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This is a series of documents of correspondence and testimonials reflecting the activities of Brian Houghton Hodgson in the period 1836-1848. Hodgson and his wives were keen collectors of letters and statements that reflected well upon the work in which he was involved.

Letter from James Prinsep, Secretary of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, to Sir Alexander Johnston, Vice-President of the Royal Asiatic Society, to accompany the sending of the package to the RAS by Brian Houghton Hodgson re his publication about Nepal Zoology and suggesting that they pursue Sir William Jardine's option for publication. Accompanying the letter is a list of subscribers and the number of copies they are willing to purchase. Handwritten, 8 sides, dated 6 August 1837.

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.