[John Bowring, sometime Governor of Hong Kong] Autograph Letter Signed John Bowring to dear Friend [Miss Mary A. Humble] about the consequences of a disaster (shipwreck in the Red Sea on his return trip from Hong Kong).

Two pages, 8vo, blue paper, fold marks, slight damage at fold not affecting text, mainly good condition. Despite a neat appearance, a difficult hand occasionally. Text: Of our disaster [underlined] you will have heard from others. I know you will not be displeased to hear of our safety from us [underlined]. We have lost nearly everything - Maria everything [see Note B. below] & have been clothed by Christian charity. I think better of human nature & more highly of human virtue after what I have seen. It was a beautiful display of every mortal excellence. I have been proud [underlined] of Maria. Her mother - how would she have [?] to the details of our dolorous story! The dead are spared the sufferings of the living. In a letter from Edith [received?] at Malta & [dated?] from Vicar's Cross she speaks of your [?] & hospitable kindness. I dare say I shall put in a claim - will you allow it? to the shelter of your roof & I will tell you of the [???] of our dangers,- our doings & our rescue. W. telegraphed an account of our disaster to Egypt & found a messenger from the Pacha & his State carriage in here waiting for us,- so we crossed the desert in sovereign splendor - but embarked at Alexandria without delay - & t0-morrow hope to be in Marseille & in London by Wednesday the 6th July. Kind regards to all around you | Yours very affectionately | John Bowring.Note: A. Bowring's work in Hong Kong ended in May 1859; B. His wife, Maria, died apparently in 1858 (Wikipedia) leaving here a puzzle.