Stuk 26 - Letter from Joseph Dalton Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson

1 letter

Same Place
June 18th [1849]

My dear H

Many thanks for your letter and kind attention to my wants. Alas! my journal is far behind but I hope to get it up during my delay here.
[Rungelvin's?] only duty now is the care of my plants, and he should never be away, he has plenty of lads to send out collecting and is I fear [?] a [?] day. The Athenaeum is most welcome I will return it as soon as I can, it has come most opportunely at this juncture. I am very sorry the plants arrive in so bad a state and have followed your advice about keeping them but several bundles went before I was aware of the fact. The Rajah's conduct is now unsupportable and I hope C will take some strenuous measures. I advise, that if Campbell can send me effectual aid towards visiting the Passes, he should do so and let whoever comes bring orders that Meepo and Co be returned to Durbar not in disgrace but as useless. I do not know what weight the Kaji carries in this country it is no use sending any one as open as Meepo are to Bhothea lies. I must get to the passes, for the plants and have no intention of leaving this part of the country till I do but you will perceive that with my men thoroughly frightened I cannot do so, even had I dependable information. The Lama affair is easily explained he would not get out of the way. I told the people to turn him off, who of course dare not, so I got up and [waved?] him off and as he was coolly backing against my tripod and compass I had to chuck him to one side and he stumbled over the Tent pegs; there was no scene, till he go up tucked up his petticoats and ran, depend I never lifted my hand though it is very hard to keep one's temper at times. The Shikari I will report on when I get back to Choongtam. I do not like to give them up except you want them especially before they have tried the Snow. These passes are not snowed as I have told you. Lachong is no doubt. I have given you every particular about them. Thanks for the chits etc which I return. I will send Thomsons letter next mail. I have not had time to read it he writes in better health and good spirits

Ever your affectionate
Jos. D. Hooker