Castle Garden, New York, June 23, 1874.President Joseph F. Smith.

Dear Brother,--We arrived here at about 3 p.m. today, and are pleased to be able to inform you of our successful passage across the ocean.

We have had splendid weather, and no mishaps to the ship, crew or passengers, but have had a general time of health, and no deaths; some little seasickness, but not more than has been good for the health of the passengers.

The Saints have enjoyed themselves, and we have not heard a cross word spoken amongst them. We have met together twice a day for singing and prayer, and given such instructions as were deemed necessary. We have [p.442] held meetings on Sundays, and last Sunday had two testimony meetings,--one in the afternoon with the English, and the other in the evening with the Swiss. The Saints bore faithful testimonies, and much of the Spirit of the Lord was enjoyed. All of the returning missionaries, with the exception of Brother Riser who has suffered with cold in his head, have been well. They have been faithful and kind and attentive to the Saints. We have met together each day after breakfast for prayer, and the best of feeling has been in our midst.

The captain and officers have been exceedingly kind, and have afforded us every accommodation and furnished the sick and weak with extra provisions when needed. The doctor has been most attentive to his duties and kind in administering anything that would add to the health of the people. The provisions have been good and abundant; all told, we have had a pleasure trip. We feel grateful to Guion and Company for their selection of such worthy officers.

We feel thankful to our Heavenly Father for so good and prosperous a voyage.

We wish to be kindly remembered to all the brethren in the office and throughout the Mission, and pray that the Lord will bless you and them in all your labors.

Your brethren in the gospel,

Joseph Birch,John Huber,Junius F. Wells,
S. Van Dyk,
Henry Leigh,
Henry Reiser,
John C. Naile,
John Qualye. [p.443]

BIB: Birch, Joseph et. al. [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star 36:28 (July 14, 1874) pp. 442- 43. (CHL)
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