Making His Way home

He was officially released from his mission on June 30, 1868, but the release hardly meant an easy trip home for Elder Ezra James Clark.

Even as Elder Clark was released from one responsibility, he was given another as he made his way home on the steamship "Minnesota" with a number of British Saints. He was appointed first counselor to Elder John Parry, president of the company of the saints onboard, and "discharged his duty to the best of his ability, although his health was poor during the voyage."

Some details of the 11 ½ day voyage and struggles within that timeframe are preserved through the writings of passengers on board or letters written from the ship.

Elder Parry, who was a returning missionary from Wales, wrote to Pres. Franklin D. Richards of the British Mission on July 1, 1868 when the "Minnesota" was near Ireland.

"Elder Clark and (Zebulon) Jacobs are helping me make all comfortable as far as we can and everything is going on very satisfactory on the ship. 16

Parry was a little more general and kind in his mention of some details and overlooking of others. 

Elder Jacobs was a little more specific and showed a bit more of the frustration he faced in being in a leadership role with such a large number of emigrants.

16 Journal of John Parry, page 446

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