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35¼ pages, on both sides of 18 leaves, disbound. There are a few ink sketches of places visited. 30x18 cm. (11¾x7”).

Rare ink manuscript journal of a voyage aboard the “Barque Ronaldson Bound from New York to Hong Kong China owned by Mess. Gordon & Talbot…” The entries begin daily, then as the voyage progresses more sporadically, but the record is rich in detail and well written, very legible, the product of an educated New Englander from a prominent family.  The final seven pages detail landing in Hong Kong, being introduced to the local expatriates, and on to Canton and Whampoa, where he was to set up practice as a physician. John Plimpton Green (1819-1892), was born and died in Worcester, Massachusetts, but in between he spent many years practicing medicine abroad, first in Whampoa, China and then Copaipo, Chile where he lived for most of his life. He had several prominent brothers, including Andrew Haswell Green, also known as the “Father of Greater New York” for his contributions as commissioner of Central Park and his work toward the annexation of Morrisania, West Farms and Kingsbridge in New York City; Samuel Fisk Green, who was a famous doctor and missionary in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka); and Oliver Bourne Green, who was a renowned engineer for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, as well as a contractor for the parks system of Chicago. A few excerpts from the journal follow:

• Tuesday, April 25^th – “…The crew consists of Capt. , first and second mates, carpenter and sail maker, cook and stewards, six sailors and four boys. Passengers Mrs. Gutzlaff and two servants, and myself.”

• July 4th, 1843 – “Not a very pleasant way of celebrating our day of independence, on the contrary we are quite dependent at the present time, short of water, unfavorable winds, grumbling, growling, and quite an improper spirit abroad. A blunderbuss discharged twice was the strongest association that we had with the celebration of the day at home…”

• August 5^th – “…we are now getting our guns &c. in order before we enter the Straits of Sunda natives often attacking vessels heretofore and slaying as usual without mercy, of late there is less danger in consequence of Dutch and English vessels cruising in those parts, I am ready to act either as surgeon or with a musket in hand as a marine.”

• 9^th – “Came to anchor this morning at Anjer off the Island of Java which island is in possession  of the Dutch where they evidently prove themselves to be the tyrants they are generally represented in whatsoever sphere they move. Went ashore with the Capt. where we had a fine time we went to the master attendant… looked around his garden which of its kind was very fine…” [here is a detailed sketch of the garden and buildings, etc.]

• September 2^nd – “Came to anchor last night near Green Island… Presented my letter to Rev. Mr. Bridgman also one to the Rev. Mr. Schuck the latter of whom took letters to Dr. MacGowan…”

• 8^th – “On this date we  arrive at Whampoa where the shipping lays quite a number of merchant vessels as also several men of war in addition to these there was one French man of war getting under way.”

• 11th – “Called on several gentlemen this morning with Dr. Parker found some quite agreeable was at the hospital a large no. of patients some much afflicted. I abominate the servile state in which the Chinese are held.”

Some additional entries:

• Thursday, May 18th – “…toward evening there were quite a number of porpoises playing around the bows of the vessel the Capt. struck one and he was raised from the water where it was retained for some minutes but owing to the stupidity of the men (as I thought) it was lost…”
• 27th – “…A pig (so called) was killed I think if examined by the Pork Inspector some pieces would be rejected…”
• 31st – Capt. is very desirous of making Christmas Island, and says he must choose his helmsman as he has not succeeded making land in his former attempts, I will not say that the men are not to be blamed to a certain extent, but I think that they are often found fault with, without sufficient cause…”

• 8^th – “…after daylight saw some scenery Island of Java along which we are now running… This is to give you an idea of our first land…” [Follows is a profile sketch of the land]

• 10^th – “Went ashore where we were entertained at the master attendant… We visited the fort… saw the barracks etc. Dyke surrounding perhaps 12 feet at top 3 feet at bottom 15 feet deep overgrown with grass soldiers Africans and natives dressed in uniform and some barefooted…”

• 14^th – “We entered the China Sea at about one o’clock this morning had a fine run through the straints without any serious accident…”

• September 1^st – “…cast anchor early in the afternoon… we anchored near our port being unable to fetch in… we have had quite a number of Chinese boats along side. I am quite disappointed in the appearance of the boats, and junks being much more favorably impressed that I supposed at first.”

• 5^th – “Was walking around the town of Victoria visiting Chinese shops which are said to be quite inferior compared with those in Canton…”

• Sept. 5^th – “Went… to visit Rev. Mr. Brown… who has quite a flourishing school of boys… Much troubled with mosquitoes, police not as vigilant as is necessary for a place composed of the dregs of society as regards the lower classes…”

• September 9^th – “…went to the hospital saw quite a number of patients also a great way of system, such as we have in similar institutions at home…