TIBET. 
373 
a thin cloth resembling frieze, but rather of a more open texture, gold 
dust, and some other commodities procured from Bengal; which they 
exchange for tea, silver bullion, brocades, and fruit. In these articles 
an extensive trade is carried on; and I have been assured that, on the 
territory of Teshoo Loomboo alone, tea, to the amount of five or six 
lacs of rupees' 1 , is annually consumed. From hence too, Bootan is sup¬ 
plied with tea, which is in the same general use there. For further 
particulars of the commerce with Tibet, I beg leave to refer to the 
annexed comparative statement. 
Studious to ensure, by every possible means, the success of my 
deputation, I was extremely desirous of proceeding to Lassa, that I 
might endeavour to conciliate the good will of the chiefs in power, 
towards our nation, and to obtain their sanction, to a free intercourse 
between Tibet and Bengal: but I was prevented, by a consideration 
of the present state of that government, and strongly dissuaded by the 
Regent Punjun Irtinnee, from making the attempt. He promised to 
inform himself of the sentiments and wishes of Dalai Lama, in regard 
to a connection with the English, and afterwards to communicate them 
to you. Whenever a regular intercourse takes place, between the 
/ * 
agents of the government of Bengal and the chiefs of Tibet, I shall 
consider it as the sure basis of an intercourse with China; and it will 
probably be, by the medium of the former, that we shall be enabled to 
arrive at Pekin. 
I have not eagerly urged those secondary advantages, that offered 
themselves to my choice, because I would not, by engaging in any 
d Sixty or seventy thousand pounds sterling. 
