Ship Manchester, June 12, 1862.President Cannon.

Dear Brother,--We are pleased to report to you the safe arrival of the Manchester at New York, after a passage of 37 days, during which the Lord has been mindful of us as his Saints, and bestowed many blessings upon us. We cannot complain of too many calms, or of great storms encountered, yet our passage across the Atlantic tells of [p.443] many strong breezes, an occasional half gale, and, with one day's exception, the first 28 days spent in constant labor against head winds. The captain having taken the northern route, we, in consequence, got into very high latitudes; if rightly informed, the highest yet attained by the Manchester. On Monday, the 2nd instant, our latitude being 47.4, North, we expected to fall in with ice, and the nipping cold caused some to wonder what the folks in old England would say to a June day so cold.

Tuesday, the 3rd instant, brought to sight eleven icebergs, in itself a grand and imposing spectacle, though not very pleasant company.

On the 5th instant, the weather began to clear, with indications of fair winds. To particularize each day's sail would be but to retell the experience of the previous day. In consequence of the roughness of the weather sickness to a great extent prevailed, but the good provision made by the Liverpool Presidency enabled us to render all the assistance necessary to benefit such.

During the voyage there has been two marriages, one birth, and no deaths; this latter a matter of great satisfaction when we consider that several were very sick when they embarked. The blessings pronounced upon the ship's company by the Presidency, previous to leaving Liverpool, have been fully realized in the preservation of life, and comfort attending us while crossing the ocean.

We held meetings every Sunday, and on Thursday evenings, but on account of the bad weather all meetings, with one exception, were held between decks, at which general instructions, according to the circumstances of the Saints, were given. At testimony meetings the power of God was manifested, and the hallowed influences of the Holy Spirit were enjoyed by all.

On Sunday, the 1st instant, we blest a child, born on the 22nd ultimate, with the name of Henry John Trask Adamson, at which Captain Trask, Dr. Buchanan, Mr. Goss, the chief mate, with several others were present. Captain Trask presented Peter and Ann Adamson, the parents, with a congratulatory letter, accompanied with a chart of the Atlantic, indicating the latitude and longitude in which the child was born.

It would not be misplaced here to mention the courtesy and uniform kindness with which all have been treated by Captain Trask and those associated with him. At a meeting held on Thursday evening, June 5th, it was unanimously resolved, "that we present Captain Trask and Dr.Stanley Buchanan with testimonials expressive of our feelings," which was accordingly done, and to which they returned appropriate replies.

The provisions have been of a first class character, giving general satisfaction.

We passed Shinycock Lighthouse on Wednesday, the 11th, about 8 a.m., and took in pilot. Head winds kept us beating about until Thursday evening, when a freshet sprung up, enabling us to get to anchor opposite Castle Garden at 9 p.m.

Friday, 13th.

We landed at Castle Garden today, at which place Elders H.L. Eldredge and O.E. Bates met us.

Praying that God's blessing may rest upon you, and with kind remembrance to all associated with you, we remain yours truly in the gospel of Christ,

John D. T. Mcallister,
Samuel L. Adams,
Mark Barnes.
George Reed, Clerk.
P.S. - We start for Florence this afternoon. [p.444]

BIB: McAllister, John D. T. [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star 24:28 (July 12, 1862) pp.443-444. (CHL)
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