Recto: Barlow describes the lifestyle and chief trades of the Chinese, who are pleasure-loving and live in subjection to the Tartars. The WENTWORTH loses her longboat and pinnace in a storm. Verso: The WENTWORTH sails to Sumatra and Java. They hear news of an Act of Parliament prohibiting the importing of wrought silk goods. The ship springs a bad leak, and has to be pumped until they reach the Cape.

Page 283 and 284 of Edward Barlow's journal.

Page 283 (recto): Barlow describes the Chinese as lovers of pleasure, such as gaming, eating and drinking, and as worshippers of images in their temples. They live in subjection to the Tartars. The chief tradesmen are weavers, coopers and potters, and there are many paper mills. Barlow describes the food they eat, and their strong drinks. The WENTWORTH loses her longboat and pinnace in a storm.

Page 284 (verso): The WENTWORTH runs ashore sandbanks near Sumatra and has difficulty getting afloat again. They hear news of an Act of Parliament prohibiting the importing of wrought silk goods. Near Java the ship springs a bad leak and has to be pumped all the way to the Cape. Their half-minute glass is incorrect, which makes navigation more difficult. At the Cape they find several Dutch ships, and hear rumours of a war with France. The ship journeys on to Saint Helena.

Record Details

Item reference: JOD/4/283-284
Catalogue Section: Manuscript volumes acquired singly by the Museum
Level: ITEM
Extent: 1 page
Date made: 1700-1701
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London