Draft letter from Thomas Manning to Mr [Willis ?Wilkins (see TM/5/8)]. He expresses his regret in that he had hoped to send some Chinese paintings and some seeds but had been let down in acquiring them. Instead he sends some Chinese pencils and Chinese ink. He remembers their family situation with affection. He is well treated in Canton but it is not easy to make progress in learning about the culture and inhabitants. But he is quite happy. He suggests that Du Halde's account is accurate. In a postscript he asks to be remembered to Mrs Roberts and wonders whether she is related to the President in Canton who is also named Roberts. Dated 24 April 1807. Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides. There is also a later handwritten transcription of the letter, 3 pieces, 3 sides.

Draft Letter from Thomas Manning to "Gentlemen" concerning a Mr [Pattle] whom Manning had known in Canton, concerning recognition of his writing and signature. Written from Soho Square (George Leman Tuthill's home). Undated. Handwritten, 1 piece, 1 side

Draft letter from Thomas Manning to the Gentlemen on the Committee for leave to return, asking for passage on one of the Company boats for himself and a learned Chinese man who he has engaged to accompany him. Undated [1817], handwritten, 1 piece, 1 side

Two draft accounts of the incident with the sailors from the Neptune [Date 1808] Handwritten, One is 2 pieces each 4 sides; the other 1 piece, 3 sides

Thomas Manning lived in Asia from 1807-1817, mainly in Canton and Macao. But he also tried to reach the interior of China via Tibet. The correspondence covers this period and is of both official and personal nature.