Steamship Wyoming, Off Queenstown, 4:30 p.m., May 13, 1875.President Joseph F. Smith.
Dear Brother,--Being desirous to keep you posted as to the welfare of the company of Saints in our charge, we send you a few lines from this place.
At 2:40 p.m. yesterday on bidding adieu to our kind brethren and friends, we steamed down the Mersey and soon found ourselves gliding through the water finely. Before reaching Holyhead; a head wind sprung up, causing a heavy swell, which continued until about 12 midnight. Shortly after a heavy fog settled down and has continued so far all day, in consequence of which the pilot, Mr. Jones, sailed very cautiously down the channel, causing some delay in our arrival here, as it was anticipated to arrive at about 12 or 1 p.m. Caution in dangerous places is very commendable. We are ahead of the national steamer "Egypt," which sailed a short time after us from Liverpool.
At 8 o'clock last evening we called the Saints together, and after laying before them our wishes as to their course of procedure for their welfare while on the journey, we organized into two wards, appointing Elder Daniel Lloyd as President of the first, and Elder James Storey as president of the second ward. We also appointed Elder Frederick Bower as captain of the guard, all of whom were unanimously accepted by the Saints, who seem willing to make our journey agreeable. We have also appointed to meet for prayers at 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. each day.
This morning in meeting with the Saints we found a few somewhat seasick and not able to attend prayers, but all are very well situated, and feel well in spirits, and we have no doubt they will feel better in health, as they so express themselves, only being too glad to be so far on their way to the home of the Saints, and so far freed from Babylon.
With our best wishes for your welfare, and praying that Israel's God may pour his blessings upon you, together with all the faithful brethren laboring with you, and engaged in the great work of redemption of the human family.
We remain your brethren in the gospel of peace,
H. [Hugh] S. Gowans,Henry Hughes,L. John Nuttall,Thomas F. Thomas,George Ball, [p.315]
BIB: Gowans, Hugh S., et al. [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 37:20 (May 17, 1875) p. 315. (CHL)
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