The Papers include correspondence between Thomas Manning and his family, friends and some official correspondence ranging from his childhood, through Cambridge days, time in France, travels to China and India and his later life.These reflect both Manning's interests and the wide range of contacts that he cultivated.

There are also original notebooks and notes, some documenting his travels including his journey through Tibet; others reflecting his interests in mathematics, poetry & riddles and Catholic emancipation. There is also an early Manuscript for "The Journey of Thomas Manning to Lhasa".

Other highlights in the Collection include early English and European passports, calling cards, and later receipts

These Papers give an insight into this unique man formerly best known for his relationship with Charles Lamb. These Papers show that Manning was also a man of talent, charisma and determination in his study of China and the Chinese language.

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from on board the Pellen headed from Canton to Bengal. He promises to write more fully but is quite well and in a good way. Handwritten in pencil, 2 sides. Undated but postmarked London 18 Jul, 1810

The Correspondence between Manning and Tuthill mainly dates from the time when they were both resident in Europe (1798-1806). There is also one earlier letter and a letter from Manning whilst he was in Bengal 1811.

There is further correspondence regarding Manning being executor of Tuthill's will which includes letters between Manning and Tuthill's daughter, Laura (1835-1836)

Letter from Thomas Manning to George Tuthill from (Runjpore), Bengal. Manning has his passport from the Rajah of Bootan (Bhutan) to travel through his country to Lhasa to see the Grand Lama. He will set off the following day. He sends his love to Tuthill' s wife, Maria, and daughter and wishes he was with his friends in England. He likes Tuthill' s plans about Medicine and about publishing a Greek Dictionary about which Manning writes that he knows a great deal about particles and prepositions, compounds and tenses which has never been published. Manning writes though he knows much, he is not keen on Fame. He asks Tuthill for news on Bonaparte's campaign. He adds a postscript about a paper he should have sent to Charles Lamb and in some boxes makes notes about Wordsworth, Coleridge and Lamb. Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides. Dated (in letter) 27 August 1811

Thomas Manning lived in Asia from 1807-1817, mainly in Canton and Macao. But he also tried to reach the interior of China via Tibet. The correspondence covers this period and is of both official and personal nature.

Letter to Thomas Manning from [J B Wronston]. He writes that he is sure that his brother in Bengal would help Manning if he can and sends him a letter of Introduction. Dated 9 February 1810. Handwritten, 1 piece, 2 sides

Joshua Marshman was a missionary based at Serampore with William Carey. He was engaged in translation, including translating Confucius and the Bible into Chinese. It appears from these letters that whilst Manning was in Bengal, awaiting permission to travel to Tibet, he helped Marshman with his translations. There are 8 letters.

Letter from Joshua Marshman to Thomas Manning. Marshman extols their friendship throughout his letter. Dated Tuesday 15th May [1810] Handwritten, 1 side, 4 pieces

Letter from Joshua Marshman to Thomas Manning to send him his copy of Matthew's gospel in Chinese, hot off the press . He also sends an index of the words contained in Rodriques' Dictionary with annotations of those in Kungshie's dictionary. Marshman has an audience with Lord Minto and hopes that he will be able to help Manning out of his present state of anxiety. Dated 20th May 1810, Handwritten, 1 piece, 4 sides

Letter from Joshua Marshman to Thomas Manning asking for help in editing his work which he has rushed to translate in the hope that Manning can look at it before he leaves. Dated August 24th 1810. Handwritten, 1 piece, 2 sides