Letter from Ven. W. Subhuti at Waskaduwa Vihara to William Claxton Peppé in Birdpore, in which he writes to say that he has received a parcel containing 21 relics, which he will open only in the presence of 'a large Buddhist community' to avoid suspicions over the genuineness of the relics. He thanks Peppé for his kindness and expresses gratitude on behalf of all the Buddhists in Ceylon. He has informed the King of Siam of Peppé's intention to takes the relics himself to Siam to present them to the King at the suggestion of the Prince Priest. The latter is still in Buddha Gaya and he intends to write to him to return to Ceylon. He asks Peppé to answer his earlier questions. Handwritten, 3 sides, dated 7 October 1898.

Letter from Cecil Bendall in Bombay to William Claxton Peppé in Birdpore, in which he writes that he is a friend of Vincent Smith, travelling in India for 'archaeological work (inscriptions especially) and MSS'. He hopes to visit Birdpore and Lumbini but not unless 'there is a good chance of further discovery'. He has heard from Smith that Peppé is planning to excavate further stupas and that the village of Dhamauli was 'archaeologically promising'. His Calcutta pandit, Haraprasad, is coming with him to Kathmandu and wants him to go to 'Navanagara or Nandagara, an immense mound requiring careful excavation'. He asks if Peppé could indicate on a map where these places might be.He will be in Delhi next week and starts from Segauli for Kathmandu on 18 December, so could visit in the interval. He adds that he had 'little or no practical experience in excavation'. He is travelling with his wife, and neither mind 'roughing it' but he does not want 'undue risks of fever'. Handwritten, 6 sides, dated 25 November 1898.

Letter from Dr. Laurence A. Waddell, Medical College, Calcutta, to William Claxton Peppé in Birdpore, in which he writes that he has been deputed by the Government to explore Kapilavastu for about 6 weeks and is starting at once. He has support of Vincent Smith, through whose kindness he introduces himself and asks for permission to see the excavations. He hopes to reach Birdpore on 19 January. Handwritten, 2 sides, dated 14 January 1899.

"On the Discovery of the Buddha's Birthplace by L.A. Waddell". A notebook with black cover into which Waddell has pasted several articles concerning his attempts to find the birthplace of Buddha. These are entitled and annotated by him by hand. The articles included are:

• "The Discovery of the Birthplace of the Buddha" from the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, 1897, pp.644-651
• "Where is the Birthplace of Buddha?" from the Englishman, 1 June 1896
• "A Tibetan Guide-book to the lost Sites of the Buddha's Birth and Death" from the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, 1896, pp. 275-279
• Editorial Note from the Englishman, 1 June 1896
• "Who found Buddha's Birthplace?" from The Pioneer Mail, 29 October 1897
• "Who Found Buddha's Birthplace?" - a reply to Dr Führer's letter, from the Englishman, 30 November 1897
• "Christian Tombs in the North-Western Provinces and Oudh" from The Pioneer, 22 September 1897
• "The Birthplace of the Buddha" by Sir George Birdwood, from The Times, 9 September 1897
  It appears from the title page of the book that Waddell prepared this volume especially for the Royal Asiatic Society in February 1898.

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.

"Autograph Book belonging to Susan Hodgson, Alderley Grange, Wotton under Edge" A leather bound autograph book belonging to Hodgson's wife, Susan, in which are placed certificates, diplomas, academic and personal correspondence, newspaper cuttings and extracts related to Brian Houghton Hodgson's life. Leather binding with metal clasp. The book's binding is broken and some pages are loose. Care must be taken when using this item.

Copy of a letter from Alexander Csoma de Koros to Brian Houghton Hodgson, with critical comments on Hodgson's Hodgson's newly written work, "Notices of the Languages, Literature and Religion of the Bauddhas of Nepal and Bhot", in Asiatic Researches vol. 16, 1828. Includes comments on Tibetan pronunciation, history of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhist texts of Kagyur and Tangyur, the content or Kar-chyag of which he had sent to Csoma for perusal. Handwritten, 4 sides, original letter dated 30 December 1829.

Letter from Alexander Csoma de Koros to Brian Houghton Hodgson acknowledging the receipt of a pamphlet sent by Hodgson. He writes to try to clarify some points on Buddhism and the Tibetan alphabet and language which the two men are disputing. Handwritten, 4 sides, dated 29 April, 1830.

Letters from Sir Graves Haughton to Brian Houghton Hodgson: two letters on same folio. The first is from Haughton as Honorary Secretary of the Royal Asiatic Society to state than Hodgson payment for Membership has been received from the Society's agents in Calcutta. The second concerns Haughton's pleasure at Hodgson joining the Society and his wish that he will send more Papers, as Hodgson's Papers on the Buddhists have delighted him. Both handwritten, 2 sides and 1 side, dated 18 January 1832.

Letter from Eugène Burnouf (1801-1852),Société Asiatique, Paris, France, to Brian Houghton Hodgson to thank Hodgson for his offer to purchase Sanskrit and Buddhist texts for the Society. He discusses various points concerning Buddhist literature. Handwritten in French with printed letterhead, 3 sides, dated 7 July 1834. On 4th side, with address, Hodgson has noted "Original letters to be read and returned to me."