A port-broadside view of the steamer 'Foh Kien' built Henry Steers in 1862 for Forbes & Co. She was built for the China trade, and she gained attention in 1863 for her experimental trials to demonstrate the possibilities for steam-powered ships. Mr. Paul S. Forbes invited the US Navy to witness the trials, but his invitation was not accepted for they saw little benefit in expanding steam.
The wide margins of the print have been trimmed. On the verso, the manuscript inscription states incorrectly that the steamer was owned by Russel & Co.
