Mary Sabin Powell's Story ... continued

page 9

When we had been on the ocean three weeks, a Mrs. Deveraux died. They sewed her up in a sheet and buried her in the sea. In the commencement of the voyage she had remarked to my mother, "I'll go on board the ship and start my husband to Utah. If I should die he will journey on. If we do not commence the journey perhaps my husband and children will not reach Utah."

We had Sunday meetings on deck. There was a band that used to play each Sunday after meeting. To be exact, the ocean voyage really did get tiresome at times, although we tried to make the best of it. We were in the ship five weeks and five days. Brother Ellsworth and Brother McAllister slept right across from our berth. They were full of fun and helped keep us lively.

One afternoon when the children were playing upon deck I said, "Oh dear, I wish we'd soon reach land." Just then the Captain held up his glasses and looked afar. I heard him whisper something about land to another man. I kept looking at a tiny speck ahead that seemed to increase. That night we passed a lighthouse. None of us children wanted to go below. We coaxed to be allowed to remain on deck just a little longer. At last the Captain said. "all children below." We did not want to go down. Said he, "I promise you that tomorrow you'll see something much grander than a lighthouse."

Next morning we beheld two large hospitals situated in a beautiful green field. We did not go ashore for two days as we had to be examined first, five hundred twenty-seven persons in all. Not one of our company was sent to either hospital - one was a general hospital and the other a mental hospital. The physicians declared they had never seen a more healthy, clean company of immigrants. All this took place several miles from Boston.

We remained in Boston Harbor one day. While here a number of ministers came on board the Enoch Train. They distributed pretty picture cards among us children. Some building contractors came aboard and offered Father mason work at eight dollars per day. Father did not take the work.

All the immigrants from the Enoch Train now traveled in a body to New York. We went by rail and water. At New York, Apostle John Taylor came to the boat to talk to the saints. He impressed us very much standing there so erect and tall. I noticed his long beard. He was ready to address us, our attention riveted on his countenance. Then he turned to the Captain and said, "How long since these folks had any refreshments?" "Two days," was the answer. "Brethren and Sisters, "said John Taylor, "I should like to see you eat before I speak to you."
In less than half an hour baker's bread, steak, and coffee were brought onto the ship. I had not thought about being so hungry until then. How nice this food tasted.

Apostle Taylor spoke to the saints and asked God to bless us with a safe journey to Utah.

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