2) The strings of the guitar are numbered in reverse order from the lowest sting (E)

    to the highest, ie      E A D G B E
                                        

                                          6 5 4 3 2 1

This direction is UP -------------->

This direction is DOWN <-------------

OPEN C again
CGCGCE - 654321

This direction is UP --------------->

This direction is DOWN <-----------

Open C unfretted is a C major chord.

1 finger on 1st string, 3rd fret is C.

Add 2nd string, 4th fret and you have another C chord. (see illustrations of chords drawn on left margin of manuscript)