Elder Daniel Tyler wrote concerning the trip of the ship Caravan as follows:
New York, April 3, 1856
Dear President Taylor--We take this opportunity to inform you that we arrived at this port on the 17th ultima after a voyage of 41 days in the Caravan. On arriving on board the vessel we proceeded immediately to organize the Saints and place over them their respective officers, and on Feb. 15th divided them into five sections or wards. With this arrangement all seemed satisfied and sustained the various appointments unanimously. We did not get under way until the night of the 18th, at which time we were towed out by the steamer, "Constitution" and sailed along with a fair but rather cold wind for the first week. From this time till the first of March, the weather was variable. On that day we encountered the most severe storm that we experienced during the voyage. While the storm was its height a sailor David Kirby, fell head foremost from the foreyard, and expired almost instantly. Brother Thomas Bartlett had his uncle severely injured by a loose spar and several others were slightly bruised but none seriously. We have had three births, one male and two females and one death, a daughter of Charles and Phebe Gibson, aged 3 years. We have to record one marriage among the rest. Brother William Harrison and Sister Hannah Adams from the London conference were united in the bonds of wedlock by Elder Daniel Tyler, on which occasion the American flag was unfurled to the breeze, bells rung and all the jollification that could be experienced on shipboard in fair weather. In relation to provisions they have been abundant, and of the best quality. President John Butler from Wales was ordained an elder to preside over the Welsh Saints on board. I take pleasure in informing you that the speed of our vessel eclipsed that of many others that left Liverpool and adjacent ports about the same time. In this the good hand of our Father in Heaven is to be acknowledged as well as in the general good health and other blessings which have been bestowed upon us. The Saints with very few exceptions have been faithful in their duties and obedient to counsel and have proved by their works that they are worthy [of] the name they profess With regard to the well ventilated and convenient ship Caravan we take [p.1] great pleasure in recommending her as being well adapted for passengers, or freight. Her commander Captain Sands has acted like a gentleman and has given general satisfaction. He was always ready to hear, and grant any reasonable petition, and has manifested an interest in the welfare of the sick and infirm--often ministering to their necessities with delicacies from his own table--deserving of our gratitude which he has. We are also much indebted to Mr. Lindsay who is a gentleman in every sense of the word for the disposition he has shown to befriend the Saints during the voyage. With these few lines and prayers for your prosperity and success in the promulgation of truth, we remain your brethren in the bonds of the covenant.President Daniel Tyler.Edward Bunker :Leonard J. Smith : CounselorsWilliam Walker :Jesse Tye, Clerk [p.2]
BIB: Tyler, Daniel, [Letter], IN Journal History, Apr. 3, 1856, pp.1-2. (CHL)
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