New York, May 28, 1889.President George Teasdale.

Dear Brother,--You have already received a report of our journey up to Sunday morning, the 18th instant, the time we arrived at Queenstown. We were lying close to the S. S. "City Of Chester," inside the beautiful harbor, while just at the mouth was the S. S. "Aurania." The former relieved the tender of a few people, the mails, etc., and left at 10 a.m. We steamed out two hours later, having taken on board some additional passengers.

Towards Sunday evening the sea was a little rough and choppy, and though the weather was favorable, most of us had to succumb to seasickness. During the greater part of Monday the deck presented a deserted appearance, so far as our people were concerned, for most of them were unable to leave their berths. Nothing transpired on Tuesday worthy of note, except that the Saints began to feel better; but the following day was not uneventful - one which will, perhaps, never be forgotten. Although the sun was shining brightly, and providence seemed to smile on us, there was one person, not of our company, however, who was not so greatly favored.

A young man by the name of Redmond, about 28 years of age, embarked at Queenstown. About a dozen of his friends came in the tender to say farewell, and from the number of cheers they gave as we left, we could not but feel that he was much endeared to them; and, doubtless, little did they think they would never see him again. About 1 o'clock on Wednesday, May 22nd, he fell a victim to heart disease, notwithstanding the doctor did all in his power to save the unfortunate man. His body was sewed up in canvas, his feet weighted, and at 7:30 p.m. the same day he was consigned to the mighty ocean - this being the first time some of us had witnessed a burial at sea. It was a sad scene, and though we were not personally acquainted with the young man, there was a gloom cast over the passengers.

The remainder of the week, with the exception of Friday, we were nearly all free from sickness, but a little roughness of the ocean caused a great many to again remain below. The usual Church of England services were held on Sunday, and the purser invited some of the Saints to assist in the singing, which they did with credit. In the afternoon, by permission of the captain, we held a Latter-day Saints' meeting, which was well attended, and seemed to awaken a spirit of inquiry. There was no disturbance or confusion, and everything passed off smoothly.

Several times we have encountered dense fogs, in which we remained for a few hours only, and were obliged to slacken speed, but we have passed through them without accident. Although we have had to battle with head winds nearly every day, we consider our voyage a remarkably good and pleasant one. The elements have greatly favored us, there being only one slight rain-storm, accompanied by flashes of lightning, which, however, caused us no damage.

The Saints were quite comfortably provided for, and received much attention from the doctor and stewards. There is nothing to complain of; but, on the other hand, we have much to [p.380] be thankful for, particularly to the captain, purser and doctor, who have been kind, agreeable and indefatigable in their efforts to make our journey a pleasant success. We cannot commend them too highly, nor over-rate their value in assisting the emigrating Saints who shall follow this company. From the way we have been treated, and from the pleasant voyage experienced, we feel that there has been a providential interference in our behalf, for which we are duly thankful to our Heavenly Father.

One aged lady, Sister [Betty] Bowker, a member of the Church, was unfortunate in having a slight paralytic stroke, though nothing of a serious nature. The doctor was very attentive to her, and she now feels much better, and we hope to see her entirely recovered in a short time.

We arrived here tonight (May 28th), at 8 o'clock, all feeling first-class, and are now anchored in New York Harbor.

May 29th - We have all passed the commissioners, and everything is satisfactory, for which we thank the Lord. The Saints leave today for Norfolk, per S. S. "Wyanoke." We are grateful for the blessings which have attended us thus far on our journey.

In order to get this letter off by today's steamer, I must now close. Praying the blessings of heaven to attend you and all the Saints, we are your brethren,

M. [Mayhem] H. Dalley, President,J. E. Clark, Secretary. [p.381]

BIB: Dalley, M. H., and Clarke, J. E., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 51:24, (June 17, 1889) pp. 380-81. (CHL)
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