Voyage of the Emigrants-safe Arrival in New York
We have received a letter written on board the S.S. Wisconsin, dated near New York, Nov. 7, 1883, and signed by John Pickett, president, and Joseph W. McMurrin, secretary of the company of emigrating Saints, from which we cull the following:
"After forwarding our report of the organization of the company from Queenstown, we put out to sea about 1 p.m. on Sunday the 28th ultimo, all feeling happy and cheerful, with the exception of those who were sick. From the start we encountered head winds and a rough sea, our old vessel being tossed about by the waves more like a building of cork than of iron; but, though winds and waves were contrary, we kept moving on our journey. At times, however, our speed was not very great. From the evening of the 28th ultimo until the 2nd instant there was no lull in the gale, but the waves kept rising higher and higher, until at times it looked as though the old boat would be submerged. She rocked from side to side until the deck railing dipped right down into the sea, and then she would rise on a huge wave and sit triumphant for a moment, like a thing of life, when she would charge the next on-coming wave by darting down into the trough of the sea, and, receiving the enemy on her bow, would rise again, throwing great rivers of water over the deck in every direction. It was a grand sight to those who were not troubled with seasickness, but the majority of the passengers paid dearly for a sight only enjoyed by a few.
There was a mournful, far away expression upon the faces of elders and Saints alike for the first few days, and their noses would be turned up in disgust at the sound of the dinner bell, while in their hearts they were yearning for the courage to go and partake of the food prepared. All hands seemed to be in a melancholy mood, and but little conversation was heard; but now the scene is changed, and chattering tongues can be heard in every direction, while peals of merry laughter are constantly ringing forth from all quarters of the deck; at the sound of the dinner bell every face is instantly illumined with a bright smile, and all hands go hurrying off to supply the wants of the inner man.
The sea was smooth on the morning of the 3rd, which was something appreciated by all, and from that time to the present the weather has been beautiful, and a feeling of thankfulness prevails in the hearts of the Saints. As soon as the Saints commenced to recover from their sickness, evening meetings were introduced, and have been continued nightly, with the exception of two nights, when concerts were held instead. The Saints have enjoyed themselves very well, and the Spirit of God has been with them. No grumbling or fault-finding has been heard, to speak of, and the elders have had no particular trouble with any of the Saints. The officers of the ship have been gentlemanly in their actions, and the stewards have waited upon the Saints with much kindness. Some few of the cabin passengers have attended our meetings and concerts, while others have acted in a rather disdainful manner. Good health prevails among all the Saints, and happiness is beaming forth from every countenance, caused by the thought of again standing upon dry land. [p.762]
We were stopped twice on the journey by the machinery getting out of order, and lost several hours, but, all things considered, our journey has been prosperous, and we have cause to be thankful to our Heavenly Father for the blessings we enjoy. The longest distance traveled in 24 hours was 320 miles, and the shortest 205.
At 10:45 this morning our ship was boarded by the pilot, and all hands were glad to see this individual on deck. At 11:15 we rounded Sandy Hook, and received the quarantine staff on board at 12:10. Half an hour was scarcely occupied in passing the company of Saints through the hands of these persons, and all were pronounced in a good, healthy condition. In a few more minutes we shall leave the old Wisconsin and continue our journey by rail, carrying a young Wisconsin with us, as Sister Ward has named her new-born son after the old vessel on which he was born.
2 p.m. Brother Hart has just arrived on board; he is in good health and sends kind regards. We shall leave for the West tomorrow night at 7:20. President George Q. Cannon and Brother John T. Caine are here. The weather is lovely, the sun is shining brightly, and we feel in very deed as though we had got away from England and its smoke." [p.763]
BIB: Pickett, John and McMurrin, Joseph W. [Letter], Latter-day
Saints' Millennial Star 45:48, (Nov 26, 1883) pp. 762-63. (CHL)
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