Off Queenstown,5.30 a.m., October 24, 1873.President. L. J. Herrick.
Dear Brother,--Soon after you left us we turned our attention to the comfort of the Saints, and organized the company as follows: Albert Singleton, to be captain of the guard, and William Crouch his assistant; William Smith to the charge of the first ward; Thomas Warret [Warrett], the second; Edward Peters, the third, and George C. Ferguson, the fourth.
You, doubtless, will be surprised to learn that we dropped anchor at half-past 10 on the night of the 22nd, off New Brighton. As there was a heavy gale at the time, the captain very wisely concluded to await until the following morning before proceeding on the voyage. On the 23rd at a quarter past eight, a.m., we sailed out of the Mersey and moved swiftly and smoothly along till about three, p.m., when Neptune's bosom became restless and thickly dotted with white-capped waves, the result of which soon had a telling effect upon the passengers, two-thirds of whom were seasick. This continued until about midnight.
We are pleased to notice that the most of our people are feeling much better this morning, and trust they may continue to do so. The happy, comfortable and easy appearance of our people, and the absence of vulgarity and profanity, have already elicited remarks of commendation and praise from saloon passengers.
We are much pleased to have the companionship of President [Albert] Carrington, whom we are happy to say enjoys his usually good health.
This morning the weather is clear, and indicates a pleasant and speedy voyage.
Praying for your continued success, together with that of your co-workers, and wishing a kindly remembrance to all the Saints, in which President Carrington joins, we remain, your brethren in the Covenant of Peace,
John I. Hart,John Neff,William K. Barton.[p.698]
BIB: Hart, John I., et. al., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 35:44 (November 4, 1873) p. 698. (CHL)
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