Life Story of Francis Astle Written by his granddaughter, Sarah Astle Call

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The following is taken from Grandfather's diary:

Monday, 7 May - Arrived at Liverpool in the afternoon, three o'clock.

The William Tapscott Built: 1852 by William Drommond at Bath, Maine

Tuesday, 8 May - Went on board, myself and wife, Thomas, James, John, Joseph, about eleven o'clock. The steam tug brought us to the sailing vessel. The tug had no fears of the water nor anything else. There is plenty else to do. Today I got completely lost in the ship. My wife and John came to find me. We got our own berth just in time. Went on the shelves (bunks) for the first time tonight. Got a good night's rest. James went back with the steam tug to buy us a few more things we wanted. He came back next day all safe and we received our provisions.

Wednesday, 9 May - Received our provisions. There are 730 Saints on board. There are over 800 passengers; altogether about 100 who are not Saints.

Thursday, 10 May - The Government Inspector came on board to inspect the ship, and a doctor to inspect the passengers according to law.

Friday, 11 May - We are very busy today, lashing our boxes, making ready to sail. The Frig came and we began to sail about two o'clock. The Saints were organized into a Conference and divided into ten wards, each ward having prayers night and morning. We are in the fourth ward.

Saturday, 12 May - Many are beginning to be sick this morning. A strong head wind. The steamer is still with us. Afternoon, a rough sea and head wind. The steamer continues with us. The people are getting very sick. They lie and sit in all directions with their heads in their hands, some falling down with giddiness; James has been very sick all day. The steamer left us about ten o'clock tonight. The wind has changed more in our favor. The people could not attend prayers in our ward tonight.

Sunday, 13 May - The wind still continues in our favor with a heavy sea. It has been very cold ever since we have been on board. The people are very sick this morning. Afternoon, sea quite calm. James continues sick but is rather better this afternoon. Joseph and I had to go on watch tonight. Held prayers tonight, and Brother Budge proposed that Brother MacComie should pray for the wind to change in our favor. He did and the Lord heard our prayers.

Monday, 14 May - The people are somewhat better this morning. Afternoon, a heavy sea, a strong wind, people very sick. Myself and James very ill, indeed, John and Joseph don't feel well. Felicia the stoutest of us all. 'Tis very cold.

Tuesday, 15 May - We had a very rough night and it still continues rough this morning, the sea rolling mountains high, the people extra-ordinarily sick. James continues sick. The rest of us not very well today, except Felicia. She enjoys health here as well as at home. 'Tis very cold. The toasted bread went moldy.

Wednesday, 16 May - The people are somewhat better today, except that we have not much appetite to eat, except Joseph; he does not fail. 'Tis very cold and wet this afternoon. It has been wet almost every day.

Thursday, 17 May - Had a rough night of it. The wind has changed, but still continues rough this morning, and cold and wet. This afternoon our people seem generally better from sickness. Had to throw the toasted bread away. James continues poorly.

Friday, 18 May - Wind more in our favor. Wind and sea very rough. It has broken loose the mid-top sail and the fore top sail. It makes the sailors very busy and the people very giddy. This is the best wind we have had. James is still poor this morning. Passed a vessel close by about two o'clock today, said to be the "Under-Writer". Also passed through a shoal of porpoise. Had a good day's sail, about 240 miles in twenty-four hours.

Saturday, 19 May - Sea very calm this morning. The people seem a great deal better this morning. Sailing pretty nearly south at six o'clock. At ten o'clock the wind changed and we are sailing more westward. Wet and cold this afternoon. There has been one Scandinavian wedding and two weddings of the British Mission on board. Very cold.

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