Unpublished Typescript; Journal of a Voyage from Scotland to China in 1839, by Agnes Paterson

A fascinating unpublished typescript journal of an 1839 voyage undertaken by Agnes Paterson from Scotland (nee Aird, 1809-1893). An introductory Note page, written by a later relation, Kenneth N. Morham in 1965, explains that the journal was addressed to her sister, Janet Aird, wife of Robert Morham, the Depute Town Clerk of Edinburgh. Her husband, Andrew Paterson, was a merchant sea captain, employed by Jardine and Mathieson, who traded in China and the Far East.

The note states that it is not known whether the original manuscript ever survived. This journal has never been published, but the National Library of Scotland hold a photocopy of this typescript.

A first-time sea voyager, her travels begin on the 13th July, 1839 when she departs from Leith (Edinburgh) on the "Adelaa" steamer ship, heading for London, en route to her main embarkation at Portsmouth. It then records incidents on the journey, via the Cape of Good Hope and Java, to her destination at Macao. Her journey was on the  'Eliza Stewart' ship. She describes her trip in great detail from the purchase of a piano in London and learning to tune it, her missionary fellow passengers, and sadly the death at sea of a man overboard, Benjamine Gall, near the end of the journey. The journal was completed on the 15th October 1840.

This unique typescript has been professionally bound as a modern red cloth hardback, with gilt titles to spine and new ivory endpapers. The book presents in lovely condition.

The text of the typescript is in very good condition - mostly bright and clean throughout, with occasional light markings and the remains of a rust stain of a bulldog clip used previously to hold it together. Front and last page of the typescript a little discolored and worn.

A truly unique volume.

Text in English.

Title + (1) Note + 46pp.

Approximate dimensions: 266mm high x 218mm wide x 13mm deep.

Weighs approximately 465g (unpacked).