On board steamship Manhattan, New York, Oct. 7, 1869.President A. [Albert] Carrington.
Dear Brother,--After a tedious and for the most part rather a rough passage, we arrived here last night, all well. With the exception of a few pleasant days, we have had adverse winds. The company have got along tolerably cheerfully, notwithstanding seasickness has been experienced more [p.708] or less by a great many during our sojourn on the bosom of the great deep, and we have realized the hand of the Lord over us for good. Morning and evening our songs and prayers have ascended up unto him. With the aid of a violin and bass horn, the latter performed on by Borther McMeiken, from Nottingham, and the former by Brother Hitching, from Pembroke, our singing has been pleasant and harmonious.
We have to record the death of a child on the morning of Sept. 28, which, according to the report of the mother, Sister Edwards, from Birmingham Conference, had been sickly and puny since its birth, about seven months ago.
The attention of the stewards and assistants has been very good to the sick, &c., also we have experienced from the captain and other officers, with very few exceptions, general kindness.
On Sunday last, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m., we had a public meeting on deck, and we invited all on board, passengers and crew. Several hundreds, besides our company, were privileged to hear preaching from Brother Hyde and Dye, myself bearing testimony.
12 p.m., 8, Battery Place.
We are now getting all onshore at Castle Gardens, and expect to leave this afternoon. Brother Dusenbury will go through with us. Brothers Staines and Teasdale are well. I am now very busy attending to the business for the company to leave this afternoon.
Accept of my love to yourself and all associates.
Yours truly,
Joseph Lawson. [p.709]
BIB: Lawson, Joseph [Letter] Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 31:44 (October 27, 1869) pp. 708-709. (CHL)
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