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 series consists of 38 letters from Joseph Dalton Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson. They have been organised mainly according to a previous listing made of the material, approximately by date.

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which he writes about his travels: no villages until Lachon which is cut off in June by the torrents. No-one in the plain has seen an Englishman before. They have good horses, but no yak. He writes of the vegetation and the vistas. Hooker writes that the route is very hard but wishes Hodgson could see this country; he is finding many new plants. With accompanying envelope. Handwritten, 12 sides, dated 28 May 1849.

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 was very interested in the different tribes and languages of the Himalayan region. This set of manuscripts shows some of the research he undertook and the vocabularies that he compiled.

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson. He writes that Archibald Campbell is now with the Rajah and wishes that Hodgson and himself were there to enable the terms of the treaty to be adopted by the Rajah. He wonders whether Hodgson has already gone to the Plains as Hooker has been away so many weeks. The weather has been raining 'cats and dogs' for 3 days - typical Tibetan weather and sends his greetings for Christmas. Has original envelope. Handwritten, 2 sides, dated 17 December 1848.

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which he bemoans the dearth of European news. He writes about places he is trying to reach, the state of maps, of Campbell's report, the flora and animals of the region, and of his expected route. Handwritten, 3 sides, dated 14 January [1849].