Recto: Red River, Gulf of Tonkin, with elephant. Verso: Barlow describes Tonkin, its army, products and currency. Its customs include the hiring of women by the English and Dutch as temporary wives.

Page 245 and 246 of Edward Barlow's journal.

Page 245 (recto): Red River, Gulf of Tonkin, with elephant.

Page 246 (verso): Tonkin is small but has an army. The true emperors of all Cochin China are kept captive by the king and killed when they reach middle age. The Privy Council is composed of eunuchs. Barlow describes the people and the way women are hired as temporary wives by the English and Dutch. The king has a good stock of artillery, river boats, horses and elephants. Silks and lacquer wares are produced, and Barlow describes the currency.

Record Details

Item reference: JOD/4/245-246
Catalogue Section: Manuscript volumes acquired singly by the Museum
Level: ITEM
Extent: 1 page
Date made: 1688-1689
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London