LOG OF THE COLUMBIA 337
as the government looks to them for the Amount of Duties. Capt. Gray generally staid at Canton and the Officers by turns, and ev'ry man on board had two Days liberty allowed him.
We had a building, made of Bamboo and Cover'd with Matts, nearly abreast the Ship on the Banks of the River. This was found by the Compadore and answer'd very well for to put the Ship's stores in while careening and loading. An Officer and gang of hands was station'd at this place, as a guard. There was two large boats station'd along side the Ship, with Customs house officers on board, the whole time we lay'd in the river. A family resided in each boat (they being com- pletely shelter'd). The Manderine had an apartment by him- self.
1793, January 1. Rec'd a letter from Capt. Kendrick, who inform'd us of the death of Messrs. Wood and Stodderd, two young men of Boston. I believe they liv'd too fast for the climate.
When we arriv'd at Whampoa there was upwards of a dozen fine Hogs on deck, which we had reserv'd for the Passage home. The Rasscles of the Chinese found means to throw them some poisinous stuff, which kill'd the whole of them. But we took notice as soon as they was thrown overboard they was eagerly seiz'd, and no doubt was feasted upon by the poor of the River; indeed nothing escap'd their clutches the Entrails of Poultry, or Dead Rats serv'd equally alike to appease these half starv'd wretches that constantly surrounds the shipping. However I always remark'd that they was very nice in their Cookery, and Rice was always a part of ev'ry Mess. No Indians we had ever visited during the Voyage was more complete in the Art of thieving than the Chinese of the lower order, on this River. And in fact they appear'd to me to be the greatest Villains in the Universe. (These remarks are only as respects the common people.) The Chinese Gen- tlemen is of a very different character, and indeed I was highly pleas'd with the polite attention shown to strangers at Canton, by the Mandarines and Merchants at that place ; indeed among themselves they appear to stand upon the nicest Etiquette. The Chinese merchant is very particular in his business, and
