From Hankow. He has just returned from a well-attended service at Wu Shen Miao Mission. Su Chang Hui preached a useful sermon on "Thou wicked & slothful servant". Joy Hurn was there after moving in yesterday.
Yesterday they had a nursing certificate presentation. Eight were given to girls and two to boys. It was a very pleasant occasion.
He is afraid that Boone and the C.C.U are being forced to close which will leave the Blind School, the Men's and Women's Hospitals, [unreadable word] and the Roman Catholic Hospital as the only Christian Institutions left standing in Wuchang.
He has written to the Mission House about the money for Emily's rent and to say that he has sent home all his allowance except for the £100.
He has enclosed a photograph taken by Dr [Ralph] Bolton on the day of the general exodus for Shanghai. Emily will observe H B R in good health and spirits.
Kingswood School sent him the boys' reports direct [Gordon and Morley]. They must wait and see. He has no doubt that Emily has helped the boys a great deal during the holidays. At least the Chinese troubles have resulted in her remaining with the children.
He got the Christmas presents alright.
It is good that she is doing some church work other than deputations. Spiritual matters are discussed.
He takes a short walk with Bishop Roots most days - he remains very kind as do the other people.
H B R has suggested to [William] Rowley that it might be a good idea for him to take furlough. It will be interesting to see how he reacts.
The Hawkins [Naval patrol boat?] is now on its way up river. They [the Naval authorities?] are afraid of the disappearance of this government and the possibility of local fighting in which case they will probably land troops and secure Hankow properly until the danger is past. They may of course be wrong but things are very difficult between the Communists and the other local politicians and people are very uneasy.
Spiritual and personal matters are discussed.