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Shanghai,
April 20/95.

Dear Mr. Hecker:

A fine ship such as the "Preussen" is an attraction one hates to abandon especially when travelling along a treacherous coast such as that of China consequently having missed the C.P.Rylos ship at Hong Kong by about one hour and having just passed through the aftermath of a typhoon I decided to stick to the Preussen to the end of her voyage --- and here I am.  Of Shanghai I have of course, only superficial ideas after my short stay of six days, but during that time enough has been seen to show me a finer, higher side of Chinese life than I had supposed existed.  Also a coarser, lower level than I had dreamed of.

The commercial importance of Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai impresses one deeply -- as does also the facilities for its transaction.  France has marked the architecture and gardening of Shanghai (Foreign quarter) most indelibly.  England comes next, Germany third, America fourth. In trade, England is first with Germany and France crowding for second place and America making a decent showing.

I had not contemplated spending any time in China but am not sorry for having had a glimpse.  India spoiled me for Chinese influences and Japan will doubtless pretty nearly eradicate recollections of my present surroundings.  However, much as I am ready to sacrifice to the Nipponese I trust they will permit me carry safely through their delightful country a piece or two of old pottery made by the chinese centuries before they became enemies and which I purchased here yesterday.

At Colombo Mr. E. B. Creasy my forwarding Ag't. failed to deliver to me on board the Preussen a box containing two pieces of Tanjove metal work so I have written him to forward same to you.  Their value is between $20 and $25 (for the pair) so no consular certificate is needed.

Did I mention in my earlier letters that Thacker, Spink and Co. of Calcutta would end in your care a box containing the following books -
Tod's - Rajputana
Duff's Maharattas
Taylor's Confession of a Thug
Jacob's Jeypore Enamel
Malcolm's Central India