Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Canton. "All our attention has been absorbed for these last two months by a Contestation between the Supercargoes & the Mandarins respecting delivering up a man for having killed a Chinese. With this letter he encloses an account of the affair. This has stopped them leaving for Macao. He had been to a lavish entertainment by one of the Chinese security merchants which he describes. He is happy and writes that there is much to be learnt in Canton but the Europeans do not learn it because they do not know the language. "We are as babies under nurses" Manning writes of the Europeans and their inability to communicate or look after themselves. "I have no patience with this blustering and huffing in India & licking the dust here". There is a postscript concerning Edward Sheen, the "mock culprit" and concerning the receipt of a letter from his father. With this letter are a letter from J Crabtree to William Manning writing that he is enclosing Thomas' account of the affray at Canton and also asking that Mr Young will now organise sending his letters to China as Crabtree is going to America. There are 2 accounts of the fight between the English crew of the Neptune and the Chinese on 24 February 1807. Hand written, 4 pieces, each 4,4,1 and 4 sides. Letter dated 22 April 1807, postscript 28 April 1807, Accounts dated 16th April 1807, Crabtree letter dated 25 February 1808

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Canton. He writes that the recall of the fleet that was despatched means he can write again with news that he thinks his father and friends at Diss will find gripping. After the fleet had sailed the Chinese had changed their demands regarding Edward Sheen but a boat was despatched to the fleet which returned. The Chinese then changed their demands and there are hopes it can be amicably settled. Manning had been to dinner at a retired Chinese merchant's house with Mandarins, English, Chinese merchants, Mr Chalmers the Swedish chief, some other Swedes and Danes and the Spanish chief. He tried so many new dishes - bird's nest soup with soy, deer's sinews & biche de mer - that they upset his stomach and he has had to dine on roast beef, mutton & chicken & boiled potatoes ever since. He praises Macao, 80-100 miles to south of Canton. Handwritten, 3 sides. Dated 7 May, 1807

Letter from Thomas Manning to his brother, William Manning. He writes to introduce Mr Berry who will bring the letter and with whom Thomas enjoyed hospitality in Canton. Mr Berry will be able to tell William whether Thomas is off to Cochinchina. Handwritten, 1 side. Dated 23 February 1808

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.

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Canton. He has finally received a letter from his father along with one from his brother, Edward, and another from Crabtree. However much of the letter is taken up with complaining about not receiving letters and trying to explain how best to send Mail to him. He writes that he was downhearted at Christmas but joined in the festivities at New Year. He is sending Mr Woodward "some curious seeds by the Sealeby Castle under the care of G. Staunton". He is sending his father some "supernaculum tea for the rectory". It is directed to Mr Lamb who will pay the duty and then Edward can pay him. Handwritten, 4 sides. Dated 6 January 1808