A Compilation of General Voyage Notes
"DEPARTURES. -- A company of 269 souls of the Saints, 87 of them from the Swiss and German Mission, and the rest from this country [Engalnd], left this port, on the steamship Manhattan, Captain Forsyth, July 13, for New York, in their way to the Territory of Utah. In addition to that number, and on the same vessel, were the following returning missionaries -- Elders Karl G. Maeser, Lewis W. Shurtliff, Winslow Farr, Josiah M. Ferrin, Nephi Pratt, George H. Knowlden, Howard O. Spencer, Thomas Richardson, Joseph S. Richards, Levi Garrett, John Tuddenham, Samuel M. Price, William H. Pidcock, H. B. Clemons, Thomas Rodgers, Charles Shumway, junior, and Lewis M. Grant. Elder Maeser presided over the company."
Journal of Josiah Marsh Ferrin
. . . Wednesday 13th [July 1870] At 10 a.m. went on board the S. S. ship Manhattan, in which we were emigrating about 250 souls. The following elders were among the number, Brother Carl Measer [Karl G. Maeser], H. Farr, L. W. Shurtliff, L. M. Grant, J. T. Richards, Charles Thurmway, Levi Garret, George [-], John Luddmen, Samuel Price, William Pidcock, Nephi Pratt, H. B. Clemonds, H. O. Spencer, Thomas Rogers, Thomas Richardson and myself all cabin passengers. At 11:25 a.m. we cast off the tender and let laid waving our handkerchiefs on farewell to our friends & we started on our voyage over the great Ocean. It was a pleasant day, and is as nice cabin. Down the Irish Channel passed Hollyhead at 5:30 p.m. I then wrote some letters back to the Saints in the evening. Several of the Saints began to be seasick. At 8 p.m. we assembled for prayers. Went to bed and enjoyed a good nights rest.
Thursday 14th Most on board were well, but some complained of seasickness. It was a fine day, and at 9:30 we sailed into the bay at Queenstown, which is situated on a nice little bay on the Coast of Ireland. At 11 a.m. we made our way out to sea again and found it very rough with a headwind. And soon a good many were very sick, I was sick all night. [p.78]
Friday 15th Still a headwind. I was very sick all day and many of the brethren were suffering in the same manner, and many of the Saints also.
Saturday 16th A head wind and a very rough sea. Lots of seasickness both in the cabin and below.
Sunday 17th I got up and went on deck, felt a little better. Went below found some of the Saints recovering. At dinner I discovered that my appetite was returning. Slept well at night.
Monday 18th I arose feeling much better, I have myself, and cut off my mustache. 2 years today I sailed from New York on my way over to England. I just begin to enjoy my meals. Ship fare as follows in the cabin, breakfast at half past 8 a.m., lunch at 12:30 p.m., dinner at 4, tea at 7 p.m. Everything that a man need to wish for, at on the table. Saw some porpoises, passed 2 ships, one of the National Steamline bound for Liverpool.
Tuesday 19th Had a fare wind during the night. At 9:30 this morning a little German child died, 7 months old. It was very sickly when they left home. There was also on German child born this morning, its name is Christian Julius Feller. At 10 a.m. we met in the steerage and held meeting and several of the elders were called on to speak, and we had a good time. It was so cold, and wet Sunday that we had no meeting. [p.79]
Wednesday 20th It is a fine day and all on board is feeling much better. Passed several vessels, some fishing smack. Also at night sister Eliza Gleddhill gave birth to a fine daughter, and its name is [-].
Thursday 21st The Saints are generally feeling in good spirits. Nice smooth sea. Today saw a black whale not far from the ship. We amuse ourselves with pitching quilts upon deck also with checkers in the cabin and reading, writing &c the pass off the time.
Friday 22nd Passing the banks of Newfoundland and all is progressing nicely on board. We have prayers in the steerage every morning at 9 a.m. the evening at 8. The brethren officiating in turns as they are called upon by President Maeser. There is an excellent spirit that prevails among the elders and also among the Saints on board. The officers of the Manhattan are also gentlemen in every sense of the word. At least to every appearance. The ship is commanded by Captain William Forsythe first mate Mr. Morgan second, Mr. Lasley 3rd , Mr. Gibson 4th , Mr. [-]. The Manhattan is a ship of 210 tons burden and is a nice ship.
Saturday 23rd All is moving along nicely and all on feeling will the sea is nice and calm today.
Sunday 24th A fine day, at 10:30 a.m. We attended the an Episcopalian service in the cabin and at 2 p.m. we met for our service in the steerage and several of the cabin passengers came down to listen to us. Brother Masear [Maeser] Shurtliff addressed meeting in a very [p.80] interesting manner. We enjoyed the the [SIC] meeting very much, (The 2 children that were born Tues., were blessed. The girl was given the name of Anna Manhattan, the boy’s name was changed from Christian Julius to Orsen Manhattan. At prayer time in the evening, there was some good council given to the Saints about their journey home. After landing at New York I was called into preside at prayer.
Monday 25th The sea is very rough this morning, and the consequence is there is considerable of seasickness. Brother [Edwin or Ephraim] & Sister [Josephine] Hinger [Inge] from London, lost their little babe [Edwin or Ephraim] this morning at about half past 9. It had been sickly from it’s birth, but had been very bad for some days passed. The mother takes it very hard, to think that her little one must be consigned to a watery grave.
We seen this morning 15 fishing smacks at one time. We also passed the “James Foster,” a sailing ship, bound for New York, but it seemed a very slow process as we steamed by, and left her in the rear, as she was making her way against a head wind. We have had a head wind all the time since we left Liverpool, except one night. Therefore, we have had to make all of our heading by steam.
Tuesday 26th At 4 a.m. we cast anchor at Statan Island. At 6, raised anchor and sailed in to the Harbor at New York , landed at 9 a.m. Myself and Elder Rodgers was sent off with the cabin luggage. We all put up with the Stephen House, had dinner, then we went to see Brother Staines. We then proceeded to Castle Garden, and assisted the Saints to get their luggage through the custom house. After this was all accomplished, I went in company with [p.81] Brother Pidcock, Farr Richards, Rogers, Grant, & Sisters Campbell and Fanny to see the Central Park, we went up in a street car, distance 6 miles. We hired a carriage to drive us around the park which we enjoyed very much. After spending a few hours there we returned by the street car. We went and saw that the Saints were as comfortable as they could be under the circumstances in the Castle Gardens. Then returned to the Stephen House where we remained all night.
Distances of each day sail from Liverpool to New York:
Wed. July 13th and
Thur. July 14th 497 miles
Fri. July 15th 205 miles
Sat. July 16th 222 miles
Sun. July 17th 209 miles
Mon. July 18th 263 miles
Tues. July 19th 216 miles
Wed. July 20th 268 miles
Thur. July 21st 265 miles
Fri. July 22nd 267 miles
Sat. July 23rd 257 miles
Sun. July 24th 230 miles
Mon. July 25th 165 miles
-------------------------
Total Distance from Liverpool to N. Y. 3064 miles
Wednesday 27th We got all preparations made for our journey on the cars & at 1 ½ p.m. we crossed the river to the Jersey side, and at 5 we started homeward bound. We lay at Philadelphia 3 hours and left at 12 o’clock at night.
Thursday 28th We stopped 20 min. at Harrisburg for breakfast, then proceeded and arrived at Pittsburgh at 10:30 p.m. Here we had to change cars, and the Saints had [p.82] to lie in the station on the floors until 6 next morning, when we resumed our journey again. L. W. Shurtliff and myself slept at the Union Hotel, paid $1.00 a piece for a bed.
Friday 29th I went with the company as far as Homewood Station. Then I took leave of them and went to Erie City, Pennsylvania, distance about 100 miles. Arrived at 1:30 p.m. at Eric Station then proceeded to hunt up Aunt Maria Landen, and found them at 116 Fourth West Street. Introduced myself and was received very kindly by my Aunt. I soon had a good wash and change of clothing, and felt much better after my long ride. Found Aunt and family all well, and during the afternoon and evening we had a very pleasant chat. Uncle Daniel G. Landen was not at home, he was away at work, and also the eldest daughter was not at home.
Saturday 30th I arose in the morning feeling much better after a good nights rest. In the afternoon Aunt and myself visited the Erie City water works. These works is for the purpose of raising the water of the Lake for the use of the city. For this purpose they have a powerful engine which raises 182 gallons, at each stroke, a height of 300 feet. Which amounts to about one million gallons per day. To hold this water they have a large tube or standpipe 240 feet above ground, and this is surrounded by a brick wall with steps inside so the visitor can go on top. And here he can have a beautiful view of the city, and surrounding country. At 8 p.m. I visited the Iron works and saw them make a run of ore. They make two runs a day of 14 tons each one at 8 a.m. the other at 8 p.m. [p.83]
Sunday 31st I went to the Methodist Church with Aunt Maria, to hear the reverend Mr. Dobs preach. In the afternoon we took a walk through the city, I found Aunt very agreeable company.
Monday Aug. 1st 1870 At 10:25 a.m. I took train for Albion 25 miles, walked to Welsburg 2 miles, and went to Aunt Olives. She married a man by the name of Charles Sherman. After dinner Uncle and me took a walk. Visited the cemetery then went to the Cheese factory. The afternoon was spent very pleasantly as I was received very kindly by them all. I remained all night.
Tuesday 2nd I arose early feeling well and when cousin George, Uncle Richard’s son, came over to the factory with the milk, I rode home with him to Lundgs Lane. I went in and introduced myself to Aunt Nancy Powell, & cousin Maria. They wanted some fun with Aunt Nancy Rush, she being sick , they introduced me as the doctors student. The joke took well after some prescriptions for the sick, &c, explanations were made and we had a good laugh over the matter. After a while I went over to Aunt Mary Ann Winchesters, she was much pleased to see me. She had heard that I had arrived. I enjoyed the day very much as all of my relations received me very kindly.
Wednesday 3rd In the afternoon, Uncle Isaac & his son Adelbert came along and I went home with them in the carriage. Found Aunt Susan very sick, the fever was broke, but she was left very low, but was recovering slow. I stayed all night.
Thursday 4th At 10 a.m., as cousin Edgert was going, passed Uncle Richards. I returned with him to the carriage & spent most of my time with Aunt Nancy Rush as she is sick and very nervous. She is at Uncle Richards at present [p.84]
Friday 5th After breakfast cousin Maria and me went out to pick blackberries, and got 9 quarts in about one house and we enjoyed the pleasure very much. She is nice intelligent young lady. She is the youngest daughter of Uncle Spain Powell. After dinner I went over to Aunt Mary Ann’s, had a good chat. I then wrote a while in my journal. I remained there all night.
Saturday 6th I went and got Aunt Nancy R. [Rush] in the carriage, and took her over to Aunt Mary Ann. We had a very nice visit, during I wrote 3 letters. In the evening I went over to Albion with Uncle Richard. I returned with him and stayed all night with him.
Sunday 7th Uncle, Aunt, cousin Friddy, & myself went to Crainsville to a Sunday school concert. The singing & reciting was very good. There was several very nice essays read just previous to closing. They called upon me to address the school a few minutes, which I did. We remained to the service in the afternoon and heard the Reverend Mr. Hammer (of the Methodist persuasion.) I returned home with Uncle Richard.
Monday 8th Remained at Uncle Richards all day visiting.
Tuesday 9th After breakfast, Uncle R. [Richards] went with his team and took cousin Maria and me to Welsburg as we were going to Erie City. We then took the hack to the station and at 12:30 we took train for Erie. When we got to Aunt Maria’s we found them just pulling down their kitchen to rebuild. After tea we had a walk to see the ships and boats on the lake and in the docks. The latter were much inferior to the English docks. [p.85]
Wednesday 10th Cousin Maria and me went up to the photograph galley, and had ourselves shot. We had 32 pictures each taken which cost $1.50 each. We then went into a jeweler’s shop and I made a purchase of a gold ring, which was presented to me by Aunt Nancy Rush, price $6.00. After dinner we had a walk up to see the cemetery. It is the finest place of the kind that I ever visited. There is many large fine marble monuments. There was a large granite monument 30 feet high and 10 feet square at the base. We enjoyed the walk very much. When we returned I meet with Isaac Vanuleck of New York, one of my second cousins, he was out here on a visit from New York.
Thursday 11th At 9:30 I took my leave for Buffalo, by rail thence by stage. The “Springville,” arrived there at 8:30 p.m. Inquired for Ferrins and Jones store, went in and found cousin Clark. There made myself acquainted, then he hitched up his horse and carriage, and took me out to Uncle Philip’s, one mile. It being late when we arrived, they were in bed. We called them up, had supper, and a good chat. Then retired to rest, feeling quite tired after my long ride.
Friday 12th Arose in the morning feeling much refreshed. Uncle, and me took a walk out to see the farm. Philina Weber, Uncle Adney second daughter, she was just recovering from her conferment of a fine son. We returned to Uncle’s in the evening.
Saturday 13th I was writing most of the day, so Uncle was busy hauling grain. In the evening we went down to cousin Wards. In the grass carriage. Ella played on the organ and cousin Elizabeth sang for me, they play and sing well. . . . [p.86]
. . . Monday [Aug.] 29th The time having arrived for me to start home, I bid goodbye to Aunts Nancy, & Mary Ann and went over to Uncle Richards at 10 a.m. He hitched up his carriage, I said goodbye to the family, and he took me to the Albion Station and at 11:30 I took train for homeward, where I arrived at 3:30 p.m. We came down the Sharon River. At 4 I took train for Chicago by the Fort Wain line. Stopped at Alliance Ohio for supper then rode all night. [p.90]
Tuesday 30th At 6 a.m. stopped at Plymouth, Indiana for breakfast, and arrived at Chicago at 9 a.m. And 10:30 left by the North Western Line for Omaha, stopped at Dixon for dinner 98 miles from Chicago. At 4 p.m. we crossed the Mississippi at Fulton, & Clinton. I made the acquaintance of Mr. Horis F. Clark on his way to Denver. At 2 a.m. the engine and on baggage car broke loose run of the line, and it took about 3 hours to get it on and ready for running again. We had not proceeded, for when the train broke in two, the engine and car running off and leaving the rest of us on the line. In about 15 minutes it returned, hitched on, and away we went.
Wednesday 31st We arrived at Omaha at 11 a.m., and had to wait until 6 p.m. before starting west. So I had a stroll around town. At 6 p.m., it rained like [-], and I got all wet going to the train. All got aboard and we started west, rode all night.
Thursday 1st Sept. At 8 a.m. found us at the Lone Tee Station. Stopped for breakfast 120 miles from Omaha. At 8 p.m. we arrived at North Platte 71 miles, here a Scotch women stopped to bury her baby. It died a few minutes before we stopped. We rode all night again.
Friday 2nd At 6 a.m. we stopped for breakfast at Sidney 123 miles. At 4 p.m. passed Cheyenne 102 miles, at 9 p.m. arrived at Laramie 57 miles. Left at 12 at night arrived at Medicine Bow at 6 a.m. 72 miles.
Saturday 3rd At 12 midnight we arrived at Fort Steel 48 miles, and 2 o’clock at night arrived at Bryan 162 miles. [p.91]
Sunday 4th 8 a.m. arrived at Evanston 99 miles, and arrived at Ogden City at 3 p.m. And found waiting at the station my wife, 2 sons James & Moroni, Brother W. Farr & family, also Brother Orson Bagger, waiting my arrival [-]. Were all very glad to see each other. We went home with Brother W. Farr, had something to eat, then made our way home. Arrived at Eden about 8 p.m., found the children all well and glad to see father after being gone 2 years 3 months, lacking 11 days. . . . [p.92]
BIB: Ferrin, Josiah M., Journal (Ms 12085), 5p. pp. 78-86, 90-92. (HDA)
Letter from G. H. Knowlden - July 13, 1870
Steamship Manhattan, July 13, 1870.
President Horace S. Eldredge.
Dear Brother,--In taking my departure from the British Isles for my mountain home, I feel that a line is due from me through the pages of the [Millennial] STAR, to acknowledge the many kindnesses I have received from the Saints while on my mission to this land, for truly can I say that I have traveled among a good, generous, and warmhearted people ever since my arrival here, and time I hope will not efface the very many pleasant associations I have formed while traveling among the good Saints of England.
On my arrival, in June 1869, I was appointed to travel in the London Conference, under the direction of Elder Platte L. Lyman, with whom I labored with much pleasure till his departure for the Valley in September last, and afterward under the watch care of Elder L. W. Shurtliff I labored with increased joy till my appointment to the Presidency of the Southampton Conference in October last. Since then I have endeavored, in my humble way, to spread the principles of truth among the people to the best of my ability, and have had much joy in my labor and although traveling a good deal and among poor people, so far as this world’s goods are concerned, I have never regretted leaving all that was near and dear on earth to be a minister of life to the people who are in darkness regarding the great truths which have been revealed in these last days for the salvation of the human family. To the wise and fatherly counsels of President Carrington I am much indebted, and for which I feel truly thankful, also to all Saints that have kindly administered to my wants. May the blessings of God rest upon them, and may they have all the happiness and joy their hearts can desire in righteousness.
Thanking you for the courtesies shown me since your arrival, and the brethren in the office, and with kind regards to all Saints of my acquaintance and all who love the truth, I will say good-bye for the present and remain your brother in the gospel.
G.H. Knowlden.
Queenstown, 14th, 10 a.m.
We have but little seasickness on board. The weather is colder, the Saints are singing and rejoicing all the time, and merrily on the way we go.
G.H.K. [p.461]
BIB: Knowlden G. H. [Letter] Latter Day Saints Millennial Star 32:29 (July 19, 1870) p.460. (HDL)
Letter from G. H. Knowlden - July 26, 1870
S.S. Manhattan, New York, July 26, 1870
President Horace S. Eldredge.
Dear Brother--We arrived here safely this morning, all well, and although our trip has been rather rough, still we feel thankful to our Heavenly Father for his protecting care over us thus far on our journey. In my last, written off Queenstown, I gave you an idea of the general health of the company, &c., and felt buoyant at the prospect of there being but little seasickness, the weather being so calm. But scarcely had we left Queenstown before the wind arose, the sea rolled, and everybody got the whirligigs, and over the side of the ship went breakfast, dinner and pretty nearly themselves, for they felt, after they had got through, that there was very little left except the hide. The brethren in the cabin were no better, for they could not contain the many good things they had taken in, and they had to share with the fishes; only three out of the seventeen returning missionaries could face the music at the table at dinner that day, namely, Brother Thomas Rodgers, father Tuddenham and myself--all the others were in their berths. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was very weak.
This state of things continued for several days, as the wind kept to our head and blew pretty strong most of the time. But after a while, seasickness subsided, and all went merry as a marriage bell, until the day before landing, when, in consequence of a very rough sea, the Saints had again to empty their trunks (stomachs), preparatory to a New York dinner.
We had but two deaths on board, and those of infants, who were sickly before leaving Liverpool. We also had two births, making our number, on arrival at New York, the same as when we started on our journey.
The captain, officers and crew showed us every kindness, and the chief deck steward, Mr. Parsonage, was untiring in his attention to the sick, for which they received an expression of our thanks in a testimonial. Good order was maintained throughout the entire journey, and I never heard anything from Saint or sinner that caused the least offence, everything went along charmingly, and we are [p.524] here to thank the giver of all good for his many blessings to us.
Hoping that this will find you and all in the office well, and that the remainder of the emigration this year will be prospered as we have been, with kind regards I remain your brother in the gospel,
G.H. Knowlden, Secretary. [p.525]
BIB: Knowlden, G. H. [Letter] Latter Day Saints Millennial Star 32:33 (August 16, 1870) pp.524-25. (HDL)
Letter to David and Ann MacNeil
John MacNeil to David and Ann MacNeil
New York, 26 July 1870
Dear father & mother,
I take up my pen to let you know how I got across the ocean. We had a very rough voyage from [when] we left Liverpool. I have been sick & pitched up. Nearly all on board were sick. You must excuse my Queenstown letter, wrong dated, wrong everything. I never knew anything about Queenstown till we were within sight. We had morning & evening meetings on board. The weather was so very rough that it was miserable up on deck. I got wet to the skin several times attempting to stay on board deck. There was such a sickening smell below, I could not stay below. We had plenty of music on board.
I have eaten very little since I left. The food you get steerage fare a pig would not look at. We had coffee & bread to breakfast (sour bread). We had dirty water soup & boiled potatoes for dinner. We had coffee & sea biscuits for supper. You could not eat the meat we got. If ever your spared to come, do not come with the intention that you will have everything you require on board. You will have nothing, unless you treat the steward & you would have to always be dropping money into them. Some of them had everything they required with them, pickles, preserves, hern, ham steak, & everything nice while I was starving of hunger. Be sure to take oranges or lemons to taste your mouth after sickness. Be sure & fetch ham & cheese.
We got to the banks of Newfoundland on Thursday 21. I found Brother Richardson on the vessel & soon made his acquaintance. He says he had a note from Brother Douglas regarding me. He says he will see me all right.[p.98]
There was about two hundred & fifty Saints on board, the most part of them Swiss Saints. There was one child died (Swiss) & was buried in the sea. There was two births amongst us. The Swiss are very dirty & lousy.
Be sure & fetch everything tasty for you will get nothing on the vessel. Warm clothing is very necessary till your within two days sailing of New York. When we were within two days sailing of New York it turned very warm & we could get up on deck & had games both with the sailors & with ourselves. Be sure and fetch bread.
We seen lots of fish on our trip, porpoises and whales. I do not know that I have got any more to say at present. You need not expect anymore word from me till I am landed and looks around a little. . . . Give my kind love to brothers and sisters and all inquiring friends. No more at present but remains yours forever,
John McNeil
John MacNeil to David and Ann MacNeil
Smithfield [Utah] Tuesday 27 September 1870
Dear father and mother,
When I last wrote you we were in Castle Garden. We stayed a day and a night there and then got into the cars. I liked the cars better than the vessel. We were only two days traveling on the rail when two men coming along the line placed a railway sleeper [p. 99] [railroad tie] across the line and when we came up against it the cylinder of the engine burst into shivers. But the engine man struck it off an shunted us back to the next station with 1 cylinder. The block had to be cut out with an axe before we could get it out. There were three trains come meeting us at the time but they seen us in time to haul up. When we got back to the station they telegraphed to the next station and the two men were caught.
We were ten days on the rail. We landed in Ogden on the 6th of August. When we arrived there the smallpox were raging there so they thought it advisable to take us all luggage an all down to [Salt Lake] City. When we were about half way to the City we had to shunt to let a train past that came from the City. When they were passing they stopped and let out Brigham Young, George A. Smith & Daniel H. Wells. They stepped into our train and went right through shaking hands with everyone as they went along through the cars. . . . [p.100]
BIB: MacNeil, John [Letter to David and Ann MacNeil, July 26, 1870 and September 27, 1870] in Buchanan, Frederick Stewart, ed., A Good Time Coming: Mormon Letters to Scotland (Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1988) pp. 98-100.
Letter from Karl G. Maeser - July 14, 1870
S.S. Manhattan, Queenstown, July 14, 1870 10 a.m.
President Horace S. Eldredge.
Dear Brother,--Our little company generally are well and in high spirits. As you are aware, we left the Mersey at 11 a.m. yesterday. Brother Karl G. Maeser, president of the company, with L. W. Shurtliff and Lorin Farr his counselors, proceeded at once to organize the company. The following officers were elected--Secretary, G. H. Knowlden; captain of the Guard, Joseph S. Richards; with Lewis M. [p.460] Grant to preside over the German portion of the Saints. Two meetings are held each day, and of two kinds, namely, English and German, the English occupying the forward part of the ship, while the German occupy the middle. All seem to aim to make our journey pleasant, each extending the helping hand whenever necessary for the benefit of all. The returning elders are all at the table this morning, and many who had various complaints during the last half year are braving the storm and getting fat, our mutual friend Levi not excepted. The Saints appear determined to feed the fishes, if possible. We anticipate the best kind of a time on board, and realize the saying of Brother Joseph before leaving us, that we have a through ticket. The weather is calm this morning, and merrily on the way we go.
Wishing a kind remembrance to all the brethren at the office and all Saints, I remain your brother in the gospel,
Karl G. Maeser.
per G.H. Knowlden, Secretary [p.461]
BIB: Maeser, Karl G. [Letter], Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 32:29 (July 19 1870) pp. 460- 61. (HDL)
Letter from W. C. Staines - July 29, 1870
New York, July 29, 1870.
President Horace S. Eldredge.
Dear Brother--The steamship Manhattan, with a company of Saints, arrived on Tuesday, 26th. The company were all well and felt first-rate. I saw them leave the railroad station on Wednesday, 27th, at 3:30 p.m., in a special train. All had plenty of car room, and all left apparently well pleased.
The president and brethren who had charge of the company, wished me to say to you that the captain and all the officers, doctor, and stewards did all they could to make the Saints comfortable.
The passengers coming only to New York gave us a great deal of trouble with their luggage, as is always the case. No one has any idea of the trouble the brethren have. In the first place the party owning the box or bag cannot be found, hoping to have it sent on, so that he can go too.
I found several who were expecting money here from Utah (but none had come), and who had nearly enough to pay their passage through.
The weather has been terribly hot here. All say they never knew it so hot before. A great many people are sick, and many are dying in consequence.
With kind regards to yourself and Sister Eldredge and all at 42 Islington, I remain yours faithfully,
W. [William] C. Staines. [p.525]
BIB: Staines, W. C., [Letter], Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 32:33 (August 16, 1870) p. 525. (HDL)