There are two letters:

• Draft Letter from Thomas Manning to "My Lord" in which he remembers his gratitude for his Lordship providing a letter for him to carry when he was travelling to China, in case they were attacked by the French. He now asks for letters of introduction to English residing at the Italian court as he is about to proceed to Italy in order to spend about 2 years. Dated 2 June, 1827. Handwritten, 1 piece, 1 side.
• Draft letter from Thomas Manning to "My Lord Duke" in which he thanks him for the letters of introduction and writes more of his studies in mathematics, philosophy and language. Though able to read Italian he wants to be able to attend to its pronunciation. Undated [1827] Handwritten, 1 piece, 1 side.

This series of letters concerns a Pamphlet on The True Principles of Advantageous Exportation, which had been submitted anonymously. The editor requires author details before he is willing to publish it. The letters suggest that the author is unwilling to supply these. Dated April 1818

Letter from W Baines to Thomas Manning from Charter House Square, London. He is concerned that Manning has not replied to his last letter because he asked too much of him. Baines has been ill with a sore throat and bad cold but had to continue at work. He has done little reading, not enough for a chance of a fellowship. He asks that Manning would spend time with him when he is in London and that Manning gives his Haddenham acquaintance another guinea if she calls again. Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides. Dated 9 December [1790]

Letter from W Baines to Thomas Manning from Charter House Square, London, He writes that Manning had prophesied well and that he does not like the position that he has taken up. But Mr Baine's has been so kind he would not leave suddenly. He wonders if Manning's Algebra book is published and asks for the bookseller so he can buy copies. He requests that Manning sort out his outstanding debts in Cambridge and find out about a girl who lived by the Physick Garden. He had visited Lamb with Lloyd's letter and formed a favourable impression of Charles Lamb. He asks Manning to write. Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides. Dated 15 November 1790

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

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 [Greek] Street, Soho. He writes to tell his father that his passport has to go in the dispatch box to the King; that it probably won't be looked at until Tuesday and may be he should have written to "George Rex" to tell him he was in a hurry. He will travel to France by the Diligence and will write from Calais unless he is asleep as he passes through. Handwritten, 2 sides. Postmarked 1801

Letter from Thomas Manning to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Honorable Court of Directors of the East India Company asking for help with defraying the costs of 2 Chinese men he has brought from Canton - one, a literary Chinese, to help with his studies; the other, a native of the province of Honan, who speaks the language with the greatest purity, as a servant but also he thought would be of use to East India Company men at the College preparing to go to the factory at Canton. He estimates that the costs he will incur are £1000. Undated [1818], Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides

Letter from Thomas Manning to Samuel Ball asking whether it is still possible for him to dine with Ball that day. Dated Ginger's Hotel, Westminster Bridge, 17 March. Handwritten 1 piece, 1 side

Letter from Thomas Manning, Diss, Norfolk to John Rickman, New Palace Yard, London. He writes that he would have written earlier but Rickman's letter reached him as he was about to leave Cambridge where he had been detained by illness. The majority of the letter is take up with discussing the mathematics concerning resistance and velocity of bodies in fluids. Postmarked 26 March, 1805. Dated in another hand, [12] April, 1805. Handwritten, 1 piece, 3 sides