Shanghai
August 27th 1865
My dear Mother

I had hoped that I would have been able to get back to the Colonies soon but it is not as we wish that things happen. The Dispatch Barque in which I have been was lost going down the river bound to Fou-Chou-Fou and from there to Melbourne, but no-one was injured, the vessel is a total loss to the owners as there was no pilot on board. The Capt trusted to his own knowledge, as he had been trading a long time in these seas. I have been a considerable time on shore on my own resources and everything is dear at the rate of 35/ for a weeks board. I have at last got another ship "The Anita" an American ship under English colours, we are going to Japan and I believe afterwards to New York. Things are very dull in China now. It is almost impossible to get a ship for where one wants to go, so that I was glad to get away. I have never been so long without hearing from you before, but I suppose that I will have to see England before I see the Colonies again. I have deeply regretted leaving them but I thought if I would come a long voyage I should sooner be in a position to get settled but I am afraid I may give that up now. I hope that you will not be uneasy at not receiving letters so regularly from me as it is impossible sometimes in some of these out-of-the-way places, and should I go home it may be months before you hear from me. I have heard a good many remark that it is very hard to get off this coast once you get on it. I have heard that the war in America is over. I hope that it may make things more brisk. I hope that all my dear Brothers and Sisters are well. This place is sickly sometimes, but thank God I am in good health at present altho most heartily sick of the sea and longing to get home that I may get out again. I have very little to tell you as one does not see or hear much on this coast. Give my most affect love to Brothers and Sisters, Joe, Aunt E. and Miss L et cetera and believe me your affect son

James C Parkinson

Don’t fret