Ship Constitution, off Sandy Hook, August 5, 1868.
President F. [Franklin] D. Richards.
Dear Brother,--As we are nearing the port of New York, and soon expect to set our feet upon land, we write to give you a little information in regard to our voyage across the sea, and the general health of the passengers; knowing that you will be pleased to learn of our progress, and especially to know that thus far we have pursued our journey towards Zion without losing a single soul.
We left Liverpool, as you are aware, on the 24th of June, about one o'clock p.m., under very favorable circumstances, and after cruising along the coasts of Ireland and Wales, endeavoring to work our way out of the channel, we managed, after thus spending a few days, to get into the open sea. Though we have not been far off the right course, yet the calms have been so frequent, and of longer duration than the breezes, that we have had a longer passage than was anticipated when we left Liverpool. One thing, though, has been greatly in our favor: the gentleness of the fore part of the passage gave the people a gradual hardening to sea life; so that, when afterwards the sea became rough, it did not have such a serious effect upon them as it otherwise would have done. By this, and other means connected with the providence of God, the lives of all have been spared, and not one taken from our little company by death or otherwise, for which we greatly rejoice in the Lord.
We organized the company into wards, placing an elder over each ward; after which, we selected some trusty brethren, who were free handed, from each ward, to look after the welfare of the sick, and to assist in keeping cleanliness among the people. These brethren, laboring in conjunction with the presidents of each ward, and all in connection with us, enabled us to keep things in a healthy condition, taking all things into consideration. We established a time for prayer, both in the morning and evening, which was pretty punctually attended to by all. We also held Divine Service every Sabbath except one, which, owing to a severe rain storm and rough sea, was skipped. A splendid feeling was enjoyed in our meeting, and excellent instructions given. Our arrangements for the good of the company were so nicely carried out, and the faith of the whole company so great, that the doctor became dull and stupid, and, no doubt, would have had a very severe attack of the gout, had not the "medicine chest" contained a good supply of opium. Of course, the doctor felt as though his profession was fast falling into disrepute, and that he would have to follow farming soon for a living, or become lean.
Great praise is due to Captain Hatten for the interest he manifested towards the passengers, and the many liberties extended to them, which had a great tendency in enabling us to keep the health of the company good. He also took much interest in adding to the little celebration which we endeavored to get up for the 24th of July, as also the 4th, by hoisting flags, shooting rockets, and illuminating the ship. Speeches, songs, and toasts were indulged in, added to which the captain provided a good dinner for the elders returning home, and thus the day was spent with joy and rejoicing, and no doubt will long be remembered by the Saints who were on the ship.
We are now above Sandy Hook, having passed it without any difficulty, and are in hopes to have a tug boat soon. We expect to land this afternoon. I think all will be able to land without any difficulty. The company are all well, unless it be a few aged, who were feeble when they came on board.
With kind love to yourself, and all the brethren with you, we remain, most respectfully, your brethren in the gospel of peace,
H. H. CluffJ. S. HorneC. P. Liston [p.572]
BIB: Cluff, H.[Harvey] H. [Harris], [Letter], Latter-day Saint
's Millennial Star 30:36 (September 5, 1868) p. 572. (CHL)
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