New York, Sept. 13, 1882.President Albert Carrington.

Dear Brother,--On the 2nd instant, soon after bidding yourself and others goodbye, the returning elders on the S. S. Wyoming met and effected the following organization: William Cooper, president; John Howard, secretary; H. J. Christiansen, president of the Scandinavian Saints; Joseph L. Holbrook, chaplain. The company was divided into five wards, with a president over each, with instructions to hold morning and evening prayers. We like wise appointed a captain of the guard over the English and Scandinavian Saints, with instructions pertaining to their duties.

While sailing to Queenstown many of the Saints were taken with seasickness, but on arriving there all were well at once. We took on quite [p.634] a number of passengers, and there was some more sickness for a day or two, Captain Douglas, the purser, Mr. Parry, and the other officers did everything they possibly could to make the voyage pleasant and comfortable, and after the first two or three days we had an agreeable time, with the exception of some sickness and the death of sister Karna Dahlquist, from Sweden, aged 54 years. She died and was committed to the deep on Monday, Sept 11th. Everything we could do was done to restore her to health, but all in vain, she succumbed to severe exhaustion. Many remarkable healings were performed among the sick, and we were greatly blessed while crossing the sea. We held three public meetings on board, which were attended by some of the strangers. Sam Hague's Minstrels gave a concert in the cabin for the benefit of the Sailor's Orphan Asylums of New York and Liverpool. We gave a free concert for the amusement of the Saints. We arrived in the harbor of New York yesterday, at 12 m., all feeling well. We leave Castle Garden today at 4 p.m., and Jersey City at 7 p.m., for our mountain home.

Before closing my letter, I wish to thank the Saints of the Sheffield Conference for the many acts of kindness bestowed on me while laboring in their midst, and I would advise them to do likewise to those elders left behind who are working hard for the establishment of truth and righteousness on the earth. I further advise the Saints to make good use of the blessings God bestows on them daily, for by so doing they can approach the Father with greater faith and receive more blessings from him.

With thanks to yourself for the many acts of kindness rendered me, and every praying for your welfare, the spread of the gospel and the success of the elders, with kind regards to all at "42," [42 ISLINGTON WAS THE ADDRESS OF THE ENGLISH MISSION] I remain,

Your brother in the gospel,

William Cooper. [p.635]

BIB: Cooper, William, [Letter], Latter-day Saints Millennial Star 44:40 (October 2, 1882) pp. 634-35. (CHL)
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