Monarch of the Sea, New York, June 19, 1861.President G. [George] Q. Cannon.

Dear Brother,--I am glad to be able [p.478] to say that we have arrived safe in port today, after a pleasant voyage of 34 days.

The generality of our company are enjoying good health. All seem rejoiced at the termination of our sea voyage, and grateful to God for his mercies that have manifestly been over us.

I do not think any company that ever crossed the ocean could have felt, on the whole , a happier or more united spirit, especially considering the diversity of nations represented, there being ten languages spoken on board.

After the organization of this company in the Mersey, by Presidents [Amasa] Lyman Rich, and yourself, we sailed with a fair breeze and had a most successful passage through the Channel. Since then, we had but little of anything but contrary or indirect winds; but the Monarch has behaved splendidly under all kinds of weather.

Shortly after our departure from Liverpool, President Woodard and his Counsellors proceeded to complete still further the organization, by appointing E. L. T. Harrison, Secretary of the ship's company; W. H. Kelsey, President of the English division; Thomas Morrell, Marshall; Jynaz Willie, President of the German Saints. The Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Saints needed no other General President, as Elders Hansen and Wilhelmsen were of their number. The whole company were then further divided into eleven wards, over each of which Presidents were appointed. These officers have worked hard to preserve order and cleanliness in our midst.

Nine deaths have occurred on board, chiefly young children. There have also been four births and fourteen marriages on board, eleven of the latter being among the Danish divisions.

Captain Gardner, with the first and other officers of the ship, have behaved in a kind and courteous manner to the company. We presented the former with the following testimonial:--To W. R. Gardner, Esq., Commander, Monarch of the Sea.

As president and officers of 949 Latter-day Saints, passengers on board your vessel, we desire, before leaving, to express our entire satisfaction with the treatment ourselves and fellow- passengers have received, during our voyage from Liverpool to New York, from yourself, and also from the first and other officer acting under your command.

Other scenes and circumstances are about to engage our attention, but we shall certainly ever remember with pleasure the gentlemanly treatment of ourselves and those under our charge on board the Monarch of the Sea.

On behalf of the company;

Jabez Woodard,H. O. Hansen,N. Wilhelmsen,Presidents of the Company.E. L. T. Harrison, Secretary.June 1861.

President Woodard and his counselors have enjoyed tolerable good health. They have behaved as fathers to us, and I am sure they enjoy the good feelings of every soul on board.

Trusting the blessing of God may still continue with us in our further movements, with love to Presidents Lyman, Rich, and yourself, in which Elder Woodard and counselors join.

Yours respectfully,

Elias L. T. Harrison.[p.479]

BIB: Harrison, Elias L. T., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 23:30 (July 27, 1861) pp. 478-79. (CHL)
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