These are maps of various pieces of property in the Southwark division of Philadelphia which belonged to certain members of the Shippen family. They include maps taken, in part, from Philadelphia City records, as well as up-to-the-minute surveys done when the property was sold or subdivided. There are names of purchasers in some cases, showing which lots were acquired. There are also drawings of tracts of lands near roads or water and of estates of persons other than the Shippens.

This small but rich collection of letters and documents concern the Shippen family of Pennsylvania. The subjects of the letters are varied and include domestic details, military affairs of the Revolution and the Pennsylvania frontier, politics, trade, and business.

These letters and papers include ten small volumes of letterbooks (1752-1781), and ca. 100 pieces of correspondence with Joseph Shippen (1750-1778). Topics discussed are business in Philadelphia and Lancaster, provincial politics, army supply in the French and Indian War, land purchases and speculation, housebuilding, and family affairs.