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

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Saturday, 9 June - This morning we have fog again and it is very cold. The sailors are making preparation for landing. We are passing over St. George's Shoals. It is a very rainy morning. Twelve o'clock today we are 316 miles from New York. It continues very wet and cold indeed, and we cannot get out on deck. This has been a miserable day. No fresh cases of small pox have occurred. The others progressing favorably.

Sunday, 10 June - (thirty-first day of sail) This morning it is very rough and has been through the night, the waves rolling very high. We are now 235 miles from New York. The sea water is warm. The sea continues rough. The people are very anxious to land. Another case of small pox today.

Monday, 11 June - (thirty-two days of sailing) Very rough during the night. The third mate told me that the vessel pitched to heavy in the night that it threw him down. Last night has been the roughest time we have had since we came on board. Another child belonging to the Scandinavians died. This makes seven deaths, five children and two adults. There have been four births and five marriages.

Tuesday, 12 June - (33 days of sailing) This morning is very fine and warm, the warmest day we have had since we set sail. We received orders to clean out our berths and scour our tin vessels and make everything clean. The small-pox patients are progressing favorably. We have very little wind and so cannot get along. We are now 180 miles from New York at twelve o'clock (noon).

Wednesday, 13 June - (34th day of sail) This morning is fine but considerably cooler than yesterday. We received our provisions today. There is quite a calm, and we are scarcely moving at all. Dancing on deck tonight by the Scandinavians. Six o'clock, the wind begins to blow a little. Eight o'clock, we have a nice gentle breeze.

Thursday, 14 June - (35th day of sail) This morning is fine. The crew is very busy cleaning the deck and vessel. At twelve o'clock (noon) we are now at Long Island. We are told it is 95 miles from New York. Sailing gently along. We had a meeting on deck tonight at half past six o'clock. Elder Calkins addressed us for the first time on our voyage, giving counsel to those who intend to cross the plains this season; also to all the Saints on board the ship, to clean themselves and their berths, that we may not be detained in quarantine when the Inspector comes on board.

Friday, 15 June - (36th day) This also is a fine morning and we are sailing gently along. A steam tug hove in sight about ten o'clock. The Captain of the ship Tapscott agree with the Captain of the tug to take in for $200, and away we went and arrived a little before dark, or about seven and one-half o'clock. At night the doctor came on board and heard that the small pox was in the ship and said that he would come again. In the morning bread was brought on board and sold for six cents a loaf - from one and one-half pounds to two pounds.

Saturday, 16 June - This morning is fine and the doctor came and examined all on board, said he would come again before long. Accordingly he came about dinner time and said we must all be vaccinated, old and young. We went through the operation accordingly, and all who were inspected were sent to the hospital and there detained in quarantine to see if any more broke out. Another child died last night. It belonged to the Germans.

Sunday, 17 June - This is a fine morning. Brothers Budge, Calkins, Williams and their families went "ashore" today. Brother Budge and family returned at six o'clock tonight. A meeting was held on deck addressed by Elder Budge.

Monday, 18 June - This morning is very fine. The doctor came on board about ten o'clock and examined all. Again found no sick. Said we should be landed tomorrow. Another Scandinavian child died.

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