This is the last letter we have from Reynolds to Miss Evans. Reynolds writes to inform Evans of her decision to join the Foochow mission with Mr. Newell. Reynolds’ tone to her close friend is one of sincere deliberation as she explains her choice. Notably too, Reynolds notes how she would have had Mr. Newell join her in North China, rather than moving to Foochow, if it was not for how entrenched he was already in the community. This demonstrates Reynolds’ choice and agency in her move to Foochow.

My Dear Miss Evans –

This will find you returned to Carleton I presume and my letter in regard to my appointment at Foochow has no doubt reached you sometime since. 

Were you surprised? So was I.

It was certainly furthest from my mind to do such a thing when I left home, but it is no ‘girls sentiment’ at my age and I am very happy in looking forward to my new life work with one I love so dearly. 

I understand that Miss Hartwell has written to some of the Carleton mission in regard to latching up my support at Foochow. I did not know of it until after she had written and I expressed myself as not at all in favor of it. 

I regret my very much that I am to leave the Carleton Mission and if I saw any possibility of it I should have tried getting (to have my mind) Mr Newell (home here) to come to North China instead of my going to Foochow, but he is established there and has been studying and besides I know they wouldn’t give him up. 

But, it seems to me unwise for Carleton to settle her interest, North China is where they plan to locate, I understand, and I do not wish to be the means of lessening the interest and enthusiasms in the mission in anyway. I love it and what it represents too much. I am inclosing a letter to the mission – I do not know how to get letters to the mission yet I feel I should do what I can … 

… to keep up interest, so I send it to you and leave it with you as to how it shall reach them.

I trust you had a very pleasant restful summer. 

I have had letters from a number of friends, telling of commencement, as well as the Carletonia. 

It certainly seems more than a year ago in June since I left my books. 

I have been to Pei-tai hê for a months’ change and enjoyed it so much. 

I trust that this may be a blessed year for Carleton and one full of joy and satisfaction to you –

Sincerely,

Peking, China. Mary Reynolds.