L.D.S. Voyage (1852)
Below is a letter (from the Millenial Star, a British L.D.S. publication of the time) about the departure of the Ellen Maria in 1852 from Liverpool, Lancashire, U.K. It was quoted in Bert Nelson's
Mormon Pioneer Search website.
The company on the Ellen Maria went out under the presidency of Elder Isaac C. Haight, who takes charge of the same to Kanesville, unless relieved by Elder Smoot at St. Louis, and will co-operate with Elder Smoot in fitting out those who go by the Fund, for crossing the plains. After this is accomplished, he will render such aid as he shall be enabled to in fitting out those who are going upon their own resources; so that none, or but very few, will be obliged to stop in the States a year for want of a little aid and experience in getting up their teams. Elder Haight's extensive acquaintance in that region and general business tact, peculiarly fit him for this important duty, which, when he has accomplished, he is expected to return to England, and fulfil his mission here.
The same evening on which the Ellen Maria cleared, there arrived in our midst a small company of Danish and Swedish Saints, in all nine persons, on their way to America, and in hopes to be in time for this ship. It is truly refreshing to associate with these dear brethren, although it is with great difficulty we can communicate with them in the absence of an interpreter. Their hearts are warm with the love of the Gospel; they are living examples of our great salvation, which do appropriate honor to their father in the Gospel, President Erastus Snow. What outward evidence is more calculated to strengthen and confirm the hopes of babes in Christ, than the certainty which attends all the great moves of the Apostles and Elders in the various nations. The unerring counsels of Jehovah are executed with the utmost success by the legitimate Priesthood of His Son on earth. Already, in addition to the various national distinctions of the British people, we have on their way to the place of gathering, French, Danish, Swedish, and the first fruits of the German Mission, all happy and united in the blessings of the Gospel.