A large group of papers accumulated by Sir john Ferguson during the course of his life and career. Comprises correspondence with missionaries, institutions such as the National Library, collectors and historians concerning his interest in collecting Australiana and in compiling his Bibliography of Australia; family correspondence; files of cuttings, manuscripts, both original and copies; notes and printed items on such topics as local histories, particular events in Australian history, and missionary work in the Pacific Islands; medals; early Australian money; papers relating to his work with the State Library of New South Wales and the Royal Australian Historical Society; and manuscript drafts and galley proofs of his Bibliography of Australia.