Letter and/or further information available at http://jdh.aetopia.net/p/jdh?q=jhc66.
Please cite as “JHC66,” in Ɛpsilon: The Joseph Dalton Hooker Collection accessed on
JDH tells Miss [Frances] Henslow how kind the mountain people are to him. He describes his travelling camp, comprising Coolies & Sidars who attend JDH & carry his instruments, a Bhotea interpreter, a Havildar or corporal, sepas, shooters & bird stuffers of [Brian Houghton] Hodgson's & carriers to transport supplies such as food, tents & paper. JDH's only fear is that the Sikkim Rajah may cause trouble & frighten his men, who are nearly all cowards. JDH discusses the behaviour of the Rajah which has been obstructive behind a veneer of politeness, JDH travels on regardless. The Teheba Lama, who Hooker knows from the Teesta, has visited JDH as representative of the Rajah & explained that a letter should have been delivered by the Lassoo Kaji informing JDH he could not proceed until the Rajah had observed a period of mourning for his son but Kaji was disgraced by [Archibald] Campbell & did not deliver the letter. JDH did not give credence to this excuse & the Teheba Lama guaranteed JDH safe passage but he expects to be obstructed again before a guide finally appears.
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