Letter from James Robert Ballantyne to Brian Houghton Hodgson to thank him for his prompt reply concerning Mrs Keough but to remonstrate against Hodgson's intended 'rebuke' about his own promptitude. Ballantyne states that Hodgson's letter suggests so much that he needs time to ponder it. He shortly hopes to send Hodgson his tract for village schools, "The Elements of the Chemistry of Common Life". He thanks Hodgson for the copy of Humboldt's letter copied by his wife, all the more pleasurable as it means Ballantyne will be able to keep it. Handwritten, 3 sides, dated 1 September 1856.

Letter from Kashinath Mull to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which he gives a description of his personal hardship including the loss of his business and job. He asks for a recommendation for an appointment as Toll Collector on the Grand Trunk Road or a Pergannah Visitorship of Vernacular Schools in Benaras (Vārānasi). He shows his appreciation of Hodgson's previous help to Kashinath including saving his life during Hodgson's tenure as Resident in Nepal. Handwritten, 2 sides, dated 23 May, 1854.