Sobraon
1 March 1886, 10.00 am
My dear Chris
We have been delayed two days at the heads and make a start now under favourable circumstances.
A whole fleet of large ships are going from here in ballast – Calcutta is the destination of most of them. We make but ₤1600 freight & ₤3500 passage, a poor return but still good for the time.
I cannot send you cash being short myself. You must be content with what you have for the present. My only chance of making money is in my venture to
St Helena. This absorbs all the cash I have at command and leaves me ₤300 in debt to the ship.
Alec is likely to do well. He will get some pay soon. I have left money to support him. Meantime he is to write to you often.
We are all well here and hope to give a good account of our run home.
With love from Mater and self.
I am ever, your affectionate Father
Jas. A Elmslie