Clayton, William

Latest revision as of 22:28, 17 December 2011

[edit] From William Clayton's Nauvoo Diaries

Source:

[edit] Letter to Edward Martin

29 November 1840, Sunday

Nauvoo, November 29, 1840.

To Edward Martin: And the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Penwortham.

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In my last letter which I hope you have received I gave you a general outline of those things which passed to the time we landed at New York; In this, I will give you a history of events since that time to the present. We tarried in New York until Wednesday the 14th of October, during this time we moved our luggage from the ship to the steam boat Congress for West Troy about 6 miles beyond Albany. I had not very much privilege of inquiring into the state of things here being so much busied with our luggage. Previous to our leaving the ship the custom house officers came to examine our boxes which was soon done for they only looked at the top of the goods without examining to the bottom of our boxes. The Captain of the ship North America, told Elder Turley that he should be very glad to bring another company the Saints over. He inquired into our principles and if we had a church in New York. Elder Turley introduced him to President Foster, who told him where they held their meetings, etc. While here we learned that Bothers Hyde and Page were in Philadelphia on their way to England. We desired to see them, but had not the privilege. Three of the brethren left New York for England the week before we arrived there. The day before we left here I received a letter from Brother John Moon directed to a brother in New York. When I read this I felt a little troubled for it stated that they were then residing in Allegheny in the State of Pennsylvania. They had nearly all been sick, but was then recovering, except Thomas, who was dead. Their calculation was to come up here in the spring. Some of them have got work about 25 miles from the family, but work was scarce. They have had a hard time of it, but not at all discouraged. This news made Thomas and Lydia sorry because they had expected to have a happy meeting at Commerce, but it was not so.

Provisions at New York were cheap. We could have a good supper for about 6 pence or 9 pence, English money. Honey, 5 pence per pound, fruit very cheap. We left New York about 5 o'clock on the Wednesday afternoon and a delightful sight we had at this time. Seven steamboats all left the harbor at once which was a noble sight. Three or four of our company tarried at New York. One family from Macclesfield, named Mops. The brethren here were much interested in our welfare and showed great kindness towards us. We slept on board the ship until this Tuesday and this night we slept on the steamer. We were delighted with the appearance of the country and the beautiful cities planted along the Hudson River.

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[edit] William Clayton Journal--Arrival in New York City

• Diary of William Clayton