The John Turner Collection contains nine letters, five of which Turner wrote to his wife, Polly, and four of which concern business matters. Included also are bills of lading, insurance policies, cargo manifests, orders, personal accounts, convoy instructions, and customs documentation including enrollments, receipts, and clearance papers.

This collection contains primarily household papers, bills, family letters, account books, tax statements, and general business transactions of William and Isaac C. Tate of New London, Connecticut.