New Year's Day (February 9th, 1872). Cloudy, with mixed rain and snow; the temperature outside fell to 46°.

As we were still in Salt Lake City, champagne was served to all to usher in the [lunar] New Year. At night we invited the city officials and Mr. and Mrs. DeLong to a New Year's party at the hotel. Speeches were made and hosts and guests all joined in a festive celebration which continued until after one o'clock.

February 11th. Cloudy and cold; the temperature outside fell to 36°.

From two o'clock in the afternoon we went to the Mormon Tabernacle and listened to a sermon. The service began with the breaking of what looked like a rice cake. After that, organ music was played in the rear hall, and the congregation sang hymns and said prayers. A minister ascended the pulpit and preached a sermon drawn from the New Testament on the theme of the brotherhood of all nations. The style of the service, like that of other Protestant denominations, was simple and clear.

February 12th. Fine.

This night the mayor of Salt Lake City, Mr. D. H. Wells, and city officials and merchants hosted a banquet at the hotel. The dining-room was decorated with the crossed flags of our two countries and a portrait of Washington. The food was varied, sumptuous and delicious. A band played continuously throughout the evening.