S. S. Wyoming, off Queenstown, Sept. 16, 1875.President A. [Albert] Carrington

Dear Brother,--Immediately after parting with yourself and friends at Liverpool, we went to work and effected the following organization:

Elder R. [Richard] V. Morris, president of the Company, with Elders A. McFarland, John Squires, B. H. Watts, P. [Peter] O. Hansen, and Evan Forgesen, as his assistants. Elder John H. Burrows, clerk of the Company.

President [Richard] Morris and his assistants then proceeded to complete the berthing of the company, which was divided into four wards, and to organize it as follows:

N. [Niels Christian Lar] L. Myrup, President of the first; William McKay, of the second; C. O. Mileen [Melen], of the third, and C. O. A. Lijeblad [Liljeblad] of the fourth ward. W. C. Parker as chaplain for the English and Christian Petersen as chaplain for the Scandinavian portion of the company. Thomas Champneys captain, and Evan Forgesen, sergeant of the guard.

All necessary instructions were given to the various officers by President. [Richard] Morris and his assistants, and thus far everything has worked to our entire satisfaction.

I never saw a company of Saints leave under more agreeable circumstances. Everyone appeared to be perfectly contented and happy, which was evidenced by their joyful countenances and their readiness to sing the songs of Zion.

The weather was extremely fine, and with sails set and a fair wind in our favor, we sailed on finely.

We passed a very pleasant night and have not had a single case of seasickness. It is now 6:25 a.m., and the engines have just stopped. Everything calm and lovely.

Praying God to bless and prosper you and your co-laborers in the office, and throughout the mission, in which the brethren join and all the Saints, I remain your brother in the gospel,

Joseph F. Smith. [p.604]

BIB: Smith, Joseph F., [Letter] Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 37:38, (Sept. 20, 1875) p. 604. (CHL)
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