Eli B. Kelsey's Prophecy of Ships of Saints from London

While serving as president of the London Conference some years prior to 1863, Elder Eli B. Kelsey publicly predicted that ships would one day leave the port of London laden with Saints emigrating to Zion. At the time, such an event seemed highly unlikely. The prophecy saw partial fulfillment in June 1863 when George Q. Cannon, then directing the shipping of Saints, faced an unexpected logistical challenge. With the typical port of Liverpool unable to provide a vessel due to high demand, Mr. Smith of the shipping firm Tapscott, Smith & Co. could not secure a ship there. A London firm subsequently offered the 'Amazon,' and Cannon, needing to ensure the emigrants reached the other side in time for the journey across the plains, concluded it was the only viable course of action. While in London preparing the company of 896 Saints for departure on June 4, 1863, Cannon learned of Kelsey’s prophecy from various sources for the first time. The departure of the 'Amazon' marked the first time a ship-load of Latter-day Saints had sailed from that port.