This collection contains the papers of Warren Porter of Danvers, Massachusetts. It includes correspondence, military papers, a diary, photographs, and other papers. Also present is a display case containing Civil War memorabilia belonging to Warren Porter. Most of the collection pertains to Warren Porter's time at sea as a young man or to his service in the United States Navy during the Civil War.

Folder 1 contains correspondence to Warren Porter, many from his brothers or sister Mary. Folder 2 contains letters written by Warren Porter to his family. Of particular interest are Porter's reports from 1864 to 1865 when he helped maintain the blockade of Southern ports.

Folder 3 contains papers removed from a log book of the barque Borneo (Log 2126). The papers deal primarily with accidents at sea (1858-1868) and are unrelated to the log book (1852-1853). Folder 4 contains miscellaneous papers and receipts, including an inventory of the stores and chandlery aboard the barque Cossack in 1864. Folder 5 includes documents regarding Warren Porter's Civil War pension.

Folder 6 contains correspondence to John Welch Porter, Warren Porter's younger brother who was a lawyer in Danvers, Mass. Folder 7 contains a letter to Ann Welch Porter, their mother. Folder 8 contains two photographs of Warren Porter. Folder 9 contains a detailed diary written by Warren Porter from February 1, 1864 to June 16, 1865, while he was serving on the USS Magnolia, the USS Honduras, or the USS Nita.

Finally, a display case in Box 2 contains Civil War memorabilia belonging to Warren Porter, including badges, medals, and other insignia. Also present in Box 2 is a leather belt with a military style brass buckle.