S. S. Nevada, April 24, 1886President D. [Daniel] H. Wells.
Dear Brother,--At twelve o'clock today we will (D.V.) be about 1,000 miles from New York, and the captain and officers of the ship now talk of Tuesday as the probable day of our landing, although we may reach the harbor and complete the journey on Monday evening.
Our voyage up to the present time has been unusually pleasant, so far as favorable winds and waves could make it so, but we have had some sickness among our people which caused a little anxiety on our part. However, through the blessing of the Lord everything is now more favorable, and those who have been feeling so poorly are much better and seem hopeful and light-hearted. One of the Danish sisters who has been a subject of our concern was not at all well when we embarked, and once or twice she rather despaired of reaching her destination; today, however, she is much better and anticipates with pleasure her safe arrival among the gathered of Israel.
Our good ship is seemingly determined to beat her last several years record, and the captain and crew are consequently in more than ordinarily good spirits. There was quite an addition to the ship's company at Queenstown, and the appearance of the passengers was not such as would impress one that our company would be improved as much as augmented.
We have sighted a number of vessels during our voyage thus far, and I was informed that at 4 o'clock this morning an iceberg was visible.
The weather has been pleasant for the greater part of the time, and as we are now past the Bank of Newfoundland we do not expect to encounter any fog. There is a good feeling prevailing among our people and all are working harmoniously together for the best good and comfort of the company.
The sick among our people receive every attention possible from the elders and Saints, and anything obtainable to tempt their appetites is procured.
Monday, April 26.--We are still blessed with favorable weather and expect to reach our port tomorrow about noon.
Divine service was held on board yesterday, at 10:30 a.m., at the conclusion of which Captain Douglass very kindly proffered a short time for an address to the assembly, or to hold a meeting later in the day. We chose the latter, and at 2:30 p.m. our people and a number of strangers assembled in the saloon, where we held a most enjoyable and interesting meeting. The Spirit of the Lord was with us, and all present listened with wrapt attention to the remarks of the brethren, some of which were given in English, and some in the Scandinavian languages.
The captain and officers have been very obliging to us, and have done what lay in their power for our comfort.
Tuesday, April 27.--We arrived safely at New York about 1 o'clock, p.m, and have succeeded in getting our people in quarters in Castle Garden - a very nice name but not such a nice place.
All are well. We are expecting to start tomorrow for Salt Lake City. In taking leave of Captain Douglass, he good naturedly acquiesced in the assertion that we attributed the extraordinarily good voyage to the fact that there was a company of "Mormons" on board. [p.300]
We remain your brethren in the gospel;
E. [Edwin] T. Woolley,J. [James] L. McMurrinJ. [John] C. Stromberg [p.301]
BIB: Woolley, E.T., et. al., [Letter] Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 48:19 (May 10, 1886) pp. 300-301. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)