DARJEELING. January 31st, 1850. Dearest Mother, I cannot tell you what a comfort your long letter of November l6th was to me: the hand is so strong in comparison to the shaking wee addendum to my Father's, which came by the October Mail. What a comfort it is that Bessy has been so remarkably well, and continues so. Your report of her growing fat is quite startling. No chance, I fear, now of poor Franklin and his companions; and I have almost given up hope. All depends upon how long they can hold out, and I hope Government will not give up till something decisive is done. The Campbells have named their new child (born when Campbell and I were in prison at Tumlong,) "Josephine." It is a very small thing, but far nicer to look, at than the general run of small humans, being nearly white, slender and firm, was born with plenty of hair, and it has a pretty mouth and blue eyes. All these particulars, I have carefully collected for your satisfaction. It is no more like its father than it is you - nor its mother than me. I have commissioned Colvile to buy me a silver mug in Calcutta for my God-daughter, with whom I fear my interest will close till she is old enough to talk or to write to me.

I fear that my plans may be much deranged by this Sikkim campaign. Before the General and his Staff arrived, I was repeatedly asked whether I would go into Sikkim with the Troops, and always replied that I did not wish it; though, if the General thought that any good would be answered by my doing so, I would think about it. I added that I was in another Service, and in the actual receipt of money from our own Government for an entirely different duty. In conformity with this declaration, both Thomson and I absented ourselves from Darjeeling for ten days when the Military were expected. However, General Young had arrived but a day when he sent me, through Campbell, an urgent message, which induced me to return. I found the good old officer all in the clouds, as to how he should carry out the orders he had received to occupy Sikkim with a military force. Meanwhile, 1,400 men, Sepoys and Europeans, had arrived with guns, and a whole Staff of Officers; and nothing but "the horrid din of arms" was to be heard. The General is a very excellent man; he was extremely obliged to me for my maps and information, which decided him to march as quickly as possible and occupy the bridge at the Rungeet River, which is the boundary between the British possessions and those of the Rajah of Sikkim. Both he and Mr. Lushington the Special Commissioner entreated me to conduct the troops, which I refused to do, unless they sent me a formal written request, specifying the great

urgency of the occasion and the importance of the service which, it was hoped, I could render, and which request I should forward to H. M's. Commissioners of Woods. If this was done, I consented to incur the responsibility of doing as they wished. On Thomson's account I demurred, as he had come so far to see me: he was therefore put immediately under orders for medical duty in the same detachment (the advanced Guard) with myself. This is an excellent arrangement for him: it gives him time of Service in India instead of leave, which he has now; and every hour taken off the time he must spend in India when he returns after furlough, is so much added to his life. I went with the troops the other day and took possession of the bridge over the Rungeet, and camped some 500 men in Sikkim. As no further advance was to be made immediately, I gladly returned to my plants, and my work at Darjeeling, but I expect very soon to be summoned away. No opposition of any kind was offered and I expect none; so you need be under no alarm on my account. Under all the circumstances, my duty appeared imperative to undertake the service, by which both peril and bloodshed might be spared; I therefore assumed the undesired office without hesitation, and I entertain no fear for the result. Except Campbell and myself, no one knows a step of the country; and the marching of troops without good and efficient guidance would

be most unadvisable. Campbell is so much the aggrieved party that he could not, with propriety, appear to go, as if to attack the Rajah's country, while I, on the other hand, am a private individual towards whom (I know) the people are most friendly, and in whom they trust so fully, that I am certain they would far rather make overtures to me, than to soldiers with arms in their hands. I also feel the heartiest desire and determination to bring things to a peaceful issue, if possible; and I do hope my presence may be useful. The orders, at present, are to march to Tumlong, and take possession of the capital; for the Rajah refuses to surrender himself or to offer any adequate reparation for his conduct. Many of the people, I know, from private sources of information, to be anxious to come to Darjeeling: they only wanted our promise, that they shall not be molested, and they will grant a peaceful passage to our soldiers. The Dewan (my arch-enemy,) has only 30 men with which to oppose us; and they will refuse to help him: the Rajah has no army and is not trying to raise one; thus it is probable he will flee at our approach. The ultimate intentions of our Government are unknown to me, and are no affair of mine. The Rajah was assured, that he would be pardoned if he came to Darjeeling; but that, if he failed to do so and to bring all the culprits with him, his country should be invaded and occupied; and the latter having It is said that the Rajah has sought succour from Thibet, and has received for answer that he has only got his deserts.

been the case, I suppose we must keep our word. It is said the Rajah has sought succour from Thibet, and has received for answer that he has only got his deserts. At present, there are (at least, I left,) at the Rungeet. Thomson in medical charge - Don, a Captain, in the same regiment with Henry Lyell, as Commandant, - Byng (Lord Torrington's brother) who has the charge of the Sappers, - and a young Artillery Officer, named Maxwell. Don is a fine good-natured fellow, whom I knew at Bhaugulpore; Byng is very amiable; Maxwell, is agreeable and gentlemanly, full of zeal for his profession, well educated and informed, who promises to be a companion of no ordinary stamp. The main body is under Colonel Innes, an officer of considerable experience, and great personal bulk - huge in all his proportions and strongly reminding me of our old friend. Sir John Richardson, in look and manner. Thomson is well-known, both to him and to General Young. A Mr. Harry Smith, nephew of Sir Harry Smith, and a Captain Hawkes of H.M. 80th Regiment, are the only other officers I have seen much of, and they appear gentlemanly and quiet. The Tcheba Lama has sent word that our advance will not be resisted, but that the Rajah purposes again to seek succour from China next summer, before which time, if properly managed, the whole of Sikkim may be occupied, and its population peaceably

settled under John Company. I have written to Lord Dalhousie, who is now at sea, en route for Calcutta; and by this mail I also write to Mr. Philipps, enclosing a copy of the requisition for my services, and giving my reasons for responding to the call. Best love to dear Bessy. Her long letter shall soon be answered. We have two inches of snow here. You shall hear by the next Marseilles Mail; meanwhile I beg you will make yourself comfortable about me. Ever your most affectionate son, (Signed) JOSEPH D. HOOKER.