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3 Aug 61 Peter Shanghai Mother 10, Hyde Park Terrace ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Shanghai. 3 Aug. 1861

My dear Mother

No end of letters. 30 have I written this mail & John yet to be congratulated on becoming Major & Julius on the prospect of becoming Captain.

It is hard work, but I really don’t think I have written to you for 6 weeks & I recd. two from you this time. For the portraits enclosed many thanks. Little Helen looks certainly better in this than any of the others but she always makes a pretty little picture – but such a sad, mournful expression.

Four years have certainly made a considerable difference in Alfred & I hope Dresden & the black beard may do him good. I would however make a stipulation with Krause* that he should not be allowed to feed on such filthiness which is not fit for pigs.

I recollect Henry Pleasance perfectly from beginning to end & the little incident you mention is not the first pleasing symptom in his character, for if you recollect, he came once before & made a long speech expressing his gratitude. It is really very pleasing as you say, to see that there is gratitude in the world. It is so very rare.

I am glad to hear you say that my Father keeps up & improves & that the Doctors say it is only a matter of time but it has indeed been a tedious illness. When I some day return I hope I shall find all well and I am sure you cannot but feel that on the whole as a family, we have been blessed with a more than usual share of happiness.

You want to know my income. I will tell you as near as I know it myself. My actual salary is £500 a year, board lodgings & everything found besides. That sounds very well but unfortunately it is only just enough to keep me as we live here. Fancy paying £30 for 3 day shirts & collars the other day. That will give you a notion of expenses.

You also want my picture & you shall have it in the autumn, as it is too hot to undergo a photograph at present.

Fancy both John & Julius being Captains at 21.

I am sorry to hear you were out of Tea. I don’t recollect what ships I sent in, but I know there was a lot in the ‘Chevy Chase’.

Give little Helen her usual kiss & thanks for the portrait

Your affect. Son

Peter G. Laurie

* Krause – Dr Krause, to whom Peter also had been sent – see 1858.10.08