Salt Lake City, May 19, 1882President A. [Albert] Carrington.

Dear Brother,--Perhaps a few lines for publication in the "Star" [The Latter-day Saints Millennial Star, WAS A LDS PERIODICAL PUBLISHED IN LIVERPOOL] will be acceptable to you. I will commence by saying that the Nevada on which the first company sailed, proved herself one of the best and most seaworthy boats. We had what all the old sailors called a very rough passage. [p.379] Head winds most of the way, a heavy swell, and sometimes quite a hurricane would blow its keen piercing gusts, especially about nightfall. The seas would strike the vessel, and make her tremble from "stem to stern;" but she rode far easier in that rough weather, than some vessels on which I crossed previously in finer weather. I was surprised to see the Saints so soon able to get around and enjoy themselves on deck whenever the least opportunity offered. They seemed to be almost universally blessed with a good appetite, and from what I could learn their wants were amply supplied. All seemed happy and contented, and with the exception of an infant and a man who was troubled with rheumatism and heart disease when he left England, all seemed to enjoy very fair health. On one day we saw in our immediate vicinity, as many as twelve icebergs, dancing in the sunlight as they were washed by the waves, which leaped up on to them and produced quite a picture for an artist. The next morning we found ourselves approaching an immense field of ice which seemed stationary. We had to change our course to direct south for two hours, and ran along the face of the ice-bank for what was estimated as thirty-five miles. After this we were troubled with a thick fog till evening when fortunately it cleared off, and we could sail safely again without being molested in our dreams by the sound of the merciless fog horn. The officers of the Nevada are a particularly agreeable and pleasant set of men, and the stewards the most efficient and courteous I have found on any vessel in my travels. I was never better waited on in five times crossing the ocean than on this last trip. The testimony of the intermediate was, I believe, the same as that of the saloon passengers, as to attention and courteous behavior on the part of those who waited upon them. The emigrants were well looked after under the kind and efficient presidency of Elder [John] Donaldson and others of the elders on board, assisted by many of their own number in various capacities.

As to the land journey, it was the quickest on record for emigrants.

The scenery is very fine on the Erie route, and the officials rendered every assistance with the utmost courtesy and consideration. This was also manifested on the Chicago and Northern train from Chicago to Council Bluffs, a line which the Church Agent has patronized for a long time. The same courtesy as usual, with additional zeal for the speedy and comfortable journey of our people across the plains, was manifested by the Union Pacific officers at Omaha. A universal feeling of satisfaction seemed to prevail with the Saints on their arrival so soon after leaving New York, as they were anticipating longer time on the road when they started. I give the above from statements made to me by the officers of the company and others, as I did not travel with them from New York, but followed by the Express in the expectation of seeing them on the way between Chicago and Omaha, but failed to overtake them till they reached the City, they arriving about two hours ahead of me the same evening.

I found President Taylor and the brethren here enjoying good health.

With great desire for the prosperity of the mission under your guidance, I remain with kind regards to yourself and the brethren, your brother in the gospel,

C. W. Stayner. [p.380]After leaving Denver I bought myself a suit, tramps clothing and a bag of tobacco and a pipe to disguise myself so the Deputy marshals would not recognize me when I got home.

BIB: Stayner, C. W. [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star. 44:24 (June 12, 1882) pp. 379- 80. (CHL)
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