Series I. Consular Papers covers the years 1845 to 1852 and contains Charles' correspondence and account books while he was the United States Consul to Zanzibar. The consular correspondence is comprised of one folder and two letter books of Charles' correspondence while in Zanzibar. Included in the correspondence are copies of Charles' letters to the State Department regarding his progress and problems in Zanzibar, letters to other consulates and officials in Zanzibar, letters to merchants that Charles was consul for in Zanzibar, and correspondence with Michael Shepard, a Salem shipping merchant. Of note in the State Department letter book are the September 14, 1846 letter that relates Charles' involvement in the escape of an American sailor accused of killing an Arab, and the March 13, 1851 letter describing the events leading to Charles' resignation of his post. The account books contain Charles' records of the consulate's daily financial transactions.