New Orleans, March 15th, 1843

Brother Ward, -- I now take the opportunity of writing to you, to let you know that I am well thanks be to God for all his mercies--hoping this well find you the same. I promised to many of my friends in the Isle of Man and in England, to write to them to let them know of our safe arrival in the land of Joseph, and so you will oblige me if you will give the following a place in the STAR [Latter-day Saints Millennial Star].

We left Liverpool on board the ship Swanton, on the 17th January, 1843, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, and we continued to have head-winds for about four weeks, consequently [p.14] we made little progress; but on the 17th of February the wind became fair, and has continued so until the present time. We had on board between two and three hundred passengers, under the care of Brother [Lorenzo] Snow. A few days after we left Liverpool, the ship was set in order, and Brother M'Auley [John McAuley] and myself were appointed his councilors, and the ship being divided into two grand divisions, twelve officers were appointed to attend to the comfort and cleanliness of the Saints. The order of the ship was, that the bell went around at six o'clock in the morning for all to arise, which has been attended to; prayer meetings every night at seven o'clock; preaching Tuesday and Thursday nights, and twice on Sunday, with the church meeting in the afternoon. Peace and health have been in our midst, although some have been disposed to murmur, yet those spirits have been subdued by the authority of the holy priesthood. We have witnessed the power of the Almighty on the face of the waters. For three or four nights the sea appeared to be an ocean of fire, such a sight we never before witnessed.

On February the 27th we saw the first land, at half past two o'clock in the afternoon. March the 4th, we saw a large comet, and it continued visible for seven nights. I do no know whether you have seen it in England or not, as there is no mention made of it in the almanac; but whether or not, we rejoiced to see it, as one of the many signs bearing testimony of the coming of the Son of Man, and that the wisdom of this world does not know all things. I must say, that in my opinion we have been the most agreeable company that ever crossed the mighty ocean, and we have witnessed the power of the holy priesthood in the restoration of the sick, by anointing with oil, and the laying on of hands in the name of Jesus. I will relate one case: the steward of this vessel was so injured by a blow from one of the crew, that his life was despaired of, and I stood over him for some time, and thought that life was gone. The captain had administered to him all that he could think of in the way of medicine, but to no effect; and after they gave up all hopes of his recovery at twelve o'clock at night, he sent for Elder [Lorenzo] Snow, and by anointing with oil, and the laying on of hands, in the name of the Lord, he was there and then raised up and perfectly healed. For this token of the divine favour we will praise the God of Israel.

We have been blest with one of the kindest captains that ever had charge of a vessel, and a kind and obliging crew; and we thank God that he granted us favour in their sight, and hope that the preached word, and the conduct of the Saints has caused an impression to be made upon them that will never be effaced.

Remember me in the kindest manner to elders Fielding and Clark; and I must say great credit is due to them for the manner in which they supplied the ship Swanton with provisions. I have, myself, superintended the giving our of all the provisions, except the water, and we have had plenty and to spare; for after having been at sea above eight weeks, we shall have a sufficiency to last us up the river to Nauvoo. I cannot, therefore, but feel for my brethren connected with the emigration department, when I call to mind the wicked lies of apostates and others in regard to provisions, feeling convinced of one thing, that though the servants of God labor with all diligence for the salvation of the human family, they will necessarily find enemies to contend with, and that, perhaps, even amongst some terming themselves Saints.

We have this day got to New Orleans, and have engaged the steam-boat "The Goddess of Liberty," the one that took Elder [Parley P.] Pratt and company up. We get to Nauvoo for eleven and sixpence, luggage included. We intend to start on Saturday the 18th. The captain is a kind man to the Saints, and has a letter of recommendation from Elder Pratt.

Yours, &c. in the covenant of God,

Robert Reid [p.15]

BIB: Reid, Robert, [Letter] Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 4:1 (May, 1843) pp. 14-15. (CHL)
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