My passport properly endorsed at the Russian embassy, authorized me to enter the empire by the way of the Amoor river.
A few days before the time fixed for my departure, I visited a Wall street banking house, and asked if I could obtain a letter of credit to be used in foreign travel.
"Certainly sir," was the response.
"Will it be available in Asia ?" "Yes, sir.

You can use it in China, India, or Australia, at your pleasure." "Can I use it in Irkutsk ?" "Where, sir ?" "In Irkutsk." "Really, I can't say; what _is_ Irkutsk ?" "It is the capital of Eastern Siberia." The person with whom I conversed, changed from gay to grave, and from lively to severe.

With calm dignity he remarked, "I am unable to say, if our letters can be used at the place you mention.

They are good all over the civilized world, but I don't know anything about Irkutsk.
Never heard of the place before." I bowed myself out of the establishment, with a fresh conviction of the unknown character of the country whither I was bound.

I obtained a letter of credit at the opposition shop, but without a guarantee of its availability in Northern Asia.
In a foggy atmosphere on the morning of March 21, 1866, I rode through muddy streets to the dock of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company.