The Arrival of the Thornton
This excellent packet ship arrived in this port on Saturday evening with upwards of 750 souls on board. The Saints appeared in good health and lively spirits. The Presidency of the company seemed well satisfied with the conduct of those committed to their charge. Everything about them seemed comfortable and satisfactory. The multiplicity of business prevented Elder Willey from furnishing us with a detailed report of the voyage, and depending upon a prepared report we made only general inquiries.
Elder Willey speaks very highly of Captain Collins and his officers. Before leaving the ship the Saints presented the captain with an address, thanking him for his kind and gentlemanly bearing towards them. We were informed the address of the Saints to the captain was to be published, but we have not yet seen it or we should have given it a place in our columns. The subjoined speaks volumes to the credit of the Saints:
Ship Thornton, at Sea off New York, June 11, 1856
SIR: I must take the opportunity, ere we separate to express to you the high respect I entertain for the passengers (760 souls) on my ship, who are immediately under your guidance and direction, and to affirm that they are the finest body of emigrants I have ever had the pleasure to convey across the Atlantic--they have always been willing to do and act according to my wish, expressed by myself through you, and to render me any assistance that I have required from time to time.
All this I am sensible has arisen from you excellent management. I must also thank you for you assistance rendered to my officers, more especially to my surgeon, to whom you have lent your aid during his arduous duties; owing to this I cannot doubt much suffering has been alleviated. And now, sir, as you are about to leave my ship in a few hours, allow me to express to you my best wishes and hopes that you will be enabled to reach your destination in perfect safety, and find all those near and dear to you in the enjoyment of perfect health--this I am sure will be sufficient reward for your four years of absence and toil in the cause.
Please to express my good wishes to you counselors, Messrs. Atwood and Ahmonson, wishing them like success and happiness [-] yourself. My officers, I believe, share [-] me in the above and will sign after me.
Sir, Yours very respectfully,
Chas. Collins, [-]B. W. Ward, [-]John W. [-]
To James G. Willie, Esp, President of this ship, on behalf of the Latter Day Saints.
Elder Willey desired favorable mention [-] his Counselors Atwood, Ahmanson [-] Clough, likewise, Elder John Chislett the Captain of the Guard. He returns his thanks to all the brethren who assisted him in the direction and protection of the Saints during the voyage. There were seven deaths on board, three marriages and three births. We regret not being able to furnish names, we are however, informed, that the deaths were all children but one--a very elderly lady, Mrs. Rachel Curtis.
Those of the company who tarry for the present in the States left the emigrant depot soon after their arrival, those who remain here found locations without difficulty and some have already found occupation. The company for Utah left on Tuesday evening, in good order and buoyant in spirits.
We are glad to be able to notice that Elder Nathan T. Porter, has recovered from his severe indisposition and has left with this company for his mountain home. Elder Levi Savage, who returned a short time since from the East Indies left in the same company. Bro. Savage has been laboring lately in the State of Connecticut and returns to Utah with our approbation and blessing.
Several of the city papers speak favorably of the company by the Thornton. We publish in another column the Herald's report. Mrs. Jervis's case there alluded to is before the Supreme Court. We have nothing particular to say presently about the matter, only if report be correct, Mr. Jervis, who is presently in this city, deserves to be richly cowhided for his beastly, filthy conduct towards his wife--the description of his lewdness would require us to use adjectives which would disgrace our columns. [p.3]
BIB: Willie, James G., [Letter], IN Journal History, June 14, 1856, p. 3. (CHL)
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