The collection consists of James Jones' correspondence and business papers, primarily dealing with his mining concerns. Several letters from Frank Jones reflect the unstable prospects of mining in the 1860s and 1870s. Some letters enthusiastically report on mine prospects and or assessments, but in two letters he warns his brothers to sell out.

Several documents relate to the Imperial Silver Quarries Company, including a prospectus, the articles of incorporation, and Annual Report to the shareholders (1868), and correspondence relating to the development of the company's mines. Also included are brochures, maps, and ore assessments for various mines in the Monitor District. In addition, the collection contains James Jones' personal bills and receipts, primarily from his years in England.

Finally, the collection contains bills and receipts for the scow schooner "Hirondelle" which James Jones ran as a tow barge in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan in the 1850s.