July 1, 1851

Arrival of the Ellen Maria at New Orleans.-- By letter from Elder G. [George] D. Watt, dated St. Louis, April 17th, we learn that the Ellen Maria arrived at New Orleans on the 6th of April, having made the voyage in 63 days.

She experienced a strong gale of wind on the fifth of February, but it abated on the sixth, and in a few days afterwards the Saints had become accustomed to sea life, and were free from sickness. On the 11th she cleared the Irish Sea, where it is not uncommon for vessels to be detained twenty or thirty days. The remainder of the voyage was pleasant as sea voyages generally.

Meetings were held every Sabbath, and also during the week; at which Elder Pratt addressed the Saints and others present, on the glories of our holy religion, "treating of the dealings of God with mankind in former times, and upon what he will do in the latter times, quoting from the prophets in the written word, and opening the future to view, until the Saints felt like leaping for joy, and shouting aloud, because of their privilege to live in these days, when the power and majesty of God are, and shall be, displayed in so many marvelous ways."

On the 9th of April, most of the company left New Orleans for St. Louis, on the "Alex. Scott," one of the largest boats on the river, and arrived there on the 16th.

A sorrowful circumstance transpired in going up the river. Sister Shelley, aged 55 years, wife of James Shelley, from Worcester Conference, in attempting to draw a bucket of water from the stream, while the boat was running ten miles an hour, was suddenly plucked into the water by the force of that mighty current. She floated for a moment, and then sank to rise no more. The engines were stopped immediately, and a boat manned and sent in search of her, but it was unsuccessful in obtaining the [p.200] body. We sympathize with the bereaved husband and family. This is not the first accident of the kind. The Star not long ago contained a similar report, and the brethren and sisters were then cautioned against this unwise action. When will the Saints be advised and learn wisdom from what experience teaches? It is the work of the strongest man to reach water from the mighty current of the Mississippi, especially when running against the stream at so rapid a rate; and no female should on any pretense attempt it. We hope this sad occurrence will prove a warning hereafter.

The marriages were:--Elder Edward Williams, of Carmarthenshire, to Ann Morgans, of Cwmbach, Feb. 22. James Turnbull, of Lilithgo, to Mary Mickle, of Port Glasgow, March 21. James Stratten, to Francis Clark, both of Cambridge, Feb. 9.

The births were:--Emily Robbins, of a son, March 9. Sister Wild, of a daughter, March 28, named Ellen Maria Martha. Sarah Lane, of a daughter, April 2. A. Entwistle, of a son, April 9, named Alex. Scot.

The deaths were:--Sarah, aged 6 months, daughter of R. and S. Preece, Feb. 11. Ann, aged 11 weeks, daughter of J. and E. Toone, Feb. 16. George, aged 2 years and 8 months, son of G. and S. Spizer, March 8. Marintha Althera, aged 15 months, daughter of President Orson and Sarah M. Pratt, March 24. Elizabeth Shelley, aged 55 years, April 14.

The thanks of the company are presented to Elder W. C. Dunbar for the services he rendered them during the time the vessel lay in dock, previous to sailing from Liverpool. [p.201]

BIB: "Arrival of the 'Ellen Maria' at New Orleans [report summary],".
Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star. 13:13 (July 1, 1851) pp. 200-201. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)