1857-01-03-New York Tribune-Arrival of Mormons

Arrival of Mormons

New York Tribune, 3 January 1857, pg. 7

Arrival of Mormons,—The ship Columbia arrived at this port on Thursday from Liverpool, bringing about 300 passengers, including 221 Mormons under the conduct of Elder John Williams. The Mormons were landed at Castle Garden, and will remain there a day or two, until they can be temporarily provided for. Elder Williams is a short-legged, small-sized man, full of energy and evincing considerable intelligence. He told our reporter this morning that these were nearly all his own converts, and came mostly from Bristol, England. There were 23 from Wales, a few from Scotland and some from London, Yorkshire and other parts of England. There were thoroughly organized on shipboard, being governed by Elder Williams, as President, assisted by a Council, the members of which were presidents of districts. They had a very rough passage. On one occasion the bulwarks of the ship were washed away, and a couple of Saints narrowly escaped being drowned; but the Lord mercifully spared the "chosen people," and not a death occurred on board. They are all in good health and spirits, and look remarkably tidy. The number of men is about equal to that of the women, but there is a multitude of children of all ages. The men are not usually very strong looking but the women are well made, and some of them quite handsome. This morning the company was visited by Parsons John Taylor, George A. Smith, and Parley P. Pratt, leading Mormons, at present living in this city. After shaking hands all around, and kissing some of the little folks, the visitors gathered the Saints about them, when Parson Taylor, a tall, gray-haired man, made a speech, in which he congratulated them on having escaped the perils of the deep, and gave them some counsel as to their future conduct. He was sorry then had not arrived in season to participate in the jubilee at his house last evening. Some of them, he said, would go to St. Louis; some to Cincinnati, and some would remain in this city. In the Spring they would be reunited, and all start on their pilgrimage to the Promised Land. He wanted they should all gather around their "Presidents of Districts," and give in an account of their means, where they had friends, and where they wanted to go, &c. If any were too poor to aid themselves, they would be quartered for the time in the houses of their brethren here, and must find employment as soon as possible. It was desirable that all should make their arrangements as soon as they could, and then he would tell them what to do, and get them away.

The men reverently uncovered their heads during the address, and the two other persons fat and sleek, sat and smiled approval. The whole group pressed enthusiastically around their leaders, evidently regarding them as little short of angels.

[Evening Post.