Elder W. [William] H. King in company with the emigrating Saints on board the S. S. Nevada, writes on the 12th instant As follows:

"As I write we are nearing Queenstown. The coast of fair Erin rises up plainly and distinctly to view. Notwithstanding our close proximity to land, we are content to remain in our present (and pleasant) position. Soon after our departure from Liverpool [p.267] the elders met together, and after hearing the instructions which you gave, laid our a program by which we were to be governed during the journey. By 8 p.m. all arrangements had been made which were considered essential for the insuring of order, harmony and comfort. The Saints were called together at that hour, the English-speaking in one end of the steerage department, and the Scandinavians in the other end. The plans that had been devised were presented and accepted unanimously. Elder David McKay was sustained as president of the company, and the returning Elders as his counselors or assistants: W. [William] H. King as secreatary, Joseph Greaves and O. C. Larsen as captains of the guard for the English and Scandinavians respectively. The Saints from Great Britain, as you are aware, are placed upon one side, and the Scandinavians upon the other side of the vessel. In four wards are the former and three wards the latter divided, with a local brother to preside over each ward. The arrangements and regulations are simple--besides these mentioned, there are the hours for meeting, prayer, etc.

Our meeting last evening was very interesting, and God's Spirit was wonderfully manifested unto us. The power that was felt reminded one of some of our conferences in Zion. By 9 p.m. most of the Saints had retired, although the beautiful moonlight night was a great temptation to deck walking. This morning at 6 a.m. the Saints were all astir, and at 7 we assembled for devotional exercises. With smiling faces and joyful heart we raised our voices in song and our heart in praise. "The morning breaks, the shadows flee," was sung, and more than one remarked that there were no shadows, and the "clouds or error" had disappeared from them.

I have mingled among the Saints, and all are in excellent spirits. There has not been a case of seasickness up to the present. The passengers are comfortable, and great kindness is experienced at the hands of the officers and crew. It is now 8 a.m., and the anchor has dropped in the waters of Queenstown Harbor. May the revivifying and inspiring rays of the sun of day and the Son of Righteousness be with us to guide us into the harbor of earth and haven of immortality!" [p.268]

BIB: King, William H., [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star 45:17 (April 23, 1883) pp. 267-68. (CHL)
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