July 4, 1868
On this day July 4, 1868, the passengers of the Emerald Isle continue their journey to America. During the evening the English Saints gave a concert to celebrate the American independence.
I can imagine the Thorsted family spending their day learning English from Saints from England and huddling in their small bunks not knowing what the future had in store.
During this time on board the ship, the Saints would have meetings and do their wash and other things to help each other during the journey. The water they had taken on in Queenstown was probably responsible for the immediate spike in sickness among the Saints, by the 30th of June there was already a number of passengers who were suffering from stomach pain and more than a dozen children came down with the measles. The provisions and water rations given to each passenger was small, one person wrote how they survived on sea biscuits which where too hard to bite into.
Over the next month there was a lot of sickness and many died from disease. The crew was unkind to the poor emigrants and the leaders had to step in to demand fair treatment. The wind was also not in their favor and the ship was pushed north into icy waters causing more suffering from the cold.
Tuesday, 30–We again distributed provisions among the emigrants, which this time was more expeditiously done than before. Quite a number of the passengers suffered with stomach disorders, and about a dozen children were down with the measles.
Wednesday, July 1–A child belonging to Brother Jens N. Christensen from Aalborg, Denmark, died with brain fever. We made a rude coffin, held a large meeting, at which we spoke both English and Danish, and then slid the body of the little child into the sea. This was the first death on board.
Thursday, 2–we made arrangements with the mate to have washing done twice a week and to have the clothes hung up to dry, after which I visited the sick, accompanied by the doctor.
Friday, 3–Conversed freely with captain about the rights and privileges of the passengers, as both the sailors and officers treated the emigrants roughly and uncivil. It came to harsh words between us, as I stood up for the rights of the people, exhibited my papers, and demanded that our people should be humanely treated and also have the portion of the water due them. I succeeded in getting some concessions, though the captain was hard to move.
Saturday, 4–Met in council with brethren of the presidency and the Steward, at which we discussed the best methods for cleanliness and the general comfort of the people, after which I accompanied the doctor in his visits among the sick. We counted 51, who were sick with the measles. In the afternoon the English Saints gave a concert in commemoration of the American independence.
