the passengers of the ship "brooklyn" left the united states with the hope of finding religious freedom. however, they arrived in mexican alta california just weeks after its occupation by the united states navy at the outset of the mexican–american war. despite the tensions that drove them from their homes in the eastern states, the crew and passengers "felt more cheerful and secure." mormon historian b. h. roberts noted in his work "a comprehensive history of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints":