Steamship Manhattan New York Harbor, July 4, 1867.President F. D. Richards
Dear Brother,--We have great pleasure in stating that after a prosperous voyage of nearly 13 days, we have arrived at this point, and anticipate leaving tomorrow evening for Albany, en route for Omaha.
During our voyage we had a most excellent time, with the exception of a little seasickness, the effects of a violent gale that occurred on the 27th ultimate. The Saints universally feel well-satisfied with the vessel, and the accommodation thereon. The captain [p.473] and officers have contributed to our comfort all that we could reasonably expect, and more, giving unusual privileges to our people.
We have enjoyed ourselves very much in our meetings together, which have been held nearly every evening, the Spirit of the Lord being with us to comfort and cheer our hearts. In fact, all the Saints feel the best kind.
On the 1st instant, we had a grand instrumental and vocal concert, which was quite a success, the captain, officers, and saloon passengers being present, and expressed much satisfaction with the performance.
We have to record five marriages, and the death of two children-viz., Joseph, son of Henry Raddon, aged 1 year, and Mary Ann, daughter of Edward Vaughan, aged 1 year and 10 months-both sickly previous to leaving.
Today Elders Orson Pratt, G. D. Watt, and W. S. Warren, visited us on board, they were looking and feeling well. A number of the missionaries from the Valley have just arrived.
You must please excuse brevity, as we are very busy making the necessary preparations for the forwarding of the Saints to the frontiers.
Ever praying for your welfare and success in your labors, we remain, as ever, your brethren in the gospel,
A. N. Hill, PresidentNiels Wilhelmsen, CounselorJames Ure, CounselorFrancies Platt, CounselorR. R. Anderson, Clerk [p.474]
BIB: Hill, A. N., et. al. [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 29:30, (July 27, 1867) pp. 473-474. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)