New York, May 29, 1888.President George Teasdale,

Dear Brother,--We are thankful to our Heavenly Father that we have been thus far spared to communicate to you our progress towards the land of Zion.

We left Queenstown at 12 noon the 20th, and experienced good weather until the 21st, when we encountered quite a rough sea, lasting until the 24th, prostrating nearly every member of our company with seasickness. However, as the weather improved, the Saints gradually regained their usual health, and soon began grouping together singing the songs of Zion.

At Queenstown a number of Irish emigrants embarked with us for New York. These manifested almost from the start a feeling of hostility, banding themselves to disturb and annoy us. This feeling increased in intensity until Sunday, the 27th; while holding a meeting (concerning the propriety of which council had been taken and permission obtained), we were obliged to make complaints, which resulted in the officers promptly dispersing this element and assuring us we need have no fears that our rights should be respected. In the evening we held another meeting, and was given most respectful audience. After each meeting many questions were asked and a number of tracts distributed.

On the evening of the 28th a concert was given, and we were invited to and did take part in it.

Early Tuesday morning, during a thunderstorm, the ball on the main topsail was struck by lightning and destroyed; but no further damage was done.

A written testimonial was given to the officers of the S. S. Wyoming, of whose conduct and kindly consideration towards us we feel we cannot speak too highly.

About 10:30 a.m. on the 29th Sandy Hook was sighted; the weather was beautifully fine, and the sea like a huge sheet of glass. As we near New York we suddenly become aware of the fact that we are in the American climate, for the heat is intense.

At 1 p.m. the customs officers board our ship and register the saloon and intermediate passengers, and take their depositions in regard to their luggage. We pass two vessels in quarantine with smallpox aboard - one a German Lloyd steamer, the other the "Ethiopia," of the Anchor Line.

At 2 p.m. we arrived at the Guion Wharf, and were met by Mr. Gibson, of the Guion Company. Our baggage was overhauled by the customs officers, and afterwards the Saints were placed aboard the tender, and taken to Castle Garden, where they passed the authorities without the least trouble. At 6:30 p.m. our company left there on the same tender for the Old Dominion Wharf, where they were put aboard the "S. S. Wyanoke," and very comfortably located for the night.

At 6:30 Wednesday morning, the Saints were called together and counseled, and after singing a hymn of thanks were rendered to God for his preserving care that has been over the company. [p.414]

The Saints are feeling well, and not a hitch has occurred to interfere with our progress thus far. We leave this afternoon, about 3 o'clock for Norfolk.

The brethren join in best wishes to all at 42. [42 Islington WAS THE ADDRESS OF THE BRITISH MISSION IN LIVERPOOL.] We remain your brethren in the cause of truth,

William Wood, president,Charles Kingston, secretary. [p.415]

BIB: Wood, William, and Kingston, Charles [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 50:26 (June 25, 1888) pp. 414-15. (CHL)
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