New York, Oct. 18, 1887President George Teasdale.
Dear Brother,--We are safely at the docks in New York. Our trip has been a success, and we feel thankful to our Heavenly Father for his care of us, and for the good spirit which has prevailed among us.
On leaving Queenstown (Sunday 9th) we all felt anxious to lose sight of the land, and with favorable wind the miles were quickly passed. A meeting was held in the steerage during the afternoon, at which a number of the brethren spoke. The Spirit of God was with us, and all seemed [p.715] to enjoy themselves. Later on the dinner bell called us all to the table, and each, with outward strong determination, but inward feelings of doubt and suspicion, partook freely of the provision before us. About 7:30., when we were all enjoying ourselves, and complimenting each other on our strong stomachs, we began to notice a decided movement on the part of the vessel to be uneasy. It rocked and tossed and pitched, growing worse as the evening wore on. This, of course, had its effect upon us. Before the night was half through nearly all the elders as well as the Saints were under the necessity of keeping close to the "seasick" can.
Monday morning was more pleasant. Tuesday was a good day. Wednesday was rough. The remaining part of our journey was very pleasant.
Ten days after leaving Liverpool we had traveled 3,054 miles, and landed safe in New York. We held meetings on two Sundays, and had prayer and hymns every evening with the Saints. Among the other features of our trip we saw a number of whales. All the Saints passed the doctor. On the voyage we had one birth.
Oct. 20th. We are on our way to Norfolk, all well. No one sick or detained. All send love to the Saints in Babylon.
Your brother, etc.,
Joseph S. Wells,President of CompanyPer C. [p.716]
BIB: Wells, Joseph S. [Letter] Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 49:45 (Nov. 7, 1887) pp. 715-16. (CHL)
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