Major Fuller, a section of No. 30 Native Mountain Battery under
Captain Marindin, four companies of the Royal Fusiliers under Colonel
Cooper, four companies of the 40th Pathans under Colonel Burn, five
companies of the 23rd Pioneers under Colonel Hogge, and the two
remaining companies of the 8th Gurkhas under Colonel Kerr, together with
the usual medical and other details.

The force arrived at Kangma on June 23. On the 25th a party of mounted
infantry from Gyantse met Captain Peterson's mounted infantry
reconnoitring at the monastery of Naini, previously mentioned. Whilst
greetings were being exchanged a sudden fire was opened on our men from
the monastery, which the enemy had apparently occupied and fortified
during the night. The position was apparently held in strength, and the
mounted infantry had no other course except to retire to their
respective camps. Captain Peterson had one man mortally wounded.

On the evening of the 26th the sentries at the mission post saw about
twenty mounted men, followed by two or three hundred infantry, issue
from the rear of the jong and creep up the hills on our left in the
direction of Naini. It was evident that a determined effort was to be
made at the monastery to check the advance of the relief column, which
was expected at Gyantse next day. Colonel Brander came to the conclusion
that he had found an opportunity for catching the Tibetans in a trap.
He determined to send out a force which would block the retreat of the
enemy when they retired before the advance of the relief column.
Accordingly, before dawn four companies of Pioneers, four guns, and the
Maxim gun left the post, and ascended the hills overlooking the
monastery. Captain Ottley's mounted infantry were directed to close the
road leading directly from Gyantse to the monastery.

Colonel Brander's forces were in position some hours before the mounted
infantry of the relief column appeared in sight. It was discovered that
the enemy not only held the monastery, but some ruined towers on the
hill above, and a cluster of one-storied dwellings in a grove below.
Captain Peterson with his mounted infantry appeared in front of the
monastery at eleven o'clock. He had with him a company of the 40th
Pathans, and his orders were to clear the monastery with this small
force, if the enemy made no signs of a stubborn resistance. Otherwise he
was to await the arrival of more troops with the mountain-guns.

Peterson delivered his at