North River, New York, May 23, 1875. On board the Wyoming--9:30 p.m.President Joseph F. Smith.

Dear Brother,--We take great pleasure in sending you a few lines from this place. On dropping the anchor at Queenstown, it was not long before the tender came alongside, bringing an addition of steerage passengers who were soon provided with berths in the forward part of the steamer. All things being in readiness we steamed out of the harbor at 6 p.m. and were soon in the fog again, which continued until 4 o'clock next morning, 14th, wind ahead, which caused the ship to roll considerably, all of which tended to make a sick man feel worse, and a well man no better, in fact the majority of the passengers both cabin and steerage did not have much use for a cook, Brother Thomas of our party being the only one who came off conqueror, and the children in the steerage generally coming off first best. During the fogs both in the channel and afterwards, the caution evinced by Captain Guard was very commendable, the interest of the owners, also the safety of the passengers being ever present before him.

By the 15th all hands were so much revived that doctors and nurses were at a discount.

On Sunday, 16th, church service was held in the saloon, most of our people attended, and with our choir added to the occasion, we had quite an interesting time. At 2 p.m. we held services in the steerage, at which time a splendid feeling was manifested in the instructions of the brethren who spoke. A number of the intermediate passengers were also present.

On Tuesday evening, 18th, the brethren got up a concert at which the captain and a number of the passengers were present, all appearing satisfied with the result.

On Wednesday, (19th) among other sights we had a good view of a large iceberg, quite a novel sight and such perhaps that a person sees but once in a life time.

On Saturday evening, 22nd, as per previous instructions of the captain to the chief steward, the after steerage was fitted up with a stage, decorated with flags and comfortably seated, and a concert on a large scale [p.377] was entered into, Brother Nuttall as chairman: Capt. Guard, as also all the saloon passengers except one, (who was not feeling well) the intermediate passengers and all our people present. We had a very agreeable time as we continued the concert, from 8 till 11:30 p.m., which will be long remembered by all present.

Today, Sunday, at 10:30, church service was held in the saloon, on which occasion Elder [Hugh] Gowans was invited to address the assembly. At 2 p.m. we held our own meeting, at which such instructions were given as we considered necessary for the welfare of the Saints. At 3:30 the pilot came on board. At 6 p.m. we passed Sandy Hook, and at 7:30 anchored off Staten Island. The doctor came on board. The passengers were soon mustered and passed, and at 8 p.m. we steamed again for the city and dropped anchor for the night in the North River, at 9 o'clock.

Although we have had more or less head winds all the way and the wind freshened up a little on Friday evening, making the ship pitch and roll about some, yet we have had as pleasant and agreeable a passage as could be asked for. When it would seem that we must have heavy weather a special providence has been in our favor all the time and warded it off. We have truly been a blessed company as the hand of the Almighty has been visible all the day long, the seas and the elements being so tempered that we could not do less than be joyful in his mercies extended toward us, for all of which we are truly thankful.

There has not been one case of sickness other than seasickness - no accident of any kind, and nothing to mar the peace of the company. We have attended strictly to our prayer-meetings: the brethren have attended strictly to the counsels given and been willing to assist in doing all the good possible.

There were 13 saloon, 25 intermediate and 508 steerage passengers on board, of which number there is 181 of our people including 5 returning elders.

Captain Guard, Mr. Thorpe the purser, Mr. Buchanan, doctor, the steerage steward, and all the officers, have been untiring in their exertions to do all that men could for our welfare, showing every courtesy and kindness that would tend to peace and comfort and which associations and feelings gives cause to be long remembered. We have made every arrangement for our extra luggage in finding out who it belongs to: also for funds to pay custom dues, and in the exchange of what money the Saints have, for American money.

Have not seen Brother [William C.] Staines yet.

24th, 10 a.m. We are now at pier 46 and Brother [William C.] Staines with us, also Spencer Clawson. They both look and feel first-rate. All seems right, waiting for the custom officers. 2 p.m. Have passed the officers. All our baggage is landed at Castle Garden. 2:45: 25th. People well taken care of last night, and luggage properly guarded. People feel well. Luggage checked and sent to railroad this morning at 7:30. We leave here at l p.m. per State Line. Got all the money or passengers exchanged and provisions purchased. Feel that all is well. Brother [William C.] Staines is wide awake and on hand. Shall write again as opportunity offers.

Must now conclude. Brother Staines says he is perfectly satisfied with us. May the Lord bless you.

Kind regards and love to all at 42. [42 ISLINGTON WAS THE ADDRESS TO THE BRITISH MISSION IN LIVERPOOL.]

Your brethren,

H. S. [Hugh] Gowans,Henry Hughes,L. John Nuttall. [p.378]

BIB: Gowans, Hugh S., et. al, [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 37:24, (June 14, 1875) pp. 377-78. (CHL)
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