Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Canton. He writes that he lives in a most advantageous insulated condition but is making some progress in the languages and has learnt some things only obscurely or not known at all by Europeans. He writes of his time in Macao where they go each summer and he can converse with the French and with English. He is glad he is fluent in French. There are some pleasant English women. It has been discovered that he can sing by notes and therefore has been pressed to take part in concerts. He has sent his luggage to the river ready to embark to go to Cochinchina. Handwritten, 3 sides. Dated 26 February 1808

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 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

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Canton - "in my own rooms at the English factory given me this morning". He arrived in Canton the previous day and George Staunton had said that an American ship was to leave Canton the next day; hence the letter. He had been called upon to give medical help to a Chinese servant with a cut elbow, followed by dinner at the Company table - roast beef, potatoes and vegetables recalling ideas of old England. He is tired and the next day will breakfast with Mr Barry, a merchant, for whom Mr Crabtree had given Manning a letter of introduction. They arrived by open boat - with some worries about pirates but had arrived in Canton safely. He writes about the weather and concludes with a note to say the servant is much improved so Manning has proved he is of some use already. Handwritten, 4 sides. Dated 14 January 1807

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Canton. He writes about the letters that he received. He has earned some money translating Company edicts but is glad not to be employed by them but is willing to let them aid his pursuits. He then writes his opinions of the war between France and Spain, and England's involvement, and about the capturing of the Danish fleet. The English fleet has been expelled from Macao, it was a tense time with firing on both sides. He gives a listed assessment of the situation. His beard is now a foot long. Handwritten, 4 sides. Dated 1 March 1809

Letter from Thomas Manning in Canton to "Domine", Chao Sien Seng. He writes about returning to Canton after having been in India and Lhasa. Handwritten in Latin, dated 28 December, 1814, 1 piece, 1 side

Letter to Thomas Manning from Roberts, Resident of the Select Committee at Canton. He writes he has received his seven letters. He is not sure whether he will see Manning before he leaves China but offers to help in any way during Manning's absence from China. Undated [1810], handwritten, 1 piece, 1 side

Letter from Robert Morrison, Chinese missionary, to Thomas Manning concerning the employment of a Chinese man to assist Manning, Morrison and Ball have tested the man and think he will be appropriate. Dated 21 March 1817, handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides

Letter to Thomas Manning from the Mr and Misses Wilkins. The father and three daughters each write in turn expressing their joy at receiving Manning's letter and their concerns for his health, wealth and happiness. One mention a parcel arriving from Canton and wonders whether these are the pencils that Manning had mentioned in his letter (see TM/5/4). Handwritten, dated Newnham, 12 April 1808. 1 Piece, 3 sides

Four notes from J.W. Roberts to Thomas Manning concerning items for translation by Manning. Undated. Handwritten, each of 1 piece, 1 side, 1 side, 2 sides, 2 sides.