Collection consists of microfilmed account books of William Pickering that document the voyages of his two fishing sloops, Speedwell and Content, as well as his dealings with mariners, fishermen, and the tradesmen of Salem's waterfront. The collection also includes a description of the peddling activities of the brigantine Hope in fishing settlements from Ferryland to Bonavista, Newfoundland.

Fonds consists of company accounts for the New England firm of Thomas Ruck & Company relating to the fish trade in Newfoundland, 1713-1722. Fonds is composed of five ledgers, a journal and a day book containing accounts for the seasonal trade (usually May-Sept) conducted by Ruck in Bay Bulls, Petty Harbour, Quidi Vidi, Torbay, St. John's, Ferryland, Witless Bay, Cape Broyle, Brigus Bay South and Conception Bay, Newfoundland.