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 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.

This series contains published material written, by Brian Houghton Hodgson and others, pertaining to his interest in the Indian subcontinent which were present within his Papers. Many contain annotations in Hodgson's hand.

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which he comments on the enclosed letter to the Times on the Value of Bhootan (Bhutan). Handwritten, 4 sides, with newspaper article by Hooker, and 2 sheets of notes by Hodgson. Newspaper letter dated 27 December [1873].

"Observations on the Consumption of Tea in Bootan, Tibet and Tartary; and on the practicability of advantageously furnishing that article to some of those Countries from Canton through India". Fair Copy of an article written by Thomas Manning to East India Company. Dated 29th December 1817. Handwritten, 3 pieces, 9 sides. Also rough notes for draft. Handwritten 1 piece, 3 sides

"Once A Week" for 11 February 1865 containing the article, "Bootan and the Booteas", pp.205-210. Unknown author. Printed Journal.

"Unpublished Description of Bootan, by Samuel Davis Esq. F.R.S., 1783". An account of his findings in Bhutan when Warren Hastings assigned him as Draftsman and Surveyor on Samuel Turner's Mission to Bhutan and Tibet. Davis was unable to enter Tibet with the others and so spent his time making drawings and notes of Bhutan. The account covers topics such as landscape and cultivation as well as Davis' interactions with the Rajah.
Leather bound handwritten journal, 38cm x24cm, the cover boards are loose from the spine. 119 written pages.