The Charles B. Bullard Papers consist of two items: a letterbook covering the years 1821 to 1823, and a transcript of the letter book. Bullard wrote the letters while acting as supercargo for Bryant and Sturgis in the Hawaiian Islands, aboard the ship Tartar, and in Canton. The transcription was completed by E. S. Dodge and Francis B. Lothrop.

The letterbook contains copies of letters from Bullard to: Bryant and Sturgis, William Sturgis, James P. Sturgis and Company, Harry Price and Company, Gideon Snow, William French, and Captain Henry Oxnard. The letters originated from Woahoo (Oahu), Hawaii; at sea aboard the ship Tartar; Canton; and Boston, covering the period of March 20, 1821 to July 11, 1823. In addition, a few accounts are contained in the letters.

The major topic in several of the letters focuses on the sale of Cleopatra's Barge, then owned by Bryant and Sturgis, to Lihliho (also known as Rihoriho, or King Kamehameha II), king of the Hawaiian Islands on November 16, 1820. The vessel was sold on credit by Captain John Suter for a specific value of sandalwood to be delivered by the King. Much of Bullard's correspondence dealt with the difficulties in collecting this debt from the King. He also discussed the sale of the brig Becket, which was in the group of vessels sent to Hawaii with Cleopatra's Barge.

In a lengthy private letter to William Sturgis (November 1, 1821), written while aboard the Tartar, bound for Canton, Bullard expressed concern regarding Captain Suter's trustworthiness in handling the firm's business, particularly regarding the sale of the two vessels and the conditions of payment agreed upon with the King. In this same letter, he also questioned the motives of another shipmaster, Captain Harris. Bullard felt that Suter was far too quick in selling and delivering Cleopatra's Barge, particularly since the King was very eager to acquire the vessel. He states further that the terms of credit were far too liberal. Other merchants were receiving sandalwood by the King's authority, but he was not paying his wood installments for Cleopatra's Barge. Additionally, Bullard maintained the price received for the Becket was insufficient. Bullard finished this letter with a postscript: "If you want to know how Religion stands at the Islands, I can tell you—all sects are tolerated but the King worships the Barge."

Prior to the completion of payment for Cleopatra's Barge, extensive dry rot was discovered in the vessel, which prompted the King to accuse Captain Suter of deceiving him. The King maintained that Suter guaranteed the vessel would last as least ten years without major repair. This situation created additional problems regarding the collection of debt owned by the King.

The letterbook also contains accounts of transactions for Bryant and Sturgis handled by Bullard during his tenure in Hawaii, including the quantities of sandalwood shipped in their behalf to Canton. In addition, Bullard recommended items that might be shipped to the islands, which would be in demand and sell well. He also discussed other vessels and their cargoes that were owned or chartered by the firm (see Appendix I of the letterbook for a list). In letters to other individuals and firms he discusses the sale of cargoes consigned to him and material he shipped under his own name for his personal benefit.