Transcript
Transcript for Thomas, Preston, "Letter from Texas," The Mormon, 5 Apr. 1856, 3
To the Editor of the Mormon:
CAMP MATAGORDA, March 19, 1856.
Through the blessings of our Father in Heaven, to whom my heart is filled with gratitude, we have been permitted to arrive upon the shores of Texas in health and safety. We sailed from New Orleans on the 13th inst., on the steamship "Charles Morgan," and after somewhat of a stormy passage we arrived at the town of "Powderhorn" situated on the shores of Matagorda Bay, in the forenoon of the 17th the Saints with all our luggage and freight were all landed in safety. Say to all the friends that we are in good health and have had no sickness, save a little at sea caused but the rolling of the ship. We are moving into Camp to-day (19th,) some five miles above Powderhorn on the Bay shore, verging upon an immense Prairie and we have designated our location "Camp Matagorda." I find that we are a little in advance of the season, and shall have to wait a week or two for the grass to grow. The Spring is very backward for this country and a severe Norther has been blowing ever since we landed, until to-day, and since morning it has turned quite warm; if it continues for a few days grass will spring up rapidly. Our teams are not come down yet, but we are expecting them every day. Two of our Brethren met us here upon our arrival, and are in Camp with us; you may expect to hear from us frequently now that we are encamped. Please to remember us all in your prayers.
Yours in the New and Everlasting Covenant.