New York, Nov. 2, 1880.President William Budge.

Dear Brother,--We arrived here at 3 p.m. today. Up till the night of Monday, Oct. 25th, the weather was mild and pleasant. At that time, however, a gale commenced blowing. Fortunately it was in the right direction for speeding us on our way, causing the good ship to dash over the surging sea with great rapidity. The scene during the storm was indescribably grand, the waves lifting their crested heads to a tremendous height, and breaking with a terrific roar. The deck was swept by the dashing waters, causing the passengers to seek refuge under cover.

From Wednesday morning till the morning of Sunday, Oct. 31st, the weather was pleasant and the sea smooth. On the morning of the last-named date we were treated to another storm. A strong head wind, accompanied by rain, prevailed throughout the entire day and nearly the whole of the following night, materially impeding our progress.

With the exception of seasickness, which was general during the storm, the health of the company has been excellent. A good spirit has prevailed, and our meetings, of which a goodly number were held, have been characterized by good feelings. The elders returning have done all in their power in ministering to the comfort of the people; and the officers of the ship, from Captain Bentley down, have been uniformly kind and accommodating.

Many of the Saints of this company are very poor, and inquiry on the subject develops the fact that quite a number are without sufficient means to purchase their provisions for the overland trip. This places us in a position of some perplexity, causing us to do some hard thinking, but we have faith that, with the help of God, which has thus far been visibly given us, all things will work well, and that all will be able to successfully prosecute our journey to its termination.

Nov. 3rd. We were met last evening on board by brother W. [William] C. Staines, who is in good health, and desires to be kindly remembered. Everything progresses nicely with the company. We are passing through the Custom House this morning, and this afternoon at 5 o'clock we expect to leave for the west. The Saints feel well, a spirit of union being in their midst. The elders are doing all they can to assist the Saints with their luggage. The business portion of our affairs causes us no trouble so far. With kind regards we remain,

Your brethren in the covenant,

John Nicholson, President,George Crane, CounselorAndrew Ferguson, CounselorEdward E. Brain, Clerk. [p.747]

BIB: Nicholson, John [Letter], Latter-day Saints Millennial Star
42:47 (Nov. 22, 1880) p.747. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)