The collection includes logs kept by Hereford on HMS TRAFALGAR, HMS HAWKE and HMS ACORN, 1851-1857, which are illustrated; together with logs kept on HMS ARROGANT, 1859-1862, and HMS COLUMBINE, 1872-1873. There are also watch, station and quarter bills; commissions and testimonials; an illustrated notebook of gunnery instructions; gunnery notes and a list of medals. Hereford's later employment as a Mercantile Marine superintendent on the River Clyde is represented by a series of letterbooks, 1881-1903.