WATSON (THOMAS BOSWELL) Manuscript journal, written in Macau, including approximately 12 entries...

WATSON (THOMAS BOSWELL) Manuscript journal, written in Macau, including approximately 12 entries relating to George Chinnery, snippets of news received from Hong Kong and Canton, comings and goings of ships, and local gossip, 150 pages, mostly ink with some pencil, 2 illustrations of a mother and child (one pencil, one ink) on one page, some gatherings working loose, original limp blue cloth, worn, 8vo (178 x 125mm.), 28 October 1847-30 December 1847, final 4 pages 1850-1851] Footnotes: Provenance Dr. Thomas Boswell Watson, thence by descent to the current owner. A journal of events written by Thomas Boswell Watson (1815-1860) in Macau, where he had a successful doctor's practice. Amongst his patients was the artist George Chinnery, who became a good friend and took Watson on as a pupil. Entries include 'On Saturday when at Mr. Chinnerys looking over some of his old sketches, I asked him to paint me a picture from one of them (an old bridge near Canton)...' (Nov 7 1847), and noting that on St. Andrew's Day (1847) Chinnery was 'in great spirits - sang two songs after dinner'. On 11 September 1848 Watson 'Paid Mr. Chinnery for a book of sketches' and breakfasted with him on the following day, with several others relating to their dining together. Watson records news received from Hong Kong and Canton, including 'Heard sad reports from Canton! Six young English men went out on an excursion on Sunday last to a neighbouring villages... [and were] attacked by the villagers, & it is feared are killed...' (December 7, 1847), and more pedestrian gossip from the foreign residents, '...Liz [Elizabeth, Watson's wife] objected rather testily to Mrs M[iddleton]'s dog Frisk... [objecting] that dogs generally are not invited out to dinner along with their masters'. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: • • Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing