Boston, Quarantine Ground, U.S.A., April 30, 1856.

Dear President Richards--With thankful hearts to the God whom we serve, we transmit you the following report of our voyage from Liverpool.

While lying at anchor during the night of Friday March 21, sister Mary Ann, wife of Elder Thomas Lyon, was delivered of a daughter, which was named Christina Enoch.

After you left us on Saturday, the 22nd, the presidency called together and organized the ship's company into five wards. Elder John A. Hunt was appointed President of the first ward--forward steerage, which contained the young men; Nathan T. Porter, President of the second; Andrew Galloway, of the third; Spicer W. Crandall, of the fourth; Truman Leonard, President of the fifth; John D. T. McAllister, Captain of the guard, and clerk of the company. The wards were then numbered, guard posted, and at half-past eight o'clock prayers were attended to by the presidents of the several wards, and all retired to rest.

Sunday 23. A 6 o'clock, a.m., the horn was blown for the Saints to rise, the decks were then cleaned, and at half-past seven prayers were attended to. About eight o'clock we weighed anchor; wind North Northeast, and the weather fair. The ship was towed down the river by the steamtug "Independence." At half-past nine o'clock, all the company were mustered, to see if there were any stowaways found none. While the Saints were waiting for inspection, Elder C. H. Wheelock addressed them. Your letter, appointing Elders [James] Ferguson, [Edmund] Ellsworth, and [Daniel D.] McArthur, as the presidency of the company, was read by the clerk. The Saints responded to it with a hearty amen.

At mid-day, water was served to all the company. About five, p.m., Brothers Wheelock and Dunbar left in the tug that had been towing us during the day. Towards evening a fresh breeze filled our sails, and we glided along nicely. A few were seasick.

Monday 24. At two o'clock, a.m., Sister Agnes, wife of Samuel Hargraves, was delivered of a son--named Enoch Train. Towards noon many of the Saints were very sick, the wind was Southeast, blowing middling fresh, and the ship making five knots an hour. The general routine of cleaning, serving water, &c., was attended to. At fifteen minutes past ten, p.m., Sister Elizabeth, wife of William Johnstone, was delivered of a son--named Hamilton. At midnight the ship rolled heavily, and was going at the rate of eleven knots.

Tuesday, 25. As usual, the horn sounded--the rise. A great many were very sick. The elders from Zion, and those whom they selected, were around [p.353] like ministering angels, comforting and blessing the Saints. Prayers were called but very few attended. Many of the Saints were greatly blessed through the administration of the ordinances. Towards evening we cleared the channel, and sailed on the broad Atlantic. The next day we spoke the barque "Emily Flyn" of Belfast. The boat was lowered and manned for the purpose of putting off our channel pilot. When it came alongside the barque, it was found that she was bound for Hamburg. The pilot, and the letter that was written for you, by President Ferguson, returned to us again.

Thursday, 27. Nearly all the sick were on deck, chatting, singing, and running about. We had a splendid run for a few days, and expected to be in Boston in four weeks, but it was ordered otherwise by a kind Providence. The captain steered south to escape the ice.

Monday, 31. At night, sister Esther Devereux, aged sixty-nine years, wife of John Devereux, died of consumption. She was a native of Dymock, Gloucestershire, England, late of the Herefordshire Conference. The next day it was so very rough that we could not attend to the burial. Wednesday, April 2, at six, a.m., Sister Devereux was committed to the deep, in latitude 41º 32' North, longitude 24º 42'West. We generally held meetings on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. We served provisions on Fridays, when the weather would permit.

Thursday, April 3. The Saints were all well, with the exception of one child, who was troubled with consumption of the bowels. The company were all on deck. Towards evening we had a little dancing, while the band played several lively airs. The Saints by this time began to enjoy their food.

Sunday, 6. The morning was nearly calm, and sea smooth. The horn was blown as usual. Prayers at a quarter-past eight o'clock. At two p.m., according to appointment, the company assembled in a conference capacity. Elder James Ferguson presided. The hymn commencing, "O Lord, thy People Bless" was sung. Prayer by Elder McAllister. "Now Let Us Rejoice In the Day of Salvation" was then sung. The blessing of the children who were born on board, and several others, was then attended to. The usual conference business then commenced, by motions being made to sustain the general authorities of the Church in Zion, and also to sustain President F. [Franklin] D. Richards and his Counselors, and the authorities of the company as it was then organized. These motions were adopted by a unanimous vote. Elder McArthur was then called upon to address the conference.

He spoke upon the first principles of the gospel, and practical Mormonism, and bore his testimony to the truth of the same. Elder Ferguson bore his testimony to what had been said, and spoke upon the principle of marriage; and advised the Saints, those that had come on board with the intention of getting married, to wait until they got home to Zion. He also made some remarks upon the death of Sister Devereux, and her burial at sea, and gave instructions calculated to do good to the company. Elder Ellsworth gave some very good instructions, and bore his testimony to the truth of Mormonism. A committee of cleanliness, and one to keep order around the galley, were then appointed.

The conference closed by Elder McAllister singing the "Merry Mormons." Benediction by Elder Spicer W. Crandall. The captain then presented Enoch Train Hargraves with a sovereign. The day was lovely, and the sperm whales played about us for some time. The weather was warm, and everybody rejoiced exceedingly.

Thursday, 17. Sister Mary, wife of James Sheen, Junior, was delivered of a son. All the sisters in their confinement, were attended by Sister Hardie of Edinburgh.

Our passage has been a pleasure trip. All have been happy and contented. Those that were not were soon made so. Our steward and cooks have done well. God bless them. In fact we can say God bless all, for they have done nobly.

Monday, 21. Spoke the "Typhoon," (iron ship) bound for Liverpool. We wanted her captain to take our pilot, and some letters to England, but he would not. The pilot is now with us in Yankee land.

Thursday, 24. Between two and three o'clock, a.m., Jane, daughter of Hugh and Jane Clotworthy, aged two years, died of consumption of the bowels. She was buried at two o'clock, p.m. Last night, at half-past nine o'clock, we cast anchor. The Saints assembled for meeting between decks. Elder Ferguson and [p.354] council addressed them. After the instruction, hosanna was shouted three times. A heavenly time we had, and one never to be forgotten. The five presidents were instructed to look after their wards while journeying to the frontiers, and to select two counselors each. The Saints were instructed to remain on the ship until all should leave it. If they needed anything from Boston they were counseled to inform their presidents. All agreed to do so.

By a unanimous vote of the company a resolution was passed, instructing Brother Ferguson to tender you their sincere thanks for the provisions and medical stores you so kindly provided for them. We have just passed the doctor. The inspection--from the time he jumped on deck until he got on his own craft again--occupied about fifteen minutes.

Captain Rich is a man in every sense of the word, and has been very kind to us. At a previous meeting a vote of thanks was tendered to him through President Ferguson. The following is a copy--

Ship Enoch Train
95 Miles East of Boston, U.S.A.,
April 28, 1856

Sir--I have much pleasure in having been selected as the medium through whom to communicate the gratitude of the whole of our company, for the multiplied displays of your kind attention to them, and solicitude for their health and comfort, during their voyage from Liverpool. By a unanimous vote of the company, I am requested to tender you the thanks of their hearts, and their most sincere prayers that God may reward you by administering of the richness of his bounty, health, peace, and enduring happiness to you and yours,

Respectfully,Your sincere friend,

James Ferguson,President of the Company of Latter-day Saints, on board the Enoch Train.Captain H. S. Rich,
Ship Enoch Train

When the above was presented to the captain, he presented the following letter to President Ferguson, written ten days previously, in order to be ready when he came in sight of Boston lights.

To Mr. James Ferguson, and the elders on board the ship Enoch Train, from Liverpool to Boston.

Gentlemen--Boston lights are now in view, and soon we must part, but may we hope, not forever. But previous, allow us to tender to you our thanks for the spirit of kindness manifested by you all during the present voyage, tending to the health, and comfort of our passengers under your charge. If such rules and regulations could be followed by all emigrant ships, we should have less, far less of sickness and distress at sea. Cleanliness is part of your religion, and nobly you have carried it out. May your trip across our states be one of pleasure, and when this is passed, and you are encamped upon our western prairies, may your thoughts wander back with pleasure to your ocean voyage.

Gentlemen, farewell, may health, peace, and prosperity go with you, and when your pilgrimage is accomplished on earth, may a bright immortality be yours, in the world which is to come.

Most respectfully,

Henry S. RichMaster, Enoch Train,Charles B. Jones,Surgeon, ditto
Ship Enoch Train,
Off Boston, 1856.

We have no grumblers, and no murmurers, everybody is contented and happy. Yesterday our pilot was received by three hearty cheers from the company, and "Yankee Doodle" by the band.

Many good things might be said, but I find the report is quite lengthy, therefore I will now close.

Please to accept our kind love, together with that of the company, for yourself and council, and all under your charge. We remain, Your brethren in the gospel,

J. Ferguson,E. Ellsworth,D. D. McArthur,John D. T. McAllister, ClerkP.S.--Thursday, May 1, eight o'clock, a.m., we arrived at Constitution Wharf. We passed inspection without any difficulty. At four, p.m., the next day, we left the ship by omnibus. The American flag waved from the top of the leading 'buss. [p.355]

BIB: Ferguson, J[ames], [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 18:23 (June 7, 1856) pp. 353-55 (CHL)
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