China Whampou
September 24th 1852
Dear Mamma

I suppose by the time you receive this, you will be beginning to think I have forgotten to write to you, but my other letter was sent back, it being too late for the mail. But you shall have heard by Capt. Scott’s letter how I am. I will be very glad if the ship was going home, as I have had nearly enough of hot weather and the place is very warm and rather unhealthy, but the weather is getting cooler. We had a pleasant passage from Bombay here and very little rough weather, but exceedingly variable winds in the Straits of Mallaoca in part of which we were aground for some hours, but happily got off without much injury. We stopped in Singapore 3 days for spars and water. The people are Malays and Chinese Tartars and not much to be trusted. I was ashore in the evening a short time. The town had the appearance of what I have seen represented in pictures of Venice, with its canals and multitudes of boats, except the houses have a meaner appearance. Fruit, especially pineapples yams etc. are very plenty. We sailed from there and arrived without accident at Macao, which we hove to, a short time for a pilot. One of these queer shaped boats with mat sails came off in a short time and with one to bring us up the Canton river to Wampoa, where we arrived the 2nd day. The river was covered with boats of all sizes containing each a family of Chinese as those who are born on the water have to live by it. We have discharged all our cotton and the ship is at present in dry dock getting new calked and coppered and other necessary repairs. The rice is growing under our bowsprit as the Chinese cultivate every spot of land that they can. I have seen some beautiful things here, light coloured silk waistcoats such as one would wear at a wedding 1 dollar and handsome silk of all suits proportionately cheap. There are also a great number of curiosities. Fans, cases of insects, carved dressing cases etc.

Towns do not look well as the streets are only about 14 feet wide, and all the houses are shops of every description in which you will get everything from a needle to an anchor. I was in Canton about 16 miles from this up the river. The English part of the town looks well the houses are flat rooft but very high and the streets are covered over in a line with the roof with matting to keep off the heat of the sun.

The Europeans here look very pale but tis no wonder as the heat is enough to roast one, no European is allowed to go into the town of Wampoa, but there are other villages close around it where you can if you are civil. But should you kick up any row you may look out for yourself, as the Chinese are the most savage bloodthirsty rascals ever were created and they think as little of taking a life as of killing a rat. But tis no wonder as the devil is their God.

The white people live in large houses built on vessels on the river. There is also an American church very neatly fitted up, though service is the same as the Church of England except that they omit that part of the liteny about the Queen and Parliament is left out. I hope that you are all in the enjoyment of good health and cool weather and that Grandma continues well. Give my most affect love to her and tell her I hope to see her yet, but cannot know how soon. Also to Dada, Aunt Bessie, Cat, Frances, Maria, Annie, Billy, Sam, and little Georgy also Mrs and Joe Surch, Miss Lascelles, Mr West, Mrs and Mr Lindsay, Ben Thompson and all my other friends not forgetting poor Margaret.

And believe me ever your affectionate son

James C Parkinson

I’m sure there are a great many mistakes in this, as twas only at intervals that I could write it.