394 MEMOIR OF A SURVEY OF 



before our arrival at Riding's, these hostile preparations were making, 

 and that this was the reason of our finding his village so thinly inhabited. 

 We took possession of his house for the night. 



Principally to avoid the tedious ascent of the great mountain, crossed 

 in marching from Khosha's, we adhered, on our return, to the banks of the 

 river, and the remaining part of my journey was onlyi nteresting as it 

 discovered the intermediate line of direction of the river to Thathoutheya 

 mountain, and to the Kund. 



I was very anxious to retrace my steps up the Brahmaputra, with a 

 sufficient force, to overawe the Mizhus from attempting any similar 

 treachery to that they had prepared for us. I proposed to take twenty 

 musketeers, and then, with the acquisition of Lieutenant Burlton to our 

 party, I did not anticipate any further shew of opposition. 



Though reasoning on the advantage of doing that which has been 

 left undone, may be something foreign to the purpose of this memoir, 

 I think it due to myself to mention the objections and difficulties which 

 have prevented my labors coming to a successful termination, as an 

 answer, a priori, to those who might suppose the facilities of pursuing 

 this investigation greater than they really were or are. 



Captain Neufville, whom I found returned to Sadiya, in a political 

 capacity, had brought up with him, by Mr. Scott's direction, a large party 

 of the Mishmis, with their Chief, whose emigration from the mouth of the 

 Dihong and from Sildni Mor, had caused such great dissatisfaction to 

 the Abors. It was proposed to endeavour to re-settle these men at their 

 old haunts, which measure the Abors had assured us would produce a 

 complete revolution in their feeling towards us. The Mishmis were, of 

 course, to be protected against any retaliatory practices of the Abors. 



