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Copy of a draft letter from Thomas Manning to Joseph Banks. In the letter he outlines the path he has taken to become familiar with the Chinese language including his stay in France. He writes that he had initially thought of reaching China via Russia. But now asks that he may be able to travel to Canton and reside there for the purpose of studying the language and customs of China. Dated [1806]. Handwritten, 2 pieces, 3 sides

GB 891 TM-TM/5-TM/5/4 · File · 24 April 1807
Part of Papers of Thomas Manning, Chinese Scholar, First English visitor to Lhasa, Tibet

Draft letter from Thomas Manning to Mr [Willis ?Wilkins (see TM/5/8)]. He expresses his regret in that he had hoped to send some Chinese paintings and some seeds but had been let down in acquiring them. Instead he sends some Chinese pencils and Chinese ink. He remembers their family situation with affection. He is well treated in Canton but it is not easy to make progress in learning about the culture and inhabitants. But he is quite happy. He suggests that Du Halde's account is accurate. In a postscript he asks to be remembered to Mrs Roberts and wonders whether she is related to the President in Canton who is also named Roberts. Dated 24 April 1807. Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides. There is also a later handwritten transcription of the letter, 3 pieces, 3 sides.

GB 891 TM-TM/6-TM/6/1-TM/6/1/1 · File · 1817
Part of Papers of Thomas Manning, Chinese Scholar, First English visitor to Lhasa, Tibet

Draft letter from Thomas Manning to the Directors of the East India Company concerning the Chinese man he has brought with him and whether the East India Company would have reason to employ him. Written From Dr Tuthill's, 13 Soho Square, the letter's postscript has the words "stupid letter" in Manning's hand. Dated 1817. Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides

GB 891 TM-TM/6-TM/6/4-TM/6/4/1 · File · 18 October 1818
Part of Papers of Thomas Manning, Chinese Scholar, First English visitor to Lhasa, Tibet

Draft letter from Thomas Manning to Edward Charles Donne (1777-1819) of Mattishall Hall, Norfolk. Manning writes about his new lodgings at Redbourn, St. Albans, Hertfordshire in which he and Mr Lee are residing with Mr Barford and the Misses Barford. He has been there a week but hasn't ventured beyond the walled garden. It writes his concerns for Donne's health but that he cannot visit at present due to the forthcoming killing of a pig - much mention is made of this pig and intermingles this with other news and comment including about the death or prospective death of the queen (Charlotte, wife of George III). Dated 18 October 1818. Handwritten 1 piece, 2 sides. Also has a later handwritten transcription 4 pieces, 4 sides.

GB 891 TM-TM/6-TM/6/4-TM/6/4/2 · File · 2 February 1819
Part of Papers of Thomas Manning, Chinese Scholar, First English visitor to Lhasa, Tibet

Draft letter from Thomas Manning to Edward Charles Donne. Manning writes about Donne's admiration for Norwich as the centre of Norfolk's activities. He writes about Donne visiting London and buying shoes for himself, spectacles for Mrs Donne and a geographical toy for William, his son (William Bodham Donne (1807–1882) was an English journalist, known also as a librarian and theatrical censor) Dated 2 February 1819 from Redbourn, St Albans Hertfordshire. Handwritten, 1 piece, 2 sides

GB 891 TM-TM/2-TM/2/2-TM/2/2/12 · File · [25 May 1819]
Part of Papers of Thomas Manning, Chinese Scholar, First English visitor to Lhasa, Tibet

Draft letter from Thomas Manning to Charles Lamb. He writes first about some writing that Lamb has sent him and how the word 'uncoin'd' bothered him. He then writes of his brother, supposing that he is now well though he hasn't heard from him. Manning compares London life with country life in some detail and includes a description of the delights of killing a pig. He has met Mrs and the Misses Galloway - he has been instructing them on places in the world. He keeps planning to go to London but then postpones. He would like to see Charles Lloyd. Dated 25th May [1819 - a different hand]. Handwritten, 1 piece, 4 sides