Letter from Joseph Watson Young, 3 March 1853
Note to Journal
Bro Woodruff
Dear Sir, my clerk has negulected some
of the most important items connected with the
breaking out of the Small-pox in our compa^n^y.
When it ^was^ discouvered that this loathsome disease was
in our midst, a general feeling of horror siezed the
Capt & crew, & many of the Saints. The Capt
wanted to turn about & put in to some port
of Spain or Portugal. Said he would loose half
his Sailors. Would be compeled to lay in
Quarantine 2 or 3 months if we proceeded to
New Orleans &c. &c
I opposed turing back in the strongest terms
& told the Capt ^in the name of the Lord^ that if he would proceed, not
one of his Sailors should be sick, & that we would
not be detained one hour in Quarantine.
Well, said he I will go, on & if it is as you say I will
promise that I will believe you to be a prophet
& that there is something in mormonism, whether
I am ever a mormon or not.
When we got to New Orleans, we were pronounced
the healthiest company that ever sailed into that
port. The Capt left me with tears, & said
Mr Young, God grant we may meet again.
I mention this circumstance to show that
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