While in Liverpool, we were waited upon by Elders Fielding and Richards, who, feeling desirous to obtain all the information they could procure respecting the government of the church, thought that it would be a favorable time to do so, as our opportunities of instruction had been but limited while in Preston, and it being almost impossible to have much private intercourse, there being so many who wished to converse with us on the subject of the gospel, etc. But in this thing they were disappointed, for as soon as it was known in Preston and regions round about that our departure was delayed, numbers of the brethren came from thence to visit us in Liverpool before we left their shores.
On the 20th, we went on board the ship Garrick (the same ship in which we came), bound for New York, and the same day got under way. Soon after we left Liverpool a great storm came on, with a head wind, and continued without cessation for several days, which did considerable damage to the vessel. The bowsprit was broken twice by the force of the wind with only the gib sail set. The boom likewise came down with great force near the place where the captain was standing, but he fortunately escaped without injury. Several other parts of the rigging were much torn and injured. During the time the storm lasted, Brothers Hyde and Russell were very sick. After this we had more favorable weather.
When we had been on the water two weeks, I asked permission of the captain for one of us to preach, which request was cheerfully complied with, and the second cabin was prepared for the occasion. Brother Russell preached, after which Brother Hyde made some observations. The discourses were listened to with great attention, and the congregation appeared very much satisfied.
The Lord gave us favor in the eyes of the captain and the passengers, who treated us with respect and kindness. Those who were in the same cabin with ourselves, and with whom we had more frequent opportunities of conversing, treated us like brothers, and took pleasure in administering to our wants, and told us if they had anything we needed it was at our service. I hardly ever remembered traveling with more agreeable or kind-hearted people, and I pray that the Lord may bless them abundantly and reward them a hundred fold for all the kindness shown to His servants.
Nothing very particular occurred during the remainder of the passage. The weather for the most part was favorable. On the twelfth day of May we came in sight of New York, and in the evening we secured a landing, after a passage of twenty-two and one-half days. The ship New England, which left Liverpool on the same day we did, came in about one hour afterwards.
The sight of my native land filled my soul with gladness. We then went into the city with several of the passengers, who purchased some refreshments, and after we returned bade us partake with them, and we rejoiced together. We then bowed before the Lord and offered up the gratitude of our hearts for all His mercies, in prospering us in our mission and bringing us safely across the mighty deep, to behold once more the land of our nativity, and the prospect of soon embracing our families and friends.
The next morning we went in search of Brother Fordham, whom we found after some trouble. He was rejoiced to see us and immediately took us to the house of Brother Mace, where we were glad to see our beloved Brother Orson Pratt, who was then laboring in that city, and who with Elder Parley P. Pratt, his brother, had been instrumental in bringing many into the kingdom in that city, which intelligence gave us great joy, for when we left New York for England, there was only one belonging to the church in that city.
It being Sunday, we accompanied the Brothers Pratt to the house where the Saints were accustomed to assemble for worship. On entering the house we found about eighty persons assembled, all of whom had recently joined the Church. After singing and prayer, I was requested to give an account of our mission to England. I accordingly arose and told them the things which had happened to us since our departure, and the great and glorious work which our Heavenly Father had commenced on the islands of the sea, and the great desire of the English to hear the things which the Lord had brought to pass on this continent, and their ready reception of the truth of the gospel.
The information gave great joy to the Saints, and they united with us in praising the name of the Lord for His wonderful works for the children of men.
In the evening Elders Russell and Hyde preached, and a great effect was produced, and some came forward and offered themselves as candidates for baptism.