The collection consists of two series:
Henry Thomas ColebrookeHodgson 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.
Hodgson Brian Houghton 1801-1894 Indian Civil Servant, NaturalistLetters from Sir Graves Haughton to Brian Houghton Hodgson: two letters on same folio. The first is from Haughton as Honorary Secretary of the Royal Asiatic Society to state than Hodgson payment for Membership has been received from the Society's agents in Calcutta. The second concerns Haughton's pleasure at Hodgson joining the Society and his wish that he will send more Papers, as Hodgson's Papers on the Buddhists have delighted him. Both handwritten, 2 sides and 1 side, dated 18 January 1832.
Haughton Sir Graves Chamney 1788-1849 OrientalistLetter from Julius von Mohl to Sir Graves Haughton regarding the publishing of manuscripts found in Nepal by Hodgson. Hodgson has added a postscript,"Recd in a letter from Sir Graves Haughton who himself adds that my researches have contributed largely to fill up a previously empty place in the history of philosophy". Handwritten in French, 1 side, postmarked 24 December 1834.
Mohl Julius von 1800-1876 German Orientalist"H.T. Colebrooke - Memoirs and Autographs", A red calf bound book, containing printed and handwritten material including biographical material concerning Colebrooke, obituary notices for Horace Hayman Wilson, and correspondence from Colebrooke to Nathaniel Wallich. On the inside cover there is a bookplate with "Ex Libris Frederick Hendricks, F.S.S., F.S.A., Knight of Vasa. 1893" and a printed auction listing "226. Colebrook (H.T.) Notice historique sure la vie et les ouvrages de M. Colebrooke par M. C.A. Walckenaer, Paris, 1848, with biographical notices from various periodicals and numerous interesting autograph letter of Colebrooke, half red calf". Frederick Hendricks is an ancestor of the donor who also has family connections with the Colebrooke family.
"Autograph Book belonging to Susan Hodgson, Alderley Grange, Wotton under Edge" A leather bound autograph book belonging to Hodgson's wife, Susan, in which are placed certificates, diplomas, academic and personal correspondence, newspaper cuttings and extracts related to Brian Houghton Hodgson's life. Leather binding with metal clasp. The book's binding is broken and some pages are loose. Care must be taken when using this item.
Hodgson Brian Houghton 1801-1894 Indian Civil Servant, Naturalist