[ { "id": 211869, "series_id": 26, "series_slug": "histsyn-rashkb-journal-engine", "series_title": "RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "RAS-1989", "page_number": 284, "title": "RAS-1989", "content_text": "259\n\ntimes. Even the captains and sailors say it is very rough.\n\nBut there is a kind providence over us, who I feel sure will protect us. For myself I feel no danger. I know that the many earnest prayers offered on my behalf, by many dear friends, will be answered, and that come what may, it will all be for the best. Although alone, without a single being that I can hold any rational conversation with, yet I feel very happy and contented with my lot, and doubt not that when the weather improves I shall be as happy as a king; although I know there can be no more real pleasure and happiness for me till I return to old England, and get along with some of my warm-hearted relations and friends. I must now stop for today, as it is quite late.\n\nMonday, March 25th\n\nSince I wrote the last, things have gone on improving on the whole. On Friday night the wind changed, after a calm, and on Saturday morning we were right off with a fair wind, going at eleven knots an hour. On Saturday alone we made a good distance, and on Sunday nearly as much, although the wind has gone down a little and we are not today going so fast. This foul weather will have made a difference of nearly a fortnight in our passage, and ships leaving the Downs about twelve days after us will now only be a short distance behind. It is rather vexing, only it cannot be helped.\n\nWe are all now beginning to know each other on board. The only persons I think anything about are the chief mate, the captain's wife, and the Chinese boy, whose name is Fin. I only wish the captain were like his wife, for then it would be some pleasure to be in his society. Captain Moult is just such another, a worldly, thoughtless, swearing man. Neither of them have the least spark of religion in them, and in fact they ridicule everything in the shape of religion, and seem to take a delight in making all the fun of it that lies in their power. Mrs. Harper keeps in her cabin nearly all the day, so that it is but seldom that I can get a chance to exchange a word with her. Their son is a regular spoilt one, and deserves to be much pitied. He will turn out a radical some of these days, and no wonder, to see what an example he has before him continually.\n\nThe steward had a fine time of it. He did not, certainly, understand his duty, but he wanted a little patience and he would have soon", "txt_file_path": "txt/dfo323lmgvd/RAS-1989.txt", "external_url": "https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/8336pm92h", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 211870, "series_id": 26, "series_slug": "histsyn-rashkb-journal-engine", "series_title": "RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "RAS-1989", "page_number": 285, "title": "RAS-1989", "content_text": "260\n\nlearned. He was however bullied and swore at, and then locked up in a room all day, and then handcuffed and put down in the hold, and then tried again, when at last the captain laid hold of him by the nose, and sent him out of the cabin. We have now the cook as steward, and I fear he will not stay long. It must be a misery to live with such a man, and all I wonder at is that the crew put up with so much bullying, and cursing. I would not, for an hour.\n\nWe are now getting into a regular way of living. We breakfast at half past eight. There is coffee, eggs, biscuit, cheese, butter, beefsteak, hash, etc. every day nearly. Since my seasickness I have a most ravenous appetite. I am quite ashamed at the amount of food which I eat, and then I am always hungry. I shall soon grow fat at this rate.\n\nAfter breakfast I put my room in order, and set all straight for the day, after which I read a little and go on deck, where I walk about for an hour or two, and amuse myself one way or another till twelve o'clock, when there is luncheon of bread and cheese, etc. Then I read, or sing, or walk the deck till three o'clock, when it is dinner time. We generally sit an hour or so over dinner.\n\nThe captain generally spins a good long yarn to Captain Moult, which to me is never very interesting. Sometimes they try to get me into an argument about something or other, and generally do it by running out against missionaries, or something of that kind. I find it hard work to stand my ground alone.\n\nLast week I lost a day in my reckoning, and thought that Sunday was Saturday. It might have been for all the difference that was made on board. They never make the least difference between Sunday and other days. It was the most miserable Sabbath I ever spent, except the week before when I was so unwell. I spent the greater part in my room alone, reading and singing. Often did I wish myself at home again, among those who love and serve Jesus. Yet I must try to do something for him here, for there is plenty of room for it.\n\nBut to return to my subject in hand. We take tea at six o'clock, and then there is a bit of a supper at eight. Then about nine we all go to our berths. It is generally about ten before I am in bed. Even there the noise and rolling about prevent one from sleeping all the time. But I suppose I shall grow accustomed to the inconvenience before long.\n\nPage 285\n\nPage 286", "txt_file_path": "txt/dfo323lmgvd/RAS-1989.txt", "external_url": "https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/8336pm92h", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 211871, "series_id": 26, "series_slug": "histsyn-rashkb-journal-engine", "series_title": "RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "RAS-1989", "page_number": 286, "title": "RAS-1989", "content_text": "261\n\n^And now as regards my room, I have taken pains to put it a little in order, and have now got everything nearly to rights. Around the room hang my clothes. I have hung my lamp, which with its ground glass globe gives a nice light during the evening when I am alone. I have eight photographs round the room, hung up in fine order. I have placed 'Anna' in the central position, and the rest in order round it. I very much regret not having more. Not one of our family is there. But I must have them on paper, sent out in a letter, one or two at a time, and in that way I shall hope to get them all in time. I very much wish I had mother, father and all our family. If it had not been for the hurry and confusion of getting off so soon, I should have got them taken. I had explained it in my own mind, but forgot it in the hurry.\n\nThe plum cake, biscuits, jams, etc. have already proved very useful, and what are left will prove more so during the voyage, especially since we stop nowhere till we get to Hong Kong. Captain Moult has lived at Hong Kong, and gives me a very pretty idea of what the place is. Yet it does not frighten me at all, for I have made up my mind to take it all as it comes. I must stop for the present as it grows dark. We are now past the Bay of Biscay, and hope soon to have mild and more agreeable weather.\n\nThursday, March 28th\n\nSince my last entry nothing of importance has occurred. We are now off Portugal, and are going along beautifully before a fair wind. Nearly all day I have been on deck, either walking to and fro, which is the only exercise I can get, or sitting in the warm sunshine. Every day we get into a warmer temperature, so that soon the deck will form the chief resort during the day. It is very comfortable indeed. Tomorrow if all is well up goes the easy chair, and there I shall sit and study, or watch the ship's course over the blue waves. She sails along very rapidly, and the pleasure of seeing her dash through the water is great, when I bear in mind that every mile she goes over makes one the less.\n\nYet it is a rather long time to have to look forward to before seeing land again. We are not to stop before reaching Hong Kong, and so there is no chance of sending you any news before I reach the end of my journey, unless we are becalmed near some homeward bound ship. I am very sorry for this, because I know you will be rather in a way at not hearing from me. Still, however, it cannot be helped.", "txt_file_path": "txt/dfo323lmgvd/RAS-1989.txt", "external_url": "https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/8336pm92h", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 211873, "series_id": 26, "series_slug": "histsyn-rashkb-journal-engine", "series_title": "RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "RAS-1989", "page_number": 288, "title": "RAS-1989", "content_text": "263\n\nI shall not venture to say much about the cooking, etc. for I am obliged to keep my eyes shut on all occasions where I am near it, for fear I might see something not quite to my fancy in that department. I enjoy the biscuits very much, only I shall soon have to shut my eyes when eating them. Our fresh provisions are beginning to go, so we must soon fall back upon the preserved provisions. We have plenty of good milk to last the voyage, plenty of sardines, salmon, etc. and plenty of bottled fruit, so that we have a fruit pie or pudding every day. In fact we have everything that could be procured on land, and for what I can see, quite as good.\n\nThe captain and I agree very well on all points but religion. Yesterday we had a regular set-to about it, and I was obliged to talk to him rather plainly, only it will not do to say too much to such a man when he is warm. Captain Moult is about such another, or else he would not be a bad companion. He has been well educated, and has a good share of common sense. We are thrown a great deal into each other's society, and so it is to our interest to keep on pretty good terms. Since he has resided at Hong Kong for some time he knows all about the place, and I get a good deal of information out of him, on different subjects.\n\nWe have spent several hours in walking the deck together. It is the only exercise to be got on board ship. I have however invented two or three species of exercise in my cabin, which I find very beneficial. I believe I should be soon laid up if I did not take a fair amount of exercise. Often I have envied the sailors at their work, and should have liked to have a pull at the ropes with them.\n\nSaturday, April 6th\n\nToday has been a cheerful pleasant day. Soon after daylight the chief mate came down with the intelligence that land was in sight on the \"lee bow\". After so many days rambling over the water it was joyful news to me, so I got up, and had the usual wash all over, and went upon deck to take my constitutional, i.e. early walk. It was a lovely morning. The sun already \"well up\" was rather warm, and all round was lovely and delightful. Sure enough there was the land, but it was above thirty miles off, yet on account of its great elevation (in some parts 6000 ft) I judged it to be about four. The clear atmosphere quite deceived me. It proved to be Madeira, and we were on the eastern side. All day I have been on deck enjoying the beautiful soft balmy breezes, which are now quite", "txt_file_path": "txt/dfo323lmgvd/RAS-1989.txt", "external_url": "https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/8336pm92h", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 211874, "series_id": 26, "series_slug": "histsyn-rashkb-journal-engine", "series_title": "RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "RAS-1989", "page_number": 289, "title": "RAS-1989", "content_text": "264\n\nrefreshing as we get into warmer climates. I lost no opportunity of looking at Madeira through the glasses, and as we sailed half round it I was much amused. The weather was uncommonly mild; the pleasantest day we have had.\n\nI have spent the time reading or thinking, or walking with Captain Moult. Poor fellow, he is very gloomy, and it is quite a charity to liven him up a little. I have, however, to tell him very often of his habit of swearing, which is one of the greatest drawbacks to his society,\n\nIt is now Saturday night. Here I am writing in the saloon, the ship rocking in a cross sea. We have had tea, and as usual I am spending the time from half past seven to nine in reading and writing. The time begins to go now more rapidly; yet it is poor work after a month's sailing to have got no further. I am often thinking as I write, of home, and Saturday night there. Often do I see the old shop, and Siss and mother busy behind the counter. Sometimes I get so lost in thought that I fancy I am really at home among you all.\n\nI do however come home every night regularly to sleep either at Hythe, or Chudleigh, or Bridge. I get to bed, and in an instant I am back again to old England, I sometimes fancy it would make a curious medley, if I could write the substance of some of my dreams of home. It cheers one up, however, and takes off half the pain of separation. When I wake I have to take some few moments to make out where I am, and then when I open my eyes there are all the cluster of photographs before me, all seeming to look at me and sympathize with me in my solitude. I am thankful to say that my health fast improves. I hope soon to outgrow my clothes. Tomorrow I should very much like to spend a “Sunday at Home\", instead of a “Sunday at Sea”.\n\nThursday, April 11th\n\nWe are still jogging along on our journey. Every day seems shorter than its predecessor, and the time begins to go, I don't know how fast. It is no sooner morning than night comes. The day passes away very pleasantly, and really I am now quite at home. In fact I am as much at home as ever I was in college, and should feel quite as happy if I could only hear from those who are continually before my thoughts.\n\nEvery day now grows warmer. The thermometer is now 75° in the", "txt_file_path": "txt/dfo323lmgvd/RAS-1989.txt", "external_url": "https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/8336pm92h", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 211911, "series_id": 26, "series_slug": "histsyn-rashkb-journal-engine", "series_title": "RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "RAS-1989", "page_number": 326, "title": "RAS-1989", "content_text": "301\n\nThis Journal to be sent all round. Let Anna have it as early as possible after you get it, and then ask her to return it to be sent all round.\n\n2\n\nNOTES\n\nThe last dated entry in the diary is July 25th. August 6th was Fryer's 22nd birthday.\n\nThree \"captains\" are mentioned in the Diary. The ship's master was a Captain Harper. Captains Moale and Moult are mentioned as passengers, Captain Moult being last mentioned in the April 6th entry. It is likely that Fryer miswrote Moult for Moate in the early days of the voyage, and that there was only one captain on board as a passenger.\n\n1 Fryer was born in Hythe.\n\n4\n\nFryer was engaged to Anna Roleston of Chudleigh.\n\n&\n\nAnna Roleston worked as a seamstress in Teignmouth.\n\nFryer was a collector of photographs and probably an avid amateur photographer. He mentions his collection of 5,000 lantern slides in his will, but these cannot be located.\n\n7\n\nFryer proposed marriage to Anna Roleston (1838-1879) on his 21st birthday. They were married in the chapel of the British Consulate at Peking in November, 1864, by the Revd Thomas McClatchie. Fryer was teaching at that time at the Tung-wên Kuan, or **Interpreters' College**. Revd McClatchie, whose brother-in-law was Sir Harry Smith Parkes, was a Church Missionary Society missionary in Shanghai from 1845-1882.\n\n9\n\nAnjer-Lot on the Straits of Sunda, Java, near Bantam.\n\nFryer mentions keeping a journal or diary in his later letters, but such a record has yet to be found.\n\n10 Fryer's younger brother and lifelong correspondent.\n\n11\n\nGeorge Smith, D.D., of the Church Missionary Society, entered China in 1844; appointed first Bishop of Victoria, 1849-64.\n\n12 Charles St. George Cleverly.\n\n13 The typewritten transcript reads \"to be the boy that used to run errands.\" The holograph reads \"to be the boy that used to clean boots & knives & run errands at a brewhouse.\"\n\n14\n\n15\n\nThe Rev. J. Irwin,\n\nFryer ends his typewritten transcript here with \"Yours, Signed: John Fryer.\" The post script that follows this point appears in the holograph.", "txt_file_path": "txt/dfo323lmgvd/RAS-1989.txt", "external_url": "https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/8336pm92h", "rank": 0 } ]