The Ship James Pennel Lands 236 Saints in Cholera-Stricken New Orleans Losing Only Three Children, While the Berlin the Same Day Buries Forty-Three (1849)

The ship James Pennel arrived in New Orleans on October 22, 1849, with 236 Saints. Despite the prevalence of cholera, only three children died on board. In contrast, the ship Berlin, arriving the same day, lost forty-three passengers to cholera, with 13 adults and 13 Saints among the deceased. The Saints on the James Pennel were noted for their good health and behavior.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

New Orleans, October 24th, 1849. Brother Pratt,—Respected sir, I have the pleasure to announce to you the safe arrival of the ship “James Pennell,” captain James Fullerton, with 236 Saints; Brother Thomas Clark, president, who I think has discharged his trust faithfully, and he certainly has the confidence of his company, and is respected by the captain and crew. The largest portion of the company I have sent up the river, as they wished to keep together. Arrived the same day, namely, the 22nd of October, the ship “Berlin,” captain E. S. Smith, with 254 passengers, Brother James G. Brown, president. The Saints on the Berlin, have suffered much. There were some on not in the church, and some apostates, and the Saints complain very much of captain Smith. There were 48 deaths on board; the number of Saints that died was 13 adults and 13 children. The Saints speak well of Brother Brown, and say that he did all he could for them. The largest portion of Brother Brown’s company I have sent up the river, as nearly all that have stopped in New Orleans for this winter have got work. P. S. The ship Berlin, arrived the same day, and has lost forty-three of the passengers with the cholera.