TIBET. 
439 
stripped the monastery. This purpose having been completely accom¬ 
plished, they then reassembled in full force upon Tingri Meidan, an 
extensive plain, lying about midway between Nipal and Teeshoo 
Loomboo, where they determined to wait, and try their strength, in 
case the Tibetians should choose to give them battle. 
The Chinese general, with the Tartar troops under his command, 
advanced without hesitation, and with a fixed determination to attack 
the enemy, having first directed the Tibetians, whom he came to 
succour, to keep aloof during the contest, that he might have only, 
under his command, men who had been disciplined and trained to 
arms. Thus adopting every necessary and prudent precaution, he 
marched to attack the enemy, and a severe contest is said to have 
been obstinately maintained, which at length terminated in the com¬ 
plete defeat of the Nipalese. 
The general being determined to pursue his success with all convenient 
speed, came up with the enemy again immediately, upon the frontier ; 
here he engaged them a second time, with the same good fortune as at 
first. The Nipalese were now forced to abandon the confines of Tibet, 
and hastened to enter their own territories. The pass, upon the borders 
of Nipal, was protected by a military post called Coti, and this they 
took especial cate to strengthen with a powerful detachment, sufficient 
to keep the Chinese force in check, for a considerable time. From the 
advantage of position, these troops were enabled at first to maintain 
themselves against all assaults ; but at length worn out by repeated 
attacks, the Nipalese were ultimately compelled to abandon this place 
also, and retire within the fastnesses of their mountains: yet this step 
t 
