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

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Wednesday, 30 May - This morning 'tis very mild, no wind. Received our provisions today. It is somewhat better than last week, but no salt. The sea is quite calm, very little wind at all, 'till about eight o'clock, then the wind began to blow - a fair back-wind, the far most favorable wind we have had since we came on board. Tonight there was a child died belonging to the Scandinavians and was committed to the "Deep" about ten o'clock at night. It died of water in the brain.

Thursday, 31 May - The wind has continued in our favor all night and blows a steady gale this morning in the right direction, the best we have had since we set sail. We entered on the Banks of Newfoundland about two o'clock this afternoon. Much rejoicing rested on all the people for all had anxious desire to reach the Banks. At three o'clock we passed an English bark. It seemed very much tossed about.

Friday, 1 June - We had a very heavy shower of rain this morning about four o'clock. It tossed us about very much. The wind continues in our favor. From twelve o'clock yesterday we had sailed 204 miles, making us from New York 946 miles. This afternoon the wind is more calm, and we are not sailing so fast, yet we are sailing in the right direction. This being a fine day, the people were all ordered out on deck. I was put on watch in our ward, and there was a meeting on deck at half past six o'clock. I again was on watch. During this time the Scandinavians are beginning to be ill.

Saturday, 2 June - This morning not much wind and sea calm. More wind at twelve o'clock. Had sailed 45 miles since twelve o'clock yesterday. Now 901 miles from New York. This evening the Scandinavians had dancing on deck. We had preaching in our ward. Brother Budge attended.

Sunday, 3 June - This morning is fine after a good sail through the night. Have sailed since twelve o'clock yesterday, 131 miles. Twelve o'clock and we are 770 miles from New York. The small pox has broken out among the Scandinavians and seems to be increasing fast. At half past six there was a meeting on deck for the English Saints. Meeting was addressed by Elders Lowe, Charles F. Jones, and Brother Budge. The Scandinavians and Germans had their meeting this afternoon on deck.

Monday, 4 June - This morning, not making much time. The Captain is taking us out North to prevent disease that is spreading so fast this afternoon. They have partitioned off a portion of the ward for a hospital. Seven people have now fallen sick of small-pox. There is scarcely any wind at all. There has just passed by the vessel a large quantity of porpoise or sea pigs, about half past four o'clock.

Tuesday, 5 June - At twelve o'clock today we are 635 miles from New York. At two o'clock a storm arose and the wind blew so strong the top mid mast pole broke. The vessel rocked to and fro like a drunken man and the fog arose so that we could no see many yards from the vessel.

Wednesday, 6 June - At twelve o'clock we are 520 miles from New York, still fog. The Captain sold some salt to us tonight - to the passengers at two and one-half cents per pound.

Thursday, 7 June - The fog still continues and it is very cold. This morning the Captain gave some potatoes to the passengers and sold some more fish at two and one-half cents per pound. Today at twelve o'clock we were 440 miles from New York. Another Scandinavian child died this morning. This makes six deaths. There have been five marriages and three births. This is the twenty-ninth day of the voyage. This afternoon the fog cleared for a while and we passed several vessels, some quite near. Several whales passed the vessel today.

Friday, 8 June - We got out of the fog about ten o'clock, but it remained cold. We are 360 miles from New York. The Captain has been very good to the sick, giving them soup, sago, arrow root, tea, and wine. No fresh cases of small-pox. The others are progressing favorably. I saw another shoal of porpoise. They came very near the vessel.

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