New York, Aug. 27, 1889.President George Teasdale.
Dear Brother,--I am pleased to inform you of our safe arrival at New York. We have had an exceedingly pleasant voyage across the Atlantic. The weather was good, with the exception of Tuesday night last (the 20th instant), which was a little stormy and rough, and as a result there was some seasickness among the Saints, but they were soon restored to health, and since then we have had excellent weather. The sea has been calm and still, and the days warm, which has caused a good and cheerful feeling to exist among the Saints, and they have all been well satisfied with the treatment which they have received from the officers. Everything that could be done for the comfort and welfare of our people has been done. We have easy access to the Saints, and as we are in the center of the ship, our quarters are desirable in every respect.
We arrived at New York at 8 a.m., Aug. 27, making the voyage in a little less than ten days. Mr. Gibson was at the dock to receive us, and after our boxes and trunks were opened and examined by the customs officers, who were very kind and polite to us, we were put on a small boat and taken to Castle Garden, where Mr. Gibson assisted the emigrants, and directed them back to the boat in a short time. Then we were taken direct to the steamer "Richmond," which was to take us to Norfolk. We left New York the same day at 4 p.m., so our stay there was very short.
We have had a very pleasant journey from New York, and we expect to arrive in Norfolk in about an hour - in all about 26 hours. Mr. Gibson, together with the agents at New York, did everything that could be done for our welfare. All appear to be well satisfied, so far, and everything seems to work nicely under the leadership of Brother [Jens C. A.] Weibye.
With kind regards, I remain your brother in the gospel,
J. P. Toolson. [p.604]
BIB: J. P. Toolson [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 51:38 (Sept. 2, 1889) p. 604. (CHL)
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