The collection consists of manuscripts and correspondence reflecting the historical and literary interests of Motter (Princeton Class of 1922), including drafts, notes, and relevant correspondence for his book The Persian Corridor and Aid to Russia (1952); drafts, notes, and correspondence with Bernard Baruch, Henry W. Bragdon, Charles G. Osgood, William M. Sloane, and others relating to the editing of Woodrow Wilson's book Leaders of Men (1952); and other notes and articles about Woodrow Wilson.

Also present are drafts, notes, illustrations, relevant correspondence, and reviews of The School Drama in England (1929); scripts for a play, Heaven on Friday (1930); articles and notes on Victorian poetry, and a great deal of material used in the preparation of The Writings of Arthur Hallam (1943), collected and edited by Motter. Hallam (1811-1833) was a poet and close friend of Alfred Tennyson. Motter's papers include transcripts and copies of Hallam's poems and letters, bibliographies, articles, reviews, and correspondence on Hallam and Tennyson subjects.

In addition, there are letters by Edith Bolling Wilson, Motter's cousin, to Motter, Mrs. Murray Galt Motter, and Margaret Motter, and letters from Edith Hamilton and Doris Fielding Reid to Motter.

A later accession includes additional correspondence of Vail Motter, along with drafts, outlines, and notes for his various writings, published books, books, reviews, plays, and poetry.