Grimsby, England April 18, 1864

Dear husband: We sailed from Copenhagen on Wednesday as planned on the 13th. I did not receive your letter, there was an awful storm, the waves washed over our decks all the time, you can believe me I was very sick. Most everyone was, till we reached land here in Grimsby. We sailed on a very nice ship and were comfortable, which we needed since we were so sick. Several hundred Saints, Swedish and Norwegians, welcomed us. I am glad and lucky that I am among those that shall travel to the mountains but would be much happier if you could be with us but I am lucky that I have a testimony in my heart that I am among God's people. This fills my heart and gladdens my soul. What there will be for me and everyone that is humble and patient in the Lord's hand he will make them glad for here is love among these people. The brethren treat us as if we were foster children. They are always trying to do something for us. The sailors aboard the ship were also good to us. [p.460]

I have been out to social with Sister [Trine Marie] Hold and Sister Christensen and some of the other Saints. It is very beautiful here in England, the mountains are beautiful, the trees are green and in leaf, the flowers are in bloom and are so fresh. There are many things I could write about but don't have enough paper. Here is nature's beauty but people just take it for granted. Let us be near God our Father and be thankful that our eyes and hearts opened to the truth. Let us thank him in both words and deeds. Let us be sincere and loving with each other that we will always follow the right path, so that we will receive our blessings that God has in store for us. Dear husband, be faithful in what you do and be sincere and understanding with all, and the Lord will bless you. I will not forget to pray for you and you pray for me.

Dear husband, just think I will prepare for you a lovely home in Zion, if the Lord will give me strength to earn a little and he will. That I know. I have that feeling. He has always given me the things I have asked for and he will always hear my prayers that I ask of him with a sincere and righteous heart. I could tell you many things but here it isn't very peaceful. There are many small children crying and disturbing us, so we can't think clearly. But when we get home to Zion I will write you some good letters. I send you greetings from the Saints and I visit with all of them. We don't have much room, we can touch each other when we lay in our beds. Give my love and greetings to the Saints there, and say to Madam Hendriksen, study for yourself the teachings of the gospel and then teach it to your husband and children and you will have peace and joy in your heart. I may not get to write to you until I get to Zion. Now to the end, Dear husband, I will hope that God's blessings will be with you and that you will do the Lord's will to the end. I hope that both your days and mine will be long upon the earth. Here in this room I can hear beautiful music, and I think of you. Live well and I will think of you as we sail across the water.

Caroline Mortine Hansen.[p.461]

BIB: Hansen, Caroline Mortine. [Letter] Our Pioneer Heritage comp. by Kate B. Carter, vol. 16 (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1973), pp. 460-61. (CHL)
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