Still awaiting reply to Lord Dalhousie's letter from [Sikkim] Rajah. If [Archibald] Campbell finds out the Rajah intends to oppose them they will travel to Jongri on the south face of Kinchin [Kanchenjunga] rather than going via the east face to the Tibet passes.[Brian Houghton] Hodgson [BHH] too ill to accompany JDH & AC also injured. JDH sent [Hugh] Falconer [HF] his journal of trip from Bhaugalpore [Bhagalpur] to Darjeeling. HF is ill but has found JDH another Portuguese servant who he hopes will be half as good as 'Friday'. He has added to his growing collection: Balanophora typhina, B. polyandra, a Rhubarb & a new Aconite used to make 'Bikh' poison, of which he has museum specimens. Recounts story of man killed with Bikh poisoned arrow. Has sent live roots of 150 species to Calcutta [Kolkata], mostly Orchideae & Seitamineae. Has specimen of a very large tree fern for WJH. During break in rains JDH collected more roots incl. Magnolia, Helwingia & white Rhododendrons. Oaks & most other seeds are not ripe yet, Compositae are just blooming & there are relatively few grasses. Though he is obliged by expectation to embrace many disciplines in his explorations, JDH has not neglected Botany. By measuring mountains, recording weather & explaining his work locally JDH has gained credit in India. The Surveyor General was always secretive about his activities. JDH has measured Kanchenjunga & Sinchal with instruments from Captain Thuilliers & calculated height of Tonglo with Muller. JDH has sketched the flags at Ging & a panoramic view of country around Darjeeling. Also found: pink flowered Luculia, [William] Griffith's Larch & a curious little Rhododendron. Has forwarded a letter from Thomas Thomson from Karakerum range beyond Ladakh, also written to Mr Philipps. Discusses conditions for sowing some seeds he is enclosing & compares to similar sent by Edgeworth for the Gibson Craigs in Edinburgh. The Lacteraea should be in flower soon, he thinks it will be half hardy.

JDH is making arrangements for trip to the snow. Rajah of Sikkim has given permission as a result of pressure from [Archibald] Campbell & Lord Dalhousie. JDH details negotiations that led to permission to travel. Rajah of Nepal much more accommodating of JDH's travel plans. Describes audience with the Dhurma Rajah, his appearance, dress, & behaviour & that of his entourage including the Vakeel & Tibetan Seneschal, Bhotea [Bhotia] attendants, JDH's Nepalese guards [Gurkhas] & their Havildar or 'Corporal' of the Kawass tribe, the Lepcha servants, Bhootanese [Bhuntanese] subjects of Sikkim & Bhutan, & a few Musselmen [Muslims] & Hindoos [Hindus], Mrs Campbell & her children. Though JDH does not consider many of the party trustworthy he does not fear for his own safety once they start to march. He hopes his expedition into Sikkim will pave the way for others to follow with less suspicion. JDH will be careful only to take observations, e.g. with barometer, in his tent so he does not alarm his guard. They are suspicious that his every action will lead to their country being taken, but he plans to charm them & will soon have them collecting for him. The Rajah has provided a guide. JDH explains his route will go North past Kinchin [Kanchenjunga] to a village called Jongri then West to the border of Nepal & beyond to the Kangliachem pass leading to Tihibet [Tibet]. Achieving this will realize Hooker's great ambition as a botanist & traveller. He will be gone 30 days & will take any opportunity to send letters. In getting permission to travel he has defied the expectation of Lord Auckland, [Hugh] Falconer, [Brian Houghton] Hodgson & Sir Herbert Maddock. Many tried to help get him permission but did not think he would succeed. Mrs Campbell has kindly provided him with supplies & provisions. JDH asks WJH not to publicise his planned trip though he may share news from his letters with Bentham, Harvey, Berkeley et cetera & asks that this letter be forwarded to Darwin.