The official diary of the Gould mission to Lhasa sent by the British government. Read more about the mission diary.
Richardson returned from Gyantse today. There was very little snow on the passes and surprisingly little wind. On his way down lie crossed the Brahmaputra by coracle at Singma Khangchung, but when he returned the big ferry at Chaksam was running, now that the river has sunk to its winter level.
Mr. Gould's Hounds met in the afternoon. Chapman laid what he said was a real foxy trail, but as the wind blew most of the paper away hounds lost the scent after many cheeks.
In the evening Nepean and Dagg tested fireworks as we may give a demonstration when the Regent returns. Indian-made fireworks are doubtful starters. On this occasion a large Catherine wheel escaped from its pin and made straight for Chapman's tent.
Having shot neatly through the doorway it fortunately expired.
Author: Frederick Spencer Chapman [see handwritten annotations in Diary by Hugh Richardson in MS. Or. Richardson 2, Bodleian Libary, Department of Oriental Collections, University of Oxford]
Page Reference: Pt IX p.1