PC_256_Poe_1910_1911_Typescript_042

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located. Also saw the old church which Rev. M. T. Yates built
(chiefly with his own money) and of which he was pastor for
many years. This evening dined with J. A. Thomas and his three
guests, two ladies from New York and a Texan. Thomas is a rich
find. He has a great fund of reminiscences covering the whole
earth, and talks the only genuine North Carolina language I have
heard since leaving home, including a picturesque disregard
for certain statutes ordained by Lindley Murray. Enjoyed the
evening immensely.

November 26th.
This has been a tip-top day. Several letters written early. Next
went to the International Cotton Mill where the manager, Mr.
Currie, showed me all phases of the work. Then called on Dr.
Ferguson and Dr. Wilder, and set out to see His Excellency, Wu
Ting Fang. Found him at last in a handsome house in foreign
style and had a most interesting hour's interview. At 5:00
o'clock tender left Shanghai wharf with me aboard, and about
an hour later I boarded to Toyo Kisen Kaisha S. S. "Tenyo Maru"
bound for Hong Kong.

November 27th.
This being a pagan Japanese boat there were no religious servi-
ces today (Sunday). My room-mate is a dandy Scotchman--Chas. E.
Douglas, a civil engineer. Wrote, read and walked.

November 28th.
Caught up with my delayed correspondence and did some reading.
Wonderfully smooth sea. In sight of Chinese coast nearly all
the time.

November 29th.
Reached Hong Kong early, after breakfast. At Cook's office found