1888-09-11-Wyoming
Autobiography of Valborg Rasmussen Wheelwright
Wheelwright, Lorin F., Valborg: An Autobiography of Valborg Rasmussen Wheelwright as told to her son Lorin F. Wheelwright (Salt Lake City: Pioneer Music Press, 1978), pp.22-31.
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New York Harbor
When the ship glided into New York harbor, a gentle breeze was blowing. Looking up, I saw the morning sun gleaming on the outstretched hand of the Goddess of Liberty. She was wonderful to behold--so big, so glorious. I saw her as my new mother welcoming me to America, the land of my new birth. It was a sight I shall never forget. Suddenly, I felt less homesick, and tears of gratitude to God and my church dimmed my eyes.
I saw my first glimpse of America when we landed at Ellis Island. Believe me, I couldn't see much except the hundreds of immigrants who were all bigger than I. Jostled by the crowds of people shoving past me, my only thought was to hang on to my belongings. Elder Hansen, who did not have to go through the immigration procedures, had made me responsible for a purebred canary in a bird cage. It had been a gift from the saints in Denmark, and I had promised to carry it safely to Utah. I held the cage in one hand and a two-handled wicker basket containing everything I owned in the other. I must have made a pitiful picture standing alone with my braids hanging down my back. I waited in the din and confusion of the immigrants until my turn finally arrived to be processed.
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Letter from Abraham Johnson - September 12, 1888
Johnson, Abraham, [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 50:41 (Oct. 8, 1888) pp. 651-52.
New York, Sept. 12, 1888.
President George Teasdale.
Dear Brother,--
It affords me pleasure to comply with your request in sending a few lines in regard to the travels of the company thus far. I shall briefly note the principal events of our voyage from Queenstown.
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At 2 p.m. on the 11th we landed. Every box and all baggage was opened and carefully examined by the customs officers. Mr. Gibson, the agent, was there to receive us, and kindly gave assistance, transferring us at once to the Old Dominion. In passing Castle Garden four children were detained until next morning. This was occasioned (on the part of three) by the neglect of those having immediate charge of them. The children were promptly returned to the company next morning. But on the 4th a girl from Sweden, 15 years old, was detained by her sister, who resides in New York. This young woman, about 20 years old, demanded the detention of her sister on the plea that she had no relatives in Utah, although the girl strongly remonstrated against stopping; but her sister prevailed on the officers to hold her; so we were forced to leave her, but we hope she will follow ere long, at any rate when her father and mother come.
We left New York at 3 p.m. today (12th). The agents and officers of the Dominion Line are courteous and pay special attention to the comfort of our company. I have not heard a word of complaint or murmuring during the whole voyage. The brethren have worked unitedly for the welfare of the Saints, and the people have manifested a feeling of gratitude for our services.
We are now in sight of Norfolk, and have had a very pleasant voyage from New York; all are feeling well.
The brethren and Saints join in kind regards to yourself and brethren at the office. Very respectfully, your brother in the gospel,
A. [Abraham] Johnson.
