I left the vessel without any apprehension; but first, I had to consider how I should find my way to the house of a gentleman named Agassiz, for whom I had brought letters of recommendation.

I explained to the captain, by signs, that I had no money with me, and that he must act as my guide to the factory, where I would pay him.

He soon understood me, and conducted me to the place, and the Europeans there showed me the particular house I wanted.
On seeing me arrive, and hearing the manner in which I had travelled, and the way that I had walked from the vessel to his house, Mr.Agassiz was extremely surprised, and would hardly credit that I had met with no difficulties or injury.

From him I learned what risks I, as a woman, had run in traversing the streets of Canton with no escort but a Chinese guide.

Such a thing had never occurred before, and Mr.Agassiz assured me that I might esteem myself as exceedingly fortunate in not having been insulted by the people in the grossest manner, or even stoned.