The Benjamin Spooner Briggs papers contains family papers, some business related papers belonging to Briggs, and materials relating to the Mary Celeste after the Briggs' disappearance. This collection has been divided into three series.

Series I. Family Papers contains materials related to the Briggs family. This includes a collection of letters, primarily written by Sarah Elizabeth Cobb Briggs to members of the Briggs and Cobb families. She wrote most frequently to her mother-in-law, Mrs. Sophia Briggs, and to her brother, William Cobb. Most of Sarah's letters were written aboard the ship, giving the impression that she frequently accompanied her husband to sea. There is also correspondence from Briggs himself to his son, mother, and brother-in-law. The content of these letters is largely of personal news and family matters. This series also contains a photograph of Briggs, his father Captain Nathan Briggs, and his son Arthur S. Briggs. There is also a tintype of Briggs' daughter Sophia Matilda Briggs. Also within the miscellaneous family papers is a wedding card from Benjamin and Sarah's wedding, a receipt from the sale of their estate, and receipts from Arthur S. Briggs.

Series II. Captain Benjamin S. Briggs' Papers contains a certificate form the American Ship Masters' Association, granted to Benjamin S. Briggs in 1862 for passing an examination. This series also contains an account book from the bark Arthur and the bark Prima Donna. The account book contains ships' expenses, including crew costs.

Series III. Material Related to the Mary Celeste contains the letter of Edward Thornton to Hamilton Fish, with attachments, dated March 11, 1873 which includes the testimony of the diver and marine surveyor who examined the Mary Celeste in Gibraltar. Also included in this series is a typescript of the evidence and testimony heard in the Vice Admiralty Court of Gibraltar from 1872 until 1873, regarding the circumstances surrounding the abandonment and subsequent finding of the Mary Celeste.