1865-06-18-Mexicana
Diary of Minor G. Atwood
Atwood, Miner G., Diary, IN South African Mission, Manuscript History, April 12, 1865, pp. 12-25. (CHL)
... Saturday, June 17. Saw a portion of a wreck. The body of a man was seen by some of the passengers in the water. They got some of the wreck on board. Saw a mast which had been cut away. Also saw a great number of steamers, a lighthouse at one p.m., and land. We are about 80 miles from New York. Wrote a few lines to Brother William Francom [Francome], Senior. We saw land this afternoon. A pilot came on board about 5 o'clock p.m. A light breeze. All feel well. Met for prayers when I gave the Saints some counsel about landing, etc. A good spirit is with all the Saints. I had a bath.
Sunday, June 18. Met for prayers and administered the sacrament. All feeling well. New Jersey is on the west. I gave David J. James ten schillings. The Saints were much taken up with the scenery on shore. At half past two o'clock p.m. the steamer tug hitched onto the Mexicana. He charged forty five dollars. Arrived at New York Harbor and cast anchor about 5 o'clock p.m. Remained on board all night.
Monday, June 19. Went on shore with Elder Noon and the captain and landed at Castle Garden. I informed them that I had a company from South Africa. They said I could not land them there supposing they were negroes but when I informed them that they were Mormons they showed us every attention. We inquired for Elder Thomas Taylor but could learn nothing concerning him. Elder Noon and myself went to Williamsburg and while there we learned where his office was and returned to the Garden where we found him. He accompanied us to the vessel and gave the Saints some information covering the emigration and also some good counsel. I then visited another vessel with Elder Taylor which had a few saints on it. Went on shore with Elder Taylor to his office where I met with Brothers E. R. Young and Miles. I stopped all night with Brother Young at the Warren house.
Tuesday, June 20. Went to the saloon with E. R. Young and got breakfast. We then visited Elder Taylor's office where I met with Elder C. B. Taylor. We went on board the Mexicana to take the Saints on shore. The captain refused to let the baggage go on shore until the head money was paid but what he found [p.23] [was] he could not compel us to pay. He gave his consent to let them go. We passed through the Gardens. The first mate gave me an overcoat. About a dozen of us went to the Star Hotel and got dinner. Brother A. [Alonzo] A. Noon was appointed to look after the baggage. We left New York in the cars about eight o'clock p.m. for Albany. ...
Letter from Miner G. Atwood et. al - June 15, 1865
Atwood, Miner G. et. al. [Letter] Latter Day Saints Millennial Star 27:28 (July 15, 1865) pp.442-444. (CHL)
P.S.--We arrived in New York, all well, on the 18th instant, and expect to start for Wyoming on the 20th. The Saints are well pleased with the attention showed by brother Thomas Taylor, the agent in New York. ...
