These papers related to Benjamin Franklin and the American Philosophical Society, and include correspondence among Benjamin Franklin, William Franklin, Jonathan Williams, Sr., and Jonathan Williams, Jr. Also included is Williams' journal of a trip through England with Benjamin Franklin, Jan Ingenhousz, and John Canton (1771), memoranda and essays by Williams on trade, meteorology, and sugar refining, and notes and drawings.

This collection of correspondence, accounts, and certificates primarily concerns the China trade of Talbot, Olyphant & Co., New York, and Olyphant & Co. and Gordon & Talbot, both of Canton, China. The papers also concern their missionary endeavors in China and the vicinity.

These materials relate to topics such as agriculture, botany, and commerce. Also included are extracts from minutes and committee reports.