1890-06-04-Wisconsin

Diary of Joseph Eckersley

Eckersley, Joseph. Diary, Book C. bx. 1, fd. 3, vol. 3, pp. 118-132.

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June 4th Rose early, we were sailing down the river, & it was very cheerful to be in sight of land once more. [p.125] We arrived at the Guion Dock, New York at 8 o'clock a.m., and experienced no difficulty with our luggage. Sailed on the tugboat to Castle Garden, where the Saints passed the inspection of the custom house officers without difficulty. An effort was at the time being made by the government to stop the emigration of our people but, by the blessings of the Lord we were passed through in peace, not one of our company being detained. President George Q. Cannon & several of the authorities were & had been in New York for several days working in the interest of the emigration. From Castle Garden we sailed down the river to the Old Dominion Dock, and boarded the S. S. "Wyanoke," which set sail for Norfolk at 3 o'clock p.m. The elders & a few of the intermediate passengers were provided with saloon berths. Sailing down the [p.126] Hudson River, we witnessed some very pretty sights, the Brooklyn Bridge, which extended across the river a mile & a half, the Bartholdi Monument or the Statue of Liberty, a present from the French government to the American government. It was a lovely day & the sun was very powerful. Evening we had a short council, one of the passengers entertaining the company singing and playing the piano.

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Joseph Eckersley Account

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The company we sailed was one of the "test" companies, and we experienced much difficulty in getting the company to pass muster before the officers at Castle Gardens, New York. Arrived in Salt Lake City, June 10th 1890.

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Wed June 4th,

Rose early, we were sailing down the river & it was very cheerful to be in sight of land once more. We arrived at the Guion Dock, New York, at 8 o'clock a.m. and experience no difficulty with our luggage. Sailed on the tugboat to Castle Gardens, where the Saints passed inspection of the custom officers without difficulty. An effort was, at the time, being made by the government to stop the immigration of our people, but, by the blessings of the Lord we were passed through in peace, not one of my company being detained. President George Q. Cannon & several of the authorities were & had been in New York for several days working in the interest of the emigration. From Castle Gardens, we sailed down the river to the Old Dominion Dock and boarded the SS Wynoke, which set sail for Norfolk at 3 o'clock p.m. The elders & a few of the intermediate passengers were provided with saloon berths. Sailing down the Hudson River, we witnessed some very pretty sights: the Brooklyn Bridge which extended across the river a mile & a half; the Bartholdi monument or Statue of Liberty, a present from the French government to the American government. It was a lovely day & the sun was very powerful. Evening, we had a short concert, one of the passengers entertaining, the company singing and playing the piano.

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Letter from John H. Hayes - June 4, 1890

Hayes, John H., et. al., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 52:25, (June 23, 1890) pp. 394-95.

S. S. Wisconsin, New York, June 4, 1890

President George Teasdale.

Dear Brother,--

We again take pleasure in giving you further information concerning our journey to the promised land.

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Since the lst of June we have had very pleasant sailing and lovely weather, and all has been peace and enjoyment. We arrived at New York at 8 o'clock this morning. Our luggage was passed without any difficulty whatever. We are now at Castle Garden, waiting to pass the custom house officers, and anticipate having no difficulty whatever. We leave for Norfolk at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

We feel very thankful to God for his mercies and providence in conducting us safely over the mighty deep, and pray for his blessings to attend us during the remainder of our journey, that we may be privileged to arrive at our destination in peace and safety.

Ever praying God's blessing to attend you in your endeavors to spread the glad tidings of great joy, and with love to all in the covenant of peace, we remain your affectionate brethren,

John H. Hayes,

Henry Tilley,

Thomas D. Brown,

Joseph Eckersley, secretary.