197
t
-11-
B.
Form from Vol. 12 of “ Ka-lai-tai-tsün” or
4
Complete Set of Domestic Rites."
LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS REFERRing to an adoptED SON.
makes this document with a view to giving instructions to an adopted son who is to continue the family line. Being waning in good deeds and virtuous acts, I, the said have had no children born to me. In consideration of what an important thing it is to have an heir, I have this
day of
moon convened a meeting of my nearest relatives to discuss the question of adopting a son, and the said nearest relatives having declined to give any of their sons, although they have several, to be adopted, it is resolved to select a son of a clansman of the same degree of seniority (as myself.) introduces and recommends the second son of and aged
nearest relatives
ms
are all agreeable to as my son and successor. and wife
family named years. He belongs to the same clan, and is of a suitable descent. Moreover
and his wife
have several sons, and they and their being adopted by I have, this day, paid
dollars to to be taken home by them as compensation This letter of instructions is this day executed, has come over to my house, and when he will rest the power of marrying him, so that he may beget offspring by which I may have prosperous descendants. This will be no concern of
In proof thereof, this deed is executed.
for their trouble of nursing and rearing the boy. and signed by all (present). After arrives at manhood, with me
Dated.
Signed
The person making this letter of instructions: Signed.
Nearest relatives.
Signed.
Go-between.
Signed.
Witness to the adoption.
Signed
Father giving his son in adoption.
Signed...
Mother.
Signed
First son of parents giving son in adoption.
C.
Furnished by the Chairman of Directors of the Tung-wa Hospital, Hongkong- Mr. Li Tak-cheong-July, 1883.
FORM OF DEED OF SALE OF A SON INTO ADOPTION.
day of the
Village in
A and Mrs. A of
District, the parties executing this deed of permanent sale of a son, being unable to support themselves on account of poverty, and having many children, consulted together, and willingly invited people to purchase their (4th) son as an adopted son. The boy is
years of age, having been born in
on the moon, and is named
(or is not yet named), and they demanded the sum of
dollars as nursing money (or ginger and cake money). He (the boy) was, through the agency of the go-between B, introduced to the family of Mr. C, who expressed his willingness to buy him as an adopted son, and consented to pay the full demand of dollars as nursing-money (or ginger and cake money). The bargain, which was settled in the presence of the three parties (A, B, & C), and agreed to by both parties, was satis- factorily made on this date in the presence of all. This is a clear case of purchase and sale, and is not a case of giving the boy as a set-off against debts. After the boy is once sold, Mr. C is permitted to bring him up to manhood, and give him a name. He must remain as Mr. C's adopted son for ever, and when he is grown-up, Mr. C is likewise at liberty to engage a teacher to teach him. If in future, he attains to fame or becomes illustrious, takes a wife or concubine, and has children and grandchildren, all these concern Mr. C's family. May he follow his (adopted) father's trade, and have a never ending line of descendants! May he henceforth have a numerous progeny and everlastingly enjoy prosperity! Hereafter, the vendors cannot go back on their word, or redeem the boy, who is for ever prevented from taking back his own father's surname. The purchaser, however, is not allowed to make the boy a slave, or to re-sell him to another person, or to do other