1886-07-18-Alaska

Autobiography of John Davidson Burt

Burt, John Davidson, [Autobiography], An Enduring Legacy, vol.3 (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1880) p. 289.

…

The voyage across the Atlantic was, in general, very pleasant. When we reached New York, I had some trouble in Castle Garden with an over officious and insulting immigration agent, who seemed determined to detain some of the Iceland Saints and prevent them from prosecuting their journey to Utah on the absurd plea of their being paupers and their liability of becoming a public charge to the state. After demonstrating the fact to him that they had sufficient cash in their possession where-with to defray all necessary expenses to Utah and that they were all able and willing to work for a living, he very reluctantly consented to let them pass. Next morning we took train for the West. …

Letter of "The Icelanders"

"The Icelanders," [Letter] Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, 48:32 (August 9, 1886) p. 507.

… Our voyage across the ocean was moderately fair, although we had prevailing head winds nearly all the way from the Fastnet to Sandy Hook. According to the navigator's record we averaged 405 miles every twenty-four hours during the trip. Brother [James H.] Hart met us at the landing, and, after being introduced to the Saints, rendered us valuable assistance in getting our luggage inspected, etc. When we reached Castle Garden we had considerable delay and trouble in answering needless and impertinent interrogatories by the Emigration Commissioners, who were seemingly determined to find fault. This was the more apparent from the fact that the most rigid scrutiny and closest investigation in the examination of the condition and prospects of the Icelandic Saints were observed in every detail, consuming more time with twenty-three of our people than with 375 other emigrants who had previously passed muster. We expect to leave this city for the west at one o'clock tomorrow afternoon.