“Saturday, December 20. At 9:30 a.m. the Elders who were to embark in the ‘Commonwealth’ that day, about 26 in number, gathered in the ‘prayer room’ in the mission office and received instructions from Pres. Lyman and Elders Eckersley and Andrew Jenson; a fine spirit prevailed and the best of feelings were manifested. After the meeting Elder Jenson accompanied Pres. Lyman to the office of Thomas Cook and Sons, to enquire about fares, etc., connected with an ‘Around the World Trip’ which Pres. Lyman had the idea of taking when his mission in Europe has expired. In the afternoon, Pres. Lyman and Elder Jenson went to the landing stage by street car, whence they went by steam tender down to the mouth of the river Mersey, where the steamer ‘Commonwealth’ was anchored after leaving its dock an hour or so before. Pres Lyman and Elder Jenson boarded the steamer to say goodbye to the returning Elders and also to about 26 emigrating Saints, with who the brethren enjoyed about an hour’s pleasant visit and then returned to the landing. Bro. Jenson worked for the rest of the day, off and on, on the missionary list, one of the Elders assisting him. (A.J.’s Journal)” [BMMH, 1902].
“Saturday, Dec. 20. . . Departures - -The following named returning missionaries sailed with the company that left Liverpool in charge of Elder William J. Facer, per s.s. ‘Commonwealth,’ December 20, 1902” William J Facer, William F Murphy, George H Sperry, Walter J Kelly, Edward J Gardner, David L Dowding, Alexander M Faddies, Charles H Smith, John H Woodbury, David McCleery, Walter Read, Joseph A White, LeRoy Brough, John E Lunt, Sampson Knowles, William A Koldewyn, Marlon Van Cott, George Farrell, Chris P Christensen, Joseph Nelson,Carl Mattsson, Peter W Erickson, Peter Sundwall Jr., Anders Anderson, Axel F Andreason, Nephi M Nielson.(Mill.Star 64:822).” [BMMH, 1902]. (source abbreviations)