President D. H. Wells.
Dear Brother,--As we are beginning to sniff America shores, we feel it our duty to report our condition. We left Queenstown about 11 a.m., of the 14th, under favorable circumstances, and all, or at least, generally, in good spirits.
On the following day we encountered a heavy gale, and during the next three or four days there was a general prostration from seasickness, and, as the wind was directly ahead, we made but little headway. Those of the brethren who were able were active in waiting on the Saints who required help; and the officers, also the stewards, did all in their power to make us comfortable.
On Saturday, the 16th, Sister Karen Peterson had the misfortune to break her arm. The sea was very rough, and a wave struck the door, slamming it with such force against her arm that one of the bones was fractured. She received the best attention, and is progressing favorably.
On Sunday the weather was too rough for a large meeting, but as many as were able met and offered prayers, which practice has been strictly observed morning and evening every day; not only among the brethren, but in the various wards of the Saints.
On the 18th, it was our painful duty to consign to the watery element one of our little ones that died in convulsions, brought on by seasickness. The deceased (Annie), daughter of William and Emily Price, of Tre-aman, Glamorganshire, South Wales, was born Dec. 12, 1878. We conducted the funeral services, appropriate remarks being made by Elder Edward Stevenson. As the winds abated and the sea grew calmer, in answer to our petitions, all on board improved in health and spirits, and, with a few exceptions, by the diligence of the elders things have moved on smoothly. Yesterday afternoon according to appointment we gathered on deck, and the officers very kindly stretched some sails to protect us from the wind. The weather was favorable, and good attention was paid by the great majority, although there were a few, as we generally find at our out door meetings, who seemed to delight in creating a disturbance.
26th. This morning, about 6 o'clock, the machinery ceased to work and we were delayed three or four hours, when [p.732] the fog raised, the anchor was hauled up, and we made another start. During the day we were obliged to stop several times, on account of the fog, and there was considerable anxiety on the part of many at the prospect of having to land late in the evening, but it is the Lord's business to provide for his Saints, and about 6 p.m. we anchored for the night, as the pilot, on account of the weather, would not continue. We passed the night quietly in the river, about sixteen miles below Philadelphia, and about 6 o'clock this morning (the 27th) we again moved, and arrived at the wharf at 9 a.m.
Much credit is due to the officers and stewards for their treatment to us throughout the entire voyage, and no pains have been spared to please us. The elders, too, deserve credit for their united efforts to render assistance wherever required. We were held on the boat until late in the afternoon, and we will take train for Baltimore tonight.
With kindest regards to all at "42," [42 Islington WAS THE ADDRESS OF THE BRITISH MISSION IN LIVERPOOL] we remain, as ever yours, etc.,
Joshua Greenwood,Edward Hansen,William Rex. [p.733]
BIB: Greenwood, Joshua, et. al., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 48:46 (November 15, 1886) pp. 732-33. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)