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16 Jun 61 Peter Shanghai Mother 10, Hyde Park Terrace ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Shanghai, 16 June 1861

My dear Mother

Here I am at last, but so busy that I really have no time to expatiate upon Shanghai. Of course I have missed either one or two mails – I forget which – en route.

I think you may look upon this as promotion, at least I do. The party whose berth I have taken is going up as the Agent to Lienkin near Peking, so you may guess it is a pretty responsible position & just the one I could have hoped for.

I am in a sort of state of transition, as yet being not settled down & being fast posted up in my work to enable my predecessor to depart.

I am very glad to hear John has his promotion & wish him further success but at present all my wishes must be of a very general nature as I positively haven’t time to write any more.

Remember me therefore to all & Believe me, in haste

Your affect. Son

Peter G. Laurie

I will try & write next mail but don’t be too Sanguine even of that.

P.G.L.