S. S. Nevada, New York, June 5th, 1878.Elder H. W. Naisbitt.

Dear Brother,--Between two and three this afternoon we arrived here all well and in good spirits. Our voyage was a very pleasant one, of course the greater portion of us partook of seasickness, but after a day or so we were all well again, and when the weather admitted were out on deck, partaking of the fresh sea air.

After leaving Queenstown (Sunday 26th instant) everything went along very nice until the morning of the 30th, at about 2 a.m., when the vessel stopped on account of a bolt in one of the cylinders breaking, this caused a delay while making necessary repairs, but at 7 a.m. we were on our way rejoicing. Later in the morning of the same day, one of the Scandinavian sisters gave birth to a little son. In the afternoon brothers Thomas Judd, S. P. Neve, Louis Howells and H. B. Clawson blessed it (Brother Judd being mouth) and gave him the name of "Nevada Atlantic Larsen." The mother and child got along very well and were able to pursue their journey with the company toward Zion. Sunday morning the captain held service in the saloon, after the order of the Church of England, to which as many as could get in were invited. In the afternoon we held a meeting on another part of the ship, to which all were invited, and a good spirit accompanied us. The time was occupied by Brothers [Thomas] Ball and [Charles] Morton, their texts being the first principles. The strangers who attended listened quite attentively, and seemed much interested. During the last day or so after crossing the Banks of Newfoundland, we had fog pretty much all the time.

In the evening of the 4th there was a concert got up by the officers of the ship. Quite anumber of the brethren and sisters assisted in the little entertainment, which went off well. Mr. George Purdy, a musical director, presided at the piano, he also gave one or two very nice pieces on the violin.

When the weather admitted the Saints were on deck: some in little crowds sing hymns, songs, chatting and laughing, making themselves as happy as circumstances would allow. The captain and officers were very kind and courteous, doing all they could for us.

June 6th. Having got all things fixed we are to start by the Pennsylvania Central [p.397] Railroad for Zion, at 5 p.m. God has blessed us thus far on our journey, and our prayers are that he may do the same in the future.

With long remembrances of the happy time we have spent in the old country, spreading the gospel truths, I remain your brother in the everlasting covenant,

Thomas Judd, PresidentH. B. Clawson, Junior, Secretary [p.398]

BIB: Judd, Thomas [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star 40:25 (June 24, 1878) pp. 397- 98. (CHL)
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