The papers include a copy of a letter written in the Volage and a letterbook, 1812 to 1816. Most of the papers are from the Pacific Command and include an admiral's journal, 1847 to 1849, and three official letter and order books, 1847 to 1851, together with correspondence on particular aspects of the Squadron's duties. There are also some probate documents concerning members of the Hornby family.

Administrative / biographical background
Hornby entered the Navy in 1797, was promoted to lieutenant in 1804 and to captain in 1810. He was in command of the VOLAGE in the Mediterranean, 1810 to 1811, and took part in the action off Lissa in March 1811. From 1812 to 1814 he commanded the STAG at the Cape of Good Hope and from 1814 to 1816 the SPARTAN in the Mediterranean. Between 1816 and 1832 he was on ashore on half-pay. He then held several posts ashore until his promotion to rear-admiral in 1846. From 1847 to 1850 he was Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Station. On his return he served briefly as a Lord of the Admiralty. He became a vice-admiral in 1854 and an admiral in 1858.