XIV 
INTRODUCTION. 
were construed into indications of an extensive commerce, interna! 
wealth, and an advanced knowledge of the arts of common life. 
These considerations induced the Governor to lay before the Council, 
on the fourth of May following, a proposition, to which they cheer¬ 
fully and unanimously assented, for deputing an English gentleman 
to Tibet, on the justifiable plea of paying a proper tribute of respect, 
in return for the advances which had been made by the Lama. Mr. 
George Bogle, a man eminently qualified for this mission, by a dis¬ 
cerning capacity, and uncommon gentleness of manners, was nomi¬ 
nated, on the recommendation of the Governor, to carry back an 
answer to the Lama, and to offer him suitable presents. He was fur¬ 
nished besides with a great variety of articles, consisting chiefly of 
British manufactures, to be produced as specimens of the trade in 
which the subjects of the Lama might be invited to participate. Mr. 
Hamilton, a Surgeon of considerable reputation in his profession, was 
appointed to accompany him. 
Mr. Bogle received his instructions on the 6th of May, 1 7 74. He 
was detained for some time at Tassisudon, the capital of Bootan, wait¬ 
ing for passports; nor was it, I believe, without some reluctance, on 
the part of the Lama himself, that he at last obtained them. On the 
12th of October, he arrived at Desheripgay, then the residence of the 
Lama, by whom he was received with great hospitality and kindness. 
Here, and at Teshoo Loomboo, he remained with him until the 8th of 
April following, when he took his leave, to return to Bengal. During 
