New York, June 15th, 1880, 9 p.m.President William Budge.

Dear Brother,--We have just landed in Castle Garden, after a voyage which, taken as a whole, has been prosperous and pleasant.

On the Sunday night, after leaving Queenstown, we encountered a severe storm, which lasted two days, and caused a general state of seasickness. On Wednesday, however, most of the passengers were able to be on deck, and the anxious enquiry for mealtimes manifested the improved condition of the people. This latter happy condition continued till we reached New York, with the exception of a few hours' storm and consequent sickness, on Sunday, June 13th.

We had several services on board: sacrament, special instruction and general public meetings. President [John G.] Jones, and Elders [E. M.] Curtis, [John] Theurer, [Gottlieb Ence] Enz, [Samuel] Adams, [John] South and [James] Reece were the principal speakers.

On Friday, June 11th, we had a concert in the steerage, at which songs from Sister Careless, Brother Adams, and others were very much appreciated. We had also a perfect string band in our company, mostly composed of Brother Scowcroft's sons.

On Saturday, June 12th, Brother John and Sister Eliza Beardall were made happy by the birth of a fine boy which, on Monday morning, was blessed by President [John G.] Jones and given the name of Francis Wisconsin. Mother and child are doing well. We expect to be able to take them along with us from New York.

The same day we passed five icebergs, one of which was over 100 feet above the water and over 200 feet wide. We passed this one within less than a quarter of a mile. The air, which was previously quite warm, was chilled so much with its pressure, that overcoats were rendered necessary. The longest distance made in one day was on June 9th, (330 miles,) and the shortest on June 7th (200 miles).

This morning the Saints unanimously resolved to present to Captain Bentley and officers a vote of thanks [p.430] for the kindness shown to our people. We feel under much obligation to all the leading men on board, for courtesy and favors received by the company.

The Saints are all feeling well. Their prayers ascend night and morning to the throne of grace in behalf of those who are left behind, that the way may speedily be opened that they may have a privilege equal to that which they enjoy of being gathered with the people of God.

Your brethren in the gospel,

John G. Jones, President.John Theurer, Counselor,E. M. Curtis, Counselor,Henry Rolapp, Clerk . [p.431]

BIB: Jones, John G., et. al., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 42:27, (July 5, 1880) pp. 430-431. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)