New York, Aug. 8, 1888.President George Teasdale.
Dear Brother,--Before leaving for Norfolk we proceed to place before you, briefly, the most interesting features connected with our journey from Queenstown to New York.
The second day out (Monday) a strong head wind arose and continued until the following Monday. At intervals it was accompanied by rain, which made it very unpleasant for those passengers who prefer to remain on deck during the daytime and endure all kinds of weather, rather than go below and form a too familiar acquaintance with the oppressive, nauseating atmosphere that usually prevails there.
When in mid ocean a breakage, the nature of which we did not learn, occurred in the machinery in the night time. The repairing of this occasioned a delay of four or five hours. We also encountered a good deal of fog off the banks of Newfoundland, which tended a little to retard our progress.
As to seasickness, that disagreeable complaint which invariably makes its appearance on board ship at one stage or another of the voyage, we had our allowance. Several of the returning brethren, and a goodly number of the Saints, were incapacitated for several days. All, with one or two exceptions, had fully recovered, however, before reaching New York, and were taking their three meals per day with evident relish.
We are sorry to have to inform you that a death took place in the company. It occurred in the afternoon of Aug. 4th, and was that of an infant, aged six months, the daughter of a Swedish lady by the name of Andersen. Convulsions was the cause of the little one's death. With the captain's permission we held a short funeral service with the mourners and friends in the steerage, and at 5 p.m., same afternoon, another short service - Church of England- was held on deck, the captain officiating, after which the remains were committed to the deep.
We came in sight of the American shores - a sight heartily appreciated - about 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7th. Passed quarantine at 4 p.m., but were not permitted to land until 9 a.m. the next morning. The custom house and Castle Garden were passed without any delay or annoyance. Mr. Gibson, Guion's agent, was on hand on our arrival, and attended to all matters pertaining to our landing and embarking on the Old Dominion steamship with care and promptness. We leave for Norfolk at 3 p.m., today, Wednesday.
Our voyage from Liverpool to New York, taking all things into consideration, was an enjoyable one. The passengers, not of our company, we found to be genial and communicative. The officers and stewards of the ship were kind and considerate in their treatment towards us. This we acknowledged by the presentation of a written address.
Praying that the blessings of the Lord may direct you in your labors, and with best regards to yourself and your co laborers in the office, we remain your brethren in the gospel,
H. J. Christiansen,C. L. Christensen,C. O. Folkman,per T. Y. Stanford. [p.571]
BIB: Christiansen H. J. et al. [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 50:36 (Sept. 3, 1888) p. 571. (CHL)
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