We are in receipt of a letter from Elder John T. Caine, of New York, dated July 10th, in which he, in speaking of the arrival of the ship American Congress, says:--"The ship American Congress arrived here on the 4th of July. They had a long, though otherwise very pleasant passage. A very good feeling appeared to exist between the Saints and the officers and crew of the ship. This was particularly noticeable during the debarkation of the passengers. The cordial shake of the hand, and the mutual expressions of goodwill, each towards the other, gave evidence of a respect, confidence, and esteem, rarely, if ever, witnessed between the officers of a ship and steerage passengers, and reflected the highest credit on both parties."
A sad accident occurred during the landing of the passengers from this ship at the docks, concerning which Brother Caine speaks as follows: "I regret to say that a young man named Robert Pike, [HE WAS LDS] from near Hull, fell into the water in consequence of the slipping of the gang-plank leading from the steamboat to the wharf, and was drowned before any assistance could be rendered. He was a very worthy brother, respected by the whole company, who deeply deplore his untimely end.". . .[p.507]
BIB: Caine, John T., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial
Star 28:32 ( August 11, 1866) p. 507. (CHL)
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