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Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from White horse fetter Lane (London). He writes that he has been hunting for the Captain of the Thames, East Indian Company boat, on which he will go to Canton. Captain Riches is a Suffolk man and he wonders if he is related to his friend, Mrs Riches. If his father finds that she is, would he ask for a letter of recommendation for him. He has laid in supplies of medicines and will take good care of himself, though he writes his legs are rather swollen after much walking. Handwritten, 3 sides. Dated 21 [April 1806]

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Tavestock Hotel (London). He writes he is about to leave for Portsmouth and has settled everything to his satisfaction. He is worried they will lose their passage and not arrive in Canton till winter. He is indebted to Mr Crabtree for his assistance, beyond the usual kindness of intimate friends. He asks his father to tell his sister, Fanny, that he has not forgotten anything. He finishes "I am exceedingly well, but not calm". Handwritten, 2 sides. Postmarked 7 May 1806

Two copies of a letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Macao. He writes that his expedition to Cochinchina was totally unsuccessful because they hadn't left enough time and also they had come across the survivors of a China Nepal wreck which they rescued (at his insistence) and put down in Turon. He had been with the fleet to the Paracel Islands and seen the wildlife. He is making progress with his study of Chinese. "I have discovered the nature of the tones. I can speak. I can read. I am sure of being able to pursue the study of Chinese books in Europe". He had received a letter from his sister Fanny and one of these copies also has a note to his sister which is subsequently crossed out. Handwritten, 2 pieces, 4 sides, 4 sides. Dated in another hand 18 August, 1808

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Macao. He writes on 20 June, 1807, that he had travelled to Macao down the river in junks for two people and his companion was George Staunton. Since arriving in Macao he has been absorbed with mathematics and a train of thought concerning equations, so much so that he has not been out and is only stopping to write the letter because he had heard that a boat was leaving for Bombay. The letter continues on 1 July saying he had just received a letter from (Charles) Lamb. He then proceeds with instructions on how best to send letters. Manning finishes with a postscript declaring himself "vext and mortified" because the boat that had brought Lamb's letter had brought many for other Englishmen but not for him. Handwritten, 3 sides. Dated 20 June - 1 July 1807.

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Macao. He writes that troops have been landed at Macao to protect it from the French but the Chinese have not given their consent. The Chinese and English bully each other but Manning surmises that the Chinese laugh, because the Company will not risk the trade. Nobody can travel to Canton. Manning thinks all the other foreigners are waiting to see the English "worsted", He has received letters from his father and a parcel from his brother, Edward. He has adopted Chinese/Cochinchinese dress. "I wear a long robe, loon drawers, nankin boots & a black fine crepe turban. Vastly comfortable in the hot weather & so becoming with my long beard". Handwritten, 3 sides. Dated 1st Monday [5] in December, 1808

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Marseilles, France. He writes that he was pleased to find a letter from his father at Marseilles. He then continues to relate details of his travels through the country to reach Marseilles. Handwritten, 4 sides. Dated 4 September [1802]

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from on board the Pellen headed from Canton to Bengal. He promises to write more fully but is quite well and in a good way. Handwritten in pencil, 2 sides. Undated but postmarked London 18 Jul, 1810

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from on board the Thames. The letter begins on 19 August 1806 and Manning writes about a terrible storm the day after leaving the Cape in which they lost a set of sails, damage estimated at £1000. The fleet were scattered but most had regrouped. The letter continues on 11 November 1806 from Penang where he had been for a month. He finds Penang fascinating - the vegetation, the different types of people and their lifestyles and religious habits. He has met the Governor, though his wife was unfortunately in Bengal. Manning has been a little unwell with fever but in good health as he writes. He has made many observations leaving no time to write letters, though he hopes to write to Dr Davy. He has seen Chinese and Siamese plays. Handwritten, 4 sides. 19 August -11 November 1806

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from on board the Thames. On 29th May 1806 he writes that the Commodore has signalled that Madeira is in sight but they will not stop there which is disappointing in terms of fresh provisions and of sending letters. The sea agrees with him and after much reflection approves of the decision that he has made despite having to 'run away' from many friends who care much about him. He is growing his beard after asking permission from the ladies; is getting on well with the other passengers despite the greater part being "decidedly below par in point of education & information". The Thames is part of a convoy of about 30 ships which make a fine sight but means they sometimes have to wait for those lagging behind. The letter continues on 11th June, 1806 when they had sighted some ships which seemed to be bearing the French colours and so preparations were being made to fight. However they turned out to be English and therefore Thomas hoped they might take letters. Letter continues again on 24 July Lat 32 south, Longitude 11 West - a week off the Cape, and though they will not stop some of their convoy will. The weather has been good and he has seen flying fish in abundance along with sharks, dolphins, sword fish and has seen whales spouting. The Captain and his wife have changed cabins and Manning has their old one. He writes on 28th July that letters are called for but Manning recovered this one from the post on August 9th to say they had landed at False Bay (South Africa) 3 days previously. Handwritten, 4 sides. dated 29 May - 9 August, 1806

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Paris. He has not received any letters for 6 months, nor written any except to his father. He gained permission to return to Paris and is one of the few English who have not been made prisoner of war in Verdun. He asks for his father to write as soon as he receives this letter. Handwritten, 1 side. Dated 12th January 1804