of
Sarah Elizabeth Brown
January
January 16, 1865
I sit here late to make my entry today. I feel as though I am near tears, Jason Bolt and his brothers have seen fit to transport us by way of mule boat. I was glad that I was not the only one appalled by the prospect, many of the other ladies felt as I do that the brothers tricked us. I stood fast behind Miss Pruitt when she pulled a gun to attempt to get this boat turned back to New Bedford. Still, as I feel will always be the case, Jason Bolt prevailed and the gun confiscated.So here we are, 100 woman confined in stalls of mule boat. This is going to be a very difficult journey
January 18, 1865
I have never been afraid of hard work but now I believe that every muscle in my body aches. It was quite a job to get this old tub to the point where we would not be afraid of what disease may lie in the grime. But now things seem livable. We have chosen stalls where we will bed with two of us in each compartment. I'm somewhere in the middle, the ones in the front and back of the room being claimed quickly.So far everyone has been very nice, and although there has been a few squabbles, everyone seems to be getting along.
I can't say that I like the captain. He seems pretty gruff and I feel like he really doesn't want us here. I've seen him drinking and I wonder if he will be able to get us safely to Seattle.
January 19, 1865
The seas have begun to toss the ship around like a child's toy. The unsteadiness has caused a seasickness to take hold of me along with most of the other Brides on the ship. I can barely raise my head to write this now; the uneasiness in my stomach makes it impossible to keep any nourishment. There is a girl on the ship, Katchie, who is trying to help, but it appears all she can do give out cold compresses for our heads and encourage us that this also will pass. My stomach feels as though it will heave again and I must lie down.
January 22, 1865
Sabbath services were held today, but the seasickness still grips me and I stayed in my bunk. I was told later that Jason Bolt officiated the service relaying the story of Moses. There was also singing of a hymn and I was sorry to miss that. I love singing and have been told on occasion that I have a nice voice. Perhaps next Sabbath. Mr. Bolt also said that the brides must organize their own services from this date forward, so I suppose that prayer will be led each Sunday by a different one of us. I don't look forward to that, I really don't want to be in front of everyone and I hope that I will be able to get out of doing this.
January 27, 1865
The seas have become much calmer and although there is still some discomfort in my stomach. I am indeed feeling much better. I ventured to the dining table tonight. The fare looked inviting but I was fearful of eating too much, I did not want to become ill again.I spent some time on deck today; the warmth of the sun on my face did much to mend my sagging spirits after the long bout of illness. The Bolt brothers were very kind today; Joshua even sat with me for a few moments to inquire as to how I was feeling. I felt so shy and awkward with him, he is so handsome, and his eyes so piercing I thought he would look right through me.
January 29, 1865
The seasickness has left me now, only to be replaced by homesickness. Today is the Sabbath and I recall attending the small church with my parents in New Bedford. Services were held on the deck and were led by Candy Pruitt. My chance to sing came today, the hymns are being sung a capella but I didn't care. I couldn't help but feel that perhaps the yearning for my home would pass with time.There was a tragedy today, one of the crew fell overboard and they were unable to save him. Many of the brides were crying, and I, although was shocked by the incident did not feel the need for tears. I begin to wonder if I have a flaw in that regard.
February
February 3, 1865
Jeremy Bolt has kept to himself through most of the trip. I tried once to talk to him but he only nodded a couple of times at my questions then excused himself. Today though I saw him speaking with Candy Pruitt as she hung her laundry. I wonder what it was that drew him to her. There are so many on this ship, what could she have said to him to keep him talking to her.With the evening so much warmer now, there is much more to do in the evenings. One of the sailors plays a concertina and sometimes the brides are able to engage him to play while they dance. I did not join in; Joshua Bolt was certainly making the best of his situation on this trip. I speculated as to his motives, none of which were honorable.
