Letter and/or further information available at http://jdh.aetopia.net/p/jdh?q=jhc67.
Please cite as “JHC67,” in Ɛpsilon: The Joseph Dalton Hooker Collection accessed on 30 April 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/hooker/letters/JHC67
JDH is at Choongtam Convents waiting for food supplies suited to his mens' religious beliefs. The Rajah has sent JDH a guide, Meepo, but continues to obstruct him in various ways, which JDH explains, & has ordered JDH return to Darjeeling. JDH refused, reminded him he is a guest of Lord Dalhousie, Governor General of India & demanded all communication be via Dr [Archibald] Campbell[AC]. JDH deals with the Rajah's inhospitality by showing no weakness but being kind to his officials & people, feeding them & providing medical care. JDH describes some spectacular new Rhododendrons & drawings he has made of them. He has also found novel Orchideae & gathered an Aristolochia, Androsaces, Primula & more in a wood of Abies brunoniana & he has only just reached the alpine vegetation. JDH will proceed to the passes leading to Thibet [Tibet], first Lachong, then Lachen but will not cross: the Rajah forbids it. JDH describes his normal daily routine. When not marching his time is spent organising camp, making observations on altitude & climate, catching insects, drying & examining plants & writing notes & letters. JDH describes what he wears to stay warm, dry & protected from the sun & leeches whilst marching. He carries tobacco to give the natives & also uses it to repel leeches. The weather is tolerable but late lying snow hinders his research. The scenery is grand & JDH does not miss society. AC has aided JDH extensively but has proved unreliable with food supplies. JDH asks his mother for news of Josephine Richardson & the Palgraves inc. Frank, Gifford & Reginald. He responds to his mother's request for a neck chain, which he may buy in Dacca. JDH mentions: Prince Albert's comments on Eastlake's marriage to E. Rigby; the health of Aunt Hannah under Mr Webber's care; & Hensleigh Wedgewood's case. JDH has collected Lyellia crispa. AC hopes to be appointed Resident at Nepal & JDH will go with him to Cattmandu [Kathmandu] & visit Wallich's Gossain Than [Gosainthan].
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