ARRIVAL AT SUNDERLAND—ON THE STEAMER "GENERAL HAVELOCK"—IN LONDON—ON BOARD THE "AMERICAN CONGRESS" —UNPLEASANT NEWS—A MEETING OF THE SAINTS—AN AWFUL SURPRISE —"I WANT YOU!"—TAKEN PRISONERS.
I went down to a steamboat landing, crossed the River Tees in a small steamer and waited there nearly half an hour, when Richard came. He brought with him our box, which contained a bed-quilt, some books and other articles.
On this side of the river was the Port Clarence railway station, where, after securing our tickets, we took the train for Sunderland.
We arrived at the latter place about 7:30 p.m. After some little trouble we found President George J. Linford, who was staying at a Brother Inglefield's. We procured lodgings for the night, for which we paid fourpence (eight cents) each.
Early next morning we went on board the steamer General Havelock. Quite a number of Saints (between fifty and sixty) embarked on the steamer; they hailed from Newcastle, Sunderland and other places.
About 8 o'clock the steamer started. It was pleasant sailing. This was the first time we had been on sea. Richard and I enjoyed ourselves and felt very happy. We were pleased to be away from home and soon made intimate acquaintance with the Saints, finding among them many good-hearted people. We had some interesting conversation which helped to pass away the time.
The following day we arrived in the great metropolis—London— about half-past 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
During the forenoon of the next day President Linford informed us we could go on board the American Congress, but said he did not know whether we could sail on that vessel or not. He told us that shortly after we left Sunderland on the Saturday morning, a telegram came there from Brigham Young, Jr., asking him not to let the Saints start, but for them to wait till the next ship was ready.
In the evening of that day, President Linford went to Liverpool to see Brother Young and make final arrangements about sailing.
This was rather unpleasant news to Richard and myself, for if we could not go with that ship, it would be expensive to wait two or three weeks till the next vessel started; in fact, we did not have means to do so. Not only this, but we were in suspense about being away, for we were afraid we might be captured and taken back to our homes.