"DEPARTURE. -- The clipper ship Underwriter cleared on the 22nd instant, and sailed on the evening of the 23rd, from this port for New York, having 624 Saints on board, under the presidency of Elder Milo Andrus, assisted by Elders Homer Duncan and C. W. Penrose as counsellors.
President Andrus left the Valley in the fall of 1859, in company with the elders who started for Europe at that time. Since his arrival here, he has travelled and preached in various parts of the mission, doing good, and firing up the Saints to increase faith and righteousness. On the 1st of January last he was appointed to the presidency of the Birmingham District, where a warm and deep feeling of love sprang up in the hearts of the Saints towards him during the short time he had the charge of the district. His rapidly failing health compelled him to leave for Zion, much to our regret; but he carries with him the love and blessings of thousands of Saints, among whom he has labored effectively for good.
Elder Duncan left the Valley in the Spring of 1800; and since his arrival here he has labored with energy and success. On the 1st of January last he was appointed to the presidency of the Warwickshire Conference, where he speedily gained the good feelings and love of the faithful Saints. He, too, has been compelled to leave, in consequence of his failing health, having suffered more or less from sickness since his arrival.
Elder John Skerry, who started from the Valley at the same time as Elder Duncan, likewise left in the Underwriter, his age and increasing infirmities necessitating his return home.
The following pastors and conference presidents, who have for a number of years labored in the ministry in these lands, have gladly availed themselves of the privilege of going to Zion, and have sailed on the Underwriter with the blessing of the presidency here -- namely, Elders William Mose, John Cook, George Teasdale, Willet Harder, Thomas Wallace, Joseph Stamford, W. T. Cromar, William Halls, John Reed, Richard Aldridge, Joseph Silver, James D. Hirst, Charles Turner, and John H. Kelson. Elder E. W. Tullidge, for a length of time connected with this office, likewise accompanied them.
Presidents Lyman, Rich, and Cannon visited the ship on Sunday, the 21st, as she lay in the river, and held a meeting, giving the Saints their parting blessing and many choice instructions relative to their journey.
The unanimity and good feeling which pervaded the company, with the joy expressed on the countenances of the people at their long looked for deliverance having arrived, tended to make a fine and intelligent looking company doubly interesting; and we have no doubt that, under the wise direction of President Andrus their ocean trip will prove both agreeable and instructive.
May God bless them in their journeyings onwards to the home of the Saints in the valleys of the mountains!"
MS, 23:18 (May 4, 1861), p.284
"Tues. 23. [Apr. 1861] -- The clipper ship Underwriter sailed from Liverpool, with 624 Saints, under the presidency of Milo Andrus, Homer Duncan and Charles William Penrose. The company arrived at New York May 22nd, and at Florence [Nebraska] June 2nd."
CC, p.65
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