DESTRUCTION OF MISSION AT BATANG 197 
of subdued shades. The caravan usually stays about a 
month, and they take back Ya-chow brick tea in exchange 
for their goods. The journey from Shi-ga-tze takes five 
months. They brought news that a French prince, with 
several Europeans and a strong escort, had arrived at 
Batang on his way to this city. 
A few days later I had a message from Mer. Biet 
that a European had arrived from Tungalow, three days’ 
journey west. On going to the palace, I found Pére 
Jeridot, who seemed from his emaciated appearance to 
have led a life of great privation. With the exception 
of the Fathers here, he had not seen a European for 
thirteen years. Hespoke a little English with an excel- 
lent pronunciation, but told me that he had forgotten 
most of the language. From Tungalow there is hardly 
any communication even with this place, and all letters 
have to be sent secretly by means of converts who trade 
between the two places. 
Originally he was at Batang, but the mission build- 
ings were burned by the Tibetans, and everything, in- 
cluding a valuable library, destroyed. He and another 
Father had to return to Ta-tsien-lu, and after some time | 
got a promise of indemnity from the Chinese Govern- 
ment, which, however, has never been paid, there being 
a dispute as to who were liable to pay, the Chinese or 
the Tibetans. They then got a pass permitting them to 
