea at Sister Turbill's who has been baptized into the
church. She received us very kindly. We took our leave to Sister
Symonds and her daughter and spent all night with the Brothers and
sisters who were going to leave for Utah.

Fri. Oct 20th returned to Bro. Bough's for breakfast. Harriet
Turbell was baptized on the 17th of Oct. 1882 and confirmed by Elder
C. Sharp. Saw the Great Comet on our return. Bro. Sharp had left me
alone and gone to Birmingham to see some of the Elders off to Salt
Lake. Took supper with Bro. Bough after chatting a while went to
bed.

Sat. Oct 21st Took breakfast at Bro.Bough's and went to see Sister
Gibbons, talked a while and then went to see a Bro. Davies. Called
to see Bro. Phillpotts who was sick, and then went back to Bro.
Bough's for supper and bed.

Sun. Oct 22nd, Stayed at Bough's till tea time, then went to Sister
Gibbons and took tea. We held two meetings today, spoke at both
meetings, and I must say that the saints feel well although poor
they have a good spirit in their midst and long to see the time they
will be gathered to Zion, this seems to be their main wish and
desire.

Mon. Oct. 23rd, Bro. Sharp arrived from Birmingham from seeing Bro.
Tingey start for Utah. Yesterday I was at Frooms Hill a place where
Elder Woodruff baptized about 600 people at one time but very few of
these are left having left for Zion and the few that are left are in
a scattered condition and are still in hopes of being delivered from
this land to a better one.

Tues. Oct. 24th, This morning it rained very hard which stopped our
traveling as we intended to go to Pendock 14 miles away., but on
account of such bad weather we stayed over on account of a very
heavy snow storm. Frooms Hill is the place where Elder Woodruff
prepared and baptized about 1000, baptizing 600 at one time. Bro.
Sharp has kindly furnished me with the amount of food allowed the
poor in poor houses in this part of the country. 14 oz. of bread per
day. meat and bone 9ozes for the week - butter 2 oz for week -
potatoes 2 lbs for a week, and very little poor broth 2 times a week
- one cup of tea for poor quality once a day. Full supply for the
week for a grown person.

Wed. Oct. 25th,  Left Bro. Bough's for Pendock 14 miles from
Cradley, wending our way through, and around Melvern Hills, called
at Bro. Thomas Newman's, also at Bro. William Newman's. Ate supper
and went to bed after a pleasant chat and some singing.

Thurs. Oct. 26th,  Took breakfast with Brother William Newman,
stayed all day with them until tea time and then also with Bro.
Thomas Newman, came back to Bro. William Newman, stayed all night.

Fri. Oct 27th,  Left for Broms Ash took dinner with Bro.
Arkwell on Linton Hill and then passed on to Bro. Parry's, found
them at home and at our supper, sang songs 'til midnight then went
to bed. This place is about 15 miles from Pendock.

Sat. Oct. 28th,  This is my wife's birthday. I hope she is well
and enjoying herself in my absence. God bless her forever, likewise
her children. Although I am far away I still think of them and hope
I ever shall. I wish I could see them once more, or hear of them,
but I trust all will be well with them. We left Broms Ash and
started for Hereford a distance of 20 miles. This is quite a tramp,
worse than using a trowel or any other kind of labor. A very cloudy
morning, it rained most of the night. We traveled some very rough
and crooked roads, the scenery is grand to behold, and would be more
so if the weather was clear, for as we are traveling on the sides of
the hills we can see timbered lands, farms, pastures, and villages
in all directions, and down in the valley below can be seen the
rivers which are flowing over its banks on account of heavy rain and
snow storm which happened on Tuesday last so that our traveling was
stopped. We arrived at Hereford at 6:PM. We stopped at Sister
Holbrook's on our way at a place called Woolhope, then our time was
taken up visiting the saints who were in scattered conditions so we
stayed with a Bro. by the name of Robert Johnson, he being the
president of this branch, and a good and kind man, very well to do.
We took supper here and went to bed gladly.

Sun. Oct. 29th  We arose from our slumbers took our breakfast
and then went to Bro. Kemp's stayed a while and then came back to
Bro. Johnson's to dinner, after which we held a meeting in a large
room of Bro. Johnson's. Meeting was opened by prayer, President
Johnson spoke a while on the First Principles of the Gospel. Partook
of the Sacrament and I was then introduced to the Brethren and
Sisters as having just arrived from Utah. Of course I had to speak
and done the best I could under the circumstances. Entreating the
Saints for their faith and prayers in my behalf, we had a good
meeting and enjoyed ourselves. Meeting over we paid a visit to Bro.
Wellington, stayed for supper then returned to Bro. Johnson's, had
prayers and went to bed.

Mon. Oct. 30th Arose from our slumbers took breakfast and went to
Bro. Wellington's also to Bro, Kemp's and family, stayed a while and
then went to see an old sister by the name of Jones. Blind and poor,
95 years of age, and had been in the Church over 40 yrs. Stayed a
while with her and her daughter who was not in the church. This
family lives about 3 miles from Hereford. Returned to Hereford in a
very heavy rain, called at Sister Kemp's took tea and then went to
Bro. Johnson's and went to bed.

Tues.Oct. 31st Arose from our slumbers and as usual took breakfast
with Brother Johnson, then went in the rain to visit Sister Williams
as Bush Hill 9 miles out of Hereford. Traveled all this distance to
see one sister in the faith, and not much faith either. Stayed all
night, and a wretched night at that. We used the Hand Bellows, Bro.
Sharp and I for about 5 hrs. to get a fire and ate our supper at
half past 11 at night, returned the next day Nov. 1st and called at
Sister Lawrence's on our way there and back, this being a poor
family. We also called at Bro. Wellington's and took tea and then
returned to Bro. Johnson's, sang and played the music awhile, and at
9 in the evening went with Bro. Sharp to baptize a young man by the
name of James Charles Bower. Bro. Sharp baptized him and I confirmed
him. Returned to Bro. Johnson's found a good fire and warmed
ourselves and then went to bed.

Thurs. Nov. 2nd Took our breakfast at Bro. Johnson's bid his family
goodby and left for Frooms Hall 14 miles. We arrived at 3:PM in a
very heavy rain, took something to eat, and then went to a neighbor
for a bed which we obtained. We chatted a while and then went to
bed, it rained most of the night.

Fri. Nov. 3rd Took breakfast with Bro. Davies then left for
worcester 14 miles. Arrived at Bro. Gittins' at 2:PM and had dinner.
A No. 1 good woman and true Latter Day Saint - willing at all times
to do all she can to make us cheerful and happy. The same can be
said of all the Saints with but one or two exceptions. Went to Bro.
Williams to sleep.

Sat. Nov. 4th  Morning fine but somewhat cloudy, it rains
every day and sometimes every night. Yesterday we called to Bro.
Phillpots who lay in his coffin. Dressed not in his Robes as the
Saints are dressed but as the world are dressed, which is very
different to the way in which the Saints are layed away. Well it is
one of the greatest blessings that can be conferred upon man to be
layed away in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood, to come forth in the
Morning of the First Resurrection. This is consoling to a true
Latter Day Saint. Took breakfast at Bro. Williams, received a letter
from home, glad to hear from them and sorry to hear of my wife's
illness and hope she is all right by this time. Went with Bro. Sharp
to the museum, visited two other families, returned to Bro. Williams
to sleep.

Sun. Nov. 5th  Took breakfast at Bro. Williams then went in
search for Bro. Sharp, found him at Bro. Gittins', we paid a visit to
Bro. and Sister Kendrick. Returned to Bro. Gittins' for dinner, in
the afternoon went to council meetings at Bro. Williams meeting over
we went to Bro. Kendrick's for tea went back to the evening meeting.
I opened the meeting by prayer and was then called upon to speak and
while speaking the sweat rolled off me like so much rain, being in a
closed room. Meeting over we had prayers and I went to bed.

Mon. Nov. 6th  After breakfast we administered to Bro. Williams
and traveled 20 miles visiting two families on our way, this is
doing more traveling than preaching and is pretty hard work. Not
with standing all this we feel like doing our duty if possible. We
arrived at Studley 4 miles from Radditch, found Sister Perry at
home, ate supper and was informed we could not sleep there. We
started to Headless Cross 4 miles and the night was the darkest I
have seen here, we could scarcely find our way. A man soon came
running after us and said they would try and make us comfortable as
they could. So we went back again and was glad to do so. We stayed
all night. We thought this a providential act.

Wed. Nov. 8th  Left Studley for Birmingham, very fine morning,
on the start but we got our clothing wet before we got there. After
traveling 17 miles we arrived in Birmingham. Called to see cousin
Millard on the way to Ballsal Heath, then went to the Conference
House. Here I had the pleasure of meeting with my old friend W. H.
Wright my old neighbor of Richmond now living at Ogden when at home.

Thurs. Nov. 9th  took breakfast at the Conference House, rested
till noon from our travels the day previous, and then went down to
the Market hall leading into the Bull Ring and took dinner, paid 7
pence for the same, wandered around Birmingham awhile and then went
back to the Conference House, took tea and then went to meeting,
came back for bed.

Fri. Nov. 10th Sent a letter home today, saw Bro. Western just from
Salt Lake appointed to labor in Birmingham, went to Sister Elwell,
took dinner, also stayed for tea. After listening to and playing on
the music we returned to the Conference House, read the Deseret News
of Oct. 25th of the elections and doings of the Judges.

Sat. Nov. 11th  10:30 AM. Started in company with Bro. Sharp
for Worcester. We walked as far as Bromsgrove, then took the cars
the rest of the way, 25 minutes ride being foot sore and weary we
called at Sister Gittins' and took supper. After singing a while I
went to Bro. Williams and went to bed.

Sun. Nov. 12th took breakfast with Sister Williams and then went to
Bro. and Sister Gittins' found Bro. Sharp took a shave and read a
while in the Star. Very foggy can scarcely see, this is quite a
change of weather. First foggy then rain, rain. Took dinner with
Brother and Sister Gittins which was a good one. God bless them for
administering to our wants, so kind and generous in their feelings.
After dinner we took a walk up to Bro. and Sister Kendrick's stayed
and took tea after which we all went to Bro. and Sister Williams for
meetings. The meeting was opened by prayer and I was called upon to
speak which I did. The Lord aided me by the assistance of his holy
spirit, after meeting I went to bed.

Mon. Nov. 13th Kendricks who are very kind to us Elders in
administering to our wants. We stayed there till evening and then
returned to Bro. Williams and went to bed.

Tues. Nov. 14th Eat breakfast as usual with Bro. Williams, waited
for Bro. Sharp, he came about 11 O'clock went to Bro. Gittins' for
dinner, also went to Sister Elton's for tea and returned to Bro.
Williams for bed.

Wed. Nov. 15th took breakfast as usual with Bro. Williams and
started for Cradley, arrived at Sister Watus, stayed till next
morning, snowed in the night.

Thurs. Nov. 16th arose and found 6 inches of snow and very cold, we
went to Bro. Bough's at Cradley did not find them at home. Went to
Bro. Gibbs took a bite of bread and cheese, stayed there till night
and then went to Bro. Bough's, stayed all day wrote a letter to Bro.
Whitehead.

Sat. Nov. 18th  took breakfast and then went to see a family at
Bears Wood by the name of Cook 2 1/2 miles away, stayed till
evening, came back to Bro. Bough's for bed.

Sun. Nov. 19th  took breakfast at Bro. Bough's and dinner , held
counsel meeting, appointed Bro. Bough to be President of the Cradley
Branch also Jonathan Davies as First Counselor and William Gibbs as
Second Counselor. Bro. Phillpotts having died caused a new president
to be appointed. Two meetings this day besides a council meeting,
was called upon to speak at each meeting, enjoyed our meeting a good
spirit prevailed. Went to Sister Turbill's for tea, afterwards.
Returned to meeting bringing her husband with us to meeting. This
was the first time to hear us, in hopes he will be favorably
inclined towards us and obey the gospel. Monday 20th took breakfast
at Bro. Bough's, wrote a card to Birmingham concerning our
whereabouts. Went to Sister Gibbons returned to Bro. Bough's for
bed.

Mon. Nov. 20th took breakfast at Bro. Bough, wrote card to
Birmingham concerning our whereabouts. Went to Sister Gibbons'
returned to Bro. Bough's for bed.

Tues. Nov. 21st  started for Pendock 14 miles, after a weary
walk of travel in mud we reached Pendock 3:30 PM. stayed till
evening with Bro. Thomas Newman, then went to Bro. William Newman's
had supper and sang till midnight and then went to bed.

Wed. Nov. 22nd  took breakfast with Wm Newman's family stayed
for dinner, and at 1:PM started to Linton Hill 14 miles rained very
hard in the night and very cloudy today. arrived at 5:PM over very
hilly and mushy road, got very tired and glad to eat our supper and
to to bed.

Thurs. Nov. 23rd rained, took breakfast with Bro. Arkwell, and
wishing them goodby we started to Broms Ash to Sister Parry's 1 1/2
miles, found her and family well, had our dinner stayed till next
morning. this is a very kind family exerting themselves to the
utmost to make us comfortable so much so, that she gave us her own
bed and she slept on the lounge with but very little clothing, her
husband laying with the children 7 in number very small.

Fri. Nov. 24th we left Broms Ash at 10:AM and started for Hereford
15 miles on the main road and went 6 miles out of our way to see
Bro. Hollbrook and family, but did not find them at home, so we had
our tramp for nothing, except to add to our labors. We arrived at
Hereford at 5:PM after a weary and tiresome journey of 21 miles, the
roads being noticed so much down. Took tea and rested ourselves,
related our travels concerning our being noticed so much for they,
the people stare at us as if we were wild beasts or something very
strange, ate supper and went to bed.

Sat. Nov. 25th  arose from our slumbers and attended to our
prayers, for we do not aim to forget them, nor forget our friends at
home. Bro. Sharp got a letter from home last night - makes 2 since I
got any, well, I would like to get news from home myself. We took
our breakfast as usual at Bro. Johnson's the President of the
Hereford Branch nd then took a walk through town, calling at Bro and
Sister Pritchard's, took dinner, stayed there a while and then went
to Bro. and Sister Kemp's and family. Here I changed my clothing,
took tea, had an invitation for the following evening.

Sun. Nov. 26, at our breakfast at Bro. Johnson's, rec'd a letter
from home, it made me feel very thankful to my Heavenly Father for
his kind and protecting care over me and my family in blessing us
with the blessing which we enjoy, for truly God has blessed us in
many ways. We have never lacked for the necessaries of life so far,
and I have faith to believe that He will continue to bless us if we
put our trust in Him. Had dinner at Bro. Johnson's, at 2:30 PM
meeting commenced. Bro. Johnson spoke a while, sacrament was the
administered and the brethren and sisters bore their testimony.
Meeting thrown into our hand, Bro. Sharp called upon me to speak
which I did. Bro. Sharp then occupied the rest of the time after
meeting we went to Bro. Wellington's to tea, and then went and spent
the evening with Bro. Kemp and family and then returned to Bro.
Johnson's for bed.

Mon. Nov. 27, took tea at Bro. Johnson's went to Bro.
Wellington's for dinner, rained in the afternoon, we then went
through the rain about 2 miles to Sister Lawrence's for tea, then to
Bro. Kemp's for the evening. This is a good family and are in the
faith of the Gospel and its is firmly grounded in them. They treat
us very kindly every time we go there. Stayed there till 10 in the
evening and then returned to Bro. Johnson's for bed.

Tues. Nov. 28, took our breakfast as usual at Bro. Johnson's,
administered to Grace his daughter who was sick and then took our
leave. Called at Sister Pritchard's ate our dinner at her home, and
then went to see an old lady by the name of Tew to see if I could
claim any relationship. She received me very kindly and gladly told
me of her husband's family. I left her with a promise on my part to
call again on my next trip to Hereford, we then left Hereford for
Frooms Hill, a distance of 15 miles. After our arrival we took tea
with Bro. and Sister Davies, and then went to a Mrs. James for bed.
Held quite a conversation with Mrs. James about the Comet, and the
principles of the gospel.

Wed. Nov. 29, took breakfast at Bro. Davies and then went to Cradley
5 miles, called at Sister Gibbons on the way. Here we had our dinner
also tea, and then went to Bro. Bough's for supper. Talked on
emigration matters and then went to bed.

Thurs. Nov. 30, we left Cradley for Worcester 10 miles. Took dinner
at Sister Gittins', went at night to Bro. Williams', before going to
bed, Bro. Williams ask me to administer to him, I did so.

Fri. Dec. 1,  took breakfast with Bro. Williams and Bro. Sharp
came about 10:AM and then we went to the baths and enjoyed
ourselves. Paid 16 for the bath not having one since I left
Liverpool. We returned to the Gittins for dinner. After dinner
Sister Tiler came and we had a good time singing. Bro. Sharp and I
went to Bro. Kendricks' for tea, stayed the evening. We then went to
our several places of abode, I to Bro. Williams, Bro. Sharp to Wm
Byrne's, not having room for us both at one place.

Sat. Dec. 2, left Worcester by train 11 miles, walked to Bourbrook
and feeling very tired we got aboard a minibus and rode into
Birmingham, a distance of 3 miles, arrived at the Conference House
where we waited the arrival of Apostle John Henry Smith, Wm.
Groesbeck, and other Elders on missions to this land. A part of them
came late in the evening. had a very pleasant chat and then went to
Sister Spendlove's for bed.

Sun. Dec. 3,  Held conference and enjoyed ourselves very well.
Much good instructions were given. The morning was taken up by the
Presidents of Branches, giving in their reports and the Authorities
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Zion was
upheld and sustained and so on. The speakers were John Henry Smith,
Elders Lambert and Orson F. Whitney. Robert Ure presiding. Brother
Lambert was called upon first. He spoke upon the First Principals of
the gospel occupied 20 minutes. Orson F. Whitney followed him, he
spoke very plain, easy to be understood by those who had a desire to
listen to the truth. Met again in the evening, old Brother Lambert
related some of his experiences. John Henry Smith took up the rest
of the time. Returned to Bro. Spendlove's for bed.

Mon. Dec. 4,  Sent a letter home went to the concert in the
evening. Bro. John Henry Smith kindly offered me an overcoat. I
tried it on and found it too large, and told him he could not expect
190 lbs. could fill the place where 240 lbs or 250 lbs. had
occupied. I thanked him very kindly as I found him a true friend and
man of God. Bro. Smith gave a sovereign to Bro. Ure for Bro. Baily
out of his private purse having pity on him. He told me he was
willing to divide with the elders or do anything in his way to
assist the Brethren.

Tues. Dec. 5,  went to see Bro. Smith off to Liverpool, returned
to conference for breakfast and then went to Bro. Ash's to get my
boots mended in the evening went to council meeting, returned to the
council house for bed.

Wed. Dec. 6,  took breakfast at Conference House and then went
to Amelia Smith's, had a chat about the property then went to see
Jos. Bradley and wife - cousins talked till late then went to the
Conference House for bed.

Thurs. Dec. 7, took breakfast at the Conference House and then
went down town, snowed the day before and continued snowing in the
night which made it very disagreeable under feet. Went to see cousin
Mary Ann Gardner also saw cousin Bessie Pittaway. Went to see Bro.
John Clements, not the one in Springville, but in King St, Augusta
Terrace near Main St. by where McDonald lived, took tea with
Cousin Mary Ann Gardener, then paid a visit to my Uncle James Tew,
rec'd. me very kindly went back to Amelia Smith's and returned to
Conference House. Met cousin Emma Millard in New St. She promised to
take me to Dudley on the morrow to see cousin (Arthur) Tew.

Fri. Dec. 8, took breakfast at the Conference House and then went to
New St. Station could not find my cousin Emma so I went to Dudley
alone. Found my cousin Arthur Tew keeping a Public House, called The
Dog and Duck, at the bottom of Snow Hill Dudley. They were doing
well as to the things of this world, which is really all that the
masses of the people are looking after.

Sat, Dec. 9, took breakfast at the Conference House and then took
train for Worcester on account of so much snow and mud we rode all
the way and arrived at Worcester at 2 PM. Paid 2/3 3/2 (?) for our
fare, took dinner at Bro. Gittins, on acct. of Bro. Sharp being sick
we stayed till evening then went to Bro. Williams for bed, and Bro.
Sharp to his lodgings.

Sun. Dec. 10, took breakfast at Bro. Williams then went to Bro.
Gittins and went with him among the people to inform them of our
arrival. We had dinner with Bro. Gittins then went to meetings which
was held in the afternoon and night, myself being called upon to
speak to both of them. We also blessed a child of Bro. Banister.
The Brethren and Sisters separated and went home, I myself stayed at
Bro. Williams, took tea with Bro. Kendricks and went to bed.

Mon.Dec. 11, took breakfast and dinner at Bro. Williams, and then
went to Sister Elton's for tea stayed chatting with her till evening
and then went to Bro. Gittins where Bro. Sharp was for he was very
sick with a bad cold afterwards went to Bro. Williams for bed, but
before going to bed we had some singing then prayers, then bed. Very
foggy and cold all day.

Tues. Dec. 12, took breakfast with Bro. Williams and went to Sister
Elton's and Bro. Gittins. Bro. Sharp was no better, so I went to
Bro. Kendricks for dinner. Dinner over, I wrote a card to Boughs at
Cradley stating that I would be there on Thursday the 14th. Bro.
Sharp intends going to Pendock so I shall be alone. Returned to Bro.
Gittins, Bro. Sharp still sick with a bad cold, this made me feel
for him knowing he was so far away from home, but among a kind
hearted people, who kindly administer to his wants as far as he's in
their power for which blessing they so kindly bestow on the servants
of God, they will be abundantly blessed.

Wed. Dec. 13, took breakfast with Bro. Williams and then went to Bro.
and Sister Gittins, found Bro. Sharp a little better, but not able
to go out yet. Stayed there myself for dinner. Went to see Sister
Tyler took tea with her and then returned to Bro. Gitten's. I found
Bro. Sharp on the improve, stayed till evening and then went to Bro.
Williams for bed.

Thurs. Dec. 14, took breakfast with Bro. Williams then went to Bro.
Gitten's. While there, rec'd. an xmas card from Sister Parry at Ross
which I sent home to my little girl Melvina. Started at 12:30 PM for
Cradley wading in snow and a very heavy fog so dense that I could
hardly see, and in falling it formed a black coat on the top of the
snow. Got there about 4:PM after taking something to eat and talking
a while went to bed.

Fri. Dec. 15, took breakfast at Bro. Boughs, read a while then went
to Sister Turbill's who received me very kindly, took tea and stayed
till 8:PM and then returned to Bro. Boughs for bed.

Sat. Dec. 16, took breakfast and then read in The Voice of Warning a
little and then went to Sister Wattus for dinner. The old lady had
gone to Melvern so I had a chat with the daughter had something to
eat and then left. It being very foggy and wet, we took supper at
Bro. Boughs and went to bed.

Sun. Dec. 17, took breakfast and read a while, also had dinner, held
meeting in the afternoon. Bro. Bough spoke a while and then gave the
meeting into my hands. I informed the brethren of the privilege they
had of bearing their testimony of the work of God. After hearing
their testimony I spoke as I was led by the spirit on the
persecutions that we as a people rec'd after obeying the gospel,
meeting over I went again to Sister Turbill's, stayed a while and
then had tea enjoyed ourselves in talking with William Turbill who
talks very favorable, and I think will obey the Gospel, and gather
out with his family to Utah next season. Returned to Bro. Boughs for
bed.

Mon. Dec. 18, took breakfast at Bro. Boughs and wrote a letter
to father, and after posting it - went to Bro. Gibbs, and then went
to see Mrs. Gibbons, took tea with her, and then went to Bro. Boughs
for bed.

Tues. Dec. 19, took breakfast at Bro. Boughs and then went to
William Newman's for supper, the weather today has been very foggy.

Wed. Dec. 20, took breakfast at William Newman's and started for
Linton Hill 14 miles distant. Morning very foggy and damp which
makes it very difficult to keep from taking colds. We sat up last
night till late 11:30 PM and then I spoke of having my socks washed.
Sister Newman made another fire, heated some water and washed them
for me, which made it nearly one o'clock in the morning before we
went to bed. Arrived about 5:PM took something to eat, chatted a
while and then went to bed.

Thurs. Dec. 21, took breakfast at Bro. Arkwell's and then went over
to Sister Parry's, 2 1/2 miles a place called Broms Ash took dinner
and stayed till next morning, during which time we could not be
lonesome where such a lively little body as Sister Parry is around
good and kind and who exerts herself to the utmost every time to
make us comfortable, so much so that she gave us her bed, and she
takes a nap on the sopha and her husband sleeps with the children as
best he can, for which denials I do hope that God will bless her.

Fri. Dec. 22, We bid Sister Perry goodby and went to Hereford,
called at Woolhope saw Bro. and Sister Holbrook, ate our dinner and
on our way to Hereford arriving there at 6:30 PM the morning was
very fine but go cloudy and rained before night. This walk of 21
miles always makes us very tired and ready for bed any time.

Sat. Dec. 23, took breakfast at Bro. Johnson's, wrote a letter and
went to see Sister Kemp, stayed for tea, changed our clothing and
took a walk through town, called on Sister Pritchard, received an
invitation for dinner on Xmas. day, took tea and returned to Bro.
Johnson's for bed. This day rec'd 2 letters from home or one from my
father, very glad to hear from them.

Sun. Dec. 24, took breakfast at Bro. Johnson's. Sister Johnson ask
us to dinner on that day which we did, also ask us to dinner on
Christmas, we could not accept the invitation as Sister Pritchard
was ahead of her. Sister Johnson did not like this part of our
conduct but we could not help it. We have had several days of fine
weather, sunshine in the morning and rain in the afternoon. Such
changeable weather is very unhealthy especially for us being used to
a much better climate. After dinner we had our meeting, after
sacrament and testimony, Bro. Sharp invited me to occupy part of the
time. I did so and then Bro. Sharp took up the rest of the time.
After meeting me went to Sister Wellington's for tea, stayed till
late in the evening and then returned to Bro. Johnson's for bed. I
had a very sever cold by this time through sitting in the draft.

Mon. Dec. 25.  Being Christmas day we took breakfast at Bro.
Johnson's, he gave each of a glass of wine. We drank to his health
and wished our family success and a God bless them, we set out for
Bro. and Sister Pritchard's for our christmas dinner. We had several
invitations but could not fill all of them. We had an invitation to
go to Sister Kemp's but Sister Pritchard would not see the point, so
we went to Sister Kemp's at about 5 o'clock in the evening and
stayed till eleven. I never was treated better than when we would
have been among our own relations. Well, God bless them for their
kindness toward us in every way.

26th I went after breakfast to see Mrs. Tew but did not find her at
home, went to Bro. Pritchard, had a bite of dinner and then went to
see Polly Williams at Bush Bank, rainy, rough, and muddy, stayed all
night.

27th distance there and back 18 miles. Stayed at Sister Lawrence's
on our way back for dinner. Called at Bro. Kemp's, had company and
was invited to stay. The company were strangers to us. We stayed
till 10 in the evening, then returned to Bro. Johnson's for bed.

Dec. 28th took breakfast went to Mrs. Tew's but she was not in so
went to Bro. Pritchard's for a while and then started for Frooms
Hill 14 miles. While at Hereford Bro. Drew from Woolhope gave us a
shilling for a Christmas box, Sister Pritchard also gave us a
shilling each. Brother Lawrence gave Bro. Sharp a shilling but we
concluded to give Bro. Lawrence his shilling back again on account
of his poverty, God bless them all the same. The weather is very
warm and cloudy, and rainy part of the time, and very muddy, and very
unhealthy. Arrived at Frooms Hill at 5 p.m thinking this our
stopping place for the night, we had tea and then started for
Ridgeway Cross 5 miles farther on, this made us very tired as we
were very tired when at Frooms Hill. We got to Ridgeway Cross at
8 P.M. and went to bed and very glad to get there.

Dec. 29th took breakfast at Bro. Boughs, after which I wrote a
letter to my family. Stayed till next morning.

Dec. 30th took breakfast at Bro. Boughs and then set out for
Worcester. It rained very hard all night and until noon today which
makes it very bad for traveling. Arrived at Worcester at 2 P.M. ate
dinner with Bro. and Sister Gitten, also supper after which I went
to Bro. Williams for bed. We have had about 10 shillings gave us up
till now. Bro. Johnson gave us 2 schillings each for Christmas Box.

Dec. 31st I had breakfast. A very rainy morning, and on my way to
Bro. Gitten's this morning an old man wished me a good morning,
said it was a fine morning was it not, although raining very hard.
Held two meetings today, also sat and heard singing the old year out
and the new year in and enjoyed myself well.