A Child of the Sea; and Life Among the MormonsWilliams, Elizabeth Whitney
History
A Child of the Sea; and Life Among the Mormons
Williams, Elizabeth Whitney
Beaver Island (Mich.); Latter Day Saints -- Michigan; Strang, James Jesse, 1813-1856
It was a dark, stormy night when we landed. Snow was falling. We were a
cold, shivering company as we stumbled along up the dock. We were taken
into a house, where we soon had a warm supper and were told we could
sleep on the floor if we had bedding of our own, as their beds were all
full. We made our beds and found it very cold, as doors were opening and
shutting until almost morning. We were all put into one large room which
was very bare of furniture. Children cried and there was not very much
sleep. At the first peep of day most of us were up to take our first
look at the Promised Land. At first we tried to look out of the windows,
but they were steamed and frosty and we could not see. We then went out
of doors. Our first glance was out on the cold, rough water of a little
harbor, as they called it, and never shall I forget the lonely feeling
that came over me. All was silent but the sound of the waves that washed
upon the shore. What little ground was visible where the snow had
drifted was all bare white sand. There were many pretty evergreen trees
back a short distance from the water. There being few houses visible we
were told the houses and farms were farther back in the country. We were
called to breakfast, and when it was finished we were told we could go
to the King's house, which was pointed out to us, and he would direct us
what to do next. "The King's House." What did they mean? We had never
heard of any king. They said, "You will soon know. We are ruled by a
king who has revelations direct from God. There are twelve apostles to
rule with him, and out of this company of people he will choose four
more which are needed." Our surprise was great. We were anxious to know
all, so were taken to the King's house. He met us very kindly and
explained many things to us. He talked considerable about his
revelations and what he hoped to do for his people. His manner was very
captivating, and we all felt much encouraged after he had talked with
us. We were all divided up among the other families on the island until
we could build our homes. We were there over a week before we knew for
certain we were on an island. To me it was a terrible shock but we had
no time to think much about it only what we should do to provide shelter
for the long winter. The King soon left to go travelling for the winter
to bring more converts in the spring.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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