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26 chapters
INTRODUCTION.
INTRODUCTION.
Having some years since become acquainted with the commerce of Asia and Eastern Africa, the information produced on my rind a conviction that considerable benefit would result from effecting treaties with soine of the native powers bordering on the Indian ocean, With a view to effect an object apparently so important, I addressed a letter to the Hon. Levi Woodbury, then a Senator in Congress from the state of New Hampshire, detailing the neglected state of our commerce with certain eastern princ
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EMBASSY TO THE EAST. I.
EMBASSY TO THE EAST. I.
BAILING FROM BOSTON—ARRIVAL AT ST. JAGO—DESCRIPTION—EXPORTS—GREAT DROUGHT—FOGO—FORTIFICATIONS—SAILING FOR BRAZIL—DESCRIPTION OF THE COAST —HARBOUR OF RIO AND DISTANT VIEWS--THE CITY—PUBLIC GARDEN—BOTOQ FOGO- BOTANIC GARDEN—POPULATION—PUBLIC BUILDINGS—SENATE AND HOUSE OF REP- RESENTATIVES. Tre Executive having, in the year 1832, resolved on an attempt to place our commercial relations, with some of the native powers of Asia, on a sure and advantageous basis, orders were issued to prepare the Unit
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II.
II.
BAILING FROM MONTEVIDEO—DESCRIPTION OF THE ISLAND OF TRISTAN D'ACUNHA— ST. PAULS—ENGANO—ARRIVAL AT BENCOOLEN AND DESCRIPTION. AGREEsBLY to orders from the navy department, the commander of the Peacock was required to proceed to the west coast of Sumatra, to ascertain whether Commodore Downes had obtained redress for the murders and robbery committed on board the ship Friendship, of Salem, by the natives of Qualah Battu; and if it should appear that from any cause such redress had not been effect
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’ CHAPTER III
’ CHAPTER III
SAILING FROM BENCOOLEN—ARRIVAL AT CROKATOA AND FORSAKEN ISLANDS—-SCENE- RY—BEAUTIFUL SUBMARINE GARDEN—-BRITISH FRIGATE—ARRIVAL AT ANGIER— SAILING FROM ANGIER—BAY AND CITY OF DANILA—BUILDINGS--POPULATION-PRO- VISIONS—LABOUR. On the last day of August, we weighed anchor at nine o'clock in the evening, from Bencoolen bay, and aided by the current and a land breeze, about midnight we once more found ourselves at sea. Owing to light head-winds from the southeast, calms, contrary winds, and violent sq
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1V.
1V.
MANILA CONTINUED—CALZADA--SEA-CUCUMBER—CIGAR-FACTORY AT EBINONDO—EX- PORTS—DUTIES—WEIGHTS AND CURRENCY—EXCHANGD -1IMPORTS—LUZON—CAVITE— HURRICANES—LAGO DE ERIA—PINA—INDIAN AND BUFFALO-VISITS TO THE ALCADE. Tere is a fashionable drive in Manila, called the Calzada, encompassing, probably, two thirds of the circumference of Manila: it passes over a low, level piece of ground, bordering on the fosse or ditch of the city on one side, and on the open country and paradeground fronting the bay, on the
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V.
V.
DEPARTURE FROM MANILA-CHQLERA—CAPE BOLINA—CHINESE VESSELS--PILOT—MA- CAO—LINTING—VILLAGE-WHAMPOA—J0S8 HOUSES—SACRIFICE—ARRIVAL AT CANTON— RIVER AND BOATS—DESCRIPTION OF CANTON—GREAT IDOL TEMPLE—LEGEND OF THE J08 HOUSE—RELIGIOUS CERESIONIES—MINOR TEMPLES. WE had spent a fortnight most pleasantly at Manila, when the painful intelligence was received, that the Asiatic or spasmodic cliolera had suddenly made its appearance on board the Peacock. It has been already stated that the diarrheea and dysen
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VL
VL
ETDINSM-TOMES OF ANCESTORS—CEREMONIES—ORIGIN OF TUMULI OR TOMEB3— SACRIFICES TQ CONFUCIUS—PAN-HWNY-PAN--INFANTICIDE—CHARITABLE INSTITU- ‘TIONS—GOVERNMENT GRATUITIES, Havive given a description of the principal temples, &e., I shall now state some particulars relative to the introduction of the Budhism religion into China, and show what are the principles professed by its disciples, at the present day. In the sixty-fifth year of the Christian era, the emperor Ming-te invited the first pri
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VIL
VIL
DESCRIPTION OF CANTON—SACKING OF THE CITY—FLACE OF HONOUR—MOURNING— COMPASS—MATERIALS FOR BUILDINGS—HQUSES—PRINCIPAL OFFICES-DUTIES AND PENALTIES OF GOVERNOR—FIRES—GOVERNOR'S SALARY—DIVISION OF POWER. Tue name of Canton on Chinese maps, is written Kwang-tungsang-ching, that is, the capital of the province of Kwang-tung, but when speaking of the city, the natives call it san-ching, the * provincial city,” or the “capital of the province.” Tt is built on the north bank of Choo-keang or Pearl river
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VIII.
VIII.
LITERARY INSTITUTIONS OF CHINA—-EXAMINATIONS—SCHOOLS—TEACHERS—SCHOOL, ROOM CEREMONIES—COLLEGES—DOMESTIC COMMERCE-FOPULATION OF THE PROVIN- CES—IMPORTS—EXPORTS. Tae Literary Institutions of China, are the pillars that give stability to the government, Her military forces are utterly inadequate to hold together the numerous and extensive provinces and territories, that constitute the wide dominions of the reigning dynasty. With great difficulty the Tartar troops overrun the country ; conquering pr
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IX.
IX.
EARLY GOMMERCE OF CHINA—AMERIGAN TRADE—HONG-MERCHANTS—TRANSLATORS— LINGUISTS—FOREIGN FACTORIES—STYLE OF LIVING—MANUFACTORIES AND TRADE FHYSICIANS—EGG-BOATS—MANUFACTURERS-MECHANICS—POFULATION OF CANTON, PorTueaL, Spain, France, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, England, and the United States, share in the commerce of Canton. The Portuguese ships led the way to China in the year 1576, but, difficulties occurring, they were restricted to Macao, to which place they have ever since been limited, exce
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Lo CHAPTER X.
Lo CHAPTER X.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES—MONEY WEIGHTS—COMMERCIAL WEIGHTS—OPIUM-OPIUM- SMOKERS—MANTCHOU DYNASTY. Anone the exports and imports to and from China, are certain articles, which are not generally known to merchants not engaged in commerce to the eastward of the cape of Good Hope, among which are :— Agar-agar : this article is a species of seaweed, imported from New Holland, New Guinea, &c. It makes a valuable paste, and is extensively used in the manufacture of silks and paper. It is also used a
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XI.
XI.
DEATH-CEREMONIES OF IMPERIAL MOURNING—POPULATION OF THE CHINESE EMFIRE— KXOCK-HEAD CEREMONY—DBEGGARS—CAT AND DOG MARKET—DR. B. AND THE CHINA- MAN--BARBER3-DRESS OF THE CHINESE—THE DRAGON GOD—SLAVERY. Tue Chinese having a great horror of the word “ death,” they substitute in its place various periphrases, such as “absent,” “rambling among the genii,” “ he being sick, occasioned a vacancy,” i. c., dead. The empress having died during the month of June, 1333, an imperial mandate was published, stat
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« CHAPTER XII. N
« CHAPTER XII. N
CLIMATE OF CANTON AND MACAO—METEOROLOGICAL AVERAGES—DEPARTURE FROM CANTON FOR MACAO AND LINTING—MACAO—POPULATION—SUPERSTITIOUS CERE- MONY, Tur coast of China being similarly situated to that of the United States, having a vast continent streiching from the south and northwest to the northeast, possesses a climate nearly of the same character and temperature. From the gulf of Tung-hing to the vicinity of Canton, it may well be compared to the coast stretching from the Mississippi to North Carolin
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XIII
XIII
SAILING FROM LINTIXG TO YUNG-LAM HARBOUR, IN THE PROVINCE OF FOOYAN, OR PHUYEN-GOVERNMENT OF SHUNDAI—ASSISTANT KEEPER OF YUNG-LAM-LETTERS TO THE KING OF COCHIN-CEINA—CATHOQLIC PRIEST—DEPUTIES FROM SHUNDAL ArTER enduring several days of rainy and squally weather, we weighed anchor, and proceeded towards Turan bay, on the northern coast of Cochin-China, being the nearest and ‘best point to hold communication with the capital, called Hué, from which it is distant about fifty miles ; it being imposs
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XIV.
XIV.
PRESENT OF A FEAST TO THE EMBASSY—DESCRIPTION OF ARRANGEMENT-DEPU- TIES FROM HUE-EXTRAORDINARY DEMANDS—REFUSAL TQ FORWARD DESPATCHES ‘TO THE EMFEROR—LETTER OF TIE ENVOY TO THE MINISTER OF COMMERCE— PRESIDENTS LETTER-UNCONDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPUTIES. Ox this morning, January twenty-fourth, Captain G. and myself visited the deputies: their residence was somewhat improved, since the previons visit paid to them; considering the filthy habits of the people, it was neat and comfortable. Our
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XV.
XV.
SUSPENSION OF INTERCOURSE—-FAILURE OF MISSION-DEPARTURE OF EMBASSY FROM YUNG-LAM BAY—ENVOY'S TITLES-MODE OF HUSKING RICE—-TOMBS OF THE DEAD— FISHING BOAT8—ABSENCE OF PRIESTS AND TEMPLES—SUPERSTITIONS-WILD ANI MALS-MANDARINES' HOUSE—MODE OF TAKING LEAVE-GOVERNMENT OF COCHIN-CHI- NA—GRADES OF RANK. Two days having elapsed, on the third of February, without any official intercourse with the shore, the junior deputy again appeared ; his colleague still remaining on shore on account of sickness. The
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XVI.
XVI.
PASSAGE FROM COCHIN-CHINA TO THE GULF OF SIAM—ARRIVAL AT THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER MENAM—PACKNAM—PROCESSION TO THE GOVERNMENT-HOUSE—RECEPTION-— GOVERNOR—SIAMESE TEMPLES-INTERVIEW WITH THE SIAMESE FOREIGN MINISTER— PRIMA DONNA—FEATS OF STRENTH—SIADMESE FEMALES—FIRE AT BANG-KOK—-WHITE ELEPHANTS—EMBALMING—SHAVING-HEAD CEREMONY AND FEAST-FOX-BATS. The island lies nine leagues away, Along its solitary shore, Of craggy rocks and sandy bay, No sound but ocean's roar, Save where the bold, wild sea-bird mak
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XVII
XVII
PRESENTATION AT THE PALACE OF BANG-KOK-DESCRIPTION-ROYAL ELEPHANT-WHITE ELEPHANTS—KING OF SIAM—GREAT TEMPLE OF GUATAMA—CITY OF BANG-KOXK—TEM- PLE OF WAT-CHAN-TONG, AND FIGURE OF BUDHA—BANYAN TREE—FIREFEEDERS— MISSIONARIES, ON Monday, the eighteenth, arrangements having been previously made, three large boats were sent by the praklang, to convey us to the palace, for the purpose of being presented to his majesty. On the previous evening, the second praklang, or the phaya-phiphat kosza, with a lon
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XVII
XVII
CHINESE JUNKS--MECHANIC ARTS OF SIAM—AMUSEMENTS—DANCING SNAKES—-ANNUAL, OATH OF ALLEGIANCE—DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPITAL—EMBASSY FROM COCHIN- CHINA—EDUCATION IN SIAM-PALACE. Tae climate of Siam is more healthy than that of Batavia. Not. withstanding the great heat of the climate, and the vast quantity of uncleaned and undrained land, epidemics do not often prevail ; yet the spasmodic cholera, a few years since, swept off upward of sixty thousand inhabitants. During our stay, the weather has been cl
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XIX.
XIX.
PROCESSION TO THE FUNERAL PILE OF WANG-NA OR SECOND KING—ORICIN OF BUDHISM IN SIAM-SOMMONA KODOM—ATHEISTICAL PRINCIPLES OF BUDHISM—BUDHIST COM. MANDMENTS—HISTORY OF SIAM-GOVERNMENT—TITLES OF THE KING—OFFICERS OF TBE GOVERNMENT. April second. Having received an invitation from his majesty through the praklang, some days since, to witness the procession of the remains of the late second king to the funeral pile, and this day being set apart for that purpose, a suitable boat was sent to us early by
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XX.
XX.
ANCIENT LAWS OF SIAM—LEGAL OATHS-PUNISHMENT FOR DERT-DIVORCES-POPULAs TION OF SIAM-STATURE AND COMPLEXION OF THE SIAMESE—DIVISION OF TIME— BOUNDARIES AND POSSESSIONS OF BIAM—MARINE OF SIAM—IMPORTS-INLAND TRADE— CURRENCY—TREATY OF COMMERCE—TABLE OF EXPORTS. Tre Siamese have written Jaws, which are dated as far back as 561 of Christ; and others are referred to in their courts, to the years of 1053-1614 and 1773. The higher officers of state are the justices and magistrates, but the final decision
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XXI.
XXI.
DEPARTURE FROM BANG-KOK FOR SINGAPORE-SINGAPORE-COMMERCE-BUGIS—MARI- TIME LAWS—DEPARTURE FROM SINGAPORE—STRAITS OF GASPAR—ISLAND OF JAVA— POPULATION OF JAVA—CLOTHING-DYING—STAMPING—FRUITS—BIRDS, Havive brought my mission to a close in a very satisfactory manner, I was, on the evening of the third of April, invited to wait upon the praklang. The principal object of the visit was to reiterate his assurances, that every facility should be granted to American commerce, both in selling their cargoes,
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XXII
XXII
BATAVIA-BURYING-GROUNDI—SERVANTS' WAGES—ACADEMY OF ARTS-DEPARTURE FRCM BATAVIA—ARRIVAL AT ANGIER—DEPARTCRE FROM ANGIER—RED SEA—ARRIVAL AT MOCHA-TURKIE BEN AL MAS—PALACE OF MOCHA—CURRENCY AT MOCHA-TRANS- PARENT STONE—COLOUR OF THE RED SEA. I xow proceed to give some account of Batavia, &c. Although this city is situated in the midst of low, marshy ground, abounding in rice-swamps, and considered as the most unhealthy spot in the world, yet it is, nevertheless, a great commercial place, an
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XXIV.
XXIV.
DEPARTURE FROM MUSCAT—ARRIVAL AT QUINTANGONY AND MOZAMBIQUE—EXPORTS FROM MOZAMBIQUE—IMPORTS—DEPARTURE FROM MOZAMBIGUE—ARRIVAL AT TABLE BAY-CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. Our voyage from Muscat to Mozambique was not marked by any particular occurrence, excepting the death of a very young and valuable officer. The southwest monsoon having ended, we were in daily expectation of the advent of the northeast monsoon; but on the morning of the seventh of October, without waiting for a change of wind, as we were re
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APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
State of Commerce in the year 1833, at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ; Condensed and brought info Form from Various Documents. THERE arrived 1704 national vessels, and departed 1629; and arrived 696 foreign vessels, and departed 617. The exports consisted of the following articles, viz. :— Valuation, Coffee, 577,764 bags and barrels . 10,494,576 000 Sugar, 15,000 boxes, 11,204 barrels, and 7,217 bags . . . . 1,459,513 500 Hides, 187,530 . . . . . 754,048 880 Horns, 380,242 . . . . 48,922 340 Rice, 14,2
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TEA.
TEA.
I is well known wherever tea is used, that there are two descriptions of it, the black and the green. Inthe account of the domestic commerce of China heretofore mentioned, it is shown that the black teas are brought from the province of Tuk-keen, (which lies at the distance of about four hundred miles from Canton,) and the green teas from Keangnar, (at the distance of about eight hundred miles.) The hilly upland districts of these provinces are the native and favourite soils of the teatree. It h
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