"The steamship Idaho sailed on the 17th as announced, with 150 souls, among whom were twelve returning elders, as follows: -- William Paxman in charge of the company, with Joseph S. Horne and A. O. Smoot as counselors; G. Atkin as chaplain, and W. W. Galbraith as captain of the guard; W. C. A. Smoot, and Thomas Lockyer; the following were only booked to New York: J. Nobles, R. G. Berrett, John Bitten, O. H. Riggs and J
. M. Watson; the two last expect to remain some time in the United States. The company, though small (being the last of the season), was a very lively one, quite a proportion being young persons, among whom were some excellent singers. We anticipate for them a pleasant trip, and trust that friends will give them hearty welcome; for the returning elders, the best of feelings follows them, for their faithfulness and diligence in their labors; may the memories of their mission prompt them for ever, to trust in God, and devotion to his kingdom, and enhance their enjoyment of 'Home, sweet home.'
'Our Fanny,' and brother Adolph Anderson, from '42,' both sailed per Idaho. They have our warm wishes for success."
MS, 39:43 (Oct. 22, 1877), p. 697
"Wed. 17. [Oct. 1877] -- The steamship Idaho sailed from Liverpool, England, with 150 Saints, in charge of William Paxman. The company arrived at New York Oct. 29th, and at Salt Lake City Nov. 7th."
CC, p.101

On board S. S. Idaho, Oct. 18, at 11.45 a.m.H. W. Naisbitt.

Dear Brother,--We left the river Mersey about 5 o'clock p.m., and at 5:30 called the returning elders together in a council meeting, when it was proposed and unanimously accepted that Elders Joseph S. Horne be first, and A. [Abraham] O. Smoot, Jun., second Counselor to President William Paxman; also that William W. Galbraith be captain of the guards, with President William C. A. Smoot and John Bitten as assistants. George Atkin was elected chaplain for the [p.731] company, and Adolphus Anderson was appointed clerk for the same. After these appointments were carried, it was decided to have prayers with the Saints at 9.30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and that 10 p.m. should be the time of retiring for all the Saints, and that no singing or walking around would be allowed after that hour, and it was left with President Paxman to call a meeting whenever he might think desirable; names of desirable men were given by the elders for guards, after which council was adjourned. The elders then retired below, and called a meeting of the Saints, when the before-mentioned appointments and regulations were laid before them and unanimously accepted, then followed some excellent remarks and instructions by Elders Paxman, [W.W.] Galbraith and [George] Atkin, among other things the men who were appointed guards were instructed to let nobody come into the part of the vessel which the Saints occupied, except the ship's officers when on business, and the Saints were instructed not to mingle or associate with the sailors; meeting was closed with a hymn, and prayer by A. [Abraham] O. Smoot, Jun., dedicating the vessel and in particular the portion occupied by the Saints to the Lord, and for the benefit of the Saints. Today we have organized a choir, and are trying to make our voyage as pleasant and lively as possible. The Saints are happy and rejoicing, with a few exceptions, who are suffering from seasickness. We had a very pleasant night, and a beautiful morning, but the vessel is commencing to heave a little just now. The accommodation on board, thanks to Guion & Co.'s interest for our people, are most splendid, and the officers are very courteous and willing to do anything for our accommodations. We expect to arrive at Queenstown about 1 o'clock noon.

Your brethren in the cause of truth.

William Paxman, President.Joseph. S. Horne.A. [Abraham] O. Smoot, Jun.Per Adolphus Anderson, Clerk.[p.732]

BIB: Paxman, William, et. al. [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 39:45, (November 5, 1877), pp. 731-32.
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