Holden, Utah, Oct. 31st, 1889.President George Teasdale.

Dear Brother,--I take the present opportunity to report briefly an account of our journey from England to the far, far, west. Our voyage across the Atlantic is one that will long be remembered. We enjoyed ourselves remarkable well, with the exception of four days, when there was a very rough sea. A heavy gale commenced the first night out from Queenstown, and nearly all on board experienced the unpleasant feelings of seasickness. Matters for a while looked quite serious, for the Saints, as well as other steerage passengers, were unable to get on deck. We were afraid of some disease breaking out. On the morning of the fifth day we thought it necessary to make special prayer to God that the winds and the waves might be turned in our favor. We all felt with one accord to offer our petitions, and immediately the wind came more from the north, and the sailors were soon able to spread some canvas, and toward night, under favorable winds, more canvas was put on. The next day all hands were able to come on deck again, for which we felt to rejoice. The remainder of our voyage was very pleasant, but we were pleased to sight land again.

On nearing New York, Captain Worrall wished to know how we felt respecting our treatment. I replied that we had been treated most satisfactorily, and reminded him that he had repeatedly told me that anything our people might want would be forthcoming, if we would make him acquainted with it, and I was pleased to say our experience had corresponded therewith. We presented him with a complimentary letter, which was written for the occasion. He, and also the purser, Mr. Edwards, expressed themselves highly pleased with it.

On landing in New York we were met by Mr. Gibson, who is a gentleman in every respect. No greater attention could be paid to any people than he paid to us. We had no trouble whatever in passing the custom house officers, or the commissioners in Castle Garden. We were in New York two days, delayed on account of being longer on the ocean than usual; but we were given quarters by the Old Dominion Company, the officers of which did all they could for our welfare. Elders Henderson [POSSIBLY J. A. Hendrickse], Gill, [James] Wrathall and myself went up to the office with Mr. Gibson, and procured our tickets, exchanged the money for the company, and received full instructions concerning our journey.

I was introduced to Mr. Prindle, passenger agent, who paid us every attention. We found, upon our arrival in Norfolk, that he had a special train awaiting us, and in a few minutes we were on the train moving westward. We changed cars at Bristol and Memphis, crossing the Mississippi River with our train on the steamboat. We changed again at Kansas City, then at Pueblo for the last time before reaching Salt Lake City, where we arrived at 10 p.m. Oct. 25th. All through our journey we received the best of treatment from the officials by sea and land.

We had a special train most of the way. Elders [William] Payne and [James] Flake, acting as commissaries for the company, would get provisions and deal them out as occasion required, and by this means there was no cause for any of the Saints to be left behind. I think there was no complaint from any source. The elders rendered every possible aid for the comfort of the Saints, and many of the brethren were very useful in guarding, etc. The company was highly complimented by many as being very neat and respectable and well disciplined. I think it was at Green River station that we were furnished all the coffee and milk our people wanted at the expense of the railroad company, which amounted to $12.50.

About 3 p.m. on the 25th, some of the Saints arrived at their destination, first at Pleasant Valley Junction, then others later at Spanish Fork, Springville, Provo, and so on to Salt Lake City, where we were met by many friends. [p.764] We all felt to thank the Lord for his protection over us throughout the whole journey, realizing that we were blessed abundantly.

With love to all at "42," [42 Islington WAS THE ADDRESS OF THE BRITISH MISSION IN LIVERPOOL] I subscribe myself your brother in the gospel of peace,

Edward Bennett. [p.765]

BIB: Bennet, Edward. The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 51:48, (Dec 2, 1889) pp. 764- 65. (CHL)
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