Ship Constitution, June 26, 1868.President F. [Franklin] D. Richards.
Dear Brother,—The captain just disturbed my slumbers by asking if I desired to send a few lines to you, so I am scratching away in a hurry. The captain is sending to land five stowaways. The poor, miserable fellows were forced to make their appearance through starvation. We are now off Wicklow Head. The wind has been very unfavorable, so we have the pleasure of cruising first to examine the coast of Ireland, then Wales, then for variety sake, the Isle of Man. When we are fully satisfied with the excursionary part of our voyage, we expect to leave these washings, and acquaint ourselves with a better country. We are taking it like the wise man who performs a long journey—slow and easy at first, which will gradually ensure the passengers, so that the roughness, when it comes, will not be so severe on them. There has been very little sickness as yet, and all feel first rate. I never in all my life saw a more peaceable company of people. Every one seems to be as cheerful as though they were at home, and some perhaps more so.
Getting the supplies together has caused us considerable difficulty, for the mate did not know where the varieties were, and we have overhauled so as to make a selection, but we shall get along all right when once broken in.
Those five persons who were secreted somewhere in the ship are young men, but where they were has not yet been found out. They were not below among our people. The captain is very kind and sociable, and I think we will get along all right.
I am, with love to all, yours respectfully,
H. H. Cluff. [p.445]
BIB: Cluff, H.[Harvey] H.[Harris]. [Letter], Latter-day Saints
' Millennial Star 30:28 (July 11, 1868) p. 445.
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