The Benjamin Shreve papers are comprised of ships' papers, correspondence, account books, memorandum books, accounts, bills, and receipts, and printed items. The papers represent Shreve's activities as merchant, shipmaster, and supercargo on a number of Salem, Massachusetts, vessels from 1805 to 1835.

The bulk of the material documents the shipping activities of James Devereux (1766-1846) who, with the aid of his sons John (1796-1856) and James (1806-1831), developed a thriving shipping business to the Far East, Europe, and the West Indies.

The bulk of the material documents the shipping activities of James Devereux (1766-1846) who, with the aid of his sons John (1796-1856) and James (1806-1831) developed a thriving shipping business to the Far East, Europe, and the West Indies.