Three-quarter seated figure, left hand on knee, left arm leaning against upholstered chair arm. Sitter wears dark blue suit, maroon tie, and white shirt. Brown background with table; papers suggested at his right arm.

Half-length figure seated in armchair, head and body leaning forward, both hands showing; head bald with white hair at back, white moustache; blue eyes and rosy complexion. Suit and waistcoat are dull blue, waistcoat piped in white. Collar and shirt are white and cravat is red.

Letters and papers relating to Sparks's research on Benjamin Franklin and the publication of an edition of the latter's writings. There are also extracts from Sparks's journal, 1831-1841, relating to his Franklin researches.