Ship Minnesota, near Ireland, July 1, 1868.President F. [Franklin] D. Richards.

Dear Brother,--I am glad to inform you that we are all well, and the aged wish to inform their friends that they feel first rate, and thankful that they are so far on their journey towards Zion. Many inquire of me, "When are we going to be sick," &c., as we have not the slightest sign of it yet.

We have divided the Saints into four general departments, and have set the following elders to preside over them:--William Grant, George Hunter, Almon Robison, and Joseph Granger, and subdivided them into 11 wards, with native elders to preside over them.

Elders Clark and Jacobs are helping me to make all comfortable as far as we can, and everything is going on very satisfactory on the ship. The captain and officers are very kind and agreeable. We shall see for the few things that have gone down to the hold after we pass Queenstown, which we expect to reach about 1 or 2 p.m.

The doctor is a very agreeable gentleman, and seems to take a great interest in our welfare. The captain gave our families the liberty to go on the upper middle deck, so that they may have all the fresh air they have a mind, which is very desirable. We [p.445] expect many passengers on board from Queenstown. The weather is very agreeable, and all is as well as we can wish for, and a great deal better than any of the passengers expected.

I do not know of anything else that we want to mention, but please to accept our best love and respects for your kind attention and care to make us comfortable, and I can assure you the Saints feel to say a hearty amen.

I remain, in connection with Elders Kimball, Clark, Jacobs, and Robison, who have the charge of the Saints, your faithful brother in the gospel,

John Parry [p.446]

BIB: Parry, John [Letter] Latter-day Saints Millennial Star 30:28 (July 11, 1868) pp. 445-446. (CHL)
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