Elder William H. King, clerk of the company which sailed on the 11th ultimate, writing from New York, April 23rd, says:
"You are awaiting with interest, I have no doubt, an account from this city of our passage, arrival and subsequent movements necessary to our departure by train for the west unto this end I hasten to address you, regretting only that I have not found time to write a day sooner. Yet had I done so, I would not have been able to embody all, which you will desire to learn, in the communication. I have just gained shelter from the snow, rain and sleet which has been falling all day, and which unceasingly continues to fall, having been to the Erie Depot to see the elders and Saints upon the cars and started towards "home." Before proceeding further, I will revert to that point at which my last letter terminated. Upon arriving at Queenstown, the ship's company was augmented by a large number of Irish emigrants. This swelled the company to over 1000 souls. At 10 a.m. we 'hove' anchor and pushed out into the sea. During the day the Saints were evidently overjoyed at their surroundings, and exhibited their feelings by singing, with much pathos, such hymns as 'Yes, my native land,' etc., 'We're going to the mountains of Ephraim to dwell,' etc. But the next morning, and for two or three days succeeding, most of the company were paying homage to Neptune with as much vehemence and power as are demanded by that insatiable myth. No storm was necessary to produce such a revolution in the company; a counter current and a moderate swell accomplished all. At the expiration of the 4th day most of them had recovered and were able to attend the regular devotional exercises. From there to the termination of the voyage was a pleasant and enjoyable period. The weather was all that could be desired, and everything conspired to make the hours and days as agreeable as possible. The main thing, though, that is essential to happiness, is oneness; this prevailed to the extent of attracting the attention of all on board who were not of our faith. The religious services were well attended, the captain, officers, saloon and intermediate passengers often being present, besides many of the great number of steerage passengers. If no conversions resulted, much prejudice was removed and many friends made. The conduct of the Saints was beyond reproach, and, I might add, like Ceasars wife, 'beyond suspicion.'
I would not be doing justice to my feelings, were I not to mention the kind yet dignified bearing of Captain Bremner and all the officers of the ship towards us. It was so palpable to all that we unanimously decided to present an address to him upon the last day. With an appropriate speech it was presented to him. In reply, he thanked the Elders and Saints for their kindness to him and the officers, and for the respect which had been given unto all necessary requirements which had been made at their hands. He furthermore stated, although he did not wish to draw any invidious comparisons, that of all passengers he had ever taken, none had he found more orderly, cleanly, respectful and moral than the 'Mormons'. In connection, permit me to mention the name of Dr. Ramsden; he is an efficient doctor, and one who, this his first voyage, gained the respect and esteem of the Saints.
On Sunday evening, April 22nd, at 5 p.m., we entered the docks. The quarantine officers boarded the Nevada at 3 p.m., but soon finished their labor, finding no cases for detention. For the benefit of those who are coming in the succeeding companies I would say, if you have not been vaccinated, you had better be immediately, for you will either have to submit to it on shipboard, or pass into the 'kind' hands of the quarantine officers.
Early this morning (Monday) we landed, and did not fail having an introduction to the Custom House men (friends of America at the expense of the pockets of other nations). However, we passed through without much scathing, then went to Castle Garden. Unfortunately, 4000 or 5000 emigrants who had come in on Sunday morning, were [p.319] huddled together in the Garden (or buildings), and demanded the first consideration of the officials. It was with the utmost difficulty that we could keep from being separated, and losing much hand luggage. To add to our discomfort, 2000 or 3000 more emigrants came pouring in, and the rain continued pouring down. Not until 6 p.m. did we free ourselves from this modern inquisition. We all have occasion to remember our sojourn in Castle Garden. Leaving the New York side by an Erie barge, we were taken to the railroad Station, and all were soon aboard. Eight cars had been provided, giving ample room for all. By this time it was 9 p.m., and not until ten minutes past 11 did the train leave the station. After seeing them off, I returned to the New York side, and hastened to pen you these few lines. Before closing, I must mention the cast of Brother [William] Gittins, from Worcester. He slipped upon deck, when a few days out from Queenstown, and dislocated his shoulder. The doctor was at hand and set it and the injured man has nearly recovered.
The inestimable servicer of Brother Charles Lambert and Jospeh Greaves deserve mention and commendation. Brother [James] Hart, with great celerity, made every arrangement for the company, and started them away under propitious circumstances." [p.320]
BIB: King, William H. [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star
45:20 (May 14, 1883), pp. 319-320. (CHL)
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