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.

Draft of letter from Brian Houghton Hodgson to Professor (Dr) H.H. Wilson, 6 August 1854. An uncovered notebook in which Hodgson has drafted a letter concerning his work on aboriginals of India and on Himalayan dialects. Handwritten, 16 pages plus one insert are written upon. The cover has the title "Copies of Correspondence on Scientific and Literary Subjects 1854".