1888-08-23-Wisconsin

Letter from Levi Naylor - September 4, 1888

Naylor, Levi, [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star. 50:39 (September 24, 1888) pp. 619-20.

Salt Lake City, Sept. 4, 1888.

President George Teasdale.

Dear Brother, — It will not require very much space to conclude our report of the company that sailed from Liverpool August 11th.

Arriving in New York Harbor late on the evening of the 23rd August, we lay at anchor until daylight, when the good but crippled Wisconsin was towed into dock, and all passengers were watching the inspection of their luggage at an early hour in the morning. This was done quickly, easily, and satisfactorily. By the kind assistance of Mr, Gibson, coupled with his good business management, all the company was taken with their luggage on a tender to Castle Garden, where the steerage passengers received due attention, and in less than an hour we again boarded the tender, which immediately took us to the Old Dominion Dock, at which place we had to stay all night in consequence of being a day behind through our accident at sea. Comfortable sleeping accommodation was provided for all, on board one of the steamboats belonging to that company, and the next day (Saturday, 25th), at 3:30 p.m., we left New York for Norfolk per S. S. "Roanoke," at which latter place we arrived on Sunday about 4 p.m., after a very pleasant sail.

…

Now all are dispersed, and it only remains to speak of the treatment we received on the road, and this we can do in the most unqualified terms of praise. Beginning with Mr. Gibson in New York, we can hardly exaggerate the value of his assistance; he did all in his power for our good and comfort, and left nothing for us to wish. The New York officials at the dock of the Old Dominion Steamship Company were also kind and obliging, in providing against an emergency for which neither they nor us were responsible. We desire also to mention the names of Mr. J. G. Halphers (captain) and Mr. W. H. Mayor (purser) of the S. S. "Roanoke," who said if we could suggest anything beyond what had already been done that would contribute to the comfort of our people, it should be attended to. At Kansas City we received valuable help from Mr. W. L. Hendershot, the city passenger agent of the Union Pacific Railroad; and this was the more to be appreciated as it was done from sheer good will and outside his official duties. The authorities on all the lines were very kind and attentive to our wants.

The brethren all feel well, and from the first have been one with me in seeking the good, safety, and welfare of the company, and have cheerfully responded to every call. — With kind love to yourself and our brethren at "42," [42 Islington WAS THE ADDRESS OF THE BRITISH MISSION IN LIVERPOOL] we remain, yours in the truth,

Levi Naylor, president.

N. Y. Schofild, secretary.