On board the U. S. mail steamship, Nevada, May 24, 1876.President A. [Albert] Carrington.

Dear Brother,--All is well with us. We weighted anchor this morning at 11:30. We "passed the doctor" as usual; no one pronounced "unfit for sea." It speaks well for our people.

The sea is quite calm. All are expecting a good voyage.

After dinner we organized the company, consisting of 117 souls, in two wards. Elder James Talmage was appointed to preside over the first, and Elder H. B. Armstrong over the second ward.

Elder Charles Chessell was elected Captain of the Guard.

The Saints will assemble for prayer at 6:30 a.m., and 9:45 p.m.

We shall also hold preaching meetings at suitable times. Our people feel well in spirit. The health of the company is very good. The weather is very fine.

As we move on towards the promised land, we think of the Pilgrim Fathers that sailed from Plymouth on board the Mayflower, Sept. 6, 1620, for the same goodly land: "From small beginnings grow great results."

The fathers of the seventeenth century would be astonished at the development of the nineteenth century, were they to return to earth. Man's skill is made to conquer wind and tide. Steam power is a wonderful lever to human progress. The present age is superior in many things to past ages. To-day, crossing the Atlantic, is only a pleasant trip. Traveling over the plains of the Great West is simply a holiday tour.

May 25, 8:10 a.m.

Just arrived at Queenstown. Beautiful weather. All are well. We sail again in two hours.

With kind regards to self and all at "42." [THE ADDRESS OF THE LDS MISSION HOME IN LIVERPOOL WAS, 42 Islington.] Peace be with you.

Your brethren in the bonds of the covenant,

John Woodhouse, J. Hopkin,Edward Hanham, R. Hogg,W. [William] Nelson. [p.350]

BIB: Woodhouse, John et. al [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star 38:22 (May 29, 1876) p. 350. (CHL)
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