S. S. Wisconsin, August 21, 1888President George Teasdale:

Dear Brother,--We are now approaching the end of our journey so far as the ocean is concerned, and are able to pass an opinion in relation to it. After leaving Queenstown on the 12th - from which place we last reported - we encountered some very rough weather, which continued with slight intervals for fully a week. We had head winds the whole of the time, and the captain considers it has been a rather rough voyage.

This fact borne in mind, it will occasion no surprise that much seasickness prevailed for several days; but I am happy to state that there is not now a sick person on board, in our company, and no accident of any kind has occurred.

Besides visiting among the Saints, giving private counsel and advice, we have held two meetings in the steerage; and on Sunday, by permission of the captain and at the request of some cabin passengers, we held a meeting on deck, which was addressed by Elder [J. H.] Kelson for nearly an hour, and which was followed by some animated discussion among the passengers concerning our doctrine and the Mormon question in general.

A lively, and in some cases a very bitter, feeling had been manifested from the beginning among the saloon passengers upon learning of our presence; but by the wise and prudent course adopted by the brethren, and the judicious exposition of our doctrines, this prejudice has been considerably allayed if not entirely removed; and now we are at least respected by all, except perhaps one or two whose approbation it would be to our discredit to receive.

The captain, on more than one occasion and in different ways, as far as was at all compatible with his position, has shown his good feeling towards us, and this drew forth the following testimonial, presented to him in writing:

S. S. Wisconsin, August 21, 1888.Captain Bentley.
Dear Sir,

We, the undersigned, passengers, in behalf of ourselves and the company of Latter-day Saints on board this vessel, desire in this unpretentious way to express our appreciation of the uniform cordiality and gentlemanly treatment we have received from yourself, Purser Brandt, and the authorities in general on board this steamer during this rather trying and inclement voyage.

By resolutions passed at a meeting of our people, we were desired to convey to you and your officers and crew the sincere good will and kindly wishes of a grateful band of wayfarers, with our fervent and united prayers for your future prosperity and divine protection in your noble but perilous calling.

Levi Naylor.N. Y. Schofield.B. Heartjes.J. H. Kelson.James Welton.J. W. Taylor.

The company are now fully enjoying the beautiful weather and calm sea, after the gales and fogs we have experienced, and are beginning to sniff the land from afar. [p.606]

We expect to arrive about noon tomorrow (Wednesday, 22nd); and as all are in good health and spirits, everything is thus far satisfactory; and we feel to thank God for his kind care over us, and acknowledge his hand in the blessings we enjoy, and trust him for those we still hope to receive.

All the brethren unite with me in prayers and kindest regards for yourself and the inmates of "42." [42 Islington WAS THE ADDRESS OF THE BRITISH MISSION IN LIVERPOOL]

Your brother in the gospel, etc.

Levi Naylor,(Per N. Y. Schofield, Secretary).

P.S. It is now Thursday morning, eleven o'clock, and instead of being in New York on Wednesday as expected, we are still 150 miles from that place. This was due to an unforeseen accident caused by one of the stokers falling some considerable distance and striking a portion of the steam apparatus with such force as to break a main pipe, which occasioned the entire stoppage of the machinery of the vessel for twelve or thirteen hours; and since resuming our journey we have been crawling along at only half speed, as only half the power of the engine could be employed. The head of the poor stoker, though seemingly harder than the metal, received terrible damage, but under the doctor's care he is rapidly recovering. With us all is well. Expect to arrive in New York late this evening. A singular feature in connection with this accident was, that during the time the vessel was disabled a dead calm prevailed, although immediately before and after we experienced extreme rough and heavy seas. [p.607]

BIB: Naylor, Levi W., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 50:38, (Sept. 17, 1888) pp. 606-07. (CHL)
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