During the time of the Second Opium War between Britain and China (1856–60), sailor Edward Brown (about whom little is known) was discharged from a trading vessel in Hong Kong. He was then offered the opportunity to captain a Chinese-crewed ship bound for Wai-how on the west coast, though he was warned that it was a risky enterprise because of the ongoing hostilities. Soon his ship was chased by Chinese pirates and Brown was taken captive for many months in Cochin-China (southern Vietnam). Published in 1861, this engaging account of his captivity, attempts at escape, and eventual return to his livelihood as a mate on a trading ship is told in a lively style, and gives a first-hand account of both a turbulent time in one of the world's most dangerous seas, and the different people and customs he encountered in the course of his enforced time on land.
Sailor Edward Brown had taken command of a Chinese-crewed ship when it was captured by pirates. In this engaging account, published in 1861, Brown recounts his months in captivity and the places he was taken, giving a vivid picture of Cochin-China (Vietnam) during the Second Opium War (1856–60).
