The collection consists of a single item, a typescript copy of a "log book" of William Appleton & Co., "giving facts and figures on some of the ships they owned or chartered wholly or in parts," 49 p., 8 ½ x 11 cm., with index.

The material contained is not a traditional logbook but appears to be a collection of facts and figures garnered from company account books, vessel cargo inventories, and descriptions from unknown sources that were combined in one "log book." There are 22 vessels listed in the index and the information contained includes, in most instances: builder, when and where launched, tonnage, dimensions, and, in some cases, details regarding construction, spar dimensions, and a disposition of the vessel, etc. Some entries have details of voyages, cargoes, and even ballasting figures. Several vessels also have annotations appended, which are compiled at the end of the material. For example:

"(Note following Ship Horsburg, pg. 26) "Previous to this the writing is in Mr. Sam Hooper's hand, except where it is a clerk's. The firm of Wm. Appleton & Co. consisted of Mr. Wm. Appleton & Mr. Sam'l Hooper." Page 47.

"I joined it in 1851. Mr. Appleton left it in 1857 and Mr. Hooper & I remained together as Sam'l Hooper & Co. until his death about 1865 or '66 - perhaps later, I am not sure."

"Both Mr. Appleton & Mr. Hooper were representatives in Washington (one succeeded the other) at the time or just before their deaths. F.G.D."

"I was in China & thereabouts in '59, '56, '60 & '61."

"F. G. D" annotated the material. "F.G.D." was F. Gordon Dexter. His identity was determined from the Ship Registers of Boston, Massachusetts: 1851 – 1860 (Boston: National Archives Project, 1940) under the names of several vessels owned and registered by William Appleton & Co.