Bombay
March 9th 1852
To Mrs Johnston,
Killough
Dear Grandma,

I was very glad to see your letter the day after I arrived here which was on Sunday evening last and also Mamma’s, Dada’s, etc. etc.not forgetting little George’s and I am also very glad to be able to tell him that I did not fall into the big sea. I hope that when this letter reaches you that twill find you in good health and that you may continue so until I see you all again, should I be spared to see old Ireland again. We had a very favourable passage as far as the Cape, but had some rough weather there & at the Mauritius at which we got the fag end of a hurricane which tore nine of our sails and carried away our flying gilboom? I saw the Peak of Tenerife in Madeira and did not sight any land until we reached Ceylon which is a beautiful island and had canoes off towards the middle of the day bringing coconuts, bananas, pine apples, gold rings, Cornrlian stone, which we purchased for very little and I shall bring some home. I do not know whether we shall be going to China or not yet but will write again before we sail. I expect we shall be more than 3 months here so you will be able to send me another letter before we sailed. You did not mention whether you got my good blue suit and cap which I left for Mr Scott’s father to bring from Miss O’Brians? in Lpool as it would be no use to me at sea. I will tell you all about my voyage a great deal better when I see you, as my time is very limited, and during the voyage we were on deck all day or as it is termed, all hands. Except going round the Cape watch and watch. There are a great many ships from Belfast here, one just left today for home. You will tell Mamma that I will write to her next time, and also to Dada and Sisters to whom you will please give my most affect love. I should mention that the heat in he middle of the day is very great, can hardly walk the decks but the sea breeze sets in about 1 o’clock which is refreshing.

We have a great variety if natives on board every day. One sect called the Parsees are among the principal. They wear large hats just like a tea canister with large flowing white robes, and silk trousers. The Musalmen? wear small caps scarcely covering the tops of their head. Nothing offends them more than offering them pork. The 3rd or common class called Coolies wear nothing but one piece of cloth around their middle and are the servants of the other classes. They make a great noise and chattering and are all great rogues. The town seems to be pretty large. There is a large fort and guard ship opposite and we have a salute nearly every day as there is a French ship in the harbour. Did you get my letter which I sent by a vessel we spoke on the line?, as you do not mention. I expect we shall have some trouble getting out the coals as it is very sultry. As yet we have not commenced. We get buffalo meat every day which is pretty good and there is a boat off every morning with bread eggs and fruit, and they may buy who have the money. I expect to get ashore some day soon and shall follow my father’s advice, and gain all the information I can. The coconutmilk is very nice, and toddy which they extract from the tops of the trees is very refreshing. I saw a sailor who was in Calcutta a short time ago, and saw Lascalle’s? ship there. You will please give my most affect love to Mamma, Father, Aunt, Sisters and Brothers Mrs and Joe Surch, Mr West and all my friends whom I will be very glad to meet once more. The sea is a pretty busy life, especially at the beginning but I am pretty contented. The Capt. is pretty fair. He and Mrs live ashore here. I remembered Mamma to him. I believe I must conclude with love to all. Hoping to hear from you soon, and thanking you for your good advice. Believe me yours affect.

James C. Parkinson