Letter from James G. Willie -
Ship
SIR: I must take the opportunity, ere we separate to express
to you the high respect I entertain for the passengers (760 souls) on my ship,
who are immediately under your guidance and direction, and to affirm that they
are the finest body of emigrants I have ever had the pleasure to convey across
the Atlantic--they have always been willing to do and act according to my wish,
expressed by myself through you, and to render me any assistance that I have
required from time to time.
All this I am sensible has arisen from you excellent
management. I must also thank you for you assistance rendered to my officers,
more especially to my surgeon, to whom you have lent your aid during his
arduous duties; owing to this I cannot doubt much suffering has been
alleviated. And now, sir, as you are about to leave my ship in a few hours,
allow me to express to you my best wishes and hopes that you will be enabled to
reach your destination in perfect safety, and find all those near and dear to
you in the enjoyment of perfect health--this I am sure will be sufficient
reward for your four years of absence and toil in the cause.
Please to express my good wishes to you counselors, Messrs.
Atwood and Ahmonson, wishing them like success and happiness [-] yourself. My
officers, I believe, share [-] me in the above and will sign after me.
Sir, Yours very respectfully,
Chas.
Collins
B. W. Ward,
John W.