Dear Brother,--I avail myself of this opportunity of forwarding to you, through the kindness of the pilot, a few lines concerning matters here, and our doings since you returned to the shore.

Immediately after the close of the meeting convened on board at your desire, and at which you appointed Elders Jeremy, Bull and Bywater, presidents of the company, and myself clerk, the upper and lower decks of the vessel were divided into twelve wards, and brethren were selected to preside over them. The organization of the company at present stands thus : -- No. 1 ward is presided over by Elder J. Anglesey; No. 2, Elder George Swan; No. 3, Elder J. Lythgoe; No.4, Elder James [p.365] Bullock; No. 5, Elder William Gordon; No. 6, Elder William North; No. 7, Elder D. L. Davies; No. 8 Elder W. D. Sprunt; No. 9, Elder D. E. Jones; No. 10, Elder F. D. Hughes; No. 11, Elder J. Alexander, and No. 12, Elder G. Taylor. Elder Thomas Luty is appointed captain of the guard, and his arrangements for the conducting of that essential and important trust are, I believe, of a character to ensure favorable results.

All the Saints on board seem quite satisfied with their new condition. They have not yet had time to experience the effects of sea traveling, having been only about three hours on our way, (we started from off the landing-stage at 6:15 p.m.); still those disagreeable effects which are invariably experience, by poor landsmen (such, for instance, as myself) I presume will, in due time be felt by our company. At present, I can hear the notes of some beautiful hymn being sung with evident delight and happiness, by a large portion of the passengers, and I suppose their countenances bear the marks of joy and gratitude for the deliverance which is afforded them by the Almighty, judging by the feeling with which they sing the verses of the hymn. We pray that our passage may be a safe, prosperous and happy one. It has been what thousands of our brethren and sisters have realized by their faith and trust in him, and it is what we may realize, too, if we place our dependence upon God, who is the deliverer of the Saints, and the great captain of our salvation. I hope, that it may be true to my holy calling and ever be found trying to work out my personal salvation. I have set out for this purpose. Nothing but my religion would ever have induced me to leave my native land with those prospects which are before me. I go to Zion to serve God, and I pray that when I get there I may do so. Brothers [Thomas E.] Jeremy, [Joseph] Bull, [George G.] Bywater, Farnsworth, and many others, are busy serving out provisions, &c.

9:30., Sunday morning.

We are just off Holyhead--all well. The boat that towed us out is just leaving. Everybody feels well, so far as I know. Those who felt a little regret before starting, now are quite satisfied and contented. I expect there will be many soon experiencing some disagreeable feelings-- the ship having her sails unfurled and tossing a bit. We have now a fair wind and good prospects.". . . [p.366]

BIB: Graham, John C., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 26:23, (June 4, 1864) pp. 365-366. (CHL)
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