S. S. Nevada, 4 p.m., June 12, 1874.President Joseph F. Smith.

Dear Brother,--The weather is beautiful, ship steady, and all hands on deck; none sea-sick. All are feeling well. Brother Stones is entertaining them with his violin.

Last night we organized the company into two wards, appointing Brother Daniel Stones to take charge of the British Saints, and Joseph Gee to be his assistant as Captain of the Guard; also John Sonderegger, to have the oversight of the Swiss and German Saints, and Karl Krauth to be his assistant. By this means we have two guards at the same time, which lessons the trouble in attending to duty.

The elders feel well, and everything around us makes the day appear and feel as though it were a quiet Sunday afternoon.

Brother J. [Junius] F. Wells is our Historian for the trip; he has just been on deck holding a pleasant conversation with Mr. Gore, a fellow passenger, from Massachusetts, U. S. A.

We expect to be in Queenstown about 5 p.m.

Captain Price and all the officers are very kind, and furnish us with every needful accommodation.

We feel to thank our Heavenly Father for so good a time, and hope to retain his Spirit, which will enable us to always be thankful for his loving kindness.

With love to yourself and all the brethren throughout the mission, in which all join, we remain your brethren in the gospel,

Joseph Birch,John Huber,J. [Junius] F. Wells. [p.380]

BIB: Birch, Joseph. et. al [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star. 36:24. (June 16, 1874) p. 380. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)