Item 2 - A.L.s., to P. T. Main, from Tokyo

Gives an account of a journey from Nikko to Yokohama during a flood. Notes his varied selection of new friends. Discusses the weather, especially the uncommon amount of rain which has caused flooding and collapsed bridges. Has been ill since he has arrived in the country, but has not had dysentery, which is sweeping the island. Discusses the Japanese character and believes they have adapted themselves to the changes in weather, making them 'wonderfully tough and almost inorganic in their apparent absence of 'nerves'". Notes a recent spate of suicides amongst the English community, and believes it is due to people being unable to 'endure the ordinary events of life in this climate.' Also gives a description of the home life of a European man in Japan. Has met a friend of PTM's, Borthwick, who steamed into Yokohama 'in charge of the 500 souls on board HMS Undaunted' and has been to a cricket match with him. Also attended a number of garden parties which he describes, especially one given by the Foreign Secretary. Says he has little to say about his work as it is 'a fraud' and he has to teach his students English before they can learn Political Economy. He only carries on as he has to pay off his debts.