Steamship Colorado, off Queenstown, July 15, 1868President F. [Franklin] D. Richards.

Dear Brother,--Having among other elders been released to return home, and being now among hundreds of happy Saints being born "with speed swiftly" towards the Zion of our God, I feel to say a few words to those to whom, with regret, we have had to say "good-bye," at least for the present.

While the Saints are so happy on board this truly noble ship, they do not forget to lift the voice of grateful prayer, and to petition for the blessings of heaven to rest abundantly upon President Richards, for his ever kind, fatherly, and cheering counsels, generously dealt out with an affectionate solicitude that should and will, I know, by many, never be forgotten, for the watchful care which he has had over them; and many hearts beat in union today on board the Colorado, and their one-voiced prayer is, God bless President Richards for securing such a fine vessel in which to send us on our way rejoicing.

I need not mention anything in regard to our organization, as no doubt that will be attended to by more competent hands. Suffice it to say that all moves off most cheerfully, and now that all begin to understand their places, things assume a very comfortable appearance, and all things bid fair to give us a most happy, comfortable, and speedy voyage. . . . [p.492]

BIB: Thatcher, Moses. [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star. 30:31 (August 1, 1868), p. 492. (CHL)
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