The papers consist of service documents, 1868 to 1874, an undated letter from Woodriff (while a sub-lieutenant) to his mother and letters of condolence after his death.

Administrative / biographical background
Allan Robert Woodriff, son of Commander John Robert Woodriff (q.v.) and grandson of Captain Daniel Woodriff (q.v.), served on the wooden screw gunvessel HMS LAPWING on the North America and West Indies Station from 1868 to 1871, when he became a lieutenant. After a period in China, 1873 to 1874, he returned to England and was drowned in 1876.