July 11th. Having left the anchorage off the Pei-ho, on the 11th instant, to visit the American Commodore on the U. S. S. "Powhatan," he informed us that he had heard from a low, but credible source (probably Christian Chinese, as he had 3 Missionaries on board), that there were 12 European prisoners at Tien-tsin, well treated.
If true, these must be wounded, picked up on the mud on the morning of the 26th.
He promised, should they go to Pekin, to endeavour to procure their release.
He told us that the mouth of the northern river, up which the Chinese intended us to go, was strongly fortified, not so much as at Tung-koo, but sufficiently so to render a passage impracticable. The nature of the forts, the river, soundings, bar, &c., all are similar to those at the "Pei-ho."
July 14th.-Arrived at the town called on the chart "Che-foo."
Were told the proper name is "Yen-tai," in the township of "Foo-shan" and district of "Peng-choo-foo."
We found here 3 or 4 English vessels, and a number of Siamese, also great numbers of junks.
Our vessels had opium and piece-goods for sale. The others principally sugar; after selling which they fill up with corn, beans, &c., to take south.
"Yen-tai," in "Miao-tao" straits.
The town is small, but well built, close to the sea-side, without a wall, and comprised within a rectangle of about 600 yards by 400. The houses of masonry and sun-burnt blue brick, tiled or thatched.
The mode of tiling is as follows:
The rafters are strong, and about 10 feet apart, with purlins crossing them about every 5 or 6 feet; over them are laid fascines, composed each of about 6 or 8 reeds as thick as a man's finger. When laid, these are plastered over, and the tiles are laid over all.
Every house is provided with windows closed by shutters. Small coal was to be seen, but it is only used for smith's work, &c. In the winter, the people content themselves with heaping on clothes instead of having fires.
Great quantities of mules and donkeys are seen here. They are all shod.
There appears to be a considerable inland trade, as strings of these animals are continually passing in and out of the town.
A few sheep may be bought here at about 1500 to 2000 cash each. Fowls 10 for a dollar, and eggs 100 for a dollar. Vegetables in great quantities; also apples, pears, peaches, apricots, pomegranates, &c.
The inhabitants say they have no bullocks beyond the number necessary for tilling the ground, and are of course unwilling to sell them.
The price of a mule is about 30,000 (30$.) They are very sleek and well-cared for.
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:
Corn stores
Sha-lin-tien Banks
R. "Che-kaon-ho"
Inland communication
"Yen-ho"
R. "Pei-ho "..
R. "Peh-tang-ho "
Landing opposed
Bar and channel
Forts
:
Country north of "Peh-tang-ho" and "Shah-lin-tien "
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:
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Journal of Captain Fisher, &c.
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July 11th. Having left the anchorage off the Pei-ho, on the 11th instant, to visit the American Commodore on the U. S. S. Powhatan," he informed us that he had heard from a low, but credible source (probably Christian Chinese, as he had 3 Missionaries on board), that there were 12 European prisoners at Tien-tsin, well treated.
If true, these must be wounded, picked up on the mud on the morning of the 26th.
He promised, should they go to Pekin, to endeavour to procure their release.
"
He told us that the mouth of the northern river, up which the Chinese R. Peh-tang-ho.” intended us to go, was strongly fortified, not so much as at Tung-koo, but suffi-
ciently so to render a passage impracticable. The nature of the forts, the
river, soundings, bar, &c., all are similar to those at the "Pei-ho."
July 14th.-Arrived at the town called on the chart "Che-foo."
25
Were told the proper name is "Yen-tai," in the township of "Foo-shan "Che-foo," or and district of "Peng-choo-foo."
We found here 3 or 4 English vessels, and a number of Siamese, also great numbers of junks.
Our vessels had opium and piece-goods for sale. The others principally sugar; after selling which they fill up with corn, beans, &c., to take south.
Yen-tai," in "Mia-tao" straits.
The town is small, but well built, close to the sea-side, without a wall, and Description of comprised within a rectangle of about 600 yards by 400. The houses of town. masonry and sun-burnt blue brick, tiled or thatched.
The mode of tiling is as follows:
The rafters are strong, and about 10 feet apart, with purlins crossing them about every 5 or 6 feet; over them are laid fascines, composed each of about G or 8 reeds as thick as a man's finger. When laid, these are plastered over, and the tiles are laid over all.
Mode of tiling.
Every house is provided with windows closed by shutters. Small coal was to be seen, but it is only used for smith's work, &c. In the winter, the people content themselves with heaping on clothes instead of having fires.
Great quantities of mules and donkeys are seen here. They are Mules and donkeys. all shod.
There appears to be a considerable inland trade, as strings of these animals are continually passing in and out of the town.
A few sheep may be bought here at about 1500 to 2000 cash each. Fowls Provisions, 10 for a dollar, and eggs 100 for a dollar. Vegetables in great quantities;
also apples, pears, peaches, apricots, pomegranates, &c.
The inhabitants say they have no bullocks beyond the number necessary
for tilling the ground, and are of course unwilling to sell them.
The price of a mule is about 30,000 (30$.) They are very sleek and
B
&c.
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