Irish Channel, August 10, 1871.

President Albert Carrington.

Dear Brother--Allow me, through the columns of the Star [Millennial Star], to return my heartfelt thanks to the Saints in Scotland, Nottingham, and Norwich, for the many kindnesses I have received from them during the past two years. These years will be long remembered by me with pleasure. I bid the Saints all farewell for the present, and hope that the day is not far distant when all the faithful of Israel will be gathered home to the mountains of Ephraim, where they can enjoy the associations of the people of God, and attend to those sacred ordinances so dear to the Saints.

Allow me here to say, that whilst on my mission, I in common with my brethren, have always tried to keep in remembrance that I was here a representative of the kingdom of God on the earth, and I have tried to govern my life accordingly. My constant aim has been to do all the good I could, not having any license nor yet any desire to injure or harm the least in the kingdom of God. I have endeavored, when called upon, to give such counsel as I would be willing to take were I placed in the same circumstances.

The ship is moving along finely, and there has not been as yet one case of seasickness amongst the Saints. They are all busy at breakfast whilst I am writing, and all appear to have a splendid appetite. They have an abundance of room, and have all their luggage down with them. Yesterday, in the evening, the Saints were singing the songs of Zion, which drew the attention of many of the other passengers, who flocked in groups around both hatchway doors to hear the happy "Mormons." Last night we appointed Brother Stephen H. Taylor, chaplain, and brother John Harding, captain of the guard. Previous to prayers, Brothers Taylor, [Alma] Eldredge, Noble and myself gave the Saints a few timely instructions, which I trust will be conducive of much good, as we all know that one ounce of "preventive" is better than a pound of "cure."

May the blessing of the Lord rest upon you and all who are laboring in the ministry, and crown your efforts with success, is the prayer of your brother in the gospel,

William Douglass. [p.522]

BIB: Douglass, William, [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 33:33 (August 15, 1871) p.522. (CHL)
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