Tungu Oct 18/49

Dear B

We arrived here three days ago and have been regularly storm-staid ever since with rain and snow at 13,000ft! and no signs of the weather clearing up. I gave October a bad name last year and am not inclined to with-draw it for this. Campbell now says October is always a bad month. I have not had worse weather than this all the time I have been out. We have no news whatever having followed the old road thus far and very bad Campbell found it. He is however charmed with the scenery and the total dissimilarity between the Temperate zone of the Inner and outer ranges. The P.S. he has not seen yet. I was not aware when writing about the Machoo that you had received my definite information about the Machoo taking an independent course to the plains - Campbell tells me of it and all I can say is what I told you before, that I at once give wat to any oral information on the subject it was in the absence of any information that I [?] that if my two authorities Nimbo and [Dablang?] on your notice. Campbell is a truly splendid fellow in the jungles and has thrown all his advice, counsel etc etc etc to me to the Thibetan [?] and behaves in every respect the antagonist to what I did very properly I think for my civility forbearance and endeavour to carry out C's advice did no good whatever. On my arrival here a few minutes after himself, I found him storming at the ruffianly Peppon, frothing with fury and swinging his riding cane over the man's head. The Singtam Soubah he has never spoken to but in anger, has abused and frightened the poor D out of his small senses and finally sent him down yesterday with a flea in his ear. He has struck a final powerful blow at all these insolent dogs and I do nothing but trust him on his former advices to me. He never would believe till he saw them what sort of men these are and I think repents having refused me power to carry out this, the only [?] of policy. The Tcheba Lama is a [trump?] behaves admirably the victory over the Peppon who care not for Rajah, Lama or Cheen [?] is I hope complete. If he does not bring the Chinese guard down on Campbell as he did on me two months ago, we may do a little meanwhile we are storm-stair with a vengeance and my mind is made up fully as to diversity of climate between Sikkim and the N.W. I have had no good weather since the 23rd Sept. - and that this month i.e. middle of Sept. to middle of Octob is rainy all the way to Dijauli is undeniable. Campbell rejoices my heart with long accounts of your well looking, he says he formally refused, having me as a mediator or judge in the matter and as you say nothing about it. I am at a loss how to proceed. He C arrived at Choongtam a mere shadow as white as a sheet sunken eyes, cheeks and livid lips feeble and complaining utterly knocked to pieces in the hot valleys. I should not have known him any where else now he is rapidly recovering health strength and looks. Pray say nothing of this he is greatly alarmed lest his wife hear of it. Campbell's spirit, judgement decision and promptness here charm me, what a contrast to all is advice and sermons to me from Dorjiling. He evidently did not believe one word of my report on the authorities, either on their actions or motives and so I tell him soundly. He is as happy as the day is long. I want for nothing so pray trouble no more on account of stores. How I wish you could eat [?] veal with us it would make your hair curl as you say. I hope to be in with Campbell but must wait till the Rhod. seeds are ripe and they are as yet quite green. Campbell brings as bad a [?] of [?] as you give. There must be a screw loose about your people sending to Nepal for paper - mine went and returned last August in 17 days [Jones?] told the same story last year, they do this and the print batch sent last year have never been heard of since neither men, paper or money - I would not allude to this but that Campbell says you have [?] [?] [?] amongst your people. No news from home or elsewhere.

Yrs ever [?] [?]

Jos. D. Hooker

Tungu Oct 14/49

My dear Brian
I wrote to you two days ago and [?] night your welcome letter of Sept 30th arrived with the Atheneum. We have had and have wretched weather. Yesterday we accomplished the base of Kinchin Jhow having a miserably defective view of the Mts. very early in the morning. Campbell is enchanted and surprised with the country as different as possible from what he had seen before [?] the Thibetans had left [Phllung?] only two days before. So he lost a glimpse of those curious people. I got a very few plants and seeds of some Rhododendrons measured the height of the turnip caulk making it as before about 16,000ft. Of zoology my dear B I really can hardly tell you any thing. I am trying to convince Campbell of my glacier moraines but he cannot see why a transported [?] of [?] should not be created of the form and position it occupies!!! always as now related to the surface of Mother Earth!!! so that till I get him to the glaciers I doubt making much progress - I ran my eye over [Murchison's?] paper which as you remark is altogether illustrative of the Himal. but I do not observe much in it that has not been previously elucidated and it was to previous descriptions of the alps moraines that I pointed for proof of the Himal. terraces and boulders being due to ice and water. I [?] those two are conclusive proof [scratchiness?] pm the rocks and [shells?] on the terraces and that with the big headed stony [?] Deans and Doctors of Europe will be fatal to all my theories. It is in vain you will see for me to plead that shells are not necessary in that the native mineral [comp?] and arrangement of particles in this contorted [guise?] is incapable of receiving scratches or retaining them. The geological [beasts?] will let you view a mountain or [?] a [?] from Heaven to Hades if you ground your speculations on their dogma. I am too not a little disgusted with the sameness and uninteresting nature of the Himals. having quite expected sedimentary beds with fossil, granites and other rock formations near to the plains of Thibet instead of an indefinite prolongation of this cursed [?] all the way. I firmly believe to [Shjatyi?] for the pebbles I take from the Bhoteas bags of salt are all [?] To return to the moraines I trace them down every valley at above 12,000ft their position and length and height varying according to circumstances. In the Lachoong Valley I trace them in formation along the flanks of the glacier at 17,000ft down thence to 12,000ft continuous all the way and gigantic at the lower elevations. The terraces are thence continuous as I believe down to the plains of India. As to epoch of elevation relative [?] or unlucky whether of sea or land and the relations between the change from cold to warmer and from sea to land that we have no evidence to [?] short of a speculation upon, Nor would what Murchison advances for the Alps (fossil coniferous wood) avail us - he you see sticks to the old Dogma of fossil coniferous wood implying necessary a temperate climate and he also has shells of the glacial epoch upon which to substantiate claims to chronological divisions of time and direction of elevations and retirements we have nothing of the kind, and if as I cannot disprove the [?] slates and [oversee?] our sandstones at the foot of the hills - we are in a hopeless mess. That point (the foot of the hills) is now the point for further examination and the limestone beds of [Salgam?] and Thomson's fossil stills of the Ladak region are the only keys we have besides Falconer's fossils. Had we rocks of different comp to the Himal. some thing might be done, but there is not a boulder along the outer range or along all the plains that shows any internal evidence of having come further than from the nearest hills. Whether the great naked blocks of rocks lying on top of Dorjiling hill valleys are derived from the [?] rock is that they were floated out by icebergs and deposited as the Jura blocks were and as the granite blocks over the Antarctic near [?] are so much I shall publish with, little more detail as [?] so much the geologists of England may break their heads and their manners, I expect no favor and seek no compliments a [?] man will follow me say down the terraces to [?] levels and find in the moraines points of such perfect similarity to the Alps do. (which I have never seen and therefore cannot illustrate) that the [?] would will believe, and then only your good and generous adieu fixes me on Nepal wither Thomson will accompany me [?] and I only wait Lord D's answer (and wrote [Courteney?] and the [?] of the Durbar - I am quite glad you approve of my plan and can [?] so very many more good arguments in it's favor [Shalgum?] It is up the highest mountain for me to see if I can get to the [Lime?] in situ and not be put off with boulders washed down from Thibet - I must get to some very stringent [?] about the frontier Bhoteas who care not for the Rajah of Nepal and will [?] and grievously mar my plans. Meteorology I will dwell on anon just now I send you the imperfect list of trees of the region which I will fill up when I get to my books, I think we may safely as heretofore limit the Tropical zone to 4-5000 Temperate to 10,000 and Alpine, Arctic etc to 19,000ft on these back ranges and to 17,000 in the main. Strachey did not come with the Atheneum. I write to Jenkins about [Tawang?] should Lord D fail me about Nepal but have no hopes in that quarter and will not tempt the [?]

Ever your affectionate
J.D. Hooker

Campbell is very ill with having been up to 16,000ft yesterday and was vomiting all night. The little Lama is also knocked up and various of the party, so that I am you see 'cock of the walk'. C is still game to go up to 19,000

The general features as far as I can see for fog is that this part of the outer range is more open the valleys broader and hills lower than Sikim

Valley of Myong River
October 30 [1849] Night

My dear H
Shortly after writing to you this morning (from head of Balasun and Little Rungeet) we started for this place, still along the interminable Goong ridge, for a mile or two, when descending a slope to the W, we came on the boundary of Nepaul and Sikkim marked by 3 stakes in the road, and nothing else. The fog was too thick (if the jungle were not) to see right or left, but the Havildar was very communicative on the subject. Looking N or South, he said all the waters flowing E belonged to Sikkim and fell into Little Rungeet or Balasun as the case may be, all to W fell into Myong and were Nepalese which river takes its rise from the S base of Tonglo (called "Tom loom" (of Toong) by the Ghorkhas the same pronunc. as the R. of Sikkims place) The descent N (we did not used it) towards Tonglo is very steep and pathless South a spur runs dividing the Balasun valley with that of Myong and Mechi so they say. Please tell all this to C also that the stakes are on the W slope of the Goong ridge were it dips to Nepal and half and hour's sharp walk from heads [B.V.Z.R.]

[NOTE LEFT HAND MARGIN]
Campbell did instruct me to bring up the rear myself [insanely?] but I started all higgledy pickledy - I take new coolies [?] on from this these are trash I shall retain Nimbo and the 5 best Bhoteas for the Snow and those who have been to [?]

I breathed freer when out of Sikkim and with sky before me, for hitherto the Zenith and glimpse of fog right and left of the Goong spur was all I had seen. The ridge dips steeply into Nepal, running W.S.W. well timbered with 4 oaks and, of which I got ripe acorns, at 6000ft came to the [Poyong Bamboo] (which grows next below the alpine, (Chimen or Phieung) and with this a Calamus (Rheu) both neither Plantain or Tree-fern. All the bottom of the valley (5000ft) is a very beautiful jungle, quite broad and flat densely timbered with Figs, Birch and Walnut, no oaks, one Magnolia I think new, and abundance of the [curious] Balanophora genus. Streams meander along its flat base amongst the roots, of the enormous trees and it is altogether a fine place - For [5?] miles we continued W.S.W. then came to a more open part of the valley with cultivation on the N slopes (i.e. that exposed to [S]) of the usual [cerealia?] To the S one (and perhaps more) low ridge cuts us off from the plains, and to the N others rise, all however lower than Goong and the whole country more open. Due W the hills trend S deflect the Myong from W S W to South after a course of about 10' in the former direction, the said hills are steep if picturesque [?] the [Mechi?] they say runs through them, and the foot of [?] is nestled in a valley whose mouth above we saw at some distance all but obscured with lowering clouds and shut in on all sides by these hills. Still continuing down the Myong valley whose floor is very broad we brought up comparatively speaking say 3/4 mile of tolerable [?] on a plain, surrounded on all sides except to S W by spurs of the ranges to S, N, and W. the elevation is about 4000ft but owing to the heat may move if the plants of the lower range occur than at [Kursing?] also many [filla pahar] plats are brought down by the Myong, and then together make a strange jumble. The weather is middling, heavy showers and gloomy, all convincing me that the plainward slopes catch more rain and have a longer rainy season that the interior ranges. I dare say they have more fine weather during the rains, but it stands to reason that the first hills the [Pelagie] wind north, must be the longest rained upon and I can vouch to never having seen a fair sky to the [south] since I left D. All to day in this valley the clouds and rain are thick on the hills S and N of our position and when the wind fell at 5pm the mists not being carried forward were precipitated in heavy showers on our heads. I expect no fine weather till I get beyond the outermost range, and hitherto we have been going S of West [considerably] but I never have had an opportunity of determining my position by either sun, stars or views of any well known object since leaving Goong where your house was in view. The quantity of Insect life here is remarkable like June or July at D. flying bugs, and beetles abound, and sitting in an open shed they are very troublesome. I bathed in the Myong this afternoon - a shallow rapid stream, flowing through heavy jungle temp [60 of 6o] All the Sepoys behave admirably and we are great friends. The Havildar is a particularly good man, you would have been amused to see how he set to work today compelling some passers by in holiday dress to [?] in camping: the good natured way he took off their fine clothes and girded up their loins for them, drew their own kookries and put their own weapons in their own hands; when they turned away [sulky?] letting them go a little and like a cat with a mouse following and capturing, good humoredly driving them back; he is a sort of Paddy [Casey/Carey?] with the country folk and as irresistable as the "beau Sabreur" himself - He is no naturalist, for I think all the world over Red coats and "res naturalis" are [antagonists?] but he is good at finding Walnuts and edible figs, which he stuffs me with and his men know the best corn-cobs at a glance which it is their delight to roast and bring me all hot - they are real good fellows. The Bhoteas are incorrigeable and I think Nimbo himself is ashamed of them and not sorry at my exchanging them for Ghorkas which I think of doing. Such inept and insense lumps of clay are wholly unparalled and I defy Pritchard himself to do injustice to their skulls. No wonder polyandry is the fashion for I declare by all thats lovely, no decent woman would consider a dozen [such] the complement of one average husband of either in the way of protector of provider or in any other phase of connubial life. It will puzzle you or any other anthropologist to out-philosophise that fact and any objection you may urge against my theory of Bhotean polyandry shall all go to the jealousy [page?] All my other men behave extremely well yours included, the Shikaris went after barking deer today, but unsuccessfully

[NOTE IN LEFT HAND MARGIN]
This is a continuation of the note at the end of this letter

I do not care to urge the [expenditure] of powder or shot in the lower region when we attain the upper and beyond I shall watch your interests. I hope you can read this crabbed hand for my sake, not yours for there can be little to amuse your solitary hours. I have no [conveniences?] for writing and of course I revert at nights and mornings much and long to the analogous hours we devoted to chatting. Indeed my sojourn with you has formed an era in my life for I never have been so long and so constantly in the society of any sound thinking Naturalist except my own Father and I have far more than all this to bind me to you; the sympathy which your prolonged illness must excite in the mind of anyone who receives viva voce a store of materials which he would fain see in print and which at length become so familiar to him that he is apt to regard them as original ideas of his own:- The earnest [?] will all your friends to see you comfortable in England, and the many many doubts, as to whether the climate or customs would prove disagreeable on the one hand I see that in India you are [exposed] to see and hear of events whose [issue?] pains you and the more so as your previous career gave every prospect of your once holding a position in which you might have furthered or checked the course of things when open still deeply interests you, but over which you now have no control. On the other I know that the selfish policy at home is to disregard the servant whose service time has expired and that whereas there is no point [?] life in which you would not be received at once with love and [?], it is only amongst your personal friends and relations in England that either once another will be accorded without passing through an ordeal from which every man of your age and principles must shrink. You will not I know think these matters beyond what my years demanded and far beyond what your previous knowledge of the world would have justified had you not felt perfectly satisfied as to the propriety of accepting me as I was. I am far from slow wh. forming friendships, if I have made but few it is because I too have seen and known what the world is made of and do not care to call any one a friend whom I do not regard with something more than [common] friendship. It is true that my best friends have been and are those who have treated me in the first instance with kindness and generosity and to them I have been naturally bound - were it not that the accident of my being long a wanderer and as such was felt to have a claim (however unworthy) upon the services of those who have homes of their own, I might never have known you or Campbell, as I do know, though [I had?] spent years in Darjeeling and it now only distresses me to think that except you come to England I may never have an opportunity of proving how deeply grateful I am for all the kindness I have received. Do let me know how you are by any opportunity Campbell may have of sending. I wrote him lengthily this morning and shall always keep up brisk correspondence, for there is no time like the present.
Ever your affectionate
Jos. D. Hooker

Jungletis creberrimus
Octob. 30 Night

31st 5am
Dear H. The [chapra pin?] has just brought me yours of yesterday morning many thanks for it also for your offer about my traps. I suppose Hoffman has brought a Barometer, if so please send it to Muller, also you will I expect find a copy of "Lyell's Principles" which I ordered Falc. to procure for you, please accept it from me as I always intended - you will find lots of admirable matter in it, it is not the style of book any one but a Philosopher would expect from its title. There should be 2 copies one of my own from Lyell, the other for you but dear old Falc. has said nothing about either. There may be other interesting books. Hoffman can use the paper if he has any nouse about plant drying, but except that I can't pay him, I am as ignorant of his points as you must be. I wholly forgot what I ordered but Hoffman had better unpack all and you take out anything if interest[ing]. Do not pray be too good to Hoff. he's paid what he asked to provide himself and the same as [?] I wish above all things that he should not think my friends or myself bound to provide for him. All they would over this circumstance has troubled me. I [?] do feed all my Serots though they are paid to do it themselves and then I cannot their sometimes growl

Dec 16/49

Dear old Brian

Stuck in the [mud] by all things beautiful and I cannot yet change my notion that nothing but [?] will get us out of this. Dewan has camped here, utterly non plussed he has called the Kajis and Soubahs to council but they won't budge to come here and are now trying to get all the blame and responsibility upon his shoulders. The Singtam Soubah and Gangtok Kaji's brother, who were (all along I insisted to Campbell) send in as scapegoats will not turn up. Dewan says "why should I go in alone who have done nothing!" Luckington has we understand X I do hope it is only a request but we have no authentic news X written to the Dewan asking what he is concerned about, if so I don't wonder that Dewan is non plussed, for my impression all along was and is that this fellow was coming to submit and to hand up G. Kaji and S.S. as peace offerings. Now he has involved himself too much and the said accomplices or rather dupes are [?] [?] and if they do any thing will be ready to show that the Dewan plotted all their [seizure[ months and months ago.
The [?] too hampered Dewan grievously. Campbell stopped his whole investment last year when [?] he the Dewan would not produce the Rajah and he very naturally expects a similar course now to be pursued. All hands are utterly at their wits end on account of a new Commissioner having come up to D- they expected to have to do with [?] alone. As to the pres. in Council's letter they do not give one [?] for it that and all similar threats gain no credence whatever. The rumours of soldiers frighten them a great deal but they never will believe that we can cross either Rungert or Teesta till we do it as to sending us in, that the Dewan swears he will not do such are my present impressions I should not be surprised if we were taken or sent tomorrow to Dorjiling or to Tumloong for such a senseless brute as this never breathed, the deeper he gets involved the more helplessly obstinate he becomes. We were made very uneasy this morning by one of the [Dacock?] [?] being taken suddenly and violently ill during his meal. with what C says are all the peculiar symptoms of bikh poisoning. Dewan was sitting in our tent when it happened the brute [bores?] our lived out and went with us to the man. I had his unfinished rice kept and we have him [smart] emetics - all the rejectaments I also kept and sent [?] to the Dewan for the day to eat all up he sent me at once but nothing happened the beast who was duly thankful for the "repast" I thought this the best plan of allaying suspicions on the Dewan's part if our dreading foul play which would only complicate matters. As it is he all but gave me an [?] in the [?] where we had a man regularly knocked down by it. He is out of all sight the nastiest meanest most [?] brute I ever came across - but when he chooses very agreeable and has no small store of the information I want. The Lama does all he can to put matters square, but the two hate one another like cat and dog and shew that there is no love lost between them. Very many thanks for your goodness to [Mr. Thuman?] we must have him up for [?] and Chittagong via Jenkins and the [Khapye?] [?] you go that way. I cannot be ready until I get all my collections sent down to Calcutta and my character cleared by Luckington as a land [?] what is the natural impression that all must adopt who do not know the circumstances I am to stand Godfather to Campbell's new child as if I had not sins more of my own. I shall "renounce the Dewan and all his works" I take it very kind of the Campbell's to wish it. I send you some of my father's letters [?[ the little chart won't do at all. I expressly ordered him not to publish it. Don't for God'sake trouble yourself about my misunderstandings I thank you from the bottom of my soul for your grand frankness and gentleness
Archie sends his love
Yr. ever affectionate
J.D. Hooker

P.S.
Please shew [Thuman/Thurman?] my father's letters. I have always forgot about Nepal paper my good fellow I never dreamed what you were about in taking the [responsibility?] as well as trouble of that - If you can I should like 6 loads be sent for; but I suppose you can hardly get coolies at this juncture

Calcutta
April 5/1850

My dear Brian

I have just received your long and kind letter of the 29th Thuman will tell you how I have failed about Nepaul and thereby being convinced of the honesty of J.B. there is of course nothing for me to say or do but to dismiss the subject from my mind. I have failed in my double object of getting a good thing for Thuman and another for us both and there's an end on't. As to politics I fear I cannot give you much news further than that the general impression I had at Dorjiling appears to have been shared here. The affair is settled and however unsatisfactorily, so settled that it cannot now be remedied and as in my own case of failure the lease said the better. Lord D has not alluded to you in any thing he has said to me, he has wholly concerned himself with the later proceedings and in an affair so complicated and which I could not myself give a very clear account of this appears all the better to me. I do hate these politics, if as nothing further is to be done at present. I do not like to enquire about the matter even of Elliott and Grey. I have seen a great deal and like them both very much indeed they have interested themselves very warmly in my affair and most kindly opened their homes and offices to me at all hours [Halliday?] I have seen less of and never called upon as I should have and hope to yet. In [?] Sir F[rederick] Currie I called on and had a long chat with or rather with Lady C who I knew better but I of course eschewed Sikkim politics [sedulously?] I met the [Taylors/Taylers] again tonight and am greatly pleased with [Jessie?] who is I think a very charming girl. Mrs. T. looks remarkably well. [Taylor/Tayler] has no chance of [?] bench nor of a [?] judgeship for many months so that he must stick to the old trade for a year longer he has seriously [retrenched?] within these few days he tells me and the [grey/gay?] season being now over, no doubt has taken the right time. He certainly is one of the most engaging men I ever met. [Miss Bevis?] I have met several times but rather stand in awe of to tell the truth from all I hear which is however [?] gossip. I dined with F Colvile yesterday he made many enquiries after you and had a very pleasant party to meet [Thoresby/Thornly?] and myself. Colvile is writing to you about the money which he thinks should be reserved for the purposes of the book after all, but will I think return it to you in the meantime. I forget whether I told you that I called on and communed lengthily with [Bethune?] should I express a decided wish or intention, but is it fair to presume on a young Lady in every way my equal, in many my superior? As to money I have good news having examined my books at Findlays find upwards of 8000 rupees to therefore to last through 1850. I have laid my [?] for Tuesday at 6 [?] from this, the earliest moment I could screw it out.
My Dates and Routes are
My Dates & Routes are
APRIL 9TH leave Calcutta 6
10th - Kishnagur 3
10th - Berhampore 3
12th - Purbuttypore 3
13th - Dinagepore 3
16th - Titalgar 3
I now must be getting on with my letters for England. I have still hopes for Nepal on Jung Bahadur's return, but that must depend on my Father, and Miss Henslow should have her say. He you know wants my presence and [?] [?] at home but there I want the means of [?] together for £100 of my own. Miss H's patience and perfect consideration for my reputation have been tried enough I anticipate no [?] from her. At Titalgar I shall hope to hear from you and if you and Capbell can kindly manage perhaps I should reach [Pembabeery?] early on the morning of the 15th. The Colviles are all well and charming. We had a delightful party last night. The [Taylors/Taylers?], F. Luckington, [Thoresby/Thornly?], Miss [Bevis], Welby and Miss Jackson, Mr and Mrs. [M] who I vastly like, divers Elliotts of sorts some 20 in all at table. I played by cards to take in Miss [Taylor/Tayler] who is my rose of England in India but was stupid enough to be cut out by old [Thoresby/Thornly] to me intolerable chagrin! I wish to heavens you had come down here with me - all your friends wanted it too there and here.
You have just waited until you get another attach - my dear Brian what a pity that is - why will you throw yourself away in that fashion. You order me with all affection to avoid [?] road to Nepal at this season. Had I thought of it your advice and wishes would have been all sufficient to put it off. Why will you not then also listen to the dictates of prudence and the clamerous voice of affection from all quarters here you would have been quite comfortable, happy and made much of, there you are uncomfortable and ill.
But i must stop of India Correspondence for the English just now [?]

Yours ever affectionately
J.D. Hooker

Darj. Jny. 20th 1849

Dear Hodgson
I arrived here last evening and found as you might expect a hospitable welcome at Mullers. What a wretchedly cold snowy place this is: it looks perfectly blue [devilish?] and most glad I shall be to be off to the plains as soon as I can get my things together. Yrs of 14th and 19th have just been brought me - many thanks for them. The Pony came for me, meeting me half way along the [?] road full of fire, but looking in such dreadful condition that I cannot conceive but that the starve them en route up from Siliguri I wish you had kept the white and sent me the great as I cannot but fear you will find the latter very troublesome if you came across Yaks on the road. Very very many thanks for writing again to my Father, nothing will settle his mind [?] mother's better - nothing could. I will do the polite to Mrs [?] and Mr. and Mrs. Tayler with great real pleasure and will call at once - the latter are staying at Rawlings. Not a syllable have I from home or elsewhere distant. Have just opened all the boxes Falconer sent up and there is not one thing from the Garden. I desired to be sent up, neither books, instruments, clothing, bedding or any of all my things befitting a gentleman's bedroom, or travelling equipment. This really is abominable not even the books asked for including your and my copies of Lyell's principles [Chemical?] box, tools nothing but a few things ordered at Thackers i.e. paper for drying plants. I am irritated and write accordingly - were it not for you and Miller I should still be as naked as when I arrived [8?] months ago. I expressly specified the things I wanted to have kept but it is possible much may have been plundered before the boxes went to F. but there is no notice of any kind whatsover.

Ever yr affectionate
Jos. D. Hooker
I will write again in a day or two

Bless my heart and soul - I went up to N. Hill on writing this - was not there 10' when in comes Mr [Zenons?] ducked drenched through [?] snow. I had him washed and changed lent him my stockings and he staid till 2pm - when a chair came from Bishops for him

Mullers Jany 22 1849

My dear H
Your long and most kind and [affect?] letter has now come in and I can only repeat my thanks and protestations against your forming far too flattering an opinion of me and far too tame a one of your self in comparison I assure you, you never bored me I am too rude and thoughtless and you too quick not to have seen that I felt bored had I been so, I am often quiet and do not answer when still an attentive listener: however we will discuss these topics anon, in the mean time believe (as you do) that I joyfully, heartily and gratefully accept, on all accounts, your invitation and am writing to that effect. Two days after I arrived, 46 letters came from [the?] Post for me, but not an word from Falconer such heaps and heaps of matter for us to discuss public, private and indifferent. First let me tell you that I guesse4d why you did not send me the last Athenaeum! It was most kind of you to retain it, though from hearing that the "Letters" had been [noticed?] in the Lit. Gazette and favourably, I felt sure their time was come for the Ath. and that that caused you to retain it. Frances Henslow writes me about it roasts me mercilessly and says that the Review cuts me up ruthlessly, she does not give [particulars] and shrewdly conclude4s that I do not care [2d?] about the matter. Indeed my dear H with the confidence and friendship of so many friends here even in India what should I care for the publication of this instance of my coming short of the mark; when it cannot (as I conceive for I have no particulars) reflect a [?] [?] or ought but my incapacity to do what I never intended to do, - write a book on [Egypt?] this for a [?] between [?]. Indeed Tayler appears "ye complete Gentleman" but how shall I explain my being obliged to meet him at [Bowlings?] and at dinner. The invite came to told Mullers, and for him and the party made up before my arrival. I made a [ghastly?] attempt to excuse myself but before, Bowling himself, Tayler and Muller who had accepted it, was shadowy ineffective, and in short [go to] I had and did so, feeling very much ashamed of myself for breaking through my promise never to dine out and above all with that gentleman Mrs. Turner's visit has caused great talk in D. they cannot get a word of particulars about it from me, not would if they tried 100 yrs it was strange! Washing feet! and I cannot tell you what else - however I never heard of the Lady's [gallantree] til afterwards and I hope I was polite enough to avoid being thought gauche [Mr. D.S.] knew of it before the lady left it [fillapahar!?]. I am working as hard as I can at my plants I do hope to get over in a week and down to you, most anxious I am to answer the 47 letters! I send Humboldt's I have no time to read it and doubt my complete ability. So Falconer is off to [Moulman?] and a Mr McRea put in his place. God knows who and what to do with my plants I know not, home they must go. My poor young sister has been and is very ill, with inflammation in the lungs or some other chest complaint, all are much alarmed and the Doctors as usual, all [out?] and at loggerheads - other news is good and my father pleased with my Report of my own Progress, what will he not be with yours? Falconer too has been writing to him I believe the only letter F has written to any one in London what are we to say to Humboldt? Thank heaven we have time to think - I will bring Asie Centrali down with me. I* have written to Thacker for Lyells Principles to be sent up straight. Had Falc. send the books as I asked 6 months ago I could have sent my copy of Asie Centrali to Thurman who grievously laments not having it. I thought I had sent it him from England long ago. We cannot spare ours and even Falc. in Calcutta. I would ask him to send mine on to Thurman - but I know nought of this Mr McRea. My [uncle] Turner's note will acquaint you with his terms for private pupils. I am much smothered in business so excuse my not going on at present.
Ever your affectionate

Jos. D. Hooker

Jan 24 1849
Darjeeling

My dear H
Many thanks for the noble bird and the accompanying letter. We are going to eat the former today. Muller is thinking of applying for the Apt. Majestray or whatever it is to [be] here and asked me whether you would feel inclined to help him? I answered that I was sure you would not object to be asked and would trouble yourself to look at his papers: more I could not add. Campbell spoke to me about the affair but not dreaming of any friend of mine being an applicant I paid no further heed him till he asked whether Thurman would do. I was sure Thurman would not take it told him so and dismissed the affair from my mind. Campbell was anxious for a linguist and in my opinion the [?] want a Man of business first for it is in a [terrible?] state I expect, and the little I have had to do there (with [Capt.B?]) has shown me more of its defects than I cared to see or have found convenient. Except something is done towards Land claims, the whole station will be in a mess - we have now robberies every night and I have taken the liberty, of which I think you will approve of making 4 of my Lepchas sleep in different rooms, besides Clamanze and Hoffman. I have no faith in [Chaprapes?] and [Birkiadans?]. Clamanze sleeps like the dead himself and would offer no protection till roused and then a good one I doubt not. To return, Muller offers to study Thibetan or [?] even if that be a Sini que non. The difficulty will be with Campbell to make him see how much attention the station wants and what a bad name is unbusiness like habits have got it. [Mr Donald/McDonald?] is the rival I suppose and what service he could do, a [claims?] being forward I cannot divine Muller's qualifications you know as well as I do, he is I find very poor 415 is all his salary, he lives from hand to mouth sending all to his children at home he has not a jot in the bank, the few thousand he had, he lost. If he returns to the plains he believes he dies and his children are thrown friendless on the world. This is his only worldly anxiety and he feels it deeply, several times he has laid by a little - to lose it all. The govt. broke their pledge to advance his salary when a reduction shd. take place in the mind, though he himself [effected] that to the amount of more than his whole pay. When the new scale of Mint officers pay was drawn out, Forbes employed hi, to do the job. Muller left his own (the only) name out, taking for granted that Forbes would attend to that and so he alone did not benefit on the advances of salary made to the officers in general. Tayler has put in the Snow and is making a splendid picture to give the effect (and he has done so admirably) he has had to [throw?] up the range to I should say 3 times their apparent height from Darjeeling. His colouring of [groups?] is exquisite and nothing can be cleverer or more tasteful than his groups of figures but I do believe that your crude ethnological sketches are the more useful for science. Never having studies as an artist Tayler falls into gross errors of proportion in fact he draws for effect and most beautifully the effect indeed is so good that few can or can take time to look deeper. He is now drawing Mr. [Luffnin's?] children very prettily and tastefully, but as portraits as a picture it is a very weak and poor performance wanting wholly in expression or power. His ability, taste and skill are of first rate order, what he wants, is time deep and long study and a careful examinations of the best masters. What a capital fellow and agreeable he is! - all this entre nouse, to broach such criticisms before the people here (who admire those drawings most which are [rainbow?] [?] and contain most homes/houses best known to themselves. Eaves, gables and [?] wd be to subject myself to ridicule- These robberies will do the station great injury and I doubt if Mrs Turner's [Panyzins?] and Tayler's sketches will counteract all. Bishop refuses to offer reward for discovery. Believe me I wd not bore you with Darj. gossip did I not think of Campbell's character and your house - I think I could give a dozen cases of C's shortcomings in my little affairs with the [catchery] since my return these bother me a little and might make a stranger angry. I have but 2 days of work through them and that I cannot well afford. My men [?] and Hoffman have done extremely well in my absence. Tayler will come up to yours to sketch and I will get chops and a fowl for him, so he shall not say our house was dry and hungry he promises to take a view from it. I have seen the snow but once since my return. Barnes will get us the Elephant, and I have told him so often that he cannot forget. Tayler talks of going down about the time I do and he will I hope stay a day with us at Siliguri I cannot stir for [8?] days at that I am sure.

Ever yr affectionate Jos. D. Hooker

Jany 30 1849

Dear H
I have written to [Lahine/Sahine/Sabine?] a very long letter, told him our gratitude and that we would communicate with Mr Peterman next mail - further that Humboldt has housed us with long advice on the construction of the charts and seems to desire our employing Berghaus also that we shall endeavour to arrange with Mr. Peterman something to his advantage if we do not still give him this. My father (in an overlooked letter) which I intended to have read with you, offers to take the superintendence of the affair in London paying the money to Humboldt and receiving the charts as constructed. Should you then think of accepting [H's?] suggestion and I do not see how we are to get out of the [hobble?] it might be well to think of letting Mr. Peterman translate and print the maps in England, we securing him a sale of 50 copies of the English Ed. in India, which I should think we could do, supposing the price not above 10 shillings. Two Banghys came up for me yesterday, one with [Thurman] from Neuman all in beautiful condition, but a whacking bill. The other books from my Father, including the [Periant?] publication. I have been reading it and seen nothing absolutely objectionable it is [meagre?] flippant and puerile here and there, but apparently no food for a slashing Ath. article I certainly should not myself have printed 3/4 of it. Also a paper on coal fossils, written for the Geol. Society who generously sent me 1 copy but I believe more are coming. Muller is reading it. Wretched weather here and I see no chance of getting down yet - I have not got through drying the plants brought home nor arranging them dries, and this is indispensable or I shall forget all about them. I have 30 packages already dried from [Nepal] Jongri etc. and 20 have been dried at Darj. during my absence. All this over and above the 60 lying in the house. Happily I have got through the seed root [stocks] wood and fruit and Museum specimens. You may guess I am over head and ears in work and this and part of 2 coming days must be devoted mainly to correspondence. Muller has just passed a considerable sized gall stone is better; it did not lay him up.

Ever yours affectionate

Jos. D. Hooker

Darjeeling
Feb 4th 1849

Dear H

I am crazed with letter writing but have got over 10 long sheets for the English mail to [Lahine/Sahine/Sabine?], Lyell, Darwin, [Whatstone/Wheatstone?] the Survey etc. It has thrown me back with my plant arrangements; but is well over - a [worm] [accident?] has [?] the total [derangement?] of the little [?] the standard it is all adrift and we have now no standard to work upon except the big brass affair at Mullers. I am helping Muller on this new difficulty and I cannot tell you the amount of work it entails. I wrote a blow up to Scott Thurman for the breakage of that they sent up and they offer me another at cost price which I accept for I must have a standard to work back upon. Your letters have just come Turner's thanks I send, you enclose, accidentally I suppose a note to Mr Turner which I post on chance of your having forgotten it. Thanks for Mrs C's very nice letter I send her [?]. The Thurmans ate splendidly. I send you [?] letter with my [dacoit] as it is too late to find the Baboo. Very many thanks for your notion of the letters and attention to them in respect of the Review. I hope to get my work over in another week but still we have not had one really fine day - v. busy and partially a thick fog and ground always sodden. It looks like change now but there is nothing to be seen. I am very anxious to get down, without you and Campbell's children this is a weary weary place though Muller and I get on famously. Excuse my [not] saying more at present.

Ever your affectionate

Jos. D. Hooker

Many thanks for your kindness about Thomson. But you have enough with me we will have him to meals if he [comes] and you think proper but he will have as many plants as I have and our one house will not hold 2 collections. On no [account?]....