Much of the correspondence is administrative, concerning fitting out ships, obtaining stores, and matters of naval discipline, but also reflect the activities of the navy on the various stations where Admiral Graham served.

From June 1829, Graham commanded successively the sloop ‘Philomel’ and HMS ‘Rattlesnake’. The latter ship served on the South American Station until September 1833, and the letters during this period concern the seizure of the British brig ‘Velocity’ by the Panamanian authorities, and the protection of trade in Mexico. From 1843 to 1847, Graham commanded the frigate ‘Castor’ on the East India Station, being senior naval officer in Hong Kong, 1844-1845, and later in New Zealand, 1845-1847, assisting the Governor, Sir George Grey, in the pacification of the Maoris. The Commander-in-Chief of the Station was Sir Thomas Cochrane, amongst whose papers (MSS.2378-2414) are to be found some of Graham's original letters. For an account of the engagements involving men under Graham's command, see James Cowan, ‘The New Zealand wars’, volume i (Wellington, 1955). HMS ‘Castor’ was paid off in 1847, but there are a few additional letters of 1849 and 1851.