The Hoffman papers include correspondence, a personal journal, and a collection of photographs. The letters (1911-1913), written to Hoffman's brothers, Donald and Rip, and his father, begin when he reaches "Bussellville" (Brazzaville) on the "last lap" of his journey to the Belgian Congo. He describes his earlier stops at Brussels, Waterloo, Antwerp, Teneriffe, Sierra Leone, Portuguese Congo, Luibi (a village), and Kinshasa. In Kinshasa, Hoffman describes his encampment and living conditions, meeting a famed elephant hunter, Buckley, and an invasion of large ants in the village. He also documents native customs, and his critical references to local people and servants reflect the attitude of most Europeans in Africa during that period. Hoffman's journal gives an account of his sea voyage to Europe and Africa. The photographs depict the landscape of the Belgian Congo, and the gatherings, village life, workers, and forms of dress of the local people.