Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 28/04/1905 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 letter, 1 sheet, 4 pages
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Born in Falkirk in 1873, George Forrest became one of Scotland's most prolific plant collectors, conducting seven expeditions in Yunnan province, S.W. China between 1904 and his death there in 1932.
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Letter from George Forrest, The Mission, Tsekou [Cigu], Tibet, to Isaac Bayley Balfour, Regius Keeper, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, dated 28 April 1905.
Forrest writes briefly to let Balfour know he has arrived safely in Tsekou after a 'terribly trying' journey during which he rowed with the people at Chien Chuan cho and then lost a mule in crossing the Wei Hsi; baggage carried by coolies (Lisaws) [Lissoos] through deep snow. Forrest reports news of a revolt by lamas who had raided Batang and Atunze, killing three French missionaries and a number of local Christian converts. Forrest found Tsekou to be practically in a state of siege with daily expectation of attack, there being around 3000 lamas at Atunze and 5000 at Batang. Forrest had secured over 100 species on the way but lost many more through damp.
There is slight burning at the base of the letter.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
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Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Permission required from RBGE.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
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Letter is slightly burned and should be handled with care.
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Note
It should be noted that the catalogue descriptions, summaries and letters may contain sensitive subjects and Forrest’s language, spellings and attitudes which may be deemed offensive now.
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Archivist's note
This Forrest correspondence collection summary has been provided by library volunteer Pauline Maclean.