The collection consists of selected manuscripts and correspondence of Moffat, the bulk of which are letters to his father, his mother, his brother John, and his sister Margaret. In letters to his brother he describes his life and classes at Princeton University, and later talks about the political situation and the legislature in the cities where he is living. In the letters to his father he talks about life at Princeton, his different appointments, the teaching offer made by Pres. John MacLean at the College of New Jersey, and his work at Lafayette College. Included are two letters from J. K. Douglas in Camden, S.C.: one (1832) is to Capt. Norman Peck of the ship Frances regarding David Moffat and his family migrating to America, and the second (1833) is to David Moffat letting him know that his son James sent him a letter indicating that he intends to embark on a ship headed for Charleston, S.C., and that Peck instructed his friends to take care of him. Other correspondents include William Henry Green, Alexander T. McGill, G. Wilson McPhail, who are recalling him to the chair of church history in the Princeton Theological Seminary after he resigned. Also included is a memorandum or journal of dates and events in Moffat's life (1833-1888), notes on the "Cannon" (1880s), "My Christmas Card," a manuscript poem to Henry C. Matthews (1880), and an undated poem titled "Lines on the Death of Miss Caroline Haile." There are typed transcription of many of the letters.