A Seaman's Narrative of his Adventures during a Captivity among Chinese Pirates on the Coast of Cochin-China
And Afterwards during a Journey on Foot across that Country in the Years 1857–8

A British sailor's gripping account, published in 1861, of being taken captive by Chinese pirates during the Second Opium War.

Edward Brown (Author)

9781108045551, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 August 2012

310 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.8 cm, 0.4 kg

During the time of the Second Opium War between Britain and China (1856–60), sailor Edward Brown (about whom little is known) was discharged from a trading vessel in Hong Kong. He was then offered the opportunity to captain a Chinese-crewed ship bound for Wai-how on the west coast, though he was warned that it was a risky enterprise because of the ongoing hostilities. Soon his ship was chased by Chinese pirates and Brown was taken captive for many months in Cochin-China (southern Vietnam). Published in 1861, this engaging account of his captivity, attempts at escape, and eventual return to his livelihood as a mate on a trading ship is told in a lively style, and gives a first-hand account of both a turbulent time in one of the world's most dangerous seas, and the different people and customs he encountered in the course of his enforced time on land.

1. Arrival at Hong-kong
2. Departure from Hong-kong Harbour
3. Chinese mode of solving doubts
4. Interview with Ching Ah'ling, the pirate chief
5. On board Ching Ah'ling's Tymung
6. Parting with the crew of the Lorcha
7. Visit from Ching Ah'ling
8. Pirate fleet sets sail again
9. European vessel passing at a distance
10. My crew attack me
11. Native production
12. Depression of spirits at my critical position
13. The Commodore at Hone-eohe
14. Journey pursued
15. Detention at Quong-foo
16. Mandarin's family
17. Uneasiness as to my fate
18. The Quong of Kang-war-ting
19. Allowed to walk in the city
20. Handsome allowance granted me by the Quong
21. Removal from the prison
22. Toa-tai-ting
23. Leave Toa-tai-ting
24. Illness of the Mandarin in charge of me
25. Attack of fever and ague
26. City of Artien-ting or Con-kow.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]