Shanghai 
October 15th1865
My dear Mother

I told you in my last that I was going in a vessel to Japan and from there probably to New York, but I had to leave here and go to hospital with a swelling in my thumb. but thank God it is now quite well again. I am going for a few weeks on the coast and will then if I cannot get back to the Colonies ship for England. It has been the most disagreeable place ever I have been in. As one cannot get to where he wants except at intervals and there have been such a number of Englishmen ashore here that it was difficult to get employment, but I think things will soon be better and I hope that the next letter I write to you will be that I am on my route home as I know that I can get a ship anyday for Melbourne there. It would be impossible in a letter to give you any idea of the state of things here. I am sorry that I ever came here as I was getting on so nicely in the colonies but I hope that I will soon get back. I hope that you are all well. I often say that it is the longest time I have yet been without hearing from home. I would not care so much if I was making money but it is only losing time here. I hope you are all enjoying good health. Do not let my troubles grieve you as I shall get over them sometime, and there would be no use in you writing as it is so uncertain where I may be. Give my most affect love to all and believe me your affect son

Jas C Parkinson