Steamship Minnesota, near New York, July 12, 1868.President F. [Franklin] D. Richards.

Dear Brother,--According to your request, we write to you from on the face of the great deep, after an unusually pleasant voyage of 11 days. The captain, officers, and crew say that they never had such a favorable and delightful passage over the ocean before. No death occurred, although we numbered about 1,150 passengers, and crew 104. All enjoyed the best of health, with the exception of seasickness for a couple of days, and a few for most part of the way, though they have been very well for the last two or three days.

We realized your promise to the letter-viz., if we would keep the commandments of the Lord, that we would have good times and a pleasant voyage, for the fulfilment of which we feel exceedingly thankful to the Lord, and for the kind providence which has watched over us all the way through. More delightful weather could not be [p.491] desired. The old people enjoyed themselves far beyond expectation. The little money you entrusted me with, or a portion of it, was spent to great advantage in furnishing the sick with little comforts, and the ship authorities have been very kind, as far as their law would allow. Captain James Price's conduct has been gentlemanly, kind, and upright towards us all the way through, and has given the greatest satisfaction, which is praiseworthy; also Mr. Roberts, the chief steward, and Dr. Buchannan. Through their aid and assistance, and the blessing of the Lord, we have been able to maintain health and comfort among the Saints, and all feel first-rate.

We had some singing and dancing almost every day, and peace and harmony prevailed universally in our little world. We held meetings twice on Sunday, once in the open air, and Elders J. [John] Parry and Z. Jacobs addressed the audience. Great attention was given by both Saints and strangers, and good feelings prevailed. On the previous Saturday evening, July 4th, we had a concert in the saloon, by the request of the cabin passengers, in honor of the glorious Fourth. The other evening a song was sung which contains the words "Hail to Brigham Young," &c., and when it was finished, the whole people shouted hurrah, and we all swung our hats around many times over, in which the captain and others joined. We do not think that ever a company crossed the ocean more pleasantly and comfortable, which is also the feeling of the captain and officers, and we all acknowledge that we were highly favored of the Lord with good weather, health, and prosperity. We had our prayers every morning and evening. I think I mentioned that we divided our company into 4 departments, and subdivided it into 11 wards, and all things worked harmoniously.

I am now at Brother Clawson's office, all well. Two of the passengers were unwell, but all passed the doctor this morning. We land tomorrow morning, and proceed as soon as we can. I am now hurrying to return to the steamer.

Praying the Lord to prosper the remainder of the emigration as he did us I remain your humble brother in the gospel,

John Parry [p.492]

BIB: Parry, John. [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star. 30:31 (August, 1, 1868) p. 491-92. (CHL)
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