These papers offer an extensive correspondence, which include copies of outgoing letters, on topics such as entomology, natural history, and zoology.

Series I is a miscellaneous collection of letters concerning geology, geological exploration of Russia, entomology, glaciers, appointments in the British Museum, Geological Society of London business, Royal Geographical Society, references to David Livingstone, and zoology. Series II consists of letters written from America, to Murchison, discussing geology, natural history, and contemporary topics.