Steamship Nevada, off Queenstown, June 30th, 1878.

I have pleasure in addressing you a few lines from this point: since we started we have had a very fine time indeed, about 7 p.m., after our departure from Liverpool, the brethren of the priesthood met together and formed the following organization for the company: Elder John Cook, president; Elder N. M. Petersen, First Councillor, and O. Olson, second councilor; V. Rhode, secretary; L. D. Young, chaplain.

The following brethren were appointed to take charge of the several wards: Elder A. Hendricksen, 1st Ward; R. Christensen, 2nd do; R. Jensen, 3rd do; O. Olson, 4th do; O. Hanson, 5th do; J. F. Dorius, 6th do; Elder C. Ek, 7th do; Elder A. Wakling, 8th do;--Comprising the English, J. Saniger, captain of the guard. 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. was the [p.429] time fixed upon for prayer, to be held in the various wards.

Everything bespeaks a pleasant and agreeable voyage; the weather is delightful, and the Saints feel first-rate, some have been dancing, and the rest amusing themselves with conversation, reading, etc., everywhere are happy faces to be seen, and the glad songs of Zion--songs of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for the blessings he is bestowing upon us are ascending, while we are quickly gliding along the now smooth waves.

We cannot speak in too high terms of the Captain, Thomas Owens, for his kindness and willingness to do all in his power to add to the comfort of our people; he went this morning around into the different departments himself, to see that everything was arranged as well as possible; the same feelings are manifested by all the officers, so that we can see and say, that the Lord is truly favoring us, and the general desire is to show our gratitude to him, and to continually invoke his blessings upon us, by trying to do his will and obey his commandments for now and ever.

Brother Hyde was rather weak last evening, probably owing to over-exertion, and is today still weak; he has several times been immediately relieved by the administration of the elders in the laying on of hands, and we cherish the best hopes for him. Brother Schettler is giving him every attention.

The brethren from Zion and all the Saints unite in sending kind love to all at 42." [THE LDS MISSION OFFICE ADDRESS IN LIVERPOOL WAS, 42 Islington]

Your brethren in the gospel,

John Cook, PresidentN. M. Petersen, 1st CounselorO. Olson, 2nd CounselorV. Rhode, Secretary [p.430]

BIB: Cook, John, et. al. [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star 40:27 (July 8, 1878) pp. 429- 30. (CHL)
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