1874-09-14-Wyoming

A Compilation of General Voyage Notes

Source: BMR, Book #1041, pp. 346-361 (FHL #025,692); Customs #1003 (FHL #175,749); Der Stern, vol. 6 (1874), pp. 125-27

� embarked on the steamer 'Wyoming' which sailed from Liverpool Sept. 2nd and arrived in New York on the 14th. Elder John C. Graham was in charge of the whole company, assisted by Elders Nils P. Lindelof, Robert W. Heybourne and nine other returning elders from Zion. Christian Glade of Aalborg, with his wife and one child, were left in Liverpool on account of sickness. On the 15th the company proceeded by train westward and arrived in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Sept. 23rd. . . ."

Autobiography and Journals of Charles Sansom

Source: Sansom, Charles. Autobiography and journals (Ms 8372-CHL), pp. 85-86.

�

We arrived at New York early in the morning of Sept. 14, and was soon landed at Castle Garden. I was kept very busy in assisting the Saints with their luggage. In the hurry and bustle I lost track of a sack with my blankets, a pair of boots and a parcel belonging to President Joseph F. Smith. I looked for that sack everywhere, but did not find it and had to leave without it. But I was made happy to hear by the next company that came along, that Brother [William C.] Stains had found it and forward it too me.

Before landing in New York, Brother John C. Graham requested me to take the English money from the Saints and get it changed into American money. This was no small job as there was a premium on gold and silver, but I accomplished it with a small loss to myself of less than one dollar. I was also requested to purchase provisions for the overland journey. This found me lots to do, and in rustling around so much I got very warm, and when the train was ready to start I sat down in a car, cooled off and caught cold and brought it home with me. �

Autobiography of Jensine Marie Jensen Moulton

Source: "History of a polygamist wife in Heber Valley..." (CHL). [Contains autobiography of Jensine Marie Jensen Moulton (Ms 5445, fd . 1, pp. 8-10.)]

After two weeks on the ocean, we landed in New York all safe and sound. Not even I was thrown overboard, as so many predicted I would be. We were on the train eight or nine days and nights from New York to Salt Lake City, Utah�

Journal of Charles Sansom

Source: Sansom, Charles, Journal of Charles Sansom, 1826-1908 (privately printed, 1970) pp. 160-68.

Monday, September 14th: I awoke early and on looking out of the port window, I saw a strong light on shore. I soon got up and found we were close to land. On coming on deck found many of the Saints all bustle and stir. The sight of land, a great number of vessels to be seen, made the sail up the sound very pleasant. We are all in a hurry and bustle with getting ready to disembark. Passed the custom house officers. Assisted all I could to get the passengers off the ship. Brother [William C.] Staines came on board and brought me a letter from home. I did all I could to assist the folks and while doing so, lost a sack containing blankets, boots, and shoes and a bed quilt; also a parcel from President Joseph F. Smith to his family. We were taken to Castle Garden in a tender and [p.165] remained there until noon on Tuesday. I had a big job changing the money for the folks and paying it out again and looking after the baggage. I stayed at the Steven House all night. Saw S. T. Teasdel there.

Tuesday, September 15th: I arose about 5:00 and went to Castle Garden and looked through the luggage for my sack, but could not find it. I then went to Pier No. 46 to look in the Wyoming again. Could not hear anything of it. Left Castle Garden at 12:00 on the tender, which took us to the Jersey side and got on the train. I again looked through the luggage for my sack. No go. I did considerable running around for supplies and became very tired. We left the depot at 7:20 p.m. We were all glad to be on the move. We ran all night. Did not sleep much. The missionaries and a few friends occupy a car to ourselves. I felt glad when we started, but the loss of my sack with its contents worried me.

Letter from James Williamson - September 28, 1874

Source: Williamson, James, [Letter Excerpt], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 36:43, (Oct. 27, 1874) p. 681.

� We had considerable work with our baggage at New York, in handling and getting it to the railroad train. �

Letter from John C. Graham - September 13, 1874

Source: Graham, John C. et. al. [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 36:39, (Sept. 29, 1874) pp. 618-19.

New York, Sept. 14th, 10 p.m.

We reached New York at 10 this morning. Elder W. [William] C. Staines came on board while we were steaming into the bay. We passed the government officers without the least hindrance, and our baggage underwent examination in a manner satisfactory to both the custom-house officers and emigrants. We were taken to Castle Garden in two tenders. The labor and anxiety attending the transfer of the people and their luggage were very great. The utmost kindness was manifested toward us by all the officials with whom we had business. Elder Staines has informed us that arrangements have been made for our departure westward tomorrow, at 2 p.m., from Jersey City, per the Pennsylvania Central Railroad. We have made every arrangement of our own to meet those of Brother Staines, such for instance as purchasing provisions for a part of the journey and the exchanging of English money into American money for the people.

We feel convinced that the hand of the Lord has been over our company thus far for good. Peace prevails, good feelings manifestly exist on every hand, and no accident whatever has happened that we are aware of.

The brethren join with us in expressing our best and earnest wishes for your continued prosperity in the gathering of Israel, and for the spread of truth among the honest in heart. With kind love to you and the elders throughout the mission, as well as those in Liverpool, we remain your brethren in the gospel,

John C. Graham, R. W. Heyborne, N. [Nils] P. Lindelof.