Page:The Chinese Repository - Volume 01.djvu/95

 THE

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During this interval of uncertainty, my indisposition had increased to an alarming degree; when I was surprised by the arrival of one of my mercantile Chinese friends, a native of the eastern part of Canton province, who felt himself interested in taking me to China. He used every argument to prevail on me to embark; but, as I was verging so fast to the grave, I was reluctant to comply. Nevertheless Lin-jung (for this was the man's name) succeeded, for his arguments were imperious; and I agreed with captain Sin-shun, the owner of the junk Shun-le, to embark in his vessel for Teen-tsin. This junk was of about 250 tons burden, built in Siam, but holding its license from Canton; it was loaded with sapan wood, sugar, pepper, feathers, calicoes, &c., and was manned by about 50 sailors.

The 3d of June was the day appointed for our departure. Mr. Hunter, Capt. Dawson, and Mr. MacDalnac, had the kindness to accompany me on board the junk. I am under very great obligations to the first of these gentlemen, for his frequent and ready support, to the utmost of his power, of any measures that could tend towards the civilization of the natives. When I got on board, my cabin, in the steerage, was