New York, September 18th, 1880.President William Budge.
Dear Brother,--For several days after our last communication, we continued to encounter boisterous weather, very general sickness prevailing, some cases severe. During our voyage we met with but one misfortune, and that happened in the death of Brother Johan A. [Adam] Kranth [Krauth], one of the Swiss brethren. He died Saturday the 11th instant, about 8 a.m. and was buried about noon the same day in 47º20' north latitude, 47º west longitude.
We conducted the ceremony in German and English. The body was committed to the deep at 12.20. Brother Kranth [Krauth] leaves a wife and eight children, though the latter are mostly grown.
Our voyage, with these exceptions, has been very pleasant, and much credit is due the ship's officers for their unceasing kindness.
Mr. Roberts, the purser, gave an order that we were to be furnished with whatever was necessary to supply our needs or comfort; which was complied with. On Wednesday 15th being a little too late in reaching the narrows, where the health officer comes aboard, we anchored a lay there all night, reaching New York shortly after seven o'clock next morning. On Thursday we passed the customs officers with but little trouble, and got the company and baggage safely to Castle Garden. The next evening, at seven o'clock, the company left the depot of the Pennsylvanian Railroad for the Great West. An excellent spirit has been manifest all the way, and the business here at New York was accomplished to Brother [William C.] Staines' entire satisfaction.
Your brethren in the gospel,
John Rider, president.G. [George] H. Taylor, counselor.Peter Reid, counselor.B. S. Young, clerk. [p.651]
BIB: Rider, John et al. [Letter] Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 42:41 (October 11, 1880) p. 651. (CHL)
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