LETTER FROM NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans, March 18, 1854
ELDERS JONES, JEREMY AND DANIELS,--Dear Brethren--I take this present opportunity to send these few lines to you to give to you a little of the history of how it is and how it has been with us until now. We have seen the great power of God with us, and we feel very thankful to him for his goodness to us. You know already that we were organized into Districts before leaving the docks in Liverpool; but after that, the Districts were divided into seven Branches, with a president over each Branch, four of whom were Welshmen, i.e., John Davis, William D. Jones, Phillip Sykes, and Thomas C. Martill. The Branches were divided into Groups, with a president over each Group, with a meeting of the Saints in each Branch every Tuesday and Thursday nights, with a family prayer each night before going to bed; and there was not one prayer in these in which we did not remember you and all the dear Saints back in Wales.
About 11:00 o'clock Saturday morning, February 4, the steamboat came and took a turn around the "Golconda," which was at that time resting on the river. Then after sailing pleasantly for some time, a storm arose about 5:00 o'clock that afternoon, and the Saints generally began to get sick and continued that way through the night. Sunday morning we remembered the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy, but it was different with most people, the greater part of whom were in their beds. We continued sick through Monday night, and then each Branch was instructed to hold prayer meetings; and before 10:00 o'clock the wind had turned and dropped, and became fair in our favor; and there was great rejoicing the next day among the Saints and everyone was praising the name of the Lord.
Then we sailed very successfully until we reached the Western Islands, on the 14th of February, and the greater part was healthy. Then we kept sailing along until we came in sight of the West India Islands, and we had a close and splendid look at Jamaica, but we did not see Cuba.
And after arriving to this point, I shall say a word to the Saints in Wales. I intended to address you before leaving, but I did not have the time because of the circumstances. I now write to you my feelings. All that I have to say to the Saints is for them to live righteously; take care not to take your own ways, rather be obedient and respectful to the order and government of God which is among you, and may your faith increase and may you trust continually in those brethren who preside over you.
We have had some excellent meetings, and the Spirit of God is very abundant at present with us, and we could not wish to be among better people than those who are emigrating. They are warm and full of the Holy Spirit. By saying that I do not consider everyone to be so. Seek to come after us and have patience. There is an abundance of good food on this ship, but it would be wise for everyone who has possessions to bring a little flour and some preserves with them, also a little dry beef, and ham, etc.
Some unusually good fortune has been in our favor until the present time. At times we sighted in the distance a ship ahead of us through the telescope in the morning, and by nightfall we had passed them by far. We considered that a blessing from our Father. No one died during our journey except one small child who was born in Liverpool before we left. There were two marriages, i.e., David Davies and Esther Williams, both from Carmarthenshire; and Wm. Gillman, Blaenau, and Ann Davies, Pendeulwyn; and I do not think that there has ever been more enjoyment in a wedding on land or on sea than there was in the latter, which took place on the 11th of this month. At 9:00 o'clock there were two flags raised, with everyone looking for their boxes for the purpose of getting out their best clothes and the marriage was carried forth according to the old-fashioned Welsh custom.
The old sister, Esther Jones of Cardiganshire, is alive and well, and enjoying herself. She is now 84 years old and let no one of the old sisters fear to start toward Zion because of the ocean; this old sister was walking back and forth on the deck as if she were on land, and she is out today.
My family and I now end by sending our love to you and to your counselors, together with the Conference Presidents, Robyn Ddu, John Jones, and Sims, and all the Saints throughout Wales--also Bro. R. Morris and Anna wish to remember you all in the same way. I do not know how soon we shall start up the river.
I am your good brother in the gospel,
W. S. Phillips.
[Translated from the Welsh original in Udgorn Seion (Zion's Trumpet), 1854, pp 222-24, by Ronald D. Dennis, 1529 W. 1170 North, Provo, Utah 84604]
