They are mainly private letters received between 1810 and 1812 from many correspondents, including Admirals G.C. Berkeley (1753-1818), Sir Charles Cotton (1753-1812), Samuel, Viscount Hood (q.v.), Sir Richard Keats (q.v.), Sir Charles Penrose (1759-1830), Sir James Saumarez (1757-1836) and Sir William Young (1751-1821), while a number are addressed to Yorke's brother, Admiral Sir Joseph Yorke (1768-1834).

Administrative / biographical background
Charles Yorke entered Parliament in 1790 and was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty in 1810, holding office until his resignation through ill-health in 1812.