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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


PRESENTED  BY 

PROF. CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 

MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2008  with  funding  from 

IVIicro'soft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/daughtersofchinaOObridrich 


^^ 


G  O  L  D  E:  N 


SISTER 


DATJGHTEHS  OF  CHINA; 


OR, 


Sk^trl^s  fff  g0m^5ti,c  f  if^ 


THE  CELESTIAL  EMPIRE. 


ELIZA  I  GILLETT  BRIDGMAN. 

n 


NEW  YORK: 
ROBERT    CARTER    &    BROTHERS, 

No.    285    BROADWAY. 

1853. 


^-sni^j  ii 


Entered,  according  lo  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1852,  by 
ROBERT  CARTER  &»  BROTHERS, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


STEREOTYPED    BY   T,    B.    SMITH, 

216  William  Street. 


r^, 


1 


{\ 


"Woman  is  sitting  in  darkness,  "without  love  to 
shelter  her  head,  or  hope  to  illumine  her  solitude, 
■because  the  heaven  horu  instincts  kindling  in  her 
nature  germs  of  holy  affections,  which  God  implant- 
ed in  her  -womanly-  hosom,  having  heen  stifled  by 
social  necessities,  no-w  hum  sullenly-  to  'Waste,  like 
sepulchral  lamps  amongst  the  aiaoients." 


17.309444 


i^; 


|tttr0Jrtttti0n. 


I  HAVE  great  pleasure,  on  the  eve  of  departure  for 
our  adopted  country,  in  introducing  the  Daughters 
OF  China  to  the  Daughters  of  America  ;  and  I 
am  sure  that  a  better  acquaintance,  such  as  this 
little  volume  cannot  fail  to  secure,  will  result  in 
great  good  to  multitudes. 

In  China,  as  in  other  countries,  wom.an's  influ- 
ence is  immense.  It  is  so  in  the  family,  and  in  the 
state,  in.  morals  and  in  religion.  But  what  God 
has  ordained  for  the  best  and  noblest  of  purposes,  is 
in  China  exercised  for  evil,  because  the  Father  of 
Lies  has  here  held  almost  undisputed  dominion. 
From  time  immemorial  the  Chinese  Empire  has 
been  his  grand  University,  where  the  most  capti- 
vating forms  of  idolatry,  have  been  devised  and 
carried  into  practice. 

In  such  a  state  of  religious  society — where  all  is 
set  in  the  wrong  direction — nothing  but  the  truth 
of  God — through   his  blessing — can  break  up  this 


Vlll  INTRODrCTION. 

dreadful  incubus,  overthrow  idolatry,  and  bring  the 
people  to  know,  to  love,  and  to  serve  Jehovah  their 
Maker.  The  Bible  can,  and  will  do  all  this,  as 
soon  as  it  is  given  to  the  people,  and  they  are  taught 
to  know,  and  led  to  obey  it. 

But  who  shall  teach  the  woman  of  China  ?  The 
missionary — the  ordained  minister  of  the  gospel, 
who  goes  forth  to  preach,  cannot  gain  access  to  the 
Daughters  of  the  land.  The  usages  of  society  de- 
bar these  from  the  public  assembly.  Woman,  in  all 
ordinary  cases,  is  secluded,  and  cannot  come  out  to 
hear  the  preaching  of  the  gospel. 

Shall  woman  then  be  there  neglected?  Can 
nothing  be  done  to  give  to  her  the  glorious  gospel, 
and  elevate  her,  to  her  proper  sphere  ?  Let  the 
Header  attentively  peruse  each  successive  chapter 
of  this  little  volume,  and  the  answer  to  these  ques- 
tions will  be  easy. 

It  was  my  purpose  to  have  written  a  more  length- 
ened introduction,  but  the  demands  on  my  time  ren- 
dered this  impossible.  Still,  I  cheerfully  write  these 
few  lines,  rejoicing  in  the  opportunity  of  introducing 
the  Daughters  of  China,  to  those  of  our  own  native 
land.  E.  C.  Bridgman. 

Ship  "Wild  Pigeon. 
Off  Sandy  Hook,  Oct.  11,  1852. 


To  the  friends  and  patrons  of  Female  education 
in  China,  we  are  indebted  for  encouragement  in 
arranging  the  following  details,  relating  to  the  sin- 
gular and  exclusive  people  among  whom  we  have 
our  chosen  home. 

The  sketch  of  a  small  Chinese  girls'  School,  which 
I  have  had  the  happiness  to  establish  in  Shanghai, 
is  written  for  those  who  feel  interested  in  the 
Chinese,  and  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  pu- 
pils ;  with  a  view  to  show,  not  so  much  any  im- 
mediate definite  results,  as  the  working  of  a  system, 
which  it  is  hoped,  if  carried  out  with  perseverance 
and  fervent  prayer  for  the  divine  influence,  will 
elevate  the  Chinese  female  to  the  hopes  and  priv- 
ileges of  woman  in  Christian  lands,  and  give  her 
the  same  qualifications  to  discharge  the  duties  of 
daughter,  wife,  and  mother. 

We  have  introduced  some  extracts  from  a  journal, 
depicting   scenes  descriptive  of  idolatry,  and  visits 


X  PREFACE. 

among  the  people  of  various  classes  illustrative  of 
the  manners  and  customs  of  that  wonderful  country. 
From  the  shortness  of  our  stay  in  this  country, 
there  has  been  unavoidable  haste,  in  the  preparation 
of  the  book,  which  needs  apology,  and  occasions  re- 
gret. Such,  however,  as  it  is,  let  it  tell  the  tale 
of  woman's  condition  in  that  far-off  land  ;  her  joys, 
her  sorrows,  her  hopes,  her  fears,  her  perishing  need 
of  a  Saviour.  E.  J.  G.  B. 


I. 


Embarkation— Religious  Services— Dr.  Milnor— Arrival 
at  Hong-kong— Visit  to  Canton— Dr.  Parker's  Hospital 
—A  Walk  in  the  Streets— Shops— Idolatry— The  Mis- 
sionary Work. 

It  was  tlie  last  day  of  tlie  week,  the  14tli 
of  December,  1844,  a  cold  and  frosty  morning, 
when  a  company  of  missionaries  were  to  take 
their  last  adieu,  and  for  four  months,  or  more, 
have  a  home  upon  the  ocean's  waste.  The  call 
from  the  land  of  Sinim  had  been  heard  and 
responded  to;  the  echo  had  reverberated  to 
the  laborers  upon  that  distant  soil,  "  We  will 
come  and  help  you;"  and  now,  with  the  Cap- 
tain of  their  salvation  for  their  leader,  and  his 
great  commission  for  their  guide,  it  is  believed 
that  all  that  company  rejoiced  in  the  privilege 
of  going  forth,  and  in  a  strange,  and  as  yet  to 
them  unknown,  language,  to  tell  a  Saviour's 


12  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

love  to  those  wlio  sit  in  the  darkness  of  the 
shadow  of  death. 

But  there  were  ties  to  be  sundered  by  this 
step.  There  were  fathers,  mothers,  brothers, 
sisters,  and  other  kindred,  in  that  group.  For 
a  brief  moment  there  was  a  giving  up  of  hearts 
to  each  other,  previous  to  separation ;  and  then, 
for  the  gospel's  sake,  a  giving  up  of  friends 
and  home  and  native  land. 

Collected  in  the  cabin,  for  the  concluding 
services  ere  the  steamer  in  tow  left  us,  there 
were  two,  who  "  shone  in  my  heart's  depths," 
that  accompanied  me  to  the  ship, — a  sister 
dear  to  whom  I  clung,  and  that  venerated 
pastor  whose  "praise  is  in  all  the  churches." 
With  these  my  history  was  deeply  interwoven  ; 
I  felt  that  I  had  their  approbation  in  going  to 
China,  to  teach  her  daughters  the  way  of  Sal- 
vation. For  years,  no  sorrow  or  joy  had  been 
mine  which  they  had  not  shared.  Others 
there  were  whom  I  loved  dearly  and  tenderly, 
and  from  whom  I  could  not  separate  without 
a  pang;  but  these  two  were  associated  with 
me  in  hours  of  afliction  and  bereavement,  in 


DE.    MILNOR.  13 


tlie  social  circle,  in  the  duties  of  the  Sunday 
School,  in  the  services  of  the  sanctuary,  nay, 
in  all  that  makes  life  precious  and  responsible. 

The  venerable  pastor,  whose  head  was 
whitened  with  the  snows  of  seventy  winters, 
stood  in  our  midst.  With  a  countenance 
always  beaming  with  benevolence,  and  uplifted 
hands,  he  invoked  the  divine  protection  and 
care ;  a  hymn  was  sung ;  and  then  the  grasp- 
insf  hand — the  last  farewell — and  the  steamer 
was  plowing  her  way  back  to  the  city. 

I  ran  to  the  stern  of  the  "  Horatio,"  and  so 
did  Mrs.  Gr.,  whose  father  had  just  left  her. 
I  still  discerned  my  venerable  pastor  straining 
his  eye  and  waving  his  handkerchief;  it  was 
the  last  look  of  my  mortal  gaze  upon  the  be- 
loved Dr.  Milnor. 

After  a  voyage  of  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
one  days,  a  good  part  occupied  in  the  study 
of  the  Chinese  language,  we  arrived  at  Hong- 
kong, April  24:th.  Our  large  company  were 
hospitably  entertained,  for  some  days,  by  the 
different  missionary  families  and  that  of  the 
English  chaplain  in  Victoria. 


14:  DAUGHTEKS    OF   CHINA. 

During  the  month  of  May,  in  company  with 
some  of  the  missionaries,  I  paid  a  visit  to  Can- 
ton ;  and  while  in  Dr.  Parker's  family,  enjoy- 
ing the  hospitality  which  his  roof  always 
affords  the  stranger,  he  and  Mrs.  P.  accompa- 
nied us  to  see  whatever  there  was  of  special 
interest. 

Among  the  memoranda  which  I  made  on 
that  visit,  are  the  following : — 

"  May  26^/i.— Visited  Dr.  Parker's  Hospital 
last  week.  Seeing  such  a  throng  of  human  be- 
ings laboring  under  all  sorts  of  diseases,  I  could 
not  refrain  my  tears, — although  thankful  that 
they  were  under  the  skilful  treatment  of  such 
a  man  as  Dr.  Parker,  whose  whole  soul  seems 
made  up  of  benevolence.  He  has  been  very 
successful  in  removing  the  cataract  from  the 
eye.  Some  come  here  from  a  great  distance 
perfectly  blind;  in  a  few  days  they  return  to 
their  homes,  laden  wdth  Christian  books  and 
wdth  the  blessing  of  sight.  The  largest  tumors 
are  removed,  and  all  kinds  of  surgical  opera- 
tions performed  without  one  cent  of  remunera- 
tion. 


CANTON.  15 


ii  27//?. — Went  out  to  walk,  in  company  witli 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Devan,  through  some  of  the 
principal  streets  of  Canton.  We  passed  along 
without  molestation ;  the  Chinese;  at  this  time, 
were  very  respectful. 

"Some  of  the  shops  are  very  handsome, 
well  stocked  with  goods,  and  arranged  with 
taste.  Their  specimens  of  lacquered  ware  are 
many  of  them  elegant  and  costly ;  their  work 
in  ivory  is  ingenious  and  beautiful.  Fans  of 
every  price  and  variety  may  be  purchased,  and 
the  Chinese  costume  is  quite  incomplete  with- 
out one.  In  their  dwellings  they  have  so  little 
regard  to  ventilation,  that  the  fan  is  in  constant 
use,  and  almost  indispensable. 

"  Most  of  the  streets  are  very  narrow  and 
thronged  with  people.  We  found  the  most 
agreeable  way  to  visit  the  shops  was  to  go  in 
the  evening.  Mrs.  Parker  would  send  word 
to  some  of  the  merchants,  whom  she  knew, 
that  she  had  some  friends  who  wished  to  see 
their  curiosities,  and  appoint  a  time  for  the 
purpose.  They  would  obligingly  allow  us  to 
come,  light  the  shop  brilliantly,  and  close  the 


16  DAUGHTERS    OF    CHINA. 

doors,  that  we  need  not  be  molested  "by  gazers 
from  without. 

"  Encouraged  by  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Devan,  who 
had  previously  tried  the  experiment,  I  ven- 
tured actually  to  take  a  walk  in  the  streets  of 
Canton,  or  rather  in  the  suburbs,  for  no  foreign 
gentleman,  as  yet,  in  his  own  costume  can  go 
inside  the  walls,  except  at  the  risk  of  life, 
much  less  a  foreign  lady. 

"We  visited  the  'Ningpo  Exchange,'  a 
large  and  massive  structure,  built  in  native 
style.  Here  were  apartments  devoted  to  busi- 
ness, to  their  meals,  and  to  the  worship  of  idols. 
Here  was  a  splendid  image  of  Buddha,  with 
incense  burning  before  him.  There  were  large 
drums  and  gongs  to  call  the  people  to  worship, 
and  to  wake  up  the  dumb  idol.  Before  it 
was  the  soft  cushion  for  the  kneeling  devotee, 
and  everj^thing  about  the  image  was  gilded, 
carved  and  shining. 

"  It  seemed  to  me  I  could  sympathize  with 
Paul,  'Who  felt  his  spirit  stirred  within  him 
when  he  beheld  the  city  of  Athens  wholly 
given  to  idolatry.'     It  is  even  so  here,  every 


BOAT    AVOMEN.  17 


stop  has  its  idol,  with  candles  and  incense 
burning  before  it. 

"  There  were  also  connected  with  the  Ningpo 
Exchange  accommodations  for  the  '  sing-song^ 
(theatrical  amusements).  From  this,  we  went 
to  the  Old  Tea  Exchange,  where  the  idolatrous 
preparations  were  much  the  same. 

"We  extended  our  walk  to  the  wall  of  the 
city,  the  great  western  gate,  whence  issued 
throngs  of  Chinese,  Females  are  seldom  seen 
in  these  crowds  unless  it  be  boat  women. 
We  met  a  man  with  some  images,  which  I 
purchased  and  sent  to  the  Sunday  Schools," 

Under  this  same  date  I  find  also  recorded 
the  impression  that  these  scenes  made  upon 
my  feelings, 

"  The  missionary  work  appears  unspeakably 
glorious  and  desirable.  The  wonderful  man- 
ner in  which  this  great  Empire  has  been  opened 
to  the  gospel;  exceeds  the  most  sanguine  ex- 
pectations of  missionaries  who  have  been  long 
in  the  field.  We  observed  tho  monthly  con- 
cert of  prayer  Monday  evening,  in  Mrs.  Par- 
ker's parlor,.  Ko.  2,  American  Hong ;  and  on 


18  DAITGHTERS  OF   CHINA. 


Sunday  evening  the  Lord's  Supper  was  ad- 
ministered to  seven  individuals — Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Parker,  Mr.  McGregor,  the  English  Consul, 
Mr.  Lewis,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Woods,  and  myself. 
Far  from  the  lands  of  gospel  light,  and  the 
sanctuaries  where  we  were  wont  to  keep  this 
feast)  we  found  it  '  good  to  be  here ;'  because 
Jehovah  our  God  was  present  in  the  person 
of  his  Son,  in  accordance  with  his  blessed 
promise,  '  Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,'  " 


11. 


Character  of  the  People — Flower  Gardens — Visit  to 
Chinese  Ladies — Mrs,  Pwan — Manners  and  Customs — 
Death  of  Mrs.  Pwan, 

During  this  visit  at  Canton  I  was  desirous 
of  learning  as  much  as  possible  in  the  way  of 
studying  the  character  of  the  people,  among 
whom  I  expected  to  find  a  permanent  home ; 
and,  through  the  kindness  of  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Parker,  opportunities  for  observation  were  not 
wanting. 

On  one  occasion  we  visited  the  Hwa-ti,  or 
flower-gardens,  above  the  city  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  river.  The  Chinese  are  very  fond 
of  flowers ;  the  poorest  boat  that  floats  upon 
the  water  bears  marks  of  this  prevailing  taste ; 
perhaps  there  may  be  but  one  pot  with  a  plant, 
yet  there  is  something  in  that  little  boat  that 
is  green  and  flourishing. 


20  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

To  a  stranger  the  effect  is  pleasant ;  there  is 
something  hopeful  to  be  looked  for  in  minds 
capable  of  reading  the  "  alphabet  of  angels," 
although  they  may  be  at  present  degraded  by 
the  dark  folds  of  heathenism.  Hundreds  of 
families  are  reared  in  boats,  which  in  Canton 
are  rowed  by  women. 

The  Chinese,  too,  have  their  public  gardens^ 
with  plants  in  every  variety.  In  these  gar- 
dens there  are  many  dwarf  shrubs  in  the  form 
of  animals,  trees,  and  boats.  These  shrubs 
are  trained  to  represent  the  ostrich,  antelope, 
deer,  or  anything  to  which  the  fancy  leads. 
In  addition  to  these  natural  objects,  artificial 
ponds,  rockS;  caverns  with  winding  passages, 
ornamental  bridges,  and  summer  houses,  deco- 
rate their  grounds :  the  beautiful  lotus  is  ex- 
tensively cultivated,  and  everything  is  arranged 
m  their  own  native  style.  But  it  is  the  people 
especially  whom  we  wish  to  study,  and  it  was 
the  condition  of  woman  in  particular  that  led  us 
to  China,  so  let  us  pay  a  visit  to  some  Chinese 
ladies,  whose  sphere,  according  to  their  own 
classics,  is  in  the  ''  inner  apartments."     There 


COOLIES.  21 


are  some  forms  of  etiquette  to  be  observed. 
Before  we  can  be  admitted,  we  must  send  word 
the  day  before,  and  one  messenger  perhaps 
will  not  be  sufficient,  but  a  second  and  a  third 
before  we  can  actually  be  on  our  way.  I  will 
again  revert  to  the  journal. 

"  June  M. — On  Friday  last  we  prepared  our- 
selves in  our  best  attire  to  accompany  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Parker,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carr,  of  Hong-kong 
and  some  English  gentlemen,  to  wait  upon 
Mrs.  Pwan,  the  lady  of  Pwan  Tingkwa,  a  salt 
merchant  of  wealth,  and  who  is  somewhat 
favorable  to  foreigners. 

"The  only  mode  here  of  travelling  any  dis- 
tance is  in  boats  and  Sedan  chairs.  In  this 
case,  as  there  were  several  ladies,  we  took  four 
Sedans,  each  borne  upon  the  shoulders  of  two 
men  called  '  coolies.'  We  were  preceded  by 
Dr.  Parker,  while  the  other  gentlemen  walked 
by  the  side  of  the  Sedans.  We  left  the  Hong 
at  one  o'clock,  having  received  intelligence 
through  a  messenger  sent  at  twelve,  that  '  his 
excellency  Avas  not  up.' 

"  The  weather  was  extremely  warm ;  but, 


22  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

having  to  pass  through  several  streets,  in  order 
to  avoid  the  gaze  of  the  Chinese,  we  had  the 
curtains  of  the  Sedans  closely  drawn:  it  was 
almost  suffocating,  but  fifteen  or  twenty  min- 
utes brought  us  to  our  destination.  The  front 
gate  was  opened  by  attendants  in  waiting ;  and 
the  Sedans  were  lowered  to  the  ground  with 
care,  in  an  open  court.  The  gentlemen  and 
ladies  were  respectively  directed  to  different 
apartments,  with  the  exception  of  Dr.  Parker, 
who,  acting  as  interpreter  for  the  ladies,  was 
allowed  to  accompany  us. 

"  The  room  was  full  of  children  and  women, 
from  their  appearance,  I  should  judge,  in  sub- 
ordinate capacities,  such  as  nurses,  waiting 
maids,  &c. ;  also,  some  old  women  as  super- 
visors ;  in  all,  probably,  not  less  than  thirty  in- 
dividuals. These  came  as  much  to  see  the 
sight  as  we  did ;  and  did  not  hesitate,  at  once, 
to  examine  every  part  of  our  dress,  and  pass 
comments  thereon,  as  well  as  on  the  lightness 
of  our  complexions,  which  always  attracts  the 
notice  of  a  Chinese  lady,  and  she  contrasts  it 
with  her  own  tawny  skin. 


PWAK  TINGKWA.  23 

"  All  this  is  done  without  the  least  thought 
or  intention  of  being  impolite,  indeed,  they 
begged  us  to  be  seated  at  small  tables  accom- 
modating two  persons,  with  a  chair  at  each 
end.  The  receiving  apartments  are  furnished 
in  this  way.  Baskets  of  flowers  suspended 
from  the  ceiling,  and  a  view  in  the  open  court, 
or  perhaps  a  garden,  give  these  rooms  a  more 
cheerful  aspect  than  the  external  part  of  the 
dwelling  without  windows  would  lead  one  to 
anticipate. 

"  Pwan  Tingkwa  is  employed  in  the  service 
of  the  government ;  this  gives  him  some  dis- 
tinction. He  has  ten  wives.  The  lady  of  the 
house,  or  '  number  one  wife,'  did  not  make  her 
appearance  until  a  little  time  had  elapsed.  At 
length  she  entered  the  room,  and  the  others 
gave  place,  while  she  received  her  visitors  and 
refused  to  sit  herself  until  every  one  of  her 
guests  was  seated. 

"She  was  a  beautiful  young  creature,  not 
over  twenty-one  years  of  age.  Her  hair  was 
arranged  in  their  usual  tasteful  manner,  and 
adorned  with  flowers,  pearls,  and  other  orna- 


24:  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 


ments.  She  was  attired  in  a  simple  dress  of 
grass-cloth,  tight  about  the  throat,  with  large 
sleeves,  exposing  a  beautiful  hand,  and  wrist 
full  of  bracelets.  Underneath  her  grass-cloth 
tunic,  she  wore  an  embroidered  skirt,  that 
nearly  concealed  her  little  feet.  Her  manners 
were  graceful  and  elegant.  To  the  remarks 
of  the  ladies  she  responded  courteously,  never 
allowing  herself  to  sit  while  any  of  the  ladies 
were  standing. 

"  Tea  w^as  served  in  small  cups  with  covers, 
but  without  milk  or  sugar.  Soon  after  this 
we  were  invited  into  another  apartment.  Mrs. 
Pwan,  our  lady  host,  took  Mrs.  Parker  by  the 
hand  and  led  the  wa}^,  while  several  other  of  Mr. 
Pwan  Tingkwa's  ladies  attended  to  the  rest  of 
U.S,  and  we  followed ;  the  company  of  relatives, 
nurses,  servants  and  children  succeeded,  all 
eager  to  satisfy  their  curiosity  by  gazing  at 
us. 

*'A  repast  was  prepared,  consisting  of  jel- 
lies, fruits,  nuts,  &c.,  which  in  the  East  is  called 
TifSn ;  the  Chinese  call  it  '  a  bit  for  the  heart.' 
It  was  easy  to  distinguish  the  lady  of  the  house : 


TIFFIN. 


25 


she  moved  us  to  be  seated,  while  she  presided, 
the  others  standing,  and  the  servants  fanning 
us  while  we  partook  of  the  delicacies.  Accord- 
ing to  Chinese  etiquette,  Mrs.  Pwan  passed 
some  fruit  or  jelly  on  her  fork  or  with  her 
chop-sticks  to  each  lady,  and  we  would  return 
the  compliment,  she  rising  very  gracefully  and 
receiving  it ;  they  even  go  so  far  as  to  put  it 
into  your  mouth. 

"Tifl&n  being  finished,  we  repaired  to  her 
private  bed-room.  It  was  furnished  with  a 
mirror,  bureau,  bedstead  with  mattress,  the 
bed-clothes  neatly  laid  in  folds,  and  put  aside 
in  the  back  part  of  the  bed.  We  followed 
Mrs.  Pwan,  all  the  attendants  accompanying 
us,  through  the  different  apartments  of  this 
spacious  building,  still  unfinished.  The  carving 
was  elegant.  The  rooms  were  furnished  with 
divans,  centre-tables,  mirrors,  and  chandeliers. 
The  ceilings  were  beautifully  painted  with 
birds  and  flowers.  A  gallery  was  appropri- 
ated to  the  'Sing-song'  (theatre). 

"In  going  down  the  stair-case,  we  passed 
the  room  where  'his  excellency'  and  guests 


26  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

(tlie  gentlemen  who  accompanied  us)  were  re- 
galing themselves  with  refreshments;  they 
could  not  help  turning  their  heads  to  catch  a 
glimpse  of  the  fair  Chinese  ladies.  At  length 
the  time  arrived  for  us  to  leave ;  the  females 
of  the  house,  one  and  all,  retired  to  the  inner 
apartments,  and  the  gentlemen  conducted  us 
to  our  Sedans.  On  returning  home,  we  suf- 
fered our  faces  to  be  exposed,  and  gazers  were 
not  a  few,  eagerly  striving  to  get  a  peep  at  the 
'fau  quipo'  (foreign  devils'  wives),  as  they 
stigmatized  us. 

"  While  I  was  thus  occupied  on  the  other 
side  of  the  globe,  every  day's  observation 
afforded  matter  for  reflection  and  thankfulness. 
Each  hour  brought  new  evidences  of  our 
heavenly  Father's  care.  It  seemed  to  me  that 
friends  were  raised  up  to  make  me  feel  so  much 
at  home  among  that  strange  people,  in  answer 
to  the  prayers  of  Christians  in  America.  I 
knew,  I  felt,  that  I  had  those  prayers.  Their 
influence  followed  me  from  day  to  day ;  and 
while  I  was  enjoying  all  this,  my  mind  would 
revert  to  those  Chinese  ladies,  and  the  sex  in 


CHINESE   WIVES.  27 

general.  I  could  not  learn  that  one  in  Pwan 
Tingkwa's  household,  knew  how  to  read  in 
her  own  language;  and  as  to  their  employ- 
ments, much  time  is  spent  at  the  toilet,  em- 
broidery perhaps  occupies  a  part,  and  then  the 
amusements  of  the  theatre,  and  others  equally 
frivolous  fill  up  the  rest.  Not  many  months 
after  this  visit,  I  heard  of  the  death  of  Mrs. 
Pwan,  and  also  learned  that  her  husband  was 
never  pleased  with  her. 

"I  remember  one  of  our  company  once  asked 
him,  how  he  passed  his  time?  He  replied, 
his  wives  were  all  over  his  house,  and  he 
amused  himself  with  them." 


III. 

Female  Education — Chinese  Ladies,  their  Dress,  Do- 
mestic Character  and  Mental  Qualities — Females,  till 
recently,  inaccessihle — A  Class  of  Pupils — Sze  Ping, 
a  Native  Convert — Study  of  the  Language,  &c. 

Female  Education,  in  China,  is  still  in  its 
incipient  stage  of  progress.  Though  all  true 
Christians  will  readily  admit  that  it  is  the 
steady  and  holy  influence  of  the  Gospel  that 
has  given  her,  in  enlightened  countries,  her 
true  position  in  society — the  position  which 
the  great  Creator  designed  she  should  occupy ; 
yet  but  few  have  begun  to  realize  what  woman 
is  without  the  Gospel. 

The  Chinese  lady,  in  the  better  classes,  is 
not  without  attractions  ;  she  is  generally  bland 
and  courteous  in  her  manners ;  her  toilet  is 
often  arranged  with  taste  and  beauty ;  though 
her  decorations  are  usually  profuse  and  gaudy. 


J  t'/H       D  I   '  - 


(.hinese  Lady. 


CHINESE    LADIES.  29 

Her  dress  is  well  adapted  to  the  season.  In 
tlie  heat  of  summer,  her  attire  is  simply  grass- 
cloth  ;  as  the  weather  becomes  cool,  this  is  ex- 
changed for  silk  and  other  richly  embroidered 
materials. 

The  whole  Chinese  system  of  ethics  requires 
females  to  be  so  secluded  that  their  opportuni- 
ties of  intercourse  with  foreign  ladies  are  few  ; 
when  they  do  meet  them,  however,  their  ad- 
dress is  singularly  confiding  and  affectionate, 
and  they  enter  into  conversation  with  spright- 
liness  and  vivacity.  But  what  do  they  talk 
about  ?  Your  age ;  the  number  of  your  chil- 
dren ;  your  ornaments ;  the  style  of  your 
dress  ;  and  your  large  feet! 

Examine  the  countenance  of  the  Chinese: 
the  features  are  regular ;  and  though  there  are 
peculiarities  which  mark  the  race,  such  as  the 
obliquity  of  the  eyes,  flat  nose,  tawny  skin, 
and  when  uneducated  a  certain  inane  expres- 
sion common  to  both  sexes ;  yet  when  the 
Chinese  lady  is  favored  with  an  interchange  of 
sympathies  with  one  of  her  own  sex  from  an- 
other country,  there  is  light  in  her  eye  and  joy 


30  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

in  her  heart ;  it  is  not  the  flash  of  a  bright  and 
highly  cultivated  intellect, — for,  alas  I  she  is 
not  considered  worth  the  pains,  time  and 
money,  of  being  taught  to  read ;  but  the 
women  of  China  have  souls ;  and  there  are 
deep  fountains  there,  sending  out,  as  far  as 
their  situation  admits,  streams  of  maternal  and 
sisterly  affection.  And  there  are  fountains  of 
evil  too,  and  the  courses  that  issue  from  them 
are  broad  and  deep.  Ungovernable  temper 
often  spreads  discord  in  the  domestic  circle, 
and  the  strong  folds  of  idolatrous  superstition 
bind  her  tender  offspring  by  an  oath  of  perpet- 
ual fidelity  to  the  altars  of  false  deities. 

My  marriage,  which  took  place  June  28th, 
1845 — though  it  did  not  change  my  purpose 
of  being  useful  to  Chinese  girls,  did,  for  the 
time  being,  affect  a  change  in  my  destination. 

In  August  of  that  same  year,  I  found  myself 
one  of  a  household  composed  chiefly  of  Chinese 
who  daily  joined  ns  in  morning  and  evening 
worship,  but  the  way  was  not  yet  opened  for 
me  to  get  access  to  females;  prejudices  were 


CHINESE    LADIES.  31 


still  strong  against  foreigners,  and  I  must  wait 
awhile  for  an  open  door. 

In  the  absence  of  Mr.  Williams,  who  was  on 
a  visit  to  the  United  States,  Dr.  Bridgman,  be- 
sides preaching  the  gospel  wherever  he  could 
get  an  audience,  in  the  street,  in  the  Hospital, 
or  in  our  own  dwelling,  had  charge  of  the 
printing-press,  and  I  acceeded  to  his  request 
to  devote  a  part  of  every  evening  to  the  in- 
struction of  the  Chinese  lads  in  the  printing- 
office.  There  were  also  some  Chinese  ac- 
quaintances who  joined  them.  This  arrange- 
ment was  productive  of  reciprocal  benefit. 

Having  as  yet  a  very  limited  knowledge  of 
the  Chinese  language,  which  was  my  daily 
study,  of  necessity,  English  was  at  first  and  in 
part  the  medium  of  communication ;  yet  by 
this  means  I  added  to  my  little  stock  of  Chi- 
nese words  and  phrases  which  I  always  needed 
at  command. 

Of  this  class  of  pupils,  there  was  one  young 
man  whose  name  Avas  Sze  Ping,  who  with 
great  docility  and  perseverance  applied  him- 
self to  study.     As  he  advanced  in  the  knowl- 


32  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

edge  of  English  phrases  I  gained  a  corres- 
ponding advantage  in  Chinese. 

As  we  were  enabled  to  understand  each 
other,  it  was  interesting  to  draw  his  attention 
to  religious  truth.  To  the  doctrines  of  the 
Cross,  he  invariably  tendered  the  listening  ear. 
He  continued  to  come,  as  opportunity  was  al- 
lowed him,  until  we  left  Canton  for  Shanghai, 
which  was  nearly  two  years.  We  have  since 
had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  that  he  has  pro- 
fessed his  faith  in  Christ,  having  afterwards 
been  more  fully  instructed  by  other  missiona- 
ries, and  by  the  faithful  evangelist  Liang  Afah. 

The  care  of  my  family,  the  instruction  of 
this  class  and  the  study  of  Chinese,  gave  me 
full  occupation  during  my  first  two  summers 
beneath  a  tropical  sun. 

In  regard  to  the  study  of  the  language  it 
may  not  be  inappropriate  in  this  place  to  say 
a  few  words,  and  to  exhibit  some  conclusions 
drawn  from  observation  and  experience. 

It  is  to  be  apprehended  that  not  a  few  who 
have  a  desire  for  missionary  life,  are  hindered 
from  going  to  China  from  an  idea,  which  seems 


LANGUAGE.  33 


to  prevail  very  much  in  America,  that  the  dif- 
ficulties of  acquiring  the  Chinese  language  are 
insurmountable.  Should  not  the  Christian, 
who  feels  an  inward  call  to  ^'  Go  teach  all  na- 
tions," beware  of  heeding  suggestions  which 
may  come  from  the  father  of  lies,  or  a  spirit  of 
sluggishness  in  his  own  breast  ? 

The  Chinese  written  language,  without  doubt, 
is  very  copious.  The  number  of  written  char- 
acters can  hardly  be  ascertained.  But  does 
any  one  suppose  that  it  is  necessary  to  have 
at  command  one  half  or  one  quarter,  of  these 
written  characters,  in  order  to  impart  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  simple  truths  of  the  gospel  ?  If 
so,  allow  me  to  remove  that  impression. 

The  number  of  spoken  dialects  is  also  very 
numerous,  and  some  knowledge  of  the  local 
phraseology  is  certainly  indispensable.  The 
means  of  acquiring  this  are  very  simple ; 
mingle  luith  the  people;  hear  them  talk;  and 
leaiii  as  the  little  child  does.  Indeed  we  must 
follow  our  Saviour's  direction,  and  "  become 
as  little  children,"  in  order  to  get  access  to  the 
Chinese  mind. 


34:  DAUGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

To  habits  of  daily  intercourse,  it  is  thought 
by  some  who  have  been  long  in  the  field, 
should  be  added  a  few  hours  of  study  on  the 
written  character.  This  exercise,  if  it  is  not 
too  long  at  one  time,  is  pleasant,  and  will  af- 
ford a  variety  of  occupation. 

Christian  missionaries,  of  course,  differ  in 
their  views  on  this  subject,  and  pursue  various 
methods.  There  are  some,  whose  knowledge 
of  the  character  is  very  limited,  who  are  very 
successful  preachers  of  the  gospel,  and  are 
readily  understood  by  the  Chinese.  I  have  in 
my  mind's  eye,  one  well  known  to  the  Chinese 
in  all  the  region  where  he  lived,  who  by  his 
constant  practice  of  being  familiar  with  the 
people,  wearing  a  smile,  and  greeting  his  ac- 
quaintances in  a  kind  and  friendly  way,  pos- 
sesses an  influence  in  that  neighborhood  which 
will  never  wear  out.  Such  a  one  learns  to 
reach  the  heart  of  the  heathen ;  the  children 
recognize  the  feeling,  and  to  them  such  a  mis- 
sionary is  always  welcome. 

The  health  of  several  persons  has  been 
seriously  injured,  and  some  have  lost  it  en- 


HABITS.  35 


tirely,  by  too  close  in-door  applicatioD,  to 
Chinese  during  the  first  or  second  year  of  a 
residence  in  the  East,  and  then  too,  if  a  feel- 
ing of  discouragement  takes  possession  of  tlie 
mind  in  the  outset,  it  acts  like  an  incubus — 
induces  sedentary  habits,  and  often  the  indi- 
vidual disheartened,  sinks  under  the  pressure 
of  disease,  or  returns  to  his  native  land. 

The  Saviour's  example  is  a  safe  one ;  he 
went  daily  among  the  common  people  and 
sympathized  with  them  in  their  joys  and  sor- 
rows. A  knowledge  of  everyday  life,  in  China, 
enables  one  to  acquire  the  art  of  adaptation 
among  them  with  more  success — and  this  is 
necessary  to  "  win  them  to  Christ." 

Let  none,  then,  be  discouraged.  A  cheerful 
temperament,  a  mind  disciplined  either  by  ed- 
ucation or  intercourse  with  society,  one  who 
understands  the  "  trap  to  catch  a  sunbeam," 
and  who  has  a  knowledge  of  common  things 
as  well  as  of  the  higher  branches  of  education, 
and  who  possesses  an  ordinary  share  of  perse- 
verance, can  go  to  China  and  aid  in  the  glo- 
rious work  of  reclaiming  her  millions  from  the 


36  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

thraldom  of  sin  and  Satan.  There  are  diffi- 
culties to  be  encountered,  obstacles  in  the 
way,  but  they  can  be  overcome.  This  is  one 
sure  way,  "  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ 
who  strengtheneth  me;"  therefore,  let  not 
*'  Satan  hinder  you."  An  individual  once  re- 
marked to  me,  in  conversation,  "  that  she  did 
not  believe  the  Chinese  could  ever  be  con- 
verted." I  do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  such  an 
one  made  a  mistake  in  going  to  China ;  but 
if  some  who  have  neither  youth  nor  quickness 
of  parts  on  their  side  ;  but  with  some  knowl- 
edge of  the  world ;  themselves  and,  (what  is 
still  more  valuable,)  an  experience  of  what 
the  precious  Gospel  is  to  their  own  souls,  can 
go  and  acquire  enough  of  that  difficult  lan- 
guage to  say,  "  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  and  thou  shalt  be  saved,"  let  not  others 
be  hindered  that  are  panting  for  usefulness. 
There  are  such  in  that  distant  field,  and  they 
are  happy  in  their  work,  and  would  not 
exchange  their  situation,  if  they  could,  as 
long  as  health  continues,  for  an  abiding  so- 
journ in  their  own  happy  land,  the  region  of 


SUPERSTITION.  37 


high  intellectual  culture,  of  light  and  knowl- 
edge. 

There  will  be  some,  I  trust,  who  read  these 
lines  that  will  be  anxiously  inquiring,  "  Lord, 
what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?"  If  the  way 
is  opened,  let  not  the  great  enemy  "  hinder 
you''  from  going  to  China.  Three  hundred 
and  sixty  or  four  hundred  millions  of  her  sons 
and  daughters  are  waiting  to  receive  the  gos- 
pel. Who  will  claim  the  privilege  of  impart- 
ing this  blessing  to  them  ?  'Tis  true  it  is  a 
dark  land,  it  is  very  far  away,  the  dangers  of 
the  sea  are  to  be  encountered.  The  manners 
and  customs  of  the  people  are  entirely  differ- 
ent from  our  own;  they  are  a  people  of  a 
strange  and  difficult  language.  Deeply  envel- 
oped have  they  been  in  the  folds  of  supersti- 
tion and  heathenism,  till  a  thick  darkness  has 
gathered  over  them,  whose  influence  may  be 
felt  even  by  the  christian  missionary.  It  is  a 
land  without  a  Sabbath.  Many  are  the  days 
devoted  to  expensive  processions  in  honor  of 
their  gods  ;  but  no  Sabbath  stillness  reigns  in 
those  walled  cities,  nor  throughout  the  length 


38  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

and  breadth  of  the  land.  But  Creation  has  a 
voice  in  China  as  well  as  in  America.  The 
sun  shines  as  brightly  o'er  her  hills  and  dales ; 
the  birds  sing  as  sweetly  in  her  groves ;  the 
clouds  sail  as  beautifully  through  the  ethereal 
blue ;  the  moon  does  not  withdraw  her  shining, 
and  the  Christian  can  look  up  and  say,  "  My 
Father  made  them  all."  Now  the  heathen 
Chinese  heeds  not  this  voice  in  nature ;  he  is 
besotted,  low,  sensual,  wedded  to  his  idols, 
grovelling  in  the  dust.  The  same  Saviour 
died  for  them  as  for  us  ;  and  where  should  we 
be  now,  if  He  had  remained  with  his  Father, 
"  in  the  glory  which  he  had  with  Him  before 
the  world  was?"  The  foreign  missionary's 
home  is  often  his  sanctuary.  Though  all 
around  him  is  dark,  he  has  "  light  in  his  dwell- 
ing." He  has  an  altar  to  his  God,  the  only 
God  of  heaven  and  earth — his  Bethel,  which 
the  "  angel  of  the  covenant  overshadows." 
And  though  sometimes  "  cast  down  through 
manifold  temptations"  and  discouragements, 
yet  the  promises  are  sure.  His  Lord  knows  it 
all ;  and  strengthening  himself  in  God,  he  be- 


SUPERSTITION.  39 


lieves  that  the  ends  of  the  earth  shall  see  his 
salvation,  and  counts  it  his  highest  privilege 
to  labor  and  wear  out  and  die  in  the  service  of 
his  Lord  and  Master  Jesus  Christ. 


IV. 

Dragon-"boat  T'estival — Temple  in  Honan — The  Evangel- 
ist Liang  Afah. — A  Company  of  Ladies — "Visit  to  a 
Native  Family — Ladies  unatle  to  read — Chinese  New- 
year — Liang  Ateh — Bible  Class. 

Among  the  annual  celebrations  in  China, 
that  of  the  Dragon-boat  Festival  is  connected 
with  sacrifices  and  divine  honors  to  a  deceased 
minister  of  state.  The  term  "  Dragon"  seems 
to  be  applied  to  the  boats  used  on  the  occasion, 
on  account  of  their  being  after  the  likeness  of 
that  monster. 

The  story  is,  that  this  minister,  some  centu- 
ries ago,  conferred  great  benefits  on  China,  that 
he  presented  petitions  to  the  Emperor,  which 
being  rejected,  he  then  threw  himself  into  the 
river  and  was  drowned.  Every  year  the 
people  commemorate  his  good  deeds,  by  fit- 
ting out  long  narrow  boats  with  drums,  a  gong, 


JES-HOUSE.  41 


and  flags  of  various  colors.  These  boats  are 
filled  with  men  dressed  in  the  most  fantastic 
manner ;  the  river  is  covered  with  them ;  they 
row  -up  and  down  all  day,  beating  their  un- 
couth instruments,  of  unearthly  sound,  to  find 
the  body  of  the  minister.  Their  motions  and 
gestures  are  like  those  of  madmen.  Another 
reason  given  is,  that  they  wish  to  drive  the 
devils  out  of  the  river. 

To  one  newly  arrived  from  a  Christian  land, 
these  scenes  are  very  saddening,  and  deepen 
the  conviction  of  the  need  of  the  gospel  here. 
It  may  do  for  the  worldly  mind  to  say,  "  The 
religion  of  the  Chinese  will  do  for  him,  and 
that  of  the  Hindoo  will  do  for  him,"  but  there 
is  nothing  holy  and  sanctifying  in  services 
like  these,  nothing  that  can  fit  an  immortal 
mind  for  heaven. 

By  referring  again  to  the  journal,  we  can 
visit  the  teniple  or  Jes-house,  at  Honan  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river. 

"  The  buildings  of  this  temple  are  of  brick, 
of  dark  lead  color,  with  extensive  gardens  at- 
tached, surrounded  by  a  high  wall.     In  the 


42  DArOHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

gateway  are  two  large,  hideous-looking  figures, 
images  of  deified  warriors,  to  guard  the  en- 
trance. A  broad  pathway  conducts  us  to  the 
Temple,  shaded  on  each  side  by  the  extended 
branches  of  the  beautiful  Banyan. 

"  We  are  not  permitted  to  enter  the  Temple, 
during  the  worship,  but  must  stand  at  the 
door  to  witness  the  idolatrous  services  of  this 
deluded  people.  Before  us  are  three  large 
and  splendid  idols,  called  the  past,  the  pres- 
ent, and  the  future  Budhas.  On  the  right 
and  left  are  many  other  images  of  Chinese 
deified  heroes. 

"There  are  about  one  hundred  and  sixty 
priests  now  connected  with  this  Temple.  They 
shave  all  the  hair  from  their  heads,  and  lead  a 
life  of  celibacy  and  idleness.  At  this  time,  I 
counted  twenty-two  performing  their  evening 
vespers,  some  of  them  very  old  men.  They 
dress  in  loose  garments,  with  a  kind  of  mantle 
thrown  over  their  shoulders,  and  are  gener- 
ally very  uncleanly  in  their  appearance. 

At  this  time  one  of  these  priests  was  sta- 
tioned near  a  gong,  and  the  rest  stood  in  a 


lleatheu   Teui])lc. 


IDOL-WOKSHIP.  43 


straight  line  before  the  idols  ;  at  a  given  sig- 
nal, they  clasped  their  hands  and  with  great 
apparent  devotion  repeated  a  prayer  to  the 
god,  then  fell  upon  their  knees,  and  repeated 
this  homage  several  times.  After  this  a  young 
priest,  rather  more  cleanly  in  his  apparel  than 
the  older  ones,  walked  to  the  altar,  took  a 
stick  of  incense  to  the  vase,  where  it  was  to  be 
burnt  before  the  idol,  and  went  through  an  un- 
meaning ceremony  I  did  not  comprehend  ;  he 
next  poured  out  a  libation  of  wine,  and  pros- 
trated himself  before  the  idols,  as  did  all  the 
priests,  knocking  their  heads  on  the  stones 
several  times ;  after  this,  two  or  three  marched 
around  the  hall  to  the  beat  of  the  gong,  re- 
peating or  half  singing  some  prayers  which 
closed  the  service. 

"  Following  a  guide  we  repaired  to  the  gar- 
den. At  the  extremity  of  this,  is  a  small  building 
or  furnace,  where  the  bodies  of  deceased  priests 
are  burned,  and  another  where  the  ashes  of  the 
dead  are  deposited  in  earthen  jars. 

"  The  name  of  the  Temple  is  Haichwang, 
written  in  characters  over  the  door. 


44  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

"  Dec.  29th, — To-day  I  have  had  a  visit  from 
six  Chinese  ladies.  Liang  Afah  came  to  see 
us,  with  his  wife,  mother,  and  several  other 
friends,  one  of  whom  was  baptized  yester- 
day. Making  use  of  as  many  Chinese  words 
as  I  had  at  hand,  I  treated  them  as  cour- 
teously as  I  could.  One  of  the  females  had 
the  smallest  feet  I  have  yet  seen,  about  as 
large  as  those  of  a  child  three  or  four  years 
old.  It  was  with  great  difficulty  that  she 
could  get  down  stairs.  They  all  went  into 
the  printing-office,  and  saw  the  printing-press, 
which  was  quite  a  curiosity  to  them. 

''Jany.  27th,  1846.— Chinese  New- Year's 
Day.  This  is  a  great  holiday  in  China;  all 
business  is  suspended,  and  some  of  the  shops 
are  closed  for  two  weeks.  Regular  employ- 
ment gives  place  to  carousings  and  the  discord- 
ant sounds  of  their  miserable  musical  instru- 
ments. The  morning  of  this  day  is  more  like 
the  Sabbath  stillness  that  reigns  over  JSTew 
England,  than  any  other  day  in  the  year ; 
about  noon  a  few  persons  are  moving,  and 
some  calls  are  made;  the  second  and  third 


45 


days  still  more.  The  streets  are  full  of  people 
in  their  richest  attire,  bowing,  complimenting, 
shaking  not  each  other's  hands  but  their  own, 
and  almost  touching  the  ground  with  their 
heads.  Gentlemen  are  carried  about  in  Sedans, 
with  servants  following,  one  of  whom  has  his 
hands  full  of  cards,  which  he  leaves  at  the 
doors  of  the  houses  where  their  friends  reside. 

On  this  day,  the  first  of  the  year,  the  num- 
ber of  beggars,  seen  in  the  streets,  and  at  our 
doors,  is  greatly  increased.  These  holidays,  as 
in  our  country,  are  times  for  giving  and  re- 
ceiving. 

'' Jz/7?/28^/i.— The  Son  of  Liang  Afah,  Liang 
Ateh,  formerly  a  pupil  of  Dr.  Bridgman,  call- 
ed to  pay  his  respects  for  the  New  Year.  His 
dress  gave  him  quite  a  commanding  appear- 
ance. The  under  garment,  which  came  near- 
ly to  his  feet,  was  of  figured  Canton  crape,  of 
Mazarine  blue,  and  lined  with  handsome  fur. 
A  belt  of  black  crape  confined  it  around  the 
waist,  and  in  this  belt  on  one  side,  was  an  em- 
broidered fan  case,  and  a  watch  on  the  other. 
Over  this  was  a  garment  of  fur,  which  came 


46  DArGHTEKS   OF   CHINA. 

down  below  tlie  waist,  with  sleeves  lined  with 
purple  satin,  and  leggins  and  shoes  of  the  same 
rich  material.  His  whole  figure  was  surmount- 
ed by  a  cap,  somewhat  after  the  official  style. 
I  told  him  if  he  were  to  make  his  appearance 
in  one  of  our  large  cities,  he  would  draw  as 
much  of  a  crowd  around  him  as  we  did  when 
we  went  to  Honan. 

But  there  is  something  more  interesting  to 
us  than  New  Year  ceremonies.  There  is  a 
Bible  Class  in  my  husband's  study,  composed 
of  several  old  men  who  seem  to  be  sincere  in- 
quirers after  truth ;  they  read  the  Scriptures 
with  diligence ;  they  express  themselves  dis- 
satisfied with  their  own  religious  system,  and 
wish  to  know  about  the  new  doctrine.  We 
believe  that  Jehovah,  the  true  God,  will  have 
a  remnant  to  himself  from  among  this  people. 


V. 


Z-wei-lum. — The  Word  of  a  Chinese — A  Visit  from  Mr. 
Chamherlain — Chinese  Ladies — Mrs.  How-kwa — The 
Mother's  Heart — Curiosity — Ordination  of  J.  G-.  Bridg- 
raan — A  B-omantic  G-rotto — Infanticide. 

The  study  of  the  language,  the  instruction 
of  the  class  of  lads,  and  other  varied  duties 
of  a  missionary  life  had  hitherto  filled  up  each 
succeeding  hour. 

On  one  occasion  my  teacher  introduced  a 
nephew  of  his,  requesting  the  privilege  of  his 
becoming  a  pupil.  He  was  a  lad  of  pleasing 
exterior ;  neat  in  his  person,  and  with  a  coun- 
tenance remarkably  intelligent  and  amiable. 
At  one  sitting  he  mastered  the  twenty-six  let- 
ters of  the  alphabet ;  and  his  progress  was  so 
rapid,  that  it  was  thought  best  to  place  him  at 
the  school  of  the  Morrison  Education  Society 
in  Hong-kong.     His  name  was  Kwei-lum. 


48  DAUGHTEKS   OF   CHINA. 

« 

The  father  of  this  lad  came  frequently  to 
the  house,  professing  to  be  seeking  employ- 
ment. He  had  pursued  at  one  time  the  busi- 
ness of  fortune-telling,  and  afterwards  of  school- 
teaching  ;  yet  he  seemed  still  dissatisfied  that 
he  could  get  but  a  poor  support  for  his  family, 
who  lived  at  a  distance  in  the  country.  He 
said  he  had  one  married  daughter,  and  one 
little  girl  about  seven  years  of  age. 

As  yet  I  had  not  been  able  to  get  a  little 
girl,  although  I  had  made  several  efforts  to  do 
so ;  there  appeared  to  be  such  a  want  of  confi- 
dence in  foreigners. 

As  the  father  of  these  children  was  fond  of 
calling  at  Dr.  Bridgman's  study,  we  asked  him 
one  day  to  bring  his  little  girl  to  us,  and  we 
would  feed,  clothe,  and  instruct  her,  and  treat 
her  as  our  own  child.  The  distance  in  the 
country  where  his  family  resided  was  about 
three  days'  journey.  He  said,  when  he  visited 
the  city  again,  he  would  bring  her. 

This  was  the  word  of  a  Chinese,  and  we 
thought  it  was  very  doubtful  whether  the  child 
ever  came,  for  as  yet  we  knew  not  of  a  single 


GUEST.  49 


instance  in  Canton,  where  a  female  cliild  had 
been  given  up  to  a  foreign  lady  for  educa- 
tion. 

''February  28c?,  1846.— Kesiding  at  Canton, 
we  are  seldom  without  a  guest.  At  present, 
we  are  favored  with  the  company  of  Mr. 
Chamberlain,  from  the  Sandwich  Islands,  where 
he  has  lived  twenty-three  years  as  a  mission- 
ary. We  feel  ourselves  benefited  by  the 
presence  of  such  a  man.  He  is  here  to  recruit 
his  health,  which  a  laborious  life  and  long  res- 
idence in  a  warm  climate  has  prostrated.  But 
his  spirit  is  so  meek  and  lovely,  his  daily 
walk  so  consistent,  his  submission  to  his 
Father's  will  so  entire,  one  cannot  fail  to  learn 
lessons  of  humility  from  such  a  disciple  of  the 
Lord  Jesus. 

"  This  pleasant  tropical  winter  has  infused 
new  vigor  into  our  frames,  after  the  long  en- 
ervating hot  summer.  Eesidents  have  to  learn 
how  to  live  here ;  and  of  one  fact  they  soon 
become  convinced,  that  they  are  incapable  of 
the  same  amount  of  continued  exertion  as  in 
their  native  clime. 

4 


50  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

*'  On  the  3d  inst.  I  enjoyed  another  visit  to 
some  Chinese  ladies  at  the  house  of  How-kwa, 
one  of  the  Hong  merchants.  We  are  allowed 
to  pay  onr  respects  to  them ;  but,  alas !  their 
lords  will  not  permit  them  to  reciprocate  this 
visit  in  our  own  dwellings ;  the  higher  class  at 
least  will  not,  those  in  more  humble  life  are 
not  so  particular." 

Our  party  consisted  of  J.  D.  Sword,  Esq., 
five  children,  and  two  nurses ;  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Delano,  child  and  nurse ;  Mr.  Trott ;  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Parker ;  Dr.  Bridgman  and  myself 

On  this  occasion  boats  were  in  requisition, 
instead  of  Sedans.  The  gentlemen  went  in 
one  boat,  and  the  ladies  and  children  in  an- 
other. 

As  we  drew  near  to  the  landing,  the  ladies 
in  full  Chinese  dress  made  their  appearance 
on  the  terrace ;  it  seemed  crowded,  and  they 
were  all  chatting  together.  As  we  were  leav- 
ing the  boat,  we  were  met  by  a  man  whose 
duty  it  was  to  conduct  us  to  the  female  apart- 
ments. 

Mrs.  How-kwa,  a  lady  in  middle  life,  gave 


MKS.    HOW-KWA.  51 


US  a  polite  reception,  and  introduced  her  son, 
a  young  man,  wlio  kept  close  by  her  side. 
There  were  a  good  many  ladies  present,  and 
our  conductor,  as  we  passed  along,  remarked, 
"This  is  Mr.  How-kwa's  number  two  wifoo," 
"this  number  three,"  "number  four,"  and  so 


on. 


These  ladies,  although  handsomely  dressed, 
carry  in  their  manner  and  bearing  a  sense  of 
inferiority,  which  it  is  rather  painful  to  witness. 
They  regard  themselves  and  act  in  a  subordi- 
nate capacity.  They  are  sometimes  purchased 
for  a  sum  of  money,  which  varies  I  apprehend 
according  to  their  youth  and  beauty ;  and  their 
condition  is  so  humiliating,  that  in  some  cases 
it  is  a  state  of  servitude,  and  they  may  be  dis- 
charged at  the  pleasure  or  caprice  of  their 
lords. 

Mrs.  How-kwa  was  a  more  dignified  lady 
than  any  I  had  previously  seen.  She  evi- 
dently did  not  consider  these  "  small  wives" 
(as  they  are  sometimes  called)  on  an  equality 
with  her,  though  she  could  claim  all  their  chil- 
dren as  her  own.     I  suppose  if  a  concubine  be 


52  DATJGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

sent  away  she  cannot  usually  liave  her  children 
to  solace  her  loneliness,  in  a  state  worse  than 
widowhood  ;  and  yet  if  it  be  her  master's  pleas- 
ure he  can  compel  her  to  take  them,  if  he 
does  not  wish  the  trouble  and  expense  of  main- 
taining them,  which  is  often  the  case  if  they 
be  girls. 

When  we  look  at  woman's  condition  in 
China,  in  all  its  aspects,  we  need  not  wonder 
that  before  her  female  offspring  have  drawn 
but  few  inhalations  of  a  heathen  atmosphere, 
•With  the  prospect  placed  before  the  child  which 
the  mother  knows,  and  feels  in  all  its  force, 
she  quenches  the  fire  of  maternal  love,  and 
closes  its  existence  by  suffocation. 

This  act  I  imagine  is  usually  committed  im- 
mediately after  birth.  They  do  not  wait  for 
the  eye  to  sparkle,  and  the  smile  of  the  ex- 
panding infant  to  work  upon  the  maternal  bo- 
som— this  would  be  too  much  for  a  mother's 
heart,  even  for  a  heathen  Chinese  mother. 

The  suite  of  rooms  in  Mr.  How-kwa's  es- 
tablishment was  richly  and  tastefully  furnish- 
ed  in  native  style.     Tiffin  was  prepared,  at 


FOREIGN   CHILDREN.  53 

which  Mrs.  How-kwa  presided  with  Eastern 
politeness  and  elegance.  There  was  a  large 
company  of  family  connections  assembled  to 
see  us,  and  they  all  talked  together. 
■  Foreign  children  are  very  much  admired  by 
the  Chinese,  and  they  were  very  curious  to 
know  how  many  belonged  to  each  lady.  They 
were  exceedingly  gratified  to  hear  any  of  us 
speak  in  their  own  language,  and  multiplied 
their  inquiries  about  our  country,  our  manners 
and  customs,  as  they  thought  we  were  able  to 
answer  them. 

After  spending  about  three  hours  in  answer- 
ing their  questions,  and  a  friendly  exchange 
of  courtesies,  we  returned  to  the  city  much 
pleased  with,  our  visit. 

In  the  month  of  March  our  missionary 
friend,  Mr.  Levi  Chamberlain,  whose  health 
contii^ued  very  feeble,  instead  of  returning  to 
the  Sandwich  Islands  embarked  for  the  United 
States.  We  were  afraid  he  would  find  a  grave 
in  the  deep,  but  a  kind  Providence  blessed  the 
voyage,  prolonged  his  days,  and  he  was  per- 
mitted, subsequently,  to  return  to  his  post, 


54  DATJGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

where,  after  laboring  two  or  three  years,  he 
died  in  the  bosom  of  his  family. 

A  long  time  after  this,  the  captain  of  the 
ship  bore  testimony  to  his  sincerity  as  a  Chris- 
tian, and  his  faithfulness,  on  board  the  vessel, 
in  trying  to  win  souls  to  Christ.  Both  my 
husband  and  myself  love  to  bear  testimony  in 
favor  of  those  who,  like  Mr.  Chamberlain  and 
the  other  missionaries  at  the  Sandwich  Islands, 
labor  long  and  faithfully  for  the  conversion  of 
the  heathen. 

"On  the  81st  of  May  our  cousin  James  G-. 
Bridgman  was  ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry, 
Dr.  Medhurst  of  Shanghai,  Liang  Afah,  and 
Dr.  Bridgman  being  his  ecclesiastical  council. 
We  had  no  church  to  go  to,  but  an  'upper 
room'  like  that  where  Jesus  often  meets  his 
disciples,  and  there  this  interesting  service  was 
performed,  in  the  presence  of  all  the  mission- 
aries in  Canton  and  Mr.  Pohlman  from  Amoy. 
Dr.  Bridgman  expected  to  preach  the  sermon, 
but  his  health  was  too  feeble,  and  in  a  few 
days  we  were  obliged  to  go  to  Macao  to  seek 
his  restoration." 


GEOTTO.  65 


We  spent  a  week  or  more  in  Macao,  inhal- 
ing the  sea  breeze,  which  was  very  invigorat- 
ing, and  benefitted  my  husband  very  much. 
On  a  return  from  one  of  the  many  very  pleas- 
ant walks  there,  I  wrote  the  following  in  my 
journal — 

June  IBth. — Dr.  B.  and  I  have  just  returned 
from  a  visit  to  a  most  romantic  grotto — it  is 
on  the  sea-shore,  and  formed  by  large  rocks 
apparently  thrown  together  in  wild  confusion. 
In  looking  up  they  seemed  as  if  they  were 
ready  to  fall  and  crush  us  at  once.  Entwined 
around  these  huge  rocks  are  the  roots  of  the 
celebrated  Banyan.  Under  the  shade  of  these 
beautiful  trees  extending  far  and  wide  their 
branches,  as  well  as  roots,  intertwining  with 
each  other,  with  winding  steps  leading  to 
them,  are  the  altars  of  idolatry,  dedicated  to 
the  goddess  of  the  sea. 

"  loth. — The  Eev.  Mr.  Pohlman  is  here 
from  Amoy.  He  says  that  infanticide  prevails 
to  a  great  extent  there ;  he  remarked,  '  One 
day  I  entered  one  of  their  idolatrous  Temples, 
when  I  met  a  man  who  had  with  him  a  very 


56  DArGHTEKS   OF   CHINA. 

interesting  cliild— I  was  attracted  by  it,  and 
observed  what  a  pretty  cliild  it  was  ;  "  Yes," 
said  tlie  father  very  sorrowfully,  "  hut  it  is  a 
daughter  !  I  have  one  wife  who  has  had  eight 
children,  all  girls !  I  have  destroyed  five  I"  To 
be  without  a  son  is  considered  a  great  calami- 
ty ;  indeed  this  man  considered  it  a  great  dis- 
grace that  his  children  should  all  have  been 
daughters.' " 


VI. 

Tract  DistrilDution — Excursionin  aBoat — A  Farm  House 
— Scenery — A  Dangerous  Situation — Wounded  Boat- 
men— Divine  Protection. 

In  the  months  of  April  and  May,  the  wea- 
ther in  Canton  becomes  quite  warm ;  and  in 
order  to  endure  the  long  season  of  heat,  espe- 
cially as  our  dwelling  was  but  imperfectly  ven- 
tilated, being  one  of  the  rear  Hongs,  we  were 
obliged  often  in  the  cool  of  the  day,  to  seek 
recreation.  Usually  we  found  these  occasions 
to  be  good  opportunities  for  Tract  distribution, 
and  familiar  converse  with  the  people.  The 
following  may  serve  as  a  specimen  of  one  of 
these  visits. 

^'  From  time  to  time  Dr.  Bridgman  and  my- 
self have  been  out  on  the  river  in  a  small  boat, 
called  tan-ha^  or  'egg-house'  boat,  rowed  by 
a  woman   and  her  daughter.     These  tan-ka 


58  DAUGHTERS   OF  CHINA. 

women,  as  they  are  called,  wear  nothing  on 
their  heads  to  protect  them  from  the  burning  sun, 
and  their  feet  are  large,  the  usual  size  of  ours. 

"A  day  or  two  since,  we  landed  among 
some  farmers — laboring  people,  who  probably 
had  never  before  seen  a  foreign  lady.  They 
were  very  attentive  and  polite  to  us,  gathered 
flowers  and  fruit  and  presented  them  to  me  in 
particular.  I  thought  this  quite  condescend- 
ing. We  walked  around  the  rice  fields,  and 
distributed  books  which  the  people  were  eager 
to  possess." 

Up  to  July  25th,  1846,  we  had  experienced 
in  all  our  excursions,  no  other  than  exhibi- 
tions of  kind  and  friendly  feeling,  and  we  had 
no  fear  or  hesitancy  about  going  together,  any- 
where among  the  people  in  the  vicinity  of 
Canton. 

But  this  was  not  to  last,  and  we  must  now 
turn  to  the  dark  side  of  the  picture.  The  seat 
of  the  great  Enemy  is  here,  and  he  only  waits 
for  suitable  opportunities,  for  a  demonstration, 
through  those  over  whom  he  reigns,  of  his 
hatred  and  hostility  to  foreign  influence. 


EXCURSION.  59 


It  was  Saturday,  the  close  of  a  warm  and 
laborious  week,  and  our  health  required  a 
change  of  scene,  the  springs  of  life  needed  re- 
suscitating. Dr.  Bridgman  proposed  a  longer 
excursion  than  we  had  previously  taken,  and 
there  were  friends  with  us,  who  were  happy  to 
join  the  party. 

In  the  early  part  of  this  month,  July,  there 
had  been  a  quarrel  between  some  of  the  mer- 
chants and  people,  recourse  was  had  to  arms, 
the  mob  would  not  desist  from  violence,  they 
were  fired  upon  and  several  Chinese  killed. 
But  as  the  excitement  had  passed  away  at 
Canton,  so  we  supposed  it  had  in  the  surround- 
ing villages;  otherwise  we  should  probably 
have  remained  at  home. 

A  Hong-boat  was  procured.  These  are  used 
generally  by  the  merchants.  They  are  much 
larger  than  the  tan-ka  boats ;  one  accommo- 
dates six  persons  or  more,  has  a  comfortable 
cabin  with  Venetian  blinds,  and  arrangements 
for  reclining.  Some  are  even  large  enough 
for  a  centre-table  and  chairs,  and  require  seve- 
ral boatmen. 


60  DAUGIITKKS   OF    CHINA. 

Our  company  consisted  of  Ee v.  Mr.  PoUman, 
who  lias  been  before  mentioned,  and  wiio  was 
then  staying  in  Canton,  being  treated  for  bis 
eyes,  under  the  care  of  Dr.  Parker;  Mr. 
Bonney,  and  Sze  Ping,  to  whom  allusion  has 
been  before  made,  and  who  was  then  Mr. 
Bonney's  teacher.  Dr.  Bridgman  and  myself. 

To  the  places,  where  we  went  on  this  occa- 
sion, my  husband,  in  the  early  years  of  his 
residence  at  Canton,  had  gone  frequently  with 
confidence  and  without  molestation. 

On  our  way,  we  neared  some  junks  lying 
in  the  river,  that  had  come  from  Siam  and 
Cochin-China ;  the  mast  of  one  of  them  had 
been  scathed  by  lightning;  and  the  people 
were  offering  sacrifices  and  giving  thanks  to 
the  gods  for  their  deliverance  from  death. 
The  gentlemen  went  on  board,  and  distributed 
tracts,  and  copies  of  the  Testament.  Then 
we  passed  on,  about  four  miles  down  the  river, 
and  turned  into  a  creek,  where  was  a  pleasant 
landing-place.  There  we  walked  up  a  hill, 
and  came  to  a  farm-house ;  it  was  a  mere  shed, 
but  there  was  a  poor  woman  there  who  under- 


HOSPITALITY.  61 


Stood  the  rites  of  hospitality.  She  prepared 
Tiffin  in  her  humble  way,  gave  its  a  rough 
bench,  the  best  she  had,  and  begged  us  to  be 
seated  at  the  table  and  take  some  tea.  There 
was  something  in  her  manner  particularly  at- 
tractive, because  her  politeness  seemed  to  pro- 
ceed from  real  kindness  of  heart.  While  we 
were  partaking  of  her  good  tea,  a  crowd  of 
people  came  round  to  look  at  us.  My  costume 
especially  attracted  their  attention,  and  I  took 
off  my  bonnet,  and  allowed  them  to  see  the 
style  in  which  my  hair  was  dressed ;  I  was 
quite  willing  to  gratify  their  curiosity,  as  they 
seemed  very  respectful. 

We  then  walked  out  to  some  Chinese  graves, 
built  with  hewn  stones,  in  the  form  of  a  semi- 
circle. Here  they  were  threshing  rice.  The 
prospect  from  this  hill  was  charming.  I  had 
seen  nothing  that  so  much  resembled  the 
scenery  in  our  dear  native  land.  As  far  as  the 
eye  could  reach  were  hill  and  dale  clothed 
with  verdure,  and  the  river  winding  along  in 
the  midst.  On  our  return,  our  hostess,  above 
alluded  to,  told  her  son  to  accompany  us,  and 


62  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

sbow  US  the  way  down  the  Mil,  whicli  he  did 
courteously,  and  saw  us  safely  in  our  boat. 

We  re-embarked,  and  proceeded  on  our 
way,  along  the  creek,  passed  under  a  bridge, 
and  came  to  a  Chinese  village ;  the  sun  was 
declining  ;  the  lengthened  shadows  of  the 
shrubbery  upon  the  water  gave  indications  of 
the  approach  of  evening.  It  being  a  warm 
summer's  day,  I  put  off  my  bonnet,  and  went 
outside  on  the  deck  of  the  boat  to  enjoy  the 
cool  air.  I  had  not  stood  there  but  a  moment 
before  Sze  Ping  said  to  me,  "  You  had  better 
come  inside,  those  are  bad  people  on  the 
shore." 

I  observed  a  crowd  of  boys  and  others 
making  a  noise  ;  and  presently  heard  the 
sound  of  pebbles  against  the  sides  of  the 
boat.  Sze  Ping  looked  alarmed,  and  closed 
the  blinds ;  there  came  small  stones  with  more 
force.  The  excitement  seemed  to  increase ; 
there  was  quite  a  mob ;  pieces  of  mud,  and 
heavier  stones  came ;  we  barricaded  the  win- 
dows with  anything  we  could  find. 

At  this  crisis  two  boatmen  rushed  into  the 


ATTACK.  63 


little  cabin  wounded,  it  was  fearful — it  seemed 
as  if  death  was  very  near ;  the  stones  grew 
large  and  heavy.  Dr.  Bridgraan  went  out  on 
the  deck  to  expostulate  with  them ;  they 
would  not  give  heed  to  anything  that  he  said, 
but  replied,  "  You  lie,  you  have  killed  our  peo- 
ple, and  we  will  kill  you ;"  and  the  mud  and 
the  stones  came  thick  and  heavy.  I  begged 
my  husband  to  come  inside,  his  situation  was 
so  much  exposed ;  he  at  length  yielded  to  my 
entreaties  ;  he  was  covered  with  mud  and  dirt, 
but  not  wounded. 

The  two  boatmen  were  sadly  cut,  and  I  took 
my  pocket  handkerchief  and  with  some  cold 
water  tried  to  staunch  the  blood — the  storm 
of  stones  increased  ;  our  Yenetians  were  get- 
ting broken,  and  we  were  expecting  every  mo- 
ment to  be  knocked  down  by  the  heavy  stones 
that  came  in  quick  succession. 

One  man  with  a  demon-like  expression, 
plunged  into  the  water,  and  filched  away  an 
oar ;  and  two  or  three  of  the  boatmen  escaped 
to  the  shore  with  fright. 

The  tide  was  against  us,  and  we  had  to  pass 


_J 


64:  DAUGHTERS    OF    CHINA. 

under  another  bridge  before  leaving  the  creek. 
There  was  one  young  man,  about  seventeen, 
left  in  the  bow  of  the  boat,  who  remained 
firm  at  his  post.  The  mob  gathered  on  the 
bridge,  and  as  the  boat  emerged  from  under 
it,  threw  down  a  stone  large  enough  to  sink 
the  boat,  or  kill  any  person  upon  whom  it 
might  fall.  It  struck  upon  a  beam  of  the 
boat,  cracking  the  beam,  but  harming  none  of 
us.  The  young  hero  of  our  battered  craft 
1  took  the  stone  and  sat  upon  it,  still  rowing 
with  all  his  might. 

This  was  their  last  effort ;  after  being  a  half- 
hour  under  this  shower  of  stones,  a  wall  on 
one  side,  and  a  broad  sheet  of  water,  on  the 
other,  prevented  further  pursuit.  They  had 
done  their  utmost  to  destroy  the  "foreign 
devils,"  as  they  called  us ;  but  an  Arm 
stronger  than  theirs  foiled  their  attempt.  We 
soon  reached  the  Macao  passage,  a  branch  of 
the  river  above  Canton,  with  grateful  hearts 
to  our  Heavenly  Father  for  his  protection  in 
a  time  of  such  imminent  peril.  Our  boat  was 
almost  a  wreck. 


A   RETUEK.  65 


It  was  nearly  dark  when  we  arrived  at  the 
landing ;  a  favorable  hour,  for  we  were  in  a 
sad  plight ;  my  dress  was  covered  with  the 
blood  of  the  wounded  boatmen,  the  others 
were  covered  with  dirt,  though  not  a  hair  of 
our  heads  was  injured. 

The  heavy  stone,  which  no  doubt  was  in- 
tended as  our  death-blow,  was  taken  home,  and 
weighed  nearly  one  hundred  pounds. 

The  wounds  of  the  boatmen  were  not  se- 
rious ;  medical  attendance  was  procured,  and 
they  soon  recovered.  The  young  hero,  who 
kept  his  post,  and  performed  his  duty  so  well, 
was  suitably  rewarded ;  and  we  presented  our 
thanks  givings  to  our  Heavenly  Father  for  so 
great  deliverance. 


VII. 

Atin-yau,  one  of  the  Class  of  Pupils — Executions- -Con- 
versation -with,  a  Linguist — Worship  of  the  Moon — 
Lord's  Supper  in  an  Upper  Room — Visit  to  Ahung's 
House— Mrs.  Devan's  Sickness  and  Death — J.  G-.  Bridg- 
man's  Illness. 

In  my  Jourjial,  under  date  of  September  7tli, 
1846,  is  the  following  account  of  one  of  the 
class  of  lads  connected  with  the  printing-office. 

"Death  has  entered  our  dwelling  to-day  ;  a 
boy,  about  seventeen,  who  has  been  unwell, 
only  a  few  days,  and  a  member  of  the  class  I 
am  instructing  in  English,  died  this  evening. 

"  He  was  very  perverse  and  obstinate  in  his 
disposition,  and  has  given  us  a  good  deal  of 
trouble.  During  the  first  stages  of  his  indis- 
position we  gave  him  medicine,  and  he  was  re- 
covering, when,  unknown  to  us,  he  went  out, 
purchased  unripe  fruit,  eat  it  and  immediately 
relapsed.     No  remedies  then  were  of  any -a  vail. 


TREATMENT   OF   DEAD.  67 

About  4  o'clock,  p.m.,  lie  commenced  the  most 
distressing  yells  I  ever  heard  ;  Dr.  Parker,  who 
was  in  attendance,  said  it  was  delirium  in  con- 
sequence of  fever.  About  an  hour  since,  his 
cries  ceased,  and  he  has  expired.  His  name 
was  Atin-yau. 

"  ^th. — I  have  been  down  to  the  rooms  on 
the  ground  floor,  to  look  at  poor  Atin-yau  in 
his  coffin.  Those  who  were  strangers  to  the 
boy,  had,  in  the  absence  of  his  elder  brother, 
laid  him  out  in  his  best  clothes  with  shoes  and 
cap,  and  they  were  burning  incense  at  the 
head  of  his  coffin.  These  strangers  were  call- 
ed in  by  his  brother's  friends,  to  perform  these 
last  offices,  which  they  ought  to  have  them- 
selves performed.  It  seems  as  if  all  the  other 
Chinese  in  the  house  to-day  had  been  trying  to 
see  how  much  noise  they  could  make,  and  how 
much  they  could  laugh  and  talk,  as  if  they 
Avould  drive  away  the  solemnity  of  the  scene 
of  death. 

"  When  the  poor  boy  was  dying,  he  was  de- 
serted by  his  own  countrymen  in  the  house, 
while  my  husband  and  Mr.  Bonney  continued 


68  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

by  his  bedside  until  he  ceased  to  breathe.  The 
Chinese  will  not  go  near  the  sick  and  dying  if 
they  can  avoid  it. 

"  11th. — The  corpse  of  the  heathen  boy  was 
conveyed  to  Macao  for  burial  to-day  ;  when 
they  started  with  the  coffin  they  fired  off  a 
feu-de-joie  of  crackers;  and  as  they  passed 
through  the  Hong,  scattered  paper  in  the  form 
of  money  to  pay  the  way  for  the  spirit  to  pass. 
This  is  a  part  of  their  idolatry  for  the  dead. 

^'  14:th. — Yesterday  there  were  eight  persons 
decapitated  ;  one  cut  in  pieces  alive !  They 
were  men-stealers.  These  executions  occur 
every  few  days.  The  Chinese  are  very  severe 
and  cruel  in  their  punishments. 

"  Yesterday  was  the  Sabbath.  I  had  some 
conversation  with  a  linguist,  a  member  of  my 
husband's  Bible  class ;  we  consider  him  a  true 
believer  in  Jesus.  He  told  me  how  he  taught  his 
family,  what  he  learned  here  about  Christian- 
ity. When  he  is  absent  he  employs  a  female 
relative,  who  is  indigent,  and  can  read  the 
characters,  to  go  and  read  the  Scriptures  to 
them  daily,  because  the  women  of  his  family 


THE   MOON.  69 


do  not  know  liow  to  read.  He  said  tliat  one 
of  the  improvements  in  his  wife  was,  that  be- 
fore she  learned  the  new  doctrines,  she  only 
washed  herself  once  in  two  or  three  days,  now 
she  washed  herself  every  day !  I  told  him  the 
necessity  of  a  clean  heart;  he  lamented  the 
ignorance  of  his  countrymen  ;  but  I  was  pleas- 
ed and  amused  with  his  simplicity.  / 

"  Oct.  1st — Last  evening  the  Chinese  wor^ 
shipped  the  Moon.  Canton  had  the  appear- 
ance of  a  foreign  city,  so  numerous  were  the 
lanterns  suspended  on  bamboo  poles  in  mid- 
air. The  Moon  was  at  the  full;  and,  as  I 
understand,  it  was  the  middle  of  their  Autumn. 
While  they  were  firing  crackers,  and  going  on 
with  their  idolatrous  folly,  a  few  of  us  assem- 
bled in  an  upper  room,  in  our  hired  house,  to 
commemorate  the  Lord's  Supper,  it  being  the 
first  Sunday  evening  in  the  month.  While 
preparing  for  this,  my  mind  dwelt  with  inter- 
est upon  the  night  of  its  institution,  and  the 
probable  emotions  of  the  holy  mind  of  the  Re- 
deemer, in  view  of  his  sujfferings. 

"  Ibth. — A  tea  merchant,  in  an  adjoining 


70  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 


Street,  who  had  given  us  repeated  invitations 
to  come  to  his  house,  called,  and  requested  a 
visit  this  afternoon.  As  Dr.  Bridgman  was 
out,  I  told  him  when  he  returned  I  thought 
we  would  pay  the  visit,  as  he  stated  that  some 
of  his  female  connections  had  come  a  long  dis- 
tance, and  had  remained  a  month  in  the  city 
on  purpose  to  have  the  opportunity  of  seeing 
a  foreign  lady.  He  also  said  he  would  send 
chairs  or  sedans  for  us.  Accordingly  we  were 
ready  at  the  appointed  hour. 

"  Ahung  (for  that  was  the  man's  name)  had, 
as  he  said,  in  Canton  English,  'three  piece 
wifoo' — holding  up  the  same  number  of  fin- 
gers. We  were  received  much  as  before,  at 
Pwan  Tingkwa's,  except  that  this  family  lived 
in  plainer  style.  My  husband  was  entertained 
in  the  gentlemen's  apartment,  and  I  found  my 
way  among  the  ladies,  to  manage  conversation 
in  the  best  way  I  could.  It  was  easy  to  under- 
stand without  introduction,  who  the  lady  of 
the  house  was ;  she  took  the  lead  in  every- 
thing ;  had  a  number  of  keys  by  her  side,  and 
gave  directions  to  servants.     The  other  two 


CtJEIOSITT.  71 


appeared  to  be  inferior  women  ;  each  liad 
children,  but  the  ivife  claims  them  all  as  hers. 
Ask  how  many  children  she  has,  she  counts 
all  born  in  the  house.  At  the  Tiffin  table,  she 
was  particularly  respectful  to  her  aged  mother, 
herself  standing  until  the  old  lady  was  seated, 
helping  her  first,  &c.  I  handed  the  lady  a 
crimson  card  on  which  was  printed  the  Lord's 
prayer ;  she  read  a  few  of  the  characters,  but 
was  unable  to  read  the  whole  of  it.  I  tried  to 
tell  her  of  the  doctrines  it  taught,  but  it  seem- 
ed to  be  a  dead  letter  to  her  darkened  mind. 

"  They  examined  my  costume  minutely ; 
placed  their  hands  by  the  side  of  mine,  by 
way  of  contrast ;  admired  the  lightness  of  my 
complexion,  speaking  of  their  own  as  black. 
Finding  we  could  understand  each  other  pretty 
well,  they,  as  usual,  asked  all  manner  of  ques- 
tions, such  as,  '  How  long  I  had  been  in  the 
country,  whether  my  husband  had  more  than 
one  wife — our  ages,  children,  &c.'  One  noticed 
my  large  feet,  another  my  hair,  another  my 
cape,  another  the  texture  of  my  dress.  They 
seemed  highly  delighted,  and  now  and  then  a 


72  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 


merry  peal  of  laughter  would  come  from  the 
whole  group,  consisting  of  about  twenty- 
women  and  children.  It  was  nearly  dark 
when  we  reached  home,  and  it  took  us  about 
half  an  hour  turning  and  twisting  through  the 
narrow  streets,  meeting  crowds  of  people. 
They  had  evidently  been  at  all  this  pains,  to 
see  us  as  a  curiosity,  and  they  were  gratified. 

"18^/i. — How  rapidly  we  pass  from  one 
scene  to  another ;  the  last  was  the  record  of  a 
festive  occasion,  now  I  must  take  up  the  note 
of  sorrow.  Our  missionary  circle  is  saddened 
and  lessened  by  the  departure,  to  the  better 
land,  of  one  who  was  near  and  dear  to  us  all. 

"  Mrs.  Lydia  Hale  Devan  has  been  in  the 
missionary  field  a  little  short  of  two  years. 
She  has  applied  herself  very  closely  to  the 
study  of  the  written  language,  and  has  made 
good  progress.  She  has  also  embraced  every 
opportunity  of  addressing  females  assembled 
for  the  express  purpose  of  being  instructed  in 
the  gospel. 

"  She  continued  to  enjoy  her  health  until 
about  four  months  since,  when  she  became  de- 


DYING   SCENE.  73 


bilitated,  and  was  strongly  urged  to  leave 
Canton  for  a  while,  and  try  a  change  of  air 
and  a  change  of  scene.  Her  views  of  duty, 
however,  were  such  that  she  did  not  yield  to 
persuasion.  About  a  week  since  an  attack  of 
acute  inflammation  quite  prostrated  her  re- 
maining strength. 

"  Last  evening,  as  we  were  assembled  for  our 
usual  prayer-meeting  in  our  parlor,  word  came 
that  our  dear  friend  was  fast  failing;  the  ser- 
vices were  suspended,  and  Dr.  B.  and  myself 
repaired  to  the  dying  scene.  Unconscious  of 
those  about  her,  she  was  unquestionably  pass- 
ing through  the  deep  waters ;  but  we  felt  that 
Christ  was  there,  and  angels  were  there  ready 
to  convey  the  spirit  home. 

"  Her  afflicted  husband  and  three  missionary 
sisters  stood  by  the  dying  bed.  It  did  not 
seem  like  death,  but  a  happy  suffering  spirit 
passing  away,  to  suffer  no  more  forever.  A 
few  struggles,  a  few  short  breathings,  and  she 
was  at  rest. 

"  A  few  days  before  she  received  the  infor- 
mation of  her  dangerous  condition  with  great 


74:  DArGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 


calmness.  It  was  not  only  with  submission 
that  her  spirit  was  exercised,  but  the  prospect 
of  exchanging  worlds  was  welcomed  with 
gladness;  her  faith  was  strong,  she  said  she 
had  nothing  to  do  but  to  die,  and  exhorted 
those  about  her  to  '  fill  up  the  work.'  '  Tell 
my  friends,^  said  she,  'that  my  trust  is  in 
Jesus.' 

"It  was  past  midnight  (solemn  hour)  before 
we  finished  the  la^t  sad  offices,  and  placed  the 
remains  of  our  lovely  sister  in  the  narrow 
house.  Some  of  our  own  countrymen,  with 
their  own  hands  (for  the  Chinese  will  not 
come  near  to  assist  at  such  a  time),  bore  the 
mortal  remains  to  one  of  the  spacious  front 
hongs.  All  was  still  in  the  streets  as  the  heart 
that  had  just  ceased  to  beat — what  an  hour 
was  that ! 

"There  is  a  beautiful  spot  at  Whampoa  for 
a  cemetery.  After  suitable  funeral  services  the 
next  day  at  the  house  of  J.  M.  Bull,  Esq.,  the 
interment  took  place  at  Whampoa,  near  some 
olive-trees.  Some  sailors,  from  the  ships  at 
anchor,  bore  the  body  from  the  boat  and  low- 


fim 


FUNERAL.  75 


ered  it  to  its  last  resting-place.  The  Ameri- 
can flag  in  Canton,  and  on  the  ships  at  Wham- 
poa,  was  half-mast,  and  there  was  every 
demonstration  of  the  highest  respect  on  the 
part  of  the  merchants  as  well  as  the  missiona- 
ries. 

''  Had  her  father  and  other  connections  the 
melancholy  pleasure  of  being  present,  I  think 
they  would  have  been  highly  gratified  at  the 
propriety  of  all  the  arrangements,  and  the 
marked  attention  paid  to  the  memory  of  so 
dear  a  daughter. 

"27^A. — Our  dear  cousin,  James  G.  Bridg- 
man,  has  been  very  ill  with  a  second  attack  of 
fever ;  he  is  now  convalescing." 


VIII. 

Ah-jee — The  Painter's   Confession — Filial  Hespect — ^Fe- 
male Deprivations — Liang  At  eh— Chinese  Dinner. 

Allusion  has  been  made  in  a  former  chap- 
ter to  the  boy  Kwei-lum,  and  to  his  father, 
once  a  fortune-teller. 

"  Bee.  9th,  1846.->To-day  the  fortune-teller 
again  made  his  appearance ;  and,  true  to  his 
word,  brought  his  little  girl  with  him.  She  was 
a  child  of  fine  countenance,  poorly  clad,  filthy 
as  a  vagrant,  though  her  father  made  a  re- 
spectable appearance.  He  was  unwilling  to 
bind  himself  to  any  term  of  years ;  said  she 
was  betrothed;  but,  being  straitened  in  his 
circumstances,  he  was  glad  to  get  her  provided 
for. 

It  was  only  in  consideration  of  her  brother 
Twei-lum  being  with  us,  that  she  was  willing 
to  remain.     With  us  it  was  an  experiment. 


AH-YEE.  77 


I  well  remember  how  her  appearance  af- 
fected me.  Her  skin  covered  with  dirt,  her 
shoes  slip-shod,  her  clothes,  what  few  she  had,  I 
suspect  had  never  been  washed ;  she  seemed 
like  one  nncared  for,  and  I  pitied  her,  and  was 
glad  to  welcome  her  to  our  habitation. 

For  a  fortnight  she  was  so  perfectly  ungov- 
ernable, I  fluctuated  between  hope  and  dis- 
couragement ;  the  principle  of  obedience  was 
entirely  new  and  strange  to  her.  I  never  wit- 
nessed in  a  child  so  young  such  bursts  of  pas- 
sion as  she  exhibited.  She  would  throw  her- 
self upon  the  floor,  kick  and  scream  in  such  a 
way  as  to  draw  the  attention  of  Chinese  neigh- 
bors ;  her  will  had  never  been  subdued,  and 
mild  measures  had  no  effect. 

Her  brother  would  often  pacify  her  by  the 
promise  of  some  toy,  or  something  to  gratify 
her  appetite,  but  such  a  course,  to  be  contin- 
ued, I  knew  would  never  answer ;  and  I  said 
to  my  husband,  if  slie  did  not  do  better,  I 
must  send  her  home.  He  begged  me  to  per- 
severe and  try  a  little  longer. 

At  her  father's  next  visit,  we  told  him  our 


78  DAUGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

difficulties;  and  lie  at  once  said,  "That  we 
must  use  the  rod!"  Our  own  judgment  was 
satisfied  that  such  was  the  true  method  for  a 
child  of  her  temperament ;  but  beating  inju- 
diciously is  so  much  in  daily  practice  among 
the  Chinese  for  the  most  trifling  offences,  that 
we  had  deferred  this  last  resort  in  the  hope  of 
understanding  her  disposition  better,  and  fear- 
ing also  that  she  might  not  fully  understand 
what  we  said,  especially  as  everything  was 
new  and  stra,nge. 

But  the  time  for  decision  had  come,  and  the 
first  opportunity  for  enforcing  the  directions 
of  the  Book  of  Truth,  "  to  chasten  while  there 
is  hope,"  established  a  principle  in  Ah-yee's 
mind  that  she  never  forgot.  She  then  yielded 
comfort  and  peace.  Instruction  was  an  easy 
task  to  her  quick  and  intelligent  mind,  she 
became  confiding  and  companionable,  and  was 
my  little  helper  in  the  difficult  language  I  had 
undertaken  to  acquire. 

It  is  well  known  how  much  filial  duty  is 
enjoined  in  Chinese  classics,  and  this  has  ob- 
tained for  them  a  reputation  abroad,  that  we 


wo 


MAJf^s'^oNDrnoN.  79 


do  not  see  exemplified  in  daily  practice.  Filial 
obedience,  it  appears  to  me,  as  a  principle  of 
action,  is  almost  unknown  among  this  so-called 
celestial  people. 

Woman,  when  she  becomes  aged,  has  au- 
thority and  influence  in  the  domestic  house- 
hold. If  she  reach  her  sixtieth  or  seventieth 
birthday,  it  is  celebrated,  by  adorning  her  like 
a  youthful  bride ;  she  sits  in  state,  and  all  her, 
friends  and  acquaintances  come  and  congrat- 
ulate her,  bowing  down  before  her.  On  these 
occasions,  the  Emperor  performs  prostrations 
before  his  mother. 

During  youth  and  middle  life  in  the  labor- 
ing and  middle  classes,  woman's  condition  is 
monotonous  in  the  extreme ;  she  is  expected 
to  serve  her  husband's  mother,  prepare  the 
rice,  and  take  care  of  her  children. 

If  she  fail  in  these  duties,  she  is  often 
beaten  by  her  husband.  Conversing  with  a 
miniature-painter,  who  showed  me  the  likeness 
of  his  aged  father  and  mother,  I  asked  for  his 
wife's  picture  :  "  Oh  he  no  paint  thatJ'  I  told 
him  of  the  position  that  English  and  American 


80  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

females  occupied  in  society,  he  said,  "  S'pose 
Chinese  women  know  this,  and  come  and  see 
you,  by-and-by  all  want  to  marry  foreigner 
man."  I  asked,  ''Is  it  true  that  Chinamen 
beat  their  wives?"  He  said,  "Yes,  some- 
times." "Did  you  ever  beat  your  wife?" 
"Yes,  oncey  "Why  did  you  do  it?"  "Be- 
cause she  no  take  care  my  mother."  The 
man  looked  ashamed  when  he  made  the  con- 
fession. 

By  long-established  custom,  woman  in 
China  is  confined  to  the  inner  apartments,  her 
feet  are  cramped,  and  she  never  goes  out  ex- 
cept on  some  particular  idolatrous  days,  when 
it  is  their  special  duty  to  visit  the  Temples, 
and  make  offerings.  She  must  have  no  will 
of  her  own,  but  be  entirely  subordinate  to  her 
mother-in-law.  Kot  treated  as  a  companion  by 
her  husband,  untaught  in  books,  what  are  her 
resources  ?  Alas  !  her  mind  becomes  a  prey 
to  unmeaning  superstitious  rites,  her  temper 
often  sour  and  irritable,  and  her  household  a 
scene  of  jargon  and  discord.  No  wonder  that 
in  subsequent  life,  after  such  a  long  season  of 


Craiiipe*!  Foot  and  Shoe 


CUSTOMS.  81 


subjection,  slie  becomes  herself  in  turn  the 
tyrant,  and  uses  her  sway  to  the  best  of  her 
abiUty.  No  movement  of  any  importance  can 
be  made  without  the  consent  or  acquiescence 
of  paternal  grand-parents.  It  is  said  that  the 
Emperor's  mother  has  almost  unbounded  sway 
in  the  Imperial  household. 

After  these  aged  parents  or  grand-parents 
die,  then  comes  the  show  of  devotion ;  filial 
offerings,  in  abundance,  are  paid  at  the  tombs ; 
and,  on  the  occasion  of  a  marriage,  the  wor- 
ship of  the  ancestral  tablets  is  an  important 
part  of  the  ceremony. 

The  women  of  China  possess  intellect,  but 
it  wants  cultivation ;  the}^  have  hearts,  but 
they  require  the  gospel's  sanctifying  influence  ; 
they  need  also,  early,  judicious  training. 

The  daughter,  at  her  marriage,  becomes  a 
part  of  another  family,  and  is  entirely -given 
up  by  her  own.  The  son,  at  his  marriage,  re- 
mains in  his  father's  house,  and  pays  divine 
honors  to  him  when  he  is  dead ;  therefore  a 
father  considers  it  a  great  calamity  to  have  no 
son  to  make  offerings  when  he  is  gone ;  and 
6 


82  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

tlie  ricli  often  multiply  their  wives  until  they 
can  obtain  the  desired  blessing.  In  some 
cases  they  adopt  one  of  another  family. 

Women  of  intellect  and  observation  feel 
their  deprivations,  especially  when  they  be- 
come acquainted  with  foreign  ladies.  Often 
in  calling  upon  those  of  the  richer  class,  we 
ask  them  to  return  our  visits ;  they  answer, 
"  No,  we  cannot ;  we  would  like  to  come,  but 
no  have  this  custom.  Chinamen  not  like  laugh 
so  much." 

The  progress  made  by  the  Fortune-teller's 
little  daughter,  shows  that  the  mind  of  woman 
in  China,  is  susceptible  of  high  cultivation. 
Ah-yee  having  joined  my  class  of  lads  in 
learning  English,  acquired  the  sound  and 
meaning  of  words  very  rapidly,  and  in  a  year 
was  enabled  to  speak  and  read  English  with 
the  fluency  of  her  native  dialect.  I  took 
great  pleasure  in  the  unfolding  of  her  mind, 
and  was  not  long  in  discovering  what  chord 
vibrated  most  tenderly.  She  expressed  a 
strong  attachment  to  her  nlother  and  a  little 
brother,  the   companion   of  her  plays.     Her 


ATEn.  83 


father  she  avoided,  whenever  he  called,  and  he 
seldom  took  any  notice  of  her.  Ah-yee  came 
to  lis  December  9th,  1846.  At  the  same  time 
Liang  Ateh,  son  of  Liang  Afah,  who  had 
been  a  favorite  pupil  of  my  husband,  was  in 
the  habit  of  visiting  us,  and  bringing  his  rel- 
atives to  see  his  "  Tuteress,"  as  he  respectfully 
called  me.  His  relatives — his  mother,  his 
grand-mother,  his  aunts,  &c.  would  come,  but 
his  wife  never  came  ;  he  said  he  would  like  to 
have  me  go  and  see  her,  but  added  that  his 
friends  were  afraid ;  they  were  in  humble 
life,  lived  in  the  country,  and  "  it  would  make 
so  much  talk,  and  draw  so  many  people  around 
the  house  to  have  a  foreign  lady  come  there ; 
therefore  they  preferred  I  would  not  come." 
However,  all  were  not  so  particular. 

Liang  is  the  family  name,  Ateh  the  given 
name,  comes  last ;  by  this  latter  name,  Ateh, 
we  always  called  him. 

He  had  a  very  pretty  little  daughter,  whom 
I  wished  to  educate,  but  Ateh  thought  her  too 
young,  and  said  she  would  not  be  separated 
from  her  Mother  and  Aunt. 


84  DAUGIITEES   OF   CHINA. 

I  then  asked,  "Can't  you  get  me  another 
little  gh-l,  as  a  companion  for  Ah-yee  ?  I  think 
two  children  will  get  along  better  than  one 
alone."     He  promised  to  try. 

This  Liang  family,  being  the  first  to  em- 
brace and  profess  Christianity  under  the  care 
of  Protestant  missionaries,  will  hold  a  prom- 
inent place  in  the  future  annals  of  the  Church 
in  China.  The  evangelist,  Liang  Afah,  is  an 
able  and  faithful  preacher  of  the  gospel.  His 
son,  Liang  Ateh,  has  been  of  great  service  to 
his  country,  as  an  interpreter  and  translator 
for  the  Emperor's  ministers.  He  has  a  very 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  Bible,  and  we 
hope  "he  may  yet  be  converted,  and,  as  a 
preacher  of  the  gospel,  follow  in  the  footsteps 
of  his  father. 

While  our  attention  and  interests  were  thus 
engaged  in  our  daily  labors,  individuals  of 
respectability  often  called,  and  manifested  a 
disposition  to  cultivate  our  acquaintance.  We 
accepted  on  one  occasion,  in  company  with 
several  other  missionaries,  an  invitation  to  a 
Chinese  dinner. 


VISIT. 


85 


As  we  had  to  go  some  distance,  Sedan 
chairs  were  provided  by  our  host.  On  arriv- 
ing at  his  residence  and  entering  the  court, 
there  being  several  Ladies  and  gentlemen  in 
our  company,  we  attracted  notice  from  the 
neighbors,  and  they  went  on  the  roof  to  look 
down  into  the  court  and  gratify  their  curiosity. 
So  eager  were  they  to  have  a  sight,  and  so 
numerous  the  gazers,  that  I  remember  the 
ladies  of  our  company  were  afraid  of  an  out- 
break and  riot,  knowing  the  excitable  tem- 
perament of  the  Cantonese.  Oar  host  per- 
ceived this,  and  seeming  anxious  to  be  truly 
polite,  and  have  his  guests  at  ease,  he  invited 
us  into  an  upper  apartment,  quite  secluded 
from  observation ;  it  was  a  gloomy  place,  not 
well  lighted,  and  poorly  ventilated.  It  had  a 
sort  of  prison-like  appearance,  and  a  feeling 
of  dread  came  over  me,  to  be  thus  in  the 
power  of  the  Chinese.  I  had  not  recovered 
my  courage  after  being  under  that  shower  of 
stones. 

Our  host  was  a  spare,  tall  man,  with  a  face 
thin  and  pale  ;   he  appeared  as  if  he  might  be 


86  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

one  of  tlie  victims  of  opium  ;  but  sprightly  in 
his  manners,  and  elastic  in  his  movements. 

He  was  attired  in  a  neat,  long  garment  of 
grass-cloth.  The  weather  was  warm,  and  this 
room  particularly  close,  and  he  disrobed  him- 
self of  the  grass-cloth  dress,  without  ceremony, 
in  our  presence,  handing  his  garment  to  a  ser- 
vant. His  person  then  appeared  clad  in  loose 
trowsers,  over  these  a  sort  of  tunic,  the  stock- 
ings coming  up  to  the  knee,  and  the  trowsers 
tucked  in  at  that  point. 

These  underclothes  are  not  generally  very 
clean,  and  they  often  present  a  very  grotesque 
appearance.  He  commenced  fanning  himself 
most  vigorously ;  presently  dinner  was  an- 
nounced ;  it  was  about  four  or  five  o'clock ; 
and  we  were  conducted  to  a  lower  apartment, 
our  host  having,  previously  to  accompanying 
us,  arrayed  himself  in  a  rich  garment  of  bro- 
cade. Having  seated  us,  placing  his  guests  on 
the  left  hand  (the  post  of  honor  in  China),  he 
retired  a  moment,  and  reappeared  in  his  grass- 
cloth  attire,  and,  with  some  Chinese  friends  on 
his  right,  commenced  the  dinner. 


DINNEK.  87 


The  first  courses  consist  of  various  kinds 
of  ripe  fruits— then  sweetmeats  and  dried 
fruits.  The  gentleman  had  consulted  the 
taste  of  his  guests,  and  unlike  their  own  cus- 
tom, the  table  was  spread  v/ith  a  scarlet-figured 
cover  and  finger-towels.  Indeed  he  had  im- 
itated foreign  style  as  nearly  as  he  could.  The 
Chinese  courses  consisted  of  various  soups, 
served  in  small  bowls,  of  edible  bird's  nests 
and  shark's  fins,  which  they  consider  as  great 
delicacies,  meats,  hashes  of  various  kinds, 
vegetables,  &c.  After  a  full  course  of  Chinese 
food,  there  came  mutton,  fresh  pork  and  fowls, 
with  accompaniments  cooked  in  foreign  style  ; 
and  last  of  all,  and  the  most  substantial  to 
Chinamen,  a  good  supply  of  boiled  rice,  of 
which  we  were  not  afraid  to  partake.  Wine 
in  small  cups  was  passed  round,  but  declined 
by  our  own  company.  When  the  bountiful 
bowls  of  rice  came,  some  of  us  tried  to  eat 
with  chopsticks,  to  their  great  amusement. 
There  were  in  all  about  sixty  courses. 

We  have  often  been  pleased  to  hear  the 
merriment  of  the  Chinese  at  their  meals.    They 


DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 


do  not  dine  until  toward  evening ;  the  labor 
of  the  day  being  over,  they  take  time  for 
eating.  One  member  of  the  family  will  not 
sit  down  until  all  are  ready ;  this  is  in  every- 
day life ;  and  they  make  a  pleasant  business 
of  it.  Their  dinner,  which  is  the  principal 
meal,  is  a  season  of  cheerful  intercourse,  and 
the  conversation  seems  general,  and  ever  and 
anon  interrupted  by  merry  peals  of  laughter. 
Eice  is  the  principal  article  of  food,  of  which 
they  consume  a  great  quantity.  They  have 
condiments  of  soy,  catchup,  &c.,  with  theijc 
savory  dishes. 


IX. 


Alan — Her  Fear  of  Death. — Cleanliness — The  Mission- 
ary's Daughter — Pears  of  Disturoance — Treatment  of 
Infants — Visit  to  Chinese  Merchants — Change  of  Resi- 
dence— Character  of  the  two  little  Girls. 


My  little  pupil,  Ah-yee,  had  been  with  us 
six  months,  when  some  Chinese  visitors  came 
one  day,  bringing  with  them  a  child  very 
poorly  clad.  She  was  more  cleanly  in  appear- 
ance than  Ah-yee  was  on  her  introduction,  and 
she  was  accompanied  by  her  grandmother, 
mother,  and  another  relative. 

The  mother  said,  "I  heard  you  wanted  a 
little  girl,  and  I  have  brought  you  one ;  I  give 
her  to  you,  and  I  hope  that  you  will  do  well 
by  her  and  get  a  husband  for  her." 

She  was  not  betrothed,  and  I  promised  to 
do  by  her  as  if  she  were  my  own.  She  was  a 
homely  child,  and  had  lived  out  of  doors  so 


90  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

much  that  her  black  hair  was  scorched  to  a 
reddish  brown  by  the  heat  of  a  tropical  sun ; 
but  such  as  she  was,  I  was  glad  to  receive  her. 

The  agreement,  though  verbal,  being  per- 
fectly understood  between  us,  when  the  child's 
relatives  left  us  she  appeared  wilhng  to  stay. 
She  was  the  daughter  of  Liang  Ateh's  wife's 
sister  ;  her  name  was  Alan. 

It  was  now  Ah-yee's  business  to  make  her 
little  companion  happy  and  comfortable  ;  and 
pleasing  it  was  to  observe  her  efforts  to  do  so. 
If  I  came  near  Alan,  even  to  give  her  food, 
she  would  run  from  me,  apparently  in  terror ; 
so  I  kept  away  for  a  time,  and  let  Ah-yee  act 
the  "go-between." 

Alan  has  since  told  me  the  cause  of  her 
fear.  I  wore  at  that  time,  thin  white  morning- 
dresses,  the  climate  being  very  warm  at  Can- 
ton. White^  in  China,  is  the  color  for  mourn- 
ing.  It  was,  I  believe,  the  association  in  her 
mind  with  death  and  funeral  solemnities,  that 
made  her  new  friend,  the  foreign  lady,  to  whom 
she  supposed  her  parents  had  sold  her,  the 
cause  of  so  much  disquietude. 


CLEANLINESS.  91 


Among  the  first  principles  to  be  inculcated, 
by  the  missionary  among  the  Chinese,  is  clean- 
liness; and  it  is  sometimes  very  long  before 
our  admonitions  affect  their  practice;  so  ac- 
customed are  they  to  vermin  and  disease.  In 
Alan's  case,  her  person  was  covered  with  both. 

There  was  one  circumstance,  however,  that 
particularly  pleased  me,  in  regard  to  my  two 
little  girls :  neither  of  them  had  their  feet  bound 
after  the  custom  so  prevalent  in  that  country. 

In  April,  1847,  when  Alan  had  been  with 
us  a  fortnight,  the  English  plenipotentiary. 
Sir  John  Francis  Davis,  came  to  Canton  with 
military  and  naval  forces  to  compel  the  Chi- 
nese authorities  to  open  the  gates  of  the  city. 
The  whole  community  was  thrown  into  a  fer- 
ment. The  Chinese  were  determined  on  re- 
sistance unto  blood. 

Ah-yee's  father  took  the  alarm  and  came  for 
her  to  go  home.  At  the  request  of  her  friends, 
Alan  also  went  to  the  care  of  her  uncle,  Liang 
Ateh,  who  lived  at  Honan,  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  river.  We  separated,  perhaps  not  to 
see  them  again,  though  we  had  the  promise 


92  DAUGHTERS   OF  CHIKA. 


that  when  matters  were  quiet,  they  should 
again  find  a  home  with  us. 

The  movement  having  created  a  good  deal 
of  excitement  among  foreigners,  Dr.  Bridgman 
and  myself  accepted  an  invitation  from  J.  M. 
Bull,  Esq.,  to  spend  a  few  days  at  Whampoa, 
on  board  the  Candace.  However,  no  attack 
was  made.  In  a  few  days  all  was  tranquil ; 
we  returned  to  Canton,  and  shortly  after  my 
dear  little  girls  were  restored  to  my  care. 

The  Chinese  always  seem  gratified  at  the 
sprightliness  and  vivacity  of  the  children  of 
"outside  barbarians,"  as  they  designate  all 
foreigners,  so  unlike  their  own  at  an  early 
age.  The  infant  in  China,  at  birth  is  bound 
hands  and  feet  close  up  to  the  neck. 

During  the  first  seven  or  eight  days,  it  is 
neither  washed  nor  its  clothing  changed,  and 
for  the  first  day  or  two,  it  is  not  allowed  any 
nourishment.  It  lies  upon  the  bed  and  cries 
sometimes  for  hours ;  when  it  is  taken  up,  so 
compact  are  all  its  folds,  that  were  it  not  for 
the  head  and  exposure  of  the  little  face,  you 
might  take  it  for  any  bundle;  and,  indeed, 


THE   INFANT.  93 


when  they  take  it  up,  instead  of  enfolding  both 
arms  around  the  tender  babe,  and  gently  sup- 
porting its  head,  as  Christian  mothers  do,  they 
handle  it  as  others  would  a  bundle  of  clothing. 

For  the  first  year,  and  perhaps  longer,  I 
think,  it  is  bandaged  in  this  way,  with  no  use 
of  its  hands  and  feet;  hence  they  have  not 
the  activity  that  foreign  children  have,  who 
are  tossed  about  and  played  with  by  their  friends. 

Before  leaving  Canton  for  the  north,  we  were 
invited  to  visit  the  establishment  of  two  Chi- 
nese merchants,  Samqua  and  Tonshing,  in  com- 
pany with  one  of  our  American  friends.  This 
gentleman  had  been  left  with  a  family  of  five 
beautiful,  motherless  children,  who  were  soon 
to  sail  for  the  United  States. 

The  occasion  was  the  birth-day  of  Mr.  Ton- 
shing's  mother.  He  was  her  only  son.  His 
father  had  died  early  in  life,  and  his  mother,  a 
young  widow,  not  having  married  a  second 
time  was  highly  respected  on  that  account. 
This  day,  I  think,  she  completed  her  90th 
year,  and  as  the  Chinese  attach  so  much  honor 
to  longevity,  and  consider  it  as  an  evidence  of 


94  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

the  favor  of  their  gods,  she  was  the  recipient 
of  every  possible  attention,  from  the  members 
of  her  family. 

These  gentlemen  were  partners  in  business^ 
and  they  had  assembled  in  all  about  twenty 
children  belonging  to  the  two  families.  In 
one  family,  I  think,  they  were  all  boys :  in 
the  other,  the  greater  number,  if  not  all,  were 
girls.  As  the  girls  would  be  of  no  account 
in  a  party  like  this,  their  mother  had  dressed 
some  of  them  as  boys,  in  order  that  her  family 
might  share  the  festivities.  All  ^hese,  with  the 
foreign  children,  filled  a  long  table,  laden  with 
refreshments  prepared  for  the  occasion. 

It  was  a  pleasant,  merry  company.  The 
old  lady  was  the  lion  of  the  day.  She  was 
seated  in  a  large  arm-chair  on  the  verandah. 
Her  dress  was  of  silk,  richly  embroidered  ;  her 
wrists  and  her  ears  had  the  usual  female  or- 
naments ;  her  hair  frosted  with  years,  was 
adorned  with  the  flowers  of  young  spring- 
time; while  her  rigid  features  bespoke  the 
darkness  of  a  mind  inured  for  almost  a  cen- 
tury to  pagan  rites  and  superstition. 


OLD   LADY.  95 


It  was  a  melancholy  spectacle,  in  striking 
contrast  to  the  merry  group  of  little  guests 
that  filled  the  spacious  saloon. 

One  or  two  young  men  seemed  to  enjoy  the 
special  honor  of  attending  upon  the  old  lady, 
and  they  were  very  assiduous  in  complying 
with  all  her  wishes. 

Mr.  Tonshing  and  Mr.  Samqua,  being  rich 
men,  have  both  since  become  officers  of  gov- 
ernment or  "  mandarins ;"  a  rank  somewhat 
above  that  of  Mayor  of  a  city. 

The  Committee  for  the  Kevision  of  the  New 
Testament,  having  agreed  upon  Shanghai  as 
their  place  of  meeting,  and  my  husband  hav- 
ing been  elected  the  delegate  from  the  Canton 
Mission,  it  now  became  necessary  to  consult 
the  friends  of  Ah-yee  and  Alan  about  their 
going  with  us  to  the  north. 

It  was  thought  that  the  task  of  revising  the 
Avork  of  the  several  committees  at  the  different 
ports,  would  not  take  over  eight  or  ten 
months,  and  then  we  should  return  to  our 
station. 

We  easily  obtained  permission  for  the  chil- 


96  DAUGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

dren  to  accompany  us.  Alan's  mother  said, 
"  that  she  might  go  anywhere  withus,  except 
to  the  foreign  country ;"  and  we  embarked  with 
them  for  Shanghai,  June  1st,  1847. 

Ah-yee  was  a  great  admirer  of  natural  scene- 
ry whether  on  the  land  or  sea.  While  passing 
through  the  Formosa  Channel  and  the  Chusan 
Archipelago,  we  enjoyed  some  delightful  scenes, 
upon  the  deck  of  the  Coquette.  Her  eye 
never  grew  weary  of  gazing  upon  Formosa, 
and  its  cloud-capped  mountains,  tinged  with 
the  ever-varying  hues  of  an  eastern  sun. 

Alan  was  a  model  of  gentleness  and  docil- 
ity ;  and  the  willing  obedience  these  children 
now  rendered  to  us,  drew  forth  favorable  re- 
marks from  the  officers  on  board  the  vessel. 


ANewHome— Hoception  at  Shanghai— A  Chinese  Teach- 
er— Revision  of  the  New  Testament— A  Class— A  Chi- 
nese Dwelling — Climate. 

We  arrived  in  Shangliai,  June  21st,  1847. 
At  Woosung,  the  place  where  foreign  ships  lie 
at  anchor,  we  were  met  by  our  dear  friends 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Syle,  who  invited  us  up  to  their 
house  in  the  south-eastern  suburbs  of  Shang- 
hai city. 

Landing  at  the  foreign  factories,  we  were 
carried  in  Sedan  chairs,  borne  on  the  shoul- 
ders of  two  coolies,  who  carried  us  through 
the  city  a  distance  of  two  long  miles.  It  was 
the  dusk  of  evening,  and  every  thing  was  novel 
and  strange  within  the  precincts  of  this  pagan 
city.  The  coolies  almost  ran,  yet  they  twisted 
and  turned  many  times,  first  in  one  street  then 
another ;  my  curtains  being  close,  the  air  was 
1 


DAFGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 


oppressive  almost  to  suffocation,  and  the  ride 
seemed  very  long. 

When  we  reached  Wongka  Moda,  where 
the  Episcopal  Mission  was  located,  the  coolies, 
Chinese  like,  put  us  down  in  the  wrong  place. 
*'  This  is  Dr.  Boone's  house,"  said  Mrs.  Syle  in 
Chinese ;  they  then  raised  us  again  upon  their 
shoulders,  and  she  directed  them  up  a  little 
street  not  more  than  eight  feet  wide,  and  pres- 
ently we  were  introduced  to  their  Chinese 
dwelling.  The  dinner-table  which  had  been 
waiting  for  us  all  day,  was  still  standing.  The 
room  was  lighted  only  from  the  doors ;  there 
being  no  window  in  it ;  but  there  was  chris- 
tian hospitality  there,  and  we  were  made  truly 
welcome. 

In  a  few  moments,  we  were  joined  by  Bishop 
and  Mrs.  Boone,  Miss  Jones  and  Miss  Morse, 
who  live  in  dwellings  adjacent  to  each  other. 
It  was  a  pleasant  meeting ;  our  hearts  flowed 
together  as  they  Avere  wont  to  do,  when  we 
were  fellow-passengers  on  board  the  Horatio, 
and  where,  when  sailing  on  the  bosom  of  the 
moon-lit  sea,  we  had  often  sang  together  the 


AT   SHANGHAI. 


sweet  songs  of  Zion.  We  remained  but  three 
days  in  the  family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Syle.  Dur- 
ing that  time  they  called  together  a  social 
meeting  of  the  English  Missionaries  residing 
in  Shanghai,  to  whom  they  gave  us  an  intro- 
duction. An  adjoining  house  being  vacated 
by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  €rraham,  we  made  speedy 
arrangements  to  occupy  it.  My  husband,  ready 
for  the  important  work  of  Eevision,  joined  the 
committee  of  Delegates  for  that  purpose  ;  and 
the  two  little  girls,  with  myself,  resumed  our 
studies  in  the  Canton  dialect,  under  the  in- 
struction of  Dr.  Bridgman's  former  pupil  Liang 
Ateh,  who  is  now  one  of  his  assistants  in  the 
work  of  translation.  Toward  this  young  man 
we  had  all  the  regard  of  adopted  parents.  He 
retained  his  Chinese  costume,  but  sat  at  our 
table  and  spoke  our  language  as  fluently  as  his 
own.  During  the  early  years  of  my  husband's 
residence  in  China,  he  was  one  of  a  class,  whom 
he  carefully  instructed  in  the  christian  reli- 
gion. I  have  before  alluded  to  this  young 
man,  as  the  son  of  Liang  Afah,  who  for  thirty 
years  has  been  a  preacher  of  the  gospel  to  his 


100  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

countrymen,  and  has  endured  persecution  for 
Christ's  sake.  The  Eevision  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament, which  it  was  expected  would  have 
taken  but  a  few  months,  having  previously 
been  in  the  hands  of  committees  at  the  differ- 
ent ports — viz.,  Canton,  Hong-Kong,  Amoy, 
ISTingpo,  and  Shanghai, — took  a  controversial 
turn,  upon  the  proper  term  for  expressing  the 
word  Ood^  and  prolonged  our  stay.  Still  hop- 
ing, however,  that  it  would  come  to  a  speedy 
termination,  my  husband  thought  it  unneces- 
sary that  I  should  study  the  Shanghai  dialect, 
but  continue  to  improve  myself  in  the  Canton 
colloquial  and  the  written  language,  with  a 
view  to  our  return  there  at  no  very  distant 
period.  Our  domestic  arrangements  being 
completed,  Ah-yee  and  Alan  were  soon  joined 
by  two  other  little  girls  in  the  neighborhood ; 
one  under  the  supervision  of  Mrs.  Syle,  whose 
name  was  Anee :  the  other  under  the  care  of 
Miss  Jones,  who  also  had  charge  of  a  large 
school  of  boys.  While  the  boy's  school  was 
in  session,  Szeune  (for  that  was  this  girl's 
name)  came  and  was  instructed  in   English 


STUDIES.  101 


with  tlie  other  three.  This  formed  a  pleasant 
class. 

Yocal  music  and  the  use  of  the  needle  gave 
a  pleasing  variety  to  our  employments ;  and 
when  the  daily  lessons,  which  were  always 
Scriptural,  were  finished,  the  two  new  pupils 
returned  home.  Those  were  pleasant  days. 
In  the  Chinese  language,  I  was  myself,  a  child ; 
indeed  I  labored  to  become  one,  that  I  might 
learn  those  difficult  characters,  and  communi- 
cate to  children  the  glad  tidings  of  a  Saviour's 
mission  to  this  world.  It  was  a  high  priv- 
ilege. My  heart  and  hands  were  full.  The 
two  little  girls  being  dependent  upon  us  for 
their  entire  support ;  all  a  mother's  little  cares 
devolved  on  me,  and  these  I  strove  to  dis- 
charge, prompted  alike  by  duty  and  affection. 

Our  house  was  principally  of  wood,  two 
stories  high,  with  a  court  in  the  centre  paved 
with  tiles,  and  lighted  with  windows  of  their 
oyster-shell  plates,  used  instead  of  glass.  The 
second  story  where  we  lived,  had  windows  of 
glass,  an  improvement  introduced  by  Mr. 
Graham.     The  floors  were  of  rough  boards,  in 


102  DArGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

dry  weather  gaping  open,  almost  wide  enougla, 
in  some  places,  to  put  one's  finger  througli. 
The  rooms  had  no  proper  ceiling  overhead, 
some  thin  boards  had  been  nailed  on  the 
rafters,  and  the  sides  were  plastered  and 
whitewashed. 

In  the  upper  rooms  the  Chinese  have  noth- 
ing  over  their  heads  but  the  roof  of  tiles. 
These  become  heated  by  the  sun  to  such  a  de- 
gree in  the  summer  months,  as  to  render  it  in- 
supportable to  stay  above,  and  we  were  fre- 
quently forced  to  the  court  below  for  relief  to 
an  aching  head. 

In  constructing  their  houses,  the  Chinese 
have  no  regard  to  proper  ventilation  in  sum- 
mer, and  in  winter  no  arrangement  to  warm 
their  dwellings.  They  have  no  fires  them- 
selves, except  a  little  for  cooking,  which  goes 
out  immediately  after  the  meal  is  prepared. 
The  winters  in  Shanghai  are  very  severe,  al- 
though it  is  in  the  latitude  of  Charleston,  S.  C. 
It  is  situated  on  a  vast  plain,  and  there  is 
nothing  to  break  the  power  of  the  wind ;  but 
with  comfortable  dwellings,  which  those  en- 


CHINESE   HOTTSES.  103 

gaged  in  the  commercial  business  secure,  and 
which  missionaries  are  also  striving  to  obtain 
as  fast  as  means  are  afforded,  Shanghai  is  as 
healthy  as  most  cities  in  America ;  the  means 
of  living  are  abundant,  and  the  field  is  already 
white  for  the  spiritual  harvest. 


XL 

Shanghai— Burning  for  the  Dead— Visit  to  an  Ancestral 
Temple — Mourning  Dress — Taouist  Priest. 

Shanghai  being  the  most  nortliern  port 
now  open  to  foreigners,  is  not  only  of  increas- 
ing commercial  importance,  but  presents  great 
facilities  for  tbe  missionary  enterprise.  The 
people  differ  materially  from  the  Cantonese. 

The  measures  for  securing  the  advantages 
of  the  treaty,  having  been  more  decided  and 
peremptory  at  this  port,  the  people  dare  not 
oppose  the  free  ingress  and  egress  of  the  bar- 
barian into  their  city;  and  even  ladies  can 
ride  through  from  one  end  to  the  other,  enter 
their  shops  and  purchase  goods,  without  mo- 
lestation, save  the  inconvenience  of  being 
stared  at,  by  those  who  have  never  seen  such 
curiosities. 

We  had  in  our  neighborhood  three  families 


BUKNING  FOR  THE  DEAD.        105 

who  occupied  dwellings  in  close  proximity. 
These  were  those  of  Bishop  Boone,  Eev. 
Mr.  Syle,  Misses  Jones  and  Morse  with  the 
school  of  boys.  We  felt  that  "  the  lines  had 
fallen  to  us  in  pleasant  places,  and  we  had  a 
goodly  heritage." 

Associated  with  these  dear  friends,  in  the 
same  great  work,  we  mingled  our  sympathies 
in  meetings  for  prayer,  and  in  all  the  varied 
labors  of  social  life.  "As  iron  sharpeneth 
iron,  so  a  man  sharpeneth  the  countenance 
of  his  friend."  If  this  be  true  in  Christian 
associations  at  home,  how  much  more  in  a 
land  of  idolatry  and  heathenism  such  as  China, 
with  all  its  boasted  civilization. 

Opportunities  were  not  wanting,  in  our  new 
location,  to  study  the  character  and  customs 
of  this  singular  people.  An  occasion  offered 
very  soon  after  our  arrival,  to  witness  a  burning 
for  the  dead  at  a  short  distance  from  our  res- 
idence. It  was  a  house  made  of  paper,  con- 
sisting of  various  apartments  thoroughly  fur- 
nished, and  large  enough  for  persons  to  enter 
them.     The  eating-room  was  supplied  with  a 


106  DAUGHTERS   OF  CHINA. 

table,  bowls,  chopsticks,  tea,  &c.  ;  another 
room  with  all  kinds  of  native  musical  instru- 
ments, servants  of  various  grades  at  their  ap- 
pointed stations ;  a  Sedan  chair,  and  coolies, 
&c.,  all  made  of  paper  of  various  colors,  and 
in  native  costume. 

A  company  of  native  priests  were  standing 
outside  of  this  fairy  habitation,  waiting  to  per- 
form their  appointed  services,  l^otice  was 
given  to  us  to  hasten  out,  when  they  com- 
menced their  unmeaning  chanting  and  prayers. 
These  rites  performed,  the  flame  was  applied 
to  the  house,  and  it  was  quickly  consumed. 
According  to  their  belief,  it  all  ascended  to  the 
spirit- world,  for  the  use  of  a  deceased  son  who 
had  been  a  few  months  dead. 

In  connection  with  the  above,  it  may  be 
proper  to  introduce  here,  an  account  of  a  visit 
to  the  Ancestral  Temple^  of  this  same  Wong 
family,  who  owned  this  landing-place,  Wonka 
Moda. 

"  Shanghai^  August  25thj  1847. — Paid  a  visit 
to  an  Ancestral  Temple  within  the  gates  of  the 
city,  belonging  to  the  Wong  family.     The  en- 


ANCESTRAL   TEMPLE.  107 

trance  was  similar  to  that  of  all  other  build- 
ings of  the  kind ;  an  open  court  where  the 
Sedans  are  put  down,  and  then  a  spacious  Hall 
of  Keception,  where  we  were  all  received  by 
the  oldest  son  of  the  family. 

"  After  the  usual  forms  of  Chinese  etiquette, 
we  were  conducted  around  into  the  different 
apartments  of  the  building.  It  being  the  15th 
day  of  the  Chinese  month,  religious  ceremo- 
nies had  been  performed  at  an  early  hour  in 
morning  by  the  members  of  the  family,  which 
we  did  not  witness,  it  being  noon,  when  we 
arrived. 

"  This  establishment  was  something  in  the 
style  of  a  beautiful  summer  retreat,  that  I 
once  visited  in  Canton,  though  by  no  means 
so  magnificent.  Here,  however,  they  had 
trees  and  plants;  grottoes  and  summer-bow- 
ers; an  artificial  pond  of  water,  with  gold 
fish ;  rocks  made  by  art,  consisting  of  stone 
and  clay  cemented  together  ;  subterranean 
passages ;  and  a  tasteful  bridge  across  the  pond. 

"We  passed  on  through  several  rooms  of 
the  Temple,  all  bearing  some  testimonies  of 


108  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

reverence  for  the  departed.  We  noticed  four 
large  tablets  full  of  written  characters,  and  on 
inquiring,  learned  that  each  tablet  contained 
all  the  good  deeds  for  which  the  ancestor 
was  distinguished,  to  whose  memory  it  was 
erected. 

"  The  tablets  were  painted  with  gilt  charac- 
ters, and  read  downwards. 

*'  We  passed  on  to  another  apartment,  where 
there  were  thirty-six  smaller  ones.  Before 
each  of  these  was  a  small  cup  of  wine. 

"  In  another  room  there  was  a  tablet  elevated 
in  a  niche  in  the  wall,  said  to  be  dedicated  to 
the  chief  divinity  of  the  mansion,  who  pre- 
sides over  the  interests  of  the  whole  house- 
hold. 

"Having  finished  our  visit  to  the  temple, 
we  were  conveyed  in  our  Sedan  chairs  to  the 
private  residence  of  this  same  Wong  family. 

"  The  Reception  Hall  here  was  filled  with 
all  the  paraphernalia  of  idolatry;  however, 
we  passed  through  into  the  apartments  of  the 
females,  who  received  us  courteously.  As 
usual,  there  was  quite  a  group,  from  the  aged, 


TAOmST   PEEEST.  109 


grand  or  great-grandmotlier  to  small  children, 
nurses  and  servants. 

"  One,  however,  who  attracted  my  notice 
more  than  any  other,  from  her  modest  and 
lady-like  deportment,  was  a  young  widow, 
relict  of  the  son,  for  the  benefit  of  whose  de- 
parted spirit,  the  burning  of  the  paper  house 
took  place  at  Wonka  Moda.  She  was  in  full 
mourning-dress,  which  was  made  of  grass- 
cloth  ;  the  edge  of  which  was  not  hemmed, 
but  left  with  a  sort  of  fringe.  Her  hair 
also  was  tied  with  white  cord,  and  she  had 
white  shoes  upon  her  little  feet.  This,  in 
China,  is  deep  mourning. 

"According  to  the  prevalent  custom,  tea, 
cakes  and  fruit  were  served  up,  after  which  it 
was  announced  that  religious  ceremonies  were 
to  commence  in  the  Reception  Hall,  to  which 
we  repaired ;  here  was  a  band  of  musicians 
after  the  Chinese  fashion,  playing  to  the  mum- 
mery of  a  Taouist  priest.  Arrayed  in  em- 
broidered robes,  he  stood  before  what  appeared 
to  be  the  family  records,  offering  adoration 
and  prayer,  repeatedly  prostrating  himself  to 


110  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

the  earth.  He  was  afterwards  joined  by 
others,  twelve  in  number,  who  commenced 
burning  incense,  and  going  through  a  series 
of  pagan  ceremonies.  A  house  made  of  straw, 
and  about  twelve  paper  figures,  which  were  to 
represent  so  many  servants,  formed  the  burnt- 
offering,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  de- 
parted son,  as  his  spirit  roamed  about  they 
knew  not  where,  in  the  invisible  world. 

"In  an  adjoining  apartment,  the  young 
widow  had  a  table  placed,  tastefully  arranged, 
before  a  picture  of  her  departed  husband, 
with  various  kinds  of  food,  flowers  and  fruit 
lodged  in  the  different  stories  of  four  minia- 
ture pagodas. 

"  Before  this  she  probably,  at  stated  seasons 
mourned  and  wept,  calling  upon  the  departed 
spirit  to  come  and  partake  of  the  repast  she 
had  prepared. 

"After  these  priests  had  walked  round  and 
round  with  great  apparent  reverence  and  sanc- 
tity in  the  performance  of  these  religious  rites, 
for  which  they  are  paid  by  the  family,  the 
whole  is  brought  to  a  close,  by  the  burning  of 


BUENING   MONEY.  Ill 

a  great  quantity  of  money,  made  of  tissue- 
paper,  which,  ascending  in  smoke,  reaches  the 
spirit  to  defray  his  expenses. 

"  Like  the  prophet  in  the  valley  of  dry 
bones,  the  christian  mind  surveys  these  scenes, 
and  often  is  ready  mournfully  to  exclaim, 
'  Can  these  bones  live  ?'  '  Oh  Spirit  of  the 
living  God,  come  and  breathe  upon  them,  and 
they  shall  stand  up  an  exceeding  great  army.' 
Eor  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it." 


xn. 

A  Missionary's  Deatli — Its  Effects — Social  Intercourse — 
Boxes  from  America — Expenses  of  Missionaries — The 
Missionary  Mother — Self-Denial — Extreme  Heat. 

Some  of  the  particulars  of  the  tragical  scene 
enacted  by  the  Chinese  pirates  off  Chapo,  are 
already  before  the  public.  Chapo  lies  on  the 
coast,  midway  between  Shanghai  and  ISTingpo. 

"  Aug.  22d,  1847.— 'In  the  midst  of  life  we 
are  in  death.'  A  deep  sadness  broods  over 
our  recently  happy  neighborhood.  Intelli- 
gence has  come  that  brother  Lowrie  has  fal- 
len a  victim  to  Chinese  pirates,  on  his  way  to 
Ningpo. 

Only  a  few  short  days  ago  he  gave  us  the 
parting  hand,  earnestly  desiring  Dr.  Bridgman 
and  myself  to  accompany  him ;  but  the  ex- 
treme heat  of  the  weather,  together  with  the 
pressure  of  missionary  work,  was  a  sufficient 


MR.    LOWEIE.  113 


reason  for  deferring  our  visit  to  a  more  con- 
venient season.  Liang  Ateh  seems  almost 
terrified  by  Mr.  Lowrie's  sudden  exit.  The 
conviction  of  his  own  want  of  preparation  for 
such  a  death,  has  made  him  gloomy  and  con- 
templative. Oh !  that  this  providence  might 
be  the  means  of  bringing  Ateh  to  a  fixed  pur- 
pose of  consecration  to  Grod's  service  ;  but  the 
world !  the  world !  his  pagan  associates,  how 
they  divert  him  from  fulfilling  his  resolutions. 

''  Ah-yee  too,  dear  child,  is  thoughtful ;  so 
lately  he  took  her  kindly  by  the  hand,  and 
walked  down  to  the  river  in  company  with 
us ;  she  can't  realize  that  the  dark  deep 
waters  are  his  grave.  She  is  asking,  '  Is  his 
soul  safe  ?  Has  he  gone  to  heaven  ?  I  think 
he  was  a  good  man,'  and  similar  expressions. 

"  I  have  had  but  a  short  acquaintance  with 
brother  Lowrie,  about  two  months  only  ;  but 
he  has  made  an  impression  of  the  sacredness 
of  the  missionary  character,  that  I  have  not 
felt  before ;  he  seemed  to  live  in  an  atmos- 
phere of  prayer,  and  now,  in  a  most  unexpect- 
ed way  he  has  had  a  transition  from  a  region 
8 


114:  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

of  darkness  to  light  eternal,  a  sudden  emanci- 
pation from  the  clogs  of  mortality  to  the  glo- 
rious liberty  of  an  heir  of  God.  He  under- 
stands it  all,  approves,  and  rejoices  in  what  is 
so  dark  and  incomprehensible  to  his  fellow- 
laborers,  in  this  great  battle-field  of  sin.  How 
appropriate  the  admonition  of  our  blessed 
Lord,  'Let  your  loins  be  girded,  and  your 
lights  trimmed  and  burning.' 

"  How  afflicting  this  event  will  be  to  his 
bereaved  parents,  who  gave  him  up  for  Christ's 
sake  to  spend  his  life  in  China.  How  trying 
to  the  faith  of  the  church!  but  though  cast 
down,  we  need  not,  we  must  not  despair ;  the 
cause  is  not  ours,  but  Christ's,  and  though  the 
pagans  triumph  for  a  season,  and  God's  mis- 
sionary servants  may  fall  a  prey  to  their  wick- 
ed purposes,  yet  these  altars  of  idolatry  will 
fall,  these  superstitions  must  give  way,  before 
the  power  of  gospel  truth ;  and  the  light  of 
the  Sun  of  Kighteousness  shall  yet  irradiate 
the  darkest  corners  of  this  proud  empire." 

Our  situation  in  Shanghai  being  remote 
from  the  foreign  community,  and  having  set 


RECREATIONS.  115 


apart  regular  hours  for  study  and  instruction, 
the  duties  of  each  day  were  systematically  pur- 
sued. About  three  hours  were  devoted  to  the 
class  of  little  girls,  who  were  taught  English, 
sewing  and  vocal  music,  and  two  or  three 
more,  to  my  own  improvement  in  the  Chinese 
language. 

Our  recreation  was  generally  a  walk  towards 
the  river,  with  Ah-yee  and  Alan.  The  appear- 
ance of  these  little  girls  never  failed  to  draw 
forth  a  smile,  and  pleasant  expressions  from 
the  Chinese  as  we  passed  along.  Sometimes 
Miss  Jones  would  join  us  in  a  boat-ride  with 
Szune  and  a  few  of  the  smaller  boys. 

The  dwellings  of  the  Episcopal  missionaries 
were  so  contiguous,  that  it  was  quite  practi- 
cable, after  a  day's  toil,  to  run  in,  and  pass  an 
evening  with  Mrs.  Syle  or  Miss  Jones. 

One  evening  in  the  week,  we  always  spent 
at  Bishop  Boone's,  at  the  weekly  prayer-meet- 
ing. But  especially  after  the  arrival  of  the 
mail,  or  the  receiving  of  a  box  put  up  by  kind 
friends  in  our  native  land,  one  might  have 
seen  a  social  gathering  at  Wongka  Moda. 


116  DAUGHTEES   OF  CHINA. 

Through  the  medium  of  letters,  we  became 
acquainted  with  the  domestic  circle  of  each 
family  at  home,  father  and  mother,  brothers 
and  sisters ;  the  names  of  the  good  aunts  and 
uncles,  were  all  familiar,  and  kind  inquiries 
made  after  each. 

But  the  boxes  from  America  !  ''  There  is  that 
scattereth,  and  yet  increaseth.-'  We  have  had 
many  a  little  memento  from  those  boxes,  put 
up  by  Christian  ladies,  whom  we  never  saw, 
and  never  shall  see,  in  the  land  of  our  pilgrim- 
age. They  do  not  knov/  how  they  cheer  the 
hearts  of  their  friends  in  that  far-off  land. 
Then  the  two  little  Chinese  girls  had  some  re» 
membrance  in  these  boxes,  and  their  bright 
black  eyes  would  sparkle  with  delight  at  the 
sight  of  a  book  with  pictures,  although  it 
was  difficult  for  them  to  comprehend  where 
America  was,  and  how  people  whom  they 
never  saw  could  feel  interested  in  them. 

These  boxes  from  America,  sometimes  con- 
tain valuable  presents,  articles  of  handsome 
clothing,  which,  if  worn  by  the  missionary 
lady  might  draw  forth  unfavorable  remarks 


SERVANTS.  117 


towards  the  cause  in  whicli  they  feel  it  a  priv- 
ilege to  labor  and  die.  In  their  houses,  too, 
they  have  provided  for  their  comfort,  articles 
of  furniture  presented  by  friends,  on  leaving 
home.  It  may  be  necessary  too  for  the  pres- 
ervation of  their  health,  for  them  to  purchase 
things,  which  if  they  were  in  a  different  cli- 
mate might  be  dispensed  with,  or  were  they  in 
America,  would  not  be  noticed  or  deemed  in- 
consistent. 

The  number  of  servants,  too,  employed  is 
often  matter  of  animadversion,  and  we  hear 
from  letters  and  other  sources,  that  missionaries 
in  the  East,  are  living  in  a  style  unbecoming 
their  high  and  holy  calling.  But  could  those 
who  censure,  understand  all  the  facts  of  the 
case,  perhaps  a  more  charitable  ju(5gment 
would  be  exercised. 

Manual  labor  in  the  East,  is  much  cheaper 
than  in  America ;  and  what  one  strong  man 
or  woman  can  do  in  a  day,  takes  two  to  do  in 
China. 

The  climate  is  debilitating  to  the  native, 
and  much  more  to  the  foreigner. 


118  DAIJGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

Men  have  to  do  the  work  of  horses,  and  for 
half  the  wages  laborers  receive  in  America. 
We  have  no  carriages,  nor  steamboats,  nor 
railroad  cars.  If  we  ride  on  land,  it  must  be 
in  a  Sedan  chair  borne  on  the  shoulders  of 
two  men. 

The  missionary  is  placed  in  entirely  differ- 
ent circumstances  than  when  enjoying  the 
privileges  of  his  native  land.  It  is  expected 
that  he  and  his  wife  will  learn  the  language, 
take  care  of  their  families,  and  instruct  the 
heathen.  Now  how  can  they  do  this,  unless 
native  servants  are  employed  in  their  house- 
holds to  perform  the  manual  labor  necessary 
to  be  done  in  a  pagan  city  ?  There  is  just  so 
much  to  be  done  every  day.  If  the  mission- 
ary must  practise  that  strict  economy  which 
would  deprive  him  of  these  helpers — he  leaves 
his  proper  vocation,  and  occupies  his  time  in 
duties  which  defeat  the  purpose  for  which  he 
was  sent. 

The  missionary  mother,  too,  perhaps  would 
gladly  do  with  one  servant  and  put  her  own 
shoulder  to  the  work — but  she  is  sensitive  to 


STANDARD   OF  EXCELLENCE.  119 

an  enervating  clime — she  has  no  school  where 
her  children  can  be  educated.  She  has  the 
same  feelings  and  anxiety  for  their  intellectual 
and  moral  culture,  with  the  happy  mothers  in 
America,  but  who  is  to  perform  the  office  of 
training,  to  whom  are  her  little  ones  to  look  ? 
All  these  responsibilities,  as  well  as  domestic 
cares,  devolve  on  her. 

Then  there  are  the  counteracting  influences 
of  heathenism  to  contend  with — these  press 
upon  a  mother's  heart,  and  He  who  listens  to 
the  raven's  cry,  knows  her  secret  sorrows  and 
anxieties  for  the  children  He  hath  given  her. 

The  idea  has  often  been  advanced,  that  the 
standard  of  missionary  excellence  is  higher 
than  that  of  the  Christian  at  home.  Ought  it 
to  be  so  ?  Is  such  a  standard  authorized  by 
the  New  Testament  ?  .  The  spirit  of  Christ  is 
perfect  benevolence  to  mankind.  His  exam- 
ple exhibited  this  principle  carried  out  in 
every-day  life.  It  strikes  at  the  root  of  all 
selfishness,  and  cannot  be  exemplified  except 
by  severe  self-denial.  Is  not  this  incumbent 
upon  the  whole  Church  of  Christ,  and  as  ne- 


120  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

cessary  for  tlie  disciple  in  christian,  as  in 
heathen  lands. 

The  world  now  is  one  large  commnnity, 
and  the  work  of  converting  the  nations  is  a 
great  enterprise,  calling  for  the  swift  and  speedy 
action  of  all  the  Eedeemer's  Church  on  earth. 
A  higher  standard  of  piety,  both  in  those  who 
go  abroad,  and  those  who  remain  at  home,  is 
necessary,  and  also  a  greater  spirit  of  self-sacri- 
fice in  such  as  hold  possessions  either  of  gold, 
or  silver,  or  lands,  or  what  is  dearer,  beloved 
sons  and  daughters. 

But  there  is  something  for  all  to  do,  and 
those  whose  sphere  is  at  home,  if  they  are 
faithful,  will  be  called  upon  to  perform  self- 
denying  duties;  aud  in  doing  so  they  are  as 
effectually  carrying  out  the  spirit  of  the  Ee- 
deemer's last  command,  as  those  who  go 
abroad. 

It  was  Autumn.  Our  first  Autumn  in 
Shanghai.  The  heat  of  July  and  August  had 
been  extreme.  The  thermometer  sometimes 
was  up  to  100  \  Often  had  we  been  driven 
to  the  court  of  our  dwelling  paved  with  tiles, 


UPPEK   APARTMENTS.  121 

and  there  under  a  punhah  whicli  one  of  tlie 
English  missionaries  had  given  us,  got  a  little 
relief  from  the  heated  roof  without  a  ceiling. 

The  upper  apartments  in  Chinese  houses, 
are  like  attic  rooms  in  our  dwellings  in  Amer- 
ica, only  not  so  well  finished  and  ventilated. 
The  tiles  become  so  heated,  they  are  like  ovens, 
and  with  a  press  of  missionary  duties,  writing, 
studying,  teaching,  &c.,  severe  nervous  head- 
aches frequently  ensue;  those  who  are  not 
afflicted  in  this  way,  have  attacks  of  ague  and 
fever,  but  with  dwellings  built  something  in 
American  style,  though  plain  and  simple,  with 
high  ceilings,  and  well  ventilated ;  the  climate 
of  Shanghai  need  not  be  feared  by  any  one 
wishing  to  labor  there. 


XIII. 

Murder  of  six  young  Englishmen — Employments  of 
Women  —  Deception  —  Degradations  of  Daughters — 
Wives  for  Converted  Chinese. 

It  was,  I  believe,  during  the  latter  part  of 
this  year,  or  early  in  1848,  that  Bishop  Boone 
had  secured  a  site  of  land  about  two  miles 
down  the  river,  on  the  northern  side.  Means 
had  been  furnished  by  a  benevolent  gentleman 
of  the  Episcopal  church,  for  the  erection  of 
premises  for  the  accommodation  of  the  school 
for  boys,  which  was  completed  early  the  en- 
suing summer ;  and  we  were  rejoiced  to  know 
that  our  friends,  and  their  little  ones,  who 
were  all  occupying  Chinese  dwellings,  were  to 
be  accommodated  and  enabled  to  prosecute 
their  assiduous  labors  in  a  locality  where  there 
was  a  free  circulation  of  good  fresh  air,  so  ne- 
cessary to  the  preservation  of  health  in  China. 


PARTY  ATTACKED.  123 

From  memoranda  early  in  the  year  1848,  tlie 
following  extract  will  show  the  feelings  of  the 
Cantonese  towards  foreigners. 

^^  Jany.  4:tJi. — Distressing  news  from  Canton 
have  reached  us,  which  verify  the  truth  of  that 
scripture,  '  The  tender  mercies  of  the  wicked 
are  cruel,'  as  well  as  show  the  rage  of  the 
heathen  against  the  foreigners. 

"  On  the  5th  of  December,  a  party  of  young 
gentlemen,  six  in  number,  all  Englishmen,  left 
Canton  for  a  pleasure  excursion, 

''  They  crossed  the  river  in  a  boat,  and  land- 
ed on  the  opposite  shore  for  a  walk.  They  had 
not  proceeded  far  on  their  way,  before  they 
were  surrounded  by  a  great  many  Chinese,  who 
attacked  them  with  violence,  and  killed  two 
of  their  number  immediately.  The  other  four 
fled,  and  were  pursued  through  the  village. 

"  Night  came  on,  and  these  young  men  not 
returning,  great  anxiety  was  felt  on  their  ac- 
count at  the  Factories.*  Morning  came,  they 
were  still  absent  from  their  places  of  business, 

*  Buildings  occupied  by  the  foreign  merchants,  both  as 
dwellings  and  places  of  business. 


124:  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

and  their  friends  went  in  pursuit.  The  search 
was  continued  three  days,  when  one  body, 
which  had  been  thrown  into  the  river,  was 
found  and  recognized.  This  led  to  the  dis- 
covery of  the  others.  It  was  at  length  ascer- 
tained that  all  had  been  murdered. 

"  The  four  above  alluded  to,  that  tried  to 
escape,  were  pursued  by  the  Chinese  from  vil- 
lage to  village,  secured  and  imprisoned  until  the 
7th  inst.,  and  then  barbarously  murdered.  It 
was  evident  from  the  marks  upon  their  bodies 
that  they  were  dreadfully  tortured. 

"It  is  said  that  one  young  man  offered 
$10,000  for  his  life.  Their  lifeless,  mangled 
corpses  were  taken  from  the  river,  and  one  ex- 
hibited forty-two  wounds. 

"  One  of  them  had  a  brother  in  Canton,  with 
whom  we  were  slightly  acquainted.  He  went 
unprotected  in  pursuit  of  the  absent  one,  pass- 
ing unmolested  over  the  same  ground,  where 
the  unhappy  victims  met  their  fate.  He  pass- 
ed within  fifty  yards  of  the  place  where  his 
brother  was  imprisoned.  As  he  walked  along 
begging  for  some  information  regarding  his 


MTJRBEEEKS  BEHEADED.         125 

brother,  the  Chinese  pretended  sympathy  in 
his  distress,  but  no  one  was  willing  or  had  the 
moral  courage  to  rescue  the  unhappy  English- 
man from  his  confinement.  Subsequently  he 
was  brought  out  and  murdered.  The  six 
bodies  were  afterwards  properly  interred  at 
Whampoa, 

"  These  things  were  reported  to  the  officers 
of  government,  the  case  was  examined,  search 
was  made  and  several  men  supposed  to  be  im- 
plicated in  the  affair  were  beheaded,  but 
whether  they  were  the  true  murderers  was  a 
matter  of  doubt  among  the  foreigners  resident 
at  Canton." 

Surveying  day  after  day,  the  moral  desola- 
tion around  us,  and  having  my  thoughts  par- 
ticularly directed  to  the  condition  of  my  own 
sex,  the  natural  result  was,  that  they  became 
embodied  in  form  and  shape,  and  were  pre- 
sented to  the  consideration  of  our  friends  in 
America,  who  we  thought  would  be  moved 
to  sympathy  and  action. 

From  some  of  these  letters,  I  will  make  ex- 
tracts. 


126  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

"  ISTothing  can  exceed  the  ignorance  and  the 
degradation  of  a  great  proportion  of  the  fe- 
males in  China.  Shut  up  and  crippled  from  their 
infancy,  the  higher  classes  spend  their  time  in 
the  decoration  of  their  persons,  the  amuse- 
ments of  the  theatre,  and  games  of  chance.  A 
little  embroidery,  perhaps,  may  occupy  a  small 
portion  of  their  time  ;  but  the  most  beautiful 
specimens  of  work  are  done  by  men ;  the 
women  are  astonishingly  deficient  in  the  use 
of  the  needle,  and  as  to  being  able  to  read 
their  own  language,  probably  not  one  in  a 
hundred,  even  of  the  better  class,  receive  any 
instruction  from  native  teachers. 

"  Parents  sometimes  destroy  their  female 
offspring  soon  after  birth,  and  in  cases  of  want, 
some  of  both  sexes  are  left  to  starvation  in  the 
streets.  All  this  seems  to  be  done  without 
compunction  of  conscience. 

Many  are  maimed,  to  be  made  beggars; 
their  eyes  are  put  out ;  a  foot  perhaps  ampu- 
tated ;  sometimes  children  are  exhibited  in  the 
streets,  apparantly  covered  with  small-pox,  to 
excite  pity,  and  extort  money.     You  examine 


DAtJGHTERS.  127 


the  child  and  it  is  all  a  deception ;  something  is 
put  upon  the  face  that  appears  like  the  disease, 
by  which  the  passer-by  is  deceived.  It  is  well 
known  that  the  Chinese  place  little  or  no  value 
upon  their  daughters  ;  and  if  questioned  as  to 
how  many  children  they  have,  they  answer 
according  to  the  number  of  their  sons,  omit- 
ting to  bring  their  daughters  into  the  account. 

I  once  asked  a  tailor,  "  Why  do  your  people 
always  rejoice  at  the  birth  of  a  son,  and  not 
at  the  birth  of  a  daughter?"  "Because  the 
girls  are  so  much  trouble  and  expense,  they 
cannot  work  and  get  money." 

Again  I  asked  an  officer  of  government, 
"  Why  do  you  not  teach  your  daughters  as 
well  as  your  sons  to  read?"  He  replied,  "It 
is  of  no  use."  I  said,  "Will  you  send  your 
little  daughter  to  me  to  be  taught  ?"  His  an- 
swer in  broken  English  was,  "No  can  do;" 
meaning  that  it  would  be  of  no  use.  •• 

The  higher  classes  there  are  not  yet  accessi- 
ble, but  "  to  the  poor  the  gospel  is  preached." 
At  about  ten  years  of  age  boys  are  sent  to  na- 
tive schools  to  learn  to  read  and  write ;  some 


128  DAUGHTERS   OF  CHINA. 

years  are  devoted  to  memorizing  their  ancient 
classics  without  explanation ;  they  are  then 
placed  where  the  characters  already  stored  in 
the  memory  are  explained,  and  the  course  of 
education  is  continued.  So  much  for  native 
teaching. 

Several  mission  schools  for  boys  are  already 
in  successful  operation,  and  some  in  which 
christian  ladies  are  exhausting  their  health 
and  strength.  The  undertaking  is  a  most 
laudable  one,  and  when  we  take  into  view  the 
leading  object  of  this  christian  instruction,  that 
of  raising  a  native  ministry,  it  is  hoped  it  will 
be  one  of  the  most  efficient  means  of  extending 
the  gospel  in  this  great  Empire. 

The  Chinese,  according  to  ancient  custom, 
make  arrangements  for  an  early  marriage  of 
their  sons.  Believing  as  we  do,  that  some  at 
least  of  these  lads  under  christian  training  in 
mission  schools,  will  be  made  savingly  ac- 
quainted with  the  truth,  where  are  they  to  find 
suitable  companions  to  sympathize  with  the 
new  views  they  obtain  from  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, unless  efforts  for  the  culture  of  the  fe- 


WANTS.  129 


male  mind  in  some  degree  keep  pace  with 
that  bestowed  upon  the  other  sex  ?  There  is 
but  one  alternative,  they  will  marry  idolatrous 
wives. 

Do  christian  ministers  in  our  native  land 
need  companions  of  known  and  sterling  piety 
to  aid  them  in  the  great  work  of  winning  souls 
to  Christ?  Then  what  are  the  wants  of  a  con- 
verted heathen?  How  much  more  does  he 
need  a  helper,  at  least  one  who  has  had  some 
christian  instruction. 


9 


XIV. 

Study  of  tlae  English  Language — Uncontrolled  Passion 
of  Women — Death  of  Quachung — A  Bright  Example. 

There  exists,  among  missionaries,  a  diver- 
sity of  opinion  in  regard  to  the  propriety  of 
teaching  the  English  language  in  Mission 
schools.  The  paucity  of  good  simple  books, 
for  primary  instruction  in  Chinese,  is  an  argu- 
ment in  favor  of  it,  and  as  all  intellectual  ac- 
quirements expand  and  improve  the  mind, 
those  who  are  trained  for  native  Teachers 
might  be  taught  the  English  language  in  addi- 
tion to  their  native  tongue,  but  as  a  general 
practice  we  do  not  favor  the  introduction  of 
our  language.  If  those  who  conduct  these 
schools  are  shut  up  to  the  use  of  Chinese  they 
will  make  far  greater  proficiency  in  the  ver- 
nacular, and  as  experience  develops  the  want 
of  suitable  books,  more  school  books  in  the 


ENGLISH   LANGUAGE.  131 

native  dialect  will  be  prepared  by  mission- 
aries. The  labor  of  teaching  English  to  a 
Chinese  is  very  great,  and  exhausting  to  the 
strength  and  energies.  There  are  terms  in 
their  own  language  abundant  for  imparting  a 
knowledge  of  the  simple  truths  of  the  gospel, 
and  this  is  what  they  need  and  must  have,  or 
perish  in  their  heathenism.  The  Chinese  who 
have  acquired  the  English  language,  when 
thrown  upon  their  own  resources,  are  strongly 
tempted  to  give  their  labors  and  their  influence 
to  the  service  of  the  government  or  to  engage 
in  mercantile  life.  Large  salaries  are  offered 
for  interpreters ;  they  have  families  to  support, 
perhaps  friends  to  assist — they  get  situations, 
the  influence  of  the  missionaries  is  lessened,  to 
say  the  least,  and  the  efforts  of  the  native  con- 
verts in  a  great  measure  lost  to  the  cause. 
/  Yery  few  Chinese  women  know  how  to  sew 
so  as  to  make  their  own  clothes.^  We  wish  to 
gather  female  children  into  schools  to  give 
them  habits  of  industry,  and  that  they  may 
acquire  skill  in  various  kinds  of  work.  The 
women  here  are  very  passionate.     Nothing  is 


132  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

more  common  than  domestic  broils,  whidi  are 
carried  to  a  fearful  extent.  Betrothed  at  an 
early  age,  the  marriage  is  founded  upon  the 
will  of  the  parents,  the  parties  have  no  choice 
in  the  matter ;  hence  they  must  be  often  un- 
suited  to  each  other. 

In  the  neighborhood  of  Wongka  Moda,  our 
ears  are  often  assailed  by  the  jarring  sounds 
of  discord,  and  it  is  the  voice  of  woman  frantic 
with  passion,  wearying  herself  in  the  use  of 
the  vilest  language,  just  for  the  sake  of  raving 
and  venting  her  feelings. 

One  reason  why  the  females  in  China  have 
claims  upon  the  commiseration  and  efforts  of 
Christians,  is  the  fact,  that  on  account  of  the 
despotic  influence  of  their  customs,  but  few, 
and  those  of  the  lower  and  middling  classes, 
can  be  brought  to  hear  the  gospel.  Who  does 
not  know,  and  in  our  happy  country  appre- 
ciate the  blessed  effects  of  early  culture  ?  The 
little  girls  Ah-yee  and  Alan  who  have  been 
under  instruction  but  a  few  months,  we  are 
well  satisfied  remember  and  understand  a  good 
deal  of  Dr.  Bridgman's  preaching  in  Chinese. 


LIGHTS    AND    SHADOWS.  133 

They  are  deeply  interested  in  Scripture  nar- 
ratives. 

At  tlie  recent  decease  of  two  missionaries 
with  whom  Ah-yee  was  acquainted  by  their 
frequent  visits  to  our  family,  she  inquired, 
"Have  they  gone  to  Heaven?  Will  they 
then  see  Jesus,  Adam,  Eve,  David,  and  Paul? 
"Where  will  my  teacher  go  when  she  dies?" 
(meaning  myself,)  then  she  said,  "  Will  I  go 
to  Heaven  if  I  believe  in  Jesus  ?'^ 

"■  January  17 th,  1848. — The  present  course  of 
our  existence  is  made  up  of  lights  and  shadows, 
storm  and  sunshine ;  this  appears  in  life  abroad, 
as  well  as  in  our  native  land.  As  a  counter- 
part to  the  sad  tragedy  at  Canton,  it  is  my 
sweet  privilege  to  introduce  other  incidents  ir- 
radiated with  the  blessed  influence  of  the  gos- 
pel of  our  dear  Redeemer,  and  exhibiting  some 
results  of  missionary  labor.- 

''The  mission-school  in  our  neighborhood 
has,  within  a  few  days,  been  bereaved  of  one 
of  the  pupils  who  has  been  under  instruction 
about  two  years.  A  greater  part  of  this 
period  he  has  been  afflicted  with  a  disease  of 


134:  DAFGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

the  heart,  and  at  one  time  his  mother  took 
him  home,  and  was  unwilling  that  he  should 
return  to  the  school,  but  by  the  persevering 
efforts  of  his  teachers  she  yielded  to  their 
wishes,  and  the  boy  resumed  his  place  under 
their  instruction.  His  disease  made  such 
progress,  that  study  was  relinquished,  and 
each  day  gave  sure  and  certain  evidence  that 
the  little  invalid  was  fast  passing  away.  The 
name  of  the  little  boy  was  Quachung — he  was 
about  eight  years  old.  'No  pains  were  spared 
by  his  kind  teachers  to  make  him  as  comfort- 
able as  circumstances  would  allow ;  but  it  was 
the  interests  of  his  soul  that  caused  them  the 
greatest  solicitude,  and  they  did  not  conceal 
from  him  that  his  sickness  would  probably 
terminate  in  early  death.  He  beheld  his  own 
little  frame  wasting  away  from  day  to  day. 
His  sufferings  were  such  that  he  required 
the  most  untiring  sympathy.  But  this  little 
boy  was  happy  ;  and  why  ?  what  was  the  se- 
cret of  this  happiness?  Let  him  solve  the 
problem  in  his  own  words,  '  I  do  not  believe 
in  the  worship  of  idols ;  but  I  love  Jesus ;  and 


QUACnUNG.  135 


because  he  has  been  so  good  to  me,  I  am  not 
afraid  to  die.'  " 

A  few  days  ago,  he  asked  to  be  baptized ; 
his  friends  being  satisfied  that  he  was  a  proper 
subject  for  that  ordinance,  we  accepted  an  in- 
vitation, and  with  the  members  of  the  mission 
assembled  in  his  Teacher's  private  parlor,  to 
join  in  the  services  of  the  occasion.  As  many 
of  the  boys  of  the  school  also  as  could  be  ac- 
commodated were  with  us.  Quachung,  pale 
and  emaciated,  was  supported  by  Miss  Jones, 
while  Bishop  Boone,  in  Chinese,  performed 
the  baptismal  service ;  and  afterwards  ad- 
dressed the  boys  present. 

The  countenance  of  the  little  sufferer  was 
so  composed,  his  behavior  so  like  a  Chris- 
tian, and  he  apparently  so  near  to  death,  that 
none  could  witness  it  and  not  be  moved.  Even 
manly  cheeks  were  suffused  with  tears.  It 
broke  up  the  deep  fountain  of  human  sym- 
pathy. Doubtless  the  angels,  those  "  minister- 
ing spirits,"  ever  on  the  wing,  were  witnesses 
of  the  scene,  and  desired  to  understand  the 
nature  of  that  faith  that  can  support  a  heathen 


136  DAUGHTEKS    OF    CHINA. 

child  in  sucTi  an  hour.  One  morning,  after  the 
baptism,  I  went  in  to  inquire  after  Quachung. 
He  was  sitting  in  a  chair,  attentively  listening 
to  the  instructions  of  Bishop  Boone,  while  he 
read,  in  Chinese,  the  23d  Psalm,  and  repeated 
the  precious  promise,  "  Though  I  walk  through 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear 
no  evil,  for  thou  art  v^ith  me,  thy  rod  and 
thy  staff  they  comfort  me."  The  countenance 
of  little  Quachung  was  calm  and  peaceful,  his 
glassy  eye  was  intently  fixed  upon  the  Bishop, 
while  he  was  conversing,  and  one  could  read 
the  inward  support  of  his  soul  from  the 
promise ;  he  was  receiving  the  "  kingdom  of 
God  as  a  little  child."  He  had  been  sitting 
quietly  in  Miss  Jones'  lap  for  some  time  with- 
out speaking ;  at  length,  raising  his  eyes,  and 
looking  directly  in  her  face,  he  said,  "My 
heart  rejoices."  "  Why,"  said  she,  "  does 
your  heart  rejoice  ?"  "  Because  I  am  not 
afraid  to  die,  I  love  Jesus,  I  am  going  to  Je- 
sus." My  services  were  requested  in  the  duty 
of  watching ;  it  was  the  night  when  the  sum- 


DEATH   OF    QrACHUNG.  137 

mons  came.  He  was  very  restless,  wishing  to 
be  taken  up  and  laid  down  at  very  short  in- 
tervals, and  to  have  his  mouth  moistened  con- 
stantly with  tea,  while  he  tried  to  converse. 
I  listened  attentively  to  understand,  and  as  he 
turned  his  eyes  upward  with  a  composed  and 
pleasant  expression,  I  distinguished  "  tien 
^ii;a??^,"  meaning,  "heaven's  light;"  I  asked, 
"Quachung,  do  you  see  light?"  he  responded, 
^' tierij''^  "heaven.'*  I  was  satisfied  that  he 
was  conscious  his  departure  was  near.  His 
teachers  were  much  fatigued,  and  I  forbore  to 
call  them ;  but  they,  awaking,  perceived  a 
change  in  his  voice,  and  were  instantly  by 
his  side.  They  thought  it  best  to  call  his 
mother,  she  came  to  his  bedside,  but  there 
was  no  recognition  by  the  boy.  She  imme- 
diately commenced  a  dreadful  wailing,  accord- 
ing to  Chinese  custom,  calling  the  spirit  to 
come  back  to  her  again,  but  that  spirit  was  on 
heavenly  wing  plumed  for  the  skies;  he 
heeded  not,  but  after  a  few  more  hours  of  dif- 
ficult breathing,  sweetly  passed  away  like  the 


138  DAITGHTEES  OF   CHIKA. 

setting  of  the  summer's  sun.  Sucli  are  tlie 
flowers  that  under  gospel-culture  are  watered 
in  heathen  soil,  and  then  transplanted  to  the 
paradise  of  God. 


XV. 

Ne-wYears  Festivities. — Escuxaion  to  "  the  Hills" — Mr. 
Spalding. — Loss  of  the  Coquette. 

The  winters  in  Shanghai  are  very  severe, 
and  it  is  almost  impossible  to  make  a  Chinese 
house  comfortable.  My  two  little  Canton 
girls,  and  myself,  wrapping  ourselves  up  in  all 
the  clothing  we  could  carry,  would  get  into 
the  sun's  rays,  in  a  room  with  a  southern  ex- 
posure, and  with  Liang  Ateh  for  our  teacher, 
pursue  our  studies  in  the  Canton  dialect,  read- 
ing and  writing  Chinese.  Those  hours  are  re- 
membered with  lively  interest. 

The  Chinese  New  Year  came,  and  we  had  a 
little  gathering  of  native  friends  to  dine. 

There  was  the  old  teacher,  (Dr.  Bridgman's 
assistant  in  translating,)  from  the  remote  prov- 
ince of  Szechuen.  He  was  a  Budhist,  and  the 
New  Year  happening  to  come  on  one  of  his 


140  DAUGHTEES   OF   CHmA. 

fast  days,  he  accepted  the  invitation,  but  said 
he  could  only  eat  certain  kinds  of  food ;  so 
we  had  his  own  dishes  of  vegetables  prepared 
for  him. 

We  also  had  a  young  couple,  not  long  since 
married ;  the  husband  was  a  printer  in  the  ser- 
vice of  the  London  Missionary  Society ;  the 
wife,  whose  name  was  Kit,  had  been  carefully 
educated  in  Miss  Aldersey's  school  at  Ningpo, 
and  both  were  hopefully  converted  to  the 
Christian  faith. 

Liang  Ateh,  Ah-yee,  Alan,  Dr.  Bridgman 
and  myself,  completed  our  party,  and  quite 
filled  our  plain  round  table. 

It  was  a  pleasant  occasion.  Our  guests,  all 
in  their  native  costume,  enjoyed  an  opportu- 
nity of  exchanging  their  sympathies  in  a  sit- 
uation somewhat  novel, — the  dwelling  of  a 
foreigner;  and  though  they  spoke  different 
dialects,  what  was  wanting  in  language,  was 
expressed  by  a  gratified,  cheerful  countenance. 
Spring  came,  and  with  it,  the  long  and 
heavy  rains,  everything  saturated  with  damp 
and  mould.     Our  Episcopal  friends  had  the 


ME.    SPALDING.  141 


prospect  of  more  comfortable  quarters  for  the 
hot  season.  The  boys'  school-house,  with  ac- 
commodations for  a  family,  were  early  made 
tenan table,  and  we  were  to  lose  our  pleasant 
neighbors. 

For  their  sakes  we  rejoiced,  though  it  left 
us  a  lone  family  in  the  midst  of  a  dense 
Chinese  population. 

The  Kev.  P.  D.  Spalding,  an  unmarried  mis- 
sionary, having  fitted  up  a  chapel,  at  Wonka- 
moda,  remained  there,  and  occupied  apart- 
ments adjacent  to  our  dwelling. 

He  had  a  hold  upon  the  people,  and  long 
will  the  influence  of  his  labors  and  his  godly 
example  be  felt,  not  only  by  the  Chinese,  but 
by  us,  who  set  a  high  estimate  upon  his  Chris- 
tian friendship.  His  missionary  career  was 
brief,  but  replete  with  those  labors  of  love, 
which  will  always  result  from  a  heart  wholly 
bent  upon  the  conversion  of  the  heathen. 

Under  date  of  December  12th,  1818,  I  have 
memoranda  of  an  excursion,  in  which  our 
dear  friend,  Mr.  Spalding,  was  one  of  the 
party. 


142  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

The  city  of  Shanghai,  and  the  country  sur- 
rounding it,  on  an  extensive  plain,  the  nearest 
hills  are  twenty  miles  distant,  and  to  the 
"  Hills"  the  residents  go  for  a  change.  They 
are  so  called  because  they  are  the  only  heights 
to  be  seen  in  this  part  of  China. 

Our  mode  of  travelling  is  quite  unlike  the 
unprecedented  speed  of  the  locomotive;  we 
cannot,  if  we  would,  rush  to  our  destination. 

A  boat  is  in  requisition,  that  must  be  rowed 
by  several  men ;  one  that  will  afford  us  lodg- 
ing ;  our  bedding  and  our  food  must  be  pre- 
pared and  taken  with  us,  and  a  rule  was  then 
in  force,  that  we  must  not  be  away  from  the 
city  over  one  day. 

We  commenced  our  little  journey  on  foot, 
Mr.  Spalding,  Ah-yee,  Alan,  Dr.  Bridgman  and 
myself 

"  It  was  a  pleasant  moonlight  evening,  and 
our  walk  lay  through  cultivated  fields  outside 
the  walls.  The  fresh  country  air  in  winter  is 
invigorating  to  those  who  are  always  confined 
in  cities.  The  distance  to  our  boat  being 
about  three  miles,  the  little  girls  and  myself, 


BOAT-EroE.  143 


alternately  walked  and  rode  in  the  Sedan 
cliair,  along  the  foot-path  through  the  field." 

As  soon  as  we  reached  the  boat,  we  went  to 
rest,  and  when  the  tide  served  we  were  on  our 
way. 

Our  boat- ride  continued  through  the  night ; 
and  the  next  morning,  we  found  ourselves  on 
the  canal,  passing  through  a  number  of  vil- 
lages, the  houses  of  which  were  built  on  the 
bank  near  the  water's  edge. 

''  The  whole  country  is  crossed  by  natural 
channels  and  artificial  canals.  We  reached  a 
place  for  landing  about  ten  o'clock.  A  large 
extent  of  cultivated  fields  was  spread  out  be- 
fore us,  which  we  must  cross  before  we  reached 
the  place  of  ascent. 

''  The  hills  are  ten  or  more  in  number,  rang- 
ing in  height  from  two  hundred  to  three  hun- 
dred feet.  The  scenery  around  them  is  truly 
beautiful  and  picturesque.  Temples,  dedicated 
to  the  worship  of  false  gods,  are  built  on  the 
sides  and  the  summits  of  these  hills,  from 
which  you  can  look  down  on  populous  villages 
below. 


144  DAFGIITEKS   OF   CHINA. 

"  Althougli  the  air  was  very  cold,  the  sun 
was  so  warm,  that  an  umbrella  was  needed  for 
protection.  As  we  passed  along,  not  only  the 
peasantry,  but  some  of  the  higher  classes,  men, 
women  and  children,  came  out  from  their 
houses  to  see  the  foreigners.  They  manifested 
as  much  curiosity  as  the  Cantonese. 

"  I  spoke  to  them  kindly,  told  them  we  had 
come  there  for  recreation.  On  hearing  me 
speak,  one  little  child,  in  his  father's  arms, 
screamed  out  with  fright,  and  hid  his  head ;  I 
tried  to  pacify  him  with  an  orange,  and  then 
the  whole  group  burst  into  a  fit  of  laughter. 

"  Dr.  Bridgman  and  Mr.  Spalding  employ- 
ed themselves  in  distributing  Christian  books, 
and  talking  to  the  people. 

"After  a  long,  but  pleasant  walk,  crossing 
several  little  bridges  over  the  canals,  we  reach- 
ed the  foot  of  the  Tien-ma-Shan,  or  heavenly 
horses'  mountain,  and  commenced  the  ascent. 
We  were  followed  by  a  crowd  of  people.  The 
little  girls,  I  left  in  the  boat,  in  the  care  of  a 
trusty  servant,  thinking  the  fatigue  would  be 
too  great  for  them. 


HILL. 


145 


"On  this  hill  there  are  two  temples,  one 
about  halfway  tip,  and  the  other  at  the  sum- 
mit. There  is  also  a  leaning  pagoda,  very 
ancient  in  its  appearance.  Eeaching  this,  Mr. 
Spalding  and  all  the  crowd  who  accompanied  us, 
halted,  and  he,  in  imitation  of  his  master,  Jesus 
Christ,  preached  the  gospel  to  the  multitude. 

*'  We  then  continued  the  ascent,  and  were 
glad  on  reaching  the  top,  to  seat  ourselves  in 
the  outer  court  of  the  temple  and  partake  of 
some  tea,  brought  by  a  priest  of  Budha. 

"  From  the  brow  of  this  hill,  we  enjoyed  a 
view  of  a  beautiful  landscape.  Before  us  was 
spread  a  cultivated  plain  of  great  extent, 
crossed  by  canals  and  serpentine  foot  paths, 
dotted  here  and  there  with  little  groves  of 
trees,  enclosed  by  a  bamboo  fence.  These 
were  cemeteries  for  the  dead.  On  the  right 
and  left  were  thickly  settled  villages.  Far  in 
the  distance  was  to  be  seen  the  city  of  Sung- 
kiang-foo,  which  was  marked  by  its  pagodas. 
The  day  was  rather  hazy,  or  probably  we 
might  have  discerned  the  great  city  of  Suchan, 
the  '  Paris  of  China.'  " 

10 


146  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 


Save  the  marks  of  idolatry,  whicli  met  the 
eye  at  every  turn,  it  reminded  me  of  the  view 
from  Catskill  mountain.  The  handy -work  of 
God  is  beautiful  and  glorious. 

"  We  descended  the  steep  side  of  the  hill, 
which  shortened  our  walk  to  the  boat.  We 
returned  to  Shanghai,  and  reached  home  early 
the  following  morning,  not  exceeding  the  limits 
of  the  regulation  of  being  absent  only  one  day." 

Our  friend,  Mr.  Spalding,  at  this  time  was 
troubled  with  a  cough,  which  continued  to  in- 
crease during  the  winter  and  spring,  accom- 
panied with  spitting  blood.  Early  in  the  sum- 
mer, he  joined  his  friends  at  the  mission-house, 
to  enjoy  purer  air,  but  failing  to  regain  his 
strength,  he  embarked  in  the  Coquette,  during 
the  month  of  August,  for  Hong  Kong,  on  his 
way  to  the  United  States. 

The  vessel  encountered  a  terrible  typhoon. 
The  last  tidings  of  her  was,  that  she  was  report- 
ed as  being  in  the  best  condition  to  ride  out 
the  gale,  but  was  never  heard  of  more. 

Dr.  Bridgman  and  myself  had  the  pleasr 
ure  of  knowing  him  intimately.      His  devo- 


LOSS   OF   MR.    SPALDING.  147 


tion  and  zeal  in  the  missionary  work,  his  self- 
denial  and  deep  personal  interest  in  the  Chi- 
nese, his  untiring  efforts  in  acquiring  the  lan- 
guage, and  his  success  in  winning  the  souls 
of  the  heathen,  during  his  short  career  of  ser- 
vice, are  strong  evidences  how  worthy  he  was 
of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him,  and  raise  an 
imperishable  monument  above  the  waves  that 
were  commissioned  to  engulf  his  mortal  taber- 
nacle. 


XVI. 

ComrDencement  of  a  ScTiool — Asan — A  Cheerless  Home 
— Propitiatory  Offerings. 

During  the  year  1849  it  was  determined 
that  the  Committee  of  Eevision  should  prose- 
cute their  labors  until  the  Old  Testament 
should  be  completed.  As  this  arrangement 
postponed  our  return  to  Canton,  to  an  indefi- 
nite period,  a  resolution  was  formed  with  my 
husband's  approbation  to  carry  out  our  plans 
of  usefulness  in  Shanghai. 

By  correspondence,  friends  in  America  were 
interested  in  the  establishment  of  a  school  of 
Chinese  girls,  and  encouragement  was  received 
from  them  that  means  would  be  provided  for 
the  support  of  the  pupils. 

During  the  early  part  of  1850,  the  prelimi- 
nary measures  were  commenced,  to  enlist  the 
co-operation  of  parents  in  the  neighborhood. 


SCHOOL  FOR  GERLS.  149 

The  plan  was  one  with  which  I  was  quite 
familiar,  having  had  in  my  native  land,  consid- 
erable experience  in  obtaining  Sunday  School 
scholars.  The  two  little  girls  and  myself  com- 
menced a  series  of  visits  at  Wongka  Moda, 
from  door  to  door.  Ah-yee  and  Alan  were 
the  pioneers.  I  had  devoted  little  or  no  atten- 
tion to  the  Shanghai  dialect,  but  they  from 
hearing  it  spoken,  had  acquired  a  little,  and 
acted  as  interpreters. 

The  sight  of  these  two  clean  looking  native 
children  always  secured  our  introduction  to 
the  family.  The  little  ones  we  called  to  see 
would  sometimes  run  and  hide,  lest  the  for- 
eigners should  carry  them  off,  but  the  mothers 
were  exceedingly  pleased  with  the  two  Canton 
girls,  and  Ah-yee  in  particular  was  of  great 
assistance  in  making  known  the  object  of  these 
visits.  For  some  time  it  was  our  daily  prac- 
tice to  devote  the  afternoon  of  each  day  to 
this  purpose. 

The  15th  of  April  was  determined  upon, 
for  carrying  out  the  plan.  At  first  it  was 
only   a   day  school.      We   had    then  no  ac- 


150  DArGHTEKS   OF   CHINA. 

commodation  for  boarders,  and  had  only  one 
small  lower  room  that  would  hold  but  about 
twelve  pupils. 

The  plan  was  simply  to  teach  them  to  read 
and  write  their  own  language,  by  a  native 
master.  The  religious  instruction  was  given 
on  the  Sabbath  by  Chai,  a  native  convert,  and 
Dr.  Bridgman  occasionally  rendered  such  as- 
sistance; as  his  duties  in  the  business  of  trans- 
lation would  permit. 

After  their  daily  lessons  were  learned,  we 
agreed  to  allow  them  at  12  o'clock,  one  meal 
consisting  of  rice  and  vegetables.  The  first 
object  was  to  gain  their  confidence,  and  in 
order  to  do  this,  for  a  few  days  I  exercised 
only  a  general  oversight,  not  obtruding  my- 
self upon  their  notice  too  much;  and  often 
making  Ah-yee  the  medium  of  communication. 
No  English  was  taught.  By  this  regulation  a 
much  better  opportunity  was  afforded  me  of 
acquiring  the  colloquial  dialect. 

The  15th  of  April  came,  but  it  was  a  rainy 
day,  and  so  were  the  two  following.  The 
next   day  was  pleasant,  and   two   Shanghai 


OPIUM-SMOKING.  151 


girls  entered  the  school.  One  about  seven 
years  old,  docile,  gentle,  and  confiding,  the  other 
twelve  years  of  age,  timid,  sad,  and  distrustful. 

The  next  day,  several  more  came  to  be  en- 
tered as  scholars.  Ah-yee  and  Alan  learned  to 
speak  the  dialect  rapidly,  and  took  a  great 
interest  in  the  children.  They  were  enabled 
daily  to  give  me  much  information  respecting 
the  habits  of  the  pupils  and  the  state  of  their 
families. 

Two  of  the  most  prevalent  evils  we  have  to 
overcome,  are  the  practice  of  using  vile  lan- 
guage, and  opium  smoking.  One  fine  looking 
girl  of  fourteen  years  entered  the  school,  and 
after  studying  one  day  she  was  reported  next 
morning  as  being  surfeited  with  opium,  and 
her  father,  and  mother,  with  their  other  chil- 
dren, were  in  the  same  condition. 

Some  time  afterwards,  in  visiting  the  neigh- 
borhood, I  saw  Asan  (for  that  was  her  name) 
among  a  crowd  of  vagrant  women  and  children, 
who  had  gathered  around  to  gaze  and  make 
remarks  on  me.  She  was  pale,  haggard,  and 
filthy.     Those  who  are  long  accustomed  to  use 


152  DAUGHTERS   OF  CHINA. 

the  drug,  exhibit  a  cadaverous  countenance, 
and  an  emaciated  frame. 

During  the  intermission  some  amusements 
were  provided,  and  it  was  pleasing  to  see  Ah- 
yee's  efforts  to  make  her  companions  enjoy 
themselves  and  be  happy. 

In  a  month  the  little  room  was  too  small, 
and  we  moved  into  an  open  court  with  a  tile 
floor,  which  formed  the  entrance  to  our  dwell- 
ing. The  assistance  of  a  native  woman  was 
obtained  two  afternoons  in  the  week,  to  teach 
them  to  make  shoes  and  sew  in  native  style. 
Ah-yee  and  Alan,  small  though  they  were, 
took  charge  of  the  knitting  department,  and 
made  very  good  assistants. 

On  the  Sabbath  we  invited  the  mothers  and 
other  relatives  to  come  into  the  court,  and  the 
pious  native,  Chai,  came  and  examined  the 
children,  and  in  their  own  dialect  explained 
to  them  the  gospel. 

Within  the  first  month  we  were  made  grate- 
ful and  happy,  by  the  receipt  of  £42  from  a 
lady  in  Philadelphia.  On  perusing  the  letter, 
the  tears  fell  from  my  eyes.     Ah-yee  asked 


FONG-DONGS.  153 


me  what  was  the  matter  ?  I  told  her  that  I  wept 
for  joy,  and  explained  the  subject  of  the  letter 
to  her.  We  set  up  our  Ebenezer,  and  said, 
"Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us." 

During  this  time,  a  promising  little  girl  of 
seven  years  was  suddenly  removed  by  death. 
Until  the  last ,  she  was  heard  prattling  about 
her  work,  her  fong-dongs,  and  her  teachers. 
The  term  fong-dongs  is  applied  to  square  pieces 
of  red  paper,  on  each  of  which  is  written  one 
large  character.  The  small  children  commit 
to  memory  four  of  these  daily;  when  they 
have  learned  five  or  six  hundred,  a  book  is 
put  into  their  hands. 

Our  visits  were  continued  among  the  par- 
ents, especially  if  any  were  sick,  or  needed 
medicine.  It  was  very  necessary  to  inspire 
them  with  confidence,  and  the  way  to  do  this 
seemed  to  be,  to  look  in  upon  their  poor  dwell- 
ings, which  are  mere  hovels,  and  show  them  that 
we^ wished  to  act  the  part  of  friends.  On  these 
occasions,  a  crowd  was  sure  to  follow,  because 
the  foreigner  is  always  a  curiosity,  and  some- 
times regarded  with  suspicion.   A  few  extracts 


154  DAIJGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

from  memoranda  kept  at  that  time  will  illus- 
trate the  condition,  of  the  people. 

"  May  ZlsL — On  returning  home  to-day  from 
a  weekly  missionary  meeting,  I  met  a  scholar 
who  had  been  several  days  absent.  I  joined 
her  in  her  walk,  and  she  led  me  through  an 
obscure  street  not  far  from  our  own  door. 
Presently  another  pupil  accosted  us  ;  they 
both  accompanied  me  through  several  turns 
of  this  lane,  till  we  arrived  at  a  large 
mound  of  dirt  and  filth  (of  which  there  are 
many  in  Shanghai),  and  behind  this  was  their 
home.  The  mother  of  the  first  child  accosted 
me  pleasantly  at  the  door,  and  immediately 
representatives  from  a  dozen  families  gathered 
together  to  gaze  at  the  spectacle  of  a  foreign 
lady.  Satisfactory  reasons  being  given  for 
the  child's  absence  from  school,  I  turned  to 
thread  my  way  back  again.  It  was  nearly 
dark.  The  two  little  girls  with  all  confidence 
took  me  by  the  hand,  begged  me  to  be  careful 
and  not  soil  my  dress,  and  conducted  me  safe- 
ly home.  Two  months  ago,  these  children 
were  afraid  of  me." 


VISITS.  155 


"  June  11th. — Hearing  that  some  pupils 
from  a  distance  were  ill,  I  took  a  Sedan  to- 
day, and  proceeded  to  the  west  gate  of  the 
city.  The  morning  was  bright  and  fair ;  the 
distance  in  the  country  outside  the  walls  was 
two  miles.  The  farmers,  men  and  women, 
were  busy  in  the  fields.  The  sun  came  out  in 
all  his  strength,  and  the  distance  was  so  much 
farther  than  we  supposed,  I  was  afraid  my 
bearers  would  give  out,  and  after  all  feared  it 
was  a  vain  search  ;  but  our  faithful  guide,  who 
threads  his  way  into  any  place  where  duty 
calls,  persevered,  and  at  length  we  arrived  at 
a  place  where,  probably,  no  foreigner  was  ever 
seen  before.  We  had  to  trample  over  the 
half-threshed  grain  to  get  inside  a  mere  hovel 
or  shelter,  and  for  a  few  moments  our  eyes 
were  so  blinded  by  the  external  glare,  that  we 
could  discern  no  object;  but  as  the  family 
gathered  around  us,  from  the  grandmother  to 
the  child  in  the  lap,  they  said  we  would  pres- 
ently see  within,  and  that  both  the  girl  and 
her  mother  were  very  ill. 

Oh  what  a  comfortless  abode!     It  was  a 


156  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 


very  warm  morning ;  there  lay  two  invalids, 
on  one  bed,  sick  of  a  fever — near  them  was  a 
small  furnace,  with  some  native  medicine  in  a 
course  of  preparation.  They  were  addressed 
in  Chinese,  but  there  was  no  recognition. 
Weakness  and  delirium  prevented. 

This  woman  was  accustomed  to  work  in 
the  fields,  and  had  brought  to  our  residence 
several  times,  beautiful  specimens  of  the 
Grevel  Eose,  to  show  that  she  appreciated  the 
interest  we  had  taken  in  her  children.  Her 
present  sickness  was  unto  death.  The  daugh- 
ter in  about  two  months  recovered  and  paid 
a  visit  to  the  school. 

"  June  20th. — The  old  teacher  is  absent  from 
sickness.  "With  the  assistance  of  Ah-yee  and 
Alan,  who  are  in  advance  of  the  other  pupils, 
the  school  has  been  conducted  during  his  ab- 
sence of  some  days. 

"  The  seamstress,  who  instructs  the  girls  in 
making  shoes,  and  their  clothing  generally,  in- 
forms me,  that  there  is  a  female  to  be  obtained 
who  understands  the  written  character,  and  is 
qualified  to  teach.     She  has  promised  an  in- 


SEAMSTEES8.  157 


terview,  with  the  hope  that  her  services  may 
be  obtained. 

"  This  seamstress  says,  '  The  ladies  who  come 
from  other  countries  all  know  how  to  read  and 
write,  but  the  poor  Shanghai  women  do  not. 
They  have  to  work  all  the  time,  and  have  no 
opportunity  to  learn.'  As  she  said  this,  there 
was  something  in  the  expression  of  her  coun- 
tenance that  told  a  truth  which  she  seemed  to 
feel :  the  great  difference  between  the  Chinese 
female  and  the  English  or  American  lady. 

^^Juhj  1st. — More  scholars,  notwithstanding 
the  continued  rain  which  is  daily  falling  in  tor- 
rents. The  children  seem  very  happy  to  come 
to  school,  and  all  who  have  the  wooden  clogs 
and  overshoes,  with  heavy  nails  in  the  soles, 
are  punctual  in  their  attendance. 

"  4ith. — The  old  teacher  is  dead.  He  had 
learned  a  little  of  the  doctrines  of  Jesus,  and 
professed  to  be  an  inquirer  after  truth.  Many 
are  daily  falling  victims  to  the  sickness,  a  spot- 
ted fever.  The  gods  are  invoked,  and  special 
sacrifices  made  to  stay  the  pestilence.  Some 
of  the  little  girls  were   asked  whether  they 


158  DArGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

went  to  the  temples  to  worsMp  ?  The  answer 
was,  '  'No,  father  and  mother  go,  but  we  do 
not,  because  we  are  afraid  of  the  big  gods.' 

"  Aug,  Sd, — To-day  we  were  much  gratified 
with  a  visit  from  a  Chinese  lady,  who  knows 
both  how  to  read  and  write.  She  is  a  widow, 
about  forty  years  of  age,  and  supports  herself 
by  teaching  a  little  school,  of  twelve  or  four- 
teen pupils,  near  the  east  gate  of  the  city.  She 
is  the  first  woman  we  have  met  who  is  able  to 
read. 

"  Several  christian  books  were  put  into  her 
hands  by  my  husband,  which  she  read  fluent- 
ly.    She  professes  the  Budhistic  faith." 


Residence  of  Dr.  Brid^'eina;i,  WaHku-Moc 


XVII. 

Another  Dwelling  —  Illness — Safbath.  Service  —  Glass 
Windows — Death  of  a  Pupil — Acquiring  the  Lan- 
guage—Binding the  Feet— "Visit  of  Mr.  Olyphant — 
Encouragement — The  Eortune-teller — A  Sad  Trial. 

During  the  montli  of  August,  we  secured 
an  adjacent  dwelling,  vacated  by  the  family 
of  the  Eev.  B.  Jenkins,  missionary  of  the 
Methodist  Board.  The  two  buildings  were 
connected  and  made  easily  accessible  by  a 
heavy  plank,  from  the  terrace  of  one  to  the 
window  of  the  other,  across  a  narrow  street, 
about  eight  feet  wide. 

Having  thus  enlarged  our  premises,  in  order 
that  we  might  accommodate  boarding-pupils, 
our  plans  for  a  time  were  interrupted  by  the 
sudden  and  unlooked-for  illness  of  my  dear 
husband.  It  was  an  attack  of  fever,  which 
rapidly  prostrated  his  strength. 


160  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

The  weather  was  oppressive,  and  our  sleep- 
ing apartment  was  in  the  school-house,  im- 
mediately beneath  the  roof  of  tiles.  Hap- 
pily that  season  we  had  a  supply  of  ice.  The 
free  use  of  this  luxury,  and  the  prompt  and 
kind  attentions  of  Dr.  "William  Lockhart,  of 
the  London  Missionary  Society,  who  was  one 
of  Dr.  Bridgman's  tried  friends,  of  seventeen 
years  standing,  with  the  blessing  of  our  Heav- 
enly Father,  stayed  the  hand  of  disease,  and 
the  fever,  though  violent  in  its  attack,  did  not 
run  many  days.  It  was,  however,  several 
weeks  before  his  usual  strength  returned,  and 
before  he  was  able  to  resume  his  duties  in  the 
business  of  translation. 

In  consequence  of  my  husband's  illness,  the 
day-school  was  continued  in  the  open  court  of 
our  first  dwelling,  where  we  also  held  our 
Sabbath  services. 

The  following  extracts  will  illustrate  the 
progress  of  our  work. 

^^  August  12th. — Yesterday  (Sabbath)  there 
were  nine  women  present,  at  worship.  These, 
with  the  school  and  domestics,  made  quite  a 


A   MONTH.  161 


congregation.  Indeed,  the  court  was  full.  Our 
native  christian  friend,  Chai,  attends  regularly, 
examines  the  children,  and  then  talks  to  them 
on  the  plain  and  simple  doctrines  of  the 
gospel. 

"  l^th. — The  weather  is  excessively  warm, 
the  children  had  their  choice,  either  to  have  a 
few  days'  holiday,  or  to  come  very  early  in  the 
morning,  learn  their  lessons,  have  their  rice, 
and  return  before  the  heat  of  the  day.  They 
preferred  to  come,  and  all  seem  very  happy." 

Under  date  of  September  15th,  1850,  there 
is  a  view  of  the  month  expressed  as  follows : — 

''During  the  last  four  weeks  there  have 
been  some  changes  in  our  school  of  Chinese 
girls.  We  have  removed  from  the  court  with 
a  tile  floor  to  the  inner  apartment  in  the  next 
house,  with  a  board  floor.  This  house  having 
been  previously  occupied  by  difierent  mission- 
ary families,  we  have  the  benefit  of  their  im- 
provements. Instead  of  Chinese  shutters,  with 
oyster-shell,  as  a  medium  for  light,  we  have 
two  large  windows  with  panes  of  glass,  and  as 
these  windows  open  to  the  south  upon  a  lot 
11 


162  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

of  vacant  ground,  devoted  to  baskets  of  in- 
digo, belonging  to  some  traders  on  the  street, 
we  feel  almost  as  if  we  were  in  the  country. 

"  The  soft  summer  breezes  and  the  bright 
sunlight  find  access  to  cheer  and  invigorate  us. 
The  eye  can  rest  upon  the  blue  vault  of 
Heaven  and  those  '  swift- winged  messengers,' 
the  clouds ;  the  birds  delight  us  with  their 
melody  ;  and  the  children  seem  inspired  with 
the  pleasant  influence  of  nature's  voice." 

Having  now  possession  of  the  anticipated 
accommodations,  the  pupils  were  informed 
that  we  were  prepared  to  receive  ten  or  twelve 
girls  into  the  family.  There  were  three  who 
had  attended  as  day-scholars,  who  expressed  a 
wish  to  come,  but  their  parents  objected,  and 
preferred  to  give  them  other  employment; 
consequently  they  were  removed  from  the 
school. 

One  interesting  little  girl  has  died  of  the 
prevailing  epidemic.  After  she  had  been  ill  a 
fortnight  or  more,  her  mother  called  at  our 
house,  and  asked  for  medicine.  She  wished 
me  to  accompany  her  home  to  see  the  child. 


SICK   CHILD.  163 


Not  understanding  the  nature  of  her  sickness, 
I  went. 

After  a  long  walk,  I  entered  a  low  dwelling, 
with  no  floor  but  the  earth,  and  the  mother, 
after  requesting  me  to  be  seated,  on  a  narrow 
bench,  brought  out  the  child  on  her  shoulder. 
She  could  scarcely  speak.  From  her  appear- 
ance the  case  seemed  hopeless,  and  it  was  in- 
expedient to  give  our  medicine,  lest  if  she  died, 
her  death  should  be  attributed  to  the  foreign 
influence.  A  little  money  was  handed  her  to 
get  some  native  remedies,  with  the  hope  that 
she  might  find  relief;  but  she  lived  only  a  day 
or  two. 

The  mother  remarked  that  "  the  native  doc- 
tors would  not  come  to  see  her  because  she  had 
no  money  to  pay  them." 

'•'■  September  22>d. — Eeceived  a  note  to-day 
from  the  father  of  one  of  the  pupils,  begging 
we  would  cure  him  of  smoking  opium.  We 
returned  a  reply  that  our  country  did  not  pro- 
duce the  drug,  therefore  we  had  no  medicine 
for  it ;  but  recommended  him  not  to  purchase 


164  DAUGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

the  article,  and  then  he  would  not  eat  it,  and 
that  would  be  a  certain  cure." 

The  regulation  of  our  Chinese  family  was 
quite  different  from  our  day-school.  The  ma- 
tron, who  had  become  quite  a  necessary  fixture 
to  the  establishment;  after  much  conversation 
with  her  friends,  at  length,  got  their  consent 
to  come,  with  her  three  small  children,  and  oc- 
cupy a  lower  apartment  in  the  house. 

The  people  around  us  were  quite  at  a  loss 
for  some  months  to  understand  the  motives 
that  influenced  us.  Some  thought  that  we 
wished  eventually  to  take  their  children 
"  away  to  the  foreign  country."  Such  parents 
would  not  consent  to  bind  them  to  us.  Oth- 
ers appeared  to  understand  that  we  wished  to 
benefit  them  by  teaching  the  doctrines  of  Je- 
sus, and  were  willing  to  try  the  experiment  at 
least,  for  three  or  four  years. 

The  time  allowed  for  the  study  of  the  dialect, 
was  extremely  limited ;  sometimes  an  hour, 
sometimes  a  half-hour,  and  other  days  none  at 
all ;  but  the  little  time  the  supervision  of  the 
pupils,  domestic  duties,  and  the  assistance  due  to 


COLLOQUIAL   DIALECT.  165 

my  husband  permitted,  was  spent  in  acquiring 
religious  terms  and  phrases.  Daily  intercourse 
with  the  Chinese,  enables  one  to  gain  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  art  of  conversation,  and  the  tones 
with  which  words  are  uttered,  more  readily 
than  the  study  of  books. 

Some  missionary  preachers  devote  their  at- 
tention almost  entirely  to  the  colloquial  di- 
alect, and  none  are  better  understood,  or  more 
acceptable  to  the  Chinese. 

This  school  brought  to  our  dwelling  many 
Chinese  visitors  in  humble  life  ;  Christian 
courtesy  required  me  to  try  at  least,  to  con- 
verse with  them.  It  was  necessary  to  become 
a  little  child  to  learn  to  speak  this  unknown 
tongue  ;  and  all  our  efforts  were  made  pleasant 
by  witnessing  the  happiness  conferred  upon 
these  poor  heathen. 

To  listen  to  the  sweet  songs  of  Zion,  from 
the  lips  of  pagan  children ;  to  see  them  bow- 
ing down  in  prayer  before  Jehovah,  the  only 
God  of  Heaven  and  Earth,  to  be  instrumental 
in  guiding  them  in  such  a  service,  is  a  privilege 
that  Gabriel  might  desire  to  share. 


166  DATJGHTEES   OF    CHINA. 

Most  of  the  pupils  who  entered  our  family 
as  boarders,  had  their  feet  already  compressed. 
To  this  prevalent  custom  there  were  some  ex- 
ceptions ;  at  least  their  feet  had  not  been  long 
bound,  and  there  were  five  or  six  whose  parents 
were  persuaded  to  let  them  remain  without 
being  bandaged. 

This  is  a  most  barbarous  practice,  but  it  has 
such  a  strong  hold  upon  the  people  that  it  will 
be  a  long  time  before  it  will  be  relinquished. 

Our  ears  are  often  assailed  by  the  cries  of 
children  who  are  suffering  from  compression. 
In  the  higher  classes  this  process  commences 
very  early,  at  four  or  five  years  of  age.  The 
elder  women  are  called  upon  to  do  it.  The 
four  toes  on  each  foot  are  bent  completely 
under,  and  then  a  long  fold  of  bandage  is  put 
on,  which  is  tightened  every  three  or  four 
days.     The  pain  is  very  severe. 

This  fashion  is  the  mark  of  a  lady,  and  con- 
sidered indispensable  to  a  suitable  betrothal, 
which  also  takes  place  early.  A  girl  whose 
feet  are  permitted  to  grow  to  the  usual  size, 
would  not  be  selected  as  the  wife.     She  may 


D.    W.    C.    OLTPHA^T.  167 


be  bought  for  a  sum  of  money  if  slie  have  a 
pretty  face,  for  the  second,  third,  or  fourth 
wife,  but  the  large  feet  affect  her  rank  serious- 
ly in  domestic  life,  and  hence  the  prevalence 
of  the  custom  in  the  middling  and  lower 
classes. 

During  this  Autumn  (1850)  we  were  favored 
with  a  visit  from  D.  W.  C.  Olyphant,  Esq.,  at 
Shanghai.      This  gentleman  being  an  early 
friend  of  my  husband  and  a  warm  supporter 
of  the  missionary  cause,  it  cannot  be  inappro- 
priate to  make  brief  allusion  to  his   happy 
influence  in  the  East.     During  his  stay  we 
secured  a  weekly  visit  at  our  remote  residence 
at  Wongka-Moda,  and  had  an  opportunity  of 
witnessing  and  enjoying  the  deep  tone  of  his 
piety.    It  was  of  no  ordinary  stamp.    He  lived 
with  Heaven  in  view.    We  did  not  know  then 
that  he  was  so  near  the  goal.     We  cannot  for- 
get the  last  evening  he  passed  with  us,  and 
the  fervent  prayer  he  offered  for  the  work  of 
missions.     His  was  a  faith  that  took  hold  on 
the  promises,  and  anchored  within  the  veil. 
With  such  earnestness  and  sincerity  did  he 


168  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

plead,  that  those  who  were  bowed  with  him 
before  the  throne,  were  carried  up  in  spirit, 
and  borne  forward  to  reahze  the  fulfilment  of 
merciful  provisions  for  giving  the  blessed  gos- 
pel to  the  Chinese. 

Such  visits  from  Christian  laymen  do  great 
good;  they  encourage  the  hearts  of  mission- 
aries living  immediately  among  a  heathen  peo- 
ple, and  daily  feeling  the  withering  influence 
of  heathen  customs  and  superstition. 

We  anticipated  much  from  Mr.  Olyphant's 
return  to  America,  and  the  interest  he  would 
create  for  China,  but  He  "  whose  thoughts  are 
not  as  our  thoughts,"  had  higher  employments 
for  his  chaste  and  purified  spirit,  and  in  June 
of  the  next  year,  having  reached  Cairo  on  his 
way  home,  he  ceased  from  his  labors,  and  as 
we  believe  entered  into  that  "  rest  which  re- 
maineth  for  the  people  of  God." 

The  closing  month  of  this  year  brought  with 
it  a  new  and  unexpected  trial. 

Yery  suddenly  one  bright  morning  the  for- 
tune-teller from  Canton  presented  himself. 

The  object  of  his  errand,  like  an  electric 


ay-yee's  eeturn  home.  169 

shock  flashed  upon  my  mind,  our  dear  Ah-yee 
must  return  to  her  heathen  home.  She  had 
been  with  us  four  years  ;  was  so  grown  and 
altered  her  father  scarcely  knew  her,  but  seem- 
ed much  pleased  at  her  improvement.  There 
was  no  alternative,  and  we  must  submit. 

The  parents  of  the  lad  to  whom  she  was 
betrothed  insisted  upon  her  return,  that  her 
feet  might  be  compressed,  and  she  made  ready 
for  marriage,  which  will  probably  take  place 
when  she  arrives  at  the  age  of  sixteen. 

Their  passage  was  secured,  and  the  child 
was  prepared  with  an  aching  heart,  for  a  speedy 
departure.  She  begged  me  not  to  weep  when 
we  parted ;  said  she  would  come  back  to  school 
if  she  could. 

Some  articles  were  put  in  her  trunk  for  her 
mother,  and  a  few  things  also  for  Alan's  rela- 
tives. For  a  long  time  it  had  been  promised 
that  when  she  returned  home  she  should  have 
a  silver  dollar  to  give  to  her  mother.  The 
money  was  ready,  but  she  was  reminded  of 
her  father's  avaricious  disposition,  and  it  was 
proposed  that  a  dress  should  be  purchased  with 


170  DAUGHTEES    OF   CHINA. 

it,  in  order  that  her  mother,  whom  she  loved 
very  much,  might  receive  the  benefit,  but  the 
sparkling  silver  had  attractions  for  her  eye, 
and  she  wished  the  pleasure  of  putting  the 
dollar  into  her  Mother's  hand,  so  she  placed 
it  in  a  little  bag,  quite  in  the  bottom  of  her 
trunk,  which  was  not  to  be  opened  till  she 
reached  Canton. 

The  dear  child  left  us.  We  had  good  re- 
port of  her  behavior  on  board  the  vessel,  the 
young,  lone,  Chinese  girl,  cheering  herself  by 
singing  the  hymns  she  had  been  taught  in  the 
school. 

On  arriving  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Williams 
at  Canton,  she  was  left  in  a  room  with  her 
father,  and  was  heard  to  cry  bitterly.  The 
servant  reported  that  the  trunk  was  opened 
and  the  child  deprived  of  her  dollar,  the  fa- 
ther having  taken  it  for  his  own  purposes. 

We  have  since  received  no  intelligence  from 
Ah-yee,  but  we  have  great  hope  that  the  seed 
sown  in  her  young  and  tender  mind  for  four 
years,  will  yet  spring  up  and  bear  fruit  unto 
Eternal  Hfe. 


XVIII. 

"Wh.am.poa — Affliction. — Danger  from  Fire — Death  of  the 
Matron's  Child  —  Chinese  Funeral — Mourning  Gar- 
ments— Lamentation  a  Matter  of  Form. 

Whampoa  is  the  name  of  the  reach,  where 
foreign  ships  lie  at  anchor,  about  twelve 
miles  from  Canton.  French  and  Danes' 
islands  are  places  of  resort  for  an  afternoon's 
ramble,  when  one  wishes  to  escape  for  a  little 
time  from  the  intense  heat  of  the  city. 

The  accompanying  plate  exhibits  a  view  of 
the  beautiful  cemetery  for  foreigners  on  French 
island. 

The  obelisk  marks  the  grave  of  the  Hon. 
Alexander  Everett ;  in  a  range  with  this  on 
the  left,  are  interred  four  missionaries,  Mrs. 
Devan,  Mr.  Klopton,  Mrs.  Whilden,  and  Eev. 
Jas.  G.  Bridgman.  The  pyramidal  tomb  in  front 
of  these,  marks  the  graves  of  the  six  English- 


172  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

men  wlio  were  killed  by  tlie  Chinese  in 
1847. 

The  year  1851  opened  upon  the  missionary 
flimily  at  "Wongka  Moda,  under  a  dark  cloud 
of  affliction. 

The  friends  who  called  on  New  Year's  Day, 
came  not  with  the  usual  joyous  congratula- 
tions of  the  season,  but  to  oflfer  condolence  on 
the  unanticipated  and  painful  demise  of  our 
dear  cousin,  the  Eev.  Jas.  G.  Bridgman.  We 
had  the  sympathy  of  the  whole  missionary  band 
in  China,  for  he  was  greatly  endeared  to  all. 

The  intelligence  of  this  melancholy  event, 
which  took  place  on  the  9th  ult.,  had  just 
been  received,  and  we  passed  the  day  in  read- 
ing the  painful  details,  which  are  already  be- 
fore the  Christian  public,  and  need  not  here 
be  repeated. 

In  the  autumn  of  1845,  when  we  were  in 
Canton,  this  Christian  relative  became  an 
inmate  of  our  family.  Possessing  a  strong  and 
vigorous  intellect,  and  great  conscientiousness, 
cousin  James  was  very  much  devoted  to  the 
study  of  the  Chinese  language,  and  his  views 


EXERCISE.  173 


of  duty  led  him  to  spend  more  hours  in  se- 
clusion and  close  application,  than  we  thought 
consistent  with  the  enjoyment  of  perfect  health. 
His  constitution  was  excellent,  and  although 
he  had  several  attacks  of  illness,  during  his 
residence  in  China,  we  had  reason  to  suppose 
that  he  had  a  long  life  of  usefulness  before  him. 

Experience  has  proved  to  residents  in  the 
East,  that  exercise  in  the  open  air  is  as  neces- 
sary there,  at  a  proper  time  of  day,  as  in  any 
other  climate.  This  practice  affords  to  the 
missionary  an  opportunity  of  observation  and 
acquaintance  with  the  people,  and  gives  him  a 
facility  and  command  of  language  in  matters 
of  every -day  life,  which  cannot  be  acquired 
alone  from  books. 

During  our  residence  in  Shanghai,  his  let- 
ters to  us  had  been  few,  but  long,  dwelling 
very  much  upon  his  internal  struggles  with 
sin;  but  we  did  not  suspect  for  a  moment, 
that  he  was  laboring  under  an  aberration  of 
mind,  which  caused  his  early  and  lamented 
departure  from  the  world. 

His  daily  walk  and  habits  of  devotion  were 


174  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

those  of  an  humble  and  devoted  missionary. 
Fondness  for  books  inclined  him  to  be  reflec- 
tive and  taciturn,  but  when  drawn  into  con- 
versation, he  was  cheerful  and  often  sprightly. 
Decided  in  expressing  his  opinion,  charitable 
towards  those  who  differed  from  him,  his  de- 
portment always  kind  and  manly,  he  was  to  us 
a  pleasant  Christian  companion. 

In  public,  his  preaching  both  in  Chinese  and 
English,  was  marked  by  perspicuity,  depth  of 
thought,  and  ministerial  faithfulness.  His  sun 
has  gone  down  while  it  was  yet  day,  but  the 
rainbow  of  hope  and  promise  sheds  light  be- 
yond the  tomb,  and  we  hear  a  voice  saying, 
"  What  I  do,  thou  knowest  not  now,  but  thou 
shalt  know  hereafter." 

In  the  month  of  February,  of  this  year, 
1851,  there  was  a  fire  in  our  neighborhood,  so 
near  our  house,  that  it  was  necessary  to  get 
our  twelve  children  instantly  in  readiness  to 
leave  our  dwelling,  in  case  the  wind  set  toward 
us.  But  God  mercifully  spared  our  Chinese 
home,  and  the  school  experienced  no  inter- 
ruption. 


CHDHiSE  FUNERALS.  175 


In  the  same  month  an  infant  child  of  the 
matron,  a  year  old,  died  ;  and  we  took  care  to 
have  the  funeral  services  performed  in  a  Chris- 
tian manner. 

The  babe  was  laid  out  in  a  dress  of  red 
flannel.  We  assembled  in  the  school-room, 
and  Dr.  Bridgman  addressed  the  children  in  a 
few  words  suited  to  the  occasion. 

We  have  had  several  opportunities  of  wit- 
nessing Chinese  funerals.  The  body  of  the 
deceased  is  dressed  in  the  best  suit  of  clothing, 
the  same  as  in  life,  from  the  cap  down  to  the 
shoes. 

Women  have  their  hair  attired  and  adorned 
with  a  profusion  of  ornaments,  and  in  the 
wealthy  class,  the  body  is  clothed  in  embroid- 
ered garments  of  rich  material. 

On  one  occasion,  in  passing  through  the 
city  in  a  sedan,  we  saw  at  some  distance  be- 
fore  us  what  was  at  first  supposed  to  be  a 
marriage  procession,  with  a  richly  embroider- 
ed bridal  chair. 

On  approaching  nearer,  it  proved  to  be  a 
hearse.     This  was  followed  by  a  man  attired 


176  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

in  a  white  robe,  down  to  the  feet.  A  strip  of 
long  white  cotton  cloth  was  bandaged  about 
his  head.  With  the  assistance  of  a  friend  on 
each  side,  who  held  him  by  the  arm,  he  was 
dragged  along  backward  after  the  corpse, 
which  from  these  emblems  of  deep  mourning 
was  supposed  to  be  that  of  his  father. 

Sedans  followed,  with  strips  of  white  cloth 
wound  about  them.  These  often  contain 
female  relatives,  some  of  whom  at  the  time  of 
the  funeral,  and  at  stated  hours  every  da}^,  are 
hired  to  weep  and  wail. 

For  a  father,  mourning  is  worn  three  years. 
White  cord  is  plaited  with  the  cues,  white 
collars  are  worn  about  the  neck.  White  shoes 
are  worn  by  the  women  and  ash  color  by  the 
men. 

A  man  never  wears  mourning  for  his  wife, 
he  would  be  laughed  at  by  his  friends.  When 
a  person  is  known  to  be  dying,  the  relatives 
gather  around  the  bed,  and  call  upon  the 
spirit  to  come  back ;  and  the  utmost  confusion 
and  disorder  prevails.  When  the  person  ex- 
pires, these  cries  cease,  and  they  go  laughing 


MOURNER.  177 


and  talking  about  their  ordinary  employments. 
Daily,  at  stated  hours,  women  go  into  the 
room  where  the  corpse  lies,  and  wail  perhaps 
half  an  hour.  This  continues  until  after  the 
interment,  when  at  the  usual  periods,  they 
visit  the  graves,  and  weep  and  offer  sacrifices. 
One  day,  passing  through  a  burying-ground 
near  us,  where  a  great  proportion  of  the  coffins 
are  above  ground,  a  woman  was  heard  weep- 
ing and  wailing  very  loud.  Attracted  by  my 
appearance,  she  at  once  ceased  crying,  with- 
out the  least  difficulty,  and  she  gratified  her 
curiosity  by  gazing  at  the  foreign  lady,  while 
the  tears  were  still  standing  on  her  cheeks. 
She  was  asked  for  whom  she  was  mourning  ? 
She  said  her  child.  "  How  long  since  the 
death  ?"  "  Three  years."  Passing  on,  she  com- 
menced again,  her  wailings  being  heard  some 
distance.  She  was  in  a  sitting  posture,  and 
moved  her  body  backwards  and  forwards, 
stopping  at  pleasure  if  anything  attracted  her 
notice. 

12 


XIX. 

Objects  of  the  School — Wongka  Ivloda — Opening  of  the 
School — Character  of  the  Pupils — Course  of  Instruction 
— Domestic  Duties — E,ecreation — Sabbath  Exercises, 
&c. 

A  Eeport  for  the  American  Board,  drawn 
up  by  Dr.  Bridgman,  dated  Shanghai,  April 
15th,  1851,  gives  a  brief  survey  of  the  School 
during  the  first  year  of  its  existence.  From 
that  report,  I  will  here  introduce  a  few  short 
extracts. 

"  As  no  mission  school  for  Girls,  had  been 
established  in  this  city,  and  as  no  specific  in- 
structions had  been  given  us,  for  opening  such 
a  one,  I  would  premise  that,  in  what  has  been 
undertaken  and  accomplished,  on  the  score  of 
female  education,  we  have  had  in  view  two 
distinct  objects.  To  do  all  the  good  we  possi- 
bly could,  to  the  people  immediately  around 


THE   FIELD.  179 


"US,  with  tlae  means  at  our  disposal,  was  our 
first  and  principal  object ;  our  second  was,  to 
ascertain  what,  hereafter,  might  be  practicable, 
in  this  important  department  of  missionary 
labor. 

"  The  establishment  of  the  school  was  an 
experiment, — a  simple  process,  to  ascertain 
from  actual  trial,  what  could  be  done,  and 
what  safely  anticipated  for  future  enterjDrise. 

"  The  results  of  the  experiment,  thus  far, 
are  such,  I  am  sure,  as  will  meet  your  wishes 
and  secure  your  approbation.  The  detail 
shall  be  given  in  few  words,  and  under  distinct 
heads. 

"  The  Field. — The  name  of  the  place  where 
the  school  is  situated,  is  called  in  the  local  dia- 
lect, Wo7igJca  Moda  ;  in  the  court  dialect,  it  is 
called  Wang-Ida  3fa-tai'j,  literally,  "  King's 
family's  horse's  head ;"  or  the  "Horse's  head 
of  the  King  family."  By  the  phrase  2fa-taiL\ 
"  horse's  head,"  the  Chinese  denote  a  landing- 
place  or  jetty ;  this  one  was  built  by  the  King's 
family,  and  is  situated  in  the  south-eastern 
suburbs  of  Shanghai. 


180  DAUGHTEES    OF   CHINA. 

"  This  same  name,  "Wongka  Moda,  is  also 
given  to  the  street  which  leads  from  the  land- 
ing-place, and  on  which  is  situated  our  resi- 
dence, where  the  little  school  was  first  collected. 

"  A  better  field  than  this  could  hardly  be 
desired.  Thousands  of  families  are  acces- 
sible, within  a  few  minutes  walk  of  our  door, 
chiefly  of  the  middling  and  lower  classes — 
the  industrious  working  people.  To  the  poor 
the  gospel  is  preached.  These  are  they  who 
so  much  need  its  consolations,  and  it  is  to 
such  as  these,  that  the  joyful  sound  is  most 
likely  to  be  welcome.  In  the  whole  of  these 
suburbs,  comprising  60,000  or  more  inhabit- 
ants, there  is  only  one  protestant  mission  fam- 
ily, and  that  is  our  own. 

"  Opening  of  the  school.  To  prepare  the  way 
for  the  long-desired  work,  Mrs.  B.  accompanied 
by  her  two  little  Canton  pupils,  commenced 
visiting  the  neighboring  families,  going  from 
house  to  house,  making  known  to  them  the 
project  designed  for  the  benefit  of  their  chil- 
dren, and  inviting  all  who  pleased  to  send  their 
daughters.     Sometimes,  on  entering  a  house. 


. 

—  -.  . 

yiiiiji 

!|:||i!i|l! 

ili| 

—: ^-=^    

afi 

~ 

— 

Ifi 

_     ..- 

^-^ 

'III 

OPENING  OF  THE  SCHOOL.        181 

the  children  would  be  frightened,  and  run 
away  and  hide  themselves ;  but  in  most  fami- 
lies a  kind  reception  was  given ;  and  on  one 
of  these  visits,  a  little  girl  came  out  from  her 
lowly  cottage,  as  Mrs.  B.  was  passing,  and 
presented  to  her,  a  pretty  flower.  This  simple 
act  of  the  child  was  performed  with  such  true 
politeness  and  kind  feeling,  that  Mrs.  B.  re- 
turned that  day,  with  more  than  usual  buoy- 
ancy of  hope,  as  to  the  success  of  her  work. 

'^  In  this  way  some  fifty  or  more  families 
were  visited,  and  the  object  of  the  school  made 
known. 

"  The  15th  of  April,  was  fixed  on,  as  the 
day  for  receiving  such  children  as  might  desire 
to  come ;  and  potice  of  the  same  was  posted 
up  at  the  fVont  door  of  our  house.  At  the 
appointed  time,  a  few  made  their  appearance, 
entering  with  fear  and  trembling.  So  timid 
were  they,  that  Mrs.  B.  scarcely  dared  to  speak 
to  them,  at  first,  or  to  go  near  to  them. 

"  Their  number  gradually  increased,  and 
with  their  numbers  confidence.  Some  of 
these  first  pupils  continued  in  the  school  about 


182  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

two  months,  and  then  left,  under  the  appre- 
hension that  we  should  eventually  take  them 
to  a  foreign  country. 

"During  four  or  five  months  none  but  day- 
scholars  were  admitted  ;  these,  coming  im- 
mediately after  their  breakfast,  (and  some  of 
them  without  any,)  remained  until  after  they 
had  eaten  the  dinner,  which  was  given  them. 
The  number  of  these  pupils  varied  from 
twelve  to  twenty. 

"  In  September  a  selection  of  boarders  was 
commenced,  from  among  the  day-scholars  ;  the 
number  of  these  gradually  increased  to  twelve ; 
all  that  our  accommodations  could  make  com- 
fortable. 

"  Number  of  Pupils. — The  whole  number  of 
children,  that  have  entered  the  sehool,  cannot 
be  less  than  forty,  and  they  have  come  from 
about  as  large  a  number  of  families.  The 
number  of  individuals  in  each  of  these  forty 
families,  I  suppose  may  be  ten,  perhaps  more ; 
so  that  some  four  hundred,  or  more,  have  been 
brought  into  pretty  direct  communication  with 
the  school  and  mission  family. 


PUPILS.  183 


"  In  the  sequel  you  will  see,  how  these  all 
have  been  in  the  way  to  be  benefited  by 
means  of  the  school." 

The  number,  names  and  ages  of  the  pupils, 
now  in  the  two  departments,  will  be  seen  by 
the  following  list ;  the  names  are  in  the  local 
dialects. 

DAY-SCHOLARS. 
Names.  Ages. 

1.  Ah-do ten    years. 

2.  Ah-nee eight      " 

3.  Yah-siu-mek eight     " 

4.  Ah-zung twelve   " 

5.  King-pan ten         " 

6.  Szepau ten         ** 

7.  Sau-pau nine       " 

8.  Ah-sze seven     " 

BOARDERS. 

1.  Ah-yee eleven  years. 

2.  A-lan         eleven 

3.  King-meh twelve 

4.  Che-meh eight 

5.  Ma-loDg twelve 

6.  Ah-king twelve 

*?.  King-do six 

8.  Tsin-neh eight 

9.  Ah-niu eight 

10.  Ah-ngoo eight 

11.  Sze-sze eight 

12.  Nee-paw six 


184  DAUGHTERS    OF    CHINA. 

"  Terms  of  Admission. — The  first  and  second 
on  the  list  of  Boarders,  were  received  into 
our  family  while  in  Canton, — the  first  for  an 
indefinite  period,  the  second  with  the  under- 
standing that  she  should  be  under  our  care  as 
long  as  we  pleased.  Although  Ah-yee  had 
been  betrothed,  before  coming  to  us,  yet  her 
father  and  father-in-law,  both  consented  to  her 
coming  with  us  to  Shanghai ;  but  our  pro- 
tracted stay,  and  her  long  absence,  induced 
her  father  to  come  for  her,  in  December,  of 
last  year.  He  came  up  to  Shanghai  at  his 
own  expense  ;  his  passage  back,  and  the 
child's  also,  was  given  by  the  U.  S.  Consul  at 
Shanghai. 

"  The  proficiency  of  this  child  was  very 
satisfactory ;  the  amount  of  religious  knowl- 
edge stored  up  in  her  mind  was  such,  and  her 
character  was  so  far  formed,  as  to  leave  us 
much  ground  to  hope,  that  through  the  truth 
of  God,  she  may  be  made  to  be  a  partaker  in 
the  blessed  hopes  of  the  gospel. 

"  All  those  who  have  been  received  in 
Shanghai,  have,  in  each  case,  been  admitted 


CHARACTER   OF  PUPILS.  185 

with  a  written  agreement,  that  they  remain,  at 
our  discretion,  for  a  period  of  three  years  or 
more  ;  and  that  they  receive  all  their  support 
from  us,  and  be  subject  entirely  to  our  con- 
trol. 

''  Character  of  the  Pupils. — The  terms,  raw 
material,  are  inadequate  fully  to  characterize 
the  condition  of  these  poor  children  at  the  time 
they  first  appeared  under  our  roof.  These 
degenerate  plants  from  a  stock  long  estrang- 
ed from  all  knowledge  of  the  true  God — 
like  all  the  children  of  the  Empire,  are  not 
merely  uninformed  and  unaccustomed  to  what 
is  good,  but  the  wrong  bias  is  set  deep  and 
strong  in  their  nature ;  the  stain  of  evil  is 
fixed ;  the  corruption  of  sin  has  darkened 
reason,  and  almost  annihilated  conscience. 
The  whole  character,  physical,  intellectual, 
and  moral,  you  see  thus  debased. 

"  I  feel  that  I  cannot  fully  describe  the  ap- 
pearance, and  portray  the  character,  of  these 
children.  Their  persons  were  filthy,  and  their 
tattered  garments  and  themselves  covered 
with  vermin.     When,  for  the  first  time,  they 


186  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

were  gathered  on  the  Sabbath-day,  into  o\ir 
parlor,  for  pubhc  worship,  they  seemed  hke 
sheep  chased  and  huddled  together  in  some 
nook  or  corner,  from  whence  they  could  not 
escape.  An  inane  stare  of  the  countenance, 
indicated  the  wretched  blindness  of  the  mind 
debased  by  paganism. 

^^  Discipline. — Order,  and  cleanliness,  were 
the  first  two  things  insisted  on.  To  these  they 
were  strangers,  and  from  habit  very  averse. 
Coming  at  first  as  day  scholars,  it  was  not  our 
province  to  supply  them  with  clothes ;  still  so 
destitute  were  they,  and  withal  so  uncleanly, 
that  it  became  necessary,  in  some  cases,  to  fur- 
nish them  with  decent  raiment.  It  was,  in 
every  instance,  made  an  essential  point  that 
cleanliness  of  person  should  be  observed  ;  soap, 
towels,  pocket-handkerchiefs,  etc.,  were  fur- 
nished them  accordingly.  This  gave  employ- 
ment for  their  hands,  in  the  use  of  the  needle. 
They  were  required  always  to  conform  strictly 
to  the  simple  rules,  suggested  rather  as  mat- 
ters of  course,  than  laid  down  with  any  show 
of  authority,  for  the  regulation  of  their  con- 


DISCIPLINE-  187 


duct.  In  a  word,  our  object  was  to  transfer 
them  from  the  low  condition  and  disorder  of 
a  pagan  family,  to  the  privileges  and  enjoy- 
ments of  a  christian  household. 

''  I  have  made  discipline  a  separate  topic,  and 
introduced  it  in  this  place,  because  it  should 
have  so  prominent  a  place  in  every  system  of 
education,  among  a  pagan  people.  John  came 
to  prepare  the  way  for  the  Lord.  Giving  in- 
struction, sowing  the  good  seed,  would  here  be 
almost  in  vain,  unless  the  fallow  ground  be 
first  cleared  and  broken  up. 

"  Obedience  to  a  few  simple  rules  of  order, 
was  shown  them  to  be  necessary  for  their  com- 
fort and  happiness,  as  members  of  the  school. 

"  The  penalties  inflicted  have  been,  usually, 
the  deprivation  of  a  portion  of  food ;  seclusion 
for  a  day  ;  and  in  cases  of  repeated  violations 
of  the  same  kind,  a  declaration  of  expulsion 
from  the  house.  These  means  have,  in  every 
case,  had  the  effect  desired,  in  subduing  the 
wayward  spirit  of  the  heathen  child.  Cor- 
poreal punishment  has  been  almost  entirely 
unnecessary.     An  instance  occurred,  a  short 


188  DAIJGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

time  since,  when  one  of  the  older  pupils  was 
unwilling  to  come  at  Mrs.  B.'s  call,  and  re- 
ceive reproof  before  the  other  pupils.  The 
matron  was  directed  to  go  and  call  the  girl's 
mother;  this  brought  the  child  at  once  to 
terms,  so  afraid  was  she  of  being  sent  home. 

"  Course  of  Instruction. — This  has  been  va- 
ried according  to  the  wants  of  each  individual. 
So  far  as  books  have  been  concerned,  every- 
thing has  been  done  in  their  own  language. 
'A.  very  limited  exception  should  here  be  made 
for  the  two  little  Canton  girls ,'  but  not,  how- 
ever, as  members  of  the  school,  where  every 
lesson  and  precept  haf?  been  in  Chinese.  ISTo 
English  has  been  t^iaght. 

"  Learning  \o  read,  as  in  our  own  schools, 
was  the  firsC  object  in  this  department,  and  for 
this  purpose  the  assistance  of  an  experienced 
native  master  was  secured.  According  to 
local  and  immemorial  usage,  the  master  pre- 
pared his  first  lessons,  by  a  selection  of  single 
words,  or  characters,  each  one  denoting  a 
single  thing,  or  a  single  quality,  written  upon 
a  small  piece  of  square  red  paper,  here  called 


SAN   TEZ-KING.  189 


fong-dongs.  Of  these  a  child  learned  four,  six, 
eight,  ten  or  twenty,  according  to  age  and 
capacity. 

"  After  making  some  progress  in  this  course, 
of  learning  single  and  isolated  characters,  they 
were  put  to  the  study  of  a  child's  book,  called 
San  Tsz-king,  or  '  Three  characters  classic,' 
containing  a  system  of  Christian  doctrine  writ- 
ten in  trimeter,  or  lines  of  three  syllables, 
in  brief  and  simple  language,  embodying  the 
cardinal  truths  of  the  Bible ;  and  comprised 
in  about  the  same  limits  as  the  Assembly's 
Catechism.  Thirteen  of  the  girls  have  com- 
mitted this  thoroughly  to  memory,  so  that 
they  can  rehearse  it  from  beginning  to  end, 
without  being  prompted,  or  miscalling  or 
omitting  a  single  character.  It  is  with  them 
a  favorite  book,  and  they  love  to  rehearse  it 
in  concert  as  a  chant.  Performed  in  this  man- 
ner it  is  well  calculated  for  public  worship,  it 
being  easily  understood  by  the  audience. 

"  The  Ten  Commandments,  in  like  manner, 
have  been  committed  thoroughly  to  memory, 
by  the  same  number  of  pupils. 


190  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

^'  The  Lord's  Prayer,  also,  was  early  learn- 
ed, and  is  daily  used  by  every  one  in  the 
school. 

"  A  part  of  the  pupils  have  had  lessons  in  a 
native  book,  '  Girl's  Instructor,'  compiled  for 
the  use  of  girls,  designed  to  inculcate  rules  of 
decorum  in  social  life. 

''  Those  who  have  mastered  the  christian 
books,  named  above,  have  commenced  reading 
the  New  Testament  in  the  colloquial  dialect ; 
and  those  who  have  made  the  best  progress, 
have  read  and  are  able  to  read  with  fluency, 
as  far  as  the  end  of  the  16th  chapter  of  the 
gospel  by  Matthew. 

"  More  than  half  of  the  school  have  learned 
the  multiplication  table,  in  the  simple  form  in 
which  it  stands  in  their  own  language. 

"  They  have  all  had  lessons  in  singing,  and 
many  of  them  sing  well.  Their  music  is  lim- 
ited to  Christian  hymns,  of  which  they  have 
learned  many.  A  missionary  lady  has  com- 
posed a  piece  of  music,  to  which  the  trimetri- 
cal  classic  is  set,  and  to  which  they  are  becom- 
ing familiar. 


DOMESTIC   DUTIES.  191 

"  In  domestic  duties,  cooking,  sweeping, 
scrubbing,  washing,  sewing,  etc.,  they  are  all 
called  upon  to  take  part  every  day,  the  Sab- 
bath excepted. 

"  A  part  of  each  Saturday  is  allowed  them 
for  recreation,  and  preparation  for  the  Sabbath, 
so  that  on  the  Lord's  day  nothing  may  be 
done  except  the  simplest  preparation  of  food, 
and  making  of  the  beds. 

"  At  meals  they  have  been  taught  by  pre- 
cept and  example,  never  to  omit  asking  a 
blessing,  with  the  giving  of  thanks  for  their 
Heavenly  Father's  good  providence  over  them. 

"  The  boarders,  from  the  first,  have  been 
instructed  to  observe  secret  prayer,  at  stated 
hours,  morning  and  evening,  and  also  to  join 
in  family  prayers,  where  they  read  and  unite 
in  singing. 

"  On  the  Sabbath,  at  an  early  hour,  they 
have  their  scripture  lessons  ;  at  11  A.  M.,  and 
at  1  P.  M.  are  assembled  for  public  worship ; 
the  first  service  is  conducted  by  a  native  chris- 
tian, and  the  second  by  myself;  in  the  evening, 
thev  form  a  Bible  class.     On  some  few  occa- 


192  DAUGIITEES    OF    CHINA. 

sions,  when  from  indisposition,  Mrs.  B.  has 
been  unable  to  join  them  on  Sabbath  evening, 
it  has  been  pleasing  to  see  these  little  children 
taking  their  accustomed  seats  around  the  table, 
and  by  themselves  pursuing  the  usual  course, 
varying  their  exercises  by  singing  their  hymns 
of  praise,  and  doing  all  this  with  as  much  reg- 
ularity as  if  they  had  some  person  to  direct 
them. 

^''Superintendence. — In  all  their  duties,  in  and 
out  of  the  school-room,  on  week  days  and  on 
the  Sabbath,  they  are  constantly  under  the 
immediate  care  and  superintendence  of  Mrs. 
Bridgman,  and  she  has  seldom  left  them  even 
for  a  single  hour,  unless  I  was  at  home  to  sup- 
ply her  place  in  part — so  far  as  to  know  that 
they  are  all  in  their  places  and  performing 
their  appointed  duties. 

"In  this  supervision  a  matron,  a  married 
woman,  with  two  little  children  of  her  own, 
has  been  engaged — she  and  her  children  form- 
ing indeed  a  part  of  the  establishment,  the 
little  ones  learning  by  rote  and  she  from  the 
book. 


EESTILTS.  193 

^^  Results.  The  results  of  this  course  of  dis- 
cipline and  instruction,  can  be  seen  only  par- 
tially in  this  life,  and  but  very  limitedly  even 
here  and  by  those  under  whose  immediate  care 
the  children  have  been  placed.  This  care  has 
been  rendered  both  easy  and  pleasant,  by  the 
constant  observance  of  the  progress  which  these 
little  girls  have  made  in  christian  education. 
We  are  not  yet  able  to  say  that  even  one  of 
them  is  truly  converted,  the  new  principle  of 
christian  grace  being  implanted  in  the  soul. 
Neither  can  we  say  that  the  Holy  Spirit  has 
not  commenced  His  work  in  them.  It  is  for 
their  conversion  that  we  have  labored  and 
prayed.  They  have  been  daily  taught  God's 
Word,  because  it  is  that  by  which  the  hearts 
of  the  young,  as  well  as  the  old  must  be  sanc- 
tified. When  on  earth,  our  Saviour  was  wont 
to  gather  little  children  around  him,  and  would 
take  them  up  in  his  arms  and  bless  them.  To 
his  arms  and  to  his  blessing,  and  to  the  Father 
and  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  these  little  ones  have 
been  daily  commended ;  and  we  doubt  not 
but  that  some  if  not  all,  will  be  numbered 
13 


194  DAIJGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 


among  the  first  fruits  of  the  great  company  of 
true  believers  that  will  yet  be  gathered  into 
the  church  of  God  from  the  land  of  Sinim. 

"  The  results  are  not  limited  to  these  few 
children  ;  already  their  parents,  brothers,  sis- 
ters, and  other  relations,  are  being  taught, 
through  them,  the  name  and  doctrines  of  the 
true  God — even  the  name  of  Jesus.  Not 
only  do  they  repeat  at  home  what  they  have 
learned,  but  frequently  they  ask  us  for  books 
to  give  to  their  kindred  and  friends,  when 
they  go  to  visit  them.  They  have  become 
colporteurs  of  christian  books  among  their 
neighbors,  where  the  voice  of  the  living  speak- 
er does  not  reach.  Frequently  also  their 
friends  come  to  public  worship  on  the  Lord's 
day.  There  have  been  numbers  of  female  visi- 
tors on  week  days,  and  these  have  not  gone 
away  without  some  word  of  instruction." 


XX. 

Heathen    Ceremonies— Chinese    Matron— Opposition- 
Ordination  of  Chai — Infanticide, 

Idolatrous  processions  in  China  are  nu- 
merous, and  very  expensive.  In  going  to  the 
foreign  settlement,  througli  the  city,  our  course 
from  the  narrowness  of  the  streets  is  frequent- 
ly obstructed  by  them.  They  often  take  place 
in  the  night. 

On  these  occasions  an  image,  of  some  deified 
hero,  is  dressed  in  official  costume,  and  placed 
in  a  Sedan,  borne  by  four  coolies,  and  carried 
along  for  exhibition.  One  is  often  deceived 
in  supposing  that  a  dignitary  of  the  govern- 
ment has  come  out  upon  some  official  duties. 

The  gods  when  carried  in  state  are  preceded 
by  runners,  to  clear  the  way.  The  Sedan  of  a 
private  citizen  must  stop,  or  the  bearers  be 
knocked  down.     For  the  officials,  we  are  will- 


196  DAUGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

ing  to  pay  all  due  respect,  but  as  the  lictors, 
and  the  banners,  and  the  musicians  pass^  the 
great  officer,  after  all,  may  prove  to  be  but  an 
image,  a  deified  hero,  taken  out  for  an  airing. 

Horses  are  used  in  these  processions,  but 
not  for  draughts  ;  boj^'s  harlequins  are  mount- 
ed on  them.  Yile  characters  of  both  sexes 
follow  in  the  train.  One  evening  accompanied 
bj  a  friend,  we  were  returning  home,  a  dis- 
tance of  two  miles,  from  the  monthlj^  concert 
of  prayer.  Our  two  Sedans  fell  in  with  one 
of  these  long  processions,  and  we  had  an  op- 
portunity of  witnessing  the  reverence  and  de- 
votion of  the  |)eople. 

The  streets  were  not  more  than  eight  feet 
wide.  No  noise  was  heard  save  the  trampling 
of  feet.  Every  shop  had  an  offering  ready  as 
the  idol  passed  on;  this  consisted  of  paper 
money  in  the  form  of  ingots  strung  upon 
thread,  as  much  perhaps  as  would  fill  half  a 
barrel.  It  was  placed  in  front  of  the  shop  and 
a  lighted  torch  was  applied,  which  quickly 
consumed  the  paper,  and  the  whole  street  was 
illuminated  by  a  glare  of  light.    This  was  per- 


INFANTICIDE.  197 


formed  with  a  serious  countenance,  and  with 
that  reverence  which  always  marks  the  services 
to  pagan  gods. 

It  is  supposed  by  the  Chinese  that  this 
money,  after  being  consumed,  ascends  to  the 
spirit  world,  and  is  duly  appropriated  to  the 
necessities  of  their  deities. 

China  is  said  to  be  the  land  where  infanti- 
cide prevails  ;  though  to  what  extent  it  is  car- 
ried in  Shanghai,  we  have  not  been  able  to 
ascertain.  Children  are  often  exposed  to  die 
in  the  streets,  especially  in  seasons  of  famine. 
The  number  of  beggars  is  very  great.  Some 
follow  it  as  a  profession ;  in  the  cold  winter 
season  they  will  expose  themselves  with  scarce- 
ly the  least  covering,  day  after  day ;  many  are 
fat  and  healthy  ;  and  although  shaking  with 
the  cold,  appear  well  fed  and  flourishing. 

The  School  has  made  us  acquainted  with  a 
great  many  mothers,  and  they  seem  much  at- 
tached to  their  children  ;  but  Chinese  women 
are  exceedingly  superstitious,  and  at  an  early 
age  imbue  the  minds  of  sons  and  daughters 
with  a  love  of  idolatrous  worship. 


198  DArGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

The  matron  wlio  assists  in  the  care  of  the 
pupils  has  two  very  interesting  and  intelligent 
children,  a  boy  of  six,  and  a  girl  of  four  years. 
Her  son  is  dressed  in  the  garb  of  a  Taouist 
priest,  with  all  his  hair  shaved  off,  and  his 
garments  cut  in  priestly  style.  In  expostu- 
lating with  her  upon  this  folly,  she  replied 
that  she  has  lost  two  promising  sons  ere  they 
reached  the  age  of  ten  years ;  that  her  people 
have  a  custom,  if  there  be  a  surviving  son,  to 
-put  on  this  garb,  until  he  pass  the  trying  pe- 
riod. She  did  not  intend  to  make  him  a  priest, 
in  reality,  but  the  ostensible  reason  seemed  to 
be  to  pacify  the  gods  in  order  that  they  might 
spare  the  child. 

This  woman  is  well  instructed  in  the  use  of 
her  needle,  a  rare  accomplishment  among  Chi- 
nese females.  She  cuts  out  all  the  garments 
and  teaches  the  girls  to  make  them ;  when 
one  is  completed  and  ready  for  use,  she  is 
careful  to  have  it  brought  for  inspection,  and 
instructs  the  child  to  say  "  Thank  you,  lady." 

The  women  among  the  working  poor,  cook 


THE-  MATOON.  199 


the  rice  and  take  care  of  the  children,  but 
very  few  know  how  to  sew. 

The  matron  is  very  shrewd  and  observing, 
has  tact  in  management,  and  has  proved  a 
valuable  assistant.  After  the  pupils  have 
learned  plain  sewing,  under  her  guidance,  they 
embroider  shoes  and  other  articles  ;  but  until 
she  be  truly  converted,  full  confidence  cannot 
be  reposed  in  her,  nor  in  any  other  Chinese 
woman,  so  as  to  leave  the  scholars  entirely  to 
her  care  even  for  a  short  period. 

She  is  an  attentive  listener  to  "  the  doc- 
trines," and  among  her  friends  is  a  colporteur 
of  christian  books.  Her  children  are  taught 
the  New  Testament.  Her  little  daughter  hav- 
ing been  instructed  daily  to  repeat  the  Lord's 
prayer,  was  on  a  visit  to  her  own  home,  and 
after  kneeling  down  and  performing  this  duty, 
she  said,  "  Grandmother,  why  don't  you  pray? 
you  ought  to  pray  to  Jesus." 

When  I  was  attacked  with  indisposition  in 
August,  1851,  two  of  the  older  pupils,  King- 
meh  and  Alan,  acted  the  part  of  nurses.  No 
mother  in  America,  who  had  bestowed  the  ut- 


200  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

most  care  in  the  training  of  her  daughters, 
could  have  received  more  affectionate  atten- 
tions than  I  received  from  these  girls  on  that 
occasion.  The  following  extract  will  prove 
that  opposition  exists  even  here  against  outside 
barbarians. 

"  A^igust  15th. — ^During  the  current  month, 
a  vile  placard  has  been  published  against  for- 
eigners, and  some  of  the  pupils  have  been 
ridiculed  and  threatened  by  their  relatives,  for 
continuing  under  our  instruction.  One  of 
them,  on  returning  from  a  visit  to  her  friends, 
mentioned  some  false  and  wicked  remarks  that 
were  made  by  them  about  us.  She  was  asked 
if  she  believed  them,  she  answered,  '  ISTo.' 
Have  we  dealt  truly,  or  deceitfully  with  you  ? 
*  Always  truly,'  was  the  reply.  Do  you 
think  the  foreigners  wish  to  kill  and  destroy 
the  Chinese,  as  the  placard  stated  ?  '  Ko  ;  I 
think  the  foreigners  often  help  the  poor  Chi- 
nese, when  our  own  people  will  not.'  " 

King-meh's  mother  paid  us  a  visit,  a  day  or 
two  since.  She  has  become  alarmed.  The 
placard  states  that  all  foreigners  are  to  be  de- 


DEDICATION.  201 


strojed,  and  that  tlie  Chinese  will  take  posses- 
sion of  their  dwellings,  and  parents  have  been 
advised  to  remove  their  children  from  the  mis- 
sion-schools. We  very  soon  quieted  her  fears, 
and  she  returned  home.  This  was  got  up  to 
disaffect  the  people.  Application  has  been 
made  to  the  authorities,  and  the  placard  has 
been  torn  down. 

While  the  act  of  toleration  secures  the  priv- 
ilege of  teaching  Christianity,  there  will  un- 
doubtedly often  be  a  demonstration  in  this 
way,  but  there  is  no  substantial  ground  to  ap- 
prehend any  great  disturbance,  particularly  at 
Shanghai. 

The  first  Sabbath  in  September,  1851,  was  a 
highly  privileged  day.  In  the  midst  of  this 
pagan  city  a  Temple  for  native  worshippers 
was  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Jehovah,  in 
strange,  but  delightful  contrast  to  the  many 
idol  temples,  by  which  this  holy  sanctuary  is 
surrounded. 

A  number  of  missionaries  of  different  de- 
nominations were  seen  that  morning  wending 
their  way  thither.     What  do  they  here  on  this 


202  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

Sabbath  more  than  usual?  In  imagination 
follow  us  to  these  courts.  Though  Jehovah  is 
not  acknowledged,  nor  known  as  the  nation's 
God,  for  they  worship  "idols  many,  and  gods 
many,"  yet  here  is  a  congregation  of  native 
worshippers  assembled.  Females  in  China  sit 
in  the  gallery,  and  men  below,  because  it  is  in 
accordance  with  ancient  usage,  for  the  sexes 
to  sit  apart. 

In  the  chancel  is  the  Missionary  Bishop,  and 
two  presbyters.  Immediately  in  front  of  the 
pulpit  may  be  seen  a  school  of  boys,  who, 
with  cheerful  countenances,  and  cleanly  appa- 
rel seem  prepared  reverently  to  unite  in  the 
services ;  on  the  left  is  a  class  of  blind  men, 
whose  serious  deportment  indicates,  that  if  all 
be  dark  to  the  natural  vision,  the  gospel  has 
illumined  their  souls,  with  the  light  of  heav- 
enly truth. 

On  the  right,  seated  in  a  chair,  is  a  young 
man,  a  native  convert,  about  to  be  admitted 
to  the  gospel-ministry,  by  prayer  and  the 
"  laying  on  of  hands."  And  who  is  this  in- 
dividual ?     A   Chinese   christian  brother ;    a 


ORDINATION.  203 


valued  helper  in  time  of  need.  For  eighteen 
months,  has  he  come  Sabbath  after  Sabbath,  to 
examine  these  pupils,  and  speak  to  the  women 
that  resorted  to  the  school-room  to  hear  the 
gospel. 

The  first  interview  with  this  christian- 
brother  was  on  a  Sabbath  in  our  own  native 
land,  in  the  Sunday-school.  Subsequently  he 
was  a  fellow  passenger  to  China.  He  was 
faithfully  instructed  by  those  under  whose 
immediate  supervision  he  was  placed.  Many 
pleasant  little  seasons  did  we  pass  upon  the 
deck  of  the  ship,  speaking  of  the  truths  of  the 
Bible ;  he  trying  to  learn  a  little  chant  in  the 
language  of  the  Prodigal  Son—''  I  will  arise 
and  go  to  my  Father." 

After  the  services  of  the  ordination,  all  the 
members  of  the  mission,  eleven  native  con- 
verts, and  some  from  other  missions,  partook 
of  the  Lord's  Supper.  Jehovah  was  present 
with  us,  and  the  prayer  ascended,  that  this 
Christian  brother  might  prove  himself  worthy 
to  be  a  minister  at  Christ's  altar. 
To  witness  such  a  scene,  to  see  the  trans- 


204  DAUGHTERS    OF   CHINA. 

forming  power  of  divine  truth  upon  the  pagan 
mind,  to  unite  with  them  in  celebrating  the 
dying  love  of  Jesus,  to  give  the  hand  of  chris- 
tian fellowship,  and  welcome  a  Chinese  broth- 
er to  the  gospel  ministry ;  to  bear  a  part  in 
such  an  enterprise,  is  worth  crossing  oceans, 
encountering  storms,  yea,  even  traversing  des- 
erts. It  is  indeed  a  great  privilege,  to  aid  in 
fulfilhng  Christ's  great  commission,  "Go  ye 
into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to 
every  creature." 

With  the  accompanying  plate  is  connected 
a  little  story,  illustrating  the  practice  of  infan- 
ticide in  China. 

The  cottage  is  the  residence  of  the  Eev.  K 
Wardner,  one  of  the  Sabbatarian  missionaries, 
situated  in  the  country,  about  two  miles  from 
Wongka  Moda.  It  is  not  a  Chinese  dwelling, 
but  built  by  Mr.  Wardner  in  American  style. 

One  morning  in  December,  during  my  hus- 
band's illness,  Mrs.  Wardner  sent  a  messenger, 
requesting  that  I  would  come  out  and  pay  her 
a  visit,  as  something  of  interest  had  occurred, 
which  she  wished  to  communicate. 


# 


CAST-OFF   INFANT.  205 

At  a  convenient  hour,  I  bent  my  ste23s  to 
Mr.  Wardner's  dwelling.  A  friend  had  pre- 
viously informed  us  that  they  had  picked  up 
a  cast-off  female  infant,  and  on  my  way  thither, 
my  mind  was  full  of  pleasant  thoughts  of 
adopting  the  little  foundling  in  our  family. 

But  on  arriving  there,  my  hopes  and  antici- 
pations were  not  to  be  realized. 

The  babe  had  been  exposed  near  the  bridge, 
the  night  previous.  A  paper  was  attached  to 
its  body,  with  scarcely  any  covering,  stating 
the  time  of  its  birth  ;  it  must  have  lain  in  the 
cold  some  length  of  time,  before  it  was  dis- 
covered, as  spires  of  grass  were  frozen  to  its 
little  face.  A  Chinese  servant  first  found  the 
child,  and  Mrs.  Wardner  directed  him  to  bring 
it  into  the  house.  She  spent  most  of  the  night 
in  cherishing  the  babe,  wrapped  it  in  warm 
clothing,  and  gave  it  nourishment,  but  it  was 
too  late  ;  it  lingered  till  morning,  and  then  God 
took  it. 

Some  of  the  Chinese  were  disposed  to  laugh 
at  Mrs.  Wardner  for  her  pains,  others  admired 
her  kindness  and  benevolence. 


206  DAUGHTERS    OF    CHINA. 

When  I  arrived,  the  babe  was  laid  out,  its 
cofiia  an  empty  soap-box.  It  was  a  cbild  of 
full  size,  and  fine  features.  A  spot  to  tlie 
right,  outside  the  fence,  marks  its  little  grave, 
Mr.  Wardner  called  in  some  Chinese  neigh- 
bors, and  took  occasion  to  expostulate  with 
them,  on  this  wicked  practice.  After  religious 
services,  he  gave  it  a  christian  burial. 

At  the  left  of  the  creek,  on  a  knoll,  is  a 
pagoda ;  the  man  with  a  pole  is  represented 
putting  in  there  a  cast-off  infant. 

This  is  of  frequent  occurrence.  Mrs.  W.  has 
seen  them,  and.  as  if  conscious  that  the  thing  is 
wrong,  she  has  observed  the  man  look  this 
way  and  that  way,  and  with  the  infant  (which 
she  supposed  to  be  dead),  tied  up  like  a  bundle, 
and  fastened  to  the  end  of  the  pole,  he  reaches 
up  high,  and  throws  it  inside  the  pagoda,  the 
receptacle  of  many  bodies. 


XXI. 


Alan's    Letter — Story   of  ISTeepaw — Chinese  Wedding- 
Politeness — Death  of  Mrs.  Shuck. 


The  little  Canton  girl,  Alan,  who  was  taught 
to  read  and  write  English,  has  been  introduced 
to  our  readers.  We  will  now  let  her  tell  a 
story  for  herself.  It  is  part  of  a  letter  which 
she  wrote  to  a  dear  friend  in  ISlew  York,  who 
was  much  interested  in  the  school  at  Wongka 
Moda.  The  following  is  an  extract  in  her  own 
childlike  style  of  narration. 

^'•Nov.  10th.  Mrs.  Bridgman  says  she  thinks 
you  always  like  to  hear  about  the  Chinese ;  and 
I  am  going  to  tell  you  something  about  one 
of  our  scholars. 

*'  There  is  a  little  girl  who  was  brought  here 
by  her  adopted  mother,  a  woman  who  had  lost 
all  her  own  children.    The  child's  own  mother 


208  DAUGHTEKS   OF   CHINA. 

sold  her  to  her  adopted  mother  for  two  dol- 
lars. Last  Saturday  evening  when  we  went 
to  our  supper,  Neepaw  was  missing ;  we  looked 
about  the  house  but  we  could  not  find  her. 
Mrs.  Bridgraan  was  not  at  home;  we  were 
afraid  that  N'eepaw  had  fallen  into  the  well, 
and  one  of  the  girls  looked  into  the  well,  and 
took  a  stick  and  moved  it  about  there,  but  she 
was  not  to  be  found.  One  of  the  girls  then 
said  she  saw  her  go  out  of  the  front  door, 
when  the  Chinese  woman  was  busy  up  stairs. 

"Two  or  three  persons  were  sent  out  to 
look  for  her,  she  had  been  seen  passing  along 
the  street  with  her  own  mother. 

"  After  searching  a  long  time  and  asking  a 
great  many  people,  her  adopted  mother  found 
her  hid  away  in  a  neighbor's  house.  The  peo- 
ple in  the  house  were  not  willing  to  let  Neepaw 
go,  but  her  adopted  mother  took  her  away  and 
brought  her  back  to  Mrs.  Bridgman. 

''  Her  own  mother  made  a  great  cry  in  the 
street,  and  a  great  noise,  she  said  '  the  for- 
eigners had  got  her  child  and  were  going  to 
take  her  away  to  their  own  country.'    A  great 


NEEPAW.  209 


many  people  came  around  to  see  what  was 
the  matter.  Dr.  Bridgman  went  down  from 
his  study,  and  told  the  woman  to  come  into 
the  school-room,  and  wait  until  Mrs.  Bridgman 
came  back. 

"  Xeepaw  was  nicely  clothed  and  well-looking. 
She  had  rice  to  eat  and  her  mother  had  given 
her  money  to  make  her  go  away,  and  was  go- 
ing to  sell  her  again.  The  next  morning  she 
was  to  go  into  the  country.  When  ISTeepaw 
cried  and  told  her  mother  she  wanted  to  come 
home,  her  mother  said,  '  To-morrow  morning 
go,'  but  she  did  not  mean  to  let  her  go. 

"  We  were  all  glad  to  see  Neepaw  back,  and 
Mrs.  Bridgman  told  her  mother  she  must  not 
take  the  child  away,  for  she  had  sold  her  once, 
and  her  adopted  mother  had  signed  a  written 
agreement  that  she  should  stay  in  the  school 
three  years ;  so  the  woman  went  away,  and  I 
hope  we  shall  have  no  more  trouble.  I  have 
no  more  room  to  write  and  must  close.    Alan." 

The  above  is  a  fair  specimen  of  the  little 
dependence  that  can  be  placed  upon  the  word 
or  integrity  of  the  Chinese. 
14 


210  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

The  latter  part  of  this  Autumn  we  had  a 
visit  from  some  American  friends  who  were 
desirous  of  seeing  something  of  the  manners 
and  customs  of  this  ancient  people.  Soon  after 
an  opportunity  offered  in  our  vicinity  to  attend 
a  wedding. 

For  two  weeks  we  had  observed  our  narrow 
street  quite  obstructed  by  various  culinary 
preparations ;  indeed  we  were  quite  incom- 
moded in  passing  to  and  from  the  houses. 

Inquiry  being  made  as  to  the  cause,  we  were 
informed  that  our  neighbor  had  a  daughter 
being  given  in  marriage,  and  several  days 
were  devoted  to  feasting  at  her  father's  house. 
This  would  continue  probably  two  weeks,  when 
the  bride  would  go  to  her  husband's  home,  and 
the  ceremonies  be  completed. 

The  great  entrance  was  hung  with  scarlet 
drapery,  the  usual  indication  of  a  wedding ;  a 
band  of  musicians  were  daily  employed,  and 
the  quantity  of  rice  consumed,  seemed  to  be 
by  the  measure  of  corn  baskets,  with  other 
things  in  proportion. 

The  last  day  of  these  rejoicings,  permission 


A   BRIDE.  211 


was  allowed  us  to  visit  the  bride.  The  custom 
is,  on  these  occasions,  to  send  some  little  pres- 
ent. This  is  wrapped  in  scarlet  paper,  ac- 
companied with  the  name  of  the  individual  on 
a  card,  also  in  an  envelope  of  scarlet,  and  for- 
warded, agreeably  to  their  rules  of  etiquette, 
to  the  bridegroom. 

On  entering  the  house  we  were  received  by 
the  lady  of  the  family  with  all  due  courtesy. 
She  requested  us  to  be  seated  for  a  short  time 
in  a  side  apartment. 

The  bride  at  that  moment  was, taking  wine 
with  her  intended  husband,  and  when  she  re- 
turned to  her  room  we  might  go  up  and  see 
her. 

A  young  gentleman,  who  seemed  to  be  mas- 
ter of  ceremonies,  presently  came  in,  and  con- 
ducted us  to  her  apartment.  She  was  sitting 
in  silence,  dressed  in  embroidered  garments  of 
scarlet  color  ;  an  immense  cushion  was  placed 
upon  her  head,  filled  with  ornaments,  a  fringe 
of  beads  of  various  colors  hung  about  a  very 
plain  face.  She  was  by  no  means  a  delicately 
formed  young  woman,  her  hands  were  large, 


212  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

her  feet  were  concealed,  but  I  believe  com- 
pressed. 

The  ladies  around  her  (her  father's  wives) 
took  pains  to  put  on  certain  articles  of  dress 
for  our  gratification.  I  asked  her  if  the  head- 
dress was  not  heavy  and  burdensome ;  she 
made  no  reply.  One  of  the  ladies  remarked 
it  was  "  contrary  to  custom"  for  any  one  to 
speak  to  her,  for  which  breach  of  courtesy,  I 
begged  pardon. 

At  six  p.  M.  a  procession  was  to  move  with 
the  bride  to  the  house  of  her  husband's  father, 
not  far  distant  from  Wonka-moda.  We  sent 
our  compliments  with  a  handsome  embroid- 
ered purse,  and  answer  was  speedily  returned 
that  they  would  be  happy  to  see  us. 

At  the  appointed  hour  the  richly  decorated 
scarlet  Sedan  chair  was  in  readiness  for  the 
bride.  Closely  veiled  she  took  her  seat,  the 
curtains  of  the  Sedan  screened  her  entirely 
from  public  view.  A  band  of  musicians,  and 
a  long  train  of  attendants  accompanied  her  with 
hghted  torches.  The  lady  usually  goes  weep- 
ing to   the  house  of  her  husband's  parents. 


WEDDING.  213 


Dr.  B.  and  myself,  with  our  visitors,  fol- 
lowed shortly  after.  We  reached  the  house  in 
about  ten  minutes. 

The  courts  were  brilliantly  lighted,  and  our 
Sedans  were  scarcely  set  down  before  a  gen- 
tleman in  readiness,  conducted  us  through  the 
crowd  into  an  inner  apartment,  where  a  table 
was  spread  with  luxuries  expressly  for  their 
foreign  guests. 

Meanwhile  the  bride  and  groom  were  stand- 
ing up,  and  going  through  the  accustomed 
ceremonies.  After  slightly  partaking  of  their 
hospitality,  we  begged  permission  to  return  to 
their  principal  room  for  guests,  and  see  the 
marriage. 

The  groom,  a  young  man  apparently  about 
twenty-two,  was  handsomely  attired  in  purple 
satin.  The  bride,  veiled  from  head  to  foot, 
arrayed  in  scarlet,  stood  by  his  side.  A  com- 
pany of  Taouist  priests  were  present,  and  one 
prominent  individual  was  addressing  them, 
evidently  enforcing  the  obligations  of  married 
life. 

They  alternately  faced  each  other,  then  the 


214:  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

company,  after  which  turning  entirely  round, 
they  kneeled  before  the  ancestral  tablets.  They 
are  assisted  in  these  ceremonies  by  a  middle- 
aged  lady,  generally  a  family  relative,  select- 
ed for  the  purpose.  The  groom's  sisters  or 
cousins,  although  they  do  not  stand  up  with 
them,  are  in  waiting  to  do  the  office  of  bride's 
maids. 

A  cup  of  wine  is  offered  to  each  by  the  matron 
lady.  Seated  at  a  table,  the  groom  drinks,  the 
bride  being  veiled,  the  cup  is  gracefully  passed 
toward  her  mouth ;  then  standmg  up,  they 
are  tied  together  by  the  feet  Avith  a  strip  of 
silk,  long  enough  to  allow  them  to  walk. 

Preceded  by  musicians  playing,  the  bride- 
groom and  bride,  with  their  attendants,  threaded 
their  way  through  the  corridors  of  the  house. 
An  elderly  gentleman  beckoned  to  us  to  fol- 
low them ;  it  was  dark,  we  knew  not  where 
they  would  lead  us,  but  after  going  through 
several  winding  passages,  we  found  ourselves 
in  the  kitchen  ! 

Here  the  newly-married  pair,  kneeling,  paid 
adoration  to  the  god  who  presides  over  the 


BRIDAL   CIT AMBER.  215 

culinary  department,  in  order  to  secure  that 
wliich  every  Chinese  considers  the  height  of 
human  happiness,  plenty  of  rice. 

Eeturning  by  the  same  course,  we  soon  found 
ourselves  in  the  bridal  chamber.  Every  part 
of  this  room  was  elegantly  and  brilliantly 
adorned. 

The  pair  being  seated  together,  the  veil  is 
lifted,  and  the  groom  for  the  first  time  beholds 
the  features  of  his  bride.  In  this  case,  the 
young  man  for  some  reason  unknown  to  ob- 
servers, found  it  difficult  to  conceal  his  feel- 
ings, which  seemed  ready  every  moment, to 
break  forth  in  merriment. 

Arrived  at  this  point,  the  elderly  gentleman 
(whom  we  supposed  to  be  the  groom's  father), 
beckoned  to  us  to  retire  from  the  room,  and 
with  many  thanks  for  the  gratification  they 
had  afforded  us,  we  took  our  leave  and  return- 
ed home. 

In  the  month  of  November,  1851,  our  mis- 
sionary circle  at  Shanghai,  suffered  a  serious 
and  afflictive  bereavement. 

Mrs.  Eliza  G.  Shuck,   wife  of  Rev.  J.  L. 


216  DArGHTEKS   OF   CHINA. 

Shuck,  after  some  montlis  of  indisposition,  ex- 
changed the  toils  of  her  missionary  life  for 
the  glorious  rewards  of  her  Father's  house  in 
Heaven. 

Mrs.  Shuck  was  deeply  interested  in  h 
of  Chinese  females,  and  exerted  her  labors, 
and  tendered  her  sympathy  in  their  behalf, 
with  the  fervor  that  marked  all  her  intercourse 
with  her  missionary  sisters. 

Accomplished  in  mind  and  manners,  her  in- 
fluence, not  only  upon  the  Chinese,  but  upon 
her  particular  friends,  was  that  of  winning 
gentleness.  Her  religious  character  was  de- 
cided, and  distinguished  by  humble  and  child- 
like confidence  in  God. 

In  this  frame  of  mind  she  received  the  last 
summons,  gave  directions  respecting  her  family 
with  perfect  composure,  and  leaving  her  first 
infant  daughter  to  the  care  of  others,  fell 
asleep  in  Jesus. 


xxn. 

Happy  Situation— Interruption  of  Plans— Dr.  B.'a  Illness 
—American  Generosity — A  Trying  Resolve — Care  of 
the  School — Parting  with  Alan— King-meh. 

The  autumn  of  1851  was  an  interesting 
period  in  the  history  of  the  little  school  at 
Wongka-Moda.  It  consisted  of  sixteen  board- 
ers, ten  day  scholars,  and  two  of  the  matron's 
children.  The  foreign  teacher  and  the  pupils 
had  become  acquainted,  and  enjoyed  each 
other's  confidence,  the  children  had  formed 
regular  habits  of  industry,  and  acquired  some 
skill  in  various  kinds  of  work.  They  had 
also  learned  to  observe  the  Sabbath,  and  listen 
to  the  gospel.  I  had  acquired  enough  of  their 
language  to  be  understood  without  difficulty ; 
we  sympathized  with  each  other  and  were  a 
very  happy  family. 

The  situation  of  the  school  was  quite  in  ac- 


218  DAUGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

cordance  with  Chinese  ideas,  being  so  entirely 
enclosed  and  secluded. 

A  great  many  Chinese  women  visited  the 
establishment,  who  always  seemed  gratified 
and  much  surprised  at  the  interest  manifested 
in  behalf  of  the  girls,  particularly  in  seeing 
them  taught  to  sew  in  their  own  style,  make, 
mend  and  wash  their  own  clothes. 

In  discharging  these  duties,  and  striving  to 
fill  the  station  appointed  by  our  Heavenly 
Father,  all  the  happiness  that  earth  affords 
was  ours;  we  envied  not  the  great  nor  the 
gay,  nor  wodd  we  have  exchanged  our  Chi- 
nese dwellings,  save  for  a  more  airy  and  healthy 
situation,  for  a  regal  palace  and  its  vast  pos- 
sessions. 

How  frequently  it  occurs,  that  when  indi- 
viduals have  attained  an  object  to  which  they 
have  long  looked  forward  with  lively  interest, 
and  made  efforts  to  accomplish,  our  Heavenly 
Father's  wisdom  sees  fit  to  derange  their  plans, 
and  point  his  finger  to  a  different  course  from 
that  which  they  have  marked  out  for  them- 
selves. 


INTEEEUPTION  OF  PLANS.  219 

At  this  juncture  as  the  "  fallow  ground"  of 
heathenism  in  these  pupils  was  being  broken 
up,  and  thej  were  beginning  to  receive  the 
seed  of  the  Word,  we  were  called  to  follow 
the  Lord's  bidding. 

It  was  toward  the  last  of  November — winter 
approaching — the  season  on  which  missiona- 
ries depend  to  invigorate  their  frames,  often  ex- 
hausted by  close  application,  and  the  intense 
heat  of  summer,  which,  in  a  Chinese  house,  is 
often  insupportably  enervating.  We  were 
planning  increased  systematic  diligence  for  the 
winter.  The  work  of  translation,  the  study 
of  the  language,  the  instruction  of  the  Chinese 
pupils,  and  household  duties,  filled  up  all  our 
time.  We  were  thus  pleasantly  occupied, 
when  God  suddenly  laid  his  hand  upon  us, 
and  by  the  voice  of  his  providence  said,  stop 
doing,  and  learn  a  lesson  in  suffering. 

My  husband  fainted  under  the  pressure  of 
disease,  and  the  wheels  of  life  almost  stood 
still.  His  strength  was  prostrated  by  an  ex- 
treme irritation  of  the  throat,  lungs,  and  stom- 
ach,  and  a  racking  cough.     To  attempt  to 


220  DAUGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

labor  or  study  was  not  only  useless  but  pre- 
sumptive ;  indeed  he  could  not  rise  from  his 
bed  until  noon. 

A  change  was  recommended  by  his  physi- 
cian, who  had  known  him  seventeen  years. 
Dr.  Bridgman  thought  if  sufficient  strength 
returned,  he  would  try  a  short  sea  voyage  and 
visit  his  brethren  at  Canton,  but  during  the 
months  of  December  and  January,  there  was 
scarcely  any  improvement.  His  friends  in 
considering  his  case,  felt  that  the  contemplated 
visit  would  not  be  sufficient  to  recruit  his  ex- 
hausted energies. 

At  this  crisis,  a  mercantile  gentleman  came 
forward  offering  to  defray  our  expenses  to  and 
from  America — we  hesitated — we  prayed  over 
the  subject.  A  meeting  of  the  Eevising  Com- 
mittee was  then  called  for  counsel.  They  and 
his  physician  decided  that  a  long  voyage  was 
the  only  remedy,  the  last  resort,  and  expressed 
the  opinion  that  we  were  in  duty  bound  to 
accept  the  generous  proposal  of  Edward  Cun- 
ningham, Esq.,  acting  as  American  Consul  at 
Shanghai,   and   go   to  our  native  land;  my 


DISPOSAL   OF  SCHOOL.  221 

husband  having  resided  twenty-two  years  in 
China. 

This  decision  was  a  trial  to  our  faith,  it  was 
a  path  we  had  not  sought,  and  we  tried  hard 
to  feel  that  it  was  our  duty  to  remain,  if  not 
to  labor,  to  die  in  the  Master's  cause;  but 
brethren  and  friends  all  said,  "Go." 

What  was  to  be  done  with  the  few  lambs 
we  had  gathered  ?  Should  we  turn  them  into 
the  wilderness  of  heathenism  again,  to  be  en- 
snared and  taken  by  "  the  roaring  lion  who 
goeth  about  seeking  whom  he  may  devour  ?" 
How  could  we  do  this  ?  Dr.  Bridgman  was 
willing  to  undertake  the  voyage  alone,  for  the 
work's  sake,  but  counsellors  said  "  it  was  our 
duty  to  go  together.  He  was  weak,  and  need- 
ed my  sympathy  and  care  ;"  but  the  school  ? 
"What  was  to  be  done  with  that  ? 

The  Lord,  the  good  Shepherd  who  "  taketh 
the  lambs  in  His  arms,  and  carrieth  them  in 
his  bosom,"  eased  our  burdens  and  dried  our 
tears. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wight  of  the  Presbyterian 
Board,  a  young  missionary  couple  who  had 


222  DAUGHTEKS    OF   CHINA. 

three  little  ones  of  their  own,  were  wilhng  to 
undertake  the  care  of  them,  at  least  for  a 
season. 

The  ship  Adelaide,  lay  in  the  harbor  ready 
to  sail,  and  three  days  only  were  allowed  to 
prepare.  Missionary  and  mercantile  friends 
lent  a  helping  hand  to  make  us  ready,  and  all 
hastened  our  departure. 

Among  the  little  flock,  there  was  one  who 
was  unto  us  as  a  daughter,  and  we  were  to  her 
as  parents.  Four  years'  watchfulness  and  care 
had  cemented  this  union.  It  was  Alan.  How 
should  this  change  be  made  known  to  her? 
The  hour  had  come.  I  took  her  alone,  and 
explained  to  her  young  mind  the  cause  of  our 
separation.  She  spoke  not  a  word  of  reply, 
but  her  heart  was  full,  and  tears  and  sobs  told 
me  the  struggle  of  the  child's  affection.  "We 
wept  together.  During  the  day  when  we  had 
regained  our  composure,  she  was  told  that  her 
services  were  needed  in  the  school,  and  as  she 
understood  English,  and  was  acquainted  with 
the  whole  routine  of  duties,  she  would  be  of 
great  assistance  to  Mrs.  Wight.     This  reason- 


SELECTION.  223 


ing  soothed  her  feelings ;  she  was  ready  to 
comply  with  our  wishes,  but  between  affection 
and  duty  there  was  a  strong  conflict. 

Proceeding  thus  far,  the  next  step  was  to 
announce  our  departure  to  the  school.  The 
boarders  and  day  pupils  were  assembled,  and 
the  case  was  stated  in  plain  and  simple  terms. 
They  were  told  that  we  were  to  leave  them, 
if  Dr.  B.'s  health  was  restored,  only  for  a  sea- 
son ;  a  year  was  the  stipulated  period.  The 
kind  provision  which  God  had  made  to  have 
them  taught  and  cared  for,  during  our  absence, 
was  recommended  to  their  consideration.  A 
proposal  was  made  to  take  one  pupil  with  us. 
Nearly  all  turned  their  eyes  upon  Alan ;  un- 
derstanding this,  it  was  remarked,  "  Alan  can- 
not accompany  us,  her  mother  said  she  '  must 
not  go  to  the  foreign  country.'  If  any  of  you 
are  willing  you  may  stand  up" — three  rose. 
'*  Suppose  you  all  select  one,"  I  continued,  "the 
friends  in  America  will  be  pleased  to  see  a 
Chinese  pupil,  and  during  the  voyage  I  wish 
to  read  and  speak  Chinese,  lest  when  we  re- 
turn, you  will  not  understand  me."     Their 


224  DAtJGHTEES   OF  CHINA. 

choice  was  requested,  and  tliej  all  decided 
upon  King-meh,  quite  in  accordance  with  our 
previous  judgment.  King-meh  has  been  uni- 
formly remarkable  for  her  obedience  and  at- 
tention ;  the  other  pupils  have  always  looked 
up  to  her  for  direction  when  the  matron  or 
myself  were  unusually  occupied. 

It  was  first  mentioned  to  the  girl,  and  she 
was  quite  pleased  and  ready  to  give  her  con- 
sent, but  she  replied,  "  I  am  afraid  my  parents 
and  brothers  will  not  be  willing."  This  was 
problematical.  Her  parents  are  poor  but  re- 
spectable. King-meh  used  all  her  powers  of 
persuasion,  at  the  first  interview  with  her 
mother,  but  more  reflection  was  required. 

At  the  next  consultation  the  mother  desired 
to  accompany  her  daughter.  She  was  told  it 
was  too  expensive.  She  then  asked  if  King- 
meh's  brother  could  not  go,  and  get  employ- 
ment on  board  ship.  This  arrangement  would 
not  do,  but  we  were  to  take  charge  of  a  lad,  a 
son  of  one  of  the  missionaries  on  the  passage, 
and  if  King-meh  accompanied  us  and  attended 
to  the  boy,  the  parents  were  willing  to  allow 


mother's  consent.  225 

the  mother  $15  for  her  services.  This  offer 
touched  a  secret  spring ;  she  seemed  thoughtful 
for  a  moment,  and  then  said,  "  "Well,  if  you 
will  not  betroth  her  to  a  foreigner,  she  may 
go." 

These  circumstances  may  seem  trivial  on 
these  pages,  but  they  illustrate  the  character 
of  the  people  in  our  field  of  labor. 


15 


XXIII. 

Embarkation — Singular   Phenomenon — St.  Helena — Na- 
poleon's Tomb — Mrs.  Judson's  Grave — Conclusion. 

February  3d  we  left  our  residence  at 
Wonka-Moda,  and  embarked  on  board  the 
ship  Adelaide,  Captain  ^Cobb.  A  singular 
phenomenon  observed  in  the  Chinese  sea  is 
thus  described  in  Dr.  Bridgman's  private  jour- 
nal:— 

"  Thursday  evening,  Fehruary  12tJi,  1852. — A 
most  wonderful  phenomenon  appeared.  The 
passengers  had  come  down  to  the  cabin  just  as 
night  closed  in ;  the  captain,  observing  that 
the  water  alongside  Avas  whitish,  hastened 
down,  glanced  his  eye  at  the  chart  and  at  the 
barometer,  and  then  ran  on  deck. 

"  '  Sir,'  said  the  first  officer,  '  the  sea  is  as 
white  as  milk.' 

"  We  had,  as  we  believed,  according  to  our 


PHENOMENON.  227 


reckoning,  passed  the  dangerous  Pratas.  JSTo 
other  shoals  were  marked  on  our  charts.  A 
second  and  a  third  time  the  captain  came 
down — carefully  reviewed  the  figui'cs  on  his 
slate.  But  not  a  word  did  he  utter.  'What 
is  the  case,  Captain  ?'  said  I,  as  he  came  again. 
'  She  sails  finely.'  After  a  few  minutes  more 
the  Captain  came  and  said  to  me  as  I  lay  in 
my  berth,  '  Come  up  on  deck  and  see  the  most 
wonderful  sight  you  ever  saw  in  your  life.'  A 
half-hour  had  now  elapsed  since  it  was  first 
observed,  as  far  as  the  eje  could  see,  the  whole 
surface  of  the  ocean  appeared  as  white  as 
drifted  snow. 

"  When  I  first  saw  it,  the  sea  was  not  only 
white,  but  it  was  perfectly  smooth ;  as  if  by 
some  secret  impulse  every  wave  and  ripple 
was  levelled.  The  lead  at  thirty -five  fathoms, 
210  feet,  found  no  bottom ;  and  it  was  morally 
certain  that  our  ship  was  at  least  one  hundred 
miles  from  any  land  or  shoals  laid  down  on 
the  charts.  The  horizon,  which  had  been 
clear  during  the  afternoon,  was  thick  and 
hazy.     The   scene   continued   unchanged  till 


228  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 

near  midniglit.  It  then  cleared  up,  and  the 
sea  again  appeared  as  usual. 

''After  the  closest  observation  we  could 
make,  it  was  concluded  that  this  wonderful 
phenomenon  was  not  the  result  of  any  change 
in  the  sea,  but  in  the  atmosphere.  The  ba- 
rometer had  fallen  considerably.  It  was  con- 
jectured that  dense  heavy  strata,  of  atmos- 
pheric substance,  invisible  to  the  eye,  resting 
on  the  surface  of  the  waters,  were  the  causes 
of  this  novel  sight." 

On  Sunday,  May  1st,  we  arrived  at  St.  He- 
lena. The  island,  we  are  informed,  is  nine  and 
three  quarters  miles  long,  and  six  and  three 
quarters  wide.  There  are  six  thousand  inhabi- 
tants of  various  nations  residing  there. 

The  shore  is  bold,  rocky  and  barren.  We 
approached  the  same  landing-place  where 
Napoleon,  in  his  exile,  placed  his  feet;  the 
rocks  seem  to  have  been  thrown  up  sud- 
denly to  a  great  height  by  volcanic  action. 
The  white  sea-foam  dashes  furiously  upon  the 
rocks,  threatening  to  engulf  us  forever,  and 
the  roar  of  the  waters  is  heard  at  a  distance. 


ST.    HELENA.  229 


The  boatmen  are  obliged  to  watcli  a  lull  wlien 
the  waves  recede,  to  jump  ashore,  and  great 
skill,  as  well  as  very  strong  boats,  are  needful 
to  land  in  safety.  We  were  immediately  visit- 
ed by  Mr.  Carroll,  the  American  Consul,  who 
invited  us  to  attend  service  at  the  church  on 
shore  that  evening. 

After  being  three  months  at  sea,  this  was 
indeed  a  delightful  change.  The  deep  tones 
of  an  organ,  leading  the  services  of  the  s^nc- 
tuary,  the  chanting  of  the  charity  f^iiildren, 
the  voice  of  the  preacher  on  this  W^  islet  of  the 
great  deep,  all  combined  to  ^J^ake  us  feel  that 
we  had  reached  alivi-^g  spring  in  our  pilgrim- 
age, and  it  mad£>  i^  pleasant  interruption  to  the 
necessarj  monotony  of  a  long  voyage.  We 
re  turned  to  the  ship  after  the  services.  The 
followiiig  morning  we  accepted  an  invitation 
to  breakfast  at  the  Consul's.  A  part  of  our 
company  obtained  a  carriage  to  pay  a  visit  to 
Longwood,  one  lady  and  gentleman  accom- 
panying us  on  horseback. 

The  island  is  mountainous,  and  we  com- 
menced the  ascent  of  the  high  hills  at  a  slow 


230  DATJGHTEES   OF   CHINA. 

pace;  this  gave  us  an  opportunity  of  enjoying 
the  scenery.  It  reminded  me  somewhat  of 
Hong-Kong.  Now  a  deep  ravine  and  water- 
fall bursts  upon  the  view,  then  a  pine  forest, 
and  anon  a  fertile  valley,  though  the  island 
generally  is  not  highly  cultivated. 

After  riding  a  distance  of  three  miles,  we 
descended  into  a  little  valley  where  Kapoleon 
selected  his  last  resting-place.  It  is  a  circular 
ericlosure,  adorned  with  willow  and  cypress. 
In  tii^i  centre  of  this  is  the  Conqueror's  tomb, 
surrounded  by  a  fence,  and  protected  from  the 
weather  by  a  Cv^vering  of  sail-cloth. 

Some  of  us  desccr^^ed  the  steps,  and  Sally, 
the  colored  woman,  who  Las  charge  of  the 
premises,  gave  quite  an  fcloqueni  description 
of  the  number  of  coffins  in  wMo^  the  body 
was  enclosed,  the  direction  of  the  h^^ad  feet 
and  the  appearance  of  the  body  when  exhum- 
ed. "We  plucked  sprigs  of  the  Cypress  and 
Willow,  and  repaired  to  the  spring  close  at 
hand,  where  Kapoleon's  servants,  with  their 
silver  pitchers,  came  a  long  distance  to  supply 
him  with  water. 


LONGWOOD,  231 


Recording  our  names  in  a  book  for  visitors, 
at  an  adjacent  cottage,  we  resumed  our  seats 
in  the  carriage,  and  proceeded  to  Longwood, 
a  distance  of  three  miles. 

The  house  is  in  a  very  dilapidated  state. 
One  part  of  it  is  used  as  a  mill,  and  another 
part  as  a  stable.  We  were  shown  into  an 
apartment  that  was  his  bedroom.  A  board 
has  been  taken  from  the  floor,  and  a  stone  from 
the  wall,  in  the  direction  in  which  he  slept, 
and  carried  to  France. 

His  dining-room  was  without  windows,  the 
light  being  admitted  from  the  door.  The 
walls,  of  dark  green  color,  gave  the  apartment 
a  very  sombre  hue. 

Posts  for  the  sentinels  still  remain.  The 
artificial  pond  in  a  spot  that  was  his  garden, 
where  he  amused  himself  with  gold-fish,  over- 
shadowed by  a  fir-tree,  on  a  branch  of  which 
a  cage  of  birds  was  suspended,  reminded  us 
of  what  we  had  read  of  Napoleon. 

It  was  so  repugnant  to  his  feelings  to  be 
constantly  watched  by  sentinels,  that  he  walk- 
ed out  and  visited  but  little. 


232  DAUGHTERS    OF    CHINA. 

Within  five  minutes'  walk  is  a  house  built 
for  him  by  the  English  government,  better 
suited  to  his  rank,  and  more  conducive  to  his 
comfort.  But  this  he  never  occupied.  It  was 
being  completed  when  he  was  removed  by 
death.  It  is  situated  on  an  admirable  site, 
overlooking  a  beautiful  country.  From  his 
drawing-room  window  he  had  a  view  of  an 
extensive  lawn,  where  the  English  soldiers 
practised  at  arms. 

In  our  course  up  the  hills,  we  passed  "  The 
Briars/'  where  Kapoleon  resided  previous  to 
his  removal  to  Longwood.  Eeturning  we  en- 
joyed a  view  of  Plantation  House,  the  sum- 
mer residence  of  the  Governor  of  the  island. 
The  course  of  our  ride  completed  a  circuit  of 
twelve  miles. 

There  was  one  other  spot  we  wished  to  see, 
and  on  Tuesday  morning,  we  paid  another 
visit  to  Jamestown.  On  all  these  occasions 
the  American  Consul,  Mr.  John  Carroll,  and 
his  amiable  lady,  paid  us  every  possible  atten- 
tion. 

This  spot  was  the  grave  of  Mrs.  Sarah  B. 


GRAVE   OF   MRS.   JUDSOK.  233 

Judson,  wife  of  the  Eev.  Adoniram  Judson, 
Missionary  to  Burmah,  wlio  died  on  board 
ship,  off  St.  Helena,  September  1st,  1845,  and 
was  interred  under  a  Banyan  tree,  in  the 
English  burying-ground  at  Jamestown. 

There  is  a  plain  slab  with  her  name,  her 
age,  the  length  of  her  missionary  course,  her 
connection  with  Mr.  Boardman,  and  afterwards 
with  Mr.  Judson,  and  underneath,  the  follow- 
ing lines  written  by  her  husband. 

"  Here  sweetly  she  sleeps  on  this  rock  of  the  ocean, 
Away  from  the  home  of  her  youth, 
And  far  from  the  land  wherewith  heart-felt  devotion, 
She  scattered  the  bright  beams  of  truth," 

The  high  intellectual  character  of  this  lady, 
her  personal  accomplishments,  her  self-denying 
labors  among  the  Burmans,  suggested  pleasant 
topics  for  reflection;  we  lingered  round  her 
tomb,  plucked  some  leaves  from  the  Banyan 
tree,  as  mementoes  of  our  visit,  and  then  left 
her  ashes  to  their  rest  till  the  morning  of  the 
resurrection. 


234:  DAUGHTERS   OF   CHINA. 


CONCLUSION. 

We  arrived  in  Kew  York,  June  17tli,  1852, 
and  now  on  tlie  eve  of  our  departure  for  our 
Chinese  home,  we  would  express  our  grateful 
acknowledgments  to  one  and  all  of  our  Chris- 
tian friendS;  who  have  given  us  such  a  warm 
reception,  so  many  testimonies  of  their  chris- 
tian regard,  and  their  interest  in  the  cause  of 
missions. 

Our  spirits  have  been  refreshed  at  the  holy 
convocation,  our  strength  has  been  invigorated 
by  travelling.  "With  renewed  health  we  cheer- 
fully turn  our  faces  to  the  sun  rising.  The 
"  pillar  of  a  cloud  by  day,  and  of  fire  by  night," 
has  led  us  all  the  way,  and  now  points  us  back 
to  the  land  of  our  adoption. 

Through  the  liberality  of  Messrs.  Olyphant, 
we  are  provided  with  a  passage  on  the  "Wild 
Pigeon ;"  and  to  all  our  dear  friends  we  say, 
"Hinder  us  not,"  but  with  hearts  glowing  with 
gratitude  and  christian  love  accept  an  affec- 
tionate Adieu. 


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