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.

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 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

Letter from Joshua Marshman to Thomas Manning in which he sends translation for Manning to edit. He also relates that Mr Robinson and Mr [Cirnish] will be leaving in about a fortnight on the route that Manning intends to take. Mr Robinson intends to tramp the [Bowlam [?Bolan)] hills and may be a point of contact for Manning. He hopes that Manning will succeed and others may follow including the spread of religion. Dated 29 September 1810. Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides

Letter from Joshua Marshman to Thomas Manning. He discusses Manning's journey to try to reach Peking. He says that he has discussed it with Mr (William) Carey. [Lapar] would not be able to go on the journey because he is needed for the work in Serampore and is in poor health. He considers Manning's idea of going via Burma and wishes that he could just set him down in Peking. Dated 28th August 1810, Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides

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