The correspondence is concerned chiefly with John Hill Burton's work as historian and author, his interest in Whig politics and Benthamite economic theory, his work in the field of education and social reform, particularly as secretary to the Prison Board, and his legal work and interests.

The correspondents are numerous and include such well-known figures from the fields of Burton's interests as John Stuart Mill, Thomas Carlyle, Professor J S Blackie, Edwin Chadwick, Adam Black, and Robert Chambers.