In 1772, the army of Bhutan had invaded the province of Cooch Behar in Bengal. Alarmed by this incursion, the Council of Bengal sent a deputation to deal with the occupying force. The troops of Bhutan were no match for the trained and well equipped army of Bengal. The King of Bhutan thus sent an embassy to the Teshoo Lama, the regent of Tibet, to sue for peace by mediation. Teshoo Lama immediately sent a letter along with expensive gifts to the Governor-General of Bengal Warren Hastings. The latter took this opportunity to extend British influence in Tibet and sent George Boyle to represent the British and carry a message and presents back to the Lama. A man of keen observation and intellect, his book is an account of the mission of George Boyle to Tibet?in?1774.
