Letter to Orson Pratt from John Johnson, dated Feb. 27, 1849, at Stourbridge, in which he includes a newspaper article describing the first group of Welsh pioneers as they passed through Swansea enroute to Liverpool from where they would continue their journey to "California." (Vol 11:94,95)
Stourbridge, Feb. 27th., 1849.
Dear President Pratt,--The following account which I send you, I have copied out of the British Banner, of February 21st., which I have no doubt will be interesting to you, if you have not seen the particulars previously. And I pray that the God of Israel will bless Captain Dan Jones and all his company, and give them a safe voyage to Zion's shores, where they may rejoice (with their kindred spirits) on the mountains of Israel, is the prayer of my heart, even so. Amen.
I am your affectionate brother,
In the new and everlasting covenant,
JOHN JOHNSON.
"EMIGRATION TO CALIFORNIA."--"THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS."--"On Tuesday last, Swansea was quite enlivened in consequence of the arrival of several wagons loaded with luggage, attended by some scores of the "bold peasantry" of Carmarthenshire, and almost an equal number of inhabitants of Merthyr, and the surrounding districts, together with their families. The formidable party were nearly all "Latter-day Saints," and came to this town for the purpose of proceeding to Liverpool in the Troubadour steamer, where a ship is in readiness to transport them next week to the glittering regions of California. This goodly company is under the command of a popoular Saint, known as Captain Dan Jones, a hardy traveller, and a brother of the well known John Jones, Llangollen, the able disputant on the subject of "Baptism." He arrived in the town on Tuesday evening, and seems to enjoy the respect and confidence of his faithful band. Amongst the group were many substantial farmers from the neighbourhoods of Brechfa and Llanybydder, Carmarthenshire; and although they were well to do, they disposed of their possessions to get to California. It is their intention, we are informed, not to visit the gold regions, but the agricultural districts, where they intend, they say, by helping one another, to reside in peace and harmony, and to exemplify the truth of "brotherly love," not in name, but in practice. Amongst the number who came here, were several aged men,
varying from 70 to 90 years of age, and "whose hoary locks," not only proclaim their "lengthened years," but render it very improbable they will live to see America; yet so deluded are the poor and simple Saints, that they believe that every one amongst them, however infirm and old they may be, will as surely land in California safely, as they started from Wales. Their faith is most extraordinary. On Wednesday morning, after being addressed by their leader, all repaired on board in admirable order, and with extraordinary resignation. Their departure was witnessed by hundreds of spectators, and whilst the steamer gaily passed down the river, the Saints commenced singing a favourite hymn. On entering the piers, however, they abruptly stopped singing, and lustily responded to the cheering with which they were greeted by the inhabitants."--Cambrian
