Elder John Reeve, writing from on board the Wyoming, off the coast of Ireland, August 31, 1884, says:

"At the request of Brother [Benjamin] Bennett, who is feeling a little off this morning, I beg to give you a few particulars of our homeward trip this far. The ship has her full complement of passengers; cabin, 90; intermediate, 60; steerage, 500; total 650. Brother [Benjamin] Bennett , whom you appointed as president of our little party of Saints, went straight to work, after leaving Liverpool, and organized the company, appointed all the requisite officers: chaplain, health inspectors, captain of the guard, with all their aids, counselors and assistants, and also divided the company into wards, with presidents, counselors and teachers, so that we have a perfect organization in all respects. We found several of the Saints had failed to provide themselves with bedding, but others have shared with them. There are several cases of seasickness this morning, although we have a smooth sea. The weather is dull, and showery at times. The Saints on the whole are cheerful, and are trying to encourage each other. The elders have been very busy, going around giving advice and helping such as required assistance. They are all feeling well and a good spirit prevails, notwithstanding we have found a few troublesome spirits aboard already who will try to do the devil's work of stirring up strife and contentions if possible; but Brother [Benjamin] Bennett and the elders generally have advised the Saints to have nothing to do with such persons, and be very careful not to be drawn into discussion with them. We all feel to ask for the help of your faith and prayers and of all the brethren and Saints whom we have left behind, and we feel to put a perfect trust in God our Heavenly Father, that he will protect us from all harm and bring us through in perfect safety. This is the feeling that prevails, and while writing this in the saloon, I can hear the Saints on deck singing their hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God into whose hands we have committed ourselves, and, come what may, I think we may feel that all is well with us.

The ship is speeding along very steadily, and although not a very large or very fast vessel, the feeling prevails that she is a good and safe one. We are informed by the purser that she is 390 feet long, is of 3,000 tons burden, and carries a crew of 115, all told. Captain Douglas seems to be a very fine specimen of a British mariner, very kind and courteous to all, and is spoken very highly of by his officers and crew. All the officers vie with each other in looking after the comfort of the passengers." [p.571]

BIB: Reeve, John [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 46:36, (Sept. 29, 1884) p. 571. (CHL)
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