Hong Kong, China
April 26th 1865
My dear Mother,

We have arrived here about ten days ago and am about to sail for Manilla and I believe we are going from there to Shanghai from there to Fou -Chow-Fou and then to Melbourne. I hope will have favourable winds as I am longing to get back, as I will make a great effort this time to have done with the sea and settle somewhere ashore. As I always said that I would not get married till I could settle ashore. I was afraid to send for my letters to H’town as there might be some mistake but I hope you are all well and you do not think it strange that you do not hear so regularly from me as usual. Trade is very dull here at present as there are so many foreign ships. I suppose you have heard of the awful destruction at Calcutta about 200 ship’s men destroyed by a great tidal wave called a bon. Thank God I have no return of my disease, and am strong and hearty. I suppose George is getting on finely and W and Sam steadily. I have not much to tell you, as there is a good deal of sameness about the coast of the Celestial Empire. Plenty of Chinamen to be seen every day pulling about with their families in their queer boats, like the prints on the willow pattern plates. Wives with thin children tied on their backs pulling away at the oar. Should we go the route I mention I may write once or twice before I bid adieu to these shores which I hope will be soon. Give my most affectionate love to sisters and Brothers, Miss L, Joe and Aunt E and believe me,

Your affect son,

James C. Parkinson