Chiefly personal, business, and family letters (1849-1877) to Harden. Also includes ship-related bills, accounts, receipts, consular certificates, and general clearances. Topics include Harden's activities as a commander of coasting vessels; his transportation of a locomotive to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; maritime trade; and cargoes, generally lumber. Correspondents include shipowners who engaged Harden as a captain, fellow shipmasters, and business owners.