Excerpt from Report of a Mission to Sikkim and the Tibetan Frontier: With a Memorandum on Our Relations With Tibet

I was deputed to Sikkim and the Tibetan frontier by the lieutenant-governor in October last with a triple object. (1) To discuss with the Maharaja certain pending questions concerning the administration of his State and his relations to the British Government; (2) to visit the Lachen valley to see if a trade route could be Opened up in that direction, With the province Of Tsang in Tibet; (3) to endeavour to meet, and to establish friendly relations with, the Tibetan authorities of the district adjoining Sikkim on the north. The first and third points have been discussed in separate reports, and I am conscious that the diary of my tour, apart from the record of the proceedings at Tumlong, the capital of Sikkim, and at Giagong, on the frontier, contains little of practical interest. As, however, photo graphs were taken on the journey, and the diary may possibly be found of some use as.an itinerary, I have, by the lieutenant-governor's desire, published the latter as it was written. I must ask for indulgence for the shortcomings of the diary on the ground Of the dih'i culties under which it was written.. Owing to the very limited time at my disposal, I was obliged to make the longest marches I could induce the coolies to undertake, and, except at Tumlong and at Giagong, I was unable to halt for a single day. The diary was written, currente calamo, every night after a long journey, which, owing to the necessity of moving as rapidly as possible, had afforded few opportu nities for observation. Incidents of little interest to any one not concerned in them, were recorded while they were fresh in my mind, and it is only becausei am aware that if I once began the process of excision, I should leave butlittle text to accompany the photographs, that I have reproduced the diary in its entirety.

I wish to record my acknowledgments of the excellent service rendered throughout this expedition by Baboo Sarat Chandra Das and Lama Ugyen Gyatso, and by Nimsering, the interpreter of the Deputy Commissioner's Court at Dar j eeling, whom Mr. Oldham kindly deputed to accompany me to render general assistance.

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