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Liverpool, July 18, 1837. MY DEAR WIFE:-
After a passage of 18 days, we have all safely arrived at this place. We sailed from New York on the 1st inst. I am truly happy to say to you, that a more pleasant and speedy passage from New York to this place has not been performed at this season of the year, in my opinion, for years. We were not becalmed ouce [once]; neither had we any heavy storms; but a strong Southwardly and Westerly wind prevailed almost during the whole passage. The ship "Soath [South] America" sailed from New York at the same time we did for this port; and there was a wager laid of ten thousand dollars by the owners of the two ships that each would arrive in Liverpool first: This day decided the contest: The two ships came sailing up the channel before a fair wind, under a full press of canvass: the South America about ten times her length astern of the Garrick, each ship carrying canvass enough to cover not much less than an acre of ground; and truly a more splendid sight is not often seen. Sometimes, during our passage, the ocean looked something like the hills and valleys round about Kirtland: and would roll out large whale once in a while. We saw four or five of them and other large fish without number. We were very civilly treated on board the ship. The officers and crew were very kind to us. I preached on board the ship on Sunday last to between two and three hundred hearers. I commenced by prayer, and never had greater liberty in calling on the Lord than on this occasion. I had but about forty minutes to speak and consequently could
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not investigate any subject to any very great extent. Yesterday the cabin passengers deputed one of their number to come to me to express their gratitude to me for the very excellent prayer which I made, saying, that there were gentlemen and ladies from three or four different nations; and were all unanimous in the opinion that the like they never heard before. One learned physician said that the prayers of the church of England were all "stuff" he being a member of that church notwithstanding, and wept like a child.-The messenger who came to me wept while he related to me his message. I replied to him saying. I am quite obliged to you, Sir, for the good and friendly feelings which you manifest towards me; but, Sir, if there was any thing good in the prayer which I offered, remember that it was from God; therefore thanks and praise are, alone, due to him and not me. I am sensible that instead of such things exalting me, it made me almost abhor myself. I have not been unwell an hour since I left home, neither have had the least symtoms [symptoms] of sea sickness during the voyage. All the company have been well except bro. Fielding who has been a little sea sick one or two days: and Doct. Richards, has had a cold by which he was a little afflicted one or two days. After the ship anchored at Liverpool there came a small boat along side and a number left the ship to go on shore, among whom were myself, Elder Kimball, Elder Goodson and Doct. Richards. As soon as the boat struck the dock, Elder Kimball and myself, (as if moved by one spirit) first leaped from the boat and gained the top of the quay. We then went and got a room for a few days; and then returned thanks to Almighty God for his great blessings towards us; There was a very sick child on board and the Doctors gave it up to die: But Elder Kimball laid his hands on the child without being perceived and prayed for the child and it recovered soon and got entirely well; and the parents acknowledged that it was the power of God that healed it. By the letter I wrote you from New York, you learned that we were detained there some time: but while we were there, we prayed night and day that the Lord would give us a prosperous voyage, and send us with speed across the Atlantic. We also prayed that we might have favor in the sight of the officers on board the ship, and truly they granted us every indulgence which we could ask of them. In short we were as well treated as the circumstances would permit.
When we came in sight of Liverpool, the Spirit of God rested down upon us to a very great degree, and also when we landed. We shall remain here for a few days until we can determine what course to pursue, and in what directions to travel. I feel highly gratified with the situation of things here and with the prospects before us. We all feel highly pleased with our situation and we are determined to raise the standard of truth in this country and we are confident that we can do it in the name of the Lord-I want to see you and the little babe very much; I have seen you a number of times in dreams, but when I awoke it was not a reality-May the Lord bless you and all that pertains to you; and when the voyages of life shall be over, may he bring us into that port of everlasting rest where storms and tempests will assail us no more, and where separation will not be known. I shall look for a letter from you in two or three weeks, after which, I do not expect to hear from you for a long time perhaps not before I see you, for I know not where I shall be and cannot tell you where to direct a letter.-Bro. Kimball wishes me to say for him that he is well and that he wishes to be remembered to his wife, and say to her that he is well pleased with his journey and mission thus far. The Lord is with him, and he enjoys his mind well. That his face is Zion ward at Jerusalem-that he desires to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified; and how his wife and children do. My respects to father Magin; and tell him that I remember him. Give
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my love to Father and Mother, Emily and Justin, and to all the friends who way [may?] enquire [inquire] after me-If you have an opportunity, send to sister Snider, that her husband is well and enjoys himself well. I must close for the present: But I would ask you to write to me soon after you receive this, and direct it to London, England-most likely I shall go to that place before I go to America, and shall be exceedingly happy to receive a letter from you at that place; and if I should not go to London, it would be no crime to write if I should not receive it. Pay the postage to N. Y. and then it will come safely-tell me of all the principle transactions that have taken place in the church since I left.
I am, as ever, your affectionate husband,
ORSON HYDE.
Source: Latter Day Saint Messenger and Advocate, Vol. III, No. 11 KIRTLAND, OHIO, AUGUST, 1837, pp.549-551
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