Part 8

Entire cargoes of teas were purchased and shipped from a few small canister musters, and were weighed by taking the average of a few chests from each 'chop.' A 'chop' of tea was always an uncertain quantity, blacks numbering 400 to 600 chests, sometimes more or less, and greens from 120 to 200 chests. The chest contained originally 100 catties, or 133-1/3 pounds, the halves and quarters in the same proportion, while boxes were locally packed with canisters of various sizes. The inconvenience of these larger packages, both in size and weight, caused a reduction to be made in them gradually until the chest averaged about eighty catties. Some of the packages shipped at this time have completely disappeared, and we hear no longer of five and ten-catty boxes, nor of one, two, or three-pound canisters.

Valuable invoices of silk piece goods were bought and shipped from an examination of only a piece or two taken at random from any box we might choose to have opened. They consisted of satins, crapes, sinshews, levantines, black handkerchiefs, sarsnetts, lutstrings, and pongees, besides great quantities of yellow nankins, almost all of which articles have now ceased to be exported.

As a natural consequence of the integrity of the Chinese merchants, we had neither receipt nor check-book. Payments were made by the Compradore of large amounts on simple scraps of paper signed with the initials of a firm. No promissory notes existed, and consequently there was no 'bill book.' There was no post office, there were no postages, and no copying machines.

We had no custom-house business to attend to; our inward cargoes were landed and stored, and our outward ones shipped off, by the Linguists, to whom we had but to intimate in which Hong the former should be landed or the ship to which the latter were to be sent. All merchandise was purchased at long price, and all sold at short price; this was the rule, and saved us an infinity of trouble. We were under no apprehension as to the outturn of the quality or weight of the teas and silks which we shipped. The ingenious process of augmenting the brilliancy of tea by a clever facing of 'Prussian blue' or 'Chinese yellow,' of adding to the bulk by an admixture of chopped willow or elm leaves, of increasing its weight by iron filings, was not yet practised by those 'heathen Chinee.' Possibly the absence of these 'industries' formed a very primitive mode of carrying on business!

On the other hand, we were obliged to make our own ink (out of powders from England), in which we resembled the Jews, who arrived in China and settled at Kae-Fung-Foo any time between B.C. 1122 and 249! Historians have not settled this point, but they have ascertained that, whenever it might have been, 'those people used split bamboos for pens, and at the Feast of Tabernacles made sufficient ink for the ensuing year'! Our letters and shipping documents were despatched under wafer or seal, as no such thing as envelopes yet existed (they had been in use in China for centuries!), nor did we enjoy the luxury of postage-stamps. Moreover every consignee of a ship was his own 'post office' for all letters brought out by her, and he delivered them to suit his own convenience. I have known cases in which outward letters were delivered when the vessel that brought them was outside the Bogue, homeward bound. This custom of not always delivering letters on the arrival of a ship from the United States was mutually understood, and considered as the privilege of any house. It can easily be imagined that a New York firm, in sending the 'Huntress' to a market 12,000 miles away for a valuable cargo, might suffer greatly in its interests if she carried letters from a rival house deliverable on arrival, informing its correspondent that it should despatch the 'Levant' shortly, give him particulars of her outward cargo and orders for a return one. Thus very reasonably, letters were detained until the agent of a ship had concluded his purchases--at least he had the privilege of detaining them. There was, of course, the chance of the passage out, and the difference that might result to the quickest ship.

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When a ship had anchored at Whampoa, the pilot reported her arrival to the Hoppo through a branch Hoppo station at that place. This would be done, not by giving the name of the ship, but that of the captain. Two boats were then made fast to her, to see that no smuggling was carried on; they were attached one on each quarter. Meanwhile the agent would select a Hong merchant to become 'security' for her and a Linguist to transact her business with the Hoppo's office, to send boats to bring her cargo to Canton, and to take to Whampoa her outward cargo, and these were all the 'official' duties that the agent had to attend to.

Before she could open hatches, the formality of 'Cumsha and Measurement' had to be gone through. The first word signifies 'present,' and was a payment made by the earliest foreign vessels for the privilege of entering the port; and the second is equivalent to tonnage duties. On a day of which notice was given to the agent, a specially appointed mandarin from the Hoppo's office was sent on board, attended by pursers and numerous servants. He was always received with some ceremony, and regaled with wine and biscuit. As with all the officials, they were men of a good deal of dignity and ease of manner. The captain would receive him at the gangway, while all hands were rigged out in their 'Sunday suits.' After the ordinary salutations, enquiries as to the passage out, &c., the measurement would be made by one of the attendants attaching the end of a measured tape to the forward part of the rudder head and running it to the after part of the foremast, then calling out the length, which others would note in writing; the breadth was then taken amidships close abaft the mainmast, between the plankshears, which being booked, a calculation was made of the dimensions for duty. As the details were peculiar I give those of the ship 'Maria' (Captain Evans), of New York, whose tonnage was about 420 (Canton, June 1830).

Length, 67 covids; breadth 22; total 147-4/10 covids. Deducting one-fifth according to the regulations for second-class ships. Equal to taels[54] 842.2.8.5 Loss in converting into Sycee-silver 75.8.0.6 For work of converting, 1/5 per cent. 15.1.6.1 Cumsha 810.6.9.1 ----------- 1,743.9.4.3

The Hoppo's 'opening barrier fee' 480.42.0 ----------- 2,224.3.6.3 Transport to Pekin and weighing in Government scales 150.1.4.5 To the Superintendent of the Treasury 116.42.4 Add 1-1/10 per cent. converting into Sycee 1.2.8.0 ----------- 2,492.2.1.2

Difference in weights between Canton and Pekin, 7 per cent. 174.4.5.5 ----------- At 72 per dollar, are $5,092-59/100 Taels 3,666.6.6.7 ===========

Vessels coming to Whampoa with rice only were subject to the modified port charges of $1,150 up to the year 1833, but in that year, owing to a great famine that existed, they were done away with. The Viceroy Loo then issued a lengthy proclamation, in which the Hong merchants were ordered to make known the cessation of those charges to 'all the foreign barbarians,' 'who would leap for joy, and go backward and forward in search of rice cargoes.'

The 'Cumsha and Measurement' having been duly disposed of, a permit was granted for 'opening hatches,' and the unloading went on uninterruptedly. The outward cargo was then shipped off, and the vessel ready for sea. Tea ships exclusively met with no great delay at Whampoa--on the average about three months--but if silks constituted her homeward lading, frequently six months passed before they were ready. It then happened that not a solitary foreign vessel remained at the anchorage; I have seen this to occur on several occasions.

When finally loaded, application was made through the Linguist to the Hoppo for the 'Grand Chop.' This was at once delivered on ascertaining that all formalities had been fulfilled and duties collected. It was a large sheet having a broad border, on two sides of which was the figure of a Dragon (the symbol of the Celestial Empire). They were always the same in form, and printed from wooden blocks, with blank spaces to be filled in with the name of the captain, number of the crew, list of armament, and date of issue. The following is a translation of the grand chop of the ship 'Maria,' Captain Evans:--

Chung, filling the office of Hoppo by Imperial appointment, issues this in obedience to his will. When Western Ocean ships have been measured, paid their duties, and departed, should bad winds and water drive them to the shores of another province (not being within the accorded limits of trading), if it is found that they possess this sealed discharge they must be allowed to continue their voyage without delay or opposition. Which is on record.

Now the foreign merchant ship 'Ewan' having loaded with merchandise, goes to the Hwa-Ke[55] country, there to manage her business. She has been measured, and duties incurred by her have all been settled, as customary. As she is now departing, this is given as a clearance into the hands of the said merchant to grasp and hold fast, so that, should he meet with any other custom-house, he must not be detained. Military stations to which it may be shown must also let the said vessel pass without interruption, and not induce her to remain and trade that they may be benefited by any charges or duties. Should they act otherwise, it will give rise to trouble and confusion.

According to old regulations, the guns and ammunition and other arms she carries for her defence are herein enumerated. An unnecessary quantity is not allowed, nor has she dared to receive on board contraband articles. Should it have been discovered that these rules were broken by her, this permission to sail would assuredly not have been granted.

Respectfully examine this _and depart_. (Hoppo's seal.)

Sailors 26 Great guns 4 Shot 100 Swords 10 Muskets 10 Fire-physic (powder) 200 catties

Taou-Kwang: 11th year, 10th moon, 12th sun.

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The _Whampoa Compradores_ who attended upon American and other foreign ships received their licenses from the Hoppo's office. They were, like their Canton brethren, a notable class, and fulfilled for the ships the same offices as the latter did for the Factories. It was another illustration of the perfect system that existed, whereby all having business at the port were aided in every manner for their own convenience and security. The Whampoa Compradore for American vessels in eight cases out of ten was 'Boston Jack'. He was much considered by his countrymen on the island, and ever civil and obliging. He had once made a passage to Boston as steward, and returned to Whampoa, _viâ_ Cape Horn and the north-west coast of America, in a small schooner of about 200 tons called the 'Cossack,' on board of which was Mr. Oliver H. Gordon as supercargo. 'Boston Jack' was very fond of relating his experiences on board of the 'Cossack,' particularly off the Horn, where, as he would say, 'too muchee strong gale; sea all same high masthead--no can see sky, no can see water,' meaning that in the turmoil of the elements one could see nothing. By his countrymen he was looked upon as a very 'great gun;' he was a favourite with the Americans, and finally died at a good old age, 'universally regretted' and much missed!

The grand chop having been received from the Hoppo, the pilot was obtained at Whampoa. As the ship got under way, the Compradore's 'cumshas,'[56] according to 'olo custom,' were brought on board. They consisted of dried lychee, Nankin dates (the 'latest dates,' as they were christened), baskets of oranges, and preserved ginger; then, amidst a firing off of crackers attached to the end of a long pole from the Compradore's boat--'to awaken the gods to the vessel's departure,' that they might vouchsafe to her 'good wind and good water'--she departed. As in entering the river, she hove to off Anonghoy Fort at the Bogue, that the pilot could exhibit his pass. Sailing by Macao, this individual was cast off, and soon outside, she was rolling down the China Sea--homeward bound!

The English East India Company's ships were divided into two fleets, which came in alternate years. Each fleet consisted of about twenty vessels, a certain number of which were appointed for China _viâ_ Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta, while the remainder were direct ships.

They were splendid vessels of 1,800 to 2,000 tons. Some belonged to the Company, others were chartered usually for a certain number of voyages. Many of them were built in India of teak. In time of war they sailed under convoy; the gun-deck then carried a suitable armament, of which good use was made in several encounters--notably in the southern part of the China Sea, when, under Admiral Duckworth, a French squadron was beaten off, and on other occasions in the Bay of Bengal. They sailed under the flag of the Company, which resembled that of the United States in its alternate red and white stripes, having for its field the English Jack. The discipline on board was that of a man-of-war, and they differed in no respect from one except that they did not fly the pennant or carry a special body of marines. Besides the commander, the officers were six in number, several midshipmen, surgeons, and purser, together with the usual complement of warrant officers. Those of the fleet told off for India conveyed troops and munitions of war, for service in the Company's possessions there.

No finer sight of the kind could be seen in any part of the world than the Company's fleet collected at Whampoa, with their inward cargoes discharged, and every ship in beautiful order, waiting for teas. Those formidable vessels were not of the modern clipper model, but broad-backed, with swelling sides and full bows. On board everything was neat, everything indicated system, discipline, and force. The oldest captain (in date) daily hoisted his pennant as Commodore. Daily one of the ship's boats came to Canton in rotation, independently of others on individual service. The hospitality of the captains and officers was generous, and, as some of them had bands on board, it was a treat indeed to be included amongst the guests. The 'Vansittart's' band even came to Canton to play in the Factory on one occasion, and regaled the entire community by playing in the Square. The music attracted many Chinese also, it being to them a wonderful novelty. The bandsmen wore a uniform of red coats. We were all looking on and listening, when suddenly a Chinaman exclaimed, 'What for he makee so muchee noisee?' 'Noise!' said one of the barbarians; 'may Fo[57] run away with you--that no belong noise, belong music. You no likee?' 'Hae-yah![58] my how can likee, all make mixee--_my_ China music No. 1; _he_ too muchee foolo!' What he would have added we couldn't tell, but suddenly he darted off, crying out, 'What for you kick my?' and made the best of his way up Old China Street. Soon afterwards the crowd became so numerous and so noisy that to avoid further 'complications' the band was withdrawn inside the Company's Factory and the Square cleared, and not very quietly, as the Chinamen's bare heads resounded with the thwacks which were laid on them, but it took place with great celerity. That was the first and only time a foreign band of music was heard to play in the Square.

Exports by 'country ships' to India consisted of tea, coarse porcelain, paper umbrellas, silks, and a multitude of 'chow-chow' articles, together with enormous quantities of silver and bar gold. For the latter a special chop, called 'money chop,' had to be obtained from the Hoppo. It was these repeated shipments of treasure that attracted the attention of the local authorities, and through whose reports in connection with the foreign commerce of the port they were made known to the Government at Pekin. As a natural result, Imperial edicts were sent down forbidding shipments of such quantities of money, as being for the purchase of 'foreign mud,' to be introduced by stealth into the 'Middle Kingdom,' against prohibitions successively issued, warning all engaged in the trade 'to desist and not to incur the Imperial displeasure,' while any Chinese co-operating in it were to be severely punished. But the immunity so long enjoyed, with the inherent weakness of the Chinese Government, caused foreigners to believe that any serious attempt to put a stop to the trade was simply impracticable. The Imperial edicts were considered as so much waste paper. Opium was imported and sold, while 'the oozing out of fine silver' went on as usual.

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Of the 'Outside' Chinese Merchants several were of much consideration, and of an integrity and intelligence in business unsurpassed by the mercantile classes of any other country. Such men were Washing, Cumwa, Linchong, Wo-Yun, Yeeshing, Keet-Chong, and others. An incident in relation to Yeeshing, serving as an illustration both of his honesty and unselfishness, may be related.

On the occasion of the great fire in 1822, enormous quantities of private property and of merchandise were destroyed, and opportunities offered when, without the possibility of discovery, the latter, particularly, could have been concealed and reported as having been consumed by the flames. Mr. John P. Cushing, of the house of Perkins & Co., had placed with Yeeshing 5,000 pieces of crapes to be dyed, whose value was about $50,000. There was, of course, no insurance upon them, nothing of the kind existing at Canton. A day or two after the fire Yeeshing entered Mr. Cushing's office, exclaiming,'Hae-yah! Hae-yah!' 'Well, Yeeshing,' enquired Mr. C., 'how fashion?' To which he replied, 'My have loosum my house, my shop--alla finishy, too muchee trub.' Mr. C. began to express his sympathy, with the conviction that he too was involved in the loss, when Yeeshing continued, 'My alla finishy, only when my take out you crape (to save it) hav loosum 84 peecee, how can my, no too muchee trub?' He had saved Mr. Cushing's crapes, but had lost his own dwelling and its contents, with an important quantity of his own goods and chattels, in doing so.

Keet-Chong, named above, possessed an estate on French Island, on which his family had resided for more than 800 years. It was of moderate extent, the dwelling spacious, and, as he used to say, 'all thing no have changee.' He showed me on one occasion his genealogical tree (which Chinese families keep with scrupulous care), and which ascended, according to it, to the Sung Dynasty (967 to 1281 A.D.). This dynasty immediately preceded the Yuen, or Mongol Tartar, family, the first emperor of which was Kublai Khan, grandson of 'Jengis Khan.'

The custom exists among Chinese of not using their family names in business, either for firms or individuals. They assume certain designations by which they are known, are responsible, and recognised by the authorities. As examples, Houqua, whose family name was Woo (from which _How_), was known commercially as 'Ewo.' Pwantingqua, whose family name was Pwān, was known as 'Tung Foo,' and the family name of 'Washing' was Moo. The choice of these names is singularly diversified and sometimes very droll. In passing through any business street you see on a small sign attached to a pillar at the side of a door such firms as 'Peace and Quiet,' 'Current Gains,' 'Collective Justice,' 'Perfect Concord,' 'United Concord.' I have seen 'Tan-E' (which means literally 'Solitary Idea'), 'Perfect Record,' 'Three Unities.' Where something of a more imposing nature is chosen--as, for instance, 'George and Thomas Sandbank, Sons and Nephews'--a double name, such as 'The Record of Perpetual Harmony,' would be adopted. One is struck with the use of short inscriptions on narrow sheets of red paper over doorways, at the foot of stairs, over weights and measures, everywhere and on everything almost. On entering an outer door you observe above it, 'May the Five Happinesses enter the abode' (longevity, riches, posterity, love of virtue, and a natural death), while within may be seen, 'May wealth flow in abundantly;' and not a bad one, 'For idle persons there is no admittance.' 'As wheels revolve, so may supplies and sales continue;' 'Customers come in numbers, like the gathering of clouds;' 'Here are sold superior goods, in whose prices there is no change;' 'Rich customers are perpetually welcome;' 'Daily may there be weighed 10,000 taels' (May the transactions amount to that sum); 'From a single cash, may 10,000 be derived' (these last two may be seen over scales and weights); and so each object has its peculiar, if not appropriate, device. You read on each one of a pile of water-tubs, 'The bucket of superlative peace;' on chests, 'The box of great tranquillity;' over inner doors, 'May happiness attend the opening of the door;' and over shelves and drawers, 'When opened, may prosperity follow;' at the top of a stairway, 'May the going up or down be calm and peaceful.' On the sterns and bows of boats and junks you may read, 'Prosperous gales and smooth seas' (which in Canton jargon is simplified to the usual expression 'Good wind, good water'); 'Grant favourable breezes;' 'A fair wind is riches;' 'The moon's rays shine upon and enliven the waters;' 'The dragon's head produces horns of gold' (an allusion to the bows of a junk, which are supposed to represent the head with the large eyes of the dragon), signifying, 'May the voyage be successful.'

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