Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Nathaniel Wallich in which he discusses the possibility of the introduction of rice to England. Colebrooke thanks for letters, boxes of specimens and anthropological drawings. Colebrooke asks Wallich to express his thanks to the gentlemen that provided geological specimens. Colebrooke has petitioned the Chair of the Court of Directors, East India Company on Wallich's behalf. He wishes Wallich a speedy recovery to health. Handwritten, dated 8 August 1820, received 25 February 1821.

Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Nathaniel Wallich in which he thanks Wallich for his correspondence and his Geological and Botanical Despatches and for Mr D Scott's remarks. He enquires whether Scott would like to be a member of the Geological Society. He writes of Limestone specimens that Wallich sent and of that he is pleased that the Gayal cattle have not been sent. He suggests that Wallich might write to his relative, Mr James Gosling, at the Cape of Good Hope who would be happy to try any specimens in his garden that Wallich thinks could flourish there. He asks about various species and botanical drawings. Handwritten, dated 8 September 1819, received 16 March 1820.

Letter from Henry Thomas Colebrooke to Nathaniel Wallich acknowledging letters sent and stating that he has sorted Wallich's remittances and arranged for the periodicals he requests to be sent to him. He was pleased with the geological specimens sent to him, including gold from Tartary and specimens from Lieutenant Gerard and Mr Scott and Colebrooke has used the notes sent by Gerard to write a paper on the geology of the valley of the Sutlej. He has proposed Lt Gerard and Dr Jack as members of the Geological Society. He thanks Wallich for seeds sent but advises because of the cost to be careful in thinking through which to send. Handwritten, dated 9 January 1821, received 5 June 1821.

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson. He writes that he had last written to Hodgson on his way to meet the Rajah. They have left [bamsong] after Christmas after a final interview with the Dewan who had been extremely attentive. The Rajah had told Archibald Campbell that Hooker could start for [Lachen] in spring. Hooker had informed the Dewan that he was certainly going. Hooker does not foresee much difficulty, Campbell having given the Dewan a warning. Hooker writes that Campbell had insisted on one who speaks Hindustani and the only one was the heir apparent's servant. Hooker continues to report on the negotiations between Campbell and the Rajah. He then talks about the geology and vegetation of the area he is travelling through. With accompanying envelope. Handwritten, 4 sides, dated 28 December 1848.

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson. He apologises for the paper he is using as all his writing paper has been used up on the accompanying journal which will explain to Hodgson what he has been doing. He writes of his surprise at the geology of the Himalayas and that he has collected rhododendrons and seeds for his father. He is thinking of staying a day or two at Pemiongchi. He writes about [Chamamaya] being a splendid fellow. There is a list of his food requirements and he asks Hodgson to send [Burchess] and Co. if he thinks appropriate. Handwritten, 1 piece, undated [1848-1850].

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 collection consists of two series: