Records of firms owning and operating packet boats and clipper ships at New York City. Fifteen volumes of letter books (11,450 leaves), 1855-1871, and 32 volumes of ledgers, etc., 1853-1871, including those of J.B. Dickinson, 1850-1855; Wakeman, Gookin and Dickinson, 1866-1871; and Wakeman, Dimon & Col, 1853-1863. The letter books, ledgers, and account books show operation of the firm. Many letters of instructions to captains of various vessels.