We have received from President C. D. Fjeldsted the following news of the voyage made by the emigrating Saints, who sailed from here on the 9th ultimate, on the S. S. Nevada: [p.298]

"April 19, 1884. - Having now arrived at Sandy Hook, I take the opportunity of writing a few lines to inform you that we have had a good voyage across the Atlantic. The weather has been favorable during the most of the time, and our run has ranged between 275 and 327 miles per day. On Thursday and Friday, the 10th and 11th, we had considerable seasickness, but the weather has been fine in the day time, so that our people have been out on deck, and they have all recruited and feel well now. Everything has gone on nicely, with the exception of one sorrowful accident. A boy, four years old, named Thomas, son of Martha Pratt, got hold of some brandy on Thursday evening, and drank, it is believed, about two wine-glasses; this caused congestion of the brain, and he died from the effect of it on Friday, the 11th instant, at 7 a.m. He was insensible the most of the time after he had taken the brandy till his death. The doctor did all he could to revive him, and the brethren anointed him, but all to no avail. This should be a warning for parents to look closely after their children, and not to fetch brandy along their journey, as it is a cause of harm both on sea and land. It is the feeling of all the brethren here, that such 'remedies' should not be found among the Saints on their journey to Zion. At 4 p.m. the Saints gathered to the funeral. After the singing of a hymn, prayer by Brother [Charles] Weatherston, and some appropriate remarks by Brother Manning, the body was buried in the ocean.

At 7 p.m., April 11th, Sister [Jane] McPhie gave birth to a girl, which was afterwards blessed by Brother Penman, and was named Maria Nevada. Mother and child are doing well.

On the 16th, as we were approaching Newfoundland banks, we saw a large iceberg. The captain said it was about seven miles distant from us; it was estimated to be 200 feet above the water. The wind was blowing from the north and it was a very cold day. This morning at 7:30 the pilot came on board. At 11:30 the "Oregon" came along in a hurry; she passed us and was out of sight in a little while.

In the evening, after leaving Liverpool, we organized the Saints, dividing them into four wards. Elders [Charles] Weatherston and [David] Lewis were appointed to preside over the English Saints, and Elders [A.] Amundsen and J. [John] Anderson over the Scandinavians, and Brother [William] English was appointed captain of the gaurd. Prayers have been held regularly at 7:30 in the morning and at 7 in the evening, and the brethren have been diligent in waiting upon the sick and encouraging the Saints, and as far as I know, general satisfaction has prevailed.

April 20th.--This morning, at 7 o'clock, we were inspected by the doctor and none were quarantined. At 8 we came up to the pier, and Brother [James] Hart came on board and bid us welcome. The custom's officers examined our luggage, opening only a few boxes, and at 11:30 we were all through with them, and transferred safely to Castle Garden.

We expect to leave New York tomorrow at 4 p.m. We are making arrangements for provisions. The money for the purchase of them has been paid to Brothers [Henry] Manning and [A.] Amundsen, and they have already made bargains for some of our necessities. We all feel hopeful of completing our journey in safety. The officers and crew of the Nevada have treated us with kindness, and everything has passed without a jar; and we feel, and have reason to feel, thankful to the Lord for the good voyage we have had, and for his protecting care over us." [p.299]

BIB: Fjeldsted, Christian D. [Letter] Latter Day Saints Millennial Star 46:19 (May 12, 1884) pp. 298-99. (CHL)
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