Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Paris. He is sending the note by private hand; he still hasn't heard from his father. He is in good health and permitted to remain in Paris. Handwritten, 1 side. Dated 28 February 1804

These are official documents which allow Manning to move around in France during the time of the Napoleonic conflict with England. There are also drafts of letters from Thomas Manning requesting permission to travel in France and to return to England.

Letter from Girardon, Général de Brigade to Thomas Manning to request that he attends the Ministre de la Guerre on his return to Paris. Handwritten, dated 2 frimaire an 12 (24 November 1803). Handwritten, 1 piece, 1 side

Letter from Le Chef de la 5th Division du Ministère de la Guerre to Madame De Serrant née Vaudreuil to request that she returns Thomas Manning to la Guerre. Dated 3 frimaire an 12 (25 November 1803). Handwritten, 1 piece, 1 side

Letter from Le Ministre de L'Interieur to Thomas Manning, Hotel de Paris, concerning his request for permission to see La Grammaire Chinoise. Dated 11 Pluviouse an 12 (1 February 1804). Handwritten, 1 piece, 2 sides

Letter from Thomas Manning (draft) to "Citoyen Consul" asking permission for an audience to give a letter from Monsieur de Serrant. Dated 7 fructidor. Handwritten, 1 piece, 1 side

Letter from Thomas Manning (draft) to Général Andressi asking permission to go to stay with the Serrants. Dated mercredi matin, handwritten, 1 piece, 1 side

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Paris. He writes "Paris is a place where Luxury abounds and riots uncontrolled" though he himself lives in a retired manner. He has met Mr De Maimieux "a learned man who has invented a new language which he calls Pasigraphie". He also met an English gentleman... who has the confidence of the French Government as he has a civil place in Belgium (no name given). This man introduced him to Maria Cosway, (English painter and Engraver, 11 June 1760 – 5 January 1838)). This man has offered "to introduce me to a man who has travelled to the interior of China and who is acquainted with Chinese manners - a subject that much interests me" This man can also be of service in a literary way. Manning was admitted to the antichambers and saw Bonaparte: "I had an excellent view of him both in his going out and his returning. What a God like countenance he has! his demeanour to the spectators was very affable & unaffected. I have so exalted idea of him as a great man, that when he passed & turned his face to the party where I stood, I had a violent emotion, even to tears". He admits much is said against him and that banishments are taking place. He mentions the carnival which has just finished. Handwritten, 4 sides. Dated Tuesday 18th Ventose (French Republican Calendar) 9 March 1802

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Paris. He has been unwell for the last week but is leaving for a stay in Basle, Switzerland, before going to the south of France. He has letters of introduction to various people in Toulouse so will probably make his main stay there or in its neighbourhood. He writes he will never be happy until he is settled but has many things to do first. One of these is to penetrate to the interior of China - something which he deems difficult but not dangerous and will not be long term. He reassures his father that he will visit England before going to China and hopes to be able to recount his adventures in his father's parlour at Diss, on his return. Handwritten, 3 sides. Dated 13 July 1802

Letter from Stanislas Julien to Thomas Manning asking him to procure Chinese texts. Dated 24 March, 1830. Handwritten in French and Chinese, 1 piece, 1 side