The Chinese Imperial navy according to W.W. Wood in his book published in 1830

Accounts of the navies in the Far East are quite rare. Mostly, it are books published by missionaries dealing with their experiences in one of more Asian countries or by travellers. Still, the supplied information can be of considerable value, for not is muck known dealing with those navies in the 19th century.

p.158: “The navy of China consists of an immense number of vessels, of all sizes, but whose actual strength bears but a small proportion to their numbers. The largest war junks which have fallen under my own observations, mounted eight guns, of small size, none being heavier than twelve pounders. From the extraordinary manner in which they are mounted, these guns are rendered of comparatively little service, each being fixed either in a stationary carriage, without any motion on the trunnions, or lashed to a beam or spar, which crosses the vessel from side to side. It thus follows, that the aim taken with the guns, must be regulated by the helm, by which the junk is yawed, until the mark

p. 159: is covered, but in a sea, or with a stiff breeze, the chances of hitting any moderate-sized object, must be very small. Other small guns, or petronels, are mounted in various parts of the vessel, and discharged by a match. The aim is taken with the short stock, resting against the shoulder. The balls used are of iron, and resemble our grape in size. It may be here mentioned, that all balls and shot in use among this people, are composed of cast iron, even to the smallest sizes with which game is killed. Swords, pikes, spears, and halberds of various kinds, constitute the offensive weapons, while large rattan shields, which are almost musket proof, are those of defence. The bow and arrow appears to be no longer in use on board of ships, although it still maintains a place in the army. Few nations equal the Chinese in the skill and care with which they manage their vessels, and their excellence in this respect would make them very formidable at sea, were they equally au fait in the other requisites of seamen and navigators. Bred on board their boats and vessels from youth, the sailors become perfectly acquainted with their management, and it is a rare occurrence to observe vessels injured by running into each other, from the negligence or ignorance of the officers, for in rivers so crowded as those of this immense country, countless accidents would hourly result from inexperience, or want of caution. The powder made in Canton, is exceedingly coarse, the grains being larger than those of our

p. 160: cannon size, each one quite round, appearing as if it had been separately rolled. This coarse-grainted powder is used indifferently for guns or cannon, and appears to inflame readily by a match.”

Source

W.W. Wood. Sketches of China: with illustrations from original drawings. Philadelphia, 1830.