CO129-211 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1883 [8-9] — Page 162

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed

(12)

(13)

B.

Form from Vol. 12 of "Ka-lai-tai-tsün" or "Complete Set of Domestic Kites."

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 wanting 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 me 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 are all agreeable to being adopted by as my son and successor. I have, this day, paid dollars to and wife to be taken home by them as compensation for their trouble of nursing and rearing the boy. This letter of instructions is this day executed, and signed by all (present). After has come over to my house, and when he arrives at manhood, with me 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.

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.

things of the like in respect of the boy. If anything unforeseen happens to the boy, it will be held to be the will of heaven, and no one can gainsay these words. Further, if there should be anything doubtful about the boy's antecedents, this must be cleared up satisfactorily by the vendors and go-between: it is no concern of the buyer. Lest there is no proof of this bargain, this deed of permanent sale of the boy is executed, and handed to Mr. C in evidence thereof.

Received from Mr. C the sum of dollars as nursing money.

(Signed) B go-between Mrs. B

Witness. A Mrs. A (Finger mark).

Dated day moon year.

D.

Copy of the Bill of Sale where the Kaulung Druggist bought a boy who was decoyed from Canton—See page 33 of Blue-book C. 3185 of 1882.

TRANSLATION.

An absolute deed of gift of a male child aged 18 years is executed by Li-pin, a native of Ko lu. In consequence of want of maintenance, I at first offered (the child) to my nearest relatives to bring (him) up, which offer, however, was not accepted. Through the introduction of a go-between {I was introduced) to one Lau-pak-cheung, who agreed to rear (the child) and to adopt (him) as (his) nephew. This day $28 at 7.1 as ginger money (compensation) is paid over to Li-pin, who has received it with his own hand for his family expenses, and Lau-pak-cheung will bring him up and use him (as a nephew). On (the child) being handed over there can for ever be no claim whatever.

There is no compulsion or extortion between both parties. For fear of oral words not being sufficient evidence, (this) deed is therefore executed, and is to be retained (by him or her) as proof hereof.

Witnesses to payment,

WONG SHI CHAN SHI Finger marks. KWAN SHI

The boy's age is 13 years, born at 10 A.M. on the 16th day of the 8th month. Dated 24th day of the 2nd moon in the Ki Mo 5th year of Kwong Sü (i.e., 16th March, 1879).

C.

Furnished by the Chairman of Directors of the Tung-wa Hospital, Hong Kong—

Mr. Li Tak-cheong—July, 1883,

FORM OF DEED OF SALE OF A SON INTO ADOPTION.

and they demanded the sum of of Village in on the 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 day of the moon, and is named (or is not yet named), 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 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 satisfactorily 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

E.

Form from Vol. 12 of the "Ka-lai-tai-tsün" or "Complete Set of Domestic Bites."

DEED OF SALE OF A SERVANT.

and wife of a daughter, have a daughter named been born at hour of day of the parties executing this deed of sale who is at present years of age, having moon. She has not yet been betrothed to any one. Being poor, and finding it hard to earn our livelihood, and wishing to sell our daughter we have been introduced, through the agency of the go-between who undertakes to purchase her. The price, which is dollars, has been paid to us this day, and will be taken to our home to meet our wants. On the same day, the daughter will go over to the house (of the purchaser), who will be at liberty to change her name, use her as a servant, and to betroth her when she is grown-up. If she should abscond, we the said to will co-operate (with the purchaser) in making search for her, and deliver her back (to the purchaser if found). If anything unforeseen should happen to her, such will be held to be the will of Heaven. This is agreed to by both parties. The sum given above is the exact amount paid. This is not a case of giving her up as a set-off against a debt. In future, we cannot avail of any pretext to go back on our words, or redeem her. As a proof (of the transaction), this deed of sale is executed, and handed over (to the purchaser).

Dated.

Signed The party executing this deed of sale of a daughter.

Signed Witness to payment and go-between.

Signed Wife who has taken part in the sale and received the money.

157

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(12) (13) B. Form from Vol. 12 of "Ka-lai-tai-tsün" or "Complete Set of Domestic Kites." 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 wanting 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 me 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 are all agreeable to being adopted by as my son and successor. I have, this day, paid dollars to and wife to be taken home by them as compensation for their trouble of nursing and rearing the boy. This letter of instructions is this day executed, and signed by all (present). After has come over to my house, and when he arrives at manhood, with me 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. 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. things of the like in respect of the boy. If anything unforeseen happens to the boy, it will be held to be the will of heaven, and no one can gainsay these words. Further, if there should be anything doubtful about the boy's antecedents, this must be cleared up satisfactorily by the vendors and go-between: it is no concern of the buyer. Lest there is no proof of this bargain, this deed of permanent sale of the boy is executed, and handed to Mr. C in evidence thereof. Received from Mr. C the sum of dollars as nursing money. (Signed) B go-between Mrs. B Witness. A Mrs. A (Finger mark). Dated day moon year. D. Copy of the Bill of Sale where the Kaulung Druggist bought a boy who was decoyed from Canton—See page 33 of Blue-book C. 3185 of 1882. TRANSLATION. An absolute deed of gift of a male child aged 18 years is executed by Li-pin, a native of Ko lu. In consequence of want of maintenance, I at first offered (the child) to my nearest relatives to bring (him) up, which offer, however, was not accepted. Through the introduction of a go-between {I was introduced) to one Lau-pak-cheung, who agreed to rear (the child) and to adopt (him) as (his) nephew. This day $28 at 7.1 as ginger money (compensation) is paid over to Li-pin, who has received it with his own hand for his family expenses, and Lau-pak-cheung will bring him up and use him (as a nephew). On (the child) being handed over there can for ever be no claim whatever. There is no compulsion or extortion between both parties. For fear of oral words not being sufficient evidence, (this) deed is therefore executed, and is to be retained (by him or her) as proof hereof. Witnesses to payment, WONG SHI CHAN SHI Finger marks. KWAN SHI The boy's age is 13 years, born at 10 A.M. on the 16th day of the 8th month. Dated 24th day of the 2nd moon in the Ki Mo 5th year of Kwong (i.e., 16th March, 1879). C. Furnished by the Chairman of Directors of the Tung-wa Hospital, Hong Kong— Mr. Li Tak-cheong—July, 1883, FORM OF DEED OF SALE OF A SON INTO ADOPTION. and they demanded the sum of of Village in on the 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 day of the moon, and is named (or is not yet named), 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 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 satisfactorily 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 E. Form from Vol. 12 of the "Ka-lai-tai-tsün" or "Complete Set of Domestic Bites." DEED OF SALE OF A SERVANT. and wife of a daughter, have a daughter named been born at hour of day of the parties executing this deed of sale who is at present years of age, having moon. She has not yet been betrothed to any one. Being poor, and finding it hard to earn our livelihood, and wishing to sell our daughter we have been introduced, through the agency of the go-between who undertakes to purchase her. The price, which is dollars, has been paid to us this day, and will be taken to our home to meet our wants. On the same day, the daughter will go over to the house (of the purchaser), who will be at liberty to change her name, use her as a servant, and to betroth her when she is grown-up. If she should abscond, we the said to will co-operate (with the purchaser) in making search for her, and deliver her back (to the purchaser if found). If anything unforeseen should happen to her, such will be held to be the will of Heaven. This is agreed to by both parties. The sum given above is the exact amount paid. This is not a case of giving her up as a set-off against a debt. In future, we cannot avail of any pretext to go back on our words, or redeem her. As a proof (of the transaction), this deed of sale is executed, and handed over (to the purchaser). Dated. Signed The party executing this deed of sale of a daughter. Signed Witness to payment and go-between. Signed Wife who has taken part in the sale and received the money. 157
Baseline (Original)
( 12 ) ( 13 ) B. it Form from Vol. 12 of "Ka-lai-tai-tşün” OP Complete Set of Domestic Kites." 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 wanting 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 me family named years. He belongs to the same clau, and is of a suitable descent. Moreover and his wife have several sons, and they and their are all agreeable to being adopted by as my son and successor. I have, this day, paid dollars to and wife to be taken home by them as compensation for their trouble of nursing and rearing the boy. This letter of instructions is this day executed, and signed by all (present). After has come over to my house, and when he arrives at manhood, with me 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. Dated... Signed The person making this letter of instructions. Signed Nearest relatives. Sigued......... 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. things of the like in respect of the boy. If anything unforeseen happens to the boy, it will be held to be the will of heaven, and no one can gainsay these words. Further, if there should be anything doubtful about the boy's antecedents, this must be cleared up satisfactorily by the vendors and go- between: it is no concern of the buyer. Lest there is no proof of this bargain, this deed of perina- nent sale of the boy is executed, and handed to Mr. C in evidence thereof. Received from Mr. C the sum of dollars as nursing money. (Signed) B go-between Mrs. B Witness. A Mrs. A (Finger mark). Dated day moon year. D. Copy of the Bill of Sale where the Kaulung Druggist bought a boy who was decoyed from Canton-See page 33 of Blue-book C. 3185 of 1882. TRANSLATION. An absolute deed of gift of a male child aged 18 years is executed by Li-pin, a native of Ko lu. In consequence of want of maintenance, I at first offered (the child) to my nearest relatives to bring (him) up, which offer, however, was not accepted. Through the introduction of a go-between {I was introduced) to one Lau-pak-cheung, who agreed to rear (the child) and to adopt (bim) us (his) nephew. This day $28 at 7.1 as ginger money (compensation) is paid over to Li-pin, who has received it with his own hand for his family expenses, and Lau-pak-cheung will bring him up and use him (as a nephew). On (the child) being handed over there can for ever be no claim whatever. There is no compulsion or extortion between both parties. For fear of oral words not, being sufficient evidence, (this) deed is therefore executed, and is to be retained (by him or her) as proof hereof. Witnesses to payment, WONG SHI CHAN SHI Finger marks. KWAN SHI The boy's age is 13 years, born at 10 A.M. on the 16th day of the 8th month. Dated 24th day of the 2nd moon in the Ki Mo 5th year of Kwong (i.e. 16th March, 1879). C. Furnished by the Chairman of Directors of the Tung-wa Hospital, Honghong- Mr. Li Tak-cheong-July, 1883, FORM OF DEED OF SALE OF A SON INTO ADOPTION. and they demanded the sum of of Village in on the 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 day of the moon, and is named (or is not yet named), 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 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 E. Form from Vol. 12 of the Ka-lai-tai-tsün” or Complete Set of Domestic Bites." DEED OF SALE OF A SERVANT. and wife of a daughter, have a daughter named been born at hour of day of the parties executing this deed of sale who is at present years of age, having moon. She has not yet been betrothed to any one. Being poor, and finding it hard to earn our livelihood, and wishing to sell our daughter we have been introduced, through the agency of the go-between who undertakes to purchase her. The price, which is dollars, has been paid to us this day, and will be taken to our home to meet our wants. On the same day, the daughter will go over to the house (of the purchaser), who will be at liberty to change her naine, use her as a servant, and to betroth her when she is grown-up. If she should abscond, we the said to will co-operate (with the purchaser) in making search for her, and deliver her back (to the purchaser if found). If anything unforeseen should happen to her, such will be held to be the will of Heaven. This is agreed to by both parties. The sum given above is the exact amount paid. This is not a case of giving her up as a set-off against a debt. In future, we cannot avail of any pretext to go back on our words, or redeem her. As a proof (of the transaction), this deed of sale is executed, and handed over (to the purchaser). Dated. Signed The party executing this deed of sale of a daughter. Signed Witness to payment and ga-between. Signed Wife who has taken part in the sale and received the money. 157
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( 12 )

( 13 )

B.

it

Form from Vol. 12 of "Ka-lai-tai-tşün” OP Complete Set of Domestic Kites."

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 wanting 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

me

family named

years. He belongs to the same clau, and is of a suitable descent. Moreover

and his wife

have several sons, and they and their are all agreeable to

being adopted by as my son and successor. I have, this day, paid

dollars to and wife

to be taken home by them as compensation for their trouble of nursing and rearing the boy. This letter of instructions is this day executed, and signed by all (present). After

has come over to my house, and when he arrives at manhood, with me

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.

Dated...

Signed

The

person making this letter of instructions.

Signed

Nearest relatives.

Sigued.........

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.

things of the like in respect of the boy. If anything unforeseen happens to the boy, it will be held to be the will of heaven, and no one can gainsay these words. Further, if there should be anything doubtful about the boy's antecedents, this must be cleared up satisfactorily by the vendors and go- between: it is no concern of the buyer. Lest there is no proof of this bargain, this deed of perina- nent sale of the boy is executed, and handed to Mr. C in evidence thereof.

Received from Mr. C the sum of

dollars as nursing money.

(Signed)

B go-between Mrs. B

Witness. A Mrs. A (Finger mark).

Dated

day

moon

year.

D.

Copy of the Bill of Sale where the Kaulung Druggist bought a boy who was decoyed from Canton-See page 33 of Blue-book C. 3185 of 1882.

TRANSLATION.

An absolute deed of gift of a male child aged 18 years is executed by Li-pin, a native of Ko lu. In consequence of want of maintenance, I at first offered (the child) to my nearest relatives to bring (him) up, which offer, however, was not accepted. Through the introduction of a go-between {I was introduced) to one Lau-pak-cheung, who agreed to rear (the child) and to adopt (bim) us (his) nephew. This day $28 at 7.1 as ginger money (compensation) is paid over to Li-pin, who has received it with his own hand for his family expenses, and Lau-pak-cheung will bring him up and use him (as a nephew). On (the child) being handed over there can for ever be no claim whatever.

There is no compulsion or extortion between both parties. For fear of oral words not, being sufficient evidence, (this) deed is therefore executed, and is to be retained (by him or her) as proof hereof.

Witnesses to payment,

WONG SHI CHAN SHI Finger marks. KWAN SHI

The boy's age is 13 years, born at 10 A.M. on the 16th day of the 8th month. Dated 24th day of the 2nd moon in the Ki Mo 5th year of Kwong Sü (i.e. 16th March, 1879).

C.

Furnished by the Chairman of Directors of the Tung-wa Hospital, Honghong-

Mr. Li Tak-cheong-July, 1883,

FORM OF DEED OF SALE OF A SON INTO ADOPTION.

and they demanded the sum of

of

Village in

on the

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 day of the

moon, and is named

(or is not yet named), 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 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

E.

Form from Vol. 12 of the Ka-lai-tai-tsün” or “ Complete Set of Domestic Bites."

DEED OF SALE OF A SERVANT.

and wife

of a daughter, have a daughter named been born at

hour of

day of

the parties executing this deed of sale who is at present

years of age, having moon. She has not yet been betrothed to any one. Being poor, and finding it hard to earn our livelihood, and wishing to sell our daughter we have been introduced, through the agency of the go-between who undertakes to purchase her. The price, which is

dollars, has been paid to us this day, and will be taken to our home to meet our wants. On the same day, the daughter will go over to the house (of the purchaser), who will be at liberty to change her naine, use her as a servant, and to betroth her when she is grown-up. If she should abscond, we the said

to

will co-operate (with the purchaser) in making search for her, and deliver her back (to the purchaser if found). If anything unforeseen should happen to her, such will be held to be the will of Heaven. This is agreed to by both parties. The sum given above is the exact amount paid. This is not a case of giving her up as a set-off against a debt. In future, we cannot avail of any pretext to go back on our words, or redeem her. As a proof (of the transaction), this deed of sale is executed, and handed over (to the purchaser).

Dated.

Signed

The party executing this deed of sale of a daughter.

Signed

Witness to payment and ga-between.

Signed

Wife who has taken part in the sale

and received the money.

157

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