CHAPTER VI - VISIT TO THE GRAND LAMA

Summary

On the 17th of December, 1811, in the morning, I ascended the mountain, as they phrase it, to salute the Grand Lama and make my offering. I had but a trifle to present him with, not much more than a third part of the fine broadcloth I had destined for him, and that portion I had with the utmost difficulty, and by conveying it secretly into my Munshi's box, saved from the rapaciousness of the Bhutanese. Two pair of china ewers that I meant to decorate with (artificial) flowers, and present him, were unfortunately left behind at Giansu. I had a pair of good brass candlesticks which I had cleaned and furbished up, and into them I put two wax candles to make a show. To speak the truth, these candlesticks belonged to the East India Company. They were what were lent me for my use at Canton, and upon leaving that place I had honestly left them to be returned to the stores. But afterwards my faithful old China servant, taking the opportunity of a parcel that was sent me from Canton to Calcutta, stowed them into the box with other things that he thought might be useful to me, and I, finding they were thus forced upon me, carried them off with me to Lhasa without scruple, and I am persuaded that after this my acknowledgment, the Honourable Company will not only acquit me of fraudulent practices, but will be very well pleased with what has befallen their candlesticks, and with the high and honourable use I made of them.