1837.] the Mishmee hills in Assam. 337 



at this time none are to be found to the westward of the Tid-ding. 

 With the Lamas, as I have before observed, they are at present nt 

 rupture ; and protection might be promised them against the inroads 

 of either people, such protection being chiefly limited to the loan of 

 old muskets and ammunition. It is chiefly owing to their proximity 

 to the Lamas, that the country of the Mishmees, as being the most 

 feasible route thither in this direction, is worthy of attention. It is 

 obvious from all accounts that the Lamas are a very superior race, and 

 that they greatly resemble the Chinese. It would hence be highly 

 desirable to open a trade between Upper Assam and Lama, and to this 

 I really see no insurmountable objection. The great object to be first 

 attained is personal communication with these people, and I have every 

 reason to believe that through the influence and aid of Primsong, who 

 is well acquainted with them, that I should be able to accomplish this. 

 On this subject, however, I have already addressed you officially. — 

 Primsong, in the event of the non-consent of the other chiefs, has 

 promised to take the responsibility on himself, and as the route he has 

 promised to take me leads across the termination of the Himalayas, and 

 end9 in some distance from the southern extremity of the valley, in 

 which the inhabitants of this portion of Lama reside, he could neces- 

 sarily act independently of them ; almost all the Meyhoo chiefs, from 

 whom the chief opposition is to be apprehended, being located along 

 the Lohit to the westward of the junction of the Ghaloom Pcinee. 

 Having once gained access to the valley, a return could be effected 

 along the banks of the Lohit, so as to materially increase our know- 

 ledge of that river. From my knowledge of the Mishmees I am 

 confident that the slightest care would ensure me from any attempts 

 at treachery. Open hostilities they would never attempt, and as there 

 would be no crossing of any considerable river, no attempts could be 

 made, as they, the Meyhoos, appear to have intended in Captain 

 Wilcox's instance, on the party when subdivided. The hasty retreat 

 of this officer has been attended with unfortunate re.-ults in increasing 

 the fear which the Digaroos entertain for the Meyhoos. 



With reference to my making the attempt, I can only say that sixty 

 maunds of rice are already lodged within the hills, and my orders are 

 only necessary to cause its transportation to the villages of Khosha, 

 Ghaloom, and Primsong. Thus one great obstacle in all hill expedi- 

 tions is already removed. Primsong has engaged to provide ine with 

 men for the transports of my carriage and the necessary presents ; 

 thus I shall run but little risk from detention owing to the sickness or 

 laziness of coolies. In short, the only thing likely to interrupt my 



