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.

Draft letter from Thomas Manning to Mr [Willis ?Wilkins (see TM/5/8)]. He expresses his regret in that he had hoped to send some Chinese paintings and some seeds but had been let down in acquiring them. Instead he sends some Chinese pencils and Chinese ink. He remembers their family situation with affection. He is well treated in Canton but it is not easy to make progress in learning about the culture and inhabitants. But he is quite happy. He suggests that Du Halde's account is accurate. In a postscript he asks to be remembered to Mrs Roberts and wonders whether she is related to the President in Canton who is also named Roberts. Dated 24 April 1807. Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides. There is also a later handwritten transcription of the letter, 3 pieces, 3 sides.

Letter from [L.M. de la Bipachere] to Monsieur Chaigneau, capitaine francais au service du roi de cochinchina. He writes concerning a purchase he has made and to recommend Manning - student in mathematics and languages, who is polite and of delicate sentiment. The letter is undated [1808], handwritten in French, 1 piece, 2 sides

Thomas Manning was an inveterate note-taker, making notes about all aspects of knowledge that interested him. These notes and notebooks cover from his early mathematical and poetical musing, through his travels in China and Tibet to later concerns regarding Roman Catholic emancipation. They have been organised into various sections mainly according to their subject manner.Thus:

• TM/9/1: Notebook with inserts from time at university to later life and covering all topics.
• TM/9/2 - 5 A series of notebooks from Manning's time in China and Tibet including notes on his travels and language studies
• TM/9/6 Loose notes from Chinese period
• TM/9/7 Pocket almanacs with annotations
• TM/9/8 Poetry and Riddles
• TM/9/9 Mathematical Notes and Notebooks
• TM/9/10 Notes on Roman Catholic Emancipation

Hardcover folder with green /red marbling. The initial M is written on ink on front cover. This contains notes, some of which are still held to the cover, others are loose and include three small notebooks. They cover from Manning's time at university to his later years.

Notes on Chinese stories, pages 9-20, stories 39-48. Inserted into a paper cover written "Some queer stories here B.D" (Bertram Dobell) Handwritten in English. Undated

Chinese jests continued. 37, 38, 39, 40-53 with additional notes about 49 & 50. Handwritten, 2 pieces, each 3 sheets. May have been sent to Charles Lamb or written whilst staying at his house on scrap paper- they appear to be addressed to him in Islington

Very rough drafts of Chinese stories. From Volume 2. Handwritten in English. One sheet has Chinese characters. Undated.

"Le retour au Village natal" and "Traduction libre". Rough draft of Chinese traditions. Handwritten in French, 3 pieces, 11 pages

"Collect. Inquirend". Notes on Chinese life, culture and language. Handwritten notes, strung into folder, 4 sheets, 15 sides