Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Paris. He writes of his journey from Toulouse in the company of Madame de Serrant along the banks of the Garonne to Bordeaux, then Poitiers, Angers and by the banks of the Loire, to the magnificent chateau of Serrant which escaped damage in the revolution. He stayed a few days at the Chateau before returning to Paris but hopes that the Serrants will come to Paris shortly or he will visit them again before leaving France, He writes how Madame de Serrant could write letters of recommendation for him but knows he has no time for flirtations, therefore recommends him to be introduced to the Count de [Minnery] - an Italian of great taste in drawing. She will provide other letters as required. He adds "What you report to me from Mrs Opie would absolutely make me vain, were I mot aware that some of my friends are partial to me & my beauty too!" He claims not to have committed "the folly" yet as he has seen nothing but artists and literary men but won't promise not to be guilty of it. Handwritten, 3 sides. Dated 14th Brumaire (5 November) 1802

Letter from Thomas Manning to William Manning from Paris. He is being detained in Paris and is cross as the "old Kitchen tongs", but hoping to be able to go back to Serrant. The weather is very dry and the Seine low. There are few English in Paris "We are exceedingly well off as prisoners... Let us hope there will shortly be a peace". Building works are being carried out in Paris and other parts of the Empire; the Venus de Medicis has arrived. Handwritten, 3 sides. Dated 14th September, 1803

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