These letters range from a criticism of Manning';s mathematical work to a family friend writing to William Manning regarding his concern of Thomas Manning's plan to visit China. Of particular note is a draft letter from Manning to Joseph Banks outlining the route of his Chinese studies and plans to travel to China.

Copy of a draft letter from Thomas Manning to Joseph Banks. In the letter he outlines the path he has taken to become familiar with the Chinese language including his stay in France. He writes that he had initially thought of reaching China via Russia. But now asks that he may be able to travel to Canton and reside there for the purpose of studying the language and customs of China. Dated [1806]. Handwritten, 2 pieces, 3 sides

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 from J Elphinstone to Thomas Manning. Manning had recommended Abel Yen and his dictionary. He wishes Manning will for his trip to Cochinchina (Vietnam). Undated [1808] Handwritten, 1 piece, 1 side

These 4 letters concern Abel Yen's service to Manning and the use of his dictionary.

• Letter from Abel Yen to Thomas Manning after his recommendation by Elphinstone. He mentions Elphinstone and Ball and the dictionary in his possession. Undated, handwritten in Latin, 1 piece, 1 side
• Note from Abel Yen to Thomas Manning to accompany his dictionary. Undated, handwritten in Latin, 1 piece, 1 side
• Letter from Abel Yen to Thomas Manning. He mentions a letter from Ball. Undated. Handwritten in Latin, 1 piece, 1 side
• Letter from Abel Yen to Thomas Manning. Undated, Handwritten in Latin, 1 piece, 1 side.

Note from Manning to Mr Larkins to request the use of his China Dictionary and reply from Larkins to Manning. Undated, handwritten, 1 piece, 2 sides

These are a mixture of personal and official letters from Manning's return to England in 1817 until his death. Highlights include correspondence with the East India Company concerning possible employment of the Chinese men that Manning had brought back with him, letters regarding spying in the Napoleonic Wars and letters of introduction for Manning's time in Italy

These letters concern the possible employment of the two Chinese men who had come to England with Thomas Manning, and ask for help with the cost of Manning's expenses regarding these gentlemen. These date from 1817-1818.

Draft letter from Thomas Manning to the Directors of the East India Company concerning the Chinese man he has brought with him and whether the East India Company would have reason to employ him. Written From Dr Tuthill's, 13 Soho Square, the letter's postscript has the words "stupid letter" in Manning's hand. Dated 1817. Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides

Letter from Thomas Manning to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Honorable Court of Directors of the East India Company asking for help with defraying the costs of 2 Chinese men he has brought from Canton - one, a literary Chinese, to help with his studies; the other, a native of the province of Honan, who speaks the language with the greatest purity, as a servant but also he thought would be of use to East India Company men at the College preparing to go to the factory at Canton. He estimates that the costs he will incur are £1000. Undated [1818], Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides