Steamship Wyoming 190 miles off New York, Sept. 13, 1874.President Joseph F. Smith.
Dear Brother,--Before reaching New York (which will, we hope, be about 9 o'clock tomorrow morning), we thought we would at once commence to give you herewith a report of our sea voyage thus far; and finish it after our arrival at New York.
We suppose you received our letter, written at Queenstown on the 3rd instant, and which contained the particulars of our organization and a statement of the health of the company at time of writing, so that all that is now necessary to say here is in regard to what has since transpired.
After taking on board quite a number of steerage and a few cabin passengers, we steamed out of the bay at Queenstown at about 2 o'clock p.m., having been there one hour and a half. In getting into the channel again we experienced quite a shaking, the sea being somewhat rough. For four or five days the wind was tolerably strong, and the ship, in consequence, was kept in a lively motion. Head winds lasted till yesterday, so that there has been, until then, very little occasion or opportunity for hoisting or unfurling our canvas. We have had occasional and brief spells of fine weather, notwithstanding the head winds.
Nearly all our people were seasick; but we are happy to say they got over it nicely in a day or two after leaving Queenstown. During their seasickness, as you may suppose, the culinary department was almost at a standstill; but, since their recovery, the attention paid to that department has somewhat compensated for past neglect. The ship's stewards have invariably been exceedingly attentive, they doing all they could to assist the people when, in their sickness, they were almost totally unable to help themselves. There is now no sickness among the Saints that we are aware of. The ship's doctor might, we think, have been more prompt and attentive to the [p.618] passengers than he has been.
So far as Captain Beddoe is concerned, we deem him to be both a thorough gentleman and officer. He has endeavored to do everything possible for the comfort of the people, and even anticipated many of our wants. All the officers in command, we believe, have seconded the captain's efforts in pleasing and accommodating the people.
The utmost good order and behavior have prevailed. A willing acquiescence has been accorded by the Saints to all the requirements of those in charge of the company, the result of which has been that the most perfect harmony has prevailed. Prayer meetings have been held every morning and evening, and public meetings on the Sundays, to which the respectable part of our fellow passengers (cabin and steerage) have been invited. The elders have, on these occasions, preached upon the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Spirit of God has been richly felt in our meetings. We have had many manifestations of the gift of healing in our midst, and the prayers of the faithful Saints have been heard and answered by the Almighty. We have had every reason to know that he has guided and guarded this vessel, and that those on board who have obeyed his message are within the circle of his keeping
.
We have been ably assisted in our business, and our ministrations among the people, by Elders Charles Sansom, George Woods, Samuel Bennion, B. T. Young, A. Neilson, C. [Christoffer] S. Winge, J. [John] F. Oblad and W. [William] J. Lloyd. The presidents of the wards and the captains of the guard have labored diligently in their offices.
New York, Sept. 14th, 10 p.m.
We reached New York at 10 this morning. Elder W. [William] C. Staines came on board while we were steaming into the bay. We passed the government officers without the least hindrance, and our baggage underwent examination in a manner satisfactory to both the custom-house officers and emigrants. We were taken to Castle Garden in two tenders. The labor and anxiety attending the transfer of the people and their luggage were very great. The utmost kindness was manifested toward us by all the officials with whom we had business. Elder Staines has informed us that arrangements have been made for our departure westward tomorrow, at 2 p.m., from Jersey City, per the Pennsylvania Central Railroad. We have made every arrangement of our own to meet those of Brother Staines, such for instance as purchasing provisions for a part of the journey and the exchanging of English money into American money for the people.
We feel convinced that the hand of the Lord has been over our company thus far for good. Peace prevails, good feelings manifestly exist on every hand, and no accident whatever has happened that we are aware of.
The brethren join with us in expressing our best and earnest wishes for your continued prosperity in the gathering of Israel, and for the spread of truth among the honest in heart. With kind love to you and the elders throughout the mission, as well as those in Liverpool, we remain your brethren in the gospel,
John C. Graham,R. W. Heyborne,N. [Nils] P. Lindelof. [p.619]
BIB: Graham, John C. et. al. [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 36:39, (Sept. 29, 1874) pp. 618-19. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)