The series consists of 38 letters from Joseph Dalton Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson. They have been organised mainly according to a previous listing made of the material, approximately by date.

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson. He apologises for the paper he is using as all his writing paper has been used up on the accompanying journal which will explain to Hodgson what he has been doing. He writes of his surprise at the geology of the Himalayas and that he has collected rhododendrons and seeds for his father. He is thinking of staying a day or two at Pemiongchi. He writes about [Chamamaya] being a splendid fellow. There is a list of his food requirements and he asks Hodgson to send [Burchess] and Co. if he thinks appropriate. Handwritten, 1 piece, undated [1848-1850].

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson. He writes that he had last written to Hodgson on his way to meet the Rajah. They have left [bamsong] after Christmas after a final interview with the Dewan who had been extremely attentive. The Rajah had told Archibald Campbell that Hooker could start for [Lachen] in spring. Hooker had informed the Dewan that he was certainly going. Hooker does not foresee much difficulty, Campbell having given the Dewan a warning. Hooker writes that Campbell had insisted on one who speaks Hindustani and the only one was the heir apparent's servant. Hooker continues to report on the negotiations between Campbell and the Rajah. He then talks about the geology and vegetation of the area he is travelling through. With accompanying envelope. Handwritten, 4 sides, dated 28 December 1848.

Hodgson used much of his time in both Nepal and Darjeeling in research, wanting to discover and understand about the architecture, languages, ethnography, religion, zoology and botany. He collected specimens and manuscripts, and had many drawings made, which he donated to many collections throughout Europe. He was also politically involved during his Residency in Nepal, and also later in England, when he continued to show an active interest in the Indian subcontinent, particularly regarding trade and vernacular education. These Personal Papers reflect these interests and are a record of much of his activity - Hodgson and his wives seemed to have a need to record all his successes. He was also a keen annotator of material, so that most of the printed material also bears his handwritten comments.

The collection consists of two series:

"H.T. Colebrooke - Memoirs and Autographs", A red calf bound book, containing printed and handwritten material including biographical material concerning Colebrooke, obituary notices for Horace Hayman Wilson, and correspondence from Colebrooke to Nathaniel Wallich. On the inside cover there is a bookplate with "Ex Libris Frederick Hendricks, F.S.S., F.S.A., Knight of Vasa. 1893" and a printed auction listing "226. Colebrook (H.T.) Notice historique sure la vie et les ouvrages de M. Colebrooke par M. C.A. Walckenaer, Paris, 1848, with biographical notices from various periodicals and numerous interesting autograph letter of Colebrooke, half red calf". Frederick Hendricks is an ancestor of the donor who also has family connections with the Colebrooke family.

Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Nathaniel Wallich, pleased to hear that Wallich has resumed his role at the Botanic Gardens and thanking Wallich for his responses to Colebrooke's previous inquiries. He thanks Wallich also for sending seeds and that the plants that he sent are doing well at Kew. He asks if more can be sent. Wallich will be proposed for the Linnean Society after the Easter break and can also be proposed to the Geological Society. Colebrooke is keen to promote study on the geology of India and states information that he would like to collect. Colebrooke is pleased that Wallich is in contact with Mr Alexander of the Cape of Good Hope. He is also contemplating whether the "Gayal" would be suitable cattle for Cape of Good Hope and England and is looking into the possibility of shipping some heifers and steers. Handwritten, dated 18 March 1818, with Wallich's dating, arrived 28 July by Marchioness of Ely, answered 29 July by [Oriton]

Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Nathaniel Wallich in which Colebrooke thanks Wallich for his correspondence and the seeds he has sent. The one that Wallich has sent for the Botanic Garden at Copenhagen he has given to Dr Fleming to take. Colebrooke encourages Wallich to write to Fleming as Fleming was instrumental in Wallich keeping his position at the Botanic Garden. He reiterates his desire for Wallich to send living plants. Colebrooke also thanks Wallich for geological specimens and gives instructions as to how to package them correctly. Wallich has been proposed for the Linnean Society which will meet some weeks after the letter's date. Handwritten, dated 15 April, 1818 with further dating in Wallich's hand arrived 24 October.

Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Nathaniel Wallich in which he thanks Wallich for Nepal seeds and for rock specimens sent to him. He gives details of how various seeds and plants are growing in England mentioning Sir Joseph Banks and Mr Lambert. Wallich has been elected to the Linnaean and Geological Societies. Colebrooke will pay his fees if Wallich will reimburse to Colebrooke's agent. Colebrooke thanks for interesting papers that Wallich has sent including Captain Webb's account concerning the Himalayan mountains. Handwritten, dated 22 April 1819, dated in Wallich's hand, received 8 October.

Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Nathaniel Wallich in which he thanks Wallich for his correspondence and his Geological and Botanical Despatches and for Mr D Scott's remarks. He enquires whether Scott would like to be a member of the Geological Society. He writes of Limestone specimens that Wallich sent and of that he is pleased that the Gayal cattle have not been sent. He suggests that Wallich might write to his relative, Mr James Gosling, at the Cape of Good Hope who would be happy to try any specimens in his garden that Wallich thinks could flourish there. He asks about various species and botanical drawings. Handwritten, dated 8 September 1819, received 16 March 1820.