Swatow, in China, now called Shantou, is mentioned several times in Missee Lee. Swatow was the intended destination of Wild Cat on her second voyage after leaving the hundredth port. It was a treaty port in those days. Captain Flint had an old friend there (ML1) whom they planned to visit. The harbourmaster warned them to travel by steamship rather than risk an encounter with Missee Lee.
The planned visit to Swatow was prevented by the fire and sinking of the Wild Cat. After their shipwreck and imprisonment on the Three Islands, the crew of the Wild Cat hoped to be able to contact their families through the British Consul in Swatow, or to re-start their voyage from there.