Hong Kong, Thursday evening, May 19/98.
Frank came to hotel last night but not till after 8:30, so we spent up till 11 o’clock together. He is kept very busy, so much to do in so short a time. This is unfortunate because I shan’t see much more of him after tonight. I expect him again to night & I hope to dine with me [sic]. The “Chingtu” came in this morning & lays just off the hotel. I went to the agents[1] this morning & arranged for my berth. She is advertised for 4 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, but she won’t get away till early Saturday morning, however, ere you get his letter, I shall, all well, be in Sydney, 21 or 22 days from here, so after all, I am going to be in Sydney some days earlier than I had reckoned on. I shall have a letter ready to post at first port of call. We go near the Phillipines so may see some of the war ships[2] cruising thereabouts. Manila is only 2 days’ steaming from here by quick boats. It has been severely hot today. The hot season sets in here early May, so I shall get away before I experience anything more trying than it has been. One gets into a sweat sitting in a chair, & to walk is nigh impossible. Fine clear blue sky overhead & bright sunshine all day.
[4:6]
I will have all posted early tomorrow & leave myself at liberty to get on board the steamer between 3 & 4 o’clock. She looks a fine ship but very much smaller than the P&O or even Frank’s Olympia. She may be comfortable, however, these fast boats vibrate so much, I’m told, that it shakes the nerves of some people to distraction. Luckily I’m not nervous. Still I like a steady ship, then it is very pleasant on the sea, fine weather, of course, I mean. Now that’s the dinner bell, 7:30, so I will leave further writing till the morning.
[1] Inserted on facing page: “Butterfield & Swire, agents for the China Steam Navigation Coy.”.
[2] In April 1898 war had broken out between the US and Spain. The Philippines was then part of the Spanish Empire. On May 1, US Commodore George Dewey defeated the Spanish squadron in six hours in Manila Bay.