Letter from Sallie to Sister Mary, April 26

Shanghai April 26th Sister Mary Oh the poetry of missionary life! I have been telling mother that our trials here are not such as are generally supposed at home and the thought struck me that I had better just tell you at once what are some of our trials No 1 We find it hard to avoid the appearances of evil. The climate being so warm houses with high ceilings and verandas are necessary This gives them quite a stylish [sic] appearance, then there is more work to be done in a family while one servant here can do about half as much as one at home (An instance or so to show how there is more work) At home we buy corn meal__here we buy corn and grind the meal with a hand mill. here the climate being warmer and the place dirtier we have much larger washings, have to bathe oftener more waters to be brought &c&c consequently we have to keep a greater number of servants. Well there are a great number of ships come to this place and some captains bring their wives shall these be invited to our houses and entertained if so it will involve some outlay of money and of time. Some missionaries do not do so as they say they have come here to devote all their time and energies to direct missionary work and have not time to entertain company. These are called proud and stiff__their motives are not appreciated, Other missionaries take the other side of the question and say that we should endeavor to bring within our reach all we can (whether Chinese or foreigners) and try to exert a good influence upon them Consequently they invite them to their house and give them the best they have. Some of their visitors appreciate this and I believe often good is done, but others enjoy their hospitality gaze at the large