Castle Garden, New York, Oct. 29, 1878President William Budge
Dear Brother,--We arrived here at 10 a.m., all well, after a very pleasant voyage of 10 days, having had just enough rough weather the first forty-eight hours out to enable us fully to appreciate the successive eight days of delightful weather, with fair wind and comparatively smooth sea. During the rough weather, and before the passengers got their "sea legs", there were a few slight casualties, such as damaged heads and bruised limbs, occasioned by the vessel rolling heavily.
One man (not of our people) died the second night out, from heart disease, hastened by fear. His name was Foster, and he was about 30 years of age.
We held two meetings on Sunday, and generally occupied about an hour every evening in speaking to the Saints. A concert was held in the saloon on Monday evening, and our people were invited to attend and take part in the same. On the whole we have had a very enjoyable time, the officers of the vessel contributing, by their gentlemanly kindness and courtesy, to our comfort.
Elder [William C.] Staines came on board as soon as we touched the pier, and arrangements for the further prosecution of our journey was entered into.
We leave here on the cars at 3 p.m. tomorrow, for Utah. The brethren of the elders join in kindest regards to all at the office.
Yours in the gospel,
George Barber. [p.733]
BIB: Barber, George., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 40:46, (Nov. 18, 1878) p. 733 (CHL)
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